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December 5, 2013, 12:12 am

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Kerry landed in Israel,

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U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry landed late Wednesday evening in Israel, a spokesperson for the U.S. embassy in Israel told Xinhua.

Kerry visits the region in an attempt to push forward negotiations between Israel and the Palestinians, which appear to be stuck, mainly due to Israel’s ongoing construction in the West Bank and east Jerusalem settlements.

Israeli officials, on their part, said the Palestinians are ” looking for reasons” to avoid the talks and drag their feet throughout the nine months allocated for the talks and Netanyahu demands that the Palestinian president acknowledge Israel as a Jewish state and work to end the incitement against Israel.

Netanyahu and Kerry will meet on Thursday morning and give some statements afterward. Kerry will also meet with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas in Ramallah later in the day and perhaps again with Netanyahu on Thursday evening.

Chief Palestinian negotiator Saeb Erekat told Palestinian Radio Wednesday afternoon that the Mideast talks are faltering.

“Kerry must work to save the talks, to stop the deterioration of the talks caused by Israel’s continuing settlement activity,” he said.

Other than the peace process, Kerry will also discuss the Iranian nuclear program and interim agreement signed between the P5+1 countries and Iran in Geneva, which Netanyahu called a ” historic mistake.”

The U.S. strong bond with Israel was strained recently over the countries’ disagreement on how to approach the diplomatic discourse with Iran, with officials of both nations exchanging attacks on the issue.

The United States pushed to reach for an interim agreement and give diplomacy a chance, while Netanyahu and his government campaigned worldwide to keep sanctions in tact and get more guarantees from Iran that it would not push for nuclear weapons.

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Edward Snowden: NSA gathers 5 bln records of cellphone location data a day

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U.S. National Security Agency is gathering nearly 5 billion records a day on cellphone location data around the world, the Washington Post reported on Wednesday citing the latest leak by former defense Edward Snowden.

The Washington Post’s latest report on the agency’s intelligence surveillance programs cited top-secret documents provided by Snowden and interviews with U.S. intelligence officials.

The NSA’s gathering of the whereabouts of cellphones worldwide has enabled the agency to track the movements of individuals and map their relationships “in ways that would have been previously unimaginable,” the newspaper reported.

The NSA uses a powerful analytic tool, known collectively as CO- TRAVELER, to analyze and look for unknown associates of known intelligence targets by tracking people whose movements intersect.

“The NSA cannot know in advance which tiny fraction of 1 percent of the records it may need, so it collects and keeps as many as it can — 27 terabytes, by one account, or more than double the text content of the Library of Congress’s print collection,” the newspaper reported.

One senior collection manager, speaking on condition of anonymity but with permission from the agency, told the newspaper that they are getting “vast volumes’ of location data from around the world by tapping into the cables that connect mobile networks globally and that serve U.S. cellphones as well as foreign ones.

In addition, data is often collected from tens of millions of Americans who travel abroad with their cellphones every year, the newspaper reported.

The NSA does not target Americans’ location data by design, but the agency acquires a substantial amount of information on the whereabouts of domestic cellphones “incidentally”, the newspaper reported.

NSA Director Keith Alexander admitted at a Senate hearing earlier this year that the agency collected some Americans’ cellphone location data in bulk as a part of a secret pilot program in 2010 and 2011.

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Food security non-negotiable: Sharma to WTO members

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In a development that has increased the risk of collapse of Bali talks, India on Wednesday in a strongly-worded message to the WTO members said the food security issue is “non-negotiable” for New Delhi.

Addressing the plenary session of the 9th Ministerial Conference of the WTO, Commerce and Industry Minister Anand Sharma said the Bali package must be substantive, and historical imbalances in trade rules must be corrected to ensure a rule-based, fair and equitable order. “Agriculture sustains millions of subsistence farmers. Their interests must be secured. Food security is essential for over four billion people of the world. For India, food security is non-negotiable. Need of public stock-holding of foodgrains to ensure food security must be respected. Dated WTO rules need to be corrected,” he said.  The G-33, grouping of 46-member developing nations including India, China and Indonesia, has proposed to amend the WTO Agreement on Agriculture in order to procure foodgrains from poor farmers at minimum support price and sell to poor people at cheap rates through public distribution system.  India’s Food Security Act entitles 82 crore people to 5 kg of foodgrains per person a month at Rs 1-3 per kg.  The country needs 62 million tonnes foodgrains a year to implement the law.  “A trade agreement must be in harmony with our shared commitments of eliminating hunger and ensuring the right to food. These are an integral part of the Millennium Development Goals,” he added.  He said the due restraint provision in its current form cannot be accepted and it must remain in force till “we reach a negotiated permanent solution”.  The G-33 proposal on food security aimed at addressing the problems faced by developing countries due to outdated WTO rules which base agriculture subsidy calculation on external reference prices of 1986-88, even as global food prices have increased manifold during this period.

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Ford India sales up 19%

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Ford India has reported 19 percent growth in total sales at 12,050 units in November this year as compared to the same month last year.

The company had sold 10,155 units in November 2012, Ford India said in a statement. Domestic sales grew by 33 percent to 7,909 units in November this year as against 5,944 units in the same month last year, it added.  However, exports of the company remained steady in November at 4,141 units.  Ford India Executive Director (Marketing, Sales and Service) Vinay Piparsania said, “We are happy that we continue to register steady sales growth despite persistent market challenges as Indian consumers respond enthusiastically to our smart, fuel-efficient and dependable vehicles.

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Banks collect over $25 bn from special dollar swap window: RBI

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The Reserve Bank on Monday said about USD 25 billion has been received from special concessional swap windows for deposits by non-resident Indians and overseas foreign currency borrowings by banks.

It would have crossed USD 25 billion as on date, RBI Deputy Governor H R Khan said on the sidelines of an event organised by the National Housing Bank. The Reserve Bank announced the swap windows for foreign currency non-resident (bank) deposits and overseas borrowings by banks on September 4, after the rupee declined about 30 per cent against the dollar between April and August. The facility is open till November 30. The special window allows banks to swap fresh FCNR (B) dollar funds, mobilised for a minimum tenor of three years, at a fixed rate of 3.5 per cent per annum. The RBI also allowed banks to borrow up to 100 per cent of their tier-I capital from overseas, which can be swapped with the central bank at a concessional rate of 100 basis points below the rate prevailing in the market.  Khan said the RBI had recently clarified that banks can get disbursement from multilateral agencies till December 31. “There are some multilateral institutions who have taken some time to sanction the loans and release it. What we have said is that there is a commitment that they will be releasing so we have given time up to December 31 for the banks to take loans under tier-I from international financial institutions, multilateral financial institutions,” he said. “The transaction has to be booked before November 30. Forward to forward can be done up to December 31. This is limited only to banks who are on the process of negotiations with international financial institutions. We have issued a circular on this,” he said. Asked if the RBI is considering an extension of the dollar-swap facility for oil marketing companies, Khan said, “In a calibrated manner, it is happening. And quite a big chunk is already there in the market…We don’t foresee any problem.”  The swap windows have helped the rupee to gain almost 11 per cent since they were announced. Economic Affairs Secretary Arvind Mayaram said last week, “Till November 30, the FCNR-B window is open. We might even touch USD 25 billion.”

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FM warns tax defaulters of stringent action

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Updated on : 04-12-2013 04:49 PM

Stringent action would be taken against service tax defaulters if they did not declare under the voluntary compliance encouragement scheme (VCES), Union Finance Minister P. Chidambaram said in Bangalore on Wednesday.

“As only less than half (seven-lakh) of the total 17 lakh registered pay service tax regularly and sincerely, strict action will be taken against the defaulters,” Chidambaram said at a day-long interactive session with traders and business chambers. Asserting that the scheme was a fair offer, the finance minister said the objective was to encourage disclosure of tax dues and compliance of service tax laws by those who have not paid service tax October-December 2012.  “All the tax payers should make a declaration under VCES by December 2013. A committee will be formed to examine the rejected declarations,” he said.  Noting that the scheme had elicited an encouraging response in the city, as evident from 432 declarations with Rs.156 crore outstanding, Chidambaram said the zonal tax office ranked third in the all-India list of compliance.  Minister of State for Finance (Revenue) J.D. Saleem, Revenue Secretary Sumit Bose, Central Board of Excise and Customs Chairman Praveen Mahajan and CBEC Member (Service Tax) Majumdar Roy Chaudary were present on the occasion to clarify doubts and explain the provisions of the scheme.

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Obama offers up to USD 5 billion to tackle AIDS

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Updated on : 03-12-2013 06:30 AM

US President Barack Obama has pledged up to USD 5 billion to fight HIV/AIDS as long as the rest of the world collectively offers double that amount.

Obama urged other countries to replenish the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria as part of a White House event marking World AIDS Day which fell on Sunday. Obama also announced a new plan to seek a cure for HIV, the virus that causes AIDS, which will see USD 100 million go towards the development of therapies at the National Institutes of Health. “Don’t leave our money on the table,” Obama said, calling for a new global effort to spur funding for AIDS research. “It’s been inspiring to see the countries most affected by this disease vastly increase their own contributions to this fight — in some cases, providing more than donor countries do.  “That ought to inspire all of us to give more, to do more, so we can save more lives.” The initiative will see Washington donate one dollar for every two dollars collectively offered by other nations up to a US total of USD 5 billion over the next three years. Obama also announced that the US President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS relief (PEPFAR), a program started by his predecessor George W. Bush, had smashed through a target of treating six million people.  “I’m proud to announce that we’ve not only reached our goal, we’ve exceeded our treatment target. We’ve helped 6.7 million people receive lifesaving treatment,” Obama said. Obama also said that the United States planned next year to convene a conference with its global partners to set common goals for battling the disease.  The Foundation for AIDS Research (amfAR) welcomed Obama’s announcements, including the $100 million for the search for an HIV cure.  “We cannot achieve the President’s goal of an AIDS-free generation without continued investment in the research necessary to ultimately help us find a cure for this disease,” said Rowena Johnston, amfAR’s vice president and director of research. The Obama administration says it has improved and expanded on PEPFAR — which the president described as a “phenomenal” achievement of his predecessor George W. Bush.  The program has now reached 1.5 million pregnant women with HIV with antiretroviral drugs to prevent HIV transmission to their children. It also marked a milestone in June with the birth of the one millionth infant born HIV-free because of PEPFAR’s support.

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Biden meets Xi,

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Biden meets Xi, seeks to scale down tensions over air zone

Updated on : 05-12-2013 09:07 AM

US Vice President Joe Biden on Wednesday met Chinese President Xi Jinping and sought to scale down regional tensions caused by Beijing’s unilateral declaration of an air defence zone over islands disputed with Japan in the East China Sea.

Biden, who had spent considerable time last year building up rapport and friendship with Xi before the Chinese leader took over the Presidency, said he believed Xi was a candid and constructive person. “In developing new relationship between China and US, both qualities are solely needed,” Biden told Xi during their meeting at the Great Hall of the People here after his arrival from Japan on Wednesday. “Candour generates trust. Trust is the basis on which real change, constructive change, is made,” he said, while trying to prevail over the Chinese leadership to have a rethink on their decision to set up an Air Defence Identification Zone (ADIZ) over the disputed islands in the East China Sea. The US, Japan and South Korea have already rejected the Chinese ADIZ and flew their defence planes violating the Chinese stipulation that all flights passing through the zone have to file their flight plans with China.  “This (US-China) is a hugely consequential bilateral relationship that is going to play a significant part in affecting the course of the 21st century,” Biden told Xi. “This new model of major-country cooperation ultimately has to be based on trust, and a positive notion about the motive of one another,” he said.  Biden’s trip, which began in Japan and ends in South Korea, comes amid a furore over Beijing’s declaration of ADIZ.  China’s assertiveness demonstrate the challenges US faces specially to its policy of “pivot” towards Asia and its security alliance with Beijing’s great rival Japan.  Xi called Biden an “old friend” and told him, “You have long been committed to the growth of China-US relations and I commend you for the large amount of work you have taken.”  Relations had generally maintained “positive development”, he said, noting that the region and globe were undergoing “complex changes” and “regional hot spot issues keep cropping up”. Speaking highly of the sound momentum of ties, Xi said China and US as two major economies and permanent members of the UN Security Council, share important obligations to maintain world peace and stability and promote development.

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Tejpal insists it was a ‘consensual act’

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Updated on : 05-12-2013 11:56 AM

Tarun Tejpal, accused of sexual assaulting a woman journalist, is sticking to his version that whatever happened between the two was a “consensual act”, a police officer said on Thursday.

“The investigation is heading in the right direction and we are interrogating Tejpal in detail…He is cooperating,” a senior official, who is part of the Crime Branch team investigating the case, said.  The detailed statements of Tejpal are being recorded by a team led by Investigating Officer (IO) Sunita Sawant under the supervision of Deputy Superintendent of Police Sammy Tavares. “…Tejpal has been maintaining that the act was consensual though he has not denied having indulged in the act,” the officer said on the condition of anonymity. He has corroborated what the young girl has stated in her complaint, except that the act was “forced upon the girl,” and has so far stuck to his version that the act was consensual, the official said. Tejpal, who has been in police custody since Saturday night, has been spending much of his time going around pathological labs at Goa Medical College and OPD of the Institute of Psychiatry and Human Behaviour (IPHB). Tejpal will undergo third round of medical tests on Thursday. “We hardly get time to interrogate him. The Goa Medical College has now called (him) for the third round of medical examination,” an official said, adding that GMC has been conducting all the tests which are mandatory as per the procedure. Tejpal spent the entire day at GMC on December 2, followed by Wednesday. The interrogation of the accused began on Sunday at the Crime Branch.  Meanwhile, a senior officer said the accused has confessed to writing an email to the woman journalist and also to the then Managing Editor of Tehelka, Shoma Chowdhury.  The investigators said they will seek extension of Tejpal’s police custody when his six-day remand ends on Friday. “The summons have been issued to Shoma and three witnesses. We have to question Tejpal based on the statement by them before the magistrate. We will ask for extension of his police custody,” a senior official said. Tejpal has been accused of sexually assaulting the woman journalist in an elevator at a starred hotel here during the ThinkFest event held earlier last month. The girl has said that she was sexually assaulted twice by Tejpal.

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Boletín de Noticias de Nueva Tribuna

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Today at 12:31 PM

 

Boletín informativo. Jueves 5 de Diciembre 2013. Portada LA CRISIS EN LA AGENCIA TRIBUTARIA SE AGRAVA CON LA DIMISIÓN DE SU NÚMERO DOS El ‘culebrón’ de la Agencia TributariaEl director de Inspección de la Agencia Tributaria, Luis Jones, ha presentado su dimisión por discrepancias con el director del organismo, Santiago Menéndez. Así lo ha expresado en una carta a la que ha tenido accesonuevatribuna.es. Su marcha se produce semanas después del cese de una inspectora por el caso Cemex. Los Técnicos del Ministerio de Hacienda (Gestha) piden explicaciones al ministro Montoro y que se abra una comisión parlamentaria para investigar lo ocurrido. El gritoPor Pedro L. Angosto | Hoy, el mundo es un grito, callado, que expresa el dolor de una sociedad destrozada, insolidaria, trémula, incapaz de agruparse para acabar con esta mascarada absurda y extemporánea. ÚLTIMOS DATOS DEL PARO Primero gritan “que se jodan” y ahora se ríen mientras se sigue destruyendo empleoPor Enrique Negueruela | Que el titular de la nota emitida por la Secretaria General de Empleo sea “El paro registrado cae por primera vez en un mes de noviembre”, y que la ministra hable de ello con una sonrisa en los labios, es un insulto no solo a los parados sino a todos los que nos preocupa la situación que atravesamos. TAMBIÉN VULNERA LOS PRECEPTOS DE LA OIT El contrato de emprendedores vulnera la Carta Social EuropeaUGT valora la sentencia que declara ilegal el despido de un trabajador de Barcelona cuando faltaban ocho días para que finalizase su contrato indefinido BARCLAYS Y UBS SE LIBRAN POR DENUNCIARLO Multa récord de 1.700 millones a seis bancos por manipular el EuríborLa anterior multa más alta era la que impuso el Ejecutivo comunitario el año pasado a siete fabricantes de tubos catódicos para televisores y pantallas, que ascendió a 1.470 millones de euros. POR MANIPULAR EL EURÍBOR FACUA considera “insuficiente” que Bruselas aplique “multas ridículas” a los bancos La sanción más elevada por manipular el tipo de interés usado en multitud de hipotecas la recibe Deutsche Bank, 465,9 millones de euros; una cantidad ínfima si se compara con los 6.500 millones de beneficio del banco sólo en 2007. AFIRMA QUE ESPAÑA ESTÁ SALIENDO DE LA CRISIS Botín se suma al discurso optimista del Gobierno de RajoyEl presidente del Banco Santander, Emilio Botín, ha afirmado que España “está empezando a salir” de la de crisis económica y ha destacado que la situación actual del país es “mucho mejor que hace un año”. “NUEVA CONSTATACIÓN DE LA INEPTITUD DE LA ADMINISTRACIÓN” Continúa la situación de desabastecimiento de los centros sanitarios madrileñosComo exponente de los mismos está la situación del Servicio de  Microbiología del hospital de Móstoles, donde un cartel señala que no puede realizarse la “prueba de la tuberculina” por falta del reactivo. SÓLO DOS BIBLIOTECAS PARA 250.000 HABITANTES Lissavetzky propone recuperar la red de bibliotecas de Bankia El portavoz socialista denuncia la “inseguridad” que vive el mundo de la Cultura ante la amenaza de privatización. Los socialistas piden al gobierno municipal un Plan de Bibliotecas para Madrid. CAYÓ UN 6,2% HASTA JUNIO La natalidad sigue cayendo en España, según el INELa natalidad experimentó su mayor caída desde que empezó la crisis económica al registrar una reducción del 6,2 por ciento en el primer semestre de 2013. DIRECCIONES DE INTERÉS ¿Quieres estudiar y trabajar en Irlanda del Norte?Ante la situación de paro en España, muchas personas optan por buscar empleo en el extranjero pero no siempre resulta fácil ni la adaptación al país ni encontrar un trabajo. Opinión · Jesús Parra Montero: Mayoría, impunidad e inmunidad  Es obligado constatar que para una gran parte de ciudadanos la corrupción política, financiera y económica recorre nuestro país como una endemia… · Gustavo Vidal Manzanares: Por qué la derecha española no es democrática  La derecha española no es democrática, pues lleva en su ADN sancionar aquello que le molesta. Por el contrario, en un sistema democrático… · Miguel Angel Martín : Comedia finita est…  La oposición política en Valencia, sabe que asistimos al final del gobierno del PP; la gente de la calle también lo sabe, incluso en el PP lo saben… · Rafael Fernando Navarro: Democracia y dictadura  Era cuando entonces. Cuando estaba él. Cuando vencido y derrotado el ejército enemigo. Cuando se hizo el hambre y el luto para siempre… MODIFICAR / CANCELAR SUSCRIPCIÓN Está recibiendo este boletín tras solicitar este servicio a través de la web de Nueva Tribuna. En cualquier momento puede modificar o cancelar su suscripción accediendo a esta dirección. Nueva Tribuna Información continua y análisis para una ciudadanía comprometida con los valores de libertad, igualdad y justicia. © medio digital de información general editado por Página 7 Comunicación S.L. C/ Noblejas, 5 Bajo – 28013 Madrid

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New Integrated Terminal Building Inaugurated At Goa Airport

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Providing Quality Aviation Infrastructure High On Priority: MOCA

A New Integrated Terminal Building has been inaugurated by the Minister of Civil Aviation, Shri Ajit Singh today at Goa Airport. Dedicating the new facility to the people of the state, the Minister said, “providing quality aviation infrastructure commensurate with the expected passenger traffic growth is high on priority of my ministry.” Expansion and upgradation of airport at such a tourist and industry destination as Goa assumed significant importance, he added.  The New Terminal Building at Goa is an integrated terminal building capable of handling both domestic and international operations. The terminal building is equipped with the state-of-the-art facilities like passenger boarding bridges, CUTE enabled check-in counters, inline compatible baggage handling system, software based building management system, elevators and escalators. The terminal building can handle 2750 peak hour passengers at a time. The terminal building has been built at a cost of Rs. 345 crore.  Speaking on the occasion, the Minister of Civil Aviation highlighted the contribution of Goa in overall economic growth of the country. He said “Goa Airport with 1,000 plus annual international charter flights accounts for almost 90% of India’s international charter tourist flights. In the year 2012-13, Goa Airport handled 1,208 charter flights, an increase of 45% over the year 2011-12”. He acknowledged the role of Goa Government and Indian Navy for paving way for the development of the new integrated terminal building at Goa Airport.  Shri Ajit Singh underlined that the civil aviation has become a focal point of the development as it is a key infrastructure that connects people, shrinks distances and facilitates the growth of business and seamless flow of investment, leading to multiplier effect across the economy. Expressing the hope that India’s domestic air travel market will become the second highest growing market in the world in near future, he said “the domestic passenger movement in the next ten years shall exceed 336 million passengers per annum and international passenger traffic shall cross 84 million mark from the current level of 117 million domestic and 43 million international passengers in 2012-13.”  Expressing his happiness over the inauguration of the New Integrated Terminal Building, Shri. K. C. Venugopal, Minister of State for Civil Aviation, said that the Ministry has been giving priority to enhance airport infrastructure in India, modernisation of existing airport infrastructure in metro and non-metro cities and construction of green field airports to bridge the gap between available airport capacity and projected demand.  Governor of Goa, Shri Bharat Vir Wanchoo, Chief Minister, Shri Manohar Parrikar, Minister of State for Civil Aviation, Shri K.C. Venugopal, former Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh, Shri Digvijay Singh and other dignitaries were present on the occasion. Shri. K.N. Shrivastva, Secretary, Ministry of Civil Aviation delivered the welcome address.

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December 6, 2013, 3:19 am

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KLUDI – The German bath fittings major

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KLUDI  – The German bath fittings major and leading European brand announces India expansion plans.

Beginning 2014, KLUDIRAK India Pvt. Ltd. will be re-named as KLUDI India Pvt. Ltd.

New Delhi, 6^th December 2013: At a press conference held at the Oberoi Hotel today, globally renowned German bath fittings Brand KLUDI announced their future expansion plans in the Indian Market. Kludi GMBH (Germany) – a 170 Million USD parent company of KLUDIRAK India has acquired majority stakes in the KLUDIRAK with quantum infusion of equity. Strategically, this is an extremely significant step not only from resource mobilization standpoint, but also in terms of the strengthening the brand awareness of KLUDI in India. Consequently, beginning 2014, KLUDIRAK India Pvt. Ltd. will be re-named as KLUDI India Pvt. Ltd.

KLUDI India Pvt. Ltd. will invest 1.50 million USD in India to support the expansion plan. This strategic move is the clear reflection of the importance that KLUDI accords India in its global expansion plans. The press conference today was addressed by; Mr. Janusz Palarczyk, Group CEO – KLUDI, Mr. Bernd Neidhardt, Managing Director – KLUDIRAK India Pvt. Ltd. and Mr. Sanjay Bankeshwar – Vice-President (Sales & Marketing) KLUDIRAK India Pvt. Ltd.

Commenting on the occasion Mr. Janusz Palarczyk, Group CEO – KLUDI said, “KLUDI is targeting a market share on a 5-year perspective of around 18-20% of the high-end segment of the Indian market by 2018. The high-end and luxury segment of the market comprises approximately 5% of the overall organized market of INR 4Bn. KLUDI India’s revenue expectations would be exceeding USD 5 million annually by 2018, growing at 35-40% year on year beginning 2014. In keeping with its core philosophy of quality sales rather than mass selling, KLUDI targets to operate at healthy sustainable gross profits.”

Mr. Bernd Neidhardt, Managing Director – KLUDIRAK India Pvt. Ltd. further added, “Our India distribution & reach plan will be focused on major metros, selected state capitals and larger II-tier cities. KLUDI high-end (made in Germany) range will be distributed in major metros through KLUDI Premier stores and KLUDI boutiques in collaboration with high-end retailing partners. While mid-segment ranges that include primarily KLUDIRAK collection made in UAE that will be distributed through distributors/stockists catering to secondary dealers. Similarly, project specialists and dealers will cater to mid-segment Projects. In the 2014-2015 phase, the focus will be on consolidation and greater depth in existing markets, rather than on geographical expansions. Thereafter, new markets like Chennai & Hyderabad etc will be addressed.”

According to Mr. Sanjay Bankeshwar – Vice-President (Sales & Marketing) KLUDIRAK India Pvt. Ltd., “Enhancing brand awareness will be the single biggest priority in terms of marketing spend and activity for KLUDI in India.  High-end retail being our focus for the next few years, a huge share of the marketing effort and spend would be allotted towards enhancing visibility in showrooms and through advertising campaigns. To complement this effort, KLUDI plans to imaginatively and aggressive engage with architects, interior designers and consultants fraternity. Close to 35-40% of all investments planned will be for building brand KLUDI.”

Segment-wise, high-end retail is the focal point of KLUDI’s strategy and activity. The high-end hospitality segment too will be a major focus that will be pursued aggressively by KLUDI in India. An additional advantage for KLUDI in India is the establishment of a full-fledged sales office in Singapore, which is expected to support and complement the efforts of KLUDI India in high-end projects. The role of Singapore-based consultants in brand specifications in many high-end institutional projects in India is decisive and KLUDI Singapore office is expected to play a key support role in this endeavor of KLUDI India.

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About KLUDI:

For over 87 years, KLUDI has been known around the world as one of the leading quality manufacturers of fittings for harnessing the element of water in both bathroom and kitchen. The company’s high levels of innovation and quality, combined with fashion-conscious, award winning designs, have earned KLUDI its position as premier brand of bath and kitchen fittings in Europe and in leading markets worldwide. Worldwide KLUDI has production facilities and marketing companies in Germany, Austria, Hungary, Poland, China and the United Arab Emirates. In India, KLUDI made its foray in 2010 by establishing its subsidiary, KLUDIRAK India Pvt. Ltd., promoting the brands KLUDI, KLUDIRAK, Esprit and Joop!,  all under one roof.

About KLUDI’s association with RAK Ceramics:

Kludi’s association with international ceramics major RAK Ceramics began in 2006 with setting-up of its JV faucet manufacturing plant at Ras-Al-Khaimah with KLUDI technology. Initially it was for serving the middle-east market. However, this association has bolstered KLUDI’s product portfolio and versatility in India, enabling it to effectively cater to the mid-segment projects market. KLUDI’s synergy with RAK’s India establishment is based on an effective, though unstructured co-operation in customer-base sharing in trade and projects, without the latter being strategically and operationally involved in KLUDI’s India operations. In view of the recent acquisition of majority shareholding by KLUDI Germany in KLUDIRAK India, the German imprint on its approach and strategy will be even more evident.

Contd…

Product Range:

Worldwide, the Product architecture of KLUDI covers luxury, high-end and mid-segment – beginning from life-style luxury at the top (Brand licence partnerships like Joop! And Esprit), thru high-end (Amba, Balance, Bozz, O-cean, Q-Beo, MX, A-QA Dual Shower and Fizz shower programs) and E-go and L-Line Kitchen faucets) till mid-segment and project ranges (Objecta, Logo-neo and Tercio).

In India, the product range also includes the KLUDIRAK collection for the mass and project segments produced in the JV plant of KLUDI and RAK LLC at Ras-Al-Khaimah.

Markets:

Worldwide markets include Europe, Middle-East, South Asia ( including India), Asia-Pacific, Australia-New Zealand & Africa

In India KLUDI is distributed in Metros like Mumbai, Delhi-NCR, Bengaluru & Kolkata; Semi-metros like Pune and State Capitals & II-tier cities like Ahmedabad, Raipur, Bhopal, Indore, Surat, Baroda & Ludhiana. Future markets planned – Chennai, Hyderabad & Chandigarh (late 2014 onwards)

Product range:

Worldwide, the product architecture of KLUDI covers luxury, high-end and mid-segment beginning from life-style luxury at the top (Brand licence partnerships like Joop! And Esprit), thru high-end (Amba , Balance, Bozz , Ocean, Q-Beo, MX, A-QA Dual Shower and Fizz shower programs) and E-go and L-Line Kitchen faucets) till mid-segment and project ranges (Objecta, Logo-neo and Tercio)

In India, the product range also includes the KLUDIRAK collection for masses and project segments produced in the JV plant of KLUDI and RAK LLC at Ras-Al-Khaimah.

Target group:

• High-end and Luxury retail customers (end-users)
• High-end and upper-mid residential projects
• High-end and upper-mid Hospitality and other institutional segment

Awards & accolades received:

Year after year, KLUDI has excelled in design innovation, which is manifest in many of its ranges being awarded the IF Product design award, Plus X design award, the most recent examples being their hot-sellers KLUDI BALANCE (2012), KLUDI E-GO and L-LINE KITCHEN FAUCETS, FIZZ SHOWERS and KLUDI AMBA (2013) on its debut at the ISH exhibition in Frankfurt last March.

–xx–

Website: www.kludi.com

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Directeur, Alliance Française Delhi

Dear Friends,

You will find attached the invitations for tonight concert (Flagas’k) and for next Writers Etc with Jeet Thayil (Narcopolis) in conversation with Supriya Nair. 

I see you this evening?

Warmest regards,
–
Jean-Philippe Bottin

Directeur, Alliance Française Delhi

Délégué Général Inde Népal, Fondation Alliance Française

72 Lodi Estate, New Delhi 110 003, India

Mob: (91) 9560004641, Twitter: @JPBottin

 

 

 

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Posted by Naresh Kumar Sagar

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Rajya Sabha MPs: Analysis of Criminal Background

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Rajya Sabha MPs: Analysis of Criminal Background, Financial, Education, Gender and other details.

Highlights

National Election Watch (NEW) has analyzed affidavits of 227 out of 245 MPs of Rajya Sabha. 12 members of Rajya Sabha are nominated by the President and are not mandated under current laws to submit their affidavits to the Election Commission. There are 4 seats vacant right now (2 in Uttar Pradesh, 1 in Andhra Pradesh and 1 nominated seat) and 3 affidavits were either badly scanned or a few pages are missing (Nand Kumar Sai of BJP from Chhattisgarh, Aayanur Manjunatha of BJP from Karnataka and Mohammed Adeeb an Independent member from Uttar Pradesh).

Criminal:

·         MPs with Criminal Cases: Out of the 227 MPs analyzed for Rajya Sabha Election, 38 (17%) MPs, declared criminal cases against themselves.

·         MPs with Serious Criminal Cases: Out of these 227 MPs analyzed, 15 MPs (7%) declared Serious Criminal cases against themselves.

·         Top 3 MPs with Serious Criminal Cases: Among the 15 MPs who have declared serious criminal cases, Prof. Baghel S.P. Singh of BSP from Uttar Pradesh has declared 1 case including charges related to Attempt to murder followed by Shri Parvej Hashmi of INC from Delhi with 1 case including charges related to voluntarily causing grievous hurt and Thiru T.Rathinavel of AIADMK from Tamil Nadu with 1 case including charges related to undue influence or personation at an election.

Financial:

·         Average Assets of MPs:  The average asset of the 227 Rajya Sabha MPs analyzed is Rs. 20.17 Crore.

·         Party wise Average Assets: Among major parties, the average asset of Rajya Sabha MPs from INC is Rs 16.74crores, from BJP is Rs 8.51 crores, from BSP is Rs 13.82 crores, and from CPI (M) it is Rs 39.65 Lacs.

·         Crorepati MPs: Out of 227 MPs analyzed from Rajya Sabha, 153 (67%) are crorepatis.

·         High Asset MPs: The MP with maximum assets in the Rajya Sabha Election is Mahendra Prasad of JD(U) from Bihar with assets worth Rs 683.56 crores, followed by Dr.Vijaya Mallya, Independent member from Karnataka with Rs 615.42 crores and  Jaya Amitabh Bachchan of SP from Uttar Pradesh with assets worth Rs. 493.86 crores.

·         Low Asset MPs: 9 MPs have declared assets worth less than Rs 20 Lakh. Anil Dave of BJP from Madhya Pradesh is the MP who has declared lowest assets worth Rs. 2.75 lakhs followed by Mohammed Nadimul of AITC from West Bengal who has declared assets worth Rs. 3.19 lakhs and Shymal Chakraborty of CPI (M) from West Bengal with assets worth Rs 5.47 lakhs.

·         Liabilities of MPs: A total of 4 (2%) MPs out of 227 analyzed declared liabilities of Rs. 20 Crore and above. 99 MPs declared Zero Liabilities.

·         MPs with Highest Liabilities:  Jaya Amitabh Bachchan of SP from Uttar Pradesh declared the highest liabilities worth Rs. 152.34 Crores, followed by Abhishek Manu of INC from Rajasthan with liabilities worth Rs. 37.24 Crores

·         PAN detail of MPs: 32 (14%) MPs have not declared their PAN details.

Other Background Details (Education, Age, Gender):

·         MPs Education: A total of 190 (84%) out of 227 MPs analyzed are Graduates or with higher educational qualification. About 5% of MPs (12 out 227 analyzed) have educational qualifications equivalent to 10^th Pass or below.

·         MPs Gender: Out of the 227 MPs analyzed, there are only 20 women MPs in the Rajya Sabha.

·         MPs Age: Out of 227 MPs analyzed, 3 MPs are above 80 years of age. 

Thanks and Regards

Media & Journalist Helpline +91 80103 94248 adr@adrindia.org

Mr. Anurag Mittal National Coordinator National Election Watch, Association for Democratic Reforms +91 9811108914 anurag@adrIndia.org

Prof Trilochan Sastry IIM Bangalore Founder Member, National Election Watch, Association for Democratic Reforms +91 9448353285, trilochans@iimb.ernet.in

Prof Jagdeep Chhokar IIM Ahmedabad (Retd.) Founder Member National Election Watch, Association for Democratic Reforms +91 9999620944 jchhokar@gmail.com

– 

Association for Democratic Reforms

“Kiwanis Centre”, 4th Floor,

B-35, Qutub Institutional Area

(Near Rockland Hospital)

New Delhi-110 016

 

M: +91 8010394248 

T: +91 11 41654200/01/02/03

F: 011 4609 4248

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6th JK Tyre Hornbill Motor Rally comes to a successful end

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Kohima, December 6, 2013: The 6th JK Tyre Hornbill Motor Rally came to a successful conclusion after exciting action and lots of enthusiasm here in Kohima. In keeping with its commitment of taking motor sports to the farthest corners of the country, JK Tyre with the support from the Government of Nagaland has helped to establish the Hornbill Motor Rally as the premier motorsports event in the North East. The Time, Speed, Distance (TSD) rally is organized by the Nagaland Adventure and Motor Sports Association (NAMSA).

The rally coincides with the famous Hornbill Festival of Nagaland, a seven-day extravaganza of cultural performances, ethnic food courts, handlooms and handicrafts bazaars, film and art festivals, fashion shows and national rock contest.

The event saw enthusiastic participation from drivers and two-wheeler rallyists. This year saw a significant increase in participation in the four-wheeler and two-wheeler categories including an all-women’s team that also took part in the challenging event. The participants came from Assam, Nagaland, Meghalaya, Delhi and Chandigarh reflecting the pan-Indian appeal of the JK Tyre Hornbill Motor Rally.

The rally covered a total distance of 130kms after being flagged off by Mr. Sanjay Sharma, Head- Motorsports, JK Tyre & Industries Ltd from the IG Stadium. The rally cars and bikes traversed the hilly terrain passing through the beautiful landscapes of Kezoma, Kedima, Kisama and Naga Heritage village before finishing at the IG Stadium.   The rally was a whole new adventure for drivers and navigators and helped them explore the unchartered territories of the state.

The day culminated in a glittering prize giving ceremony presided over by Chief Guest, Dr. Ashwani Kumar, Honorable Governor of Nagaland & Manipur and Dr. Raghupati Singhania, Chairman & Managing Director of JK Tyre & Industries Ltd. The guests were treated to some mesmerizing performances by the famous Tetseo Sisters from Nagaland.  

The four wheeler category was divided in four classes– professional, amateur ladies and couple classes, while two-wheeler category had one combined class. In the professional class, SK Ajgar Ali and co-driver Mohammad Mustafa clinched the top honours with a cumulative time penalty of 10 seconds. Former Raid-de-Himalaya winner, Along Aier and co-driver Chandan Sen finished with the second best time penalty of 17 seconds, while Chidanand Murthy Sathish Gopalakrishnan finished third with a time of 22 seconds.

In the Amateur Class, Nitoka Chopi and co-driver Philip Lam finished on the top of the time sheets with a cumulative penalty of 5min 06 sec, while Kezhaletuo and co-driver Bodevi Shuya finished second with a total time of 9min 53 sec. Mikrio Kayina and co-driver Arun Kayina clinched the last spot on the podium with time penalty of 14 min 14 sec.

In the All-Ladies class, Darshana Sen Gupta and Ranjana Bhajanka walked away with top honours with a total time of 25 min 47 sec, while in the Couple Class, Atsase Sangtam and co-driver Asenla KR finished on top of the time sheets after clocking 1hr 37min 12 sec.

In the two-wheeler category, Saptrishi Basu and navigator Diptojyoti Ghosh finished on the top stwp of the podium with a total time of 20sec. Udya Ganguly and Rajkumar Mundra finished second with a total time of 31 seconds, while Mukesh Thakkar and navigator Subhranshu Hazra finished third with a time penalty of 1min 43 sec.

TSD rallying (Time Speed Distance) is a form of motor sport usually conducted on public roads (following Traffic Rules) but sometimes including off-road and track sections. The objective of these rallies is to maintain precise times and precise average speeds on various segments of a predefined route. Each team consists of a rider/driver and navigator. In a Time-Speed-Distance Format, the route instructions, in addition to instructions to keep a team on course also gives assigned speeds. This is where a common man can get his personal road car with basic safety equipment’s as provided by manufacturer to participate and experience the thrill of motor rallying.

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India to host Under-17 FIFA World Cup in 2017

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In a landmark development for Indian football, the country was awarded the right to host the 2017 Under-17 FIFA World Cup on Thursday by the world governing body of the game in its executive committee meeting in Brazil.

India was chosen as the host country for the mega event by the FIFA executive committee in its meeting at Salvador de Bahia in Brazil.  South Africa, Ireland and Uzbekistan were the other countries in the running for the right to host the tournament.  By virtue of being the host country, India will take part in the 24-nation tournament for the first time in its history.  “India confirmed by the FIFA ExCo as host of the FIFA U-17 World Cup 2017,” FIFA said in a tweet after the meeting.  “Yes, India has won the right to host the 2017 Under-17 World Cup Football. It’s official now,” All India Football Federation General Secretary Kushal Das said.  AIFF President Praful Patel described the development as historic.”This is historic. This is what we have been waiting for. I need to thank the FIFA Executive Committee for keeping their trust on us and granting India the rights to host the 2017 U-17 World Cup,” Patel said. “I am also grateful to the Government of India for their support and giving us the necessary guarantees which made it possible for India to bid for the 2017 World Cup,” he added. This will the biggest ever football tournament India will be hosting and the first FIFA event in the country’s history. India has hosted Asian Football Confederation’s Youth Championships (Under-20) in 2006 and then the AFC Challenge Cup in 2008 but never has hosted any FIFA tournament. United Arab Emirates hosted the tournament this year while Chile will be the host country for the 2015 edition. India, whose submission of final bid documents were initially in doubt due to delay in getting government guarantees on various subjects, will be held in six venues which are to be selected from eight prospective cities — New Delhi, Margao, Bangalore, Pune, Mumbai, Kolkata, Kochi and Guwahati.  From the very beginning, India’s chances of winning the hosting right have been strong as it was FIFA which mooted the idea of the country hosting the mega event. The world body felt that if India can host the mega event, it could go a long way in lifting the profile of the game in the second most populous country in the world. In a visit to the country, FIFA President Sepp Blatter and then his secretary Jerome Valcke, have supported India hosting the event, provided it builds the required infrastructure and facilities. But, the journey has not been a smooth one as India’s initial bid in January was rejected due to want of clear guarantees from the government on several subjects which the FIFA wants from a host country. The bidding countries were required to submit written guarantees on tax exemptions for broadcasters and sponsors, foreign exchange remittances, security, transport and accommodation of players, and visa, among others. The government supported the AIFF’s bid from the very beginning but the sticking point had been the issue of the guarantees. India submitted the final bid document just a few days before the deadline of November 15. While the expenses of hosting the event will be borne by FIFA and AIFF, the government has assured additional financial assistance. “While the expenditure for upgradation of stadia (Rs 95 crore) will be provided as additional central assistance to the State Governments, a sum of Rs 25 crore is kept as a contingency to ensure smooth conduct of the tournament,” the Sports Ministry had said. “AIFF and FIFA have agreed to bear the entire expenditure of hosting the tournament. The amounts required are to be raised through sponsorships and other commercial agreements,” it had said.

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Nelson Mandela dies at 95

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Updated on : 06-12-2013 09:48 AM

Nelson Mandela, South Africa’s first elected black president and a global anti-apartheid icon died early Friday, at his home in the suburb of Houghton in Johannesburg, following a lengthy illness. He was 95.

The elder statesman was receiving medical care from a leading team since September after spending three months in a Pretoria hospital for a recurrent lung ailment. “Fellow South Africans, our beloved Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela, the founding president of our democratic nation, has departed,” Zuma said in a nationally televised address. He passed away peacefully at 20:50 (local time), 5th December, Zuma said. “He is now resting. He is now at peace…Our nation has lost its greatest son. Our people have lost a father,” he said. Zuma announced that there would be a state funeral for the departed world leader. Details of the funeral have not been announced yet, but all flags will fly at half-mast until the funeral. Zuma said Mandela’s tireless struggle for freedom earned him the respect of the world, “His humility, his compassion, and his humanity earned him their love.” “Our thoughts are with the South African people who today mourn the loss of the one person who, more than any other, came to embody their sense of a common nationhood. Our thoughts are with the millions of people across the world who embraced Madiba as their own, and who saw his cause as their cause, Zuma said. “Let us reaffirm his vision of a society in which none is exploited, oppressed or dispossessed by another. Let us commit ourselves to strive together sparing neither strength nor courage to build a united, non-racial, non-sexist, democratic and prosperous South Africa,” he said. Hundreds of South Africans all over the country huddled in groups from the early hours of this morning to mourn the death of founding father of the democratic nation. The government has also set up a special tribute website at http://www.mandela.gov.za. Mandela spent 27 years in prison, most of them on Robben Island, after being convicted in the Rivonia trial with several others 50 years ago. He stepped down after serving one term as President following the first democratic elections in 1994. Mandela had been in and out of hospital for the past two years with a range of medical problems. Tributes and condolences from many world leaders have been pouring in from all corners of the world after the tragic news. President Pranab Mukherjee said, “President Mandela was a statesman, world leader and icon of inspiration of humanity.He was a great friend of India and his contribution for strengthening the close ties between our two countries will be always remembered”. Mandela was awarded the Bharat Ratna in honour of his contribution to the friendship between our two countries, he said. “I convey heartfelt condolences on behalf of the people and the Government of India as well as my personal behalf to the family members of Late President Mandela and the people and the Government of South Africa,” Mukherjee said on Friday. Describing Mandela as the “greatest personalities of our times”, Vice President Hamid Ansari said he represented the best of human spirit and values. While his courage, determination and sacrifice inspired millions of people during the anti-apartheid movement, his message of peace, forgiveness and reconciliation thereafter, united them and led the rainbow nation on the path to peace and progress, he said. “In his death, South Africans have lost the father of their nation and the world a statesman, whose life and message of courage and goodness would continue to inspire and guide all of us around the world in the years ahead,” the Vice President said. Condoling his death, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said, “A giant among men has passed away. This is as much India’s loss as South Africa’s. He was a true Gandhian. His life and work will remain a source of eternal inspiration for generations to come. I join all those who are praying for his soul”.

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On the passing of Nelson Mandela

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	Thursday, December 5, 2013
On the passing of Nelson Mandela This evening, President Obama delivered a statement on the passing of former South African President and anti-apartheid leader Nelson Mandela. Click here to watch President Obama’s statement.

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December 6, 2013, 3:30 am

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Madhuri Dixit for the first time on Dance India Dance

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Apart from her timeless beauty, if there’s one thing the Dhak Dhak girl has always stood for, it is DANCE! It is only natural, then, that viewers have wondered when they will get to see Madhuri Dixit, the darling of millions, on India’s biggest dance reality show – Dance India Dance. Be it as a result of contractual obligations or other circumstances that came in the way, Madhuri has been one celebrity guest conspicuous by her absence on a platform dedicated to the celebration of sheer excellence in dance. But the wait is finally over … and the gorgeous screen goddess will soon be seen on DID at 9 PM on Saturday, 14^th December promoting her next big-ticket release Dedh Ishqiya.

Her upcoming visit to the sets of the show has stirred up a lot of excitement amongst the judges, host and the contestants of the show … with each one planning what they’d like to say to her, what dance acts they would like to put up in front of her, how they’d love to make her dance to their favorite Madhuri number!

