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June 14, 2017, 7:12 am

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DECISIONS TAKEN BY THE UNION CABINET

JUNE 14, 2017LEAVE A COMMENTON DECISIONS TAKEN BY THE UNION CABINET

v Cabinet approves Interest Subvention to banks on Short-Term crop loan to farmers

The Union Cabinet chaired by the Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi approved the Interest Subvention Scheme (ISS) for farmers for the year 2017-18. This will help farmers getting short term crop loan up to Rs. 3 lakh payable within one year at only 4% per annum. The Government has earmarked a sum of Rs. 20,339 crore for this purpose. The interest subvention will be given to Public Sector Banks (PSBs), Private Sector Banks, Cooperative Banks and Regional Rural Banks (RRBs) on use of own funds and to NABARD for refinance to RRBs and Cooperative Banks. The Interest Subvention Scheme will continue for one year and it will be implemented by NABARD and RBI. The objective of the scheme is to make available at ground level, agricultural credit for Short Term crop loans at an affordable rate to give a boost to agricultural productivity and production in the country. The salient features of the scheme are as follows:

a) The Central Government will provide interest subvention of 5 per cent per annum to all prompt payee farmers for short term crop loan upto one year for loan upto Rs. 3 lakhs borrowed by them during the year 2017-18. Farmers will thus have to effectively pay only 4% as interest. In case farmers do not repay the short term crop loan in time they would be eligible for interest subvention of 2% as against 5% available above.

b) The Central Government will provide approximately Rs. 20,339 crore as interest subvention for 2017-18.

c) In order to give relief to small and marginal farmers who would have to borrow at 9% for the post harvest storage of their produce, the Central Government has approved an interest subvention of 2% i.e. an effective interest rate of 7% for loans upto 6 months.

d) To provide relief to the farmers affected by natural calamities, the interest subvention of 2% will be provided to Banks for the first year on the restructured amount.

e) In case farmers do not repay the short term crop loan in time they would be eligible for interest subvention of 2% as against available above.

v Cabinet approves MoU between India and Palestine on agriculture cooperation

The Union Cabinet chaired by Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has given its ex-post facto approval to the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare and the Ministry of Agriculture in the State of Palestine on agriculture cooperation. The MoU was signed in May 2017 during the visit of the Palestinian Minister of Foreign Affairs to India . The MoU provides for cooperation in the fields of agricultural research; veterinary field including capacity enhancement of Palestinian Veterinary services and Animal Health; irrigation and climate change. It will also be extended to areas such as plant and soil nutrition; exchange of experiences in the field of sanitary and phytosanitary legislation and plant protection Animal husbandry, modern irrigation technology including exchange of experiences, and training and capacity building, etc. would also come in its purview. Under the MoU, an Agricultural Steering Committee will be constituted to determine the programs and action plans to achieve the objectives provided in the MoU It will also set the agenda for cooperation.

v Cabinet approves proposal to introduce the Financial Resolution and Deposit Insurance Bill 2017

The Union Cabinet chaired by Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has approved the proposal to introduce a Financial Resolution and Deposit Insurance Bill, 2017. The Bill would provide for a comprehensive resolution framework for specified financial sector entities to deal with bankruptcy situation in banks, insurance companies and financial sector entities.

 

The Financial Resolution and Deposit Insurance, Bill 2017 when enacted, will pave the way for setting up of the Resolution Corporation. It would lead to repeal or amendment of resolution-related provisions in sectoral Acts as listed in Schedules of the Bill. It will also result in the repealing of the Deposit Insurance and Credit Guarantee Corporation Act, 1961 to transfer the deposit insurance powers and responsibilities to the Resolution Corporation.

 

The Resolution Corporation would protect the stability and resilience of the financial system; protecting the consumers of covered obligations up to a reasonable limit; and protecting public funds, to the extent possible. The Government has recently enacted the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, 2016 (“Code”) for the insolvency resolution of non- financial entities. The proposed Bill complements the Code by providing a resolution framework for the financial sector. Once implemented, this Bill together with the Code will provide a comprehensive resolution framework for the economy.

 

The Financial Resolution and Deposit Insurance Bill, 2017 seeks to give comfort to the consumers of financial service providers in financial distress. It also aims to inculcate discipline among financial service providers in the event of financial crises by limiting the use of public money to bail out distressed entities. It would help in maintaining financial stability in the economy by ensuring adequate preventive measures, while at the same time providing the necessary instruments for dealing with an event of crisis. The Bill aims to strengthen and streamline the current framework of deposit insurance for the benefit of a large number of retail depositors. Further, this Bill seeks to decrease the time and costs involved in resolving distressed financial entities.

v Cabinet approves signing of Memorandum of Understanding between India and Armenia on cooperation on youth matters

The Union Cabinet chaired by the Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi was apprised about an Memorandum of Understanding which has already been signed between India and Armenia for cooperation on youth matters.The MoU was signed in April, 2017. This MoU shall remain in force for a period of five years. Thereafter, the MoU will be automatically renewed for successive periods of five years, unless either Party notifies the other Party of its intention of not to renew the MoU, at least six months before its expiration. It can be terminated by either Party after giving six months’ prior notice in writing to the other Party. The objective of the MoU is to strengthen and encourage cooperation between the two countries on youth matters through participation in events and activities organized by the parties, information and knowledge sharing, and youth exchanges between the two countries.

The areas of cooperation on Youth matters includes exchanges of youth, representatives of youth organizations, and government officials in-charge of youth policy-making. It will also be applicable for extension of invitations to international conferences and seminars on youth matters held in the two countries, exchange of printed materials, films and experiences. The cooperation will also be in areas of research and other information on youth matters, participation in youth camps, youth festivals and other youth events held in the two countries, etc.

v Cabinet approves signing of Memorandum of Understanding between India and Bangladesh for promoting cooperation in the field of Information Technology and Electronics

The Union Cabinet chaired by Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi was apprised about an Memorandum of Understanding which has already been signed between India and Bangladesh for promoting cooperation in the field of Information Technology and Electronics (IT&E). The MoU was signed in April, 2017 between Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, Government of India and Information and Communication Technology Division of Bangladesh. It will remain in force for a period of five years.

Thereafter, the MoU will be extended at any time within the period it remains in force by mutual written consent of the Parties. It can be terminated by either Party after giving six months’ prior notice in writing to the other Party. The MoU in the field of IT&E is technical in nature and focused primarily on e-Governance, m-Governance, e-Public Services Delivery, Cyber Security, Capacity Building etc . The MoU aims to explore business opportunities, IT&E market in Bangladesh by Indian IT companies and attract investment in Indian electronics and IT sectors in India which would indirectly generate employment opportunities.

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ULTIMATE TABLE TENNIS WILL HELP THE SPORT BENEFIT IN INDIA: WONG CHUN TING

JUNE 14, 2017LEAVE A COMMENTON ULTIMATE TABLE TENNIS WILL HELP THE SPORT BENEFIT IN INDIA: WONG CHUN TING

~ The World No.7 from Hong Kong believes a professional league such as UTT will help bring advanced training methods and technical aspects to India  ~

Mumbai, 14 June 2017: For Wong Chun Ting, World No.7 and a Bronze Medalist at the recently concluded World Championship in Dusseldorf, visiting India for the very first time stokes a whole lot of excitement. “I am very excited about my first trip to India for the Ultimate Table Tennis. I expect there will be top-class competitions with many top players from other countries,” stated Wong Chun Ting, who lives in Hong Kong. He is the highest ranked player at the inaugural Ultimate Table Tennis scheduled to begin on July 13 in Chennai.

Wong Chun Ting took to competitive training in table tennis only at the age of 12. Until then, playing Table Tennis was a fun activity he indulged with his elder brother and father. “Joining the Hang Seng Table Tennis Academy was a critical point of my career in table tennis. Even though it was tough as I had to travel a long way to the training centre after school, I was really looking forward to each session of training,” said the paddler who took up TT as a full-time career after completing his secondary school at the age of 18.

While he completed ninth in the men’s singles at the 2016 Rio Summer Olympics, the Hong Kong player has had a memorable start in 2017. He won the mixed doubles Bronze along with his compatriot Doo Hoi Kem at the World Championship which he calls, ‘a highlight of his career’. 

“This experience has an amply impact to my career in table tennis. This year my target is to get a place at the World Tour Grand Finals in December. I want to advance my world ranking further,” said an optimistic Wong Chun Ting. 

Speaking about the inaugural edition of the Ultimate Table Tennis where he will turn up for the Maharashtra United, Wong Chun Ting said, “The Professional league will attract and bring world class players to India. This will benefit the sport of table tennis in India. I believe it will bring advanced training methods and other technical aspects too which will benefit Indian players in the long run.” 

Wong Chun Ting, a stylish paddler known for his penhold grip, has earlier been part of Professional Leagues in China and Poland. He will team up with Harmeet Desai, Ronit Bhanja, Joao Monteiro, Krittwika Sinha Roy, Pooja Sahasrabudhe, Liu Jia and Fu Yu in the Maharashtra United squad. 

Edit"Ultimate Table Tennis will help the sport benefit in India: Wong Chun Ting"

“CLOSING CEREMONY” OORJA-2017, PHASE-II, AHMEDABAD.

JUNE 14, 2017LEAVE A COMMENTON “CLOSING CEREMONY” OORJA-2017, PHASE-II, AHMEDABAD.

Press Advisory

Inspector General and all ranks of CISF western Sector cordially invite you to the “Closing Ceremony” OORJA-2017, phase-II, Ahmedabad.

Chief Guest : Shri Vijay Rupani, Hon’ble Chief Minister of Gujarat

Guest of Honour : Shri O.P.Singh, IPS, Director General – CISF

                        Shri Parthiv Patel, Cricketer

Date : 15-06-2017, Thursday

Time : 1800 Hrs

Venue : SAI Stadium, Gandhinagar, Gujarat

Transport arrangement: Mr. Amit J., Asst. Commandant, CISF – 9916506171

You are cordially invited to cover the event. Kindly depute correspondent/Cameraperson for the same.

Edit"“Closing Ceremony” OORJA-2017, phase-II, Ahmedabad."

LAUNCH OF K-12 DIGITAL LEARNING PLATFORM

JUNE 14, 2017LEAVE A COMMENTON LAUNCH OF K-12 DIGITAL LEARNING PLATFORM

IL&FS Education enters the online education market with the launch of K-12 digital learning platform

 ‘Geneo’ 

New Delhi / National, 14th June 2017: IL&FS Education & Technology Services Ltd. (IETS), the social infrastructure arm of IL&FS Group, marked its entry into the online education market today with the launch of ‘Geneo’, a personalized digital learning platform targeting the K-12 segment.

The platform has been developed in technical collaboration with Google for Education.

It was launched at an event by Mr. Ravi Parthasarathy, Chairman, IL&FS Group, in the presence of Mr. Hari Sankaran, Vice Chairman, IL&FS Group, Professor Devang V.Khakhar, Director of IIT Bombay, Mr. R.C.M. Reddy, MD & CEO, IL&FS Education & Technology Services Ltd and Ms. AnujaShukla, Start up Lead, Cloud Computing Platform, Google

In the initial phase, Geneo will leverage IL&FS Education’s base of 10 million students.

Highlighting the features of the platform, Mr. R.C.M. Reddy said, “Geneo is a personalized digital learning platform specially created for K-12 students. Designed in technical collaboration with Google for Education, Geneo uses an app-cloud model that provides students curated digital content from multiple sources.Offering round-the-clock remote mentor support, Geneois conveniently accessible across platforms including mobile phones, laptops, PCs, tablets and chromebooks.”

Geneo curates digital content provided by multiple partners, such as,EnglishHelper, Avanti, Simulanis and Educe while mapping it with the prescribed textbook syllabus.

Geneo will complement primary and secondary syllabus of schools to provideseamless quality learning while augmenting delivery capabilities of the educators. Over the longer term, the Geneo platform will be used to develop a life-long-learning pathway for students acrosstheCountry.

Also present on the occasion were the Content Partners, Mr.Sanjay Gupta, CEO Global, EnglishHelper Inc.; Mr. SriniRaghavan, CEO, Educational Initiatives, Mr. Akshay Saxena, Co-Founder and Managing Trustee, Avanti, Mr. Aditya Nishtala, Founder, Coolfire and Mr. Koteshwar Rao, CEO, Educe.