Master Shruti Merchant who has had the privilege of choreographing Madhuri in Aaja Nachle says, “It’s a towering responsibility on any choreographer’s shoulders to work with Madhuri as it is criminal not to leverage her immense prowess as a dancer and extract her absolute best. The challenge with her is to present her in a breathtaking manner that she has so far not been seen in! And reinventing Madhuri who has already displayed such vast range and versatility is never easy! The bottom line is it’s a delight and an honor to work with her! ”

Master Feroz reveals, “Madhuri and I have danced together in Kay Sera Sera… I was a background dancer back then … In fact, there’s a prominent portion of the song where she punches me in the face. I remember she was unwell when she came down to learn the choreography from Prabhu sir and despite that, she had the entire number firmly set and in smooth sync within hours of her first briefing.”

If there’s one contestant who has not been able to sleep ever since she’s heard about Madhuri’s upcoming visit, that would have to be 21 year Swarali … the Mumbai chi Marathi Mulgi  has idolized Madhuri ever since she was knee-high and has won several dance competitions performing to her numbers. She says, ”I am worried by the time Madhuri Ji comes on the sets, I will be worn out with my over-excitement. For me, Madhuri is God and I cannot sleep until I see her now”

Stay tuned to this space for more on this exciting episode of Dance India Dance with dancing queen Madhuri Dixit!

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Jordan elected to UNSC as non-permanent member

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Jordan has been elected as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council, filling a seat that Saudi Arabia had declined to accept, protesting the world body’s failure to end the Syrian and Israeli-Palestinian conflicts. Jordan, was elected yesterday to serve on the Council for two years beginning January 2014. It received 178 “yes” votes in the election in the 193-member General Assembly. Jordan has held the seat twice before since joining the world body in 1955.

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Nelson Mandela: 3 days funeral cortege planned through Pretoria streets

A funeral cortege bearing Nelson Mandela’s body will travel through the streets of Pretoria for three days ahead of his burial next Sunday. The South African government said the cortege will leave a morgue on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday morning to go to the Union Buildings where his body will lie in state. Meanwhile, vigils for the former leader are continuing across South Africa. Hundreds of mourners have gathered outside Mandela’s home in Johannesburg and flowers and candles have been laid outside. Mandela died on Thursday evening at the age of 95. Tributes to Mr Mandela have come from leaders, celebrities and members of the public around the world. US President Barack Obama said Mr Mandela achieved more than could be expected of any man. Pope Francis said Mr Mandela had forged a new South Africa built on the firm foundations of non-violence, reconciliation and truth.

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India’s envoys in Gulf, West Asia and North Africa region to meet in Bahrain

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The Gulf region, West Asia and North Africa region’s Indian Ambassadors and Heads of Missions gather in Bahrain capital Manama today. Over the next two days, 15 top Indian diplomats from the region will discuss the latest developments in the region.  Besides the regional and energy security along with the matters related to the welfare of a large expatriate Indian community are expected to figure prominently during the meet. External Affairs Minister, Salman Khurshid will chair the conference this evening .The participating Indian Ambassadors include those from the Gulf nations- Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar and Saudi Arabia.  Besides Indian Ambassadors from Iraq, Yemen, Israel, Egypt, Ethiopia, Tunisia, Algeria, Morocco etc. will also be attending the conference. The meeting is significant in the wake of recent developments in the region such as the crisis in Syria, developments in Egypt and Middle East peace process among others.  Apart from meeting its energy demands the Gulf and WANA region countries have extensive trade, historic and cultural linkages with India. India -GCC trade along is worth $180 billion.  The countries from the Gulf and the North Africa region have always been a trusted and preferred partner for India. The conference will also provide an opportunity to share ways and means to further consolidate the ties.

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PCI: Media set panel to redress sexual harassment cases

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Updated

The Press Council of India (PCI) has asked all media organisations to set up internal committees to prevent and redress cases of sexual harassment of women at workplace.

The direction for setting up internal complaints’ committee came in the backdrop of sexual harassment charges against Tehelka Editor Tarun Tejpal by a journalist.

In a statement, PCI chairperson Justice (retd) Markandey Katju said that despite Vishakha guidelines having been framed by Supreme Court long back in 1997 and the enactment of Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013, many media organisations did not have an internal complaints committee.

He said that section 4(1) of the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace Act made setting up of these committees mandatory.

Such establishments become even more meaningful in media organisations where women journalists adhere to non- conventional working hours and duty places, Katju said and requested media organisations to set up internal complaints committees.

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Obama, Bush, Clinton to travel to South Africa

Updated on : 07-12-2013 12:15 PM

At least three American presidents will travel to South Africa to attend memorial services for anti-apartheid icon Nelson Mandela, who died Thursday at age 95.

The White House said on Friday that President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama would travel to South Africa next week to pay their respects.  They will be joined on Air Force One by former President George W Bush and wife Laura Bush, who “gratefully accepted” the invitation from the Obamas, a Bush spokesman said.  The White House said travel arrangements were still being made and it was unclear when the Obamas and Bushes would depart.  A memorial service for Mandela will be held Tuesday at a stadium in Johannesburg, followed by a smaller funeral on 15th Decemeber in Mandela’s hometown.  Former President Bill Clinton said he also planned to travel to South Africa, along with his wife, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton.  It was unclear whether the Clintons would also fly on Air Force One.  “My whole family will be there,” Clinton said in an interview.  “And we’re looking forward to having the chance to say good-bye one last time.” Obama also invited 89-year-old former President George H W Bush to travel with him to South Africa, but a spokesman for the elder Bush said he would not be able to make the trip.  Mandela’s death has sparked an outpouring of memorials and celebrations of the former prisoner turned president who led his country out of apartheid rule.  In remarks following Mandela’s death, Obama counted himself as one of the countless millions inspired by the South African leader. “Like so many around the globe, I cannot fully imagine my own life without the example that Nelson Mandela set,” Obama said Thursday.  For Obama and Bush, the trip to South Africa will mark the second time they have been on the continent together this year.  The two men were in Tanzania at the same time this summer, though on separately planned trips. They held a brief event together to honour victims of the 1998 US Embassy bombing in Dar es Salaam. Mrs Obama and Mrs Bush both also attended an African first ladies summit during the trip.

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Azad addresses first Meeting of the Mission Steering Group of National Health Mission

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The Union Health and Family Welfare Minister, Shri Ghulam Nabi Azad addressed the first Meeting of the Mission Steering Group of National Health Mission (NHM), here today. Speaking at the occasion, Shri Azad stated that the launch of the National Rural Health Mission (NRHM) has led to significant improvements in public health systems and health service delivery. He pointed out specifically the impressive progress on key priorities of NRHM including decline in maternal and child mortality as well as fertility rate; reduction in disease burden of TB and Malaria; focus on the emerging challenge of non-communicable diseases such as cancer, diabetes, hypertension and cardio-vascular diseases; and completion of three years of being a Polio free country as on 13th of January 2014. He emphasized that the success of NRHM encouraged the Central Government to extend coverage to urban areas through a National Urban Health Mission, covering 779 towns and cities.  Shri Azad informed that the implementation framework for the National Health Mission, proposed in consultation with the Planning Commission, has been approved by the Cabinet. This framework puts in place new principles, strategies and approaches which are based on evidence and aimed at accelerating progress towards achieving the goals, he added. Highlighting the several initiatives taken in the recent past by the Health Ministry under the Mission, Shri Azad said that more than 1.6 crore women are now delivering in Government and accredited facilities per year under ‘Janani Shishu Suraksha Karyakram’. Also, more than 1.5 crore children have already been screened under ‘Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karyakram’ out of which over 7 lakh have received referral support including 1 lakh children receiving free treatment at secondary and tertiary level facilities. The Health Minister expressed happiness that through a new initiative of the Ministry free essential medicines will be provided to all patients visiting public health facilities. Twenty eight States and UTs have articulated the policy to provide free drugs in public health facilities. States have provided about Rs.3,500 crores for free drugs during the current year and NRHM has supplemented the State’s efforts with about Rs. 2,000 crores, the Minister noted. NRHM gives incentives to the States if they move in the direction of providing free drugs, he further added.  Expressing his concern Shri Azad said that limited availability of funds is a continuing challenge. India’s public spending on public health is the lowest in the world.  Recognizing this, the 12th Plan lays emphasis on the need for augmenting resources for health. However, the allocation to the Mission during the first two years of the 12th Plan is merely 18% of the promised outlay, he pointed out. The Health Minister hoped that the Ministry of Finance and the Planning Commission, both of whom are represented on the MSG, would support raising allocations from the present level to what has been pledged in the 12th Plan. Also the representation of Ministries of Women and Child Development, Rural Development, Drinking Water & Sanitation, Human Resource Development and Housing &Urban Poverty Alleviation on the MSG is intended to intensify collaborative action on improving social determinants of health namely: Nutrition, Drinking water, Sanitation, Hygiene, Environment, Poverty and Girls education and empowerment. The Mission Steering Group approved all the agenda points which included the following: Proposal for revision/new incentives related to Multi Drug Resistant TB Proposal for revision of incentives related to Drug Sensitive TB in tribal and difficult areas Proposal for new incentives related to TB-HIV co-infected patients Proposal for pooling of united grants, annual maintenance grant and Rogi Kalyan Samiti grants and revision of quantum of united grants to Community Health Centres or equivalent and District hospitals. Proposal for streamlining Asha incentives: The MSG approved an advance to be adjusted against the monthly performance so that ASHA is able to get reasonable amount of money every month. In addition, incentives of existing activities have been increased, and new activities for which ASHA would get incentives have been added. Proposal for provision of recurring cost for the first referral units (community health centres, maternity homes, etc.) under the National Urban Health Mission Proposal for expansion of Hib vaccines in the Universal Immunisation programme as liquid pentavalent vaccine (DPT+HepB+Hib) in 11 states from October 2014 and remaining 16 states from April 2015 Proposal for revision of formula for allocation of HRHM-RCH flexible pool funds Present during the meeting were Kum. Sheilja, Minister for Housing and Urban Poverty Alleviation, Smt. Girija Vyas, Minister for Urban Development, Smt. Krishna Tirath, Minister for Women and Child Development, Smt. Santosh Chowdhury, MoS(Health) and Shri A H Khan Chowdhury, MoS (Health), Smt Syeda Hameed, Member, Planning Commission, in addition to Shri K N Desiraju, Health Secretary, Shri N Sanyal, Secy (Aayush), Dr V M Katoch, DG, ICMR, Sh Sudhir Bhargava, Secy (Social Justice and Empowerment) and many senior officers of the ministries of health, WCD, Social Justice and Empowerment. Members and representatives from NGOs and private practioners were also present.

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Four Firms Qualified for System Works Contract for 1st Phase of Eastern Dedicated Freight Corridor

A total six international companies in joint venture with leading Indian companies participated in pre qualification bid process for system works (Electrical and signal & telecommunication woks) of Bhaupur- Khurja segment of Eastern Dedicated Freight Corridor project(343 km.). The joint venture firms who qualified are INABENSA-ANSALDO-EME-BCEPL, KEC-ELECNOR-KYOSAN, SIEMENS Consortium and ALSTOM Consortium.  It may be recalled that the World Bank has agreed in principle to part finance the Eastern Corridor project from Mughalsarai to Ludhiana, which has been divided into 3 phases. The total in principle loan commitment is US$ 2.725 billion, out of which the loan for the first phase to the tune of US$ 975 million was sanctioned in May, 2011 and the loan agreement was signed in October, 2011. The loan for the second phase is expected to be of the order of USD 1100 million.  DFCCIL, a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) is engaged in planning, construction, operation and maintenance of the dedicated freight corridors and in the first phase, the two corridors, namely, Eastern Corridor from Ludhiana to Dankuni (1839 kms) and the Western Corridor from Dadri to Jawaharlal Nehru Port (JNPT) (1499 kms) are being constructed. The entire Western Corridor is being funded by Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), while the Eastern Corridor from Mughalsarai to Ludhiana is being funded by the World Bank.

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Employment and Income From Tourism

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As per the 2nd Tourism Satellite Account of India 2009-10, the contribution of Tourism in Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and employment generation in the country in 2009-10, has been estimated to be 6.8% and 10.2%, respectively. The Foreign Exchange Earnings (FEEs) during the years 2002-2012 were Rs.5,22,206 Crore.The tourism sector has a major role to play to promote faster, sustainable and more inclusive economic growth. It has better prospects for promoting pro-poor growth than many other sectors. This is because tourism is labour intensive and involves a collection of activities, services and industries comprising transportation, accommodation, eating and drinking establishments, retail shops, entertainment businesses and other hospitality services provided to individuals or groups traveling away from home for leisure, business or other purposes. The broad scope of economic activities involved enables wide participation in its growth, including participation by the informal sector. Although the tourism sector in India has grown in recent years, it is felt that with India’s vast bounties of nature, its great treasures of art, architecture and philosophical thought, its rich cultural heritage, its varied rural countryside and wildlife, age – old practices of Yoga, Siddha, etc. spread across different States/Union Territories (UTs), there is immense tourism potential to tap, which can lead to further growth in tourism. The Ministry of Tourism has taken the initiative of identifying, diversifying, developing and promoting the nascent/upcoming niche products of the tourism industry such as Cruise, Adventure, Medical & Wellness, Golf, Polo, Meetings Incentives Conference and Exhibitions (MICE), Eco-Tourism, Development of Camp Sites, Caravan Tourism, Campaign Parks, Film Tourism, etc. This is done in order to overcome the aspect of ‘seasonality’ to promote India as a 365 day destination, attract tourists with specific interests and to ensure repeat visits for the products in which India has a comparative advantage. This information was given by the Minister of State for Tourism (I/C) Shri K. Chiranjeevi in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha.

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LIC to stop selling 34 life insurance policies

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Insurance giant Life Insurance Corporation (LIC) has decided to stop selling as many as 34 policies, including Jeevan Anand, Jeevan Madhur and Jeevan Saral, to comply with new regulatory guidelines.

These policies are withdrawn in December as they are not in conformity with the provisions of new regulations on non-linked insurance products, linked insurance products and health insurance products, a senior LIC official said.  Of the 34 products, LIC will stop sale of Jeevan Amrit from December 7, Jeevan Surabhi from December 14 while two other schemes from December 21 and December 28 respectively.  Remaining 28 policies will go off LIC’s shelves from December 31.  Last month, LIC had withdrawn 14 policies including Convertible Term Assurance, Children Deferred Endowment Assurance.  These policies are being discontinued as part of regulatory compliance.  The Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority (IRDA) had extended the deadline for implementation of new individual product regulations for the life insurance industry by three months to December 31.  The new guidelines are aimed at making insurance policies more customer-friendly.  “All the existing group policies and all the existing individual products not in conformity with the provisions of this regulation shall be withdrawn from August 1, 2013, and January 1, 2014, respectively,” IRDA had said in a circular.  With regard to group policies, life insurers have been asked not to enroll these policies after the immediate policy anniversary falling due after July 2013.  However, it had said all group policies at the time of renewal of such policy shall be given an option to switch over to the modified version of the group product, if any, once introduced.  LIC has outperformed its peers in the private sector by recording a 7 per cent growth in premium collection during the first half of the current fiscal.  The company witnessed a 7.26 per cent growth in premium income to Rs 37,906 crore during the six-month period ending September.

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To quash Jet-Etihad deal if there are irregularities: SC

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The Supreme Court on Friday made it clear that it would quash the Jet-Etihad Airways deal if there are any irregularities in it.

The apex court also issued notice to Centre on a plea for putting on record a memo sent by PMO to the Corporate Affairs Ministry in which the PMO had allegedly raised serious reservations in respect of the growth of the middle eastern carriers including Etihad.  A bench headed by Chief Justice P Sathasivam sought response from government and Income Tax Department on a plea seeking direction to them to place the transcript of tapped telephonic conversation of former corporate lobbyist Niira Radia in which she allegedly had talked about the civil aviation sector.  The court passed the order on BJP leader Subramanian Swamy’s plea seeking its direction to quash the deal on the ground that it was against public interest as there was squandering of natural resource i.e. sky and air space.  At the outset, Swamy raised objection over Centre’s non-filing of its response on his plea.  Solicitor General Mohan Parasaran sought further four weeks’ time to file the response and also raised the plea of maintainability by saying that earlier, a similar petition, questioning the Air Asia deal, was not entertained by the apex court and Swamy was rather asked to move the Delhi High Court.  “We have already issued the notice in this case after finding prima facie merits,” the bench said on Friday.  It assured Swamy that his plea will be heard and the deal would be set aside if it is convinced that irregularities were there.  “If we are convinced then we would certainly set it aside,” the bench said giving last opportunity to the Centre to file the response and hoped that it would not seek any further adjournment in the case. Referring to the Radia tapes, Swamy, in his application, said the documents are important for the adjudication of the case and the apex court had already ordered the CBI probe in the alleged involvement of middleman in aviation sector which was revealed in conversation.

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Armenian Parliamentary Delegation calls on President

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A 19 member Parliamentary Delegation led by Mr. Hovik Abrahamyan, President (Speaker) of the National Assembly of the Republic of Armenia called on the President of India, Shri Pranab Mukherjee yesterday (December 5, 2013) at Rashtrapati Bhavan.  Welcoming the delegation, the President said since ancient times, India and Armenia have enjoyed historical and civilizational ties. Indian and Armenians share common culture, traditions, language and values. He said India attaches importance to its friendship with Armenia and both countries enjoy excellent relations at political, official and cultural levels and between the people of the two countries.  The President said the delegation is visiting India following the first ever visit of an Indian Parliamentary delegation to Armenia. He stated that such exchanges between the representatives of peoples help increase understanding and enhance the friendship between people of two countries and provide fresh impetus to cooperation between the legislative bodies of the two countries. The President welcomed the formation of an Armenia-India Parliamentary Friendship Group comprising of 11 MPs in the National Assembly of the Republic of Armenia and expressed his confidence that soon such a group will be formed in Indian Parliament.  The President observed that India-Armenia trade and economic engagement remains far below its potential despite the fact that both countries enjoy excellent political and cultural ties. He said the two countries should work together to explore avenues to expand bilateral trade and mutual investment.  The Leader of the Armenian Parliamentary delegation said India and Armenia enjoyed excellent political relations. The Armenian Government is initiating measures to ensure that economic relations also catch up with political relations and has drawn up a road map in this regard. Stating that India and Armenia are bound by ties of spirituality and culture, Mr. Abrahamyan expressed confidence that their visit would further strengthen relations between the two countries.

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SMEs Excellence Award, 2013

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The Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, Shri K. H. Muniyappa inaugurated a Seminar on SMEs and SMEs Excellence Award, 2013 here today. Speaking at the inaugural address the Minister said that worldwide, MSMEs have been regarded as the engine of economic growth and a tool for promoting equitable development. Their contribution to the national economy stands at about 45 per cent share of the manufacturing output and 43 per cent of the total exports of the country, contributing with 8% to India’s GDP. The sector employs an estimated 80 million people spread over 36 million enterprises that produce a diversified product basket. The 12th Plan allocation of funds has been more than doubled from around Rs. 11000 Crore during 11th Plan to around Rs. 24000 Crore in 12th Plan to accelerate the development of MSME sector in India.  Highlighting the flagship programmes of MSME Ministry, the Minister said that under Skill Development Programmes for the entire value chain of manufacturing. During the current year the Ministry will be training at least 6 Lakh persons and in 12th plan the Ministry plans to train around 42 lakh persons through various programmes.  The Minister said that PMEGP is a major credit linked subsidy scheme and a flagship employment generation programme for the unemployed implemented through banks. So far more than 2.22 lakh first generation entrepreneurs have been assisted since 2008-09 thus creating employment for over 20.42 lakh persons. The Ministry has now targeted over 100 new enterprises per district every year under PMEGP in all the 650 districts in the country. During 12th Plan period, the Ministry intends to create around 5 lakh such enterprises under PMEGP creating employment opportunities for around 40 lakh persons in the country.  Addressing about innovation and technology Shri K H Muniyappa said that 18 Tool Rooms and technology development centres under the Ministry are providing both long and short term training to more than 1 lakh youth at present and additional 15 Technology Centres are being set up all over the country with investment of Rs. 2200 crore.  The Ministry of MSME is also implementing National Manufacturing Competitiveness Programme (NMCP) covering entire gamut of manufacturing. National Manufacturing Competitiveness Programme (NMCP) has specific components aimed at enhancing the competitiveness of the enterprise in this sector so as to withstand global and organized competition and to thrive through better technologies and skills, the Minister added.  The Minister said that towards facilitating Technology Upgradation of Micro and Small Enterprises, under the Credit Linked Capital Subsidy Scheme (CLCSS) the Ministry is providing 15% capital subsidy on institutional finance availed by micro and small enterprises for induction of well-established and improved technologies.  To create awareness among small enterprises on the strengths and weaknesses of their existing operations and to enhance their organizational strength “Performance & Credit Rating Scheme”(PCRS) was introduced in 2006. Through this scheme, Enterprises are rated by third party national or international agency. Financial assistance to the extent of 75% of the cost of rating to all the rated units is provided. This rating benefits the units in many ways like establishing their creditworthiness which helps them in accessing credit from the bank quicker and cheaper and thus economizing the cost of credit, the Minister added.  Addressing the availability of the credit to the MSMEs, Shri K H Muniyappa highlighted that under the “Credit Guarantee Scheme”, the Ministry have facilitated collateral free loan to more than 11 lakh Micro and Small Enterprises with the total sanctioned loan amount of Rs. 54,322 crore and is also following up with RBI to achieve 20% year on year growth in the credit to MSME Sector as recommended by Prime Minister’s Task Force’

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Tejpal’s police custody extended

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Tehelka founder-editor Tarun Tejpal, accused of sexually assaulting a journalist woman colleague, will remain in custody of Goa Police for four more days.

After expiry of his six-day remand on Saturday, the 50-year-old journalist was produced before a local court, which extended his police custody till December 10.  Tejpal, accused of sexually assaulting a junior woman colleague in a hotel in early November, was arrested by Goa Police on Saturday last.  During arguments before Judicial Magistrate First Class Kshama Joshi, his counsel Sandip Kapoor opposed extension of the remand.  He said his client has been thoroughly interrogated by police and relevant materials besides the clothes which he wore on the day of alleged incident have been recovered.  Public Prosecutor Saresh Lotlikar told the court that many witnesses were yet to be examined and hence further custody of Tejpal is required.  The Tehelka founder underwent two rounds of medical tests during his 6-day custody. Three colleagues of the victim-reporter, who has since resigned from the weekly magazine, deposed before the Chief Judicial Magistrate on Friday.  The victim had confided in them about the alleged sexual assault. The statement of Shoma Chaudhury, former Managing Editor of the magazine to whom the reporter had written about the incident, is also to be recorded by the Magistrate.

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Cyclone ‘Madi’ to intensify in Tamil Nadu, AP

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A cyclonic storm named ‘Madi’ would intensify into a severe cyclonic storm, bringing rain or thundershowers over some parts of Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh during the next 48 hours, Indian Meteorological Department said on Saturday.

“The depression over southwest Bay of Bengal intensified into a cyclonic storm ‘MADI’ early this morning and will intensify into a severe cyclonic storm and move nearly northwards very slowly in the next 48 hours,” an IMD bulletin said.  It was “practically stationary” and lay centred about 500 km southeast of Chennai and 370 km northeast of Triconamalee in Sri Lanka, it added.  “Under the influence of this system, rainfall at a few places would occur over coastal Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, south coastal Andhra Pradesh and Andaman and Nicobar Islands during the next 48 hours,” it added.

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Swap windows prop forex kitty by USD 5.04 bn: RBI

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India’s forex reserves surged by a USD 5.04 billion to USD 291.3 billion in the week ended 29th Nov, the biggest weekly gain since October 2011, helped by RBI’s concessional swap windows opened in August as parts of efforts to arrest rupee fall.

The unconventional measures employed by the central bank saw the bank receiving a whopping USD 34 billion from the two swap windows which closed last week.  As of 29th November, the forex kitty swelled by USD 5.04 billion at USD 291.3 billion, the Reserve Bank said on Friday.  The reporting week’s gain is the biggest weekly gain since the week ended 14th October 2011, when it jumped USD 5.2 billion.  The biggest weekly forex gain was recorded on the week ending 1st July 2011 when the reserves zoomed USD 6.7 billion.  The current reserves however, are still down USD 3.29 billion from the year-ago period, according to the RBI data.  Since the new Governor Raghuram Rajan took over on 4th September, the forex reserves have gained by USD 13.6 billion from USD 277.72 billion on 30th August.  The RBI announced a swap window for foreign currency non- resident (bank) deposits on 4th September after the import cover or balance of payment position became precarious on the back of massive fund outflows following the US Fed’s tapering talk on 17th May.  The special window allowed banks to swap fresh FCNR-B dollar funds, mobilised for a minimum tenor of three years, at a fixed rate of 3.5 percent per annum.  The RBI also allowed banks to borrow up to 100 percent of their tier-I capital from overseas, which could be swapped with the central bank at a concessional rate of 100 basis points (1 percentage point) below the ongoing swap rate prevailing in the market.  The RBI closed these swap windows for FCNR-B funds and banks’ overseas borrowings on 30th November.  “The reserves rose as amount mobilised through both the swap windows came into the RBI’s kitty,” said a treasurer at a state-owned bank.  Foreign currency assets, which form a major part of the overall forex reserves, rose by healthy USD 5.071 billion to USD 263.736 billion for the week under review, the RBI said.  This is the fourth consecutive week when the reserves have jumped and one of the sharpest spikes in recent times.  In the week ago period, the reserves had risen by USD 2.691 billion to USD 286.26 billion.  Foreign currency assets expressed in dollar terms include the effect of appreciation or depreciation of the non-US currencies such as the euro, pound and yen, held in reserves.  During the week under review, the gold reserves continued to remain unchanged at USD 21.227 billion. The special drawing rights rose by USD 12.2 million to USD 4.432 billion.  The country’s reserve position with the IMF fell by USD 46.2 million to USD 1.905 billion in the week under review, RBI data showed.

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No threat to food security plan: Anand Sharma

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Updated on : 07-12-2013 08:34 AM

In a major victory for India, the World Trade Organization (WTO) agreed to allow countries to provide subsidy on staple food crops without any threat of punitive action, a concession that salvaged the current round of world trade talks from the brink of collapse.

After burning the midnight oil and tough negotiations over the past four days in the face of India’s unrelenting stand on the food security issue, the 159-member WTO reached a historic agreement that will boost global trade by USD 1 trillion.  The deal allows nations such as India to fix a Minimum Support Price (MSP) for farm produce and to sell staple grains to the poor at subsidised rates.  It also permits countries to store foodgrains to meet contingency requirements.  “A great day for India, I am more than happy…India has clinched WTO deal for the farmers and poor of the world,” Commerce and Industry Minister Anand Sharma said after the final round of negotiations. The draft agreement, which will protect the right to food and allow India to go ahead with its USD 20 billion food security scheme, is expected to be adopted by the plenary later in the day.  “It’s a victory for Indian farmers and farmers of the developing world. It is also recognition of the right of developing nations for public stock-holding of food grains to ensure food security for their citizens,” Sharma added.  The agreement will come as booster for the WTO, which until yesterday had failed to make headway with regard to the Doha round of trade talks, pending since 2001.  The deal was clinched after WTO Director General Roberto Azevedo on Thursday night, called a crucial meeting of key players, which continued till early morning. It was attended by Sharma, US Trade Representative (USTR) Michael Froman and Indonesian Trade Minister Gita Wirjawan.  Developed countries such as the US and the EU wanted India to accept a peace clause, which offers four years of immunity from penalties imposed for breaching the farm subsidy cap of 10 per cent under the AoA. Host Indonesia shared the same view.  India and other developing nations, on the other hand, wanted the peace clause until a permanent solution is found on the matter for smooth implementation of the food security programme.  Sharma said, “It’s a path-breaking decision…This is the first major decision or agreement that has been reached ever since the WTO was established.  “The previous agreement based on the Uruguay round was inherently imbalanced and flawed. The balance was against the developing countries and that is why support was mobilised and it became an imperative to launch a new round of negotiations, which is the Doha Development Agenda.”  As per the draft on the agriculture sector, members have agreed to put in place an interim mechanism until a final solution is found with regard to public stock-holding for food security purposes.  Members, the draft added, “shall refrain from challenging through the WTO dispute settlement mechanism…support provided for traditional staple food crops in pursuance of public stock-holding programme for food security purposes…”  Sharma had until Thursday maintained that it was “better to have no agreement than to have a bad agreement…” and got support from major emerging economies, including South Africa.  Meanwhile, an Indian official said that India would be entitled to adequate transition time as well as external support and assistance, if required, for implementing trade facilitation agreement.  The trade facilitation agreement will improve competitiveness of Indian industry both in domestic trade and international trade.  “India recognises benefits of a trade facilitation agreement, which aims at simplifying customs procedures and reducing transaction costs,” the official said, adding that the agreed text marks a fair balance reflecting the aspirations of both the developed and developing countries.  “It is a historic decision. It is a victory not only for India but also for developing and poor countries,” Sharma said after the decision was taken on the text on the public stock holding.  Sharma talked to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and he kept him informed on all the developments on Bali Ministerial that started on 3rd December, sources said.  “Today he talked two times to the Prime Minister, morning and afternoon,” the source said.  The WTO issue was also discussed in the special meeting of the Union Cabinet which condoled the death of Nelson Mandela, officials said.  The 159-member WTO also agreed on the Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA), which is aimed at making international trade much easier by simplifying and streamlining custom procedures across the globe.  The pact is billed to bring in gains worth USD 1 trillion for global trade. The TFA would help countries cut transaction costs.  “India recognises the inherent benefits of TFA. It will improve competitiveness of Indian industry both in domestic and international trade. It will also help in the movement of commodities like grapes, groundnut and pharma consignments,” an official said.  The Bali deal, which a few termed as an “early harvest”, is a major breakthrough in the so-called Doha Round of talks which were launched in the Qatari capital in November 2001.  “All traditional staple food crops, without any numerical limit will be covered under the decision…this decision provides legal certainty and also committees WTO members to work towards updating the rules under Agreement on Agriculture (AoA)”, a source said.  “Now the four year peace clause will continue till a permanent solution is reached.”  As per the draft on agriculture sector, members have agreed to put in place an interim mechanism till a final solution is found with regard to public stock holding for food security purposes.  Members, the draft added, “shall refrain from challenging though the WTO dispute settlement mechanism …of the agreement on agriculture in relation to support provided for traditional staple food crops in pursuance of public stock holding programme for food security purposes…”

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Shri Uddhav Thakeray meet C M Narendra Modi at Gandhinagar

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Shri Uddhav Thakeray meet HON C M Narenadra Modi at Gandhinagar dt 07-12 -2013 is seen in the political charged atmosphere their thought to be bring two saffrons building better national outlook to garner Hindutava votes.

With International and national scene building up to bring pride to India and make Indians their due place in world politics the duo meeting could bring more support from the financial capital  and  co-operative state.

More meeting of this sort are likely to come up as the time for the ensuing general election come close.

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7122013

धूम-धाम से मनाया विजय दिवस समारोह

अयोध्या में भगवान श्री राम का भव्य मंदिर निर्माण व सांप्रदायिक हिंसा विधेयक को रोके जाने की मांग।

 

नई दिल्ली 06 दिसंबर। बाबरी ढांचे के विध्वंश की 21वीं वर्षगंाठ को राष्ट्रवादी शिवसेना व यूनाईटेड हिंदू फ्रंट ने विजय दिवस के रूप में धूम-धाम के साथ मनाते हुए राजधानी के जंतर-मंतर में विशाल भगवा मार्च आयोजित किया। इस मौके पर पार्टी ने राष्ट्रपति महोदय को ज्ञापन भेंट कर अयोध्या में भव्य मंदिर निर्माण करवाने और हिन्दुओं को अपराधी बनाने वाले काले कानून सांप्रदायिक हिंसा विधेयक पर तत्काल रोक लगाए जाने की मांग की। कार्यक्रम का आयोजन राष्ट्रवादी शिवसेना की दिल्ली ईकाई द्वारा किया गया। इस मौके पर राष्ट्रवादी शिवसेना प्रमुख व यूनाईटेड हिंदू फ्रंट के अध्यक्ष श्री जयभगवान गोयल मुख्य अतिथि के रूप में मौजूद थे। इस मौके पर कई प्रमुख हिंदूवादी संगठनों के पदाधिकारी व श्रीराम भक्त हिन्दू भारी संख्या में मौजूद थे।

इस मौके पर उपस्थित कार्यकर्ताओं को संबोधित करते हुए पार्टी प्रमुख श्री जयभगवान गोयल ने कहा कि विगत 21 वर्षों से अयोध्या में खुले आसमान के नीचे विराजमान श्रीराम लला, मां जानकी की दशा से हिन्दू समाज की आहत हो रही भावनाएं और केन्द्र सरकार द्वारा लाया जाने वाला सांप्रदायिक हिंसा अधिनियम के कारण हिन्दू समाज में आज गहरा नाराजगी है। उन्होनंे कहा कि अयोध्या में 21 वर्ष पूर्व हिन्दू समाज ने अपनी धार्मिक भावना के केन्द्र बिन्दु श्री रामलला के जन्म स्थली पर से आक्रांता बाबर के नामो-निशान को मिटा दिया था और उन्हे विश्वास था कि सरकार अब इस स्थल पर भगवान श्री रामलला का भव्य मंदिर निर्माण करवाकर देश के बहुसंख्यक हिन्दू समाज की भावनाओं का सम्मान करेगी मगर वोट बैंक के लालच में हमेशा ही हिन्दू भावनाओं को कानूनी दावपेचों में फंसाकर रखा गया। यहां तक कि जब इलाहाबाद उच्च न्यायालय की लखनऊ खण्डपीठ द्वारा गर्भगृह हिन्दुओं का ही होने का निर्णय दिया गया इसके बाद भी सी.बी.आई. द्वारा आज तक भी विध्वंश के आरोपित रहे अभियुक्तों पर से कानूनी कार्यवाही की प्रक्रिया बन्द नहीं की गई।

श्री गोयल ने कहा कि केन्द्र सरकार द्वारा एक अध्यादेश “सांप्रदायिक हिंसा कानून“ भी लाया जा रहा है जिसके द्वारा राज्य सरकारों के अधिकारों का हनन तो होगा ही, हिन्दू समाज को भी अपराधी बनाए जाने की साजिश रची गयी है जो हिन्दू-मुस्लिम समाज के मध्य नफरत की दीवार को ऊंची तो करेगा ही, इससे देशद्रोही तत्वों को भी मनमानी करने की पूरी आजादी मिल जाएगी। यहां यह कहना गलत नहीं होगा कि केन्द्र सरकार हिन्दुस्तान को धर्म-निरपेक्षता और अल्पसंख्यकों को अधिकार देने की आड में मुस्लिम राष्ट्र बनाने की राह पर निकल पड़ी है। इस बिल के पास होने के बाद धार्मिक और भाषायी शिनाख्त और भी मजबूत होगी और हिंसा की मामूली घटनाओं को भी सांप्रदायिक रंग दिया जाएगा जिससे हिन्दुओं का जीना दूभर हो जाएगा। उन्होंने कहा कि इस नये अध्यादेश के बाद देश-द्रोही तत्व आतंकी गतिविधियों, धर्मान्तरण करके हिन्दू व हिन्दुस्तान को तबाह करने की साजिशे रचते रहेंगे फिर भी उनके खिलाफ कोई आवाज नहीं उठा सकेगा। कारण सिर्फ एक ही है कि देश प्रेम व हिन्दुत्व प्रेम भी हिन्दुओं के लिए अपराध होगा और प्रशासन को बहुसंख्यक हिन्दुओं पर कार्यवाही के लिए विवश होना पड़ेगा जिसके कारण देश में विस्फोटक हालात पैदा होंगे जो गृहयुद्ध जैसे हालातों से भी बदतर होगें।

राष्ट्रपति महोदय से उन्होंने मांग करते हुए कहा कि अयोध्या में भव्य श्री राम मंदिर निर्माण करवाने व अयोध्या मामले में हिन्दू नेताओं पर चलाए जा रहे मुकदमें खत्म किये जाए तथा सांप्रदायिक हिंसा अधिनियम को तुंरत रोका जाए। 

इस मौके पर सर्वश्री विनोद जैन, देवेन्द्र कुमार सिंह, चै. ईश्वर पाल सिंह तेवतिया, चन्द्रप्रकाश कौशिक (हिंदू महासभा), अनिल आर्य (केन्द्रीय आर्य युवक परिषद), स्वामी ओम जी (यूनाईटेड हिंदू फ्रंट), बलदेव राज मनचंदा, बाल योगी जी महाराज, सुनील कुमार, विजेन्द्र धारीवाल, वैभव भारद्वाज, सुभाष शर्मा, रंजना (महिला मोर्चा), अर्जुन सिंह, प्रकाश पासवान, गंगा राम, मुकेश जैन, सुमित जैन, मदन माहौर, खेम चन्द, भोजराज, बजरंग बहादुर, के.के. यादव, श्रीकांत, सरदार योगेन्द्र ंिसंह, रामनरेश, प्रवीन गोयल,  सुमन, रंजना, जंग बहादुर मल्होत्रा, श्री राम कुमार (आर्य समाज), महेन्द्र भाई (आर्य समाज), अनिल हाण्डा, श्री भारतेन्दु जी (गया, बिहार) सहित भारी संख्या में राष्ट्रवादी शिवसेना एवं यूनाइटेड हिंदू फ्रंट के पदाधिकारी व कार्यकर्ता मौजूद थे।

 

आपका

 

भरत लाल शर्मा

कार्यालय सचिव,

मो. 9899815284

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ADHM 2013 Get Active Expo Bigger & Better

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New Delhi, 6th December 2013: With just one week to go for the Airtel Delhi Half Marathon 2013, the
excitement levels only seem to get bigger and better. The thrill to
run the six edition of the Airtel Delhi Half Marathon, was evident at
the Get Active Expo, which was inaugurated by First Indian IPS Women
Dr. Kiran Bedi, Mr. Somdeb Basu, Brand Director, Reebok India, Mr.
Mahesh Shetty from Radio Mirchi and Mr. Dilip Jayram, CEO Procam
International, the promoters of the Airtel Delhi Half Marathon at the
NSIC Ground, Exhibition Complex, Gate No. 3 & 4, Okhla Industrial
Area, here on Friday.

The Get Active Expo is organised and marketed by Radio Mirchi
Activations from December 6 to 8 and is a unique opportunity for
health, fitness and wellbeing enthusiasts to come together under one
roof. The Expo will be on between 11.00 am to 7.00 pm on all the three
days and will also be the venue for all confirmed participants from
Delhi and its surrounding areas to come and collect their running
numbers along with the goodie bags. Outstation runners can collect
their running numbers and goodie bags on December 14 between 11.00 am and 5.00 pm at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Gate no.14.

Exciting times at the Expo: The grand finale of the Airtel
Treadmillion Challenge will be conducted at the Expo on all 3 days.
Reebok Brand Director, Somdeb, conducting Health & Fitness session on Friday between 4.45 to 5 pm, also Rahul Verghese Running & Living
session on Friday and Sunday.

A limited number of running bibs will be sold at the Expo by Concern
India Foundation at their stall, with the proceeds going towards
charity. Bibs for the Half Marathon will be available for Rs 4000, and
bibs for the Great Delhi Run at Rs 3000.

The Following partners will have interactive stalls at the Expo:
Reebok, Max Healthcare, Enerzal, Radio Mirchi and Concern India
Foundation. In addition to the above, Oxfam India, Fitness First,
Borges, Snickers, JK Developers, GU Labs and ASICS Japan will also
have stalls at the Expo.

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December 8, 2013, 4:23 am

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BJP gain for states election

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The electionresult2013  ‬http://eciresults.nic.in/statewiseU05.htm?st=U05

Media prop up activist propelled to a political  field and with scanty political infra along with poor public calls and making statements in glossary but with ardent media support and ills of Congress made way for the novice to move forward in political arena which looked very difficult to walk even for recognized parties like BSP,NCP,JD .All cheers for media fraternity to give hope for few selective to try this chance. AAP to sit in opposition as BJP emerges as single largest party.
AAP – Curtain raiser. Act 1,Now Comedians need to stop behaving like cartoons and perform some serious comedy.tweets Shefali in facebook.

‪

 Timenow tweets :A scintillating debut by Arvind Kejriwal’s Aam Aadmi Party in Delhi. If Congress offers outside support, should AAP accept it?‪#‎WhoWillFormGovt‬

Like ·  · Share · 173 · 40 seconds ago ·

· about an hour ago · 

Congress has accepted defeat in Delhi, Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan, saying it was disappointed with the poll outcome.

“The results in Delhi, Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan are disappointing…. Congress accepts its defeat with great humility…. We concede that we have lost there,” party spokesman Randeep Singh Surjewala said when asked about the trends.

He, however, dismissed suggestions that the performance of BJP in the Assembly polls was an indication that the party could sweep the Lok Sabha election next year. He recalled that BJP had won 2003 Assembly polls but lost badly in the Lok Sabha elections.

“Any celebration ahead of the 2014 Lok Sabha polls will be premature. BJP refuses to learn from history…. There was similar sort of upbeat mood in the BJP in 2004, when the NDA had lost,” he said.

Surjewala also said that Chhattisgarh “is a ray of hope” and Mizoram “will also bring some heer.”

Expressing suprise over the results in Delhi, where the debutant Aam Aadmi Party is competing with BJP for the first place, AICC general secretary in-charge for the state Shakeel Ahmed said, “We were not expecting these results. The reasons for this will be analysed.”

Congress has been in power in Delhi for 15 years with Shiela Dikshit having the distinction of the longest-serving woman Chief Minister in independent India.

In the last Assembly polls, the Congress had won as many as 43 seats in the 70-member legislative Assembly and its fortunes have dwindled sharply this time with the party likely to get less than 10 seats.

Congress leader Abhishek Singhvi dismissed suggestions that the trends showed that there was a wave in favour of BJP Prime Ministerial candidate Narendra Modi in the country.

Congress leader and Union Minister Shashi Tharoor said his party has very capable and experienced political leaders who are surely going to analyse in detail and find what corrective measures are needed.

He said across the the country there were regional parties and areas where the BJP has no presence. “So we should not be too hasty in suddenly seeing a sort of tsunami in favour of party that has done well today,” Tharoor added.

BJP on Sunday appeared to be on the road to capturing power in Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan and was leading in Delhi according to initial trends while Congress was close only in Chhattisgarh in the assembly elections when counting of votes began.

Media sponsored  debutante Aam Admi Party was putting up a good show in the national capital pushing the ruling Congress to the third position.

Madhya Pradesh, BJP is ruling, the party was ahead in 158  seats in the 230-member assembly and Congress in 63 constituencies.

The ruling Congress was also doing badly in Rajasthan where BJP was in a commanding position in 153 assembly in the 200-member assembly and Congress ahead on at 23 seats.

The national capital appeared to be returning a hung verdict with BJP leading in 33 of the 70 seats.

The AAP has done well to lead in 28 seats while the Congress was trailing way behind leading only in 8 constituencies. Others were ahead in three constituencies.

The only solace for Congress came from Chhattisgarh where the wiping out of the party leadership in a dastardly maoist attack in Bastar earlier this year appears to have given it a good push.

The Congress was leading in  42 seats while the BJP was ahead in 48 as per initial trends.

Elaborate security in place for vote counting. The Delhi Election Commission has made elaborate security arrangements for counting of votes to take place tomorrow with 2000 Central Paramilitary Force and Delhi police personnel keeping a tight vigil at 14 counting centres across the city. A total of 810 candidates were in fray in Delhi assembly poll.

Along with CCTV cameras and live streaming of proceedings through web casting, two layers of security cover have been set at all the 14 counting centres.

“Paramilitary force forms the inner circle of security of centres while adequate numbers of Delhi Police personnel will ensure safety from outside. Counting of votes will start from 8 AM tomorrow and during the first hour postal ballots will be counted,” said Delhi Chief Electoral officer Vijay Dev.

Over 43,000 postal ballots have been received by Delhi EC, while this figure was 1,600 in last assembly election.

Polling agents from political parties will be given access to the centres, Dev added.

Delhi has registered its highest voter turnout of 65.86 per cent in the assembly polls held on December 4.

According to election officials, 11,993 EVMs were shifted to strong rooms at 14 counting centres after the assembly polls got over and 24X7 security cover was mounted with Delhi police personnel and Central Paramilitary Force guarding EVMs and the surrounding areas.

“To ensure transparency and that proper procedures are being followed during counting of votes, a “live-watch” will be kept by senior election officials from control room through web casting,” said Dev.
Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit has resigned after vote count in the assembly elections, saying “we accept our defeat and we will analyse what went wrong.”

BJP inched towards wresting power in Delhi after 15 years with Congress pushed to the third position with a single digit tally by debutant AAP which has made a dent in strongholds of the ruling party.

Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit is trailing behind Arvind Kejriwal (AAP) by over 5,000 votes in New Delhi constituency at the end of the third round of counting, according to Delhi Election Commission.

BJP’s Chief Ministerial candidate Harsh Vardhan was leading in his Krishna Nagar constituency by 3,000 votes, the Commission data showed.

All Congress Ministers including A K Walia, Kiran Walia, Harun Yusuf and Raj Kumar Chouhan were trailing in their respective seats, pushing the party’s tally to the third place.

A total of 810 candidates are in the fray. While BJP fielded candidates in 66 constituencies, Congress and AAP contested in all the 70 seats.

BSP, the third largest party in the last assembly election, fielded candidates in 69 seats, NCP in nine and Samajwadi Party in 27 seats.

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Sweden engaged in industrial espionage against Russia

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Sweden’s intelligence agency has not only spied on Russian leadership, sharing intelligence with the NSA, but also apparently engaged in industrial espionage against business targets such as Russia’s energy companies, Sveriges Television reports.

As per the a wire, obtained by Swedish TV program ‘Mission: Investigate’, Sweden’s National Defense Radio Establishment (FRA) shared intelligence on Russia with Washington.

“Thank Sweden for its continued work on the Russian target, and underscore the primary role that FRA plays as a leading partner to work the Russian Target, including Russian leadership, ENERGY, … and … counterintelligence,” NSA wire said, as cited by SVT.

The earlier omitted part of the quote reveals that Sweden was tapping on civilian targets as well. One source told the documentary there was “a very obvious interest in looking at the Russian companies”confirming it was “a part of the mission.”

When asked if FRA spied on such companies as the Russian energy giant Gazprom, the source said“Gazprom is one possible” adding that there are “many other, smaller players.”

In an interview with SVT, journalist Glenn Greenwald said “the NSA seems impressed by how much money and how much technological sophistication the Swedish have been able to assemble when building their own surveillance system.”

Commenting for the documentary on the intelligence gathering cooperation between the US and Sweden, Greenwald said they “work together when they perceive that their interests are mutually aligned and share information readily about a whole variety of topics, again having nothing to do with national security, including the energy sector in Russia.”

The latest leak has nothing to do with national security and is “very conclusive about the fact that part of what they are doing is spying on energy companies, obviously for economic advantage,” Greenwald added.

The West is very hypocritical about industrial espionage, in particular constantly accusing China of breaking the international laws by spying on Western companies, Greenwald told SVT.

“And yet here you find the United States and its closest allies in the espionage world, including Sweden, doing exactly that which they have long vehemently accused China of doing and have rigorously condemned over and over,” Greenwald said.

So far there have been no further details on the spying apart from the documents provided by Edward Snowden, Nils Hanson, chief editor of “Mission: Investigate,” told RT.

“The documents mention ‘unique’ intelligence, ‘classic’ intelligence and cables,” Hanson said.

A spokesman for the FRA said, “We cannot comment on these kinds of allegations,” but he nevertheless confirmed that the FRA is a “leading partner” of the NSA, adding that this was a “flattering” characterization.

Investigative journalist Duncan Campbell, who brought to light the close relationship between Sweden’s FRA and the NSA, told RT that with Sweden’s strategic location in the Baltic, the country has always been the envy of America’s intelligence services.

“Sweden always had a rather covert intelligence relationship with the west, during the years of the Cold War. They’ve been tempted secretly to the club of the ‘big spies,’ in which they offered goodies to the [Swedish] Prime Minister in return for betraying the privacy and security of all of their neighbors and many of their own citizens,” Campbell said.

“Sweden was their largest collaborator in Europe with the internet tapping program run by the Five Eyes group of English-speaking countries, and it does so because of the direct access to cables in the Baltic. It is no surprise that GCHQ and the NSA would want that, as well as everything else that they can take from Sweden,” he said.

Originally, the scandal hit the news on Thursday when Swedish television aired the program, revealing that Sweden spied on Russian officials, through the information obtained from Glenn Greenwald, the journalist responsible for Snowden’s leaks.

Last week, Sweden’s defense minister, Karin Enstrom, told TT news agency that Sweden needs to protect its national security.

“We need to conduct intelligence operations to protect Sweden against external threats,” said Enstrom, Sv riges Radio reported. “We have an operation that takes place within the framework of the FRA, with clear legislation, strict control and parliamentary oversight. But how it is done, and with whom Sweden cooperates, is not public information.”

In September, Metro’s daily investigative journalist Duncan Campbell disclosed information about Sweden’s ties to the NSA during a hearing of a committee in the European Parliament. Campbell revealed that the Swedish National Defence FRA provided the NSA and Britain’s Government Communications Headquarters (GCHQ) access to Baltic underwater cables. He added that Sweden was the third major partner in surveillance cooperation.

 Brazil and Germany introduced a draft resolution to the UN General Assembly calling for the creation of internationally recognized rights to privacy in the wake of the snowballing NSA spying scandal. Since Snowden’s leaks surfaced in June, protests demanding more privacy protection have engulfed countries around the globe. Media agencies 

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Next Big Congress canvasser Priyanka Gandhi

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Priyanka Gandhi

 

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Discover ‘accidental’ giant planet “HD 106906 b:

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This is an artist’s conception of a young planet in a distant orbit around its host star. (Photo: NASA/JPL-Caltech)

 

Believe it or not . A giant planet that has been found orbiting its star at 650 times the average Earth-Sun distance has stirred immense confusion in the minds of US astronomers, making them question planet formation theories.

The planet – currently known as HD 106906 b – weighs in at 11 times the mass of Jupiter and is orbiting its star at a massive distance of 60 billion miles – a much further distance than any planet has ever previously been seen orbiting its star.

The planet has been described as unlike anything astronomers have ever seen before.

“This system is especially fascinating because no model of either planet or star formation fully explains what we see,” said Vanessa Bailey, the team’s lead researcher with the University of Arizona’s astronomy department in a news release.

Planets such as Earth, which are located closer to their stars, are believed to be the results of the amalgamation of smaller asteroid-type bodies. The bodies themselves were formed after the gases and heavier elements remaining after the formation of the sun began to flatten and fuse with the help of the sun’s gravity.

However, with planets such as HD 106906 b, the process becomes more puzzling. The process of formation is far too slow for planets of such large mass, which are so far away from their star. However, Baily offered up her suggestion.

“A binary star system can be formed when two adjacent clumps of gas collapse more or less independently to form stars, and these stars are close enough to each other to exert a mutual gravitation attraction and bind them together in an orbit,” Bailey said.

“It is possible that in the case of HD 106906 system the star and planet collapsed independently from clumps of gas, but for some reason the planet’s progenitor clump was starved for material and never grew large enough to ignite and become a star,” she stated.

However, should Baily’s theorizing be correct, it would also induce further questions. The mass ratio of two stars in a binary system, as described by Bailey, is usually no more than 10:1. However, in the case of this new discovery, the mass ratio is over 100:1 – a correlation which could be deemed almost impossible under current theories of planet formation.

The findings are to be published in The Astrophysical Journal Letters under the title “HD 106906 b: A Planetary-mass Companion Outside a Massive Debris Disk.” Media agencies 

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Criminal background, Financial, Gender and other details of elected MLAs in Delhi Assembly Elections 2013

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Press Conference Invitation

Criminal background, Financial, Gender and other details of elected MLAs in Delhi Assembly Elections 2013

Delhi Election Watch and Association for Democratic Reforms cordially invites you for a Press Conference to release the analysis of Criminal background, Financial, Gender and other details of elected MLAs in Delhi Assembly elections 2013. We will also be releasing analysis of re-elected MLAs. 

Date: 9th December, 2013

Time: 3 PM

Venue: Press Club of India

1, Raisina Road, New Delhi-110 001
 ​

​Regards,

Media & Journalist Helpline +91 80103 94248 adr@adrindia.org

Mr. Anurag Mittal National Coordinator National Election Watch, Association for Democratic Reforms +91 9811108914 anurag@adrIndia.org

Prof Trilochan Sastry IIM Bangalore Founder Member, National Election Watch, Association for Democratic Reforms +91 9448353285, trilochans@iimb.ernet.in

Prof Jagdeep Chhokar IIM Ahmedabad (Retd.) Founder Member National Election Watch, Association for Democratic Reforms +91 9999620944 jchhokar@gmail.com

 

– 

Association for Democratic Reforms

“Kiwanis Centre”, 4th Floor,

B-35, Qutub Institutional Area

(Near Rockland Hospital)

New Delhi-110 016

 

M: +91 8010394248 

T: +91 11 41654200/01/02/03

F: 011 4609 4248

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Rahul: Congress party has the ability to transform itself

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Congress party has the ability to transform itself, to stand up to the expectations of the people of this country and the Congress party is going to do that.

We work for the people of this nation and it is our duty to listen to you. we are going to do whatever you want us to do to live up to your expectations.

I am going to put all my efforts in transforming the organization of the Congress party and…give you an organization that you can be proud of and has your voice embedded inside it.

The Congress party has a vision and perspective of this country…the BJP has another. Our job is to push our perspective and what we focus on.

My focus is what I can help the people of this country achieve. How can we transform the country to use the power of the youth in this country.

The Congress party, myself, and the Congress party president, would like to congratulate our opponents who have won the elections. – Rahul Gandhi

 

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Delhi Results: Closer Than They Seem?

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Bangalore, December 9^th:

• The Delhi Election Results
  • Outcome of the Delhi election shows extremely tight margins between the two leading parties: BJP and AAP.
  • Such close races exemplify the possibility of swinging electoral outcomes through the manipulation of an imperfectly maintained voter list.
  • Two pieces of data: 1) comparing margins of victory in ACs where the AAP lost to voter-list error rates and 2) sky-high numbers of additions to the voter list in a short-time period against low numbers of deletions, illustrate how errors in the voter list can undermine a democratic system.

 

• Margins of Victory
  • The below table illustrates the ACs in which the AAP margin of loss was approximately 5,000 votes or less.
  • In these AC’s, this margin was a fraction of the percentage of ‘Phantom Voter’ names requiring deletion from the voter list in those ACs.
    • The rate of ‘Phantom Voters’, or errors, in the list come from the recent Proper URban Electoral (PURE) List Study conducted by Janaagraha, a Bangalore-based not for profit, which found an average of 20% error in the voter lists of Delhi. 
  • The data illustrates that even if only a handful (in many cases less than 10%) of these Phantom Votes are cast, the outcome of the entire election could have changed.

 

• More Additions, Less Deletions: Too Much Strain on the System
  • These concerns are exacerbated by increased weight on the system at the time of elections.
  • As the table below indicates, the management of the voter list in the year running up to this election reports a clear bias towards addition of new names on the list over deletion of errors.

 

• This is seen by Janaagraha’s experience in Bangalore where 80% of verification officers are not present on the ground.
• Raising the machinery to cope with this influx of additions, while maintaining checks and balances, is highly unlikely as the Election Commission (EC) relies on overstretched local-level resources. 
• The EC themselves are aware this type of fraud occurs. They publically addressed a massive scandal in August 2013 where: 80 EC officials were arrested for taking bribes, 20,000 households were found with ‘inflated’, likely fraudulent, family members, and a number of migrants were found to have false voter cards.
• Political capture of votes has evolved. Getting bogus names on the voter list during a time of massive additions is not a difficult task. A ration card or a lease is sufficient as proof of residence for adding a name to the voter list.  As ration cards are provided at the municipal level and leases do not involve government machinery, falsifying records is possible.
•  In the seven weeks between September and October end, the number of additions were almost 5 lakh as compared to only 60 thousands deletions- i.e. deletions went down to 12% of additions. This indicates a massive upsurge of additions in a very short time-frame, from 800 additions per month in Jan- Sep, to 3,500 per month in September to October- a 400% increase.

 

• The Need For PURE Voter Lists
  • The above two pieces of data demand close scrutiny of processes meant to safeguard the voter list.
  • The outcome of the Delhi Election illustrates the importance of ensuring Proper URban Electoral (PURE) Lists, to rule out the real possibility of strategic casting of phantom votes, particularly in areas with incredibly tight margins.
  •  This data should create a stronger call to action for a more robust system to maintain voter lists and for the ECI to release further data on hourly voter turn- out by polling booth and comparative data on registered voters contrasted by votes cast.

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Jaypee Company! stop killing Alaknanda

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• Jaypee Company! stop killing Alaknanda : People will take their own action
• NGT orders Jt. Secretary, MoEF to present in court for the matter

            See photos on our blog <matuganga.blogspot.in>, taken on 29th November

Environment violations are continued by Jaypee Company in Vishnuprayag Hydro Electric project on River Alaknanda in Uttarakhand. It is a well known truth that on 16^th-17^th June, 2013 the gates of the Vishnuprayag Hydro Electric Project was not opened by the JAYPEE Company due to which a lot of muck got accumulated in the dam reservoir and a lake was formed which broke gates and created lot of destruction in the villages at the dam downstream. This also caused huge destruction to the environment. There is no plan yet to compensate this damage.

Even after continued agitations and reminder to government officials by affected people, the JAYPEE Company has not started following environmental safeguards of the region affected by the debris of the dam project while clearing the dam reservoir. No attention is being paid for the future protection of the areas downstream of the dam.

“Vishnuprayag Bandh Aapda Prabhavit Sangh” wrote a letter to Chief Conservator of Forests, Uttarakhand and District Forest Officer Mr. Rajeev Dhimanji about this continuing violation demanding “necessary steps to stop this, otherwise we will be left with no other choice but to stop this wrong doing on our own.” This letter was signed by Kishor Panwar, Navin Chowhan, Nikhil Panwar, Govind Panwar and others.

They wrote in the letter that this violation has been published in various newspapers and TV channels many times. On 29^th November, 2013 the District Forest Officer went to examine the site. He told us that in October the forest department fined the JAYPEE Company Rs. 1 lakh. He also said that, District Forest Officer is responsible to decide the amount of the fine.

There has been no change in the condition of the above specified area from October till now. Instead, the JAYPEE Company is violating the environmental standards and depositing the debris everywhere, including the river Alaknanda. It seems, as if they have bought the license of violating environmental standards by paying the Rs. 1 lakh fine. From 29^th November till today no move has been made by the District Forest Officer Rajeev Dhiman to stop this.

The Central Environmental and the Forest Ministry and the Government administration of Uttarakhand is not taking any action against this which is quite surprising to us. Matu Jansagthan also filed a case in National Green Tribunal on environment violation done by the project proponent of Vishnupryag HEP. The interim order in the last hearing on 20 November, the National Green Tribunal says -

“Despite service, nobody is present on behalf of Ministry of Environment and Forests (for short ‘MoEF’). It is strange phenomenon that despite oral directions, letters written to the MoEF and the matter being mentioned in the Meeting where Joint Secretary, Mr. Surjit Singh was present, nobody is appearing on behalf of the MoEF in the case. Presence of MoEF in this matter, which is of very serious consequences in relation to dumping of muck in the river Alaknanda, is essential before the Tribunal. It may be noticed that despite service and information, Counsel are not appearing in number of cases. Let Joint Secretary, Mr. Surjit Singh, who is dealing with the affairs of National Green Tribunal, be personally present in this case on the next date of hearing and shall produce the records in the case.”

And JAYPEE Co. has not yet filed their reply in this case. They are taking more time. It shows that they are playing their tactics to delay the matter. This is a major question which is related directly to the future of the affected areas.

On the international day for Human Rights we declare we will fight from ground to court for justice.

Vimalbhai, Dinesh Panwar

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Liberating Radio News from Government

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Foundation for Media Professionals (FMP)
In partnership with
Friedrich Ebert Stiftung (FES)
Invite you to,
A Panel Discussion on
Liberating Radio News from Government
Saturday, 14 December 2013
India International Centre – Annexe
Lecture Room No. 2 (Basement)
10 am to 1 pm
Followed by Lunch

PANELISTS
Ashish Sen
Arti Jaiman
Vinod Pavarala
N. Ramakrishnan
Kamal Kant Jaswal
Prashant Bhushan
Moderator
Paranjoy Guha Thakurta
( see attached poster)
India is perhaps the only democracy in the world where news on radio is still monopolized by the government. A PIL to free radio news from government control has been admitted by the Supreme Court.
Panelists:

Ashish Sen is President , ex Officio AMARC Asia-Pacific and Member AMARC -International Governance Committee. He was earlier the Director at VOICES, a Bangalore-based development communications NGO, Ashish is actively working on taking messages across and strengthening accountability linkages between government and citizenry.

Arti Jaiman is the Station Director of Gurgaon Ki Awaaz Samudayik Radio Station, a Community Radio Station that broadcasts in Hindi and Haryanvi for a target audience consisting of Gurgaon’s villagers and migrant workers. Arti is an active participant in the advocacy movement for community media in India through the Community Radio Forum of India, as well as AMARC, the world association of community radio broadcasters. She is a former arts journalist at The Economic Times, as well as co-founder and director of Pitara, a media company for children.

Kamal Kant Jaswal ( Rtd IAS) is the Director of Common Cause, an organization dedicated to redress the common problems of the people. Kamal Jaiswal served in the UP cadre of the IAS for over 36 years. During his career in the IAS, Kamal Jaiswal held a number of important positions in the field as well as the State and Central secretariat. During his long public career, Kamal Jaiswal specialized in rural development, industrial planning & promotion , public enterprise policy and privatization.

N. Ramakrishnan is the General Secretary, Community Radio Forum India and the Founder/Director of Ideosync Media Combine, a communication for social change organization. Mr.Ramakrishnan has worked on a number of behaviour change communication tools, including the National Award winning film Nirankush (1997), on female infanticide in the Indian state of Rajasthan; and the acclaimed Growing Up/Badhte Hum/Time of Our Lives (1998-2007) video module series on reproductive and sexual health for young people. In 2008, he authored a UNESCO commissioned manual on community radio technology, entitled CR: A User’s Guide to the Technology.

Prof. Vinod Pavarala teaches development communication, cultural studies, and research methodology at the Department of Communication, University of Hyderabad. Earlier Prof. Pavarala taught at the University of Pittsburgh , Virginia Tech ( Blacksburg , USA ), and IIT-Bombay. He is the author of Interpreting Corruption: Elite Perspectives in India (Sage, 1997) and co Author Other Voices: the struggle for community radio in India ( Sage in 2007) . Prof Pavarala is the Founder-President of the Community Radio Forum—India and is the UNESCO Chair on Community Media, the only one of its kind in the world.

Adv Prashant Bhushan is a senior Advocate of the Supreme Court of India and the counsel for the PIL field by an NGO Common Cause, seeking permission for private FM and community radio stations to air news. Prashant is well known figure in India for filling Public Interest Litigation for social awareness and exposing corruption cases.
Paranjoy Guha Thakurta is member of the Governing council of the Foundation for Media Professionals and is an independent journalist and an educator. His work experience spanning nearly 35 years, cuts across different media: print, radio, television and documentary cinema. He is a writer, speaker, anchor, interviewer and a commentator.

–
ninglun

Foundation for Media Professionals (FMP)
http://www.fmp.org.in

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Swami Haridas-Tansen Sangeet – Nritya Mahotsav

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 Swami Haridas-Tansen Sangeet – Nritya Mahotsav to be held on 16^th, 17^th & 18^thJanuary 2014 at 6:45 P:M at Shankar Lal Hall, Modern School, Barakhamba Road, New Delhi. I shall be grateful if you can cover this news item, viz “Swami Haridas-Tansen Sangeet – Nritya Mahotsav” in your Newspaper/ Magazine.

 

Attached please find the letter to editor.

 

Thanking you,

 

With Regards,

 

for Bhartiya Sangeet Sadan

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Monday events Photographed

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Wishing Mrs. Sonia Gandhi a very Happy Birthday

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Wishing Mrs. Sonia Gandhi a very Happy Birthday! Hopefully she continues to lead us for many years to come ‪#‎MNREGA‬ # INCGreetings

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Analysis of Financial, Criminal Background and Other Details of Newly Elected MLAs in the Delhi

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Analysis of Financial, Criminal Background and Other Details of Newly Elected MLAs in the Delhi Assembly Elections, 2013

Association of Democratic Reforms (ADR) and Delhi Election Watch (DEW) have analyzed the self-sworn affidavits of all 70 newly elected MLAs in the Delhi 2013 Assembly Elections. Detailed reports in Hindi and English are attached with this mail

Summary and Highlights:

Asset and Criminal background Comparison of Re-elected MLAs:

·        Number of Re-elected MLAs: Delhi Election Watch has analysed the affidavits of all 22 re-elected MLAs.

 Re-elected Winners with Criminal Cases: There are 15 re-elected MLAs who have declared criminal cases in 2013. Out of these 15 re-elected MLAs, 10 had declared criminal cases in the last assembly elections too.

 Average Asset growth of Re-elected MLAs in 2013 Elections: The average asset of these 22 re-elected MLAs now in 2013 is Rs 14.22 Crores. The average assets of these 22 MLAs in 2008 was Rs. 3.24 Crores. The average asset growth of these 22 re-elected MLAs is 338% or by Rs. 10.97 Crores.

Party Wise Average Asset Increase: 13 re-elected MLAs of BJP have shown an average asset increase of 392%or Rs 14.10 Crores. Similarly for 8 re-elected MLAs of INC the average asset increase is 237% or  Rs 7.20 Crores. 1re-elected MLA of JD(U) has shown an average increase in assets of 164% or Rs 45.89 Lakhs.

·Highest growth In Assets in 5 years (2008-2013): The maximum growth in assets has been for Sat Prakash Rana of BJP from Bijwasan Constituency. He has declared an increase of Rs. 105.51 Crores (1652%) i.e from Rs. 6.38 Crores in 2008 to Rs. 111.89 Crores in 2013(Sat Prakash Rana has not declared the value of two vehicles in his 2008 affidavit). Assets of Devender Yadav of INC from Badli Constituency have increased by Rs 20.04 Crores (271%),i.e. from Rs. 7.38 Crores in 2008 to Rs 27.43 Crores in 2013(Devender Yadav has not declared the value of two vehicles and two LIC policies in his 2008 affidavit). Assets of Dharm Dev Solanki of BJP from Palam Constituency have risen by Rs 18.01 Crores (191%), from Rs 9.42 Crores in 2008 to Rs 27.43 Crores in 2013 (Dharm Dev Solanki has not declared value of two vehicles and LIC policy of Rs. 6 Lakhs has not been considered in his 2008 affidavit).

Financial, Criminal and Other details of newly elected MLAs in the Delhi Assembly Elections, 2013

Party Name	Total number of MLAs analyzed	Crorepati MLAs	% Crorepatis	Average Assets (Rs.)	MLAs with declared Criminal Cases	% of MLAs with declared criminal cases	Male MLAs	Female MLAs
BJP	31	30	97%	Rs 12,49,21,821 ~ 12 Crore+	17	55%	31	0
Aam Aadmi Party	28	12	43%	Rs 1,82,29,392 ~ 1 Crore+	3	11%	25	3
INC	8	7	88%	Rs 10,25,13,053 ~ 10 Crore+	2	25%	8	0
SAD	1	1	100%	Rs 2,35,51,23,043 ~ 235 Crore+	1	100%	1	0
IND	1	1	100%	Rs 1,57,65,257 ~ 1 Crore+	1	100%	1	0
JD(U)	1	0	0%	Rs 73,95,822 ~ 73 Lacs+	1	100%	1	0
All Parties	70	51	73%	Rs 10,83,05,542 10 Crore+	25	36%	67	3

Table: Party wise summary details

Financial:

Crorepati MLAs: 51 (73%) out of 70 MLAs are crorepatis. In 2008, 47 (69%) MLAs were crorepatis.

Party Wise Crorepati MLAs: 30 (97%) out of 31 BJP MLAs are crorepatis while 12 (43%) out of 28 MLAs of AAP are crorepatis. There are 7 crorepati MLAs from INC and one MLA from SAD. The only Independent MLA is also a crorepati.

Average Assets: The average asset per MLA in the Delhi 2013 Assembly Elections is Rs. 10.83 Crores. In 2008, it was Rs. 2.94 Crores.

Comparison of Crorepati MLAs (2008-2013):

Party Name	Delhi 2013 Assembly Elections			Delhi 2008 Assembly Elections
	Total number of MLAs analyzed	Crorepati MLAs	Percentage of Crorepati MLAs	Total number of MLAs analyzed	Crorepatis MLAs	Percentage of Crorepati MLAs
BJP	31	30	97%	23	19	83%
AAM AADMI PARTY	28	12	43%	0	0	0%
INC	8	7	88%	40	25	63%
IND	1	1	100%	1	1	100%
Others	2	1	50%	4	2	50%
Total	70	51	73%	68	47	69%

Table: Comparison of crorepati MLAs

Party-wise Average Assets: The average asset per MLA for BJP is Rs.12.49 Crores, for AAP it is Rs.1.82 Crore and for INC it is Rs 10.25 Crores.

Highest Asset MLAs: Top 3 MLAs with highest declared assets are Manjinder Singh Sirsa of SAD from Rajouri garden constituency with declared assets of Rs.235.51 Crores followed by Sat Prakash Rana of BJP from Bijwasan constituency with assets worth Rs. 111.89 Crores and Dharm dev Solanki of BJP from Palam constituency with declared assets worth Rs.27.43 Crores.       .

·Chances of Winning for a Crorepati Candidate: The chances of winning for crorepati candidates is as high as 26% while the same for candidates with low assets is 7%.

Party	Total No. of Candidates analyzed	Crorepati Candidates	Candidates with low assets (Less than 1 Crore)	Total No. of Winners	Crorepati Winners		Winners with low assets (Less than 1 Crore)	Chances of winning for crorepati candidates (No. of Crorepati Winners / No. of Crorepati Candidates	Chances of Winning for Candidates with Low Assets (No. of winners with Low Assets/No. of Candidates with Low Assets)
BJP	68	58	10	31	30	1		52%	10%
AAM AADMI PARTY	70	33	37	28	12	16		36%	43%
INC	70	61	9	8	7	1		11%	11%
SAD	2	2	0	1	1	0		50%	-
IND	218	37	181	1	1	0		3%	0%
JD(U)	27	7	20	1	0	1		0%	5%
Total	455	198	257	70	51	19		26%	7%

Table: Chances of winning for crorepati candidates

Low Asset MLAs: Dharmender Singh Koli of AAP from Seemapuri constituency has declared lowest assets worth Rs. 20,800 followed by Rakhi Birla of AAP from Mangolpuri constituency with assets worth Rs. 51,150and Akhilesh Pati tripathi of AAP from Model Town has declared assets worth Rs. 1.59 Lakhs.

High Liability MLAs: A total of 12 MLAs have declared liabilities of Rs. 1 Crore and above. The top three MLAs with highest declared liabilities are Manjinder Singh Sirsa of SAD from Rajouri Garden Constituency with declared liabilities worth Rs. 32.01 Crores, followed by Veena Anand of AAP from Patel Nagar Constituency with liabilities of Rs. 7.60 Crores and Nand Kishore Garg of BJP from Trinagar Constituency with declared liabilities of Rs. 5.59 Crores.

Undeclared PAN : Dharmender Singh Koli of AAP from Seemapuri constituency is the only MLA who has not declared his PAN details.

MLAs who have not declared their ITR: 7 MLAs declared that they have not filed their Income Tax Returns.

Highest Income declared in their last ITR: Manjinder Singh Sirsa of SAD from Rajouri Garden constituency has declared the highest income in his ITR of Rs.1.50 Crore followed by Sat Prakash Rana of BJP from Bijwasan constituency with an income of Rs. 83.45 Lakhs and Manoj Kumar Shokeen of BJP from Nangloi Jat constituency has declared an income ofRs. 63.68 Lakhs.

Criminal:

MLAs with Criminal Cases: 36% or 25 of the 70 MLAs have declared criminal cases against them. In 2008, 43% MLAs had declared criminal cases.

Party-Wise Candidates with Declared Criminal Cases: BJP has 17 out of 31 (55%), AAP has 3 out of 28(11%) and INC has 2 out of 8 (25%) MLAs who have declared criminal cases. One MLA from JD(U), one from SAD (Akali Dal) and one independent MLA have declared criminal cases against them.

MLAs with Serious Criminal Cases:  Out of the 25 MLAs with criminal cases, 20 MLAs have declared serious criminal cases like attempt to murder, dacoity and assault against women etc.

Candidates with serious criminal cases who lost the election: Out of 94 candidates who contested with serious criminal cases in Delhi Assembly Elections, 74 candidates lost the elections.

Comparison of MLAs with criminal cases (2008-2013):

Party Name	Delhi 2013 Assembly Elections					Delhi 2008 Assembly Election
	Total number of MLAs analyzed	MLAs with declared Criminal Cases	% of MLAs with declared criminal cases	MLAs with serious declared criminal cases

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Charity drive associated with Airtel Delhi Half Marathon 2013

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Charity drive associated with Airtel Delhi Half Marathon 2013 poised for a substantial increase Concern Indian Foundation

                                                                           December 9, 2013

The Airtel Delhi Half Marathon, the worldⳠmost prestigious half marathon, will see a huge increase in the participation of physically disabled and no. of causes from the NGOs in the ninth edition, which will be flagged off from the iconic Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium on Sunday, 15^th December, 2013.

Concern India Foundation informed the media on Monday that ADHM have allowed all physically disabled people to run at the 4-km შampions with Disability⬠which was earlier restricted to wheelchair runners only. Hence this year the participation in this category has increased by 100 per cent.

Nidhi Singh, Director, Concern India Foundation said they raised 4.2 crores last year and the amount benefitted 50 NGOs. 㔨is year 101 NGOs and 22 corporate will support the charity drive in two categories – Dream Makers and Dream Challengers and we all are aiming more than previous year. There is also 27% increase in the women participants䬠she informed during the press conference.

Mr. Dilip Jayaram, CEO Procam International said: ねongst the five ᰩllars of distance running⬠one is შarity⮠ADHM gives citizens an opportunity to convert from arm chair cynics to active crusaders.䠈e further added that this year there will be 31,700 runners and more than 100 causes, 33% hike from last year.

Mr. Jayaram also supports Sense International, an Allahabad based NGO, which is promoted by Zamir Dhale. Zamir, a deaf, dumb and blind, trained Amitabh Bachchan and Rani Mukherjee in the movie Black.

Zamir expressed his views by using a laptop, said: ね glad to be a hear today as part of Airtel Delhi Half Marathon and am happy this platform serves an opportunity to people to achieve their dreams. I recently attended the Helen Keller International conference and this helped me learn a lot. ItⳠimportant, that all people here need to learn to communicate with deaf and blind by writing on palm and help them to be independent. It will give them immense confidence.伯span>

Mr. Arun Kumar Jain, Managing Director of Fluor CorporationⳠIndia entity informed the media that there are around 100 corporate teams will participate in ADHM 2013.  Fluor CorporationⳠIndia organises camps for child welfare, women issues etc. They work with Mahavir Internationals, Jaipur Foot, Leprosy India, Khushboo, etc.

㔨rough the combined effort of the organisers, NGOs and, of course, the participants and donors, people have come to recognise the Airtel Delhi Half Marathon as an event that combines the spirit of sportsmanship with that of charity. It is easy to donate money but itⳠnot easy to donate time䬠Mr. Jain stated.

The Airtel Delhi Half Marathon is not just a sporting event or a means to raise funds, rather it is a coming together of people. It is an event that allows NGOs, corporates and individuals to work together to create a positive and lasting impact on the lives of those who need it the most.

For further information, please contact:

CONCEPT PR

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

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Foreign Exchange Earnings from Tourism grow at 21.8% during 2012

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Foreign Exchange Earnings from Tourism grow at 21.8% during 2012

According to the UNWTO World Tourism Barometer, June 2013, India stood at 16^th rank in the World Tourism Receipts during 2012. However, among the Asia & Pacific Region India ’s rank was 7^th in terms of tourism receipts during 2012.

In order to boost country’s tourism, the Government of India has amended its Visa Manual to extend the collective landing permits facility with effect from 1^st April 2013. Further, foreign tourists in groups of four or more arriving by air or sea and sponsored by Indian travel agencies approved by the Ministry of Tourism and with a pre-drawn itinerary will be granted collective landing permit for a period not exceeding 60 days, with multiple entry facilities. The total airports operating the Tourist Visa on arrival facility this year has also gone upto 8 with addition of 4 more airports. Other facilities include simplification of conference visas which does not require a 60 day gap between two consecutive visits by an international tourist to India .

The Foreign Exchange Earnings (FEEs) through tourism in India during recent years

Year	FEEs (in Rs. crore)	Growth over previous year (%)
2008	51,294	15.6
2009	53,700	4.7
2010	64,889	20.8
2011	77,591	19.6
2012	94,487	21.8

 Source: PHD Research Bureau, compiled from Ministry of Tourism

In addition, the Ministry of Tourism, as part of its on-going activities, annually releases print, electronic, online and outdoor media campaigns in the international and domestic markets, under the Incredible India brand-line, to promote various tourism destinations and products of the country and to increase foreign tourist arrivals to the country. A series of promotional activities are undertaken in important and potential tourist generating markets overseas through India tourism offices abroad with the objective of showcasing India ’s tourism potential and increasing tourist arrivals to the country. These promotional activities include participation in travel fairs and exhibitions; organising road shows, know India seminars & workshops; organizing and supporting Indian food and cultural festivals; publication of brochures; offering joint advertising and brochure support and inviting media personalities, tour operators and opinion makers to visit the country under the Hospitality Programme of the Ministry.

The Ministry of Tourism also provides financial assistance to stakeholders and all States/Union Territory Tourism Departments for promotion of tourism in the international markets under the Marketing Development Assistance (MDA) Scheme. Other efforts made by Ministry of Tourism to boost tourist inflow include promoting safe & honourable tourism, improving the facilities for foreign and domestic tourists, creation/ upgradation of tourism infrastructure, wayside amenities, providing last mile connectivity, increasing the availability of trained manpower, etc.

Warm regards,

Dr. S P Sharma

Chief Economist

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Angad Cheema triumphs at Dialog Enterprise International

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Angad Cheema triumphs at Dialog Enterprise International, records second professional win

Colombo, Sri Lanka, December 8, 2013: Indian rookie Angad Cheema recorded his second professional win and maiden title on the PGTI after he triumphed at the Dialog Enterprise International played at the Royal Colombo Golf Club in Sri Lanka. Cheema fired a score of 14 in the final round to take his total to 66 points for the week. Sri Lankan N Thangaraja finished two points behind the winner to claim the runner-up spot.

The scoring format for the tournament was Modified Stableford. As per this format, Par = 0 points, One over = -1 point, Double bogey and worse = -3 points, No score returned = -3 points, One under = 3 points, Two under = 5 points, Three under = 8 points.

The 23-year-old Angad Cheema, who had also won on the PGTI Feeder Tour earlier this year, led from round one to the end, having shot scores of 24, 10, 18 and 14. Angad made an eagle, four birdies and three bogeys in the final round to claim his second professional title and climb from fifth to third position on the Rolex Rankings.

Cheema said, “My father advised me to go out and play good golf and not worry about the format and scoring before the start of this tournament. His advice helped me a great deal. This win means a lot to me and has given me immense satisfaction and confidence going forward. My hitting and putting was excellent throughout the tournament.

“I had a slow start as I made a few bogeys in the initial stages. However, I did well to comeback with an eagle and four birdies thereafter. It’s been a great rookie season for me so far as I’ve had three other top-5 finishes on the PGTI and another top-10 besides a victory on the PGTI Feeder Tour. I learnt a lot from my experiences during the season which helped me break the victory barrier here,” added the Chandigarh-based Cheema.

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INVITE
           
Dear Sir/Madam,

Procam International, promoters of the Airtel Delhi Half Marathon, invites you to a Meet & Greet session at 4.00 pm on Thursday, December 12, with the International Elite Athletes at the Media Center of the Airtel Delhi Half Marathon 2013.

Defending Champion Edwin Kipyego, and the World’s fastest men of 2013 Geoffrey Kipsang will be present, along with the World’s fastest Women of 2013 Lucy Kabuu and Meseret Hailu.
Jos Hermens of Global Sports Communication (GSC) will also be present.

Day & Date:                 Thursday, December 12, 2013

Time:                          4.00 p.m.

Venue:                        Media Center, 1st Floor, Jawaharlal  
                                                 Nehru Stadium (Gate no.1)

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Madhuri Dixit for the first time on Dance India Dance

11122013

 

Apart from her timeless beauty, if there’s one thing the Dhak Dhak girl has always stood for, it is DANCE! It is only natural, then, that viewers have wondered when they will get to see Madhuri Dixit, the darling of millions, on India’s biggest dance reality show – Dance India Dance. Be it as a result of contractual obligations or other circumstances that came in the way, Madhuri has been one celebrity guest conspicuous by her absence on a platform dedicated to the celebration of sheer excellence in dance. But the wait is finally over … and the gorgeous screen goddess will soon be seen on DID at 9 PM on Saturday, 14^th December promoting her next big-ticket release Dedh Ishqiya.   

Her upcoming visit to the sets of the show has stirred up a lot of excitement amongst the judges, host and the contestants of the show … with each one planning what they’d like to say to her, what dance acts they would like to put up in front of her, how they’d love to make her dance to their favorite Madhuri number!

Master Shruti Merchant who has had the privilege of choreographing Madhuri in Aaja Nachle says, “It’s a towering responsibility on any choreographer’s shoulders to work with Madhuri as it is criminal not to leverage her immense prowess as a dancer and extract her absolute best. The challenge with her is to present her in a breathtaking manner that she has so far not been seen in! And reinventing Madhuri who has already displayed such vast range and versatility is never easy! The bottom line is it’s a delight and an honor to work with her! ”

Master Feroz reveals, “Madhuri and I have danced together in Kay Sera Sera… I was a background dancer back then … In fact, there’s a prominent portion of the song where she punches me in the face. I remember she was unwell when she came down to learn the choreography from Prabhu sir and despite that, she had the entire number firmly set and in smooth sync within hours of her first briefing.”   

If there’s one contestant who has not been able to sleep ever since she’s heard about Madhuri’s upcoming visit, that would have to be 21 year Swarali … the Mumbai chi Marathi Mulgi  has idolized Madhuri ever since she was knee-high and has won several dance competitions performing to her numbers. She says, ”I am worried by the time Madhuri Ji comes on the sets, I will be worn out with my over-excitement. For me, Madhuri is God and I cannot sleep until I see her now”

Stay tuned to this space for more on this exciting episode of Dance India Dance with dancing queen Madhuri Dixit!

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Manini Mishra in Diya Aur Baati Hum

11122013

Manini Mishra, who is best remembered for her mean & unconventional characters in various television shows, is all set to play a strict, disciplinarian fitness & training coach in Star Plus⠄iya aur Baati Hum.

Putting an end to various speculations, the producer Sumeet Mittal says, 㔨e role of Sandhya’s training coach is very crucial in the show and Manini fits the part perfectly. She is a strong actress and she can carry off this part with ease.伯span>

With Sandhya (essayed by Deepika Singh) going to leave home soon to undertake the IPS training, new set of characters are being introduced to step up the drama and build the track around her IPS journey. Manini’s role will be on the lines of Prakash RajⳊin༩>Bhaag Milkha Bhaag.༯i> Others who had been approached for the role before Manini got finalised were Mita Vashisth, Mandira Bedi and Vidya Malawde.

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Diya aur Baati Hum to be shot in Karnal

 With Sandhya of Star Plus’ most viewed show ‘Diya Aur Baati Hum’ gearing up for her IPS training, the production house has been busy scouting for locations where they can shoot this training sequence. They went to various places like Hyderabad, Dehradun to look for the perfect training ground for Sandhya.

According to a source, the hunt is finally over as the makers have decided to shoot at the Haryana Police Commando Complex in Newal, Karnal. The team conducted a recce of the location last week and has finalized it.

The cast & crew will head to Karnal around mid December for a 15-day shoot. When contacted producer Mr. Sumeet Mittal, he told us, “This is an important sequence on the show and we wanted to choose a location which gives a real picture of an IPS training regime. We have chosen Karnal as the location.“

 To find out more, tune in to Star Plus, every Monday- Friday at 9.00 pm!

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LalludasDesai,the minister of Last Nawab of Bharuch:Talk Dr Samira

11122013

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Procam International announces detailed arrangements for Airtel Delhi Half Marathon 2013

11122013

New Delhi, 11th December 2013: Procam International, promoters of the Airtel Delhi Half Marathon, unveiled the Route Map for the event and outlined the medical facilities and other arrangements that will be put in place for the 31,000 plus participants expected to run on race day. Present on the occasion was Anil Shukla, Additional Commissioner of Police, Traffic, Dr Tamorish Kotel, Medical Director of the Race, Race Director Hugh Jones and Vivek B Singh, Jt. Managing Director of Procam International.

Anil Shukla, Additional Commissioner of Police, Traffic said “It gives me great pleasure to be a part of the Airtel Delhi Half Marathon and it’s good to see that the event has grown in every manner. This is definitely a long route and we will have our team in full strength to support the event. We close certain routes from 6 am.

“For this year, we have created a few diversions. There is a right turn on Bhishma Pitamah Marg and a left turn on Lodhi Road among others. The people of Delhi have always been supportive and the enthusiasm they share is great,” he added.

Medical Partner Max Healthcare will ensure that every participant has a safe a healthy run and have made elaborate arrangements for the same. “There will two Base Stations, including one especially for Senior Citizens, and six medical stations along the route. Seven advanced Cardiac Life Support ambulances will be pressed into service and manning these will be over 150 doctors, 50 physiotherapists and 100 plus nurses & paramedics,” stated Medical Director Dr. Tamorish Kole.

There will be one Base Camp at the Start and Finish of the Half Marathon and the Great Delhi Run, which will have between 50 to 60 beds, 1400 litres of water, 300 kgs of ice in cube form, Enerzal, 15 tables with drapes, first aid kits, medicines, relief sprays etc.

The second base camp will be at the Start/Finish of the Senior Citizens’ Run and will have around 12 beds with all of the above.

Each of the six medical stations along the route will have 300 litres of water, 150ks of ice, Gatorade, 2 tables with drapes, first aid kits, relief sprays etc.

To keep all participants sufficiently hydrated there will be 14 water stations along the route, from where around 85,000 litres of water will be distributed. These water stations will also distribute around 13,000 tetra packs of Enerzal to the participants. There will also be four orange stations from where oranges will be distributed..

Besides these arrangements, there would be sufficient Law & Order and Traffic Police on Race Day to prevent any untoward incidents. Their efforts would be supplemented by 800 private security guards and around 1000 volunteers. 

Arrangements have been made for a total of 100 Porta Pottys, from which 72 will be distributed in the holding areas at the J L N Stadium, while 28 will be stationed along the route.

Procam International has always ensured that thorough cleanup drives are conducted immediately after the event to restore the roads to the condition they were in prior to the event.

This year Procam International has appointed Indian Pollution Control Association (IPCA), who specialise in waste management, to undertake this task.

All the waste from 21 km route will be collected and brought to the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, where it will be segregated into dry and wet waste. The same will then be sent to the recycling plants.

All types of Plastic waste and PET bottles will be recycled into plastic granules, while paper waste of all kind will be recycled at the Muzaffarnagar Paper Mill.

The Airtel Delhi Half Marathon will be telecast live on Star Sports 4, the Channel Partner, from7.00 am to 10.00 am with a Simulcast on DD Sports, the Broadcast Partner.

The Airtel Delhi Half Marathon 2012 for Elite men will start at 7.20 am, followed by the Half Marathon for Elite women at 7.25 am. The Open Half Marathon will start at 7.40 am, followed by the Champions With Disability Event at 8.10am, the Senior Citizens’ Run at 8.20 am and the Great Delhi Run at 9.30 am.

For further information, please contact:

CONCEPT PR

 

Animesh Biswas +91 9891789639 animesh@conceptpr.com

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Latest Adobe Stats Show Rapid Growth in Digital Publication Readership

11122013

Posted on December 11, 2013 by sagarmedia

Free License to Adobe’s .folio File Specification Aids Expansion of Digital Publishing Industry

India, New Delhi. —December 11, 2013 — Adobe (Nasdaq:ADBE) today released data that shows Adobe® Digital Publishing Suite (DPS) is powering significant circulation growth and reader engagement in digital magazines. Since the launch of Adobe DPS, less than three years ago, more than 150 million digital publications have been downloaded on mobile devices. And in the last twelve months publishers have added more than three times as many unique readers to their digital editions, when compared to 2012.  Data also shows readers are engaging deeply with the digital magazines, with subscribers spending an average of 50 minutes* in DPS digital issues each month. Building on this momentum Adobe today announced that, in Q1 2014, it will publish the technical specification for the .folio format for digital magazines under a free license. This will further accelerate digital publication adoption, enabling newsstands to produce their own viewing apps capable of displaying digital magazines built using DPS.