Edit"launch of K-12 digital learning platform"

M6.9 – GUATEMALA

JUNE 14, 2017LEAVE A COMMENTON M6.9 – GUATEMALA

Preliminary Earthquake Report

Magnitude	6.9
Date-Time	14 Jun 2017 07:29:07 UTC 14 Jun 2017 01:29:07 near epicenter 14 Jun 2017 11:29:07 standard time in your timezone
Location	15.019N 91.928W
Depth	111 km
Distances	15 km (10 miles) WNW (296 degrees) of San Marcos, San Marcos, Guatemala 26 km (16 miles) E (80 degrees) of Cacahoat�n, Chiapas, Mexico 40 km (25 miles) ENE (71 degrees) of Tapachula, Chiapas, Mexico 158 km (98 miles) WNW (286 degrees) of GUATEMALA CITY, Guatemala

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LEONARDO OLIVE OIL ORGANIZES HEALTH CAMP FOR THE INDIAN ARMY

JUNE 14, 2017LEAVE A COMMENTON LEONARDO OLIVE OIL ORGANIZES HEALTH CAMP FOR THE INDIAN ARMY

With 1/3rd the oil usage during consumption, Leonardo Olive Oil demonstrates how it cares for the metabolic health of those who take care of the nation

Mumbai, June 14, 2017: Leonardo Olive Oil, a leading olive oil brand in the country, organized a health and wellness camp for the Army personnel and their families. Leonardo olive oil took the initiative to enlighten them about how Indian food can be made healthy through a health check-up camp, live cooking demo and Nutritionist’s health talk. The event held at the CGS Colony-Ghatkopar West, was a huge success and was attended by about 200 army personnel. The focus of this event was to showcase Leonardo Olive Oil’s versatility in Indian cooking and explain how it improves complete metabolic health.

To remain healthy and fit, one forgoes all indulgences and chooses not to have the deep fried Indian food that they love. Leonardo Olive Oil through this event shatters that mind set by showcasing the health benefits of its range. Olive Oil has highest MUFA (75%) as compared to other refined oils and this is coupled with it being a rich source of Antioxidants and oleic acid that results in lower intake of oil through the food cooked in it. Food fried in Leonardo Olive Oil absorbs less oil as compared to regular refined oil (as per the study conducted by NABL Accredited Lab). Leonardo Olive Oil also boosts good cholesterol, helps in weight and waist-line management, controls blood sugar levels, and is trans-fat free – making it a source of improved metabolic health. Hence, one can follow their heart with Leonardo Olive Oil and say ‘Khata Rahe Mera Dil’ (the brand’s tagline).

During the event, a health check-up was organized for the Army personnel and their families on basic parameters like blood pressure, ECG, Blood Glucose etc. along with personalized diet plan by a dietician. There was a live cooking demonstration to illustrate the usage difference between a regular refined oil and Leonardo Olive Oil. The chef also explained the versatility of Leonardo olive oil and the usage of all its variants in Indian cooking. An expert nutritionist was also present during the event to discuss how our body’s metabolism defines our holistic health.

Leonardo Olive oil offers the consumers a healthy cooking medium for all types of Indian cooking – it has Pomace for deep frying, Extra Light for every day cooking and Extra Virgin for dressings and dips. Its versatility and the fact that it cooks day-to-day Indian dishes in just 1/3rd the oil, makes it the healthiest oil amongst all, so that one can eat fried and not oily food.

Speaking during the event, Neelima Burra, Chief Marketing Officer, Cargill Foods India said “Army and Leonardo Olive Oil are synonymous in terms of looking after the health and well-being of the citizens. Even with a modified lifestyle and food habits, the love for paranthas, tikki, bhaturas etc. is unfathomable. Leonardo offers freedom to have every kind of Indian food without any guilt because of its high MUFA content and the ability to cook in much lesser quantity of oil as compared to other refined oils while keeping the taste and palatability high. As army fights the wars outside, we strive to keep them healthy inside so that they can indulge in fried but not oily food”.

Speaking during the event, Air Vice Marshal M Baladitya VSM, Chairman, Board of Administration & General Manager of Canteen Store Department said, “We are overwhelmed by the gesture of Cargill Foods India and are proud to partner with Leonardo Olive Oil for this event. Being in armed forces, health is our first priority and with this collaboration, our families have understood the importance of olive oil in one’s diet and how it enhances one’s metabolic health.”

Speaking during the event, Ms. Naaznin Husein, President, Indian Dietetic Association said, “Being in the industry and studying about health for almost two decades now, I have realized that creating awareness about the metabolic health is a major concern. Dietary changes can help improve metabolic health. The role of cooking oil is of paramount importance to improve metabolic health. Using a right cooking oil can bring about positive change in weight, waist circumference, blood cholesterol, and general health”.

Edit"Leonardo Olive Oil organizes health camp for the Indian Army"

HUNGARY PASSES BILL REGULATING FOREIGN-FUNDED NGOS

JUNE 14, 2017LEAVE A COMMENTON HUNGARY PASSES BILL REGULATING FOREIGN-FUNDED NGOS

Hungary’s parliament on Tuesday approved a law regulating civic groups which receive foreign funding. The bill passed by the governing parties led by Prime Minister Viktor Orban compels groups getting more than 7.2 million forints ($26,200) a year from abroad to register the fact with the courts and announce in most of their online and printed publications that they are foreign-funded. Non-governmental organizations will also have to list any foreign sponsors giving them more than 500,000 forints ($1,800) a year. The law is nominally meant to increase transparency among civic groups and boost efforts against money laundering and the financing of terrorism. Amnesty International described the bill as a “vicious and calculated assault on civil society. Media agencies 

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MAN TRUCKS FURTHER EXPANDS

JUNE 15, 2017LEAVE A COMMENTON MAN TRUCKS FURTHER EXPANDS

MAN Trucks further expands its network; Inaugurates new dealership in Chennai

·         Vijai Earthmoving Equipment becomes dealer partner of MAN

·         This state-of-the-art facility is the 64thtouch point

• Part of MAN’s plans to increase dealerships across the country

Chennai, 15th June, 2017: MAN Trucks India, a 100% subsidiary of MAN Truck & Bus AG, Germany, today inaugurated its 64th dealership at Chennai. Set up by its new partner M/s. Vijai Earthmoving Equipment Pvt. Ltd., this is the fourth dealership inaugurated since January 2017, besides Solapur, Pune and Vijayawada.

MAN is working on its two-pronged strategy for India. This involves network expansion in order to increase sales opportunities and at the same provide service support to all customers. In May this year, MAN crossed the milestone of over 25,000 vehicles rolled out from its Pithampur plant. The New CLA EVO range, launched in December 2016, comprises tippers, long haul and special application trucks ranging from 16T to 49T.

Mr. Joerg Mommertz, Chairman &Managing Director, MAN Trucks India said, “Our India approach has shaped up well over the years, despite challenging market conditions. Now, we have increased the pace of responding to market demands and this new dealership is an example of our efforts. The south region is an important market and with this facility we will be able to improve our reach. I am pleased to welcome on-board Vijai Earthmoving Equipment as our partner and am confident that they will impart the MAN brand experience to all customers.”

Mr. K Gomathinayagam, Managing Director, Vijai Earthmoving Equipment said: “I am happy to start our association with MAN Trucks. It is our conviction that MAN brand can provide the right solutions to stakeholders. I assure customers of the best of support in terms of sales advisory and aftersales services. We look forward to a long and fruitful partnership with MAN Trucks India.”

The new dealership by Vijai Earthmoving Equipment is the 24thlocation in the southern region. The facility will provide sales and aftersales support to all customers. Spread over an area of13,000 sq.ft, it is located close to the Chennai-Bengaluru highway. There are three service bays and a lounge where customers/drivers can wait while their vehicles are being serviced.

The workshop has qualified MAN technicians who can address diverse needs of customers and ensure maximum vehicle uptime. The facility is equipped with high precision tools and advanced diagnostic systems. The dealership will also offer 24×7 roadside assistance and on-site service support.

The New MAN CLA EVO range

The New CLA EVO series trucks are powered by the proven MAN D-0836, turbo charged, inter-cooled engine, that is rated for 250HP and 300HP. Mated with 6- and 9-speed gearboxes, the trucks are adapted for specific operational purposes. The electronically-controlled Common Rail system makes the engine high on reliability and fuel efficiency, besides being more environment friendly.

The crawler gear in long haul trucks helps the engine run within the optimal rpm range, thereby reducing fuel consumption. Strong rigid front axle, hypoid rear axles provide superior traction & gradeability, and unmatched reliability. The tippers feature MAN‘s planetary rear axle with hub reduction, which provides high ground clearance and has proven its effectiveness in varying conditions. The inter axle and differential lock imparts superior traction.

The driver environment offers best-in-class ergonomics, visibility and control. The objective is to provide drivers high levels of comfort for significantly reduced fatigue and enhanced safety. The aerodynamic cabin with heat and sound dampeners and an optional AC helps maximise man and machine performance.

MAN Aftersales and Service

MAN Trucks India offers service and support to ensure maximum uptime, all the time. MAN Services offers include warranty schemes, annual maintenance contracts, on-site support and 24×7 helpline service.

MAN Services also offer new solutions like lubricants that can improve the engine performance. Along with MAN genuine parts, always recommended to operators, the vehicle life cycle gets a boost – whether it is in engine hours for tippers or kilometres clocked for long haul trucks.

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WORLD’S TOP ADVERTISING GROUPS COME TOGETHER WITH GOOGLE TO MOBILIZE GEN Z

JUNE 15, 2017LEAVE A COMMENTON WORLD’S TOP ADVERTISING GROUPS COME TOGETHER WITH GOOGLE TO MOBILIZE GEN Z

World’s top advertising groups come together with Google to mobilize Gen Z around the Sustainable Development Goals

The Common Future Project Combines Industry-Leading Talent from Advertising’s ‘Big Six’ and Wieden + Kennedy to Launch a Global Action Campaign on YouTube

The Common Ground alliance, in partnership with Google, on 14 June announced the launch of “The Common Future Project,” a first-of-its-kind initiative aimed at driving widespread awareness and action among young people in support of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) adopted at the United Nations in 2015.

The Common Future Project combines multidisciplinary teams from across the world’s biggest advertising and marketing services groups and independent advertising agency Wieden+Kennedy with the dedicated resources from Google to create a global action campaign for the SDGs that engages the current generation of mission-driven young people – otherwise known as Gen Z.

UN Deputy Secretary General Ms. Amina Mohammed said: “The Sustainable Development Agenda is the most ambitious anti-poverty, pro-planet agenda ever adopted by the UN. The Common Future Project recognizes the power of young people as global agents of change. I commend the Common Ground partners for this creative effort to transform the video platforms that young people use into platforms for action for a world of peace and dignity for all.”

Over a three-day period, teams from Dentsu, Havas, IPG, Omnicom, Publicis Groupe and WPP, as well as Wieden+Kennedy, worked side–by-side at the YouTube Space NY to develop big ideas with the goal of inspiring Gen Z (aged 15 to 24) – the largest generation of youth in history – to become advocates for the SDGs and take action toward a more sustainable future.

As part of the workshop, multi-agency teams experienced briefings from the UN Deputy Secretary General and the UN’s SDG Team on the challenges of galvanizing Gen Z and others globally around the SDGs. These agency teams also explored the cultural influence of YouTube, a place where anyone can have a voice, and how the power of video is helping brands and creators generate positive social change.

On the final day, the teams had three hours to shoot, produce and edit rough videos of their concepts in the YouTube Space before pitching a panel of experts including UN SDG Advocate Alaa Murabit; Jake Horowitz, Co-founder, Mic.com; Madonna Badger, Founder & Chief Creative Officer, Badger & Winters; and Golriz Lucina, Head of Creative for SoulPancake.

In a joint statement, Toshihiro Yamamoto, President and Chief Executive Officer of Dentsu; Yannick Bolloré, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Havas Group; Michael Roth, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of IPG; John Wren, President and Chief Executive Officer of Omnicom Group; Arthur Sadoun, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Publicis Groupe; Neil Christie, Global Chief Operating Officer of Wieden+Kennedy; and Sir Martin Sorrell, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of WPP, said:

“In the year since the launch of Common Ground, we have seen companies across the world uniting behind the Sustainable Development Goals. The Common Future Project is an unprecedented physical manifestation of that commitment to collaborate, and to the important role our industry can take in addressing some of the world’s most pressing challenges.”

Over the next few months, a virtual cross-agency team will work to develop and produce the winning idea into a broader campaign, set to launch later this summer. The campaign will tap into the range of ways to tell stories on YouTube, including the newest format, built-for-mobile bumper ads (:06) and longer-form content. To support and amplify the campaign, Google is committing a grant of global YouTube media.

Torrence Boone, VP, Global Agency Development, Google said: “When we first learned about the Common Ground initiative last year, we saw a terrific convergence of interests and values. Time and time again, we’ve all seen the power of video and YouTube to help affect positive social change. So we’re thrilled to be able to shine a spotlight on the great collaboration of these agencies coming together for the common good and are committed to helping their great ideas come to life on our platforms.”

Watch a short documentary film of the three-day workshop, here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gza_RHHZTO8

Launched by the world’s six largest advertising holding companies (Dentsu, Havas, IPG, Omnicom, Publicis Groupe and WPP) last June at Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity, Common Ground represents a working partnership that transcends commercial rivalry to: accelerate the achievement of the SDGs; demonstrate to the industry and world that the goals are of universal importance and require universal contribution; and inspire other industries to follow suit.

The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development

In September 2015, UN Member States unanimously adopted the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, focused on the three interconnected elements of economic growth, social inclusion and environmental protection. With 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) at its core, the Agenda is universal, integrated and transformative and aims to spur actions that will end poverty, reduce inequality and tackle climate change between now and 2030. www.un.org/sustainabledevelopment

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RAJIV CHANDRAN National Information Officer United Nations Information Centre

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MEDIA INVITE: CARING FOR OUR ELDERS

JUNE 15, 2017LEAVE A COMMENTON MEDIA INVITE: CARING FOR OUR ELDERS

RAJIV CHANDRAN National Information Officer United Nations Information Centre

Edit"Media Invite: Caring for our Elders"

NUGGETS’ BEASLEY, NETS’ NICHOLSON, KINGS’ TEMPLE ASIA PACIFIC TEAM CAMP

JUNE 15, 2017LEAVE A COMMENTON NUGGETS’ BEASLEY, NETS’ NICHOLSON, KINGS’ TEMPLE ASIA PACIFIC TEAM CAMP

NUGGETS’ BEASLEY, NETS’ NICHOLSON, KINGS’ TEMPLE HEADLINE ASIA PACIFIC TEAM CAMP IN HANGZHOU, CHINA

– Fourth Asia Pacific Team Camp Presented by Nike Will Bring Together Top High School Age Boys and Girls from Australia, China, India, Korea and New Zealand –

– 12 Boys from NBA Academy India to be a Part of the Elite Camp –

BEIJING, June 15, 2017 – The National Basketball Association (NBA) today announced the 73 boys and girls from Australia, China, India, Korea and New Zealand who will travel to Hangzhou, China for the fourth Asia Pacific Team Camp Presented by Nike.  The camp for elite young basketball talent in the region will be held June 18-21 at Zhejiang Provincial Sports Vocational Technical Institute.

Current NBA players Malik Beasley (Denver Nuggets), Andrew Nicholson (Brooklyn Nets) and Garrett Temple (Sacramento Kings) will join former WNBA player Zheng Haixia (the first Chinese WNBA player); NBA assistant coaches Ryan Bowen (Denver Nuggets), Charles Klask (Detroit Pistons), Bob Thornton (Sacramento Kings); and FIBA coach Ronald Cass to coach the 17 and 18-year old campers, who were selected by their respective basketball federations.

“We are grateful for the continued support of the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA), Zhejiang Provincial Sports Vocational Technical Institute and Nike to provide these elite young players with the opportunity to learn from some of the world’s best players and coaches,” said NBA China CEO David Shoemaker.  “We are once again looking forward to a great camp that will help these young players and reach their full potential and positively impact the local community.”

“The Asia Pacific Team Camp presented by Nike will provide the top young talent from Australia, China, India, Korea and New Zealand with the training and competition to take their game to the next level,” said Nike Asia Pacific Category Sports Marketing Director Goro Nakajima.  “Furthermore, the players will learn leadership, character development and life skills that will serve them well for future success.”

“We are very excited to partner with the NBA and Nike to provide this incredible opportunity for the top young talents to learn on and off the court from some of the best coaches, including China basketball legend Zheng Haixia,” said Zhejiang Provincial Sports Vocational Technical Institute President Zhang Yadong.  “We appreciate the NBA’s efforts to bring the camp to Hangzhou and to inspire our players in Zhejiang.”

Players and coaches will lead the campers through a variety of activities on and off the court, including movement efficiency, positional skill development, shooting and skills competitions, 5-on-5 games, and daily life skills seminars focusing on health, leadership and communication.  One boy and one girl will be named Asia Pacific Team Camp MVPs at the conclusion of the camp.

The camp will also include a variety of NBA Cares community outreach efforts with youth in Hangzhou in partnership with local community organizations.  These programs will highlight the power of sport to promote cultural understanding while teaching the importance of a healthy, active lifestyle and the values of the game, including teamwork, integrity and respect.

Nike, the Presenting Partner of the Asia Pacific Team Camp since 2011, will outfit the campers and coaches with Nike apparel and footwear.

2017 marks the fourth edition of the Asia Pacific Team Camp presented by Nike.  The camp has previously been held in Melbourne, Australia (2011) and Nanjing, China (2013 and 2015).

The following is a complete list of players participating in the fourth

Asia Pacific Team Camp presented by Nike:

BOYS ROSTER:

First Name	Last Name	Country
Robin	Banerjee	India
Vivek	Chauhan	India
Jagshaanbir	Jhawar	India
Sejin	Mathew	India
Shanmugam	Murugan	India
Riyanshu	Negi	India
Suraj	Pathak	India
Preshit	Pawar	India
Prashant	Rawat	India
Parth Sunil Kumar	Sharma	India
Princepal	Singh	India
Manoj Singh	Sisodiya	India
Cooper	Boyce-Towler	New Zealand
Max	de Geest	New Zealand
Iaac Tama	Faamausili	New Zealand
Tom	Higgins	New Zealand
James	Moors	New Zealand
Matthew	O’Connell	New Zealand
Oscar	Oswald	New Zealand
Kruz	Perrott-Hunt	New Zealand
Oscar	Robertson	New Zealand
Cameron	Trethewey	New Zealand
Minsuk	Cha	South Korea
Heehyun	Jung	South Korea
Doeun	Kim	South Korea
Hyeongjun	Kim	South Korea
Jaewoon	Kim	South Korea
Doowon	Lee	South Korea
Hyunjung	Lee	South Korea
Minchae	Park	South Korea
Sechan	Seomoon	South Korea
Joonsuk	Yeo	South Korea
Callum	Beard	Australia
Hayden	Blankley	Australia
Callum	Dalton	Australia
Sam	Froling	Australia
Hunter	Goodrick	Australia
Chol	Guet	Australia
Josh	Kunen Gatbel	Australia
Keli	Leaupepe	Australia
Sean	MacDonald	Australia
Kody	Stattman	Australia
Shiao	Gao	China
Borun	Li	China
Lutong	Li	China
Wenhao	Li	China
Yansong	Sun	China
Jijun	Wang	China
Shouqing	Wang	China
Yangzhi	Wang	China
Ke	Xu	China
Yiming	Zhao	China

GIRLS ROSTER:

First Name	Last Name	Country
Ke	Hu	China
Xinyu	Mao	China
Yilun	Bao	China
Keying	Mao	China
Jieying	Yang	China
Mengqin	Luo	China
Xiaohui	Mao	China
Miaohang	Duan	China
Jiaxin	Luo	China
Weijie	Guo	China
Leyan	Zhu	China
Dandan	Zhu	China
Jianan	Chen	China
Yunke	Xu	China
Shuhan	Cao	China
Huitian	Wu	China
Xiaoyu	Sun	China
Ning	Li	China
Leyi	Wang	China
Yutong	Liu	China
Juefei	Wu	China

###

Edit"NUGGETS’ BEASLEY, NETS’ NICHOLSON, KINGS’ TEMPLE ASIA PACIFIC TEAM CAMP"

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MAHESH ELKUNCHWAR’S “VASANASI JIRNANI”

JUNE 15, 2017LEAVE A COMMENTON MAHESH ELKUNCHWAR’S “VASANASI JIRNANI”

Mahesh Elkunchwar’s

“VASANASI JIRNANI”

Translation : Ramesh Mehta

Music : Kajal Ghosh

Light : Avtar Sahni

Costume : Mridula Bharadwaj

Asstt. Direction : Muzamil Hayat Bhawani

Set Direction & Direction : Surya Mohan Kulashreshtha

The performances are scheduled from 22nd to 24th June 2017 daily at 3.30 pm & 6.30 pm at Abhimanch Auditorium, Bahawalpur House, Bhagwandas Road, New Delhi-110001.

Director, NSD is very happy to invite you to any of the performance on the given dates and time.

Please spare some time from your hectic schedule to witness the performance.

Looking forward at the venue.

With warm regards,

A.K. Barua

Edit"Mahesh Elkunchwar’s “VASANASI JIRNANI”"

MINISTRY OF STEEL ORGANISES SECOND STEEL CONSUMERS’ COUNCIL MEETING IN BHUBANESWAR

JUNE 15, 2017LEAVE A COMMENTON MINISTRY OF STEEL ORGANISES SECOND STEEL CONSUMERS’ COUNCIL MEETING IN BHUBANESWAR

New Delhi, 15 June, 2017

The Second Meeting of the National Steel Consumers’ Council, on the theme of “Current Status of Steel Industry and the Way Forward’’ will be held under the Chairmanship of the Union Steel Minister Shri Chaudhary Birender Singh in Bhubaneswar on 16th June,2017 . The function of the Steel Consumer Council is to advise Government on matters relating to supply, availability, quality and the market trends of iron and steel.

India is currently the third largest steel producer in the world; while the domestic steel consumption remains at only 60 Kgs per capita which is quite less in comparison to the world average of 208 kgs. There has been continued thrust from the Ministry of Steel to boost domestic steel consumption byexploring versatile steel uses. Recently, the Union Cabinet has approved the policy for providing preference to Domestically Manufactured Iron & Steel Products in Government procurement. The meeting comes at a good time to address all steel related issues.

Steel Industry particularly Public Sector in Odisha has played a prominent role in development of the steel industry. States like Odisha, are expected to be large centres of rural consumption of steel in the country. Odisha is one of the favoured destinations for steel making in India due to its geographic advantage and talented population of the state. Bhubaneswar, Odisha is the ideal choice for the conference considering the state’s contribution to the steel making prowess of the country.

This meeting would provide a vibrant platform to discuss the viable options for generating domestic steel consumption, domestic steel industry scenario, global steel trends and advantages of using steel over any other construction materials. This meeting would be attended by representatives of various ministries, several industry associations, producers and consumers of iron & steel Industry, house builders and related industries, industry experts and leading domestic steel makers.

Edit"Ministry of Steel Organises Second Steel Consumers’ Council Meeting in Bhubaneswar"

GOVERNMENT PUBLIC PROCUREMENT ORDER

JUNE 15, 2017LEAVE A COMMENTON GOVERNMENT PUBLIC PROCUREMENT ORDER

Government issues Public Procurement (Preference to Make in India) Order, 2017

 

 

The Government has issued Public Procurement (Preference to Make in India), Order 2017 as part of the policy of the Government of India to encourage ‘Make in India’ and promote manufacturing and production of goods and services in India with a view to enhancing income and employment.

 

 

Subject to the provisions of this Order and to any specific instructions issued by the Nodal Ministry or in pursuance of this Order, purchase preference shall be given to local suppliers in all procurements undertaken by procuring entities in the manner specified. As per the order, the minimum local content shall ordinarily be 50%.

 

 

The Nodal Ministry may prescribe a higher or lower percentage in respect of any particular item and may also prescribe the manner of calculation of local content. The margin of purchase preference shall be 20%.

 

 

In procurement of goods in respect of which the Nodal Ministry has communicated that there is sufficient local capacity and local competition, and where the estimated value of procurement is Rs. 50 lakhs or less, only local suppliers shall be eligible.

 

 

In respect of procurement through the Government E-marketplace (GeM) shall, as far as possible, specifically mark the items which meet the minimum local content while registering the item for display, and shall, wherever feasible, make provision for automated comparison with purchase preference and without purchase preference and for obtaining consent of the local supplier in those cases where purchase preference is to be exercised.

 

 

The local supplier at the time of tender, bidding or solicitation shall be required to provide self-certification that the item offered meets the minimum local content and shall give details of the location(s) at which the local value addition is made.

 

 

In cases of procurement for a value in excess of Rs. 10 crores, the local supplier shall be required to provide a certificate from the statutory auditor or cost auditor of the company (in the case of companies) or from a practicing cost accountant or practicing chartered accountant (in respect of suppliers other than companies) giving the percentage of local content.

 

 

The detailed Public Procurement (Preference to Make in India) Order, 2017 has been enclosed for your ready reference.

Edit"Government Public Procurement order"

DEAR SAGAR MEDIA INC, MY STUDENTS WON INDIA GOLD

JUNE 15, 2017LEAVE A COMMENTON DEAR SAGAR MEDIA INC, MY STUDENTS WON INDIA GOLD

My students have won Gold, Silver and Bronze medals for India at the Special Olympics. Their school is in danger of being shut down. Sign my petition Dear Sagar Media Inc, My students won India Gold, Silver and Bronze medals at various events at the Special Olympics. Their future is in danger because the school where they study might soon be shut down. Sign my petition to prevent this. I teach at a special school in Kerala where all the children have different levels of intellectual disabilities. Our students have become national and state champions because they are taught innovatively using art, music and sports. This school has been funded by the Government for the last 30 years. 2 years ago the funding stopped with no warning. They promised us funds, but paid only half. I have worked without pay for several months along with other teachers. We even tried to raise funds ourselves without much success. This school’s achievement should make every Indian proud. Instead, the financial support for this school has been cut off. Sagar Media Inc, sign my petition and ask the Government to resume funding for the school. The Government has not listened to the 230 exceptional students. But if we can get the support of thousands of Indians like you, we will be able to change this. Together, we can make sure that our amazing students continue to have a good school to go to. Thank you! Your support means the world to us. Remya Raj Sign my petition

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LONDON TOWER FIRE TECHTEST

JUNE 17, 2017LEAVE A COMMENTON LONDON TOWER FIRE TECHTEST

Naresh Kumar Sagar Dated 17.062017: New Delhi.