DPS Features Power Reader Engagement

Consumer marketing tools included in DPS magazine apps are helping drive readership growth and can be customized for each title. Features include social sharing of articles on major social networks, including Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest; free preview capabilities for individual articles or entire issues; and custom push notifications that alert readers to new content. These tools have engaged new readers and increased content sales for publishers by improving discovery, immediate access to content and timing/placement of purchase offers. Adobe has published a best practices guide to assist publishers in taking full advantage of DPS features to generate awareness, collect data, formulate optimal pricing and subscription offers, and ultimately maximize readership and purchase conversion. DPS is also used by companies and educational institutions to build beautiful app experiences for their employees and customers.

.folio to be Offered Under Free License

Publishers are increasingly seeking to leverage DPS as their primary digital publishing platform across operating systems and newsstands, including those where DPS magazine apps are not available. In order to maximize reach for digital magazines built using DPS, Adobe will publish, in Q1 2014, the technical specification for the .folio format for digital magazines under a free license. .folio is the format in which all DPS magazines are published and has become the de facto standard for interactive digital editions. This free license will enable any newsstand licensee to implement its own .folio viewer.

Quotes

Nick Bogaty, head of digital publishing, Adobe

·         “As the leading digital publishing platform, DPS powers more than three quarters of all digital issues consumed on mobile devices. Engaging reading experiences combined with in-app consumer marketing capabilities provide publishers with the tools they need to continue generating explosive growth in digital circulation. This makes DPS a powerful solution for driving sales of digital content as well as high-value advertising experiences.”

·         “Adobe has a long tradition of creating and supporting open file formats to enable content publishing and distribution.  PDF was instrumental to the advent of desktop publishing and document sharing, and our work in Web standards, including HTML5, has advanced what’s possible to do on the Web and in mobile apps.  We are thrilled to make .folio available for free use to accelerate the growth of digital magazines and other publications.”

Adobe’s newly appointed head of digital publishing for Asia Pacific, Michael Stoddart

·         “In the last 12 months media publishers in Australia have recognised the opportunities presented by digital and publishers including News Limited, Pacific Magazines, NewsLifeMedia and Bauer have all begun their digital transformations with Adobe DPS. In 2014, we expect to see more commercial entities shift to digital as they recognize the opportunities it can deliver. Already we have seen NRMA’s Open Road and David Jones validate Adobe’s DPS platform beyond traditional publishing.”

·         “Data that allows brands to forge a direct relationship with customers is the key driver of digital publishing. Adobe DPS brings together social sharing, digital marketing and direct engagement which leads to a more personalised, deeper and long term relationship.”

·         “Saving costs and avoiding paper wastage are obvious benefits of digital. Digital platforms also allow companies to be more nimble with their marketing campaigns. Brands can adapt marketing campaigns to market conditions quickly and easily on a digital platform.”

·         “Developers and partners across Australia and New Zealand will view this opening of the .folio format as an opportunity to develop solutions that are standardized on an industry-recognised format and applicable to specific local market requirements.”

Helpful Links

·         Adobe DPS Blog

·         Dive deeper into the DPS consumer marketing tools in a whitepaper by Adobe:Driving Digital Readership

·         Additional information on DPS customers: DPS Customer Gallery

·         For product features, pricing and language versions:www.adobe.com/digitalpublishing

·         DPS on Facebook

·         DPS on Twitter

*Source: Aggregated Adobe Digital Publishing Analytics

About Adobe Systems Incorporated

Adobe is changing the world through digital experiences. For more information, visitwww.adobe.com/au. For updates and news about Adobe Australia, follow us on Twitter or like us on Facebook at AdobeANZ and AdobeStudentsANZ

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LG launches World’s First -Curved OLED TV & Curved flexing smartphone

11122013

LG breaks all the barriers of imagination and launches

World’s First -Curved OLED TV & Curved flexing smartphone

New Delhi, 11^th December 2013– LG Electronics today showcased revolution that created waves in the world and is here to take India by surprise. Setting a new milestone in the evolution of the smart screen, LG proudly announced the India arrival of the World’s first stunning range of Curved products, World’s first LG Curved OLED TV, the 55EA9800 and LG G Flex, the world’s first curved flexing smartphone. With the curved range of displays and flexible screens, LG continues to pioneer on futuristic technologies to create premium products.

The industry’s very first curved screen LG 55″ Curved OLED TV features a path breaking ergonomic design with full CINEMA 3D support, cinematic experience and proprietary WRGB technology. The incredibly thin display has a gentle inward flex design, removing the problem of screen-edge visual distortion and detail loss.

The LG G Flex is the latest device in LG’s premium G Series. The G Flex incorporates proprietary innovations from other LG companies in the form of the display and battery such as LG Display and LG Chem. The LG G Flex has captivated early adopters everywhere as the first smartphone curved to follow the contour of the human face, made possible with the implementation of the world’s first curved smartphone battery.

Mr. Soon Kwon, MD – LG India said, “We are proud to present LG Curved OLED TV and LG G Flex Smartphone, world’s first curved technology products to India. India is a strategic market for LG and we are the first company to launch the curved series in this market. The unique and immersive curved design will provide consumers with an ultimate viewing experience. We have initiated a wave of groundbreaking innovation for the industry and also created a milestone for ourselves. We have surpassed anything seen before with our latest innovative creations.”

“The Home Entertainment and Mobile segment is fueled by constant change and growth with new products entering the market every day. Both these segments are growth engines for LG India, and we will strengthen the product portfolio further with new launches. Our target is to capture 30% market share in flat panels and 10% market share in smart phones by end of next year,” added Kwon.

LG CURVED OLED

Picture Perfect

LG’s groundbreaking Curved OLED TV (55EA9800) features unique 4-color pixel technology, a staggeringly thin display (just 4.3mm), a dramatic Curved design and a vivid picture quality that is practically indiscernible from colors found in nature. LG’s Curved OLED TV truly represents the future of TV and is the culmination of years of research and development, with LG committed to continued investment in this technology. LG Curved OLED TV features perfect contrast, absolute motion clarity and a display that produces a pristine image no matter the viewing angle.

Vivid Color and Infinite Contrast

The features that put this television above the rest include its vivid 4 color pixel technology that adds a white sub-pixel to the conventional red, green and blue pixels. The television also allows for ultimate contrast with independently lighted pixels to control their own luminance. Images are now as alive as life, since the contrast ratio is well beyond conventional measure. With self-lighting pixel technology, the TV can range from blazing white to the darkest black with a greater sense of realism and depth on all content.

Clear Speaker

LG’s Clear Speakers offer high quality sound to match the picture quality of the OLED TV. The two channel speaker system consists of thin ceramic film speakers that produce elegant sound. With refined sound at the higher frequencies, you can always enjoy crystal-clear sound at any range or level ahead of conventional display.

Magic Remote

Simple and fun way to choose what one wants to watch. It has features like Gesture, Pointing, Wheel, Voice, and Universal Control; which is the most convenient and advanced TV remote.

The LG Curved OLED 55EA9800 will be available for Rs. 999,000 and is available across LG best shops.

LG G Flex Smartphone

Form + Function: Design that Understands Human Curves

The vertically curved design of the LG G Flex reduces the distance between one’s mouth to the microphone when the device is held against the ear, as traditional telephone handsets used to. The LG G Flex employs a curvature arc that is optimized for the average face, to deliver improved voice and sound quality. The curved form increases the sound level by 3dB compared to typical flat smartphones. The curved design also offers a more reassuring grip and fits more comfortably in one’s back pocket. Also, in landscape mode, the display offers a cinematic experience, with the result being the most comfortable viewing angle for watching videos or playing games. LG G Flex also features the Rear Key first introduced in the LG G2. Devoid of any buttons on the sides, there is less chance of accidentally powering off the phone and the convenience of using one’s index finger to adjust the volume when conversing is maintained.

Innovation Delivered Through Collaboration

The development of LG G Flex was only possible through the successful collaboration with sister companies LG Display and LG Chem. The 6-inch display found in the G Flex is the world’s largest Plastic OLED (POLED) display developed and mass produced specifically for smartphones. The ultra-thin, ultra-light flexible POLED display and curved OLED panel are built on plastic substrates instead of glass, giving LG G Flex its unique shape and durability. The POLED display is brighter and more precise thanks to the application of Real RGB, which contains all three sub-pixels — red, green and blue — in one pixel.

User-Centered Technologies

Among the several new technologies, the LG G Flex is the first smartphone to apply a “Self-Healing” coating on the back cover. The elastic coating has the ability to recover from the daily wear-and-tear scratches and nicks that un-cased smartphones are likely to receive, keeping the G Flex looking newer longer.

LG G Flex will be available in India in February 2014.

About LG Electronics, Inc.

LG Electronics India Pvt. Ltd., a wholly owned subsidiary of LG Electronics, South Korea was established in January 1997 in India. It is one of the most formidable brands in consumer electronics, home appliances, IT hardware and mobile communications space. In India for a decade, LG has earned a premium brand positioning and is the acknowledged trendsetter for the industry.

LGEIL’s manufacturing unit at Greater Noida is one of the most eco-friendly units among all LG manufacturing plants in the world. The second Greenfield facility is located at Ranjangaon; Pune has the capacity to manufacture, LED TVs, Air Conditioners, washing machine and refrigerators.

Media Contact:

Neeta Linz- neeta.linz@lge.com

Arem Mukim- arem.mukim@lge.com

Divya Khurana- divya.khurana@lg-one.com

Shubreet Sidhu- Shubreet.sidhu@lg-one.com

Kshitija Sharma- Kshitija.sharma@lg-one.com

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On Human Rights Day,People’s Movements Assert Right to Life,

11122013

Human Rights Day

People’s Movements Assert Right to Life, Dignity and Nature

and Expose Failure of Rights Institutions and the State   

Mumbai / Nagpur / Delhi, December 10 : Today is Human Rights Day. It is a recognition of the rights of the people but will mean nothing if people across the globe didn’t fight to assert those rights and fight for it.

On this day hundreds of working class people living in slums, bastis, resettlement colonies of Mumbai, under the banner of Ghar Bachao Ghar Banao Andolan, protested in front of State Human Rights Commission, Maharashtra demanding its complete failure in protecting their rights. They charged complete absence of basic amenities – water, sanitation, electricity, education and health services. Rights bodies in State have failed to prevent or provide relief when their homes have been demolished unjustly by the administration or been arbitrarily arrested for defending their homes from getting demolished. Can Rights bodies ensure their safety and protect their constitutional rights, they ask ?

With no permanent shelter and a sword of demolition hanging over their permanent houses, state refuses to recognise their right to livelihood and shelter. Is this not human rights violation? Is this not a threat to the right to life ? Why is Commission silent on this ?

NAPM along with the National Sugar factory Workers Federation launched Sahkar Bachao, Desh Bachao dharna on the second day of the Mahrashtra Vidhan Sabha in Nagpur. The unpaid workers of the sugar factories and farmers, whose land had been taken over by the mills, have joined the rally. Not only were Sugar factories sold at throwaway prices, the workers have not been paid their dues and farmers not been returned their deposit amount along with interest too. Farmers had given their land for cooperative factories and not private units. They should be returned their land. A 20,000 crore scam has taken place in connivance with the political party leaders of Congress, NCP and BJP.

In Delhi, Pension Parishad’s dharna entered 15th day today at Jantar Mantar. In the winter of Delhi nearly 500 elderly people from across the country have been holding on the footpath of Delhi demanding their right to a dignified life, demanding a pension of Rs. 2000, linked with the inflation, which is a meagre Rs. 200 at the moment. Is that too much to ask from a democratically elected State with pretensions of being a socialist republic ? Why is the rights bodies failing to take note of such issues ?

In Muzzafarnagar, more than 30 children die living in the relief camps in this winter after the worst riots with no place to go and the rights bodies, minority, sc/st or woment commissions look other way and have no power to deal with this.

Today, the world is going under control of corporates be it Deshi or Videshi. Nature based communities are being displaced by the corporates with help of the state every now and then across the country in complete violations of their rights. Thousands of people in Koodankulam, Posco, Niyamgiri, Chhindwara and elsewhere are charged with sedition charges because of upholding the rights given in the constitution. A large number of young people from Muslim community are in Indian jails today in fabricated cases with false implications. Is that not a violation of their human rights ?

The time has come when there is an urgent need to address not only the social and political rights of the people but the special rights of the nature based communities to their livelihood, which includes access to land, water, forests, minerals and eek a honest living. Rights bodies, be it NHRC, SHRC, NCW, SC/STC, NCM or others, they all have a role to play in this, more so when State itself violates the rights of the people.

We are besotted with new problems today, manifesting themselves in the climate crisis, having a serious impact on the earth and human beings. Our development model needs to change, the iniquitous growth will lead us no where, this will mean disaster for humanity. It is time we woke up to that.

Medha Patkar - Narmada Bachao Andolan – National Alliance of People’s Movements (NAPM); Prafulla Samantara - Lok Shakti Abhiyan, NAPM, Odisha; Dr. Sunilam, Aradhna Bhargava - Kisan Sangharsh Samiti, NAPM, MP; Gautam Bandopadhyay – Nadi Ghati Morcha, NAPM, Chhattisgarh; Vilas Bhongade, Suniti SR, Prasad Bagwe - NAPM, Maharashtra; Gabriel Dietrich, Geetha Ramakrishnan – Unorganised Sector Workers Federation, NAPM, TN; C R Neelakandan – NAPM Kerala; Ramakrishnan Raju, Saraswati Kavula, P Chennaiah – NAPM Andhra Pradesh, Bhupender Singh Rawat, Rajendra Ravi, Anita Kapoor – NAPM, Delhi; Arundhati Dhuru, Sandeep Pandey - NAPM, UP; Sister Celia - Domestic Workers Union, NAPM, Karnataka; Sumit Wanjale, Madhuri Shivkar – Ghar Bachao, Ghar Banao Andolan, NAPM, Mumbai; Manish Gupta - Jan Kalyan Upbhokta Samiti, NAPM, UP; Vimal Bhai - Matu Jan sangathan, NAPM, Uttarakhand; Krishnakant, Anand Mazhgaonkar, Paryavaran Suraksh Samiti, NAPM Gujarat

– 

===============================================

National Alliance of People’s Movements6/6, Jangpura B, Mathura Road, New Delhi 110014
Phone : 011 26241167 / 24354737 Mobile : 09818905316
Web : www.napm-india.org

Facebook : www.facebook.com/NAPMindia

Twitter : @napmindia

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Delhi Male policemen assaulting and beating Catholic sisters

11122013

Delhi police today lathicharged and watercannoned Christian bishops, nuns, pastors and others who were leading a peaceful march of Dalit Christians and Muslims at Parliament street demanding schedule caste rights for Dalit Christians and Muslims.

Several priests and nuns and lay leaders were inured badly in the lathicharge. Thereafter, the Christians courted arrest and were taken to parliament street police station.

This is the first time after 27^th November 1997 that Bishops and Church leaders have been arrested for espousing the Dalit cause.

Among the arrested were Delhi Archbishop Anil Couto, CNI Genral Secretary Alwan Masih, EFI’s Rev. Vijayesh Lal, NCCI’s Dr. Roger Gaikwad, NCDC President Mary John, Delhi Minorities Commission Member A C Michael, National Integration Council Member and All India Christian Council Secretary General Dr. John Dayal and Member of Parliament Anwar Ali.

A complaint has been lodged with the women cell of the police station against the Delhi police for male policemen assaulting and beating Catholic sisters and other women with lathis and manhandling some of them. There was no woman police present at the spot.

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Events photographed

11122013

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Delhi Economic Conclave Dec 11-12

11122013

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A moving tribute to a legendary figure Nelson Mandela

11122013

Tuesday, December 10, 2013

A moving tribute to a legendary figure Nelson Mandela’s struggle against South African apartheid inspired millions. And his great call for justice and equality continues to resonate around the world, as new generations of young people pursue the ideals he embraced. Earlier today in Johannesburg, President Obama paid tribute to a hero and a leader — and spoke about the path that’s still ahead. It’s a powerful, moving speech. Watch this tribute to Nelson Mandela: Stay Connected

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ECHO’s International Agriculture conference. ECHO

11122013

Dear Naresh,Greetings from Ft. Myers, Florida where I’m speaking at ECHO’s International Agriculture conference. ECHO has been working for more than 30 years to help development practitioners around the world disseminate information about sustainable farming practices to communities. This year marks the 20th anniversary of the conference and experts from all over the world are gathered to discuss innovative ways of alleviating hunger and poverty while protecting biodiversity and natural resources. This week, we’re focusing Food Tank’s newsletter on the challenges–and opportunities–older people have in accessing healthy foods and also how they’re sharing their knowledge with younger generations. The number and proportion of older persons–defined by the World Health Organization (WHO) as over 60 years old–are growing in almost all countries. On a worldwide level, the elderly population has grown at an average annual rate of 13 percent.By 2050, the over 65 population will grow to be 1.9 billion people, 840 million of whom will be living low-income countries. In 2011, nearly 20 percent of Greece’s population was over age 65. In China, 123 million people are over the age of 65. Brazil projects 30 percent of its population will be aged 60 and over by 2050. By 2020, the population in the United States over the age of 65 is expected to increase to about 55 million. To meet these challenges, many organizations around the world are realizing the importance of making sure that older people are getting the nutrition they need to stay active and healthy for as long as possible. And many older people are staying active in their communities, teaching younger generations about gardening and farming, food culture, and traditional cuisines. Here are 11 programs and projects aiding older people in appropriate nutritional education, connecting them to kids, or providing access to healthy food and active lifestyles. NOTE: You can view this article on the web by clickingHERE. 1. Danny Woo Garden and Children’s Garden Located in the heart of downtown Seattle, the Danny Woo Community Garden was created in 1975 and makes up part of 1.5 acres of the largest green space in Seattle’s Chinatown/International District (C/ID). It consists of 100 plots, tended by 70 elderly Asian gardeners and is an important place where low-income gardeners can socialize, get exercise, and raise vegetables that reflect their cultural foods of choice. In 2009 the Children’s Garden began an intergenerational component which is a unique opportunity for immigrant elderly gardeners, most of whom do not speak English, to both teach and learn from the youth who are learning to garden through the Children’s Garden Educational Program. 2. Fly the Phoenix This charity has projects in Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Ecuador and Peru. Fly the Phoenix believes education and food are basic human rights. Sarah Riggott, CEO of Fly the Phoenix, reported that their older people’s program has been handing out food for some time, but now they are trial-ing veggie gardens. These gardens are in several countries and bring together whole families as well as provide nutrition to elders. Fly the Phoenix strives to keep older people as involved in the community as much as possible. 3. Gift of the Givers Foundation In South Africa, about 1,000 Limpopo pensioners who care for their orphaned grandchildren received much needed blankets and food parcels from Gift of the Givers. They are the largest food parcel delivery agency in South Africa. This international non-governmental organization (NGO) responds to hunger crisis, feeding elders and their families through a fast, inexpensive, and efficient system of donations. 4. HelpAge International  This global network helps older people claim their rights, challenge discrimination and overcome poverty, so that they can lead dignified, secure, active and healthy lives. They provide older people skills to start urban and rural microenterprises and the network also runs socio-legal counseling centers (COSL) in Lima and Ayacucho, Peru helping teach older people about their rights and helping them access legal benefits and state services to which they are entitled. 5. MyPlate for Older Adults The Elder Nutrition and Food Safety (ENAFS) program partnered with faculty and staff at the University of Florida to review and update the 2006 publication, “MyPyramid for Older Adults,” to make it consistent with new dietary guidance and the USDA’s new MyPlate. MyPlate for Older Adults was introduced in September 2011 and includes lower calorie levels in the food plan due to the lower caloric needs of elderly. It also includes foods that are easy to purchase, chew/swallow, and/or prepare. 6. Newbridge on the Charles Retired psychiatrist, Joseph Sabbath, lives on this 162 acre wooded campus. The grounds include both a school and a retirement community, which provides the opportunity for the elderly and school children to create intergenerational relationships through the Newbridge garden. The garden includes 30 raised beds which are accessible to seniors. Sabbath explains, “The garden gives them [school children] the chance to understand the role of food and vegetables in everyday life.” Every spring and fall a group of students work with the retirement community to tend to the garden, while seniors educate them on the importance of food and how it is grown. “It’s a wonderful outlet,” said Sabbath of the garden. 7. Pigsah In Hebrew, Pigsah translates to “the mountain top where Moses saw the promised land.” The Pigsah facility in Los Angeles, CA has been developed by the Women Organizing Resources, Knowledge, and Services (WORKS) organization to house 75 low income elderly citizens and provide access to healthy food and companionship. 8. Physical Activity and Nutrition (PAN) Project In Japan, the country is referred to as a “super-aging society,” which is why International Life Sciences Institute (ILSI) Japan decided to target middle-aged and elderly people to help them improve exercise and dietary habits. Since 2001, two programs have been created; a Lifestyle Modification program (LiSM10!) to prevent obesity, and TAKE10! to prevent elderly from becoming bed-ridden by targeting behavioral changes. 9. Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP) This program awards grants to U.S. states and territories, as well as federally recognized Indian tribal governments, to provide low-income seniors with coupons that can be exchanged for fresh produce, including fruits, vegetables, honey, and fresh-cut herbs at farmers’ markets, roadside stands, and community-supported agriculture programs. 10. Sustainable Garden Project In Australia, this project was an initiative of Jeff Herd of the Department of Human Services (DHS) as a Neighborhood Renewal project. DHS saw the need for aging residents to have low maintenance and sustainable garden plots. The project helped 15 clients with their gardens allowing them to remain independent in their homes. The project brought people all ages together including; clients, volunteers, client’s children and project coordinators. 11. UGArden This student organization at the University of Georgia seeks to promote the social, environmental, and nutritional benefits of sustainable gardening through the creation of a student-run community garden. UGArden is dedicated to the management of a 1-acre garden plot and has become a teaching garden for students. UGArden produce is also used to help alleviate poverty and hunger in the senior citizen population of Athens, GA. Produce is prepared by Campus Kitchen volunteers and delivered to elderly citizens. Don’t forget to share this article by clicking HERE and please email me at danielle@foodtank.org with any other suggestions of projects we should include! Onward! Danielle Nierenberg Co-Founder, Food Tank foodtank.org Email: danielle@foodtank.org Phone: 202-590-1037 Let’s Connect!: Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn,  Pinterest, YouTube, Instagram, Google+ & Flickr! Ageless Agriculture To meet challenges of an aging population, many organizations around the world are realizing the importance of making sure that older people are getting the nutrition they need to stay active and healthy for as long as possible. Food Tank highlights 11 programs and projects aiding older people in appropriate nutritional education, connecting them to kids, or providing access to healthy food and active lifestyles. Read more… International Year of Family Farming: Building Sustainable and Resilient Agriculture in Africa Mainstreaming organic management for family farmers could help feed people, eradicate poverty, and mitigate the effects of climate change in Africa. Read more… The Kokopelli Seed Foundation, Improving Biodiversity and Curbing Hunger The Kokopelli Seed Foundation is fighting hunger and cultivating biodiversity in North America by promoting organic heirloom seed cultivation through education and seed donation programs in developing countries. Read more… Organic Farming Cooperatives In Nepal: One That Is Exclusively Run By Women Panchakanya Agriculture Cooperative, Ltd. is a Nepalese cooperative well known for its use of organic methods and for being an exclusively women run organization. Read more… A Recent Article from La Via Campesina Tells Policymakers: Free the Seeds! La Via Campesina’s article on peasants and seed regulation criticizes international policy for eradicating traditional seed varieties and, along with them, biodiversity. The article points to peasants around the world as important preservers of this biodiversity, and their traditional seed varieties as a piece of their cultural heritage. Read more… Agricultural Improvements in the Semi-Arid Tropics: An Interview with ICRISAT’s Dr. William Dar ICRISAT fosters an agriculture research culture focused on smallholder farmer input, open source data sharing, and reducing poverty in the semi-arid tropics. Read more… USDA Report Notes the Growing Role of Women in U.S. Farming According to the USDA’s “Characteristics of Women Farm Operators and Their Farms,” census data from 1982 through 2007 show that women-operated farms are growing in number, but not in size. Read more… International Year of Family Farming: Enset as Women’s Business Scaling up enset production could turn it into a cash crop, which may remove it from women’s control, despite the fact that women hold the majority of the knowledge of enset’s cultivation and processing. If enset becomes a viable cash-crop, it’s critical that some control stays in women’s hands. Read more… Shuanghui-Smithfield Deal: Water for Waste The buyout of the world’s biggest pork producer, US-based Smithfield Food, by its giant Chinese counterpart, Shuanghui International, was water for waste. Read more…

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December 12, 2013, 3:57 am

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WIN INDIA-2013 from 17 – 20 December

12122013

Automation & technology extravaganza to promote Indian industry & international trends

[NEW DELHI, DECEMBER 12, 2013]: Hannover Messe brings world’s leading industrial trade fair WIN INDIA to NEW DELHI. The leading industrial trade fair WIN INDIA 2013 to be held from 17th to 20th December 2013 at Pragati Maidan. The event will host 5 specialized and dedicated industrial fairs under one roof. The individual fairs are designed to cluster particular kinds of manufacturers together. WIN stands for “World of Industry,” a brand that Deutsche Messe has been using in Turkey for over 10 years. The fair offers unique opportunities to companies seeking new markets and the organisers Hannover Milano Fairs Pvt. Ltd. & Deutsche Messe AG, global leaders industrial trade fair are extremely excited to launch WIN INDIA – World of Industry.

The Press conference was addressed by Dr. Andreas Grochow, Member of Board, Deutsche Messe AG, Mr. Mehul Shah, Managing Director, Hannover Milano Fairs India Pvt Ltd and Mr. Ramakant Joshi, Managing Director, Festo India Controls Pvt. Ltd. After flying through various countries in the world, Festo Controls India will display the FESTO SMART BIRD for the first time in India with association of HMFI at WIN INDIA 2013. FESTO SMART BIRD is an ultralight and powerful flight model that provides you insight on the optimization of latest technology strengths.

The Government of India has targeted to increase the manufacturing sector’s contribution to the GDP to 25 percent by 2022. To reach this goal, India will have to enhance its productivity by transforming the existing fabric of the Indian manufacturing industry. To support the mission, the show brings a variety of important verticals into focus under the brand of WIN INDIA. “MDA INDIA” will focus on Motion, Drive and Automation, Hydraulics & Pneumatics, Electro-Mechanical Transmission. “Industrial Automation INDIA” will be dedicated to Process and Factory Automation and Industrial Building Automation. “CeMAT INDIA” showcase Materials handling/ Intralogistics, Storage Systems, Warehousing and Logistic Services. “Surface Technology INDIA” will cater to manufacturers in Paint & Coating Systems, Electroplating and Surface Engineering Techniques. “Industrial Supply INDIA” is a platform for Subcontracting, Components & Parts, Composites and New Materials.

WIN INDIA – World of Industry is designed to create a consortium for industrial manufacturers, engineers, wholesalers and decision makers for government procurements like Defence, Airlines, Railways, Public Sector Undertakings of Central and State Government. Buyers and sellers will be able to meet in one location, achieve economies of scale and be able to find solutions to industry wide problems.

Mr. Mehul Shah, Director, HANNOVER MILANO FAIRS INDIA, said “In tough market conditions, it becomes all the more imperative for all businesses to show greater visibility, strong fundamentals and continuation of businesses. The platform is ideal for exhibitors to nurture the trust and confidence across the supply chain. WIN INDIA as a platform for face-to-face meetings with target audiences provides an opportunity for businesses to meet new buyers in person and also renew their contracts with existing buyers.”

Dr. Andreas Gruchow, Member of Board, Deutsche Messe AG, ’‘We are very happy to be hosting the 7th edition of our globally successful industrial fair topics here in India. WIN India has been able to attract excellent international participation from 27 countries which helps us deliver new business from new networks to India’s dynamic industrial sector. ‘‘

Mr. Ramakant Joshi, Managing Director, Festo India Controls Pvt. Ltd. “Festo is a world-wide leading supplier of automation technology and the performance leader in industrial training and education programs. Our aim has always been focused on maximising productivity and competitiveness for our customers. The Festo brand is a symbol of Innovation Leadership globally since more than 60 years. Festo has deciphered bird flight and develop a SmartBird which flies energy efficient. With the SmartBird in India for the first time, we want to inspire the industry to take an interest in Festo bionic applications and by this get them interested in our automation solutions”’‘

ABOUT HANNOVER MILANO FAIRS INDIA PVT LTD: Hannover Milano Fairs India Pvt Ltd (HMFI) is a wholly owned subsidiary of two of the world’s leading trade fair organizers Deutsche Messe AG, Germany and Fiera Milano, Italy. HMFI have been bringing world class trade fairs into the Indian market for Indian and international enterprises since 2007. The strong international contacts and the vast expertise and best trade fair practices of its parent companies are deployed in the fairs in India which is the USP of fairs of HMFI. Exhibitors and visitors will gain from the professionalism of the international leaders.

ABOUT DEUTSCHE MESSE: Deutsche Messe – based in Hannover, Germany – is the world’s foremost trade fair company. Deutsche Messe develops, plans and runs trade fairs and exhibitions in Germany and abroad as Hannover Fairs International with a Turnover – 410 Million $. Deutsche Messe was established in 1947; own the largest Fair Ground in the world with Indoor capacity of over 4.5 Lac square meters of display area. It organizes World’s Largest Engineering Trade Fair – Hannover Messe and World’s Largest IT Fair – CeBIT

Your contact for further information:

Maan Jalta – 9891718750

Vishal Shukla – 7838829456

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Categories : Automobile, Business, Media, world News

Letta wins parliament vote

12122013

Enrico Letta on Wednesday won a parliamentary confidence vote triggered by the fall of Silvio Berlusconi, promising to push through a pro-European reform agenda and fight populism.

Letta vowed to bring political stability and economic growth to a country on the point of exiting its longest post-war recession, condemning “chaos” after anti-austerity protests this week across Italy.  “We will not allow Italy to sink again,” Letta told lawmakers, promising to “fight with everything I have to avoid our country being thrown back into chaos just as it is beginning to lift itself up again”. “Today we are drawing a clear line.  On this side are those who love Europe… knowing that without the European Union we would plunge into the Middle Ages. “On that side are those who want to block Europe,” he said in a thinly-veiled reference to Berlusconi and the anti-establishment firebrand politician Beppe Grillo.  Letta won the vote in the lower house handily with 379 in favour and 212 against and was expected to get a majority, although by a far narrower margin, in a vote in the upper house scheduled for later on Wednesday.  Letta admitted that instability had “weakened” his government but voiced hope that the confidence vote would give his coalition a stronger mandate to govern and press ahead with much-needed reforms.  He said he would impose further cuts on Italy’s overweight bureaucratic machine and aim for gross domestic product (GDP) growth of 1.0 per cent in 2014 and 2.0 per cent in 2015, while also slashing debt.  “Italy will shake off the image of an unstable, Baroque country that can never decide anything,” said Letta, who came to power in April following a two-month stalemate after an inconclusive general election.  Letta also promised to reduce the number of parliamentarians and end public subsidies to political parties – both reforms that have long been mooted in Italy including by Letta but never carried out.  The vote was called after the scandal-tainted Berlusconi’s party quit the ruling coalition and he was ejected from parliament over a tax fraud conviction.

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Jung has invited Delhi BJP

12122013

Jung has invited Delhi BJP for consultation on formation of gov in Delhi

Delhi Lt Governor Najeeb Jung has invited Delhi BJP legislative party leader Dr. Harsh Vardhan for consultation on formation of government in Delhi.

BJP has emerged as the largest single party in the assembly polls, which threw up a fractured mandate with no party security majority in the 70-member assembly. BJP has 32 seats, AAP 28 and Congress 8 seats in the assembly. VDr Harsh Vardhan will meeet the LG Najeeb Jung in the evening after attending the swearing-in ceremony of Raman Singh in Raipur in the day. On Wednesday, both BJP and Aam Aadmi Party stuck to their ground of not forming a government and preferring fresh elections instead. However, the Congress has indicated that it may consider unconditional support to the AAP for the formation of government.  The Lt Governor, on the other hand, continued consultations with experts to explore the next course of action.

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December 13, 2013, 1:47 am

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AAP Delhi new AK 47

13122013

AAP Delhi new AK 47 with critics bullets, the only Boss

BJP, which emerged as the single largest party in Delhi Assembly polls but fell short of a majority, on Thursday declined to form a government, strengthening the likelihood of fresh election in the national capital.

Official media reports, Lt Governor Najeeb Jung has invited Aam Aadmi Party chief Arvind Kejriwal, whose party with 28 MLAs is the second largest, for discussions on government formation on Saturday. Like BJP, AAP is also expected to decline the offer, citing lack of mandate. After a meeting with Lt Governor Najeeb Jung who invited him to discuss government formation, party’s chief ministerial nominee Harsh Vardhan said BJP would like to sit in the opposition in view of the lack of clear mandate by people of Delhi. “With BJP emerging as the single largest party in Delhi polls, Lt Governor invited me to discuss government formation. We have conveyed to him that we do not have enough seats and in view of lack of clear mandate, the party would like to sit in the opposition,” Vardhan told reporters on Thursday. BJP, along with its ally Akali Dal’s one seat, has 32 MLAs in the 70-member House while Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has 28 seats followed by Congress’ eight. JD-U won one seat while the Mundka seat went to an Independent. Vardhan said if any other party was interested in forming a government they are welcome but remained non-committal whether BJP would support such a formation. There have been suggestions that AAP, which made an electrifying debut and emerged as the second largest party, should form government with outside support of either BJP or Congress, a view rejected outright by the debutant party. Asked if their move was pushing the national capital towards fresh elections, Vardhan said his party cannot be held responsible for the consequences of the fractured mandate. Significantly, AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal had Wednesday made it clear that his party would prefer fresh election than forming a government with support from Congress or BJP. In a statement, the LG’s office said Vardhan expressed his inability to form the government since the BJP, along with its alliance partner the SAD, do not have a clear majority in the Delhi Assembly. Vardhan has also handed over a letter to Jung in which he said, “People have supported BJP by making it the single largest party. However, in a situation where we have not got a clear mandate, we would prefer to sit in the opposition keeping in with the party’s high moral traditions. “The main reasons of people’s woes in Delhi are Congress’ misrule and aimless policies. In place of listening to people’s problems, the Congress government did not pay heed to them. This led to Congress rout in assembly election and the party was left with just eight seats. “Even their leader lost her seat. We wanted bring smiles on faces of Delhi residents after the assembly elections, but that could not happen as we fell short of majority by four seats,” he said in the letter. In his interaction with media, Vardhan said BJP will not resort to horse trading as it believes in politics of honesty. “Politics has to be done with honesty. It is better for us to sit in the opposition and work for the people,” he said. “The LG has instructions from the President that whoever stakes claim has to prove their majority within 7 days. We do not have the numbers. I also know that our party will not break and not get involved in horse treading,” he said. When asked if they will give their support to AAP, Vardhan said their giving support to AAP doesn’t come in the scene as the party has already specified that it will neither take nor give support to anyone. “AAP has already specified that they are not going to take or give support. As we don’t have majority in the house, better for us to sit in the opposition and work for the people. We apologise to the Dellhiites for that,” he said. If President’s Rule is imposed, then the Lt Governor will run the government with the help of a group of advisers. DD news

People of Delhi watch -:
If Arvind CM of Delhi a delight for people of Delhi to find the new hero’s ascending the stairs of Delhi assembly and take pledge to weed out corruption.While visiting various other states most of the common man is asking will these new venture make a difference in the political arena .The answer is not that easy but a beginning has been made who run the full or Half Marathon  is question still remains locked.
LG Delhi invites if accepts Arvind thebatsman@ BJP ‘s China-man,faces opponents Googly will this activist turn politician can take leap forward.Political experts put up view who are friends of Arvind will ask for lame excuses .

 आम आदमी पार्टी ने अपना रुख पलटा है इसे देखकर यही संभावना लगने लगी है कि दिल्ली में आम आदमी पार्टी की सरकार बन सकती है.

ऐसा माना जा रहा है कि सरकार बनाने का AAP का फॉर्मूला ये है कि वो जनता के बीच ये संदेश भेज सके कि बीजेपी 32 सीट जीतने के बाद भी सरकार बनाने की हिम्मत नहीं कर सकी और AAP ने 28 सीटें जीतने के बावजूद सरकार बनाई और बाद में अगर बीजेपी या कांग्रेस कोई भी सरकार गिराने की कोशिश करती है तो ठीकरा सीधे उस पार्टी पर ही फोड़ा जाए.

A year ago we wrote about this nascent political outfit its results is out in today’s people tweet,

The Aam Aadmi Party.

An adamant man who is inaccessible for common man launched  his new party will be called the ‘Aam Aadmi Party’.His supporters do not allow  Aam Aadmi to meet this new self style activist and the media projected leader who speaks what media prompts him to do so. Arvind new shield for media to put subject across without their legal involvement. Media making an experiment if  they can build up political space which appears to be hopeless for people at large.Political party is a perpetual dynamic entity which needs to have ideas and dynamic  ideologues with complete vision on governance and do Arvind foot the bill, his surrounding says man has his weakness.

A social activist turn a political figure the time to prove his mettle.Criticizing is not door to be a politician  but listening with rightful attention and emotion to people’s woe do create a basic leadership quality.

Arvind Kejriwal on Saturday said that there will be no posts for a party president or secretary in his Aam Admi Party.He also pointed out that dozens of people had turned up voluntarily to seek membership of his party.”Other parties have to conduct membership drives. We are lucky that we have so many enthusiastic members without any such drive,” said Kejriwal.He also said that the aim of his party was to usher in an era of Swaraj.

Any Indian who was above the age of 18 and agreed with the party’s principles could become a member of the Aam Admi Party, activist Arvind Kejriwal said on Saturday.He added that women and youth would be given special prominence within his party.The executive bodies and committees in the party would have the right to recall, he said.The party would also appoint Lokayuktas at the district and the state level.  Arvind Kejriwal said the norms or rules laid down by the Constitution was no longer being followed.

“We had dreams about India, but we could not implement those,” he said.He added that in the last two years, since he started his fight for the Lokpal Bill, he had been repeatedly disappointed by the various political parties.”We finally realised that all the parties were corrupt, they were all lying. All the political parties were united in corruption,” he said.

Posted 24th November 2012 by Naresh Kumar Sagar

Aam Aadmi 4 MODI ‏@rajneesh_saini5m

Gopal Rai and @DrKumarVishwas thrown out from lokpal movement. At-last Truth comes our openly.

Yogendra Yadav ‏@AapYogendra12h

AAP starts taking donation again. Over 2k donors give more than 20 lakhs in less than two days. Please join them. http://www.aamaadmiparty.org/donation-list 

Begins their main business to garner funds and may get on to 1000Cr some experts put this figure to be alike BJP.

Praful Nikam ‏@prafulnikam23m

#ArrogantAAP RT @IndiaBTL अन्ना हमारी वजह से यहाँ तक पहुंचे हैं – गोपाल राय ( रालेगन सिद्धि )

CNN-IBN News ‏@ibnlive27m

RT @IBNLiveRealtime Shanti Bhushan denies writing article slamming Kejriwal for split in Team Anna

NDTV ‏@ndtv29m

War of words at Anna Hazare’s fast venue; spat between Gen VK Singh and AAP member Gopal Rai http://www.ndtv.com/article/india/anna-hazare-rebukes-arvind-kejriwal-s-partyman-asks-him-to-leave-fast-venue-458323 …

Naresh Kumar Sagar ‏@Nksagar31m

When AAP has no experience to rule Cong and BJP makes mockery of Delhi new AK 47 with critics bullets

ANI ‏@ANI_news44m

Someone who deserted Anna and joined hands with Modi is accusing others of betrayal-Gopal Rai,AAP on VK Singh pic.twitter.com/9vWeLSRCou

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Naresh Kumar Sagar ‏@Nksagar42m

LG Delhi invites if accepts Arvind thebatsman@ BJP ‘s Chinaman opponents Googly will this activist turpoli canplay http://nareshsagar.blogspot.com/2012/11/aam-aadmi-party.html …

MeghaSharma ‏@crazyabtsrk5m

Thank you Gopal Rai and Kumar Vishwas. tum dono ne Delhi ki duvidha door kar di, apni asli aukaat dikha kar.

Praful Nikam ‏@prafulnikam9m

#ArrogantAAP Gang calld all politician corrupt in Past Anna anshan but now someone criticized thm&they started attacking&interrupting speech

SanghParivar.Org ‏@SanghParivarOrg1m

#ArrogantAAP : Now that Kejriwal is planning to fight against NaMo.. where are those who said Kejri4CM and Namo4PM? feeling back-stabbed?

Ankur Dhaka ‏@AnkurDhaka4m

अधूरी नौकरी, अधूरा आंदोलन, अधूरा घेराव, अधूरा अनशन, अधूरा अंतरंग लोकपाल, और अब अधर में दिल्ली मान गए गुरु #ArrogantAAP

IBTL ‏@IndiaBTL11m

#ArrogantAAP RT @anilkohli54: Supportrs r lying when they say this article nt written by S Bhushan Same in Mail Today pic.twitter.com/7lF8dNDhYj

 Retweeted by SanghParivar.Org

1. Niraj Dave ‏@Nir_272m
   #ArrogantAAP pic.twitter.com/HrOL3y0BFP
    Retweeted by SanghParivar.Org

Aam Aadmi 4 MODI ‏@rajneesh_saini1m

“@timesnow: Anna Hazare rebukes AAP leader Gopal Rai and asks Rai to leave the rally in Ralegan Siddhi #aapstard pic.twitter.com/HSgRsgZw7g”

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Doordarshan News ‏@DDNewsLive51s

Debate on #Lokpal Bill fails to start as #RajyaSabha adjourned till 3.30 PM after uproar by Samajwadi Party

Kiran Bedi ‏@thekiranbedi3h

Let’s appreciate the effort made by Select Committee members,all political parties in it,& have the bill passed in RSabha and then Loksabha!

 Retweeted by sonia singh

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1. Ashok Garekar ‏@DrGarekar15m
   Soon #Anna will be disowned by #Aap…time to cut umbilical cord..
    Retweeted by Aam Aadmi 4 MODI

   
   
2.  More
3. SanghParivar.Org ‏@SanghParivarOrg2m
   #ArrogantAAP 1. मैं हूँ अन्ना 2. मैं हूँ आम आदमी 3. मैं हूँ विधायक! गिरगिट भी शर्मा जाये इनके सामने! pic.twitter.com/jac97YU7NG
   
   
4. 
   
5.  More
6. Srijith Balakrishnan ‏@tweeted_now2m
   My respect for @Gen_VKSingh is doubled after his open statement exposing AK.

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December 15, 2013, 5:06 am

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Sind Edu Min & Kabir Bedi, at Rotarian Summit in New Delhi

15122013

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Chileans to vote on Bachelet and Matthei fight in run-off

15122013

Chileans casting their votes in a presidential run-off, with Michelle Bachelet widely expected to win. Left-wing candidate faces Evelyn Matthei, a former minister in the governing centre-right coalition.

Ms Bachelet, who was president in 2006-10, won the first round last month, but failed to secure an outright majority.

The contenders are the daughters of air force generals, once friends, who found themselves on opposite sides when Gen Augusto Pinochet seized power in 1973.

Polls across Chile opened at 08:00 local time (11:00 GMT) and will close 10 hours later.reports BBC.

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Mandela’s funeral

15122013

KUNU, South Africa, Dec. 15 (Xinhua) — Mandela’s funeral is underway at his ancestral village of Qunu in Eastern Cape on Sunday. Over 4,500 people, including Mandela’s family, African heads of state, politicians and celebrities are present at the funeral ceremony, which is accompanied by full military ceremonial honors. Malawian President Joyce Banda and Tanzanian President Jakaya Kikwete are among the African leaders at the ceremony. Speakers include Chief Ngangomhlaba Matanzima, representing the family, Mandela’s close friend Ahmed Kathrada. Prince Charles from Britain, billionaire businessman Patrice Motsepe and celebrity Oprah Winfrey are also attending the funeral. It is the end of the 10-day national mourning since Dec. 5, when the 95-year-old anti-apartheid icon passed away at his home in Houghton. The funeral is taking place in a white dome, where chants are singing and bands are playing to hail the country’s former president’s life and contribution. Mandela’s funeral will also be held in a traditional Xhosa customs, which is from his tribe Thembu community. Mandela’s burial will be held before noon in his family grave site at a more private ceremony, according to the official news. The burial is reported to have only 450 guests.

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UN peacekeepers killed in Mali

15122013

A car bomb explosion has killed several members of the UN peacekeeping mission in Mali in the northern city of Kidal, 1,600 kilometers northeast of the capital, a spokesman for the mission said. “There was an explosion this morning and the info I have is that there were several dead and wounded among the blue helmets,” the mission spokesman, Fred Fath, told AP. According to an unnamed intelligence official, two Senegalese peacekeepers are among the dead. He said that a car packed with explosives detonated in front of the only operating bank, guarded by the peacekeepers. Kidal resident, Abdallah Ag Ibrahim, said the bank crumbled, a UN armored personnel car caught fire, and a nearby school was engulfed in flames. He also said he saw four people who were either dead or injured.