London Grenfell Tower Fire has been serious mishap or planned by global radical, need thorough investigation . British police and fire service are pointing to scientific assessment of this horrific tragedy in way that attention looks planned or accidental. Preparing nodal point in public domain are for keen consideration.

120 Apartment need separate fire & water tanks. Another plus is  drinking water tank connected to fire tank as fire water ends the tank from drinking water gushes in and there has the alignment to fill fire tank in emergency. Water body in horticulture around building creating ambiences also add assets in time of contingency.

120 apartment each apartment need 1000lutres per day so total tank capacity for day reserve doubling  in plus additional makes it overhead tanks. The Fire in the underground tank capacity nearly lakh litre connected to drinking water tank, with independent boosters are allocated.

Fire tank connected to water booster automatically restart when fire alarm which is connected to both wet riser and sprinklers and dry riser.Fire at midnight people in inert state.

Secondly fire at second floor or fourth floor reaches higher floors within eight minutes  as per Fire officer said to media which explicitly and clearly indicates the fire lapping other floor is possible iin case building are designed with high in flammable  materials  or obviously more wood than metal.

Fire to flare easy is poor design of building. In case floor are of concrete and metal then fire can engulfs  when  building is loaded with highly inflammable  chemical, goods, material, appliance, in godown pantry or in kitchen s.Serial inflammable material once operates needs continuity in cold climate extra quantity of inflammable material.Is the planned fire or accidentally fire in case of former materials are parameters to judge but in later more than team of doz radical are needed with suicidal blast are paramount and must leave their footprint for investigators to arrive for scientific conclusions. Fire of such scale need to be an eye opener for planner,  builders, archirdcture and interior.Thirdly residential apartment when turn explosive materials godown fire accident is imminent. Lots more scientific study about electrical fixtures in for AC lights and powers need expert attention.

Short circuit bursting flame can now be control normal circuit breakers and other novel way of passing current in electron form with monitors of electricity required in channel form created innovation from Eubiq Singapore based companies working in Europe and more than 40 Countries need expert attention.

Fire fighters periodic checking entire building by competent Fire officer may dilutes the chances of such devastating fire to ignite in such horrific nature. Local self government,County council, Munipal authorities around the globe need more experts and specialist to join for better performance in such eminent tower to grow in urbanisation with minimum or zero error for habitation.

The ideas are bonded with various experts to conjoined comprehensive study for infusing and prevailing the better  sense of city planner experts of water fire builder for such high rise building for residential purpose specially.

Nksagar@rediffmail.com

Edit"London Tower Fire Techtest"

SERBIAN ZORAN VISIC ANNOUNCED AS NEW HEAD COACH OF THE INDIAN NATIONAL WOMEN’S TEAM

JUNE 17, 2017LEAVE A COMMENTON SERBIAN ZORAN VISIC ANNOUNCED AS NEW HEAD COACH OF THE INDIAN NATIONAL WOMEN’S TEAM

• Coach Zoran Visic’s term as Head Coach officially began on 1st June and will continue till the end of the FIBA Women’s Asia Cup 2017 that will be held from 23rd to 29th July in Bengaluru.
• The announcement was made at a press conference in Bengaluru attended by Coach Visic, along with assistant coach Shiba Maggon and veteran playmaker Anitha Paul Durai.
• India’s participation at the William Jones Cup in 5th to 9th July was also confirmed as an exposure tournament in the run up to the FIBA Women’s Asia Cup.
• The competition schedule of the FIBA Asia Women’s Cup was also announced by the BFI. India is placed in Division B’s Group A, alongside Sri Lanka and Uzbekistan.
• From the 16 teams (8 teams each in Division A and B) originally scheduled to participate, Division B team American Samoa has subsequently backed out.

Bengaluru, 16th June 2017: At a press conference earlier this evening at the Century Club in Bengaluru, the Basketball Federation of India (BFI) announced the appointment of experienced Serbian Zoran Visic as the new Head Coach of the Indian National Women’s team.

The announcement was made by BFI President, K Govindaraj, who was accompanied by BFI Secretary General Chander Mukhi Sharma. Coach Visic was present as well, along with assistant coach Shiba Maggon and veteran playmaker Anitha Paul Durai.

Coach Visic’s term officially began on 1st June and will continue till end of July, specifically keeping mind the FIBA Women’s Asia Cup 2017 that will be held in Bengaluru from 23rdto 29th July. Thereafter, his term may be extended as mutually agreed between parties.

Although Coach Visic has been here for only two weeks, the Indian women’s team has already been training for the last few months in Bengaluru under the watchful eyes of experienced assistant coaches Paramdeep Singh and Shiba Maggon.

“India has done a lot to improve in both the women’s and men’s sides [in the last few years]. We are now in Division B. So for sure our target is to be once again in Division A,” Visic said, while addressing the media. “This is a new age for Indian basketball and I believe the girls have the confidence and pride necessary to deliver a good result.”

In Division B, India is placed in Group A alongside Sri Lanka and Uzbekistan. The fourth Group A steam American Samoa has backed out of the competition. Group B comprises of Lebanon, Singapore, Kazakhstan and Fiji. In order to return to Division A and compete in the 2019 FIBA Asia Women’s Cup, India will have to win Division B, finishing ahead of all seven other teams.

About the FIBA Women’s Asia Cup

The FIBA Women’s Asia Cup was previously referred to as the FIBA Asia Championship for Women and has been conducted regularly since 1965.  The competition is held every other year on odd years (2011, 2013, 2015, etc.).  The last edition of the event was held in Wuhan, China where the hosts China lost in the Championship Game to Japan.  The overall medal leaders are the South Korean National Team who have 12 Gold medals.   In the 2015 edition, India was relegated to Division B for the upcoming Championship.

Edit"Serbian Zoran Visic announced as new Head Coach of the Indian National Women’s Team"

UN MIGRATION AGENCY BRIEFS UN COUNTRY TEAM ON LIBYAN TORTURE VICTIMS

JUNE 17, 2017LEAVE A COMMENTON UN MIGRATION AGENCY BRIEFS UN COUNTRY TEAM ON LIBYAN TORTURE VICTIMS

Libya – The UN Migration Agency (IOM), on Thursday with representatives of UNHCR briefed members of the UN’s Libya country team on the ongoing efforts to rescue what are believed to be up to 200 victims of kidnapping and torture in Libya.

The victims, whose plight came to IOM’s attention through contacts in Africa who had discovered video of the migrants in captivity via social media, are known to be Somali and Ethiopian nationals – both men and women – whose families in the Horn of Africa have received ransom demands based on short video clips depicting scenes of active torture. This tactic, which is not new, has been reported for several years across the northern Sahara region and even in parts of Latin America. IOM believes the video is authentic.

“IOM is currently working closely with all partners in trying to locate the migrants. IOM supports the Libyan efforts in the fight against the smuggling networks and we are very concerned about the current situation,” said Othman Belbeisi, IOM’s Chief of Mission in Libya.

Edit"UN Migration Agency Briefs UN Country Team on Libyan Torture Victims"

FOREIGN TOURIST ARRIVALS GROWS BY 19.5% IN MAY 2017

JUNE 17, 2017LEAVE A COMMENTON FOREIGN TOURIST ARRIVALS GROWS BY 19.5% IN MAY 2017

·         Foreign Tourist Arrivals (FTAs) grows by 19.5% in May 2017 as compared to May 2016 During May 2017, 6.30 lakh foreign tourists arrived as compared to 5.27 lakh during May 2016 and 5.09 lakh in May 2015. FTAs during the period January- May 2017 were 42.15 lakh with a growth of 16.4%, as compared to the FTAs of 36.22 lakh with a growth of 8.7% in January- May 2016 over January- May 2015.  Top 15 source countries for Foreign tourist arrivals in India during  May 2017 (in %) Top 15 ports in India for Foreign Tourist Arrivals during  May 2017  (in %)

Source: PHD Research Bureau; Compiled from Ministry of Tourism ·         Foreign Tourist Arrival (on E-visa) grows by about 55% in May 2017 During the month of May, 2017 total of 0.68 lakh tourist arrived on e-Tourist Visa as compared to 0.44 lakh during the month of May 2016 registering a growth of 55.3%. During January- May 2017, a total of 6.50 lakh tourist arrived on e-Tourist Visa as compared to 4.35 lakh during January-May 2016, registering a growth of 49.4%. Top 15 source countries availing e-Tourist Visa during  May 2017 (in %) Top 15 ports in tourist arrivals on e-Tourist Visa during  May 2017  (in %) Source: PHD Research Bureau; Compiled from Ministry of Tourism, Government of India Please contact for any query related to this mail to Mr. Rohit Singh, Research Associate at rohit.singh@phdcci with a cc to Dr. S P Sharma, Chief Economist,  at spsharma@phdcci.in and Ms. Surbhi Sharma, Senior Research Officer atsurbhi@phdcci.in , PHD Chamber of Commerce & Industry Warm regards,

Edit"Foreign Tourist Arrivals grows by 19.5% in May 2017"

CAIT URGED GST COUNCIL TO REDRAFT TAX RATE SLAB OF 28%

JUNE 17, 2017LEAVE A COMMENTON CAIT URGED GST COUNCIL TO REDRAFT TAX RATE SLAB OF 28%

E WAY BILL & HSN CODE MAY BE SUSPENDED FOR 6 MONTHS

On the eve of crucial meeting of the GST Council tomorrow, the Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT) has questioned the classification of goods placed under 28% tax slab of GST and has urged the Union Finance Minister to re-visit this slab and confine it to only luxurious and demerit goods for which originally it was evolved. This slab has become a root cause of unrest among a section of the traders who are agitating past two days demanding  reversal to a lower slab of their respective items placed under this category . Such anomalies, disparities and contradictions in tax slabs and ignorance about basics of GST are distorting the spirit of a good taxation system that GST is-said the CAIT. It is hoped that corrective actions will remove confusing atmosphere and will encourage traders to adopt GST in a smooth manner.

CAIT National President Mr. B.C.Bhartia & Secretary General Mr. Praveen Khandelwal said that as per statements of the GST Council decided that the tax slab of 28% will attract only those items which are currently taxed at 30-31% ( inclusive of VAT & Excise Duty)  but with a rider. And the rider is that in this category there are several items which are now being used increasingly by a very large number of people, particularly the lower middle class. So for them 28 or 30 or 31% rate will be higher, and so these items will be shifted to 18%. However, about 19% of the goods fall under 28% category defeating the object of the Council.

They further said that items like spare parts of two wheeler and four wheeler, housing necessity items like Cement, Iron & Steel, Building Hardware, Paints, Marble, Furniture, Sanitary ware, Electrical Fittings, Beauty & Cosmetic Products, Health & Nutrition products like Bournvita, Amul Pro, Horlicks, Polishes & Creams for footwear, scientific instruments, are some of the prominent items which falls under this category. 

Both Mr. Bhartia & Mr. Khandelwal said that following the principle set by the Council regarding 28% tax slab, it has reduced number of items from 28% to 18% in its last meeting held on 11th June which has been termed as a positive step and acclaimed by the trading community. Similar approach may also be taken with regard to other items and 28% tax slab may be restricted to only luxurious and demerit goods.

The CAIT has demanded that much confusion has been prevailed about keeping food grains under 5% tax slab if they are branded goods else these items have been exempted from the tax. In order to make clarity, it is necessary that clear distinction may be drawn so that these items of mass consumption may not fall under tax rate of 5%. It has also urged the GST Council to make official declaration to treat first nine months i.e. from Ist July,2017 to 31st March,2018 a ” interim period” and no penal action should be taken against traders for procedural lapses or unintentional mistakes though tax evaders must be dealt with in accordance of the law. ​The CAIT has also urged that since cloth traders were never part of taxation system, an exemption ​of one year may be granted to them to understand the taxation system and make themselves compatible to comply the law.

On the other hand recycle products/scrap collection items like empty used glass bottles have been placed under 12%, Washing Soap, Laundry Soap and Toilet Soap though different from one another have been clubbed together and placed under 18% and other such items may be placed under lower tax slab. The CAIT has urged that Sanitary Napkins essential for Women Hygiene must be removed from 12% tax slab and placed under exempted category like contraceptives. 

The CAIT has also urged the GST Council to suspend implementation of E-Way Bill and HSN Code for at least six months since most of the small businesses are quite unaware of these procedures which were a part of Excise Act. They need breathing time to understand the system to make themselves compatible to comply.

______________________________ ______________________________ ________

Edit"CAIT URGED GST COUNCIL TO REDRAFT TAX RATE SLAB OF 28%"

REMITTANCES TO INDIA INCREASED BY ABOUT 69% IN THE LAST DECADE

JUNE 17, 2017LEAVE A COMMENTON REMITTANCES TO INDIA INCREASED BY ABOUT 69% IN THE LAST DECADE

According to the report released by the United Nation International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) on “Sending Money Home: Contributing to the SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals), One Family at a Time”, over the past decade, remittances to Asia and the Pacific increased by 87 per cent, reaching US$244 billion, while migration grew by only 33 per cent in comparison. Asia remains the main remittance-receiving region, with 55 per cent of the global flows and 41 per cent of total migrants. Top receiving countries include India (US$63 billion), China (US$61 billion), the Philippines (US$30 billion) and Pakistan (US$20 billion). India registered a growth rate of about 69% in remittance flows during 2007-2016.

Remittance flows, reliance and 10-year growth rate per country ( Asia and The Pacific)

Edit"Remittances to India increased by about 69% in the last decade"

INDIA RANKS 60TH ON GLOBAL INNOVATION INDEX 2017

JUNE 17, 2017LEAVE A COMMENTON INDIA RANKS 60TH ON GLOBAL INNOVATION INDEX 2017

The Global Innovation Index 2017 (GII) reports that Switzerland, Sweden, Netherlands, USA and UK are the world’s most- innovative countries, while a group of nations including India, Kenya, and Vietnam are outperforming their development- level peers. The Global Innovation Index 2017 is coauthored by Cornell University , INSEAD and the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO).

The key findings show the rise of India as an emerging innovation center in Asia and also shows high innovation performance in Sub-Saharan Africa relative to development and an opportunity to improve innovation capacity in Latin America and the Caribbean . India has moved up six spots to 60th rank in Global Innovation Index 2017 from 66th rank in the last year.

Every year, the GII surveys about 130 economies using various metrics, from patent filings to education spending providing decision makers a high-level look at the innovative activity that increasingly drives economic and social growth. The GII 2017 in its tenth edition surveys 127 economies, notes a continued gap in innovative capacity between developed and developing nations and lackluster growth rates for research and development (R&D) activities, both at the government and corporate levels.

Global Rankings as per Global Innovation Index 2017

rank

In 2017, Switzerland leads the rankings for the seventh consecutive year, with high-income economies taking 24 of the top 25 spots where China is the exception at 22. In 2016, China became the first-ever middle income economy in the top 25 ranks.

A group of middle and lower-income economies perform appreciably better on innovation than their current level of development would forecast. A total of 17 economies comprise these ‘innovation achievers’, a slight increase from 2016. In total, nine come from the Sub-Saharan Africa region, including Kenya and Rwanda , and three economies come from Eastern Europe .

Next to innovation powerhouses such as China , Japan , and the Republic of Korea , a group of Asian economies including Indonesia , Malaysia , Singapore , Thailand , the Philippines and Vietnam are actively working to develop their innovation ecosystems and rank high in a number of vital indicators related to education, R&D, productivity growth, high- tech exports, among others.

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CCI: HYUNDAI MOTOR INDIA FINED 87CR

JUNE 18, 2017LEAVE A COMMENTON CCI: HYUNDAI MOTOR INDIA FINED 87CR

Competition Commission of India (CCI) has imposed a penalty of Rs. 87 crore on Hyundai Motor India for unfair business practices with respect to providing discounts for cars.

In it order, the CCI asked the company to cease and desist from such anti-competitive practices.

It said, the company’s anti-competitive conduct include putting in place arrangements that resulted in resale price maintenance by way of monitoring of maximum permissible discount level.

It said, this was done through discount control and penalty mechanisms for non-compliance of the discount scheme.

The CCI said the company contravened competition law through arrangements which resulted into resale price maintenance and by mandating its dealers to use recommended lubricants and oils.: 

Edit"CCI: Hyundai Motor India fined 87Cr"

EC DIRECTS FIR AGAINST TTV DINAKARAN, CM PALANISWAMI & OTHERS

JUNE 18, 2017LEAVE A COMMENTON EC DIRECTS FIR AGAINST TTV DINAKARAN, CM PALANISWAMI & OTHERS

Election Commission has directed registration of FIR against AIADMK leader TTV Dinakaran, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister EK Palaniswami, State Health Minister C Vijayabaskar and others in connection with the RK Nagar bypoll bribery case. According to a news agency report, the Commission’s direction came in response to an RTI query demanding probe into allegations of money distributed to voters for bypoll to the Assembly seat on 12th April. The incident came to light after a video went viral.
In a raid at AIADMK (Amma) faction leader Vijayabaskar’s residence, I-T officials had seized documents which showed that close to 90 crore rupees was distributed to voters in R K Nagar constituency. The Amma faction had fielded TTV Dhinakaran as its candidate in the by-election. Allegedly, the documents also pointed to seven senior AIADMK leader, including Chief Minister Palaniswami, for distribution of cash to voters . Following this, the Election Commission had called off the bypoll.

Edit"EC directs FIR against TTV Dinakaran, CM Palaniswami & others"

INDIAN MEN’S HOCKEY TEAM REGISTER AN IMPRESSIVE 3-0 WIN AGAINST CANADA

JUNE 18, 2017LEAVE A COMMENTON INDIAN MEN’S HOCKEY TEAM REGISTER AN IMPRESSIVE 3-0 WIN AGAINST CANADA

 

~ SV Sunil (5′), Akashdeep Singh (10′) and Sardar Singh (18′) score in India’s second successive win at the Hero Hockey World League Semi-Final; face Pakistan in their next match on Sunday ~

 

 
London, 17 June 2017: India came up with a clinical all-round performance to beat Canada 3-0 in their second match here at the Hero Hockey World League Semi-Final on Saturday. Goals by SV Sunil (5′), Akashdeep Singh (10′) and Sardar Singh (18′) helped India register their second successive win in Pool B and top the table.   

Riding high on their strong opening match victory, India got off to a rollicking start displaying brilliant counter-attacking skills. The effort resulted in winning a penalty corner in the opening minute of the match. It was forward SV Sunil at the baseline who found the foot of Canadian defender but the chance went amiss with Harmanpreet Singh’s powerful flick going above the post. The forwards, however, were impeccable as they kept up the pace to find gaps in the Canadian circle. It was Sunil who found an early breakthrough in the 5th minute when he fired across from the baseline to put the ball in the post. The 1-0 lead was doubled in the 10th minute with Akashdeep Singh who timed his run perfectly to receive from Ramandeep Singh from the top of the circle to deflect the ball past Canadian keeper David Carter. India went into the first break with a solid 2-0 lead.

India continued to put pressure on Canada with their third goal in the 18th minute to take a formidable 3-0 lead. It was Ramandeep Singh on the counter attack who accelerated towards the circle to push the ball towards Sardar Singh who had doubled up as a forward. The celebrated midfielder was effortless in nicking the ball into the post leaving no chance for Carter to save. Even as Canada struggled to find an opportunity to score, Indian defenders were up to the task to keep them at bay. 

The third quarter saw India keep up the tempo with an all-round performance. They were calm in their pursuit, rotating the ball with disciplined passes and good man-to-man marking that helped defend their score. Vikas Dahiya, who substituted Akash Chikte at the goalpost after half time, made two good saves when Canada came close to having a real good shot on goal. India won two back-to-back PCs this quarter but Canadian defence was strong enough to keep the dangerous dragflicker Harmanpreet Singh from converting. The quarter ended with no changes to the score-line. 

India started the fourth quarter with just nine players with both captain Manpreet Singh and his deputy Chinglensana Singh sitting out with a green and yellow card respectively. But that didn’t dent India’s chances as they contained Canada from taking advantage. Canada won their second PC with less than two minute for the final hooter but a great stop by Surender Kumar denied Canada from converting and India walked away with the winning points yet again. “We played well in first two quarter but were a bit unlucky to convert chances in the third and fourth quarter, credit must go to the Canadian goalkeeper for coming up with good saves.  Overall I am pleased with the performance,” expressed Chief Coach Roelant Oltmans post the match. 
 
“We want to give our best against Pakistan. Cricket also playing Champions Trophy final and we are confident that India will win in Cricket as well as in Hockey,” stated skipper Manpreet Singh about their next match against Pakistan. 

India will play Pakistan in their third Pool B match on June 18 at 18.30 hours IST.  

Please find attached action pictures, schedule and pool standings of the Hero Hockey World League Semi Final. 

For live score updates, please follow http://www.fih.ch/events/match-center

International Hockey Federation – Home | FIH http://www.fih.ch Works in co-operation with both the national and continental organizations. News, regulations, events and results, coaching, umpire and medical information.

Matches will be shown live on Star Sports 2 & Star Sports HD 2 as well as live streamed on Hotstar.com

Regards,
Pratik S. Gore
pratikg@wordswork.in
+91 99709 64487

Edit"Indian Men’s Hockey Team register an impressive 3-0 win against Canada"

‘PAHLE INDIA FOUNDATION – YES GLOBAL INSTITUTE MONTHLY SEMINAR SERIES ON SMES’.

JUNE 18, 2017LEAVE A COMMENTON ‘PAHLE INDIA FOUNDATION – YES GLOBAL INSTITUTE MONTHLY SEMINAR SERIES ON SMES’.

Dear Friend,

Greetings from Pahle India Foundation and YES Global Institute, the practicing ‘think tank’ at YES BANK. We are pleased to announce the commencement of the ‘Pahle India Foundation – YES Global Institute Monthly Seminar Series on SMEs’.  The 1st Edition of the series will focus on ‘Driving Entrepreneurship through SMEs’. Please Save the Date and join us at India International Centre, New Delhi on July 3rd, 2017 for the Seminar. A formal invitation along with the Seminar agenda will be shared with you shortly.   For any further information, please get in touch with Mr. Anil Kumar, Assistant Manager, Pahle India Foundation (anil.kumar@pahleindia.org ; +91 11 41551498 or +91 8826408889). We look forward to your participation. Thank you.

Best regards,

Rajiv Kumar

Founder Director

Pahle India Foundation

C4/54 First Floor

Safdarjung Development Area

New Delhi – 110016

+91 11 41551498

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INDIA PITCHES FOR GREATER ENGAGEMENT WITH BRICS NATIONS

JUNE 19, 2017LEAVE A COMMENTON INDIA PITCHES FOR GREATER ENGAGEMENT WITH BRICS NATIONS

India has pitched for a greater engagement with BRICS nations which have steadily expanded its agenda from financial matters to security and counter terrorism issues facing the international community.

Addressing the BRICS Foreign Ministers meeting in Beijing today, Minister of State for External Affairs General V K Singh said, BRICS countries have reached a significant understanding on security and counter-terrorism issues. He said, the BRICS agenda has witnessed steady expansion.

The Minister added that the National Security Advisors (NSAs) of BRICS countries are due to meet next month. The meeting comes ahead of this year’s summit of the bloc in September.

V K Singh further said, India attaches great importance to BRICS nations and will continue to work closely with all the partners with mutual trust, respect and transparency.

Edit"India pitches for greater engagement with BRICS nations"

AUSTRALIA ANNOUNCES ONLINE VISA APPLICATIONS FOR INDIANS

JUNE 19, 2017LEAVE A COMMENTON AUSTRALIA ANNOUNCES ONLINE VISA APPLICATIONS FOR INDIANS

Australian government today announced that Indian nationals can apply for a visitor visa online starting from first July. Australia’s Assistant Minister for Immigration and Border Protection, Alex Hawke, said the online application option would make applying for the country’s visitor visas easier and enhance the experience for Indians.

Online lodgement for visitor visa applications is a significant enhancement that will benefit Indian applicants seeking to visit Australia as tourists or business visitors,
or those wanting to reconnect with family and friends,” Hawke said.

It will offer benefits like 24/7 accessibility, electronic payment of the visa application charge and the ability to check the status of applications lodged online, all
through the department’s ImmiAccount portal.

Being able to check the status of an application online, as soon as it is finalised, will allow Indian applicants to finalise their travel arrangements as soon as possible, he said.
An official statement said, there has been a significant increase in demand for Australian visas in India with the rising popularity of Australia as a holiday destination.

In the first four months of 2017 alone, the Department of Immigration and Border Protection granted more than 65,000 visitor visas to Indian nationals.

Edit"Australia announces online visa applications for Indians"

MAY: LONDON MOSQUE TERROR ATTACK

JUNE 19, 2017LEAVE A COMMENTON MAY: LONDON MOSQUE TERROR ATTACK

British Prime Minister Theresa May says police has confirmed that it is treating the north London mosque incident as a potential terrorist attack. One person was killed and ten others wounded after a man drove a van into worshippers near a Finsbury Park Mosque.

London Metropolitan Police said the van mounted the pavement and struck a group of people just after midnight. It said one man was pronounced dead at the scene. It has arrested a 48-year-old van driver from the scene. The incident comes just over two weeks after three militants drove into pedestrians on London Bridge and stabbed people at nearby restaurants and bars, killing eight people.

The Leader of the Opposition Labour Party, Jeremy Corbyn, said he was shocked at the incident. Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said extra police had been deployed to reassure communities, especially those observing Ramazan. He described the attack as an assault on all shared values of tolerance, freedom and respect.

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INDEFINITE STRIKE CONTINUES IN DARJEELING

JUNE 19, 2017LEAVE A COMMENTON INDEFINITE STRIKE CONTINUES IN DARJEELING

West Bengal, the situation in the violence-scarred, strike-bound Darjeeling Hills continues to be tense.