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Egypt to vote on new draft constitution

15122013

Egypt to vote on new draft constitution on January 14 -15 – President

Egyptians are set to vote on a new draft constitution on January 14 and 15, Egypt’s interim president, Adly Mansour, announced. The president has called on the opposition to ”give up on their stubbornness,” to stop “following a mirage” and to join the nation. ”Let this constitution be words of justice, that unite and don’t separate,” he said. The constitution was drafted recently and published by Al-Ahram. The referendum had been expected in mid-December.

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France: More assistance in its peacekeeping efforts in the Central African Republic

15122013

French foreign minister to ask for EU help ‘on the ground’ in Central African Republic

Laurent Fabius, the French foreign minister, has said that the country needs more assistance in its peacekeeping efforts in the Central African Republic, where Muslim rebels are waging a war against deposed president Francois Bozize and his Christian supporters. “That is a real, big problem. Tomorrow, I’ll go to the Council of Foreign Ministers and I will ask (European partners) for stepped-up, more robust aid, including on the ground,” Fabius told Europe 1 radio. Other European countries have so far provided material resources, but with 1,600 troops, France is the only country with a ground force in the conflict zone.

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​Turkmenistan holds parliamentary election

15122013

A total of 283 candidates are seeking seats in the 125-member one-chamber legislature. For the first time since the country gained its independence in 1991, more than one party will run for the Turkmen parliament. Challenging the ruling Democratic Party of the current country’s president, Gurbanguly Berdymukhamedov, will be the Party of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs founded in August 2012. Another innovation of the elections is that a mission of the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) will monitor the elections.

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China landed an unmanned spacecraft on the moon

15122013

China landed an unmanned spacecraft on the moon on Saturday,the state media. The event marks the first soft-landing on the moon in three decades, joining the USA and former USSR in achieving the feat.

China’s official Xinhua news agency reported that the spacecraft touched down in the Sinus Iridum, known as the Bay of Rainbows, at 9:11 p.m. after hovering over the moon’s surface for an unspecified few minutes, scouting out a suitable place to land. The subsequent soft-landing did not damage the craft, unlike a previous mission in 2007 when China sent a lunar probe to conduct a controlled crash into the moon’s surface.China plans to launch another lunar probe in 2017, with the intention to land the probe on the moon, release the rover, and return the probe back to Earth. Beijing also has plans to build a working space station by 2020. 

China sees its space program as a symbol of national pride, rising global influence, and growing technical expertise. 

Beijing began its manned space program in 1992. In 2003, China successfully sent Yang Liwei, the country’s first taikonaut, into orbit aboard the Shenzhou-5 spacecraft.

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CAG Report SSNNL 99% Corruption – Order JPC Investigation

15122013

Honorable Prime Minister
Dr. Manmohan Singh
South Block   
New Delhi 110011     

DAMS, IRRIGATION DEVELOPMENT STOPPED SINCE NDA RULE
    National Tragedy, Order Joint Parliamentary Investigation

Respected,

I have received Action on Prime Minister References revealing SHOCKING
REPORTS –

1.  Not a Brick Has Been Laid on Renuka, Lakhwar and Vyasi
Multi-Purpose Dams even though Yamuna Water Sharing Agreement of 1954
Between Punjab & UP Cleared the way for building these three dams.

2.  Lunatic RIVER LINKING idea has not died and is HINDERING
Multi-purpose Dam building in South Asia – Over 200,000 MW Hydro
Potential is not created enough to produce all the Electricity India
Produces along with 1000 BCM Plus water going to sea.

3.  Sardar Sarovar Nigam Project is 99% or 100% Corruption -

http://nca.gov.in/news_index.htm
    While Command Area Irrigated Is Barely 1.1 Lakh Hectares, Against
18.4 lakh Planned, Area submerged and acquired for SSP is 1.175 Lakh
Hectare. SSP WORLD’S WORST PROJECT.

    Original Cost of SSP Project was Rs.6406 crores 1986-87 for Entire
Project, NCA Reports Rs.5736 crores Was Released By GOI for Narmada
Canal against Rs.4,406 cr Estimate, Present Cost as Per TISS Report is
Rs.72,000 crores 2012.

    CAG also reported Substandard Canals & No Maintenance.

    Over 17 Lakh Hectares CCA Shall Not Get WATER forever DUE TO POOR
DESIGN & IMPLEMENTATION.

    Against around 3.7 Billion Cubic Meters Illegally Diverted for
Drinking Water & Industry – Just 1.134 BCM was drawn from Canal and
perhaps 0.5 BCM actually reach Consumers.

    Drinking Water is Supplied RAW without treatment – Health Hazard.
    THIS GUJARAT SCANDALOUS MULTI STATE MODEL IS ADVOCATED FOR INDIA.

    JOINT PARLIAMENTARY COMMITTEE Should Investigate This.

Thank you,
Faithfully,

Ravinder Singh*
Inventor & Consultant
Progressindia008@yahoo.com
*Ravinder Singh is a WIPO awarded inventor specializing in Power,
Transportation, Water, Energy Saving, Agriculture, Manufacturing,
Technologies and Projects.

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Woodpecker Film festival, Dec 19-21, 2013, India Habitat Centre, New Delhi

15122013

Dear Mr Sagar,

Greetings!

I am happy to share that the first edition of the Woodpecker Film festival will be organised form Dec 19-21, 2013 at India Habitat Centre, New Delhi. I cordially invite you to attend the festival. Please find attached Festival Invitation and Screening Schedule. 

Highlights of the Festival:

• Festival Inauguration: Dec 19, 10:00 am, Magnolia, IHC
• Inaugural Film: “Celluloid Man” (Dec 19, 02:00 pm)
• Film Screenings: Dec 19-21 at Magnolia and Gulmohar (Open for All)
• Open Forum: “Sexual Harassment at Workplace” (Dec 20, 12:00 pm)
• Special Screening : “As the River Flows”, a film by Bidyut Kotoky (Dec 20, 07:00 pm onwards, Gulmohar, IHC)
• Award Nite: Dec 21, 07:00 pm-09:00pm,  Hotel Suryaa, New Friends Colony, Delhi

I look forward to meet you during the festival.

With Best Wishes

Narender Yadav

Festival Director

The Woodpecker Film Festival

9810821868

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Press Conference of AAP on “Govt Jokpal”

15122013

The farce in the name of the Lokpal Bill

On You Tube :

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PmwU7urV1rE

Jan Lokpal was conceived as an independent empowered and accountable ombudsman which could independently, credibly and expeditiously investigate corruption offences of all public servants who are today not being investigated because the investigating agencies are controlled by the same public servants who need to be investigated. Such a Lokpal would need to be functionally, financially and even in terms of appointment and accountability be independent of the government and indeed the political establishment even if they are for the time being not in government. A Jan Lokpal bill was drafted by the Civil Society members of the joint drafting committee for this purpose in June 2011 which had the support of at least 80% people of the country. A fast was undertaken by Anna Hazare at Ramlila Maidan in August 2011 for this purpose, at the end to which the Parliament passed a unanimous resolution committing to passing a Lokpal Bill which would have at least 3 elements: That all public servants, high or low would be included in the investigative ambit of the Lokpal; that the Lokpal would also monitor the Citizen’s charters and have the power to penalize public authorities and servants who violate it; and that the Lokpal bill would contain provisions for Lokayktas on the same lines as the Lokpal for the States, which would take of corruption among State Public servants.

Unfortunately however, the government introduced and passed a farcical bill called the Lokpal Bill 2011 in December 2011. The same bill was then brought before the Rajya Sabha but torn up and thrown away and then referred to the Select Committee. The Bill as passed by the Lok Sabha left the selection of the Lokpal essentially in the hands of the government. It also left the accountability of the Lokpal in government hands, thus completely compromising the independence of the Lokpal. Equally importantly, this bill left the Lokpal’s corruption investigations in the hands of a government controlled CBI. Also, the bill did not contain even a single one of the 3 provisions which the Parliament had unanimously promised Anna Hazare before he broke his fast. Only group A public servants and not all were brought within the Lokpal’s purview; There was no provision for a State Lokayukta’s in this bill; and there was no mention of a citizens charter. Moreover, the investigation of the Lokpal was crippled by the need to first have a preliminary inquiry where the accused public servant would have to be heard (thus allowing him to destroy evidence) before even the FIR could be registered. And worst of all, a person whose complaint was labeled “frivolous or vexatious” by this government controlled Lokpal could be imprisoned for upto 5 years (even more than the punishment for corruption)! That is why we had called this bill a Jokepal bill or a bill for the protection of corrupt public servants.

The select committee has recommended some cosmetic changes in the bill which do not take care of the fundamental defects of the bill. In the selection and removal of the Lokpal, slightly more weightage has been given to the opposition rather than the government, but even with this, the appointment and removal of the lokpal remains under the control of the political class who usually would have the same vested interest to have a weak and pliable Lokpal. Similarly, the select committee has recommended that the CBI officers investigating the corruption complaints entrusted to them by the Lokpal would remain under the suprintendance of the Lokpal which means nothing since the CVC which has some power currently has not been able to prevent the CBI from acting at the behest of the government. However, the essential administrative powers over the CBI officers of promotions, postings, disciplinary control and post retirement jobs would remain with the government, thus rendering them beholden to and dependant on the government. Nothing substantive is proposed by the select committee to deal with 2 of the 3 assurances of Parliament to Anna, namely Lokayuktas on the same lines in the States and the Citizen’s charter.

We are now witnessing an unseemly spectacle in Parliament with the Congress and the BJP fighting to claim credit for passing this farcical Jokepal bill, with or without some of the cosmetic amendments of the select committee. The bill finalized secretly by the Congress and the BJP, would in either case, it would remain a far cry from the Jan Lokpal bill which had been drafted by Team Anna and for which Anna had fasted at Ramlila maidan.

Anna is on fast again at Ralegan Siddhi for the Lokpal bill. Agents of the Congress and the BJP have been going to him to get him to accept this Jokepal bill. He has made a statement that he is willing to accept the bill as proposed by the government, which is not even in the public domain. We realized more than a year ago that these corrupted parties like the Congress and the BJP were not going to allow any independent and credible Lokpal which would send half of their ministers and many of their leaders to jail. That is why we had to form a political party, realizing that we will need to be in the legislatures to get the Jan Lokpal bill passed. No amount of Fasting and protests will force these parties to do what the country really needs. While expressing our full support for the cause for which Anna is fasting, we call upon him to give up his fast and join the resurgent civil society movement for an electoral revolution in the country which promises to bring about the revolutionary changes in the democratic, electoral and anti corruption system in the country.

IMPORTANT DIFFERENCES BETWEEN THE JAN LOKPAL BILL & THE BILL NOW PROPOSED

As per Govt’s Lokpal Bill	As per Jan Lokpal Bill
Appointment: Lokpal will be selected 5 members: by PM, Leader of Opposition, Speaker, CJI, and one jurist nominated by these 4.(thus majority of those who will select Lokpal will be from the political class, who themselves will need to be investigated by the Lokpal)	Lokpal will be appointed by a 7 member committee, consisting of 2 SC judges, 2 HC judges, 1 nominee of CAG+CVC+CEC, PM and Leader of Opposition
Removal: For removal, only the Govt, or 100 MPs can make a complaint to the SC.(thus rendering the removal largely under control of the government and the political class, and compromising its independence)	Any citizen can complain to the SC seeking removal of any member of Lokpal.
Investigating machinery: The Lokpal would have to get the complaints investigated by any investigating agency, including the CBI, all of which would continue to remain under the administrative control of the government. The transfer, postings and post-retirement jobs of CBI officers would be under the control of the govt, thus compromising the independence of the investigative machinery.	The CBI will be brought under the administrative control of the Lokpal, so that the investigating machinery can be made independent of the government.
Whistleblower protection: Not mentioned in the government’s bill.	The Jan Lokpal Bill includes provisions for protection of whistleblowers.
Citizens Charter: Not mentioned in the government bill.(this was one of the unanimous assurances made by parliament to Anna Hazare when he broke his fast in August 2011)	The Jan Lokpal instituted a mechanism for prosecution of government officials if they failed to fulfill their duties under the citizens charter, which was to be created in this Bill.
Lokayuktas in the State: Have been left to the discretion of the state governments.(this was one of the unanimous assurances made by parliament to Anna Hazare when he broke his fast in August 2011)	The Jan Lokpal bill sought to create a Lokayukta along the same lines as the one at the center.
Frivolous Complaints: Any person making a false or frivolous complaint could be jailed for up to 1 year, which will deter even honest complainants from going to the Lokpal.	There was a penalty up to Rs. 1 lakh, but no provision for imprisonment.
Ambit of the Lokpal: Judiciary excluded completely and MPs excluded in respect of their votes and speeches in Parliament.	Included all public servants, including judges and MPs, with regard to all their public duties.

Some relevant tweets

ANI ‏@ANI_news3m

Anna wants law,he is a movement,but they want issues beacuse they are a political party now : Kiran Bedi on AAP

NDTV ‏@ndtv19m

I want to say ‘no comment’: Anna Hazare to questions on rift with Arvind Kejriwal

1. NDTV ‏@ndtv21m

   Evident that CBI will be independent, Kejriwal should re-read Bill: Kiran Bedi on remarks that control of CBI will remain with the Govt

   
   
2. TIMES NOW ‏@timesnow22m
   Anna Hazare says he has read the provisions of the Lokpal Bill properly#LokpalFight #BreakingNow
   Press Trust of India ‏@PTI_News1m

   Hazare asks AAP to start fresh agitation to help remove shortcomings, if any, in the amended Lokpal Bill.

   
   

   
   

   NDTV ‏@ndtv2m

   
   

   AAP says Anna is being misled. Is he a kid? He has been fighting for #lokpalforever, takes his own final decision: Kiran Bedi

   
   

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Categories : CSR, Education, Media, Politics, Uncategorized

All political parties to come together and help pass the Bill ” – Shri Rahul Gandhi.

15122013

Indian National Congress

“There is a broad consensus that the Lok Bill is a very important tool of national importance in combating corruption. We have been working on it for the last 3 years and are 99% there. We appeal to all political parties to come together and help pass the Bill ” – Shri Rahul Gandhi.

No matter which political party you support, watch this video, know what has been done till now and call YOUR party’s MP and request them to support the Lokpal Bill.

Please share with friends and likeminded people.

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1st Semi-Final: Coca-Cola Cricket Cup U-16 Inter-School Tournament, Delhi-leg

15122013

                                   

1^st Semi-Final: Coca-Cola Cricket Cup U-16 Inter-School Tournament, Delhi-leg

Prasahant’s All-Round Performance Lifts Salwan Boys School to Final

New Delhi, 14^th December 2013: Prashant Vashisht’s all-round performance helped Salwan Boys Sr. Sec. School, Rajender Nagar beat Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, ITO by six wickets in the first Semi-Final of the Coca-Cola Cricket Cup under-16 inter-school tournament, played at Bharat Nagar ground today.

Salwan Boys Sr. Sec. School won the toss and opted to field first. Prashant Vashisht and Sahil Khan’s rattled the opponent’s batting line-up with their four-wicket hauls and bundled out them at a score of 125 for eight in 35 overs.

For Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, Shashank Kohli and Himanshu Sharma showed some resistance with their 31 and 24 run knocks.

While chasing, Salwan Boys School achieved the target after losing four wickets. Shivam Chauhan steered the batting line-up with his 40-run knock. He was well-supported by all-rounder Prashant, who remained unbeaten at 25 to win the match in 23 overs.

Prashant was adjudged Man-of-the-Match for his all-round performance. Second semi-final match will be played between Kulachi Hansraj Model School, Ashok Vihar and Vidya Jain Public School, Rohini at Bharat Nagar ground.

The Delhi-leg of the Coca-Cola Cricket Cup 2013-14 involved participation from 64 leading under-16 teams with matches played at various grounds across the Capital. The tournament has commenced from the second week of November and will run for around 3 to 4 weeks. Matches until the quarter-finals were played on a knock-out format, the 8 quarter-finalists then played a league.

The teams and players performing will stand a chance to win prizes at each stage post the quarter-final round. The winners and runners up of the Delhi-leg will be awarded prizes worth Rs. 50,000 and Rs. 35,000 respectively.

Brief Scores

BVB, ITO: 125 for 8 wkts in 35 overs (Shashank Kohli 31, Himanshu Sharma 24; Prashant Vashisht 4/17, Sahil Khan 4/17).

SBSSS-RN: 134 for 4 wkt in 23 overs (Shivam Chauhan 40, Prashant Vashisht 25 no; Samyak Jain 2/29, Shubham 2/46).

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Anna to address media in Ralegan Siddhi at 5 pm today

15122013

Janlokpal ‏@janlokpal11m

Anna to address media in Ralegan Siddhi at 5 pm today

ANI ‏@ANI_news57s

This Bill is for the betterment of the people, the country : Anna Hazarepic.twitter.com/vzH2c22aCb

NDTV ‏@ndtv1m

#lokpal Bill should be passed in the ongoing session of Parliament, Govt should extend session if need be to pass it: Anna Hazare

NDTV ‏@ndtv49s

I won’t end my fast till the time #lokpal Bill is passed in this session of Parliament: Anna Hazare

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Categories : CSR, culture, Education, Uncategorized, world News

Ethiopian Tsegay wins ADHM 2013 with new course record; Florence is women’s champion

15122013

 

New Delhi, December 15, 2013:

Ethiopian Atsedu Tsegay demolished a highly competitive men’s elite athlete field and also set a new Course Record to win the Airtel Delhi Half Marathon on Sunday.

Tsegay stopped the clock at 59.12 minutes to lower by 3 seconds the course record of 59.15, set by countryman Deriba Merga in 2008. He was followed home by Kenyans Geoffrey Kipsang in 59.30 and Wilson Kiprop (59.49). Kipsang, the fastest athlete of 2013 (58.54) was coping with the loss of his 17-year-old brother Elais, who passed away on Friday and did wonderfully to overcome his grief and run a brave race, but was thwarted in his bid to win the race as a tribute to his brother by a strong running Tsegay.

The women’s race, also chasing a course record, failed in its bid due to a slow start, but picked up in the later stages and was won by Kenyan Florence Kiplagat in 68 minutes. Florence, the 2103 Berlin Marathon winner, led a Kenyan clean sweep, with Gladys Cherono finishing second in 68.03 and Lucy Kabuu taking third place in 68.10.

The men’s and women’s winners were richer by USD 25,000.

The Indian category was won by G Lakshmanan and Preeja Sreedharan among the men and women respectively. Lakshmanan, representing the Army, finished in 64.44, followed home by Kheta Ram in 64.49 and Ratti Ram Saini in 64.51. Lakshmanan, finished 15^th overall, with Kheta Ram (16^th) and Ratti Ram (17^th).

Preeja, who has been training at high altitude in Munnar, Kerala, clocked 80.04, followed home by Kavita Raut (80.06) and Lalita Babbar (80.09). The winners took home Rs 2. 5 lakhs each.

A total of 31,000 plus runners participated in the Airtel Delhi Half Marathon 2103, which offered total prize money of USD 210,000.

The men’s race  began at a fast clip and was taken through the first 12 kms below the course record pace of 2.48 mins per km by pacers Vincent Rono and Timothy Kiptoo. After the pacemakers dropped out around the 12km mark, the pace fell a bit as the leaders assessed each other, before Atsedu took control of the race. The lead bunch of Atsedu, Kipsang, Kiprop and Kipkemoi were still running strongly and together, before Atsedu ran the 16^th km in 2.45 to open up the lead. Both Kipsang and Kiprop pushed hard to keep up with Atsedu till the 18^th km, who kept his foot on the pedal and gradually pulled away to win convincingly.

Defending champion Edwin Kipyego finished a disappointing eighth.

Atsedu, the fastest athlete of 2012, had a poor run at this event last year, finishing 20^th and suffering an ankle injury, that kept him out of competition for nearly a year. On Sunday he proved that he is back to his top form.

“I am happy to win the Airtel Delhi Half Marathon as I did not run for nearly a year because of an ankle injury. This is only my second race post the injury and am happy with my performance. I paced till 12 km and at 15 km I realized that I have a huge lead and will win the event. The climate was extremely cold so initially it was a little difficult to adjust to the conditions,” said Tsegay.

“This was a tough time for me, as I lost my younger brother two days ago. I was heartbroken, but I decided to stay and compete. I am happy with my performance and I would like to dedicate this race to my younger. While running, I only kept telling myself that I need to run and finish this race for my brother, “said Geoffrey Kipsang.

The elite women had a slow start as they did not keep pace with pacer Alice Kimutai, but picked up the speed and went through the 5km mark at 17.10, much behind course record pace. The next 5 kms were faster and the 10km mark was passed through in 33.17, at which point pacer Kimutai dropped out. It was a bunch of 6 women that went into the lead, among them Lucy Kabuu, Florence Kiplagat, Meseret Hailu, Gladys Cherono and Wude Ayalew. Florence further pushed the pace to take the group through 15km in 49.12 before Meseret dropped back at the 16km mark. The next three kms were run at a fast pace at an average of 3 mins per km and by the 18km mark Florence had opened up a lead of around 100m. Kabuu flagged a bit at this juncture but Gladys kept running powerfully to whittle down the lead, however, she could not catch up with a fast finishing Florence.

Indian men’s winner G Lakshmanan was content to remain behind leader V L Dangi for a major part of the race, before breaking away in the last two kms to win.

“It’s a good feeling to win, especially since I do not really prepare for long distance event. I only prepare for 5 km, 10 km and Asian track events. The weather conditions here were similar to our training camp in Bangalore and that really helped me. I had not expected to win with such good timing and I finished almost two minutes faster than the time I had set in mind,” said Lakshmanan.

The Indian women’s race was a very slow one, with the leading athletes content to bid their time. Preeja broke away in the last km to lead a sprint finish ahead of Kavita.

“I am very excited and happy to win the Airtel Delhi Half marathon. This is the first time I am participating in this event and the conditions here were the same as our camp in Munnar. I think, that was an advantage for me,” said Preeja.

As usual the race witnessed the participation of a large number of enthusiasts and celebrities, among them Anil Ambani, N Chandrasekharan (CEO & MD, TCS), and Rahul Bose. A host of dignitaries including event ambassador Donovan Bailey, besides Bipasha Basu, Gulshan Grover, Rakesh Mittal (Vice Chiarman and MD, Bharti Enterprises Ltd.), Ajay Puri (Director Market Operations, Bharti Airtel), were present to cheer on the participants. 

Following are the results:

Overall  Athlete Men

Atsedu Tsegay (ETH) 00:59:12 (NCR); Geoffrey Kipsang (KEN) 00:59:30;Wilson Kiprop (KEN) 00:59:49; Kenneth Kipkemoi (KEN) 00:59:55; Nicholas Kipkemboi (KEN) 01:00:24; Philemon Rono (KEN) 01:01:07; Gladwin Mzazi (RSA) 01.:01:12; Edwin Kipyego (KEN) 01:01:21; Leonard Korir (KEN) 01:01:25; Richard Mengich (KEN) 01:01:27.

Overall  Athlete Women:

Florence Kiplagat (KEN) 01:08:00; Gladys Cherono (KEN) 01:08:03; Lucy Kabuu (KEN) 01:08:10; Meseret Hailu (ETH) 01:09:05; Wude Ayalew (ETH) 01:09:21; Emily Chebet (KEN) 01:09:22; Alice Kimutai (KEN) 01:10:09; Yebrgual Melese (ETH) 01:11:59; Lineth Chepkurui (KEN) 01:12:01; Paskalia Kipkoech (KEN) 01:12:02.

Overall Indian Athlete Men:

G Laxmanan (IND) 01:04:44 (Overall 15th); Kheta Ram (IND) 01:04:49 (Overall 16^th); Rattiram Saini (IND) 01:04:51 (Overall 17^th); V L Dangi (IND) 01:04:53 (Overall 18^th); Indrajeet Patel (IND) 01:06:04 (Overall 19^th); Rahul Kumar Pal (IND) 01:06:17 (Overall 20^th); Mukesh Rawat (IND) 01:06:39; Baliappa A B (IND) 01:06:47; Rajesh Thankachan (IND) 01:08:34; Ajay Kumar Patel (IND) 01:09:45.

Overall Indian Athlete Women:

Preeja Sreedharan (IND) 01:20:04 (Overall 15^th); Kavita Raut (IND) 01:20:06 (Overall 16^th); Lalita Babbar (IND) 01:20:09 (Overall 17^th); Sudha Singh (IND) 01:20:20 (Overall 18^th); Ritu Pal (IND) 01:20:44 (Overall 19^th); Manisha Salunkhe (IND) 01:20:57 (Overall 20^th); Swati Gadhwe (IND) 01:21:09; Rohini Raut (IND) 01:21:55; Ranjana Kumari (IND) 01:27:01; Neetu (IND) 01:29:39.

Men: (35 to u-40 yrs)

Basant Pradhan 01:22:27; Mogon Kherkatary 01:22:30; Rabindra Sirka 01:22:30.

Women: (35 to u-40 yrs)

Jayanti Thapliyal 01:36:24; Lalita Madhwal 01:38:44; Shobha Desai 01:39:07.

Men: (40 to u-45 yrs)   

Dan Lowson  (UK) 01:14:28; Raman Nanda 01:20:22; Bhupender Singh 01:21:21.

Women: (40 to u-45 yrs)   

Aurea Muller Dias 01:39:40; Vaishali Kasture 01:43:36; Shubha Bhargava 01:46:26.  

Men: (45 to u-50 yrs)   

Dinesh Kumar 01:22:32; Shiva Nanda Shetty 01:23:25; Mukesh Rana 01:24:45.

Women: (45 to u-50 yrs)   

Roshini Bakshi 01:57:56; Meena Vankawala 01:59:43; Kiran Chulani 01:59:43.

Men: (50 to u-55 yrs) 

Gary Hester (SWE) 01:18:41; Ashok Nath 01:24:26; Naresh Chand 01:34:59.

Women: (50 to u-55 yrs) 

Asha Aggarwal 01:54:02; Young Yub Kim 02:00:53; Yukiko Yamamoto 02:02:56.

Men: (55 to u-60 yrs) 

Sabhajeet Yadav 01:28:16; Ramdev Yadav 01:39:08; Ajaib Singh 01:39:46.

Men: (60 to u-65 yrs) 

Bhasker Desai 01:40:45; Ashok Joshi 01:40:49; Subhash Chand Khatri 01:44:30.

Women: (60 to u-65 yrs) 

Mala Honnatti 02:06:10

Men: (65 years and above) 

Yudhavir Singh 01:51:06; Virendra Singh Rawat 01:53:22; Mahadev Samjiskar 01:59:38.

DHL Corporate Challenge Winners:

1^st CASV GROUP INDIA PVT. LTD.-05:06:19.

2^nd   FREE SCALE SEMICONDUCTOR INDIA PVT. LTD. A-05:30:16.

3^rd GENEX LOGISOLUTIONS PVT. LTD.-05:33:41. 

Kingfisher Ishtyle Wale Winner:

1^st (Theme) Queen Mosquito-Amarjeet R Bains ( Individual)

2^nd (Theme) Inflation-Pooja Malhotra (Individual)

3^rd (Theme) Prakurti-Tamanna Oberoi-(Individual)

Kingfisher Sensation Squad Winner: 

1^st (Theme) Nirbhaya Damini-The Sovereign School

2^nd (theme) Child Labour-Maharaj Darshandas Charitable Trust

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World’s best to run in Airtel Delhi Half Marathon 2013

15122013

New Delhi, 14th December 2013: The world’s finest distance runners will take center stage on the grand platform that has been set up for the Airtel Delhi Half Marathon, the world’s most prestigious half marathon, which will be flagged off from the iconic J N Stadium on Sunday.

Keeping them company will be India’s best long distance athletes as well as 31,000 plus participants, competing in the different categories on race day.

Weather predictions for Sunday’s race are good with temperatures expected to range between 8 and 12 degrees during the race. In the men’s elite race, 18 international men will be paced by Timothy Kiptoo and Vincent Rono through around 12kms in 59.00 minutes pace, en route to attack the current Course Record of 59.15. It is expected to be a tight and competitive race amongst some of the key figures, including 2013 World Leader Geoffrey Kipsang (58.54), 2012 World Leader Atsedu Tsegay (58.47) and 2012 ADHM Champion Edwin Kipyego. Some dark horses in the packed elite field are 2013 Bangalore 10km Champion Alex Oloitiptip and 2012 Seven Hills Race champion Nicholas Kipkemboi.

The women’s elite field is not to be underestimated either. Having defending Champion Wude Ayalew, 2013 World Leader Lucy Kabuu (66.09), 2012 World Half Marathon Champion Meseret Hailu, 2013 Berlin Marathon Champion Florence Kiplagat and Silver Medalist of the 2013 World Championships 10,000m Gladys Cherono competing for high honours, it is also expected to be close race. The outsider on the women’s side is double World Cross Champion Emily Chebet.

The Indian men’s race is also expected to be a close race with no clear favourite, though defending champion Rahul Kumar Pal and his teammates from the Army, Kheta Ram V L Dangi, G Lakshmanan and Irappa D Akki, are expected to hold sway over the field. In good form is also Indrajeet Patel of ONGC and Rati Ram Saini of Railways, who are also a part of the Indian camp.

The Indian women’s race will see a fight between the big three of Indian distance running, defending champion Sudha Singh, Preeja Sredharan and Kavita Raut. Former winner Lalita Babbar and Manisha Salunkhe can be expected to chase the lead pack closely.

Sudha Singh said, “I have been practicing for the last month at our national training camp in Bangalore and I have been working hard for the Commonwealth and Asian games. This time too, I will try my best to come in the top 3.”

Preeja Sreedharan stated, “This is my first time in Delhi, and I have been training hard at our camp in Munnar. This event will serve as a good practise race for me as I prepare for the Commonwealth and Asian Games.”

The Half Marathon for Elite men will start at 7.20 am, followed by the Half Marathon for Elite women at 7.25 am. The DHL Corporate Champions race will be flagged off at 7.30 am, followed by the various timed categories in the Open Half Marathon, which will be flagged off between 7.40 am and 8.00 am. These will be followed by the Champions With Disability at 8.10 am, the Senior Citizens’ Run at 8.20 am and the Great Delhi Run at 9.30 am.

As part of the distance running tradition, promoters Procam International organised the ‘Pasta with Pundit’s. The event witnessed a live pasta cook-out involving event ambassador Donovan Bailey, the face of the event Bipasha Basu, Milkha Singh, Rahul Bose, Frank Schloder – Director Marketing, BMW, Meena Bhatia of Le Meridien, Mukul Chowdhury, Director General, NADA, Anil & Vivek Singh from Promoters, Procam International as they wore their toque’s and experimented their culinary skills.

The race day will also see in action different personalities from India Inc. and Bollywood.

Representing India Inc, will be the country’s top honchos and running enthusiast Anil Ambani, Gopal Vittal and N Chandrasekaran.

The Bollywood fraternity would be represented by Bipsha Basu, Face of the event along with Rahul Bose, Manisha Koirala, Mahima Choudhury and Gulshan Grover among others.

Race Day proceedings will be telecast live on Star Sports 4, the Channel Partner from 7.00 am to 10.00 am with a simulcast on DD Sports, the Broadcast Partner.

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Blind Runners to Participate Airtel Delhi Half Marathon

15122013

 

By sagarmedia on December 15, 2013 | Edit

 

George Abraham (From Delhi) – 09810934040  

Gulab Bhandari - 0945651519

Blind Runners to Participate Airtel Delhi Half Marathon

George Abraham is from Delhi. This is the second year that George will be participating in the Airtel Delhi Half Marathon. After completing the 21km run in 2010, George is back this year to raise funds for his organization “Score Foundation” which works towards giving a new vision of life to the blind. He is a communicator by profession and is actively involved in the production of the popular serial on Doordarshan “Nazar Ya Nazariyan”. George’s wife has also participated in the Marathon in 2010 and 2011 while his 2 kids have been his pillars of support during the run.

Gulab Singh Bhandari is from Dehradun, Uttarakhand. He will be running Airtel Delhi Half Marathon this year with his nephew. He has been participating in the Delhi Marathon since 2010. This year he took part in the local run that was held in Dehradun alongwith his daughter who helped him complete the race. The reason behind running the Marathon was so that society gave respect to people like him and he was eagerly looking forward to many more such opportunities to prove that he was perfect just like others in every way. 

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Kejriwal –15 Points Are AAP Responsibility, 13 Ten Days Job

14122013

December14, 2013

Forming and Running the government is AAP responsibility – 15 Points
are entirely AAP responsibility – 13 can be implemented in 10 days.
Power, Transportation, Water, Energy Saving, Agriculture,
Manufacturing, Technologies are all under AAP Control. All bold black
points are AAP responsibility.

http://www.aamaadmiparty.org/sites/default/files/Letter%20to%20Rajnath%20Singh.pdf
Here I am giving point wise response to all.

1.  Supreme Court had already BANNED Red Lights use.

2.  Janlokpal is already under implementation.

3.  Aam Admi Party is already in a position to form government.
Already Implemented.

4.  Full State status needs Parliament Legislation.

5.  Discom Audit Can be ordered within 10 days.

6.  Fast Meter can be Tested – Not a Problem – Implementable in 10 days.

7.  Water related issues can be implemented in ten days.

8 & 9.  These Require Capita Investment.

10.  This can be implemented in 10 Days – Companies Draw Full Wages
but hire low wage staff.

11.  AAP can increase ST on products imported in to Delhi.

12.  FDI is Legal Issue – Companies already licensed can’t be removed
easily. E-Commerce is BOOMING – soon there shall be BIG Change in
RETAIL business.

13.  AAP can easily provide more SUPPORT to Delhi Farmers, Green
Houses, Drip Irrigation etc.

14.  AAP can RESTRICT Private School Enrolment to within 1-2 kilometers.

15.  AAP may restrict OUTSTATION Patients. Assist states to open
Hospitals in and around NCT regions.

16.  Women Security – Install 5 CCTV in every RWA and opposite Bus
Stops & Metro Stations.

17.  AAP can constitute 25 New E-Consumer Courts in 10 Days.

18.  Assistance from Center is available through Hundreds of Schemes –
few need Legislation.

Ravinder Singh*
Inventor & Consultant
New Delhi 110016
Progressindia008@yahoo.com
*Ravinder Singh is a WIPO awarded inventor specializing in Power,
Transportation, Water, Energy Saving, Agriculture, Manufacturing,
Technologies and Projects.

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World today precisely

16122013

 

UN warns Syrian refugees to nearly double by end of 2014

The number of Syrian refugees in the Middle East will nearly double over the next year to exceed four million, the UN said on Monday. Another 9.3 million people are expected to be in need of aid inside the nation by the end of next year, AFP reported, citing a statement of the UN’s humanitarian agency (OCHA). Some 4.1 million Syrians will be living as refugees in Lebanon, Jordan, Turkey, Iraq and Egypt by the end of 2014, up from an estimated 2.4 million today, according to the latest estimate. Some 660,000 Syrians will be living in refugee camps. OCHA and other international aid agencies will need a record $12.9 billion to help some 52 million people engulfed in 17 major crises around the world in 2014.

Guantanamo prisoners sent to Saudi Arabia

Two Guantanamo Bay prisoners have been transferred to Saudi Arabia as part of a renewed effort to close the prison, AP reported. Saad Muhammad Husayn Qahtani, 35, and Hamood Abdulla Hamood, 48, were transferred to the custody of their own government after a security review, US officials said. Both were suspected members of Al-Qaeda and were considered to be at high risk of rejoining the terror group if released, but neither man had been charged with a crime. Dozens of prisoners transferred to Saudi Arabia were later released, after going through a rehabilitation program.

Many arrested in raids in France, Spain over new horsemeat scandal

Police made 21 arrests in the south of France on Monday as part of an investigation into claims that meat from horses used for drugs testing found its way into the food chain. A tip-off had suggested that hundreds of horses, including some that had been owned by pharmaceutical giant, Sanofi, were sold to abattoirs after their veterinary papers were falsified, AFP reported. More than 100 officers were involved in raids at several Sanofi offices and at abattoirs, including one in Gerona in northern Spain. Sanofi is cooperating with the investigation into “possible fraud.”

Lebanese, Israeli military, UN officers to meet over cross-border killing

Israeli, Lebanese military officers and peacekeepers of the UN Interim Force in Lebanon will meet on Monday after a “rogue” Lebanese soldier shot dead an Israeli soldier the day before, Israel’s Defense Minister Moshe Yaalon said. Israel regards “the Lebanese government and the Lebanese army as responsible for what happens on their side”. The Lebanese soldier went missing after the cross-border shooting, but has now been found, Reuters reported. Israeli troops who searched the frontier area later shot at two Lebanese soldiers who “made suspicious movements”, hitting one of them.

At least 29 people killed in attacks across Iraq

Suicide bombers attacked a police station north of Baghdad, killing eight policemen, the deadliest in a string of attacks across Iraq on Monday that killed at least 29 people, AP reported. There was no immediate claim of responsibility for the attacks. The bombings started with an attack in the town of Beiji, 250km north of Baghdad, where a suicide bomber rammed his explosives-laden car into the main gate of the town police station. Then three other suicide bombers, on foot, stormed inside and blew themselves up in the building. Five more policemen were wounded. Later in the morning, several bombings killed 21 people and wounded 58 in different parts of Baghdad.

Israel troops shoot  Lebanese soldiers after sniper killing

Israel’s army says its troops have shot two Lebanese soldiers, hours after a Lebanese army sniper killed an Israeli soldier, AP reported. The shooting took place just after midnight on Monday, according to Israeli Army spokeswoman, Lt. Libby Weiss. The Israeli forces identified “suspicious movement” along the border and shot two members of Lebanon’s armed forces, she said. The shooting occurred near where a Lebanese army sniper killed an Israeli soldier late on Sunday.

Swedish police detain 28 as neo-Nazis attack demonstration

Around 28 people have been detained after a group of neo-Nazis attacked an anti-Nazism demonstration in a Stockholm suburb, Swedish police said. The extremists hurled bottles, torches and firecrackers at demonstrators in Karrtorp on Sunday, AP reported. Two people were hospitalized after reported stabbings, and police said an officer was injured in the back after being hit by a heavy object. Some 200 people were participating in the peaceful demonstration when they were attacked by a group of about 40.

UN envoy in S. Sudan calls for end to fighting between soldiers

The UN envoy for South Sudan called on Monday for an end to fighting that erupted overnight between soldiers in Africa’s newest nation. “I urge all parties in the fighting to cease hostilities immediately and exercise restraint,” Reuters quoted UN Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Hilde Johnson, as saying. Sporadic gunfire rang out early Monday in the South Sudan capital, Juba, as clashes between sections of the country’s military continued, AP reported. There has been political tension since South Sudan President Salva Kir sacked Riek Machar as his deputy in July.

Workers at Amazon’s German operations to go on strike

Workers at Amazon.com’s German operations were preparing to strike on Monday in a dispute over pay, Reuters reported. Workers are set to strike in Amazon’s logistic centers in Bad Hersfeld and Leipzig and, for the first time, in Graben. Also a delegation of German workers will stage a protest at Amazon’s headquarters in Seattle, helped by US workers’ unions. On Tuesday, workers in Amazon’s center in the German town of Werne will protest. The union has organized short strikes this year to force Amazon to accept collective bargaining agreements in the mail order and retail industry. This time, the strike comes in the middle of the crucial Christmas holiday season.

Moderate rebels in Syria vow to protect journalists

The leaders of Syria’s main moderate rebel faction said they will protect journalists on assignment in the country, and work to secure the release of those who have already been abducted. The Supreme Military Council, the Western-backed military wing of the Syrian National Coalition, responded to an appeal from 13 major international news organizations calling for urgent action against rebel groups targeting journalists for kidnappings. “We will do everything in our power to bring an end to the abuses against journalists,” the council said in a letter, as cited by AP. Many of these perpetrators are “from groups who are strangers to the culture and good nature of the Syrian people,” it added.

22 dead as Philippine commuter bus crashes off highway onto van

At least 22 people were killed when a speeding commuter bus crashed off an elevated motorway onto a delivery van in the Philippine capital, Manila, early on Monday, Reuters reported. At least a dozen bodies were pulled from the twisted debris of the overturned bus, police said. One witness reported seeing the bus speeding in poor weather, but it was not immediately clear how the accident happened.

Syrian helicopter bombings kill at least 36 in Aleppo – monitor

Syrian army helicopters dropped improvised “barrel bombs” on the disputed northern city of Aleppo on Sunday, killing at least 36 people, nearly half of them children, Reuters reported, citing the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. The Local Coordination Committees, an opposition group, claimed that at least 83 people died in aerial bombardments conducted by government forces in Aleppo, the CNN reported. At least 50 more people sustained injuries, the group said.

16 killed in clashes in China’s Xinjiang

A clash in China’s Xinjiang region, home to the mostly Muslim Uighur ethnic minority, has reportedly left 16 dead, media reports say. Police attempting to detain criminal suspects in Shufu county near the city of Kashgar, in far western China on Sunday, were attacked by several “thugs” armed with explosive devices and knives, AFP reported, citing local media. Two police officers were killed and 14 of the “thugs” shot dead, while two criminal suspects were detained. More than 190 “terrorist” attacks were reported in Xinjiang last year.

 Oscar-winning actress Joan Fontaine dies at age 96

Legendary actress Joan Fontaine has died at the age of 96. The Hollywood star passed away in her sleep at her Carmel, California home on Sunday morning, according to a longtime friend of the actress. She won an Academy Award for her role in Alfred Hitchcock’s “Suspicion,” beating out her sister and bitter rival Olivia de Havilland. Fontaine also starred in Hitchcock’s “Rebecca,” as well as “Jane Eyre” and “Born to be Bad.”

US to resume non-lethal aid to Syrian rebels soon – Kerry

US Secretary of State John Kerry has said that the US will “very quickly” resume sending non-lethal aid to moderate Syrian rebels. Speaking to ABC on Sunday, Kerry also stressed that the US in fact already “had had some, um, proffers who have the warehouse protected and other kinds of things.” Washington and London stopped providing non-lethal aid to the Syrian rebels via Turkey on Wednesday after radical Islamists began to take control of the Free Syrian Army’s bases in northern Syria.

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India defeat Pakistan to lift Kabaddi World Cup

16122013

Updated on : 15-12-2013 06:01 AM

India beat Pakistan 48-39 to emerge champions of the fourth World Cup Kabaddi played at the Guru Nanak Stadium in Ludhiana on Saturday.

Defending champion India retained the title fourth consecutive term defeating arch-rival Pakistan with a margin of nine points. Besides, the winner’s trophy, the hosts bagged a cash award of Rs two crore while Pakistan got the runners-up trophy and Rs one crore.The best raider and stopper of the game, both from the Indian team, were awarded tractors. In the first-half it was a tiff battle between the two sides. However, as the match progressed India slowly started dominating and finally outsmarted the Pakistani outfit. Braving cold weather, chief guest of the final Pakistan’s Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif, Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal, Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Singh Badal and other dignitaries were present till the match concluded close to midnight. Sharif, Badal and Sukhbir Singh distributed prizes to the teams.

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India win Women’s Kabaddi World Cup

16122013

Updated on : 13-12-2013 11:35 AM

India clinched the women’s Kabaddi World Cup championship for the third time in a row, defeating debutant New Zealand 49-21 in the summit clash played at Guru Gobind Singh sports complex in Jalandhar on Thursday.

The Indian eves led their New Zealand counterparts for most part of the match and held out a strong challenge by the visitors in the second half, on course to a resounding win.The Indian team took home a first-place prize of Rs one crore. Anu Rani was adjudged the best stopper while Ram Bateri was declared the best raider. Both received a Maruti Alto car each.

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President’s Rule imposed in Delhi

16122013

Vijay Goel ‏@VijayGoelBJP tweets on President rule in Delhi,BJP accepted people’s verdict with humility, whereas AAP is misusing the verdict for political mileage.

On tweets,Vijendra Said, AAP’s fault. Now indirectly Congress will rule Delhi again-Vijender Gupta,BJP on Governor recommending President’s rule
Political deadlock continues over the formation of a government in the national capital, as tomorrow being the last day of the tenure of the current assembly. President’s Rule is imposed.Lt. Governor Najeeb Jung, on Saturday, sent a detailed report to President Pranab Mukherjee about the current political situation after meeting BJP and Aam Aadmi party, AAP leaders.

BJP and Congress have dismissed the 18 pre-conditions laid down by AAP, for their support and co-operation in forming the government. AAP had put the onus on Congress and BJP for taking support to form a government by putting forth 18 conditions and wanting to know their views on them.

The Congress had, on Friday, submitted a letter to the Lt. Governor extending unconditional support to AAP to form the government.

The Delhi polls threw up a fractured mandate, with no party securing a majority in the 70-member assembly.

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Germany beat France 5-2, register record sixth world title

16122013

Niklas Wellen slammed a brilliant hat-trick to guide defending champions Germany to their record sixth world title, beating unheralded France 5-2 in the summit clash of the Hero Junior Men’s Hockey World Cup at the floodlit Major Dhyan Chand, in New Delhi on Sunday.