An uneasy calm and uncertainly prevails across the Darjeeling Hills as the Bimal Gurung led Gorkha Janmukti Morcha (GJM) sponsored indefinite strike entered the eighth day today.

The GJM is demanding statehood for Gorkhas in West Bengal’s northern districts. Meanwhile, three youths were killed which the Gurung’s party alleged that they died in police firing. However the government has denied any police firing on Saturday.

Meanwhile, National Highway 10 from Siliguri to Sikkim has been blocked by Gorkhaland activists.

A big number of supporters are protesting near Rangpo bridge. Vehicles plying from Sikkim to Siliguri have been brought to a halt. One loaded truck has been torched near Kalijhora. Sikkim government sources in Gangtok said they had on Sunday requested their West Bengal counterpart to provide security to vehicles passing through Darjeeling district in NH 31A in view of the GJM agitation.

The West Bengal government had assured them that security would be provided to vehicles going to Sikkim or coming from Sikkim and police would carry out extensive patrolling in the highway, the sources said

Edit"Indefinite strike continues in Darjeeling"

RAM NATH KOVIND IS NDA NOMINEE FOR PRESIDENTIAL POLL

JUNE 19, 2017LEAVE A COMMENTON RAM NATH KOVIND IS NDA NOMINEE FOR PRESIDENTIAL POLL

Bihar Governor Ram Nath Kovind will be NDA nominee for Presidential election, addressing a press conference in New Delhi, BJP chief Amit Shah announced his name. Bihar Governor reached Delhi to file his nomination papers for the top post.

Mr Kovind, who hails from Kanpur district of Uttar Pradesh, is a senior lawyer and BJP leader. Mr Shah said he belongs to Scheduled Caste community and has worked extensively for upliftment of backward sections of society.

Mr Shah informed said Prime Minister Narendra Modi himself spoke to Congress President Sonia Gandhi, and former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to apprise them of the decision. He hoped that all parties will support Mr Kovind’s candidature.

BJP Chief said, Mr. Kovind is likely to file his nomination papers on 23rd of this month.

Replying to a query, Mr Shah said there has not been any discussion yet on names for Vice President.

In the latest development, Bihar Governor Ram Nath Kovind arrived in New Delhi this evening after announcement of his candidature. Mr. Kovind is expected to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Union Minister J P Nadda, Thaawarchand Gehlot and other BJP leaders welcomed him on his arrival.

Earlier, Prime Minister expressed belief that NDA nominee Ram Nath Kovind will make an exceptional President and continue to be a strong voice for the poor, downtrodden and marginalised.

In a series of tweets, Mr Modi said Mr Kovind comes from a humble background and has devoted his life to public service and worked the poor and marginalised. He said with his background in the legal arena, Mr Kovind’s knowledge and understanding of the Constitution will benefit the nation.

Congress has said decision by the BJP to choose Ram Nath Kovind as NDA nominee for Presidential elections has been taken unilaterally.

Talking to media in New Delhi this evening, senior party leader Ghulam Nabi Azad said that name of Mr Kovind was not discussed with Congress party. He said, his party had expected that BJP will discuss main names which the party may announce for the presidential candidate but it did not discuss.

Mr Azad, however, said, Congress has nothing to comment on the decision made by the BJP. Mr Azad said Congress has invited opposition leaders on 22nd of this month to discuss future strategy after BJP announced name of presidential nominee.

Meanwhile, CPI(M) has indicated that it is opposed to the NDA nominee, Ram Nath Kovind for presidential polls. Party General Secretary Sitaram Yechury said, Mr. Kovind has been associated with RSS’s dalit wing. He said, it is directly a political battle and only once in the history of Independent India, the President was elected uncontested.

On the other hand, LJP Chief and Union Minister Ram Vilas Paswan said everyone should support the candidature of Mr. Kovind. He said whoever opposes the decision will be believed to be anti dalit.

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has expressed happiness over declaration of Presidential candidature of Ram Nath Kovind.

After congratulating Mr. Kovind at Rajbhawan in Patna today, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar said it is a matter of pride for Bihar.

Mr. Kumar said it is not appropriate time to comment whether the JD (U) will support Mr. Kovind or not. Though Nitish Kumar said he has intimated his feelings to Congress Chief Sonia Gandhi and RJD Chief Lalu. Prasad. Meanwhile, Bihar governor Ram Nath Kovind left for Delhi this evening.

Edit"Ram Nath Kovind is NDA nominee for Presidential poll"

F-16S TO BE MADE IN INDIA, TATA SIGNS PACT WITH LOCKHEED MARTIN:  

JUNE 19, 2017LEAVE A COMMENTON F-16S TO BE MADE IN INDIA, TATA SIGNS PACT WITH LOCKHEED MARTIN:  

Ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s official visit to United States, military manufacturing giant Lockheed Martin has tied up a pact with Tata to produce F16 fighter planes in India.

Lockheed Martin’s F-16 and Saab’s Gripen fighter plane from Sweden are regarded as the front-runners in getting a lucrative, multi-billion dollar contract for 200 to 250 jets for the Indian Air Force.

According to sources, the deal has been signed on the sidelines of the Paris Air Show. Rediff.com

Edit"F-16s to be made in India, Tata signs pact with Lockheed Martin:  "

INDIAN CENTRE AMRITPAL SINGH INVITED TO PLAY FOR SYDNEY KINGS IN CHINA TOURNAMENT

JUNE 19, 2017LEAVE A COMMENTON INDIAN CENTRE AMRITPAL SINGH INVITED TO PLAY FOR SYDNEY KINGS IN CHINA TOURNAMENT

• Amritpal Singh, seasoned centre of the Indian national team, has been formally invited to join the Sydney Kings for a tournament called the Atlas Challenge 2017 to be played in Suzhou, China.
• This invitation brings him one step closer towards joining the Sydney Kings roster and becoming the first Indian national to play in the Australia’s National Basketball League (NBL).
• Singh had impressed several teams at the NBL Draft Combine earlier this year, after which he received this invite.

Bengaluru, 19th June 2017:  Amritpal Singh, the near 6’ 10’’ centre of the Indian national team, has been formally invited to join the Sydney Kings for a tournament in China, known as the Atlas Challenge 2017.

The Atlas Challenge 2017 consists of eight teams from various countries, and will be played from 16thto 25th July 2017, in the city of Suzhou which is 100 km from Shanghai, China. The Sydney Kings are approaching the tournament as an opportunity to evaluate prospective players who may make the Sydney Kings roster at a later stage.

This is a huge opportunity for Singh, who impressed a number of teams at the National Basketball League (NBL) Draft Combine in Melbourne, Australia earlier this year. He was part of a four member contingent that also included Amjyot Singh, Yadwinder Singh and Vishesh Bhriguvanshi. A report on the official NBL website reflects high praise for the Punjab centre, and played up his potential to become the first Indian-born player to play in the NBL. Among the stand out features of his play were his defensive presence around the rim, finishing the Combine tied as the leading shot blocker.

Asked about the invite, the 26-year-old, “I am thrilled to have received this great opportunity. I am entirely focused on preparing for the tournament and intend to put in every effort to doing well.”

Singh will be rearing to go after standout performances for the Indian team on the international stage: most notably, he averaged 18 points and 10 rebounds per game at the 2016 FIBA Asia Challenge in Iran.

“After the Draft Combine concluded in April, Amritpal had generated interest from a few teams, which culminated in the Sydney Kings inviting him for a rookie camp earlier this month. From my interactions with him, I could sense that he was going to seize this opportunity with both hands. Credit to his composure that he was able to perform under pressure. His humble personality and affable nature also helped in securing the invite,” said Vishnu Ravi Shankar, Singh’s manager from Pursuit India, the company that represents Singh and other leading Indian basketball players. “On behalf of Amritpal, I’d also like to thank Danny Kordahi of the No1 Draft Pick Basketball Academy, our local Australian liaison partner, who has helped us immensely throughout this entire process.”

About the Sydney Kings

The Sydney Kings is a franchise in Australia’s National Basketball League (NBL). A three-time NBL Champion, Sydney Kings are based out of the city of Sydney, New South Wales. The franchise was founded in 1988 and is owned by AEG Ogden. All of the Kings’ homegames are played at the Qudos Bank Arena in Sydney Olympic Park which is also popularly known as ‘The Kingdome’.

Edit"Indian Centre Amritpal Singh invited to play for Sydney Kings in China tournament"

INDIA FALL TO HOSTS CHINA ON DAY 1 OF THE BRICS GAMES 2017

JUNE 19, 2017LEAVE A COMMENTON INDIA FALL TO HOSTS CHINA ON DAY 1 OF THE BRICS GAMES 2017

India fall to hosts China on Day 1 of the BRICS Games 2017

• China beat India 97-57 on the opening day of the BRICS Games 2017 in Guangzhou, China.
• Amjyot Singh Gill led the Indian team with 26 points, 6 rebounds, and 4 assists.
• India felt the absence of its star centre Amritpal Singh, as the team was outrebounded 45-26.
• Indian shooting guard Vishesh Bhriguvanshi suffered an ACL injury and is likely to miss the rest of the tournament.
• India now faces 9th ranked Russia (19th July) followed by its last match against South Africa tomorrow.

Bengaluru, 19th June 2017: Last evening, China beat India 97-57 on the opening day of the BRICS Games 2017, despite a strong performance from star player Amjyot Singh Gill. The game was fairly competitive in the first half: it was a one point game late in the second quarter, before a 9-0 run allowed the Chinese to take a 38-28 lead into half time. The hosts carried that momentum into the second half, scoring 33 and 26 points in the third and fourth quarters respectively, as the game finished 97 – 57.

Amjyot Singh Gill led the Indian team with 26 points, 6 rebounds, and 4 assists. But as a unit, the team struggled to find its scoring touch, only managing a field goal percentage of 36 from 2-point range, although it shot a decent 31.5% from beyond the arc. To complicate matters, Indian shooting guard Vishesh Bhriguvanshi went down early in the second half, losing his footing while driving to the basket. He has been diagnosed with an ACL injury and is likely to miss the rest of the tournament. Indian fans will be hoping that he recovers in time for the 2017 FIBA Asia Cup that will be played in Lebanon in August.

On the defensive end, India was made to pay in the paint in the absence of star centre Amritpal Singh. Chinese centre Tao Hanlin came off the bench to lead his team with 18 points and 11 rebounds. The Chinese team was particularly dominant off the glass, pulling down a total of 45 rebounds that also included 14 offensive rebounds, whereas India only recorded 26 rebounds in total.

Next up, India will play 9th ranked Russia on Monday, June 19th, before wrapping up the tournament against South Africa on Tuesday, June 20th.

China (Tao Han Lin 18 pts, 11 reb; Liu Xiao Yu 14 pts) bt India (Amjyot Singh Gill 26 pts, 2 blks, 2 stls; Rikin Pethani 12 pts) 97–57 [19-16, 19-12, 33-15, 26-14]

About the BRICS Games 2017

The BRICS Games 2017 is a tournament played among the BRICS countries with a view to developing sports exchange and cooperation, and promoting mutual friendship among BRICS countries. The host country of BRICS summit organizes the annual BRICS games and as China is all set to host the summit in September this year, they are given the responsibility of organizing the games. The choices of the games differ each year and are selected in consultation with the member countries.

Edit"India fall to hosts China on Day 1 of the BRICS Games 2017"

UNODC SOUTH ASIA ON ILLICIT DRUGS, HUMAN TRAFFICKING, TERRORISM, JUSTICE AND HEALTH.

JUNE 19, 2017LEAVE A COMMENTON UNODC SOUTH ASIA ON ILLICIT DRUGS, HUMAN TRAFFICKING, TERRORISM, JUSTICE AND HEALTH.