It was a befitting end to the tournament as both Germany and France dished out splendid hockey much to the delight of the sparse crowd present on a chilly night.  Germany rode on five goals which came from the sticks of Wellen (2nd, 44th, 46th minutes), Jonas Gomoll (60th) and Christopher Ruhr (68th) to pocket their sixth world title, two in a row.  For France, Gaspard Baumgarten (16th, 40th) scored both the goals.  The summit clash between underdogs France and five-time champions was touted as a contest between David versus Goliath but it was not one as the French gave the Germans a run for their money, at least in the opening 35 minutes.  Cheered by their ambassador Michael Steiner, the Germans got off to an early lead when Wellen capitalized on a defensive lapse to score a field goal in the second minute.  But the Frenchmen were no mood to go down without a fight and proved the fancied Germans that they were no pushovers.  It was a neck and neck battle in the opening period as both the teams enjoyed nearly similar percentage of ball possession but France’s attacks looked more threatening.  France drew parity in the 16th minute, riding on a fine field goal from Baumgarten, who beat Victor Aly in the German goal with a fierce shot from top of the circle.  Therafter, Germany earned two penalty corners but France defence stood tall like a rock to go into the breather locked at 1-1.  The match livened up after the change of ends as France surged ahead against the run of play when Baumgarten converted his side’s first penalty corner to stun the Germans.  Germany soon earned a penalty corner but wasted the opportunity.

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National Energy Conservation Awards Function 2013

16122013

 

PRESS RELEASE

President emphasizes importance of Energy Efficiency, contribution of Industries and other establishments on National Energy Conservation Award Function 2013.

• President felicitates winners of National Energy Conservation Awards 2013; compliments energy conservation efforts
• Participating units have invested Rs. 4537 crore in Energy Conservation measures; saved Rs. 4141 crore a year; equivalent to 711 MW of Thermal Power
• Energy Conservation Awards 2013 – Empowering the Nation with Energy Conservation

New Delhi, December 16, 2013: Inaugurating the Annual National Energy Conservation Awards Function, the Hon’ble President of India, Shri Pranab Mukherjee, handed over the prizes to several industrial units and other establishments for their innovative efforts in enhancing their Energy Performance. The awardees represented – Industries, Thermal Power Stations, Office Buildings, BPO Buildings, Hotels, Hospitals, Shopping Malls, Zonal Railways, Railway Workshops, Municipalities, State Designated Agencies and manufacturers of BEE Star Labelled appliances/equipment.

The President also presented the prizes to the 1st, 2nd and 3rd prizes for the National Energy Conservation Painting Competition undertaken by the Ministry of Power and Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE). The competition is held every year at the School, State and National Levels. This year, the competition witnessed a record participation of 45 lakh students from 98,000 schools across the country.

Congratulating the children, the Hon’ble President of India, Shri Pranab Mukherjee said, “I am delighted to see the colorful and inspirational paintings drawn by you in the National Energy Conservation Painting Competition. Children have led the way in promoting conservation of scarce natural resources to ensure a better tomorrow. I am glad to see the involvement of school children to promote the cause of Energy Conservation”.

Commenting on the importance of Energy Efficiency, Shri Pranab Mukherjee said, “Our future progress is determined largely by the level of technology that will drive our economy. Innovation and technology intervention provides the competitive edge that our industrial sector should not be deprived of. Therefore, there is a need to ensure a conducive environment to innovation so that technologies are available that addresses both energy efficiency & climate change”. The direct contribution of policies to reduce energy use during the five years of the Eleventh Five Year Plan period has yielded 10,836 MW of avoided generation capacity. A National Target of increasing the efficiency of energy use to bring about a 20 to 25 percent reduction in the energy intensity of our GDP by 2020, he added. The President recognized various innovative initiatives of Ministry of Power like Perform Achieve and Trade (PAT), Super Energy Efficient Program (SEEP) under National Mission on Enhanced Energy Efficiency.

Calling for a comprehensive approach to Energy Conservation, the President appealed the Nation to conserve energy resources through their utilization in a sustainable manner. He emphasized that efficient use of resources has to begin with efficient use of human resources and this requires building skills, capabilities and systems which ensure higher efficiency in every human endeavor. At the end,    Shri Pranab Mukherjee congratulated all the National Energy Conservation Award Winners for their contribution towards sustainable growth of our Nation. He also congratulated the children for their success in Nation Energy Conservation Painting Competition.

Speaking on the occasion, Shri Jyotiraditya Madhavrao Scindia, Hon’ble Minister of State for Power expressed his concern over the limitation of our fossil fuel resources. He further added that our dependence on imported fuel is increasing significantly and any measure to conserve our scarce energy resources helps not only in improving energy security but also allows us to allocate resources to priority areas. He said that “Even though India’s per-capita emission of green house gases is much less compared to major economies of the world, the onus of efficient use of scarce energy resource falls on each one of us in global context. Efficient use of energy is an effective mechanism towards reducing global warming”. He appealed all representatives of industries, businesses, corporate organizations and individual consumers to analyze their energy consumption patterns and cut out wasteful usage of energy so that Energy saved could be made available to those who do not have access to it.

Union Power Secretary, Shri P.K. Sinha, in his welcome address congratulated the Award Winners for their innovative steps to conserve energy. He said that the industrial units and other establishments which participated have been collectively able to save about 711 MW of equivalent avoided capacity. Shri Sinha expressed his satisfaction on the tremendous response to the Painting Competition this year, which crossed last year’s record of participation of children.  He added that, this year 45 lakh students from all over the country participated in comparison to 30.9 lakhs in 2012 and about 98,000 schools across the country participated in this activity. He said that conserving or saving energy is a national cause and requested all to join hands and work in unison so as to make India an energy efficient country. All of us need to make a conscious effort to embrace energy efficient practices and products in our homes, offices & industries, Shri P. K. Sinha added.

Shri P.K. Sinha commended the work of all the award winners who have showcased their efforts in bringing energy efficiency in their areas of business and contributed to the betterment of national economy. He congratulated the little brand ambassadors for their innovative paintings on the theme of energy conservation.

In his vote of thanks address, Dr. Ajay Mathur, Director General, Bureau of Energy Efficiency, appealed to all energy users of the country and said that “I urge to all the countrymen for putting up their individual efforts to conserve energy in all spheres of life. Energy efficiency paves the way to “Economy that’s built to last” and push us towards Clean Energy Future”. 

In this award ceremony, the other Government dignitaries who were also present included Shri Ashok Lavasa, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Power; Smt. Jyoti Arora, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Power and Smt. Neeraja Mathur, Chairperson, Central Electricity Authority. BEE coordinates the Energy Conservation Awards Scheme of the Ministry of Power.

The Award Scheme has been in operation since 1991 and now includes 53 sectors of Industry and other establishments. The responses among the industrial and commercial units have become very encouraging as is evident from the increasing participation level (from 123 in 1999 to 829 in 2013). The awards have been a source of inspiration for the participating units to undertake innovative efforts for saving energy and play a major role in India’s response to reduce global warming.

The list of National Energy Conservation Award Winners and National Painting Competition Winners are in Annex-I.

***

For further information, please contact

Deputy Secretary (Energy Conservation), Ministry of Power.

Phone: 011 – 23063497

Ajay Tripathi, Media Manager, Bureau of Energy Efficiency,

Phone: 9899766864, Email: atripathi@beenet.in , http://beeindia.in/content.php?page=news_and_media/press_releases.php

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Lokpal Bill highest priority of govt: Kamal Nath

16122013

As Anna Hazare’s fast entered the seventh day, the governmment on Monday declared that the Lokpal Bill is its highest priority and it is even ready to extend the current session of Parliament, concluding on December 20, for passage of the anti-corruption measure.

Citing Hazare’s backing to the Bill, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kamal Nath took a dig at AAP convenor Arvind Kejriwal, a one-time protege of the Gandhian, saying those doing politics on the issue were finding fault with the measure.  Asked whether Samajwadi Party, which is opposing the Bill, has been brought on board, he said that his government will try its best to get the support of all parties for passage of the proposed legislation and it is “hopeful” about it.  “We are talking to all. We are appealing to all parties to cooperate with the government as the Lokpal Bill is the need of the nation,” he said. Nath’s remarks came after a meeting of the Congress Core Group which saw Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Congress chief Sonia Gandhi huddled with senior leaders to devise a strategy for the passage of the Bill, scheduled to come up for consideration before Rajya Sabha tomorrow.  “The Lokpal Bill is the highest priority of the government. It is a historical Bill for the country…The nation needs it… We want both the Houses of Parliament to pass it in this session”.  “If needed, we will extend the Parliament session. If required we are also ready to sit till late hours to pass it….The Lokpal Bill is a very important priority for the government”, he said.

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ANURAG LAUNCHES NATIONAL CAMPAIGN TO HONOUR OUR WOMEN

16122013

LOK SABHA MP AND YOUTH LEADER ANURAG SINGH THAKUR LAUNCHES NATIONAL CAMPAIGN TO HONOUR OUR WOMEN

Piecemeal approach to legal reforms & policy making has failed as rape cases double since Nirbhaya case

H.O.W. initiative to target 1000 schools & colleges across India in first year to help change male mind set towards women in society

New Delhi, 16 December, 2013: Anurag Singh Thakur, Member of Parliament in the Lok Sabha, and National President of the Bharatiya Janta Yuva Morcha (BJYM), the youth wing of the BJP, today launched a nation-wide campaign, Honour Our Women (H.O.W. Foundation), that transcends all political barriers to unite on one platform the laudable individual efforts of various civil society groups, NGOs, student bodies, government representatives, politicians, media, corporates and individuals, and to work collectively and constructively towards charting out a concrete set of steps and future course of action for promising and securing empowerment, safety respect and honour for our women. The campaign will work on the streets and in schools and colleges in every state capital across India, to bring a change ground-up by sensitizing men on respecting women.

Launching the initiative, MP (LS) Anurag Singh Thakur said, “The HOW initiative is a befitting tribute to one woman who lost her life, but awakened a million others. A year back, when thousands of men and women took to the streets in protest, they weren’t just demanding justice for Nirbhaya – they also wanted a guarantee that there will not be any more Nirbhaya cases ever again. But despite new laws and all the policing, cases of rape and crime against women only seem to be on the rise. In wake of the growing public pressure, the measures taken under the current system have put a heavy skew only on legislative and judicial interventions without looking at the social fabric of the society. This legislative approach needs to be complemented with a direct grassroots approach to get men to speak up and convince other men to join hands in Honouring Our Women through concrete action.”

“Each day lost in stopping perpetration of crime against women exacerbates the colossal damage we do to our society. Besides violating a woman’s fundamental right to freedom, each rape erodes trust in our society and portrays India as intolerant to the rest of the world. In a vast and diverse country like India, just stronger law enforcement and faster justice by themselves will remain incomplete and unsuccessful unless we also bring in a mass-scale sociological and psychological change from within. HOW is a campaign that aims to shoulder this responsibility to bring about this change in mind sets and attitudes of men towards women, on a truly scalable basis. In the first year itself, we are aiming to mobilize sensitization and support in over 1000 schools and colleges in every state across the country,” added Mr. Thakur.

The HOW Foundation launch conference brought together eminent men from various walks of life including politics, journalism, government and cinema, to pledge their commitment to the HOW campaign, and to discuss effective measures of bringing this change in male mind set to honour women and on ways to spread the message across our personal and professional lives.

Speakers at the launch conference included Arun Jaitley, Leader of the Opposition, Rajya Sabha; Baijayant ‘Jay’ Panda,Member of Parliament (Lok Sabha) from Biju Janata Dal; Arnab Goswami, Editor-in-Chief, Times Now; Ashutosh, Managing Editor, IBN7; Rahul Kanwal, Editor-at-Large, Headlines Today; Vivek Oberoi, Actor; Chetan Bhagat, Author; and, Kapil Sharma, stand-up comedian, Comedy Nights With Kapil.

For more details, please contact:

Astik Sinha

Head- Policy Research & Social Media

Office of Anurag Singh Thakur

Member of Parliament, Lok Sabha

14, Janpath, New Delhi- 110001

Ph.: 011 2378 2365 (O)

Email: mphamirpur@gmail.com

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Salwan Boys Sr. Sec. School, Rajinder Nagar Clinch Delhi-Leg Title

16122013

                                    

Final Match: Coca-Cola Cricket Cup U-16 Inter-School Tournament, Delhi-leg

Salwan Boys Sr. Sec. School, Rajinder Nagar Clinch Delhi-Leg Title after Thrashing Vidya Jain Public School, Rohini

New Delhi, 16^th December 2013: Alizaan AlamⳠall-round performance and Shivam ChauhanⳠspectacular half-century helped Salwan Boys Senior Secondary School, Rajender Nagar thrash Vidya Jain Public School, Rohini by seven wickets in the Final match of the Coca-Cola Cricket Cup under-16 inter-school tournament, played at Bharat Nagar ground today.

Salwan Boys Sr. Sec. School won the toss and opted to bowl first. Vidya Jain Public School batsman started well with an inspiring 42-run knock by Vasu Sharma. He was well-supported by Garvit Chabbra, who scored a useful 38 runs. However, rest of the batsmen failed to give solid partnerships to them and lost wickets in regular intervals.

Salwan Boys School bowlers Sahil Khatri and AlizaanⳠtwo-wicket hauls helped their team to restrict the opponent at 143 for nine wickets in 35 overs.

In reply, Salwan Boys achieved the target in 28 overs after losing only three wickets. Star batsman Shivam led the batting line-up with his brilliant 71-run knock. All-rounder Alizaan supported him with his 22-run knock. He along with Ankush Tyagi (20 not out) and Jhonty Sidhu (17 not out) helped his team to clinch Coca-Cola Cricket Cup Delhi-leg trophy.

Alizaan was adjudged Man-of-the-Match for his all-round performance. Shivam Chauhan was adjudged as Best Batsman of the tournament. Last season, he was chosen as the Cricket Star and was sent to London for 25-day coaching camp under former Somerset cricketer Thomas ᔯm⠗ebley at famous Merchant Taylors’ School in Northwood.

Salwan Boys Sr. Sec. School was awarded Rs. 50,000/- cash prize for winning the Delhi-leg of the Coca-Cola Cricket Cup, whereas runners-up Vidya Jain Public School received Rs. 35,000/-.

In the 1st Semi-Final match, Salwan Boys Sr. Sec. School defeated Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, ITO and in the 2^nd Semi-Final, Vidya Jain Public School outplayed Kulachi Hansraj Model School, Ashok Vihar.

The Delhi-leg of the Coca-Cola Cricket Cup 2013-14 involved participation from 64 leading under-16 teams with matches played at various grounds across the Capital. The tournament commenced from the second week of November and ran for around 3 to 4 weeks. Matches until the quarter-finals were played on a knock-out format, the 8 quarter-finalists were then play a league.

Player of the Tournament: Prashant Vashisht (190 runs & 11 wkts), Salwan Boys Sr. Sec. School, Rajinder Nagar

Best Batsman: Shivam Chauhan (325 runs), Salwan Boys Sr. Sec. School

Best Bowler: Akshit Grover (20 wkts), Vidya Jain Public School, Rohini

Brief Scores

VJPS-R: 143 for 9 wkts in 35 overs (Vasu Sharma 42, Garvit Chabbra 38; Sahil Khatri 2/20, Alizaan Alam 2/30).

SBSSS-RN: 144 for 3 wkts in 28 overs (Shivam Chauhan 71, Alizaan Alam 22, Ankush Tyagi 20 n.o., Jhonty Sidhu 17 n.o.).

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December 17, 2013, 1:46 am

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India asks US diplomats to return IDs

17122013

Diplomat row:

In an escalating diplomatic row, India has asked the US to return IDs issued to all its consular officers posted in the country, a move which may be a precursor to reviewing immunity and benefits enjoyed by them as a protest to the treatment meted out to India’s Deputy Consul General in New York.

“Government has asked the US to return the ID cards given to their consular officers posted in India,” Government sources told.  It is understood that the government intends to review the immunity and benefits enjoyed by US diplomats.  Significantly, the review comes after India reacted sharply to Deputy Consul General Devyani Khobragade being arrested and handcuffed in public in New York on visa fraud charges last week by summoning US Ambassador Nancy Powell and issuing a demarche in this regard.  The displeasure was also evident among leaders and officials of Indian government. Home Minister Sushilkumar Shinde today cancelled his meeting with a senior US Congressional delegation ostensibly as a mark of protest against the treatment meted out to Khobragade.  On Monday, Lok Sabha Speaker Meira Kumar had cancelled her meeting with a senior US Congressional delegation due to the same reason.  National Security Advisor Shiv Shankar Menon, who also had a scheduled meeting with the five-member US team, did not meet them, apparently for the same reason.  The delegation comprised Congressmen George Holding (Republican – North Carolina), Pete Olson (Republican – Texas) David Schweikert (Republican – Arizona), Robert Woodall (Republican – Georgia), Madeleine Bordallo (Democrat – Guam).  39-year-old Khobragade, a 1999-batch IFS officer, was taken into custody last week on a street in New York as she was dropping her daughter to school and handcuffed in public on visa fraud charges before being released on a USD 250,000 bond after pleading not guilty in court.

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Srinagar experiences coldest night

17122013

 

Dal Lake Onto freeze

Parts of the famous Dal Lake and other water bodies froze in Srinagar as the cold wave continued in Kashmir Valley where Srinagar city witnessed the coldest night of the season at minus 3.7 degrees Celsius.

Srinagar city, the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir, witnessed the coldest night of the season as mercury dipped to minus 3.7 degrees Celsius as compared to Friday’s minus 3.5 degrees Celsius,a MeT Department official said in Srinagar. The subzero temperature in the city for nearly a week now has resulted in partial freezing of Dal Lake and other water bodies.  Leh, in the cold desert of Ladakh, recorded a drop of over one degree in the minimum temperature from the previous nights seasons lowest of minus 13.0 degrees Celsius to settle at a low of minus 14.2 degrees Celsius.  This was the season’s lowest temperature in Leh which continues to remain the coldest place in the state.  The night temperature in the nearby Kargil town also decreased slightly to register a low of minus 10.8 degrees Celsius as against the previous nights minus 10.4 degrees C.  The minimum temperature in the tourist resort of Pahalgam settled at minus 6.6 degrees Celsius as against the previous nights minus 7.2 degrees Celsius. The famous ski-resort of Gulmarg recorded a low of minus 2.4 degrees Celsius, an increase of three degrees from the previous nights minus 5.4 degrees Celsius.  Qazigund, the gateway town to Kashmir, recorded a minimum of minus 4.8 degrees Celsius as compared to minus 4.3 degrees Celsius the previous night. Kupwara town in north Kashmir recorded a low of minus 4.3 degrees Celsius as against minus 5.1 degrees Celsius the previous night.  Kokernag in south Kashmir recorded a low of minus 3.6 degrees Celsius as against the previous nights minus 3.8 degrees Celsius.  The weather in Kashmir continues to remain dry except for a light snowfall at some places in the higher reaches on Wednesday and the MeT Department has said there would not be much change in it.

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Arab League chief to push for more cooperation in India

17122013

The chief of Arab League Nabil el-Araby will arrive in India on Tuesday where he will meet top leaders and will sign a Memorandum of Cooperation to deepen economic and cultural relationship between the two.

Araby will meet External Affairs Minister Salman Khurshid and Vice President Hamid Ansari during his visit.  This will be Araby’s first visit to India since assuming the post of Secretary General of the Arab League. Araby, former Foreign Minister of Egypt, was the Egyptian Ambassador to India in the early 1980s.  The new MOC and Executive Programme (EP) will represent a significant upgrade in the relationship between India and the Arab League. Under the proposed EP, there will be an annual senior officials meeting in which senior diplomats from the 22 Arab members states will meet with their counterparts from India and every two years.  A Ministerial meeting between the Arab League and India will also be held under the new programme. It also proposes an Arab-India Partnership Summit in the field of trade and investment, an Indo-Arab Cultural Festival, cooperation in the energy sector, agriculture, education and human resources, as well as the media.  A conference of the Presidents of prominent Indian universities with their counterparts in the Arab world is also being planned in Kuwait in 2014. The Arab world is one of the largest partner of India with over USD 110 billion in trade

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Lal Thanhawla sworn-in as Mizoram CM

17122013

Lal Thanhawla, who steered Congress to a landslide victory in Mizoram, was sworn-in as Chief Minister by Governor Vakkom Purushothaman on Saturday.

He was sworn-in and administered oath of office along with his 11-member council of ministers at the Raj Bhavan in Aizawl.This is Lal Thanhawla’s second consecutive term and the fifth overall term as Chief Minister. Of the 11 Ministers sworn-in on Saturday seven are of cabinet rank and the rest are Ministers of state.

Two cabinet Ministers R Romawia and John Rotluangliana are new faces.

They served as speaker and deputy speaker respectively in the previous Ministry.

The other cabinet Ministers are R Lalzirliana, Lalsawta, H Rohluna, Zodintluanga and P C Lalthanliana.

The Ministers of state are Lalrinmawia Ralte, C Ngunlianchunga, Lal Thanzara and B D Chakma are Ministers of state.

Lalthanliana was a Minister of state in the previous Ministry, while Lal Thanzara, who is the brother of the Chief Minister, was a parliamentary secretary as was Lalrinmawia Ralte.

The other two ministers of state are fresh faces in the house.

Mizoram bucked the trend in the last round of assembly elections in five states with Congress retaining power by winning 34 of the 40 seats in the house, polls for which were held on 25th November.

Thanhawla first became the chief minister in 1984 when the party swept the polls defeating the then ruling People’s Conference Party led by Brig Thenphunga Sailo.

In the later part of 1986, he vacated the chair to enable erstwhile underground Mizo National Front leader Laldenga to be installed as chief minister in the MNF-Congress coalition interim government.

Thanhawla returned to power for a second time in 1989 when the Congress and MNF (Democrats) formed the government.

In 1993, he became Chief Minister for the third time when the Congress and Mizoram Janata Dal formed the government.

The Congress was defeated by the MNF in 1998 and in 2003. Thanhawla became Chief Minister for the fourth time in 2008.

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Kapil: Homosexuality ruling: Govt promises urgent steps

17122013

Kapil: Homosexuality ruling: Govt promises urgent steps 

Updated on : 14-12-2013 08:32 AM

The Govt on Thursday promised urgent steps to overturn the Supreme Court ruling declaring homosexuality as illegal amid indications that it could file a curative petition in the apex court.

“We will have to change the law. If the Supreme Court has upheld that law, then we will certainly have to take firm steps. Change has to be made fast and any delay cannot take place. We will use all means available to make changes at the earliest,” Law Minister Kapil Sibal told reporters in New Delhi on Thursday in the wake of an uproar over the ruling.  Asked whether government could bring a legislation to amend section 377 of the IPC, he said at this stage “time is of the essence. We must decriminalise adult consensual relationships.”  Responding to questions on the options available with the government, he said “one of the opinion could be to bring it to Parliament at the earliest. The other opinion could be to approach the Supreme Court or take any other route. We will adopt the approach which will give us quick results.”  Finance Minister P Chidambaram said the Supreme Court ruling was wrong and all options would be looked at to set right the apex court order.  Terming the judgement “disappointing”, he said the court should have applied “current social and moral values” in the case.  He said the government should file a review or curative petition and that the matter should be heard by a five-bench judge.  Chidambaram, the former Home Minister, said the Delhi High Court judgement was a well-researched one which the Union government accepted and did not challenge in the Supreme Court.  He noted that the bench that gave the order, should have referred the matter to a five-judge bench and that the interpretation of law cannot be static.  When asked why the government did not amend section 377 while amending the rape laws in the wake of Delhi gang-rape incident, Chidambaram said the High Court judgment laid down section 377 only in a limited manner.  “They decriminalised homosexuality only among consenting adults and in private. Therefore, there was no need to amend section 377…section 377 can remain, because between two non -consenting adults it still remains a crime.  “So, there was no occasion to amend the section. And the amendment of the section was necessary only after the final announcement of the judgment. The case was pending in the Supreme Court and there was no occasion to amend it,” he said.  He said the government’s decision of not opposing the High Court judgement in the Supreme Court was also his party’s view.  Expressing similar views, Sibal said millions of people are effected by the judgement.  “And I don’t think we should expose those millions to section 377 of the IPC and we are very firm about this.”  He said in 21st century archaic laws of the nature that are reflected in section 377 should stay as part of the penal code.  “I think these laws must be reversed and contemporaty world do not accept the values of the 19th century.”  Responding to suggestions that flip flops by the government in the past had resulted in the SC verdict; Sibal insisted that there was absolutely no flip flop.  “In fact, the Attorney General appeared for us in the Supreme Court. He made elaborate arguments supporting the judgement of the High Court. He also filed written submissions and the Government of India took a very firm position that the judgement of the High Court needs to be sustained and this law is anachronistic and there is absolutely no flip flop as far as the Government of India is concerned. “There will no flip flop in any event because we are absolutly firm on decriminalisation of adult consensual relationships,” he said.

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Centre’s approval not required in court-monitored probe: SC

17122013

Centre’s approval not required in court-monitored probe: SC

The Supreme Court on Tuesday held that no approval from the Centre is required by CBI to prosecute senior bureaucrats in court-monitored corruption cases, strengthening the arms of the agency to go ahead against the officials without taking prior sanction from government.

A three-judge bench headed by Justice R M Lodha cleared the deck for the agency to prosecute bureaucrats allegedly involved in coalgate scam without waiting for government’s sanction.  The bench passed the order in one of the applications filed in coal blocks allocation scam seeking its direction to do away with the provisions of prior sanction of the Centre in cases monitored by court.  “Sanction is not necessary under section 6A of the Delhi Special Police Establishment (DSPE) Act when the case under the Prevention of Corruption Act is monitored by court,” the bench said.

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SC ruled that same sex couples could face life in prison

17122013

 

 

 

 

Dear friends,

India’s top court has just ruled that same sex couples could face life in prison. But outrage is building and if we show how far the judges are out of step with society, we can help get a successful review of the case, and set love free again! Sign the petition:

Two judges have just made same sex love illegal. ILLEGAL!! But if we act fast we can help reverse this backwards ruling. 

Adults in India now face life imprisonment just because of who they love. Outraged, several groups are rushing for a review, and as one judge just retired, they could win. But only if enough people across India raise our voices before the review request is filed in the next few days. 

Let’s help love conquer fear in India and demand that our justices recognise how far attitudes in India have come since the law was passed in 1860! Sign and share the petition below to make love legal, when 100,000 have signed we’ll take out prominent adverts to be sure we get the judges’ attention: 

http://www.avaaz.org/en/india_freedom_to_love_nat/?bDcIObb&v=32661 

In 2009, the Delhi High Court made a landmark decision saying that sex between two consenting adults in private could not possibly be an offence. People rejoiced, hailing this as the beginning of a journey where love and identity would no longer be attacked.
 
But this week the Supreme Court shocked the country by overturning this ruling in an shocking and endorsing the 1860 colonial era law which says that gay sex is “unnatural, immoral and a reflection of a perverse mind.”

How can love be a crime? This ruling is regressive and many fear the law will be used to target the some of the most vulnerable people in India. Now that one of the decision-makers is to be replaced, it’s possible the court would reverse its ruling. Sign the petition and embrace love! 

http://www.avaaz.org/en/india_freedom_to_love_nat/?bDcIObb&v=32661 

In most of the world, gay rights have gone through a watershed decade. People everywhere are realising, if they hadn’t already, that love is love and deserves respect and protection. But this didn’t happen by accident — it happened because of conscientious communities like ours who called out injustice wherever we saw it. India is now the next frontier — let’s join together to stand up for love.

With hope and determination,

Meredith, Shreya, Alice, Alex, Dalia, Ricken and the entire Avaaz team

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December 18, 2013, 6:12 am

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Outrage in Parliament, govt vows strong action

18122013

Amidst outrage expressed by members in Parliament, India on Wednesday asserted that it will intervene “effectively and specifically” to ensure the return and restoration of dignity of its Deputy Consul General in New York who has been arrested on charges of visa rules violation.

Responding to concerns expressed by members across party lines in both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, External Affairs Minister Salman Khurshid condemned the US action and said he will not return to the House if he fails in his responsibility to bring back the arrested diplomat Devyani Khobragade.  Spelling out the series of steps initiated to scale down the privileges granted to US diplomats in India, he said there was a “conspiracy” in which Khobragade was “virtually trapped”.  He said the diplomat is “innocent” and the US action was unwarranted. “It is not illegality that she is accused of, but the illegality she refused to oblige,” he said.  Maintaining that the government was not over-reacting by taking a slew of measures against the US, Khurshid said the treatment meted out to Khobragade had “not happened out of blue” and there is a “history” behind it.  He asserted that the government is determined and “will intervene effectively and specifically to ensure that dignity of the diplomat is preserved.”  Khurshid made suo motu statements in both the Houses after members expressed outrage with demands that a resolution be passed to condemn the US action.  “It is my responsibility. We will bring back the diplomat (arrested in New York) and restore her dignity. If I fail to do it, I will not return to this House,” he said in Rajya Sabha.  In the Lok Sabha, he said, “First and foremost, our effort is to bring her out of this situation and then we will talk to the US government.”   US has said it is “looking into” the facts of the case, even as US Marshals on Wednesday admitted that she had been strip searched as part of “standard procedures”.  “We understand that this is a sensitive issue for many in India. Accordingly, we are looking into the intake procedures surrounding this arrest to ensure that all appropriate procedures were followed and every opportunity for courtesy was extended,” State Department spokesperson Marie Harf said.  Her statement came after India took a series of steps in retaliation to Khobragade’s arrest and ill-treatment in New York last week for alleged visa fraud. The 39-year-old consular officer was subjected to a humiliating strip search, was swabbed for DNA and was kept in a cell with drug addicts after her arrest. She was released on bail the same day. “While this is a law enforcement issue and will need to be worked through standard procedures and official law enforcement channels, we will continue to work this issue with India in the spirit of partnership and cooperation that marks our broad bilateral relationship,” Harf said as the US went into damage control mode following India’s tough stand.  A 1999 batch IFS officer, Khobragade, India’s Deputy Consul General in New York, was arrested on 12th December by the State Department’s diplomatic security bureau, and then handed over to the US Marshals Service (USMS).  Khobragade was taken into custody as she was dropping her daughter to school before being released on a USD 250,000 bond after pleading not guilty in court.  USMS confirmed that Khobragade was subjected to a “strip search”, the same as other arrestees.  “As for the type of search, I can only confirm that she was subject to the same search procedures as other USMS arrestees held within the general prisoner population in the Southern District of New York, which in this case was a strip search,” USMS spokesperson Nikki Credic-Barrett said.  She insisted that standard intake procedures were followed, saying, “While in USMS custody, standard arrestee intake procedures were followed.”   United States on Tuesday urged India to accord due protection to American diplomats as the South Asian nation was responding angrily to the arrest of an Indian diplomat in New York. “We have conveyed at high levels to the government of India our expectations that India will continue to fulfill all of its obligations under the Vienna Convention,” State Department spokeswoman Marie Harf told reporters at a regular press briefing. She said Washington will continue to work with India to ensure that all of American diplomatic personnel and facilities “are being afforded full rights and protections.” India on Tuesday also summoned U.S. Ambassador Nancy Powell in protest and stopped import clearances for the U.S. embassy, as senior Indian government officials refused to meet with a visiting delegation of U.S. congressmen. “The U.S. and India enjoy a broad and deep friendship,” Harf said in a statement. “And this isolated episode is not indicative of the close and mutually respectful ties we share.” She told reporters that U.S. diplomatic security officials followed “standard procedures” during Khobragade’s arrest, and that the Indian diplomat does not have full diplomatic immunity. “We understand there are sensitive issues involved here,” Harf added. “For example, the State Department isn’t the entity that conducts the intake procedure at the federal courthouse. That’s the U.S. Marshals.”

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Snowden offers to help Brazil in NSA inquiry

18122013

Snowden, the former contractor for the U.S. National Security Agency (NSA), has offered to help Brazil investigate the extent of NSA’s spying against the South American country in an open letter published Tuesday.

The letter, addressed to “the people of Brazil” and expected to be sent to authorities there, was published by Brazilian daily newspaper Folha de S. Paulo, which had previously run articles on the NSA’s activities in Brazil, based on documents revealed by Snowden.

But Snowden, who blew the whistle on the NSA’s global surveillance scheme and is wanted in the U.S. for divulging secret documents, said, “Until a country grants permanent political asylum, the U.S. government will continue to interfere in my ability to speak.”

Snowden is currently living in Russia under temporary asylum, which is due to expire in August next year. He had previously requested asylum in Brazil, but that request remains unanswered.

The whistleblower said in the letter that several Brazilian senators have asked him for his help in investigating U.S. spying on Brazil, but that Washington would continue to try to prevent him from speaking out until he is able to secure permanent asylum.

Soon after the spying revelations were first made, documents revealed Brazil was a main target of Washington’s political and corporate spying, and Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff became one of the most outspoken critics of the U.S. spying policy.

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Mishkat Varma debuts on television in Rajan Shahi’s …Aur Pyaar Ho Gaya

18122013

On a recent shoot in Rajasthan, the actor was mistaken as Ranbir Kapoor!!

Seen in various ad commercials and working as a  successful model for various brands, Mishkat Varma makes his debut with Zee TV and Rajan Shahi’s new offering –  …Aur Pyaar Ho Gaya.

Playing the role of Raj in the show, Mishkat dons the hat of a simple and fun boy-next-door. Talking about his role, Mishkat said, “I play the role of a young college boy who takes life with a pinch of salt and has his own ways of fighting problems that drive his life. A happy-go-lucky chap, I relate to my character every bit as I am pretty much like that in my real life too.” Taking up a television offer after doing many modeling assignments, Mishkat is a trained dancer and has been a part of Shiamak Davar’s dancing troupe.

Commenting on his journey, Mishkat said, “I’ve been modeling for quite a few years now, and each time I received a television offer, I felt that I was not ready for it. I knew if I’d jointelevision, it would only be if I get to play the lead on the show. I was taken by surprise when I received a call to audition for the role of Raj in …Aur Pyaar Ho Gaya. Known for launching many fresh faces as leads in top-rated shows of the industry, I am glad to have Mr. Rajan Shahi’s show as my stepping stone in the showbiz.”

On a recent outdoor shoot in Rajasthan, the young lad was mistaken as superstar Ranbir Kapoor!!! Quiz Mishkat about the incident and the actor blushes red! “It was crazy and flattering at the same time. We were shooting in a temple and the locals out there  suddenly started saying, aree ye toh badtameez dil wala ladka hai.. They thought I was Ranbir Kapoor and wanted my autograph. I thoroughly enjoyed the attention. I hope the entire country accepts me as the Ranbir Kapoor of the small screen,” gushes the actor.

The show will also see an entry of another newbie – Kaanchi Singh playing the female protagonist, Avni in the show. …Aur Pyaar Ho Gaya talks about this sublime experience called ‘love’ that a young and spirited Avni is waiting to discover in her life. So is Raj the right guy for her?  To know more, stay tuned to Zee TV.

… Aur Pyaar Ho Gaya, coming this New Year only on Zee TV!

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Protest at US Embassy

18122013

भारतीय महिला राजनयिक के साथ हुए दुव्र्यवहार के विरोध में राष्ट्रवादी शिवसेना ने किया अमेरिकी दूतावास के बाहर विरोध प्रदर्शन।

         नई दिल्ली, 18 दिसंबर। अमेरिका में तैनात भारतीय राजनयिक देवयानी के साथ अमेरिका में किए गए दुव्र्यवहार के विरोध में राष्ट्रवादी शिवसेना ने आज नई दिल्ली स्थित अमेरिकी दूतावास पर विरोध प्रदर्शन कर अमेरिका से इस कृत्य के लिये सार्वजनिक तौर पर माफी मांगने की मांग की। पार्टी कार्यकर्ता तीन मूर्ति चैक पर एकत्रित हुए और अमेरिका के विरू( नारे लगाते हुए अमेरिकी दूतावास की ओर बढ़े जहां पर पुलिस ने उन्हे बढ़ने से रोक कर गिरफ्तार कर लिया। प्रदर्शनकारियेां ने अमेरिकी राष्ट्रपति बराक ओबामा का रूप धारण किए एक व्यक्ति को निर्वस्त्र करके सड़को पर घुमा कर अपना आक्रोश जताया। इस मौके पर पार्टी ने एक ज्ञापन अमेरिकी उच्चायुक्त को दिया। कार्यकर्ताओं की अगुवाई पार्टी प्रमुख श्री जयभगवान गोयल कर रहे थे। कार्यक्रम का आयोजन पार्टी की दिल्ली ईकाई द्वारा किया गया।

इस मौके पर उपस्थित प्रदर्शनकारियों को संबोधित करते हुए पार्टी प्रमुख श्री जयभगवान गोयल ने कहा कि अमेरिका के इस बर्ताव से आज हिन्दुस्तानियों में गहरा आक्रोश है। उन्होंने कहा कि अमेरिका में भारतीयों के साथ हुए दुव्र्यवहार की यह कोई पहली घटना नहीं है, इससे पूर्व भी अमेरिका भारतीय अभिनेताओं, राजनेताओं के साथ दुव्र्यवहार कर चुका है जिस पर अगर उसी समय भारत सरकार कड़ा रूख अपनाती तो आज इस तरह अपमानित नहीं होना पड़ता। उन्होंने कहा कि अब अमेरिका ने अपनी सारी हदें पार कर दी है तभी उसने एक महिला राजनयिक के साथ ऐसा दुव्र्यवहार किया है। उन्होंने कहा कि इस हरकत के बावजूद भी अमरिकियों द्वारा इस घटना को सहजता के साथ लिया जाना अमेरिका के अहंकार को दर्शाता है। मगर अमेरिका को यह याद रखना होगा कि हिन्दुस्तानियों को ”जैसे को तैसा“ की भाषा में भी जवाब देना आता है।

श्री गोयल ने कहा कि हमारे देश में महिला सम्मान सर्वोपरि है और प्रत्येक सच्चा हिन्दुस्तानी, किसी भी महिला का अपमान बर्दास्त नहीं कर सकता। इसलिए इस दुव्र्यवहार के लिए अमेरिका सार्वजनिक तौर पर मांफी मांगे और यह भी सुनिश्चित करे कि भविष्य में हिन्दुस्तानियों के साथ कभी ऐसी घटना घटित नहीं होगी। इस मौके पर प्रदर्शनकारियेां को दिल्ली प्रदेश अध्यक्ष चै. ईश्वर पाल सिंह तेवतिया ने भी संबोधित किया।

इस मौके पर सर्वश्री देवेन्द्र कुमार सिंह, बलदेव राज मनचन्दा, जयप्रकाश बघेल, जितेन्द्र यादव, प्रवीण गोयल, बजरंग बहादुर, मदन लाल माहौर एवं श्रीमति सुमन देवी आदि पदाधिकारी अपने कार्यकर्ताओं के साथ मौजूद थे।

सादर।

भवदीय

भरतलाल शर्मा

कार्यालय सचिव

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Meghna Naidu to enter Jodha Akbar!

18122013

 

Meghna’s character Benazir to enter the lives of Jodha & Akbar with a secret agenda  

Making an appearance across various reality shows, the Kaliyon Ka Chaman girl Meghna Naidu is all set to make her debut in a fiction show as she gears up for her role of Benazir, the enchantress in Zee TV’s No. 1 show Jodha Akbar. This Andhra beauty has been a famous model, done a number of music videos and acted in Bollywood films before she shifted base to Dubai. Meghna returns to Mumbai to take on this role.

While many actresses who were approached for the role refused it because of its negative  shades, Meghna gladly took ‘Benazir’ up. Commenting on what appealed her about the role, she said, “The role holds a lot of mystique for the viewers as Benazir is a girl who’s brought into Akbar’s haveli with a secret agenda … her motivations are not known to the audience … though it will be evident that Benazir is attempting to manipulate the Emperor, people will be left guessing as to what her true intentions are. A tough nut to crack, Akbar will fall prey to beautiful Benazir’s seduction as he is vulnerable after Jodha’s rejection. My character will bring in a lot of interesting twists in the show and I am sure, that Jodha Akbar fans are going to enjoy watching me in the show.” 

Talking about her character and comeback on television, Meghna said, “It feels good to come back and take up a role in one of the top-rated shows running on Indian television at the moment. I have been following Jodha Akbar on and off and I love the grandeur of the sets and the entire look and feel of the show. The role is one of a temptress … someone who will captivate Akbar’s attention through her guile and allure. She will be a part of his harem and will dance her way into his heart. So, I am glad the role entails dancing! I am quite excited as I will start shooting soon.”

Also, entering the show is Juhi Aslam, playing the role of ‘Zaiyada’, who is Benazir’s (Meghna Naidu) care taker.

Will the two new entries change the equation between Jodha and Akbar and bring them closer, or will the two end up being separated forever?

Do not miss Jodha Akbar, Monday to Friday, 8 – 8:30 PM only on Zee TV!

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Developing Asia behind the growth of South South trade: UNCTAD

18122013

Surge in South-South trade is led by China , Vietnam , Egypt , India , Turkey , Peru , Colombia , Brazil , Mexico and Chile .

                                                                        .                                                                       

In the global trade scenario, world merchandise exports have more than tripled over the last two decades and reached US$18.3 billion (in current prices) in 2012 from US $10.5 billion in 2005.  One fourth of the world exports comprise of the exports among developing countries called “South-South” trade, which marked a record $4.7 billion, according to the UNCTAD Handbook of Statistics 2013.

The share of South-South trade in total world exports has doubled over the last 20 years, to over 25%. This South-South trade trend has been led largely by developing Asia, followed by developing America . Amongst the developing Asia, China accounts for more than 20% of developing countries’ intra-trade. The other major country which are leading the South South trade are Viet Nam, Egypt, India , Turkey , Peru , Colombia , Brazil , Mexico , and Chile  These economies have expanded the most in the South-South trade during the last two decades.

           World, developing economies and South-south merchandise exports

                                                                                                                                (million US dollars)

                       Source: PHD Research Bureau, Compiled from UNCTAD,

Fuels with 25% share holds the highest share in South South trade followed by manufactured goods and components for electrical and electronic goods, which accounts for 19% and 15% share in intra South trade. Developing economies have also been gaining market share in international trade in services.  The share of exports of commercial service from developing countries in total world exports of services increased from 22% in 1995 to 30% in 2012. In 2012 alone services-sector exports from developing countries increased by almost 8%.  In construction and travel exports, developing economies accounts for 40% of the global market. Their importance is also growing in transport and in computer services trade. However, developing and transition economies do not account for much of global trade in financial services and in trade related intellectual properties. South-South trade has been facilitated by various bilateral, regional and inter-regional preferential trade agreements.

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China:U.S. to be cautious on South China Sea issue

18122013

China on Wednesday rebuffed U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry’s remarks on the South China Sea issue and urged the country to be cautious in its words and deeds.

“We have noticed his remarks,” said Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying at a regular press briefing in response to Kerry, who said on Tuesday that the United States would speak out when China took unilateral actions that raised the potential for conflict.

“We hope the relevant country will respect the efforts made by China and countries of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) on the South China Sea issue, strictly abide by its commitment of not taking a position, and be cautious with its words and deeds,” she said.

Hua noted China always stands for a resolution of the South China Sea issue through direct negotiations among relevant countries, and keeps smooth and effective communication with ASEAN countries on the South China Sea code of conduct.

The spokeswoman urged the United States to be more helpful for the mutual trust among countries in the region and the peace and stability of the region.

Hua also slammed criticism by Japan and the Philippines on China’s East China Sea Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ), urging them to stop sowing discord.

“The performance of relevant parties is enough and should be stopped. If they really care about the region’s peace and stability, they should treat this objectively and fairly and stop sowing discord,” Hua said.

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Mid-Quarter Review of Monetary Policy: 2013-14

18122013

RBI in its mid quarter review of monetary policy for 2013-14 has kept the CRR unchanged at 4% of net demand and time liability (NDTL); and the policy repo rate under the liquidity adjustment facility (LAF) has kept unchanged at 7.75%. Consequently, the reverse repo rate under the LAF will remain unchanged at 6.75%, and the marginal standing facility (MSF) rate and the Bank Rate at 8.75%.