DAILY MESSENGER  (A Daily News Brief from UNODC South Asia on illicit drugs, human trafficking, terrorism, justice and health.)  19 June 2017   Bangladesh   RAB prepares digital database of 2,53,000 criminals, Prothom Alo The database contains 150 types of information such as photographs, biometric finger prints, irises and previous criminal records and punishments in criminal offences, according to official sources. 4 ways money is laundered out of the country, The Dhaka Tribune Every year a huge amount of money is siphoned out of the country primarily in four forms – over and under invoicing, over and under shipment, multiple invoices, and falsely declared goods and services, according to a study report of Bangladesh Institution of Bank Management (BIBM). Fight militancy with stronger prosecution, The Daily Star An anti-money laundering taskforce will ask the government to introduce a permanent attorney service engaging competent lawyers to fight militancy. Countering extremism in Bangladesh, Livemint Creating a ‘whole of government and whole of society approach’ is the need of the hour. Bangladesh: the people deserve better, The Guardian Both parties need to re-engage with democracy and civil rights, renounce the use of force and pandering to intolerance, and focus on the needs of their people. Bhutan   BOiC still under audit radar, Kuensel Despite its success stories, a performance audit observed several shortcomings and oversights that may be detrimental to the effective and efficient implementation and monitoring of the Revolving Funds (RF) for the now closed Business Opportunity and Information Centre (BOiC). ACC investigates 74 suspicious bank accounts, Kuensel The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) is reportedly questioning and ascertaining the legality of sources for more than INR 107.435 million (M) of demonetised notes deposited in 74 bank accounts. Won’t allow anti-India acts on our territory: Bhutan,  The Free Press Journal Bhutan’s commitment came during a meeting between Ramasundaram and the Bhutanese Home Minister in Thimpu. India    Drug abuse jumps after prohibition, The Times of India The rise in use of narcotic drugs after enforcement of prohibition has alarmed the state government of Bihar. Tackling substandard drugs: Central drug regulator issues draft standard operating procedure, The Indian Express India has neither a nation-wide drug recall system in the country nor any rules mandating the companies to withdraw “substandard” drug batches from the market. UP STF arrests three members of international drug smuggling racket, The Times of India Officials also seized 202.5 kg of charas worth Rs 2.2 crore from the miscreants, who used to supply the illegal substance to parts of Uttar Pradesh, Haryana and Delhi-NCR.     BSF seizes 2000 denominatised fake currency worth Rs. 1.96 lakhs, ANI The Border Security Force (BSF) has seized Rs 2000 denominatised Fake Indian Currency Note (FICN) with face value of Rs. 1.96 lakhs from Malda’s Sabdalpur area. Indians Have ‘Rather Few’ Deposits: Swiss Banks, India Today Money held by Indians in Swiss banks declined to a record low of 1.2 billion franc (about Rs. 8,392 crore) at the end of 2015, as per the latest available official data. However, no official data is available for money in other global hubs. Begging Mafia: A Social Evil, Rising Kashmir Though many people take to begging owing to poverty, however, it has become a menace. Of late, begging has become part of an organised crime.   CBI arrests Army Colonel, three others in case of bribery, India Today It was alleged that Colonel Shaibal Kumar had demanded a bribe of Rs 1.80 lakh from the managing director of the Pune-based company in connection with the supply of power pack rock splitters, which are used by various field formations of the Army. Mumbai blast case index of appalling delays, The Free Press Journal The criminal justice system in the country is in need of urgent attention. Apart from delays which are endemic, there are other areas crying for reform. A governance agenda for our times, The Tribune If the country has to be liberated from corruption and misgovernance, the political executive needs to accept its responsibility, assume leadership and play a visibly proactive role in promoting productive governance. It would no longer do to attribute all our failures, on various fronts, merely to the deficiencies of the bureaucracy, the writer agues. India makes pitch to fight terror as BRICS foreign ministers meet in Beijing, India Today India will want the BRICS grouping to put out a strong statement on terrorism as it holds a summit in Xiamen, southern China, in September which PM Modi will attend. New playground for non-state actors, The Hindu ‘Internet-enabled’ terrorism has introduced greater complexity in an already difficult scenario.  Muzzling freedom of expression, The Hindu At the heart of the fundamental right of freedom of expression is free speech. But the human right to freely express oneself is not limited to free speech.   Maldives   Police releases photos of murderers of Yameen Rasheed, Rajje.mv Police further added that all suspects connected to the murder have been identified with enough evidence for prosecution. Maldives pres ratifies bill to up no. of High Court judges, Mihaaru President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom on Sunday ratified the amendment to the Courts of Judicature Act to increase the number of judges in the High Court to eleven. Jailed ex-VP’s family turn to UN over denial of medical treatment, Mihaaru Jailed former Vice President Ahmed Adheeb’s family has turned to the United Nations over the Maldives government’s refusal to provide suitable medical service to Adheeb. Nepal    Human trafficking convict on the run for 7 years nabbed, The Himalayan Times The fugitive, identified as a 53-year-old Ram Bahadur Tamang (53) of Salme in Nuwakot, had taken a woman from Dhading to India on the pretext of marrying her, with the help of two other traffickers. Three Nepali human trafficking victims rescued, Mid-Day Three women from Nepal were rescued from human traffickers and one accused arrested in near the India-Nepal border in West Bengal’s Darjeeling district.   34 pc women victimised by kin, The Himalayan Times The study carried out by ‘Paribartan Gharaibat Project’ in Chitwan, Nawalparasi and Kapilvastu in the last 12 months showed that one out of four women fell victim to sexual violence from their nearest friend or husband. NHRC tells govt not to make arbitrary arrests, The Himalayan Times “The NHRC draws the attention of the government not to arrest people in arbitrary manner and not to misbehave with people who take part in peaceful protests,” the rights body said in its release. CIAA books eight govt transport officials for revenue embezzlement,  The Himalayan Times The Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority has filed cases against eight officials of Transport Management Office, Itahari, on the charge of revenue embezzlement at the Special Court. Sri Lanka   Suspect arrested with Rs.5.4mn worth heroin, The Daily Mirror A 33-year-old was arrested with 540 grams of heroine worth Rs.5.4 million during a raid in Sri Lanka’s Borella. Police investigations on hate crimes led to arrest of Buddhist monk and police officer, Colombo Page The police have arrested a police officer and a Buddhist monk accused of leading an arson attack against a mosque and a Muslim business. Hate crime: Police probing politicos’ speech, Daily Mirror The Police are investigating into politicians’ statements that are seen as inciting racism and create communal disharmony, according to Police Spokesman DIG Priyantha Jayakody. Sarath rejects Special Rapporteur allegations, The Daily Mirror  Rear Admiral Sarath Weerasekara has slammed UNHRC Special Rapporteur Ms. Monica Pinto’s allegations following her visit to Sri Lanka in 2016. UNODC World Consultations held with key South African actors as ‘Line Up Live Up’ enters next stage of roll out, UNODC Following early successes and positive experiences over recent months in piloting the Doha Declaration Global Programme’s ‘Line Up Live Up’ curriculum in Brazil, on-the-ground work recently started in South Africa. UN chief ‘deeply saddened’ by the many lives claimed by raging wildfires in Portugal, UN News Centre In a statement, the Secretary-General said he spoke with the President of Portugal, Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, and with the Prime Minister, António Costa, expressing his “deep sadness.” ‘No limit’ to cruelty of traffickers, says UN agency, as video surfaces of abused migrants in Libya, UN News Centre Two United Nations agencies have voiced ‘deep concern’ for the safety of hundreds of migrants and refugees – including many children – held captive by smugglers or criminal gangs at an unknown location in Libya after a video showing their abuse was posted on Facebook.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   We welcome your feedback and comments. Write to us on samarth.pathak@unodc.org Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/UNODC_ROSA Contact us: Regional Office for South Asia United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime EP 16/17, Chandragupta Marg, Chanakyapuri New Delhi-110021 Telephone: +91-11 42225000 Website: http://www.unodc.org/southasia

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UNFPA RELEASES INDIA AGEING REPORT 2017

JUNE 19, 2017LEAVE A COMMENTON UNFPA RELEASES INDIA AGEING REPORT 2017

19th June 2017, New Delhi – UNFPA India today released “Caring for our elders: Early Responses India Ageing Report 2017” at the India Habitat Centre, Lodhi Road, New Delhi in presence of Shri Thaawarchand Gehlot, Hon’ble minister, Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment. Amongst the hundred-plus participants at the function were representatives from the government, civil society,  educational and research institutes, UN agencies, and experts on Ageing.

The India Ageing report takes stock of the situation of the elderly in India, flags some key concerns and maps policy and programmatic responses by the Government and civil society. The report also documents good case studies and practices across the country.

While India is busy tapping its demographic dividend, this window of opportunity will be closing soon. According to the India Ageing report just released by UNFPA, by 2030 around 12.5 percent of our population will be 60 years and older and by 2050 one fifth of India’s population will be aged. Stressing upon the need to start planning for demographic transition, the report discusses multiple vulnerabilities faced by the aged in India, especially in terms of health, income, as well as social and psychological aspects.

Diego Palacios, UNFPA Country Representative India and Country Director Bhutan, in his address said “Everyone has a part to play for the well-being of elderly, including the government civil society, communities, and families. I would really like to thank the MSJE, Government of India for their continuous support to our efforts in bringing out this report”.

The report also highlights the status of elderly women, who are more vulnerable due to a longer life expectancy as compared to their male counterparts. Aged widows with meagre or no income, are especially vulnerable in the absence of a proper social security network. What’s more worrying is the fact that 10 percent of them are living alone, and the number has been rising over the past few decades, as evident from the data in the report.

In his keynote address, Shri Thaawarchand Gehlot, Hon’ble minister, MSJEGOI, spoke about the “Senior Citizen Welfare Fund” recently launched by the government. The Hon’ble minister also announced plans to launch another important scheme “Rashtriya Vayoshri Yojana” to assist senior citizens suffering from age-related ailments.

Highlights of the India Ageing Report 2017:

1.       Status of the Elderly – workforce participation, income security, health status, NCDs, disability, gender concerns, etc. in accessing social welfare services

2.       Effectiveness of current programmes (IPOP, NPHCE and NSAP) – the programs show a mixed scenario with scope for strengthening

3.       Government and NGO activities – Analyses elder care services in India by Government and selected NGOs and maps their activities in brief

4.       Good practices from around the country – case studies: The Elderly SHG; Kudumbashree & Palliative Care (Kerala); an NGO experience in providing dementia care, food security (Tamil Nadu), etc.

5.       Elderly voices and concerns, and relevant provisions in the national policy

6.       Estimated demand for elder care services including support needed in activities of daily living (ADL) and dealing with chronic ailments

7.       Way forward – Policy and programme relevance; Supportive environment; Capacity building of mid-level managers; Health professionals and service providers; and Undertaking essential research in specific aspects of ageing relevant to the national policy

The report is available for download at:

http://india.unfpa.org/en/ publications/caring-our- elders-early-responses-india- ageing-report-2017

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INDIA PITCHES FOR GREATER ENGAGEMENT WITH BRICS NATIONS

JUNE 19, 2017LEAVE A COMMENTON INDIA PITCHES FOR GREATER ENGAGEMENT WITH BRICS NATIONS

India has pitched for a greater engagement with BRICS nations which have steadily expanded its agenda from financial matters to security and counter terrorism issues facing the international community.

Addressing the BRICS Foreign Ministers meeting in Beijing today, Minister of State for External Affairs General V K Singh said, BRICS countries have reached a significant understanding on security and counter-terrorism issues. He said, the BRICS agenda has witnessed steady expansion.

The Minister added that the National Security Advisors (NSAs) of BRICS countries are due to meet next month. The meeting comes ahead of this year’s summit of the bloc in September.

V K Singh further said, India attaches great importance to BRICS nations and will continue to work closely with all the partners with mutual trust, respect and transparency.

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AUSTRALIA ANNOUNCES ONLINE VISA APPLICATIONS FOR INDIANS

JUNE 19, 2017LEAVE A COMMENTON AUSTRALIA ANNOUNCES ONLINE VISA APPLICATIONS FOR INDIANS

Australian government today announced that Indian nationals can apply for a visitor visa online starting from first July. Australia’s Assistant Minister for Immigration and Border Protection, Alex Hawke, said the online application option would make applying for the country’s visitor visas easier and enhance the experience for Indians.

Online lodgement for visitor visa applications is a significant enhancement that will benefit Indian applicants seeking to visit Australia as tourists or business visitors,
or those wanting to reconnect with family and friends,” Hawke said.

It will offer benefits like 24/7 accessibility, electronic payment of the visa application charge and the ability to check the status of applications lodged online, all
through the department’s ImmiAccount portal.

Being able to check the status of an application online, as soon as it is finalised, will allow Indian applicants to finalise their travel arrangements as soon as possible, he said.
An official statement said, there has been a significant increase in demand for Australian visas in India with the rising popularity of Australia as a holiday destination.

In the first four months of 2017 alone, the Department of Immigration and Border Protection granted more than 65,000 visitor visas to Indian nationals.

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MAY: LONDON MOSQUE TERROR ATTACK

JUNE 19, 2017LEAVE A COMMENTON MAY: LONDON MOSQUE TERROR ATTACK

British Prime Minister Theresa May says police has confirmed that it is treating the north London mosque incident as a potential terrorist attack. One person was killed and ten others wounded after a man drove a van into worshippers near a Finsbury Park Mosque.

London Metropolitan Police said the van mounted the pavement and struck a group of people just after midnight. It said one man was pronounced dead at the scene. It has arrested a 48-year-old van driver from the scene. The incident comes just over two weeks after three militants drove into pedestrians on London Bridge and stabbed people at nearby restaurants and bars, killing eight people.

The Leader of the Opposition Labour Party, Jeremy Corbyn, said he was shocked at the incident. Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said extra police had been deployed to reassure communities, especially those observing Ramazan. He described the attack as an assault on all shared values of tolerance, freedom and respect.

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INDEFINITE STRIKE CONTINUES IN DARJEELING

JUNE 19, 2017LEAVE A COMMENTON INDEFINITE STRIKE CONTINUES IN DARJEELING

West Bengal, the situation in the violence-scarred, strike-bound Darjeeling Hills continues to be tense.

An uneasy calm and uncertainly prevails across the Darjeeling Hills as the Bimal Gurung led Gorkha Janmukti Morcha (GJM) sponsored indefinite strike entered the eighth day today.