The RBI policy rates so far                 

Components	Sep-10	Sep-11	Sep-12	Sep-13	29-Oct-13	18-Dec-13
CRR	6.00%	6.00%	4.50%	4.00%	4.00%	4.00%
Repo Rate	5.75%	8.25%	8.00%	7.5%	7.75%	7.75%
Reverse Repo Rate	4.50%	7.25%	7.00%	6.5%	6.75%	6.75%
WPI Inflation	8.90%	9.80%	7.50%	6.1%	6.5%	7.5%@
IIP growth	13.00%	3.30%	0.10%	2.6%	0.6%	(-) 1.8%**
Real GDP growth	8.90%	7.7%ˆ	5.50%”’	4.4%	4.4%	4.8%#

 Source: PHD Research Bureau, compiled from various sources

Note: ˆ Data for Q1FY12, “’ Data for Q1FY13, @Data for November 2013,

 ** Data for October 2013, # Data for Q2 2013-14 estimates

Snapshot of mid-quarter review of monetary policy 2013-14: RBI

The outlook for global growth continues to remain moderate, with an uneven recovery across industrial countries. Activity in major emerging market economies (EMEs) barring China has decelerated on account of weak domestic demand, notwithstanding some improvement in export performance. While volatility in financial markets has receded, it could pick up again following the inevitable taper of quantitative easing in the US , given the large dependence of emerging market economies (EMEs) on external financing.

On the domestic front, the pick-up in real GDP growth in Q2 of 2013-14, albeit modest, was driven largely by robust growth of agricultural activity, supported by an improvement in net exports. However, the weakness in industrial activity persisting into Q3, still lacklustre lead indicators of services and subdued domestic consumption demand suggest continuing headwinds to growth. Tightening government spending in Q4 to meet budget projections will add to these headwinds. In this context, the revival of stalled investment, especially in the projects cleared by the Cabinet Committee on Investment, will be critical.

Inflation – Retail inflation measured by the consumer price index (CPI) has risen unrelentingly through the year so far, pushed up by the unseasonal upturn in vegetable prices, double-digit housing inflation and elevated levels of inflation in the non-food and non-fuel categories. While vegetable prices seem to be adjusting downwards sharply in certain areas, the feed-through to much-too-high headline CPI inflation remains to be seen. Wholesale inflation has also gone up sharply from Q2 onwards, with upside pressures evident across all constituent components. High inflation at both wholesale and retail levels risks entrenching inflation expectations at unacceptably elevated levels, posing a threat to growth and financial stability. High and persistent inflation also increases the risks of exchange rate instability. 

External sector – The narrowing of the trade deficit since June through November, on positive export growth and contraction in both oil and non-oil imports, should bring the current account deficit (CAD) down to a more sustainable level for the year as a whole. Robust inflows into the swap windows opened by the Reserve Bank during August-November have contributed significantly to rebuilding foreign exchange reserves thus covering possible external financing requirements and providing stability to the foreign exchange market. Going ahead, these favourable developments should help to build resilience to external shocks.

Policy stance

Headline inflation, both retail and wholesale, have increased, mainly on account of food prices.  While CPI and wholesale price index (WPI) inflation excluding food and fuel have been stable, despite a steady and necessary increase in administered prices towards market levels, the high level of CPI inflation excluding food and fuel leaves no room for complacency. There are indications that vegetable prices may be turning down sharply, although trading mark-ups could impede the full pass-through into retail inflation. In addition, the disinflationary impact of recent exchange rate stability should play out into prices. Finally, the negative output gap, including the recent observed slowdown in services growth, as well as the lagged effects of effective monetary tightening since July, should help contain inflation.

RBI in its policy stated that there are obvious risks to waiting for more data; including the possibility that tapering of quantitative easing by the US Fed may disrupt external markets and that the Reserve Bank may be perceived to be soft on inflation. Even though the Reserve Bank maintains status quo in its mid quarter review of monetary policy, it can help guide market expectations through a clearer description of its policy reaction function: if the expected softening of food inflation does not materialise and translate into a significant reduction in headline inflation in the coming times, or if inflation excluding food and fuel does not fall, the Reserve Bank will act, including on off-policy dates if warranted, so that inflation expectations stabilise and an environment conducive to sustainable growth takes hold.

Warm regards,

Dr. S P Sharma

Chief Economist

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Hindustan FC Kick Off Delhi League With A Goalless Draw

18122013

New Delhi: Hindustan FC started its Delhi Senior Division League campaign with a goalless draw against Youngmen FC at the CWG Sports Complex here today.

Hindustan FC were bang on target right in the 2nd minutes of the game, just to be denied a lead by the diving Youngmen FC goalkeeper. The former champions continued in the same vein and unleashed flurry of attacks.

Nigerian recruit O.O. Sola’s solo effort from just outside the box kissed the woodwork in the 8th minute before Mehra’s scorcher went straight to the keeper.

On the other side of the field, Hindustan FC goalkeeper, Rajat Guha came into action and made a sliding tackle to deny a Youngmen striker a sniff at the goal, who had just the experienced custodian to beat.

It was Hindustan FC all over again in the 2nd half, having many sniffs at the goal but all in vain. Former Mohun Bagan skipper Rishi Kapoor made a left footed attempt from 30 yards out which missed the near post by inches.

Thereafter both the side went hard at each other seeking for the winner, but none managed to get that elusive goal as both side had to be content with one point.

Hindustan FC next play Punjab Heroes on Tuesday, 24th December in a 12:45 PM kick off.

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“Role of the National Government and Civil Society Organizations in National EFA 2015 Reviews”

18122013

South Asia Technical Workshop
“Role of the National Government and Civil Society Organizations 
in National EFA 2015 Reviews”

UNESCO New Delhi, Government of India and ActionAid Association are organizing the South Asia Technical Workshop on Role of the National Government and Civil Society Organizations in National EFA 2015 Review, from 19-20 December 2013 in New Delhi, at Hotel Umrao. Six countries from South Asia will be participating in the Workshop – Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, and Sri Lanka.

The workshop will be inaugurated by Dr. Shashi Tharoor, Minister of State for Human Resource Development, former under secretary general of the United Nations and an eminent author. Also present will beMs Lise Grande, the UN Resident Coordinator and UNDP Resident Representative in India; Mr. Shigeru Aoyagi, UNESCO Representative to Bhutan, India, Maldives and Sri Lanka, and Director, UNESCO New Delhi Office, and Dr. Amarjit Singh, Additional Secretary, Department of School Education and Literacy, Ministry of Human Resource Development, Government of India. The workshop will provide a forum for the South Asian countries’ government and CSO representatives, representatives of the EFA convener UN agencies from UNESCO, UNICEF, UNFPA, UNDP and World Bank, international experts and resource persons, and also key stakeholders from India with opportunity to explore and discuss issues on Achieving Education for All Goals in South Asia by 2015 and formulating the Post 2015 Education Agenda.

The main objectives of the workshop are:

· Taking stock of the achievements and progress of six EFA goals in South Asia and the gap between projected results and goals in 2015;

· Sharing of best practices, lessons learnt, and experiences on implementation of the EFA goals in the countries of South Asia, highlighting collaboration between government and CSOs;

· Taking stock of the ongoing exercise in conducting National EFA Review and suggest for appropriate modality of working together; and

Making recommendations for the future education goals, and the post 2015 development agenda.

Where does South Asia Stand on EFA Goals

In this connection it will be opportune to look into the performance of the world, particularly South Asia with regard to the EFA goals. It needs to be pointed out that the world is not on track on all six EFA goals set in 2000. Some are close to targets and some are far from the targets. The enrolment in absolute number and Net Enrolment Ratio (NER) has increased at primary level significantly from 1999. The proportion of Out-of-School children (OOSC) at the primary level has reduced substantially from 23% in 1999. It is now only 7% in 2011 in South and West Asia. At the same time, at the lower secondary level (upper primary level for India) it was 40% and now it is 30% in 2011.
Among the participating six countries of South Asia in this workshop namely Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal and Sri Lanka the highest proportion of OOSC at the primary level is in Bhutan with 8.2% in 2011, where as the lowest proportion of OOSC is in India with 1.1% in 2011. However, at the same time, in terms of the proportion of OOSC at lower secondary level (upper primary) the highest proportion is from India with 22.8% and lowest from Nepal with 6.0% in 2011. The large proportion of out of school children in India could be attributed to the drop out among girls at that age, prevalence of child labour etc.
In terms of the number of out-of-school children at the primary level, it has gone down from 40 million in 1999 to 12 million in 2011 in South and West Asia. The number of OOSC at lower secondary (upper primary) level has gone down from 39.6 million to 31.2 million from 1999 to 2011.
The six participating countries is the homeland of 341 million adult (15 years and above) illiterate populations out of world’s 773.5 million (UIS 2013 September) adult illiterate populations. Among six countries India contributes 37% of World’s adult illiterate population. 
Background

As we approach the target set for Education for All by 2015, there is an urgent need to review in a systematic and effective manner how various countries, which are the Member States of the UN have achieved the goals of the Education for All (EFA). The EFA review will provide better understanding of the bottlenecks and barriers and achievements of EFA.

At the World Education Forum (Dakar, 2000), the international community recognized the central role of civil society in the achievement of the EFA goals. Since then, civil society’s involvement in education has expanded considerably and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) are now considered a vital EFA partner to achieve the goal of EFA 2015. Accordingly, the EFA Review 2015 Technical Guidelines has also suggested to include civil society organizations in the Review national team. It is in this context that UNESCO and Government of India are partnering with ActionAid Association (www.actionaid.org/india) in organising this EFA 2015 workshop involving number of other civil society organisations from various South Asian countries as well. The Action Aid Association works in 24 states of India for promoting free and adequate schools for children belonging to Dalits, Adivasis, Muslims, girls, urban poor and other vulnerable communities.

For more details you could contact:

Ms. Rekha Beri, Documentionalist and Public Information, UNESCO New Delhi Tel: 26713000-106
Dr. Alex George, Head of Child Rights, Action Aid Association, New Delhi: M: 9968293621

Kind regards,

unesco_temple_alone_285
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Documentation and Public Information

United Nations
Educational, Scientific and
Cultural Organization
UNESCO Office in New Delhi – Cluster Office for Bhutan, India, Maldives and Sri Lanka
B5/29 Safdarjung Enclave, New Delhi 110 029, India
Tel. +91-11-26713000; Fax. +91-11-26713001
Email: nd.library@unesco.org
r.beri@unesco.org
http://www.unesco.org/new/en/newdelhi
http://www.facebook.com/unesconewdelhi

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EU considers suspending some Iran sanctions

18122013

​EU considers suspending some Iran sanctions

The EU has promised to suspend some sanctions against Tehran once the IAEA has verified that Iran is on a compliance course under the terms of the Geneva agreement reached in November. In a statement, EU foreign ministers said that they are “committed to…suspend those EU sanctions as set out in the [agreement] immediately after the IAEA has verified the implementation of the nuclear-related measures by Iran.” They added that ”a swift implementation of the voluntary measures by all sides is now key. Iran has to implement its commitments in good faith.”

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Russian MPs pass presidential amnesty draft

18122013

 

The lower house of Russia’s parliament, State Duma, on Tuesday passed in the first reading President Vladimir Putin’s bill on amnesty in honor of the 20th anniversary of Russia’s Constitution. The document was unanimously supported by 442 MPs, Itar-Tass reported. According to the accompanying documents, some 25,000 people will be granted amnesty. They include the people who committed crimes when they were under age, women with underage children, pregnant women, women older than 55 and men older than 60, severely disabled persons, military servicemen, law enforcement officers, plus some other categories.

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NATO voices concern over Russian Iskander missiles deployment

18122013

 

NATO has voiced concerns over Russia’s deployment of Iskander missiles on the Baltic Coast, claiming that better communication channels are needed with Moscow. “We have to have a medium of trusted, constant, reliable communication,” said NATO’s Supreme Allied Commander Europe, US Air Force General Philip Breedlove. Because of the nature of military deployment of NATO and Russian forces in various parts of the world, “there can be no room for miscalculation,” he said. Meanwhile NATO spokeswoman Oana Lungescu said the deployment of Iskander missiles “is counter-productive to the kind of partnership NATO seeks with Russia and to the goals we have agreed for the enhancement of security in the region.” Calling for more transparency, she assured Moscow that “NATO’s goal is a truly strategic partnership with Russia.” Media agencies 

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Lokpal is a reality now, It is passed in Loksabha..

18122013

‪#‎AnnaHazare‬‘s ‘thank you’ note

Lokpal is a reality now, It is passed in Loksabha..Transparency in governance comes by strong will and intention to make things better. It takes time to discuss and understand the requirement and at the end the fruit is sweet for we all.

Lets step towards emerging India with positive mindset. ”We should complete the unfinished work of fighting corruption… Six anti-corruption bills are pending. If necessary, can we not extend this session of parliament?” Gandhi said.

Noting that the Lokpal bill was part of this comprehensive framework, he said the RTI law was the first on the UPA list.

The other bills include the right of citizens for time-bound delivery of goods and services and also cover areas of public procurement, foreign bribery, judicial accountability and protection for whistleblowers said Rahul Gandhi tweets.Big Celebration in Hazare village as Lokpal bill is passed

Several thousand supporters of fasting social activist Anna Hazare lustily cheered here as the Lok Sabha passed the much-anticipated Lokpal bill.

As soon as the news flashed on TV screens, there were screams of joy and merriment in the gathering and a frail Hazare gathered strength to stand up on the dias.

“Jai Hind, Vande Mataram, Bharat Mata ki Jai,” he cheered on the microphone, acknowledging the greetings and happiness of the people gathered there.

‪#‎Thanks4Lokpal‬

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Moscow confirms deployment of Iskander missiles on NATO borders

18122013

 

 

Iskander high-precision missile system in place during military exercises.

 Russian Defense Ministry confirmed media reports on the deployment of short-range Iskander missiles in the country’s west, near its borders with the Baltic states and NATO members, saying that it does not violate international agreements.

German newspaper Bild wrote this weekend that Russia stationed several Iskander tactical ballistic missile systems – which are capable of carrying nuclear warheads – in its westernmost exclave of Kaliningrad, along the border with Baltic states. The paper said it obtained “secret satellite” images showing at least 10 Russian missiles close to the EU border, which were deployed over the past year.

 Moscow confirmed that it did station the missiles, which have been designated by NATO as SS-26 Stone, in the region.

“Rocket and artillery units of the Western Military District are really armed with Iskander tactical missile systems,” Maj. Gen. Igor Konashenkov, head of the Defense Ministry’s press service, told reporters on Monday.

“The concrete areas of the deployment of Iskander missile battalions in the Western Military District do not contradict any international agreements or treaties,” he added, as quoted by Interfax.

Lithuanian Defense Minister Juozas Olekas said earlier that he was concerned over the reports of Russian missiles near his country’s border. He added that the former Soviet state had discussed with its neighbors and NATO partners “how to react and protect” themselves, because “any incidents were hypothetically possible,” Delfi news website reported on Monday.RT News

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The core of AAP is Swaraj, people’s participation in major decisions.

18122013

Arvind Kejriwal

Congress replied to our letter seeking clear answers to the 18 questions. They said that 16 did not require their support and they would support AAP on the remaining 2. BJP did not even bother to respond, making us wonder what “constructive opposition” means!On one hand, there is history of Congress’s support to other parties and what they did to them. We also fought on the principle of neither giving, nor seeking support from either BJP or Congress. On the other hand, a section of people believe that the political parties will not be able to play and tricks till the Loksabha elections. So AAP should form a government and work for the betterment of Delhi during this time.The core of AAP is Swaraj, people’s participation in major decisions. This one involves the future of Delhi. We ask you for your opinion. Should AAP form the govt. in Delhi, in the present circumstances. You can express your opinion at the link below.

AAP candidates are also reaching out in their constituencies in the next few day to collect the opinion of people. All responses received will be collated by Monday morning and the decision will be conveyed.

We are committed to making the right decision for the people of Delhi. Therefore, their participation in this process is key. After all, we have always maintained that democracy is not a once in 5 year event!

http://www.aamaadmiparty.org/Should-AAP-Form-A-Govt

 

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Sony introduces PlayStation 4

18122013

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The Panchala MahaUtsav

18122013

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Gender, Youth and Migration (GYM) A New Web Portal is Now Online!

18122013

–18 December 2013
On the occasion of the International Migrants Day and in continuation of UNESCO’s work on internal migration, UNESCO announces the launch of an online knowledge platform on Gender, Youth and Migration (GYM), as a sub-community of practice of the Gender Community of UN Solution Exchange. The GYM initiative, supported by UNESCO, hopes to bridge the gap and link researchers, practitioners and decision makers working on gender, youth and migration in India.
Worldwide, there are 740 million internal migrants, almost 4 times as many as those who have moved internationally i.e. 214 million (UNDP 2009). Internal migration in India accounts for a large population: 326 million or 28.5 percent of the population are internal migrants (NSSO 2007-08), projected to reach 400 million (Census 2011). 70 percent of internal migrants are women (Census 2001) and about 30 percent of internal migrants belong to the youth category, i.e. between 15-29 years (Rajan 2013, Census 2001).
While research interest and policy intervention in international migration has garnered some attention, there is no dedicated ‘resource hub’ yet that promotes or brings together researchers, practitioners and decision makers working on issues of internal migration, enabling them to learn from each other and stay connected.
The GYM web page is linked to the Gender Community-UN Solution Exchange web portal, supported by UNICEF and UN Women, and provides access to over 200 resources on internal migration, gender and youth, at policy, research and case-studies level. The GYM webpage is now online and in the following months, online queries and discussions would be initiated on themes of gender, youth and internal migration in India.
GYM
GYM, launched with support from UNESCO, as a sub-community of the Gender Community of Practice, UN Solution Exchange, is an online platform connecting experts, researchers, NGOs and decision makers who share a common concern on the topic of internal migration, gender and youth; tapping research and policy recommendations from India, South Asia and BRICS countries.
GYM Membership
Members can sign up for free via a membership form available on the web portal. All members will be merged under a common mailing list to create an effective and inexpensive way to collect, disseminate, and create policy relevant knowledge for better policy making; also enhance individual and organizational capacities on addressing GYM issues.
GYM Web page available at:

http://solutionexchange-un-gen-gym.net/

• A one-stop “research and policy hub” on internal migration
• Search by keyword from over 200 resources on gender, youth and migration
• Data base of Books , Reports Research Articles and Policies
• National and International Laws
• Directory of Experts, Research Institutes and Organizations
• Online Queries and Discussions
• Upcoming events and latestnews
• Important Web links
For membership and further queries, please contact us on:
se-gen_gym@solutionexchange-un.net.in

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India’s SOMDEV DEVVARMAN to battle it out in main draw of Aircel Chennai Open 2014

18122013

The 28-year-old has dramatically broken into the top 100 list and has had an impressive run at tournaments across the world in 2013

CHENNAI, DECEMBER 18, 2013: Even as Estonia’s Jurgen Zopp has pulled out from the Aircel Chennai Open 2014 with a back injury, India’s Somdev Devvarman has entered the singles draw for the upcoming 19^th edition of the tournament, scheduled to take place from 30th December 2013 to 5th January 2014 at Chennai’s SDAT Tennis Stadium. The World No. 90 will be spearheading India’s representation at the US $450,000 tournament.

Cutting off at 89, the strong player field for the region’s most exciting and hard fought tennis tournament will see an inspiring array of players and include thrilling talent such as World No. 8 Stanislas Wawrinka, World No. 15 Mikhail Youzhny, World No. 16 Fabio Fognini, and Defending Singles Champion Janko Tipsarevic. The 2014 edition marks only the second time in the history of the tournament where three returning singles champions form part of the playing field.

This year, 28-year-old Devvarman dramatically broke into the top 100 list had an impressive run at tournaments. In the space of 10 months, he climbed more than 550 spots to a No. 90 Emirates ATP Ranking. He recorded main draw wins at his first six tour-level events of 2013, highlighted by a third-round run at the Sony Open Tennis, and followed with success on the ATP Challenger Tour circuit, reaching the semi-finals at four events. He also advanced to the second round of Roland Garros and the US Open and the third round of the Citi Open – all as a qualifier – to re-enter the Top 100 by September.

Noteworthy that Somdev also was nominated for Comeback Player of the Year for the ATP.

Other leading players who will add excitement to the event include France’s Benoit Paire, Canada’s Vasek Pospisil, Spaniards Marcel Granollers & Roberto Bautista-Agut, and Frenchman Edouard Roger-Vesselin.

The Title Sponsor for the tournament is Aircel and the event is supported by a consortium of sponsors in the Platinum category headed by the Government of Tamil Nadu. 

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TATA STEEL & PGTI ANNOUNCE THE 12TH TATA OPEN GOLF

18122013

 

TATA STEEL & PGTI ANNOUNCE THE 12TH TATA OPEN GOLF  

~Prize money of Rs 50 lakh~\

~Top names in the field include Rashid Khan, Mithun Perera, Shamim Khan, Chiragh Kumar

Jamshedpur, December 17, 2013: TATA STEEL and Professional Golf Tour of India (PGTI) have announced the 12^th TATA Open Golf which will be held in Jamshedpur from 19^th – 22^nd December, 2013. The four-day tournament will be hosted at the Beldih and Golmuri Golf Courses in Jamshedpur. The Pro-Am will be played on 18^thDecember, 2013. The prize money for the event is Rs. 50 lakh.

The tournament will feature 124 golfers including 118 professionals and six amateurs. Top professionals (as per the PGTI’s Rolex Rankings) competing at the event include defending champion Mithun Perera of Sri Lanka, former champions Mukesh Kumar, Shamim Khan (reigning Rolex Rankings champion) and Vinod Kumar as well as other leading Indian professionals like Rashid Khan (current Rolex Rankings leader), Chiragh Kumar, Harendra Gupta, Om Prakash Chouhan, Shankar Das, Chikkarangappa S and Angad Cheema, to name a few.

Sri Lankans N Thangaraja and Anura Rohana, Kunal Bhasin of Australia, Nepal’s Shivaram Shrestha and Bangladesh’s Md Zamal Hossain Mollah will be the other foreigners to watch out for besides defending champion Mithun Perera of Sri Lanka.

The local challenge will be led by Jamshedpur-based top Indian amateur Karan Taunk.

Mr. T V Narendran, Managing Director, Tata Steel said, “Tata steel has a proud legacy of supporting sports and has always helped in creating an atmosphere conducive to sports promotion creating champions who have made India proud. Tata Open Golf is an annual domestic professional golf tournament of repute, which gives an opportunity to the top golfing talent from across geographies to display their skill and talent. The tournament has, over the years, become one of the most talked about golfing events in the country and has been instrumental in elevating the standards of Indian professional golf. We welcome all golfers to the steel city and wish them the very best.”

Mr. Padamjit Sandhu, Director, PGTI, said, “We thank TATA STEEL for their committed support to Indian professional golf over the last decade. The 12^th TATA Open promises to be a treat for golf fans in Jamshedpur as the top professionals in the country engage in an exciting contest in order to secure berths at the McLeod Russel Tour Championship, PGTI’s year-ending championship, and also make a bid for the Rolex Player of Year title. We wish the players all the best and look forward to an exhilarating week of golf.”

The two venues for the tournament, the Beldih and Golmuri golf courses, are both lush green, beautiful and very well-maintained, with the charming Dalma Hills in the background. While the 70-year-old Beldih Golf Course flaunts long fairways, Golmuri is a smaller, greener, boutique course disallowing golfers any room for error. 

About Tata Steel and Sports

Established in 1907 as Asia’s first integrated private sector steel company, Tata Steel Group is among the top-ten global steel companies with an annual crude steel capacity of over 29 million tonnes per annum (mtpa). It is now the world’s second-most geographically-diversified steel producer, with operations in 26 countries and a commercial presence in over 50 countries.

Tata Steel is the only Indian company to invest in world-class sports facilities, create academies and maintain and manage international level arenas. The cadets of its Tata Football Academy, the nursery for the sport in India, as well as those of Tata Archery Academy, the only one-of-its-kind for archery, besides Tata Athletics Academy, have justified the faith that the Company has in the talent and ability of its youth. Today, a significant part of the Indian Football team, India’s best archers, some of its finest cricketers, athletes, shooters, a Grand Master and several national and international legends have realised their dreams as a result of the support they have received from TATA Steel’s Sports Academies. Tata Steel is the only Corporate in the country to have been awarded Rashtriya Khel Protsahan Puraskar by the Hon’ble President of India. Cadets from the various academies have won honours like Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award, Padmashree, Dronacharya Award, Arjuna Award and Dhyan Chand Life Time Achievement Award. They have been Olympians, Asian Medalists and winners at innumerable medals at International & National levels.

About PGTI:

Formed in 2006, Professional Golf Tour of India (PGTI) is the recognized official body of professional golf in India. PGTI’s objective is to promote professional golf in the country as well as give players an opportunity to be involved in decision making for all aspects of the game. Headed by Mr. Gautam Thapar (President), PGTI’s governing body comprises of leading Indian golf professionals. PGTI currently has over 300 members.

Chief, Corporate Communications

Tata Steel

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DFW International Airport Welcomes New Etihad Airways Service to Abu Dhabi

18122013

DFW International Airport Welcomes New Etihad Airways Service to Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates Starting In 2014

Etihad Airways arrival at DFW expands travel options to the Middle East and beyond

December 18, 2013 – Etihad Airways today announced it will launch new international service from Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW) International Airport three times a week to Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, starting on December 3, 2014.  Etihad Airways will operate the Dallas/Fort Worth route with Boeing 777-200LR aircraft featuring a three-class design.

“We are thrilled to have Etihad Airways bring its highly respected international service to Dallas/Fort Worth,” said Sean Donohue, Chief Executive Officer of DFW Airport.  “Etihad Airways has established a reputation for excellence, and we are confident that DFW customers will be eager to take advantage of the new route for travel to the Middle East and beyond.”

“The United States is one of Etihad Airways’ most important global markets and we are delighted to add Dallas/Fort Worth, a key U.S. destination and hub, to our flight network, bringing the number of American cities we will serve to five by the end of 2014,” said James Hogan, Etihad Airways’ President and Chief Executive Officer. “The new service will also strengthen the deep commercial and bilateral ties between the United Arab Emirates and the United States.”

The addition of Etihad Airways further extends DFW’s record expansion of air service, in which the Airport has added 23 new international services and ten new airline partners in the past three years. With this announcement, Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport now serves a total of 206 destinations, with Abu Dhabi set to become DFW’s 58th international destination.  

“This new flight from Etihad Airways demonstrates that the Dallas/Fort Worth region continues to grow as one of the most vital business and tourism centers in the world, and it demonstrates the continuing benefit of having a world-class airport to help drive international growth,” said Donohue.  “We are confident the combination of DFW Airport and Etihad Airways will create an outstanding travel experience for customers.”

Etihad Airways offers travelers connections from Abu Dhabi to over 90 destinations around the world.  Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, began commercial operations in November 2003. Since then, Etihad Airways has gone on to become the fastest growing airline in the history of commercial aviation, and has been named ‘World’s Leading Airline’ at the World Travel Awards for five consecutive years.

The Etihad Airways service is expected to produce an additional $90 million in annual economic impact to the Dallas/Fort Worth region in terms of additional visitors, business ties and investments, according to DFW Airport estimates.

About DFW International Airport

Located halfway between the cities of Dallas and Fort Worth, Texas, DFW International Airport is the world’s fourth busiest, offering 1,800 flights per day and serving 60 million customers a year. DFW provides nonstop service to 148 domestic and 58 international destinations. For seven consecutive years, DFW has ranked among the top ten large airports worldwide for customer service in surveys conducted by Airports Council International. For the latest news, real-time flight information, parking availability or further details regarding the many services provided at DFW International Airport, visit www.dfwairport.com or download the Official DFW Airport Mobile App for Apple iOS, Android or Blackberry devices.

(re)defining DFW International Airport

DFW International Airport’s $2.3 billion Terminal Renewal and Improvement Program (TRIP) is (re)defining first class for this global gateway.  For the latest details regarding TRIP, log on to www.dfwairport.com/redefine.

Follow DFW International Airport On:

    

http://twitter.com/dfwairport

http://www.youtube.com/user/DFWIntlAirport

http://www.facebook.com/dfwairport

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Decoding Arvind Kejriwal: A servant-leader in the making

18122013

Some recent comments by Santhosh Babu

A political party established in November 2012 became a ray of hope for voters in Delhi. Kejriwal went on to defeat three-time Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit. Delhiites disillusioned with corruption and poor governance put their faith in the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and Kejriwal, an engineer by training and a former joint commissioner with the income tax department. His single-minded, focused approach to fighting corruption helped him to create a paradigm shift in Indian politics. India is ranked 94th among 177 nations in the global corruption index by Transparency International.

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AAP Collected Rs.2 Per Capita from Delhi

18122013

AAP Collected Rs.2 Per Capita from Delhi

AAP Collected $3m from all over the world, $1m from India and around 3 crores from Delhi Residents.

Kejriwal is on my mailing list for 10 years – He has yet to respond to even a single mail.

Youth of India are SMARTER than generally believed.

Every passing day without Forming a Government His Credibility Is Going Down –

He may BREAK RECORD of Fastest to join Discredited Political Party List.

CAG or CBI shall not running Government in Delhi.

Out of about 2m voters over 80% voted for him because BJP & Congress are CLEAN and Kejriwal is Cleanest of Three So Far.

SMART MOBILES ARE GOOD TO CREATE MISCHIEF & RIOTS NO GOOD TO RUN THE GOVERNMENT  

Ravinder Singh

Inventor & Consultant

Progressindia008@yahoo.com

On 12/18/13, ashishjsanyal@gmail.com <ashishjsanyal@gmail.com> wrote:

Ha Ha Sirjee.

AAP/AK is the Smartphone of Indian politics – “Cool and Innovative”

Youth will be drawn towards the party. (70m plus smartphones sold tilldate!)

The Youth are fed up with the traditional way politics is conducted in the country.

We saw yesterday how in the Rajya Sabha political parties across the board, closed ranks and supported/passed the watered down version of the Jan Lokpal bill.

Sorry that IAC/Anna got co-opted but the people of India see through this game.

Asking the people of Delhi to advise them if they should form the Govt in Delhi is a unique way to involve the people in decision making with the use of technology.

The established political parties have once again resorted to ridiculing AAP. Proof that they continue to be out of touch with the new and changing India and that AAP is on the right track.

They will learn the Hard Way in 2014.

Sent from BlackBerry® on Airtel

Kejriwal Lacks Leadership Qualities Misunderstand Democracy

December18, 2013 (C)

We humans arrive in this world head first with powerful brains to lead rest of humanity and all other life forms.

Kejriwals lack of Confidence and Ability to Lead, is like a Soldier who look back 20 times and seek orders of the General to fire every bullet at the enemy.

Kejriwal was voted to Lead Delhi by voters to Form Government and deliver on promises made.

A General or Even a Soldier never Complains about Size of Weapons Numbers of Soldiers and is battle ready all the time doesn’t wait for second order to accomplish the assigned task. Only One General Has Done So in India Recently.

Best Generals Achieve Much Better Successes, with Limited Capability & Resources, Well Within Time Specified.

I had been Politically Alert, Ace Chess Player, and Inventing before Kejriwal was born and for last ten years providing Expert Opinion all Political & Development issues within hours – Kejriwal is on my mailing list am not with him because I am not sure of his Core Ideology.

General Seeking Directions from Soldiers Following Him

I am puzzled when other political parties refuse to form government and wanted to support AAP – Kejriwal was not expected to look back all the time it is ten days and he is not yet decided whether to be Incharge of the Government or Sit Back in opposition Benches.

But what is worse under Presidents Rule is that AAP shall neither be Chief Minister of Government in power nor lesser option Leader of Opposition.

And yield Jhadoo for another six months in Delhi streets.

With his Look Back Policy Not Just His 28 Legislators and all others too in Delhi suffer from delays in Constituting Delhi Assembly – they are all without Job and authority.

In hung situation they will not Local Area Development fund and may not get salary also.

He has not Understood as Yet that he has to Run The Government as Per Law & Constitution & Make Rules That are in Best Interests of People of Delhi.

What he has not Understood is that in Democracy term of Government is always uncertain. Even if has 69 seats in 70 member Delhi assembly – any corruption case against him could send him to jail Under Lokpal.

Finally if he thinks he can run the government then he should run the government.

People may not like Leaders Who Look Back & Calculate Losses all the time.

Ravinder Singh

Inventor & Consultant

Progressindia008@yahoo.com

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December 19, 2013, 7:00 am

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CeMAT Press Conference in New Delhi for CeMAT 2014 @ Hannover

Posted on December 19, 2013 by sagarmedia

19122013

CeMAT 2014 : 19 to 23 May in Hannover Germany

A CeMAT Press Conference  in New Delhi for CeMAT 2014 @ Hannover was organised and attended by the media fraternity in New Delhi. Very useful exchanges of ideas of utility were   made in media deliberation.

Wolfgang Pech, Sr Vice President at Deutsche Messe  presented comprehensive global plan of CeMAT. In his presentation of  CeMAT enunciated its vision and global preparedness plan.

He further ticked plan for  Pan India Industries participation of various sectors thus not limiting the B2B classification but moving step forward to bring in best effort of Educational Technological Skill for Indian Company holistically.

New Delhi, Dec 19th 2013: Hannover Milano Fairs India Pvt. Ltd, a wholly owned subsidiary of two of the world’s leading trade fair organizers Deutsche Messe AG, Germany and Fiera Milano, Italy, today announces that CeMAT 2014, world’s largest fair for intralogistics scheduled to happen during May 19-23, 2014 in Hannover, Germany will focus on innovative and energy-saving forklifts and industrial trucks, complex fully automated conveyor systems, shelving and warehousing systems or the latest developments in IT – every section of the Intralogistics industry will be represented at CeMAT in Hannover. On the sidelines of the announcement, it also divulges that the Indian material handling industry will be primarily driven by intralogistics with warehousing and logistics becoming the demand drivers. It is quite visible that there is also a growing demand for forklift vehicles in the fast-growing markets of the BRIC countries and the figure is growing in India too.

With a keynote theme of “Smart – Integrated – Efficient”, a complete range of Industrial trucks, cranes and hoisting gear, access platforms, shelving systems, factory equipment, pallets, containers, loading equipment, as well as complete plant installations will be demonstrated by the manufacturers and sole agencies at the world’s largest fair for intralogistics, CeMAT. Two new display categories – port logistics and transport logistics along with 5 main clusters of displays are being organized this edition that includes Move & Lift, Store & Load, Pick & Pack, Logistics IT and Manage & Service. CeMAT 2014 will also showcase used industrial trucks from the selected dealers during the fair and has placed an added emphasis on topics like port handling systems, retail logistics, bulk goods, packaged goods, pharmaceuticals, hazardous goods and disposal during the display.

Wolfgang Pech, Senior Vice President at Deutsche Messe said, “The intralogistics industry is highly innovative and global in nature and it requires a flagship fair geared to global market needs and demand. CeMAT provides this global platform for generating new business every two years. The show’s new topic clusters and expanded range of innovations will further enhance its status within the intralogistics industry.”

Hoshang Khumbatta, President, SIMHEM  & Executive Vice President, Godrej added, “The Indian material handling industry which currently stands at INR 900 crore market is still small compared to India’s economic growth but has immense potential. And to create awareness about the benefits of using material handling systems, a common platform like SIMHEM is essential to bring together material handling equipment manufacturers, dealers, suppliers, consultants and others associated with this field. The usage of forklifts is gradually increasing in India as well among other nations and a platform like CeMAT which focuses on  used vehicle business is becoming more and more important these days.”

“The MHE industry in India is in its developing stages as compared to the technologically advanced industries of Europe and China. India’s traditional affinity to manual labour is one reason for this; however the end users of the MHE industry are now starting to understand the importance of automation in factories and warehouses which will enable a tectonic shift in the way goods are moved within a facility in the next 4 to 5 years. There is going to be additional need for set up of ports, airports, warehousing and logistic sectors to support the growth of the manufacturing industry and overall economy”, concluded Mehul Shah, Managing Director, HMF India.

About HMFI: Hannover Milano Fairs India Pvt Ltd (HMFI) is a wholly owned subsidiary of two of the world’s leading trade fair organizers Deutsche Messe AG, Germany and Fiera Milano, Italy. HMFI has been representing and promoting international shows in India and bringing world class trade fairs into the Indian market for Indian and international enterprises. WIN India – our flagship industrial trade fair focuses on MDA, Industrial Automation, CeMAT, Industrial Supply and Surface; this is to be held between 17-20 December at Pragati Maidan, Delhi. On the international front we support over 1000 Indian exhibitors to exhibit at leading shows like Hannover Messe, CeBIT, Domotex, EMO, CeMAT in Germany; HOMI, Tuttofood and HOST in Milan, Italy and other trade shows in Turkey, Brazil, China, Russia among others. For further details visit: http://hmf-india.com/

About CeMAT: CeMAT – the world’s leading trade fair for intralogistics – is staged in Hannover, Germany. The next CeMAT will be held from 19 to 23 May 2014, and thereafter every two years. The most recent CeMAT (2011) featured more than 1,000 exhibitors from 39 countries and attracted some 53,500 trade visitors from around the world. Half of the exhibitors and a third of the visitors were from outside Germany. CeMAT is now so important to the international logistics industry that its organizer, Deutsche Messe, has taken the CeMAT format to four of the world’s fastest-growing regions: CeMAT INDIA (17 to 20 December 2013 in Delhi),CeMAT RUSSIA (23 to 26 September 2014 in Moscow), CeMAT ASIA (27to 30 October 2014 in Shanghai), and CeMAT SOUTH AMERICA (30 June to 3 July 2015 in Sao Paulo). Deutsche Messe also stages two thematically related events: MATERIALS HANDLING EURASIA (19 to 22 March 2014 in Istanbul) and INTRALOGISTICA ITALIA (19 to 23 May 2015).

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December 19, 2013, 7:02 am

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CJ of M.P. High Court resolves to address concerns of canal affected farmers

Principal Secretary, NVDD summoned to Court today and tomorrow

 

The new Chief Justice of Madhya Pradesh High Court, Hon⢬e Justice A.N. Khanvilkar, along with Hon⢬e Justice Shantanu Kemkar has been hearing two public interest petitions on the Omkareshwar (OSP) and Indira Sagar Canals (ISP) since yesterday. One of these was filed in March, 2013, on behalf of thousands of canal affected families (CAFs) many of those are already seriously affected by the canal network. This petition raises serious issues of social and environmental impacts, lack of rehabilitation, unnecessary excavation of canals in irrigated villages, severe crop losses etc.  The other petition was filed by one Mr. Virendra Patidar, complaining of slow work, illegalities by the contractor, corruption, impacts of water logging in the 1st Phase of the Omkareshwar Project. 

The Chief Justice questioned the state authorities on the issue of project delay yesterday. There was a dispute over the governmentⳠclaims that 95% of work in the Right Bank Canal (RBC)ࠡnd 80% work in Left Bank Canal (LBC) of Omkareshwar was complete. Since the counsel and Superintending Engineer could not convince the Court, Mr. Rajnish Vaish, Principal Secretary of the Narmada Valley Development Department, was summoned in the Court today and questioned on delay in the project work, status of overall canal works including construction. Referring to the peopleⳠagitation being shown as a ᢡrrier⬠by the state, the CJ asked as to why will people agitate if their issues are solved and demands met within the framework of law. 

Even the Principal Secretary, did not give a complete and correct account of the construction as also compliance on other legal measures including environmental measures and rehabilitation. We questioned the same on the basis of field level reality, upon which the CJ directed him to place his statement on affidavit tomorrow. The CJ also asked the Principal Secretary as to whether there were financial constraints and directed him to consult the Chief Secretary and file an affidavit with details. 

The CJ, expressed an initiative to resolve all the outstanding issues within the framework of law such as non-compliance with the directions of the Supreme Court, recommendations of the Expert Committees of the Union Environment Ministry, lack of rehabilitation, severe crop loss in dozens of villages due to water logging and muck disposal and lack of compensation for the same, lack of dialogue and use of police force on aggrieved farmers etc. The hearing shall continue tomorrow as well in the Court of the Hon⢬e Chief Justice at Indore. Medha Patkar pleaded on behalf of the canal-affected farmers. Adv. Dharmedra Chelawat appeared for the petitioner in the other case, Mr. Virendra Patidar.

Lalchand Patidar  Mukesh Bhagoria  

For details: 0982681198

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December 19, 2013, 10:21 pm

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Sexual Harassment of Women Sports-Persons

20122013

The Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Youth Affairs & Sports Shri Jitendra Singh has said that during the past, a few cases of sexual harassment of women sportspersons in various sports bodies were received by the Government. While action on such complaints including seeking reports from the concerned NSFs and giving suitable advice to NSFs was taken by the Government, state-wise data is not maintained.

In a written reply in the Rajya Sabha today Shri Jitendra Singh said, in order to bring in transparency and good governance in sports bodies, the Government has issued guidelines which, inter-alia, provide for prevention of sexual harassment of women in sports. These guidelines are contained in the National Sports Development Code of India, 2011 (NSDCI) which are effective from 31.1.2011. Under these instructions, the National Sports Federations (NSFs) are to take the following steps:

(i) Notify, publish and circulate in appropriate ways, express prohibition of sexual harassment.
(ii) Include rules/regulations prohibiting sexual harassment in their rules and regulations and provide for appropriate penalties in such rules against the offender.
(iii) Provide appropriate conditions in respect of work, leisure, health and hygiene to further ensure that there is no hostile environment towards women and no employee woman should have reasonable grounds to believe that she is disadvantaged in connection with her career.
(iv) Women should be allowed to raise issues of sexual harassment in appropriate forums and it should be affirmatively discussed.
(v) Complaint Mechanism: The NSFs should set up a complaint mechanism for redressal of the complaint made by the victim. Such complaint mechanism should ensure time bound treatment of complaints.
(vi) Disciplinary Action: Where such conduct amounts to misconduct, appropriate disciplinary action should he initiated in accordance with rules.
(vii) Criminal Proceedings: Where such conduct amounts to a specific offence under the Indian Penal Code or under any other law, the NSFs shall initiate appropriate action in accordance with law by making a complaint with the appropriate authority. In particular, it should ensure that victims or witnesses are not victimized or discriminated against while dealing with complaints of sexual harassment. The victim of sexual harassment should have the option to seek transfer of the perpetrator or their own transfer.
(viii) Complaints Committee: The complaint mechanism referred to in (g) above, should be adequate to provide, where necessary, Complaints Committee, a special counselor or other support service, including the maintenance of confidentiality. The Complaints Committee should be headed by a woman and not less than half of its member should be women. Further, to prevent the possibility of any undue pressure or influence from senior levels, such Complaints Committee should involve a third party, either NGO or other body who is familiar with the issue of sexual harassment.
(ix) Awareness: Awareness of the rights of the female employees in this regard should be created in particular by prominently notifying the guidelines in a suitable manner.
(x) Third Party Harassment: Where sexual harassment occurs as a result of an act or omission by any third party or outsider, the NSFs will take all steps necessary and reasonable to assist the affected person in terms of support and preventive action.

****

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Categories : CSR, culture, sports

Kamal Nath: Five more Proposals Received for Central Assistance for Metro Projects

20122013

Five more Proposals Received for Central Assistance for Metro Projects says Union Urban Development Minister
Submission of Final Proposal for Ahmedabad-Gandhinagar Metro Awaited

The State Governments/Union Territories which have approached the Central Government for financial assistance to set up metro train network are Chandigarh Administration for Tri-City of Chandigarh, Mohali & Panchkula Metro Rail project, Government of Gujarat for Ahmedabad-Gandhinagar Metro Rail project, Government of Maharashtra for Pune Metro Rail project, Government of Punjab for Ludhiana Metro Rail project and Government of Uttar Pradesh for Lucknow Metro Rail project.

The above proposals are besides the projects that have already been sanctioned by Government of India, which are under operation or under various stages of implementation in Bangalore, Chennai, Delhi, Hyderabad, Jaipur, Kochi, Kolkata and Mumbai.

Govt. of Gujarat had forwarded a proposal in December, 2011 for metro rail corridor between Ahmedabad and Gandhinagar for a total length of 52 kms at a completion cost of Rs 9000 crore and requested this Ministry for Central Financial Assistance to the extent of 25% of the total cost of the project. The proposal did not fit the criteria of funding as per NUTP 2006 according to which Government of India provide funding upto 20% of the cost. Accordingly, the State Government was requested to submit its final proposal as per the GoI norms for funding. The State Government is yet to submit its final proposal.

As per National Urban Transport Policy (NUTP), 2006, Government of India provides funding to the extent of 20% of the cost of metro rail projects either through equity and subordinate debt (for 50% Central taxes/duties) if the project is taken up through a 50:50 jointly owned Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) of Government of India & the State Government or through Viability Gap Funding (VGF) if the project is taken up in Public Private Partnership (PPP) mode. Government of India also provides upto 50% funding for preparation of Detailed Project Report (DPR) of Mass Rapid Transit System (MRTS) projects.

This information was given by Shri Kamal Nath, Union Minister of Urban Development in the Rajya Sabha.

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Categories : Automobile, Business, Politics, Trade, Transport

NTPC and KfW-(Germany) ink agreement for research cooperation

20122013

National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC) has tied up a fixed interest term loan facility for EUR 55 million with KfW, the German government developmental financial institution to part finance the capital expenditure on Electro Static Precipitators and other selected packages of its Mouda Stage-II power project. An agreement to this effect was signed today by Shri G.K. Sadhu, Executive Director (Finance) on behalf of NTPC. The facility has a door to door maturity of 12 years including availability period of 4 years. The loan is on a standalone basis without sovereign guarantee reflecting the trust and confidence reposed by the German financial institution in NTPC’s strong credit quality and professional management. KfW has in the past provided financial support to the company’s renovation and modernization and emission reduction schemes. 

NTPC Ltd also signed a Financing Agreement with KfW-Germany today to setup of Solar Thermal and Photovoltaic Lab at NETRA under the aegis of Indo-German Research Cooperation through a Grant of Euro 5 million and matching contribution from NTPC. These world class labs are being setup with assistance from German R&D institutions M/s DLR, Cologne and ISE, Fraunhofer for characterization of Solar Thermal and Photovoltaic prototypes and components. 

The MoU was signed by Shri Thomas Joseph, Executive Director, NTPC-NETRA, Mr. Peter Hilliges, Director (KfW) and Mr. Andreas Thermann, Deputy Director (KfW) in presence of Shri A.K Jha Director (Technical), NTPC and other officials from NTPC and KfW

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Categories : Energy, Finnance, Science, world News

Lokpal and Lokayuktas Bill, 2011

20122013

The Rajya Sabha passed the Lokpal and Lokayuktas Bill, 2011 on December 17, 2013 and the Bill has been passed by the Lok Sabha today.

Some of the important features in the Bill are as below:-

• Lokpal at the Centre and Lokayukta at the level of the States.
• The Lokpal will consist of a Chairperson and a maximum of eight Members, of which fifty percent shall be judicial members.
• Fifty per cent of members of Lokpal shall be from amongst SC/ST/OBCs, Minorities and Women.
• The selection of Chairperson and Members of Lokpal shall be through a Selection Committee consisting of:-
• Prime Minister;
• Speaker of Lok Sabha;
• Leader of Opposition  in the Lok Sabha;
• Chief Justice of India or a sitting Supreme Court judge nominated  by CJI;
• Eminent jurist to be nominated by the President of India on the basis of recommendations of the first four members of the Selection Committee.
• Prime Minister has been brought under the purview of the Lokpal.
• Lokpal’s jurisdiction will cover all categories of public servants.
• All entities receiving donations from foreign source in the context of the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA) in excess of Rs. 10 lakhs per year are brought under the jurisdiction of Lokpal.
• Provides adequate protection for honest and upright Public Servants.
• Lokpal will have power of superintendence and direction over any investigation agency including CBI for cases referred to them by Lokpal.
• A high powered Committee chaired by the Prime Minister will recommend selection of the Director,CBI.
• Directorate of Prosecution headed by a Director of Prosecution under the overall control of Director;
• The appointment of the Director of Prosecution, CBI on the recommendation of the Central Vigilance Commission;
• Transfer of officers of CBI investigating cases referred by Lokpal with the approval of Lokpal;
• The Bill also incorporates provisions for attachment and confiscation of property acquired by corrupt means, even while prosecution is pending.
• The Bill lays down clear time lines for Preliminary enquiry & investigation and trial and

towards this end, the Bill provides for setting up of Special Courts.

• A mandate for setting up of the institution of Lokayukta through enactment of a law by the State Legislature within a period of 365 days from the date of commencement of the Act.

*******

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Categories : culture, Education, election, Law, Legal, Media

Katoch on Preservation and publication of archaeological Manuscripts

20122013

The Minister of Culture Smt. Chandresh Kumari Katoch has said that palm leaf manuscripts are preserved in a scientific manner by National Archives and are stored in a conducive atmosphere in repositories. Further in the year 2011, NAI and Soka University, Japan have jointly published facsimile copies of the Giligit Manuscript (medium-birch bark and one in palm leaf). Besides above National Museum, New Delhi has collection of Palm leaf Manuscript and coins which are scientifically preserved and are encapsulated/laminated in special reversible polyester film to minimize effects of pollutants. Publication on Palm leafs and other manuscripts are being done by National Mission for Manuscript. Similarly, inscriptions and coins are scientifically preserved by National Museum, Epigraphy and Science Branch of Archaeological Survey of India, including making of estampages of inscriptions in conventional method on paper. The mending and pasting of photo estampages, a prelude for digitization, is under process. In a written reply in the Rajya Sabha today Smt. Katoch said, the Central Advisory Board on Archaeology (CABA) during its meeting held in the year 2009 had recommended the constitution of five sub committees i.e. Conservation and Preservation of Monuments; Exploration & Excavation; Antiquity and Museum; Epigraphy and Role and Restructuring of ASI. The recommendations of these five sub committees and minutes of the CABA meeting held on 2nd December, 2009 were confirmed during the CABA meeting held on 27th & 28th May, 2011. In pursuance of above, the vacant post in the Epigraphy Branch, archaeology cadre, etc. have been filled up. Draft policies/guidelines recommended by the subcommittees have been framed.

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Kapil Sibal, Minister of Communications on Bandwidth of Spectrum

20122013

GSM Association in their communications has raised, among others, issues of refarming of 900 MHz band, spectrum pricing and allocation of entire 700 MHz band spectrum to mobile services. Giving this information in written reply to a question in the Lok Sabha today, Shri Kapil Sibal, Minister of Communications and Information Technology, said that the National Telecom Policy-2012 ( NTP-2012) envisages, among others, to make available additional 300 MHz spectrum for IMT services by the year 2017 and another 200 MHz by 2020. He said that the frequency bands 806-824/ 851-869 MHz, 824-844/ 869-889MHz and 890-915/935-960MHz are available for Telecom. The frequency band 698-806MHz has also been earmarked for telecom, out of which 15 MHz has been identified for non commercial usage. The refarming of spectrum in this band is being carried out. This would ensure introduction of new technologies and would accrue revenue to the Government.

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Categories : Business, Telecom

Internet and Wi-Fi Plan for Rural Areas

20122013

The Government has approved a project for creation of National Optical Fibre Network (NOFN) to connect all the Gram Panchayats of the country through Optical Fibre Cable (OFC). Giving this information in written reply to a question in the Lok Sabha today, Shri Kapil Sibal, Minister of Communications and Information Technology, said that NOFN is planned to connect all the Gram Panchayats (approximately 2,50,000 Gram Panchayats) in the country through optical fibre utilizing existing fibers of Central Public Sector Undertakings (CPSUs) viz. Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL), RailTel and Power Grid Corporation of India Limited (PGCIL) and laying incremental fiber wherever necessary. Dark fibre network thus created will be lit by appropriate technology thus creating sufficient bandwidth at Gram Panchayats (GPs) level. Non-discriminatory access to the network will be provided to all the telecom service providers and other access providers to launch various services in rural areas. The project is being funded by Universal Service Obligation Fund (USOF) and is being executed by a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) viz. Bharat Broadband Network Limited (BBNL). BBNL is getting the project executed through 3 CPSUs viz. BSNL, RailTel and PGCIL. Shri Sibal informed the House that three Pilot Projects have been completed to cover 30 Gram Panchayats of Arain Block in Ajmer District (Rajasthan), 15 Gram Panchayats of Panisagar Block in North Tripura District (Tripura), 14 Gram Panchayats of Paravada Block in Vishakhapatnam District (Andhra Pradesh). 59 Gram Panchayats in these three Pilot Project Blocks have been provided with 100 Mbps bandwidth. Presently, the survey work is being done by the 3 CPSUs and tenders for supply of material and execution of the project are under process in BBNL and 3 CPSUs. The fibre connectivity is to be delivered at the Gram Panchayat Bhavan or any other suitable location in the Gram Panchayat identified by the concerned State Government/Union Territory Administration. The initial estimate for the project is Rs. 20,000 Crore. The project is being funded by Universal Service Obligation Fund (USOF). Tri-partite Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for free Right of Way (RoW) has been signed with all States including West Bengal & Union Territories (UTs) except the States of Haryana and Tamil Nadu and UTs of Chandigarh and Lakshadweep. The efforts are underway to sign the MoU with the remaining States and UTs.

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Categories : Business, Energy, Media, Politics, Science, Telecom, Trade

Extension of Time to Sez Developers

20122013

In addition to Seven Central Government Special Economic Zones (SEZs) and 12 State/Private Sector SEZs set up prior to the enactment of SEZ Act, 2005, formal approval has been accorded to 574 proposals out of which 391 SEZs presently stand notified.  A total of 175 SEZs have commenced export. A list showing State-wise distribution of formally approved, notified and operational SEZs is at Annexure-I. Some SEZ developers have sought extension of validity period of the letter of approval granted to them for the execution of their projects stating reasons including adverse business climate due to global recession, delay in approvals from statutory/State Government bodies, delay in environmental clearance, lack of demand for space in SEZs, changed fiscal incentive regime for SEZs etc. After deliberations and taking into account the facts and circumstances of each case, the Board of Approval for SEZs has granted approval for extension of validity of approval in the case of several developers for the execution of their projects. The State wise position of extension of validity of approvals granted for developers from 1.4.2012 till 30.11.2013 is given as per Annexure-II. *****                                                                                                                                                                      Annexure-I State-wise distribution of SEZs      (As on 05.12.2013) State Formal Approvals Notified SEZs Operational (Exporting) SEZs Andhra Pradesh 109 78 40 Chandigarh 2 2 2 Chhattisgarh 2 1 1 Delhi 3 0 0 Dadra & Nagar Haveli 2 1 0 Goa 7 3 0 Gujarat 43 30 18 Haryana 45 34 5 Jharkhand 1 1 0 Karnataka 61 40 22 Kerala 29 24 8 Madhya Pradesh 19 9 2 Maharashtra 101 65 20 Manipur 1 0 0 Nagaland 2 2 0 Odisha 10 5 1 Puducherry 1 0 0 Punjab 8 2 2 Rajasthan 10 10 5 Tamil Nadu 67 53 34 Uttar Pradesh 31 21 9 Uttarakhand 2 1 0 West Bengal 18 9 6 GRAND TOTAL 574 391 175 Annexure-II State-wise details of number of SEZ Developers granted extension of validity of their Approvals for setting up SEZ  (w.e.f. 1.4.2012 to 30.11.2013) Sl. No. State No. of SEZ Developers granted  extension of Approvals 1. Andhra Pradesh 13 2. Gujarat 10 3. Haryana 9 4. Jharkhand 1 5. Karnataka 12 6. Kerala 15 7. Madhya Pradesh 2 8. Maharashtra 18 9. Nagaland 3 10. Odisha 5 11. Tamil Nadu 16 12. Uttar Pradesh 6 13. West Bengal 5 GRAND TOTAL 115 The information was given by the Minister of State in the Ministry of Commerce and Industry Dr. E.M.

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Indo-Pak Trade at Glance

20122013

The trade data between India-Pakistan for last 3 financial years is as follows: (Value in US $ Million) Year Exports Imports Total Trade 2010-11 2039.53 332.51 2372.05 2011-12 1541.56 397.66 1939.21 2012-13 2064.79 541.87 2606.66 Source -DGCIS, Kolkata The Line of Control (LoC) Trade is a Confidence Building Measure implemented through M/o Home Affairs. Eligible items produced on either side of the LoC are traded under this mechanism at Zero duty between Jammu and Kashmir and Pakistan Occupied Kashmir. LoC trade in Jammu & Kashmir is not India-Pakistan trade. The information was given by the Minister of State in the Ministry of Commerce and Industry Dr. E.M.

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Inclusion of Jat community in the Central List of OBCs

20122013

Inclusion of Jat community in the Central List of OBCs for the States of Gujarat, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, Uttarakhand and Bihar

The Union Cabinet today approved the following as suggested by the Group of Ministers.

Jats are already included in the State List of OBCs in nine States. Formal reports of the State Backward Class Commissions on the subject for the States of Haryana (2012) and Himachal Pradesh (2002) and books relating to socio economic status of farming communities in northern India and caste, land and political power in Uttar Pradesh are available. These may contain valuable and relevant material which can be utilized by the National Commission for Backward Classes (NCBC) to give its advice on the demand for inclusion of Jats in the Central List of OBCs in the States of Gujarat, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan (two districts), Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, Uttarakhand and Bihar.

This decision would enable the Jat Community to avail the benefits of reservation available to the Other Backward Classes for employment/ admission in /to Central Government services and posts/ educational Institutions.

Background:

Jat Community has been demanding inclusion in the Central List of Other Backward Classes for various states. The NCBC which was set up under the NCBC Act 1993, has been entrusted with the function of examining requests for inclusion of any Class of citizens as a backward class in the lists (Central List of Other Backward Classes) and hear complaints of over inclusion or under inclusion of any backward class in such lists, and tender advice to the Central Government as desired appropriate. At present, the Jat Community is included, in the Central List of OBCs for the States of Gujarat – Jat (Muslim) and Rajasthan (except in Bharatpur and Dhaulpur districts). They are, at present, included in the State Lists of nine States. The requests of Jats for inclusion in the Central List of OBCs for the States of Haryana, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh and Bharatpur and Dhaulpur districts of Rajasthan was earlier rejected by NCBC in 1997. The NCBC under the NCBC (Power to Review Advice) Rules 2011, decided to consider requests for inclusion of the Jat community after collecting additional socio-economic data through the ICSSR, in addition to data from the SECC. A GoM was constituted on 20.8.2013 to (i) engage with the representatives of the Jat community periodically; and (ii) apprise itself of the progress of the survey being conducted by NCBC through ICSSR in six states.

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Inflation Indexed National Saving Securities

20122013

Inflation Indexed National Saving Securities- Cumulative (IINSS-C) Issued for Retail Investors

The Government of India, in consultation with Reserve Bank of India(RBI), has announced issuance of Inflation Indexed National Savings Securities-Cumulative (IINSS-C) for retail investors by opening the subscription on December 23, 2013 and closing the subscription on December 31, 2013. The subscription can be closed earlier than December 31, 2013 with a prior notice.

Interest rate on these securities would be linked to final combined Consumer Price Index [CPI (Base: 2010=100)]. Interest rate would comprise two parts, i.e. fixed rate (1.5% per annum) and inflation rate based on CPI and the same will be compounded in the principal on half-yearly basis and paid at the time of maturity. The final combined CPI will be used with a lag of three months, i.e. final combined CPI for September 2013 will be used as reference CPI for all days of December 2013.

Early redemptions will be allowed after one year from date of issue for senior citizens (i.e. 65 years and above of age) and 3 years for all others, subject to penalty charges at the rate of 50% of the last coupon payable for early redemption. Early redemptions, however, can be made only on coupon dates.

The eligible investors would include individuals, Hindu Undivided Family, Charitable Institutions registered under Section 25 of the Indian Companies Act and Universities incorporated by Central, State or Provincial Act or declared to be a University under Section 3 of the University Grants Commission Act, 1956 (3 of 1956). As distribution/ sale of IINSS-C would be through banks, eligible investors may approach the branches of State Bank of India, Associate Banks, Nationalized Banks, three private sector banks (viz. HDFC Bank Ltd., ICICI Bank Ltd. and Axis Bank Ltd.) and Stock Holding Corporation of India Ltd. during their working hours.

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WTO held in Bali, Indonesia during 3-7 December 2013

20122013

WTO held in Bali, Indonesia during 3-7 December 2013

The Union Cabinet today approved the stand taken by India at the Ninth Ministerial Conference of the WTO held in Bali, Indonesia during 3-7 December 2013.

Background:

The two key issues for the Ninth Ministerial Conference of the WTO were Trade Facilitation and a proposal on Food Security.

While the accumulation and holding of public stocks for food security purposes is classified as non trade-distorting, procurement at administered prices (Minimum Support Prices in India) is considered to be implicitly trade distorting and is, therefore, subject to a limit under WTO rules.

Since the limit can be a constraint on the procurement operations of developing countries, India, along with other developing countries submitted a proposal in the WTO for a suitable amendment in the rules to address this issue.

During the conference, ministers agreed on a decision that provides for an interim period of protection to public stockholding programmes for food security purposes of developing country members from being challenged in the WTO, on the grounds of exceeding the support which they are entitled to provide. It further provides that members must agree on a permanent solution on this issue for adoption by the 11th Ministerial Conference of the WTO.

This Decision ensures that trade rules in respect of agriculture do not come in the way of initiatives aimed at self-sufficiency in food and stabilization of domestic prices. As a result of the decision, procurement operations of developing countries will not be constrained by their existing farm support limits. Developing countries will be able to run food security programmes for their under-nourished and hungry populations without the fear of violating WTO rules under the Agreement on Agriculture.

Prior to the Bali Ministerial Conference, the Cabinet had provided directions to the Commerce and Industry Minister on the stand to be taken by India. Acting on these directions, India took the position from the beginning that food security was non-negotiable and maintained its position that until a permanent solution to the issue was found, the interim mechanism must not be terminated.

As a result of its unwavering stand and the support it was able to muster, India succeeded in getting the text on Food Security appropriately amended.

The final agreed text addresses India’s core concerns. It has a firm commitment from members to work on a permanent resolution. In the interim, until a permanent solution is found, eligible members will be protected against challenge in the WTO, under the Agreement on Agriculture in respect of public stockholding programmes for food security purposes. By implication, until a permanent solution is found, countries like India will have the flexibility of providing support to its farmers without the apprehension of breaching its entitlements.

Since most of India’s demands and concerns were appropriately addressed in the Trade Facilitation Agreement, India endorsed the proposed Trade Facilitation Agreement. The new agreement will create a set of disciplines that would ensure that all WTO Members not only simplify their rules and procedures, but also follow modern techniques for facilitating clearance of goods across international borders. The agreement would eventually lead to reducing dwell time, removing unnecessary formalities and documentation, and ensuring faster release and clearance of goods at international borders. This will go a long way towards improving India’s trade administration and providing a more conducive business environment to traders.

On other issues being negotiated for the Ninth Ministerial Conference, India supported the broader consensus as it did not have any specific concern.

This was a landmark Ministerial Conference as the WTO has been able to conclude a multilateral agreement for the first time since its establishment. The outcome at Bali has restored faith in the WTO as a multilateral negotiating forum. It is a major step towards resuming the Doha Round of trade negotiations, especially in the agriculture sector. It has also given a clear signal to the world that while India is prepared to negotiate, it cannot and will not accept unbalanced agreements in any area, and least of all in an area of its topmost priority, namely food security and the welfare of its farmers and its poor.

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Pinaka rockets successfully test-fired

20122013

Pinaka rockets have been successfully test-fired from a multi-barrel rocket launcher from a base at Chandipur-on-sea near in Balasore, Odisha on Thursday.

“Six rounds of Pinaka rockets were successfully tested from the proof and experimental establishment at Chandipur,” defence sources said.

Pinaka, which has undergone several tough tests since 1995, has been inducted into the armed forces and the present trials were conducted with some improvements in the system, the sources said.

The tests were conducted by personnel from Armament Research and Development Establishment, Pune unit.

The unguided rocket system was meant to neutralise large areas with rapid salvos.

The rockets with a range of 40 km, capable of acting as a force-multiplier, was developed to supplement artillery guns, the sources said.

The quick reaction time and high rate of fire of the system gave an edge to the Army during a low-intensity conflict situation, they said.

The system’s capability to incorporate several types of warheads made it deadly for the enemy as it could even destroy solid structures and bunkers.

The Pinaka system with a battery of six launchers could fire a salvo of 12 rockets in 44 seconds and could neutralise a target area of 3.9 sq km.

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Awami activists sentenced to death in Bangladesh

20122013

Eight student activists of the ruling Awami League were sentenced to death and 13 others were given life terms on Wednesday by a fast-track Bangladeshi court in Dhaka for hacking to death a Hindu man during a nationwide strike in 2012.

“They (the eight) will be hanged to death,” pronounced tribunal-4 judge ABM Nizamul Haque at the packed courtroom as six convicts appeared in the dock.

During the 10-minute proceedings of the day, the court observed that Biswajit Das’ murder case is quite different from the others.

It took place in the broad daylight instead of night which was heinous and deplorable killing, the court said.

Two other death penalty convicts and 11 of the 13, who were awarded the life term, were tried in absentia as they were on the run to evade punishment.

Under the Bangladeshi law, the High Court must review death penalties even if the convicts do not appeal against the lower court’s verdicts.

The Chhatra League activists hacked to death the 24-year-old tailor on the street in Old Dhaka’s Bahadur Shah Park area on December 9 last year during the opposition enforced blockade.

The incident was captured live on television cameras. Bangladesh Chhatra League (BCL) is the student front of the Awami League.

Sutrapur police filed a murder case in this regard on the same day.

On June 2, charges were framed against the 21 Chhatra League activists. The murder drew flack on the ruling Awami League.

Reacting to the verdict, Das’s brother said, “I am satisfied…we got justice.”

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US budget deal clears Senate hurdle

20122013

Senate advanced a bipartisan budget deal on Tuesday; virtually assuring passage of a bill that sets spending caps for the next two years and reduces prospects of a US government shutdown in 2014.

The Bill, which cleared a Senate procedural hurdle with a bipartisan 67-33 vote and has already won House approval, is now expected to pass Congress this week before lawmakers go on their year-end recess.

President Barack Obama has indicated he will sign the deal into law, which increases the USD 967 billion cap for 2013 spending to USD 1.012 trillion next year, and importantly brings some normalcy to a budget process rocked by chaos in recent years.

Passage will allow lawmakers to spend their two-week break crafting spending plans for government agencies such as the defence and agriculture departments. Those appropriations must be made and agreed to by January 15, or lawmakers risk a government shutdown.

Tuesday’s advancement required 60 votes to break a Republican filibuster, or blocking tactic. The deal received support from all Democrats and 12 Republicans, a surprising number given the opposition voiced by conservatives who said the deal failed to sufficiently rein in federal spending.

A vote on final passage, which requires a simple majority in the 100-seat chamber, is expected tomorrow. By all accounts the deal is a modest one.

It eliminates USD 63 billion in blunt automatic spending cuts known in Washington as sequestration, and reduces the deficit by about USD 23 billion.

The accord, struck by Democratic Senate Budget Committee chairwoman Patty Murray and Republican House Budget Committee chairman Paul Ryan, does not close tax loopholes or include an extension of unemployment benefits, something Democrats have complained bitterly about.

Nor does it address reform of entitlement programs such as Social Security and Medicare, an approach long-advocated by Ryan, the Republican vice presidential nominee in 2012. “This bill is a compromise and that means neither side got everything we wanted, and we both had to give a bit,” Murray told her colleagues.

“It doesn’t tackle every one of the challenges we face as a nation. That was never the goal,” she added. But it “takes the first steps toward rebuilding our broken budget process.”

Washington has been embroiled in a near-constant cycle of fiscal warfare since 2011, when a grand bargain between Obama and Republicans collapsed. The gridlock came to a head in October, when the feuding parties failed to agree on a budget and plunged the government into a costly, 16-day shutdown.

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Abdul Basit to be new Pakistani envoy to India

20122013

Pakistan on Thursday appointed career diplomat Abdul Basit as its new High Commissioner to India.

Basit, 55, was earlier tipped to take over as Foreign Secretary but the government recently made several changes in proposed appointments.

The government initially zeroed in on Syed Ibne Abbas as the new envoy to New Delhi but changed its mind as officials felt he was too junior for the crucial posting.

Though the government decided on Basit, a former Foreign Office spokesman, nearly 10 days ago, a formal notification was issued only on Thursday, official sources said.

Basit will take over in New Delhi from former Foreign Secretary Salman Bashir at a time when Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif is pushing for better ties with India.

Basit earlier served as a Director General during 2008-09 and as Additional Secretary (Europe) during 2009-12.

His last posting was as the envoy to Germany.

Current High Commissioner Salman Bashir had been asked to continue in New Delhi for Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif’s visit to India last week.

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China asks Nepal’s Maoists to accept poll

20122013

 Chinese leader has asked the Maoists in Nepal to accept the election results and join the constitution-writing process to ensure progress and peace in the country.

Ai Ping, the vice-minister of the International Department of Communist Party of China (CPC), held separate meetings with UCPN-Maoist chief Prachanda and CPN-Maoist leader Mohan Baidya and said that the message from China was loud and clear: get involved in the constitution-writing process, the Himalayan Times reported.

The UCPN-Maoist, which received an unexpected drubbing in recent polls, is hesitant to join the Constituent Assembly while its breakaway faction CPN-Maoist is calling for an outright boycott of the assembly.

Ping also asked Prachanda to accept the election results.

“Our observation is that the people of Nepal have given the mandate that parties should move ahead by forging consensus,” Prachanda’s aide Chudamani Khadka quoted the Chinese leader as saying.

The UCPN-M chairman told the Chinese vice-minister that his party “will play a constructive role in the new CA to achieve the task of writing the constitution and concluding the peace process”.

Claiming that the votes were rigged, the UCPN-M had taken a tough stance to not become a part of the 601-member CA until an independent probe commission was set up, putting the process of drafting the countries constitution at risk.

“We apprised the envoy and the vice-minister of the post-election developments, our party’s commitment to write the constitution and our stance on election results,” UCPN-M leader Krishna Bahadur Mahara said.

Ping arrived in Kathmandu on Tuesday, leading a 14-member delegation. He is the senior-most CPC official to visit Nepal since the November 19 elections.

He also meet Nepali Congress President Sushil Koirala and CPN-UML Chairman Jhala Nath Khanal on Thursday, whose parties emerged as the top two in the elections.

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Malian president’s party wins parliamentary election

20122013

President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita and its allies has won the Mali the West African nation’s parliamentary elections, according to provisional results announced by the government.
The Rally for Mali (RPM) and its junior partners have 115 of the 147 seats in the national assembly following a second round of voting on Sunday, Minister of Territorial Administration Moussa Sinko Coulibaly said on Tuesday on state television, with the exact breakdown still to be worked out.

The Union for the Republic and Democracy (URD), the party of beaten presidential candidate Soumaila Cisse, will have between 17 and 19 members in the new parliament, allowing him to realise his ambition to be leader of the opposition.

Turnout in the second round reached 37.2 per cent, a drop on the 38.6 perc ent achieved in the first round, which itself was deemed disappointing.

The election marked the completion of Mali’s return to democracy after it was upended by a coup last year and then had its northern half occupied by Islamists linked to Al-Qaeda before being liberated by a French-led military intervention launched in January.

There were no serious incidents during 10 hours of voting but many voters were believed to have stayed away because of a recent upsurge in rebel attacks against African troops tasked with election security alongside French and Malian soldiers.

Two Senegalese UN peacekeepers were killed and seven wounded on Saturday when a suicide bomber ploughed his explosives-laden car into a bank they were guarding in the northeastern rebel bastion of Kidal. The second round of the parliamentary election was Mali’s fourth nationwide ballot in less than five months and some observers also blamed voting fatigue for the low turnout.

Louis Michel, the European Union’s chief election observer in Mali, said on Monday his team had positively evaluated 98 per cent of the 705 polling stations observed during the election. He said the “legal framework” for the polls “remains aligned with international standards for democratic elections”.

Michel also headed the EU’s observation mission for the first round on November 24 and for the presidential polls which brought Keita to power in July and August.

“Nobody would have thought we could organise the return to constitutional order and the rule of law this fast,” Michel said, adding that Mali had “now found democratic conditions to allow it to reboot to assume full development, education and reconciliation”.

Previous elections have been marred by accusations of widespread fraud and the result becomes official only if it is confirmed by the constitutional court in the coming days.

A Film : The Lunchbox at Asia-Pacific Film Festival awards.

December 19, 2013, 10:28 pm

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The Lunchbox

डिब्बा

Directed by Ritesh Batra The Lunchbox, has nominations in six categories including Best Picture at this weekend's Asia-Pacific Film Festival awards.

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By Derek Elley

Mon, 20 May 2013, 13:40 PM (HKT)

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Hugely impressive feature debut, centred on an offbeat "romance", hardly puts a foot wrong. Festivals and niche theatrical.

Story

Mumbai, the present day. Every day housewife Ila (Nimrat Kaur) sees her young daughter Yashvi (Yashvi Puneet Nagar) off to school and then prepares a dabba(multi-tiered metal lunchbox) to be delivered to her husband Rajeev (Nakul Vaid) at his office via the huge network of dabbawalla. Trying to put some spice back into her stalled marriage, Ila takes special care over the food one day, with a little help from her upstairs neighbour Mrs. Deshpande (Bharati Achrekar), aka "Auntie". But thedabba is misdelivered and ends up on the desk of crusty widower Saajan Fernandes (Irrfan Khan), a pen-pusher in a govermment claims department who is about to retire after 35 years' immaculate service. When Rajeev doesn't react as expected to her cooking, Ila suspects he never got the dabba and next day puts a note inside it. A daily "correspondence" then develops between her and Saajan which starts to change both their lives. Saajan also becomes more tolerant of his eager-beaver office colleague Aslam Shaikh (Nawazuddin Siddiqui), whom he's been told to train to take over his job when he retires.

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Review

There's hardly a shot, line or gesture out of place in The Lunchbox, a hugely impressive feature debut by Mumbai-born, partly New York-based Ritesh BATRAthat starts out like a foodie film but spins a simple idea into a whole mini-universe of feelings. Beautifully cast, and packaged with a precision that doesn't constrain its emotional content, the film brings together — through notes delivered in a daily lunchbox — two lonely souls who would never have met in ordinary circumstances. On the one hand, there's Ila, an attractive young housewife in the conservative middle-class Hindu suburb of Kandivali, north of Mumbai, and on the other there's Saajan, a widowed government employee on the verge of retirement whose home is in the old neighborhood of Ranwar village, in the suburb of Bandra. When a lunchbox prepared by Ila for her husband is misdelivered one day to Saajan, a "correspondence" of secret notes grows between them that starts as a discussion of her tasty cooking but develops into a virtual relationship that proves life-changing for both.

The special joy of the film is not only writer-director Batra's light touch with the material but also the surprising fact that he manages to develop the idea beyond just a glorified short. Ila is barely seen outside the flat she shares with her daughter and husband but is none the less constrained as a character: the device of her chatting through the window with an unseen woman neighbour in the flat above (spacily voiced by Bharati ACHREKAR) imbues her scenes with plenty of comic moments, and a curiously sensuous scene of her trying to re-arouse her husband's interest is enough to show the stasis of their marriage. Saajan's life is equally circumscribed by routine: from home to office (where he's a cog in a government machine) and back home again, where he spends evenings alone and stares at a happy family having dinner in the house opposite.

It's the introduction of the third main character, Aslam, whom Saajan is told to train to take over his job, which really helps develop the initial idea into feature length. Skilfully played by theatre-film actor Nawazuddin SIDDIQUI (the intelligence chief inKahaani and dope-smoking gangster son in Gangs of वासेपुर (Wasseypur)), Aslam starts as an intensely annoying distraction, morphs into a sympathetic character in the space of one superbly written canteen scene, and builds a father-son-like relationship with Saajan that liberates them both without distracting from the core relationship between Saajan and Ila.

As Ila, radiant theatre actress Nimrat KAUR (Peddlers Halaahal) suggests the most with the minimum effort, as equally does veteran Irrfan KHAN as Saajan, a lifetime bureaucrat whose safe and orderly universe is challenged first by Ila and her mouth-watering cooking and then by the loose-cannon Aslam. Both Khan and Kaur convey more in a look or an action (she preparing the daily lunchbox, he carefully taking out his spectacles) than Siddiqui's Aslam does in pages of garrulous dialogue; but the mix of the three is what keeps the movie motoring.

With its will-they/won't-they finale, The Lunchbox is almost a very low-key rom-com. But director Batra again defies expectations here, delivering instead a beautifully pure love-story-by-correspondence that packs quite an emotional punch at the end. The closing reel could be a little tighter, and there's a slightly distracting "western" feel to the whole enterprise that marks it as a festival movie. But otherwise the pacing is as immaculate at the technical package, highlighted by the saturated widescreen photography by US d.p. Michael SIMMONDS (Man Push Cart, Paranormal Activity 2(2010)) of Mumbai and its suburbs in all their moods, and the smooth editing of John LYONS (The Aspern Papers).

For the record, Mumbai's 5,000 dabbawalla have been delivering the multi-tiered metal lunchboxes (dabba) for over a century, using a coding system that seems chaotic but results in only one misdelivery in a million.Filmbizasia

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December 21, 2013, 1:05 am

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Global news dose

21122013

China launches Bolivia’s first satellite

Bolivia’s first telecommunications satellite TKsat-1 has blasted off on top of a Chinese rocket from China’s Satellite Launch Center in Sichuan province. The 5.1-ton spacecraft will service Bolivian territory as well as neighboring countries. The Long March-3B/E carrier rocket cost $302 million and was financed by the China Development Bank. Bolivian President Evo Morales, who travelled to China to witness the launch, said it would end Bolivia’s dependence on foreign powers for its communications.

14 killed in bombings, shootings in Iraq

At least 14 people were killed in a wave of sectarian bombings and shootings in northern Iraq on Friday. Two roadside bombs exploded in a livestock market in the town of Tuz Khurmatu, 175 kilometers north of Baghdad, killing nine people and wounding 24, police and medics reported. Also Friday in the northern town of Hawija, militants attacked two adjacent houses, killed five members of the family that lived there, and then bombed the buildings before escaping. Police believe the attack was part of infighting between Sunni insurgent groups currently under way in the area.

​Spain approves tight restrictions on abortion

Spain’s conservative government approved Friday new restrictions on abortion, allowing the procedure only in cases of rape or if there is a serious health risk to the mother or fetus. The legislation now goes to parliament for final passage, which is likely. The ruling Popular Party, long an ally of the Roman Catholic Church, made the move one of its top promises in the 2011 vote that swept them to power. Women seeking abortions must have approval from two doctors not performing the procedure. Doctors can now decline to perform an abortion on reasons of conscience, Justice Minister Alberto Ruiz-Gallardon said. A child likely to have disabilities will not be an acceptable reason for an abortion. Opponents of the bill fought vigorously against it, saying it is an attack on women’s rights. Over 1,000 people marched to the Justice Ministry Friday, as scuffles with police broke out after a life-size effigy of Ruiz-Gallardon was burned, AP reported.

Libya’s intelligence chief killed at a wedding

Chief of Benghazi’s military intelligence Colonel Fethallah al-Gaziri was “shot dead” by an unknown assailant, AFP reports citing an anonymous official. The colonel in the eastern Libyan city of Benghazi was killed while visiting family for the marriage of a niece in neighboring Derna. Unrest in Libya continues following the assasination of Colonel Muammar Gaddafi and foreign invasion.

Syria most dangerous place for reporters – study

For a second consecutive year, Syria has been labeled as the most dangerous spot for journalists with 19 press workers dying covering the conflict, International News Safety Institute announced. The institute also noted that kidnappings and disappearances of reporters was rising globally, with 18 foreign and 20 Syrian journalists are believed taken in Syria. Overall INSI found that 126 journalists lost their lives in 2013, 21 fewer than last year.

Security forces clash with pro-Morsi protesters across Egypt

Law enforcement have fired tear gas to disperse supporters of former president Morsi. Egypt’s Health Ministry said eight civilians were injured. Clashes erupted after Friday prayers in Cairo, Alexandria and Suez in eastern Egypt. The Interior Ministry announced that 85 “rioters” have been arrested following Friday’s unrest, while 5 officers and 3 soldiers sustained injuries.

1 killed, 3 wounded by IDF in Gaza cross-border violence – reports

Israeli forces shot and killed a Palestinian and wounded three others in separate incidents of cross-border violence in the Gaza Strip on Friday, medics and media reported. “The martyrdom of a young man of around 20 shot by the occupiers’ bullets,” Al Rai news reported. In separate incidents, the medics announced that three other Palestinians were wounded by the IDF. The army confirmed using live ammunition near the border saying ”several hits were identified”. It did not confirm the dead or wounded but added that a mortar was fired into Israel while blaming Palestinians for damaging the border fence.

2 soldiers killed in Sinai in an attempt to arrest militant leader

At least two Egyptian soldiers have been killed while battling militants in the northern Sinai Peninsula in the village of Nagaa Shabana, military officials announced. Eight more have been wounded as the troops sustained a “dense fire from all directions,” Col. Ali Ahmed, said in a statement. Three militants have also been killed in the clashes, while Islamic extremists paraded with one of the soldier’s body while it hung from a pole, witnesses report. The military was attacked while leading an operation to arrest Shadi a-Menei, an alleged chief of the al Qaeda-linked Ansar Beit al Maqdis cell.

​Agreement with Russia allowed Ukraine to avoid bankruptcy, no need of IMF loan – PM

Ukraine faced bankruptcy until it reached the agreement with Russia, Ukrainian Prime Mininiter Nikolay Azarov told a local TV station. “Upon finalizing agreements with Russia, financing has opened for us under normal conditions,”Azarov said. The PM also noted that bilateral agreements facilitate favorable trade with the Russia and with the Customs Union, but most of all lower gas payments. He noted that the $15 billion credit line offered by Russia, annihilated the need to ask the IMF for credit.

2014 Pentagon budget addresses sexual assault, Guantanamo trials

The US Senate has approved $630 billion for the 2014 defense budget with conditions that will make it easier to transfer detainees from Guantanamo Bay, and will overhaul the military’s handling of sexual assault. The budget, which provides approximately $80 billion for the end of the Afghanistan war, makes it more difficult for commanders to sway the justice system when sexual assault victims come forward. The changes also call for the dishonorable discharge of sexual-assault convicts and enacts a civilian review board for cases that military prosecutors decide not to pursue. The new rules come on the heels of a number of high-profile military sexual assault cases within the past year. The Senate also voted to remove the restrictions that prevent Guantanamo detainees from being tried in the US, where President Obama has sought to charge them in a criminal court.

Utah’s same-sex marriage ban struck down

A federal judge struck down Utah’s ban on same-sex marriage on Friday on the grounds that it violated the US Constitution’s guarantee for due process and equal protection under the law. “The state’s current laws deny its gay and lesbian citizens their fundamental right to marry and, in so doing, demean the dignity of these same-sex couples for no rational reason,” wrote US District Court Judge Robert J. Shelby. The judge noted that “any regulation adopted by a state, whether related to marriage or any other interest, must comply with the Constitution of the United States.” The state’s attorney general’s office requested an emergency stay to halt same-sex marriages, which had already begun in the wake of the court’s ruling, reported the AP.

Geneva nuclear expert-level talks extended

Iran and six other world powers have extended closed-door expert consultations in Geneva by a day, according to diplomats. The negotiations are targeted at putting into practice the November 24 deal which will see the country freezing its nuclear program. The new round of talks kicked off on Thursday and was scheduled to have reached its conclusion by the end of Friday.

5.3-magnitude earthquake hits eastern Japan, shakes buildings in Tokyo

A 5.3-magnitude earthquake has hit eastern Japan, causing buildings in Tokyo to shake seismologists said. It hit the southern part of Honshu’s Ibaraki prefecture, 35 kilometers north east of the capital Tokyo, at 01:10 am (1610 GMT Friday). There is no risk of a tsunami. The epicenter of the quake has been registered at a depth of 67-kilometres, the United States Geological Survey reported. There were no immediate reports of damage.

Britain to destroy part of Syria chemical stockpile

The British government has stated that it will be involved in the destruction of part of Syria’s chemical weapons stockpile. The process will take place at a commercial facility after being transported to the country by ship, according to a statement from the Foreign Office seen by Reuters.

Spanish police raid ruling People’s Party HQ in corruption probe

Spanish police have searched the headquarters of the ruling People’s Party (PP) for 14 hours as part of a corruption investigation, Reuters reported. Police followed late on Thursday the order of examining Magistrate Pablo Ruz, to search for documents and invoices over evidence of off-the-book payments linked to renovation work on the building carried out from 2005 to 2011. They left the central Madrid building on Friday morning, according to a PP spokesman. Ruz is looking into an alleged slush fund operated by former PP treasurer Luis Barcenas. The corruption scandal has threatened to destabilize the government of Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy.

More than 30 injured as London bus crashes into tree

At least 32 people have been injured in a bus crash in south London, with seven in serious condition, after the bus struck a tree, Sky News reported, citing police. Two people were believed to be trapped inside the bus after it collided with a tree on Kennington Road, in south London. The No. 59 bus was en route to King’s Cross, and the incident occurred around 10.50 am on Kennington Road, near the Imperial War Museum.

Russian aviation watchdog to revoke Tatarstan Airlines license

The Federal Air Transport Agency will annul the operating license of Tatarstan Airlines as of December 31, 2013, the aviation watchdog announced Friday. The decision, dated December 19, was taken after violations of certification requirements had been exposed in the airline, as well as violations of the work time and leisure time of the crews, Itar-Tass reported. Rosaviatsiya also said the crews had not taken advanced training courses. All passengers and crewmembers – a total of 50 people – died in the air crash of a Boeing-737 belonging to Tatarstan at Kazan airport on 17 November.

India govt asks Supreme Court to review anti-gay law

India’s government asked the country’s Supreme Court on Friday to review a decision in which it upheld a colonial-era law that bans homosexual acts, AP reported. Law Minister Kapil Sibal said he hoped the court would overturn the law. The Supreme Court ruled last week that only lawmakers and not the courts can change the law. In 2009, a lower court said that the law violated fundamental human rights. The law, dating back to the 1860s, makes homosexual acts punishable by up to a decade in prison.

UN says 2 Indian peacekeepers killed in S. Sudan

Two UN peacekeepers from India have been killed and a third wounded when a UN base in South Sudan was overrun by armed youths, the organization’s spokesman Joe Contreras said Friday. Previous reports indicated three Indian peacekeepers died in the incident Thursday. Contreras said two civilians were also killed when Lou Nuer youths breached a UN compound in Jonglei State. He did not confirm comments by presidential spokesman Ateny Wek Ateny that 54 people from the ethnic Dinka group were killed in the raid.

Indian activists attack Dominos Pizza over diplomat row in US

Activists of a small Indian political group ransacked a Dominos Pizza outlet in a Mumbai suburb on Friday, Reuters reported. The protesters were demanding a ban on US goods until Washington apologizes for the arrest of an Indian diplomat in New York. No-one was hurt in the attack, but the Republican Party of India, which carried it out, sent pictures to media showing a broken glass door at the outlet. Diplomats from the two states are seeking to defuse the row over the arrest and subsequent strip-search of Devyani Khobragade in a visa fraud case.

UN-mandated probe cites Syria’s ‘systematic campaign’ of disappearances

The Independent International Commission of Inquiry has said in a report that the Syrian government forces are “waging a systematic campaign of enforced disappearances to terrorize the population,” AFP reported.“Enforced disappearances are perpetrated as part of a widespread campaign of terror against the civilian population,” the UN-mandated probe said. The commission said the enforced disappearances were committed as part of an attack against the civilian population, and therefore “amount to a crime against humanity.” In 2011 through to early 2012, the majority of those who disappeared “were men aged between 16 and 40 who were seized at demonstrations,” it said, adding that the net has widened since then.

Lebedev to discuss with lawyers possibility of applying for pardon

The former head of the Menatep Group, Platon Lebedev, will discuss with his defense team the possibility of submitting a request for a pardon, his lawyer Aleksey Miroshnichenko told Interfax Friday. The issue will be discussed at a “meeting at the penal colony today,” he said. The decision is expected to be announced later Friday. Lebedev’s business partner and former Yukos CEO Mikhail Khodorkovsky was pardoned by President Vladimir Putin on Friday morning.

US deploys 45 troops to S. Sudan to protect personnel

The US has deployed 45 troops to protect US personnel and assets in South Sudan amid ongoing fighting between rebels and government forces, the White House said. President Barack Obama sent a letter to Congress, saying the group of soldiers was sent Wednesday, AFP reported. The small force will remain in South Sudan “until the security situation becomes such that it is no longer needed,” Obama said. “Although equipped for combat, this force was deployed for the purpose of protecting US citizens and property.”

Senate approves defense bill to crack down on sexual assault in military

Congress has sent President Barack Obama a defense bill that would crack down on sexual assault in the military and add protection for victims. The Senate voted 84-15 Thursday night for the legislation, after a year-long campaign to address cases of rape and sexual assault in the ranks, AP reported. The military’s handling of high-profile cases of assault and other crimes had angered both the House and Senate, setting in motion what will be sweeping changes to the Uniform Code of Military Justice.

Philippines mayor, 3 others killed in Manila airport ambush

Four people, including the mayor of a southern Philippines town, were killed Friday in an ambush at Manila airport, AFP reported, citing its general manager. The mayor of Labangan, Ukol Talumpa, and his family and some security escorts were attacked, Angel Honrado said. Talumpa, a member of the opposition, won a mayoral race in last May’s elections.

Turkey has more journalists detained than any other country – report

For the second consecutive year Turkey has been ranked the number one jailer of journalists in the world by the New York-based Committee to Protect Journalists. Forty journalists are currently serving time in Turkey, a number lower than the 49 who were locked up as of December 1, 2012, but still more than Iran (35) and China (32). The three countries account for more than half of the 211 journalists imprisoned around the world, according to the rights watchdog. “Jailing journalists for their work is the hallmark of an intolerant, repressive society,” said Joel Simon, CPJ executive director. The agency speculated that Turkey cracked down on journalists in part because of the Gezi Park protests. Meanwhile, Vietnam, Egypt, and Syria also reported increases in the number of jailed media personnel.

Media agencies