The GJM is demanding statehood for Gorkhas in West Bengal’s northern districts. Meanwhile, three youths were killed which the Gurung’s party alleged that they died in police firing. However the government has denied any police firing on Saturday.

Meanwhile, National Highway 10 from Siliguri to Sikkim has been blocked by Gorkhaland activists.

A big number of supporters are protesting near Rangpo bridge. Vehicles plying from Sikkim to Siliguri have been brought to a halt. One loaded truck has been torched near Kalijhora. Sikkim government sources in Gangtok said they had on Sunday requested their West Bengal counterpart to provide security to vehicles passing through Darjeeling district in NH 31A in view of the GJM agitation.

The West Bengal government had assured them that security would be provided to vehicles going to Sikkim or coming from Sikkim and police would carry out extensive patrolling in the highway, the sources said

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RAM NATH KOVIND IS NDA NOMINEE FOR PRESIDENTIAL POLL

JUNE 19, 2017LEAVE A COMMENTON RAM NATH KOVIND IS NDA NOMINEE FOR PRESIDENTIAL POLL

Bihar Governor Ram Nath Kovind will be NDA nominee for Presidential election, addressing a press conference in New Delhi, BJP chief Amit Shah announced his name. Bihar Governor reached Delhi to file his nomination papers for the top post.

Mr Kovind, who hails from Kanpur district of Uttar Pradesh, is a senior lawyer and BJP leader. Mr Shah said he belongs to Scheduled Caste community and has worked extensively for upliftment of backward sections of society.

Mr Shah informed said Prime Minister Narendra Modi himself spoke to Congress President Sonia Gandhi, and former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to apprise them of the decision. He hoped that all parties will support Mr Kovind’s candidature.

BJP Chief said, Mr. Kovind is likely to file his nomination papers on 23rd of this month.

Replying to a query, Mr Shah said there has not been any discussion yet on names for Vice President.

In the latest development, Bihar Governor Ram Nath Kovind arrived in New Delhi this evening after announcement of his candidature. Mr. Kovind is expected to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Union Minister J P Nadda, Thaawarchand Gehlot and other BJP leaders welcomed him on his arrival.

Earlier, Prime Minister expressed belief that NDA nominee Ram Nath Kovind will make an exceptional President and continue to be a strong voice for the poor, downtrodden and marginalised.

In a series of tweets, Mr Modi said Mr Kovind comes from a humble background and has devoted his life to public service and worked the poor and marginalised. He said with his background in the legal arena, Mr Kovind’s knowledge and understanding of the Constitution will benefit the nation.

Congress has said decision by the BJP to choose Ram Nath Kovind as NDA nominee for Presidential elections has been taken unilaterally.

Talking to media in New Delhi this evening, senior party leader Ghulam Nabi Azad said that name of Mr Kovind was not discussed with Congress party. He said, his party had expected that BJP will discuss main names which the party may announce for the presidential candidate but it did not discuss.

Mr Azad, however, said, Congress has nothing to comment on the decision made by the BJP. Mr Azad said Congress has invited opposition leaders on 22nd of this month to discuss future strategy after BJP announced name of presidential nominee.

Meanwhile, CPI(M) has indicated that it is opposed to the NDA nominee, Ram Nath Kovind for presidential polls. Party General Secretary Sitaram Yechury said, Mr. Kovind has been associated with RSS’s dalit wing. He said, it is directly a political battle and only once in the history of Independent India, the President was elected uncontested.

On the other hand, LJP Chief and Union Minister Ram Vilas Paswan said everyone should support the candidature of Mr. Kovind. He said whoever opposes the decision will be believed to be anti dalit.

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has expressed happiness over declaration of Presidential candidature of Ram Nath Kovind.

After congratulating Mr. Kovind at Rajbhawan in Patna today, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar said it is a matter of pride for Bihar.

Mr. Kumar said it is not appropriate time to comment whether the JD (U) will support Mr. Kovind or not. Though Nitish Kumar said he has intimated his feelings to Congress Chief Sonia Gandhi and RJD Chief Lalu. Prasad. Meanwhile, Bihar governor Ram Nath Kovind left for Delhi this evening.

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F-16S TO BE MADE IN INDIA, TATA SIGNS PACT WITH LOCKHEED MARTIN:  

JUNE 19, 2017LEAVE A COMMENTON F-16S TO BE MADE IN INDIA, TATA SIGNS PACT WITH LOCKHEED MARTIN:  

Ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s official visit to United States, military manufacturing giant Lockheed Martin has tied up a pact with Tata to produce F16 fighter planes in India.

Lockheed Martin’s F-16 and Saab’s Gripen fighter plane from Sweden are regarded as the front-runners in getting a lucrative, multi-billion dollar contract for 200 to 250 jets for the Indian Air Force.

According to sources, the deal has been signed on the sidelines of the Paris Air Show. Rediff.com

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INDIAN CENTRE AMRITPAL SINGH INVITED TO PLAY FOR SYDNEY KINGS IN CHINA TOURNAMENT

JUNE 19, 2017LEAVE A COMMENTON INDIAN CENTRE AMRITPAL SINGH INVITED TO PLAY FOR SYDNEY KINGS IN CHINA TOURNAMENT

• Amritpal Singh, seasoned centre of the Indian national team, has been formally invited to join the Sydney Kings for a tournament called the Atlas Challenge 2017 to be played in Suzhou, China.
• This invitation brings him one step closer towards joining the Sydney Kings roster and becoming the first Indian national to play in the Australia’s National Basketball League (NBL).
• Singh had impressed several teams at the NBL Draft Combine earlier this year, after which he received this invite.

Bengaluru, 19th June 2017:  Amritpal Singh, the near 6’ 10’’ centre of the Indian national team, has been formally invited to join the Sydney Kings for a tournament in China, known as the Atlas Challenge 2017.

The Atlas Challenge 2017 consists of eight teams from various countries, and will be played from 16thto 25th July 2017, in the city of Suzhou which is 100 km from Shanghai, China. The Sydney Kings are approaching the tournament as an opportunity to evaluate prospective players who may make the Sydney Kings roster at a later stage.

This is a huge opportunity for Singh, who impressed a number of teams at the National Basketball League (NBL) Draft Combine in Melbourne, Australia earlier this year. He was part of a four member contingent that also included Amjyot Singh, Yadwinder Singh and Vishesh Bhriguvanshi. A report on the official NBL website reflects high praise for the Punjab centre, and played up his potential to become the first Indian-born player to play in the NBL. Among the stand out features of his play were his defensive presence around the rim, finishing the Combine tied as the leading shot blocker.

Asked about the invite, the 26-year-old, “I am thrilled to have received this great opportunity. I am entirely focused on preparing for the tournament and intend to put in every effort to doing well.”

Singh will be rearing to go after standout performances for the Indian team on the international stage: most notably, he averaged 18 points and 10 rebounds per game at the 2016 FIBA Asia Challenge in Iran.

“After the Draft Combine concluded in April, Amritpal had generated interest from a few teams, which culminated in the Sydney Kings inviting him for a rookie camp earlier this month. From my interactions with him, I could sense that he was going to seize this opportunity with both hands. Credit to his composure that he was able to perform under pressure. His humble personality and affable nature also helped in securing the invite,” said Vishnu Ravi Shankar, Singh’s manager from Pursuit India, the company that represents Singh and other leading Indian basketball players. “On behalf of Amritpal, I’d also like to thank Danny Kordahi of the No1 Draft Pick Basketball Academy, our local Australian liaison partner, who has helped us immensely throughout this entire process.”

About the Sydney Kings

The Sydney Kings is a franchise in Australia’s National Basketball League (NBL). A three-time NBL Champion, Sydney Kings are based out of the city of Sydney, New South Wales. The franchise was founded in 1988 and is owned by AEG Ogden. All of the Kings’ homegames are played at the Qudos Bank Arena in Sydney Olympic Park which is also popularly known as ‘The Kingdome’.

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INDIA FALL TO HOSTS CHINA ON DAY 1 OF THE BRICS GAMES 2017

JUNE 19, 2017LEAVE A COMMENTON INDIA FALL TO HOSTS CHINA ON DAY 1 OF THE BRICS GAMES 2017

India fall to hosts China on Day 1 of the BRICS Games 2017

• China beat India 97-57 on the opening day of the BRICS Games 2017 in Guangzhou, China.
• Amjyot Singh Gill led the Indian team with 26 points, 6 rebounds, and 4 assists.
• India felt the absence of its star centre Amritpal Singh, as the team was outrebounded 45-26.
• Indian shooting guard Vishesh Bhriguvanshi suffered an ACL injury and is likely to miss the rest of the tournament.
• India now faces 9th ranked Russia (19th July) followed by its last match against South Africa tomorrow.

Bengaluru, 19th June 2017: Last evening, China beat India 97-57 on the opening day of the BRICS Games 2017, despite a strong performance from star player Amjyot Singh Gill. The game was fairly competitive in the first half: it was a one point game late in the second quarter, before a 9-0 run allowed the Chinese to take a 38-28 lead into half time. The hosts carried that momentum into the second half, scoring 33 and 26 points in the third and fourth quarters respectively, as the game finished 97 – 57.

Amjyot Singh Gill led the Indian team with 26 points, 6 rebounds, and 4 assists. But as a unit, the team struggled to find its scoring touch, only managing a field goal percentage of 36 from 2-point range, although it shot a decent 31.5% from beyond the arc. To complicate matters, Indian shooting guard Vishesh Bhriguvanshi went down early in the second half, losing his footing while driving to the basket. He has been diagnosed with an ACL injury and is likely to miss the rest of the tournament. Indian fans will be hoping that he recovers in time for the 2017 FIBA Asia Cup that will be played in Lebanon in August.

On the defensive end, India was made to pay in the paint in the absence of star centre Amritpal Singh. Chinese centre Tao Hanlin came off the bench to lead his team with 18 points and 11 rebounds. The Chinese team was particularly dominant off the glass, pulling down a total of 45 rebounds that also included 14 offensive rebounds, whereas India only recorded 26 rebounds in total.

Next up, India will play 9th ranked Russia on Monday, June 19th, before wrapping up the tournament against South Africa on Tuesday, June 20th.

China (Tao Han Lin 18 pts, 11 reb; Liu Xiao Yu 14 pts) bt India (Amjyot Singh Gill 26 pts, 2 blks, 2 stls; Rikin Pethani 12 pts) 97–57 [19-16, 19-12, 33-15, 26-14]

About the BRICS Games 2017

The BRICS Games 2017 is a tournament played among the BRICS countries with a view to developing sports exchange and cooperation, and promoting mutual friendship among BRICS countries. The host country of BRICS summit organizes the annual BRICS games and as China is all set to host the summit in September this year, they are given the responsibility of organizing the games. The choices of the games differ each year and are selected in consultation with the member countries.

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UNODC SOUTH ASIA ON ILLICIT DRUGS, HUMAN TRAFFICKING, TERRORISM, JUSTICE AND HEALTH.

JUNE 19, 2017LEAVE A COMMENTON UNODC SOUTH ASIA ON ILLICIT DRUGS, HUMAN TRAFFICKING, TERRORISM, JUSTICE AND HEALTH.

DAILY MESSENGER  (A Daily News Brief from UNODC South Asia on illicit drugs, human trafficking, terrorism, justice and health.)  19 June 2017   Bangladesh   RAB prepares digital database of 2,53,000 criminals, Prothom Alo The database contains 150 types of information such as photographs, biometric finger prints, irises and previous criminal records and punishments in criminal offences, according to official sources. 4 ways money is laundered out of the country, The Dhaka Tribune Every year a huge amount of money is siphoned out of the country primarily in four forms – over and under invoicing, over and under shipment, multiple invoices, and falsely declared goods and services, according to a study report of Bangladesh Institution of Bank Management (BIBM). Fight militancy with stronger prosecution, The Daily Star An anti-money laundering taskforce will ask the government to introduce a permanent attorney service engaging competent lawyers to fight militancy. Countering extremism in Bangladesh, Livemint Creating a ‘whole of government and whole of society approach’ is the need of the hour. Bangladesh: the people deserve better, The Guardian Both parties need to re-engage with democracy and civil rights, renounce the use of force and pandering to intolerance, and focus on the needs of their people. Bhutan   BOiC still under audit radar, Kuensel Despite its success stories, a performance audit observed several shortcomings and oversights that may be detrimental to the effective and efficient implementation and monitoring of the Revolving Funds (RF) for the now closed Business Opportunity and Information Centre (BOiC). ACC investigates 74 suspicious bank accounts, Kuensel The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) is reportedly questioning and ascertaining the legality of sources for more than INR 107.435 million (M) of demonetised notes deposited in 74 bank accounts. Won’t allow anti-India acts on our territory: Bhutan,  The Free Press Journal Bhutan’s commitment came during a meeting between Ramasundaram and the Bhutanese Home Minister in Thimpu. India    Drug abuse jumps after prohibition, The Times of India The rise in use of narcotic drugs after enforcement of prohibition has alarmed the state government of Bihar. Tackling substandard drugs: Central drug regulator issues draft standard operating procedure, The Indian Express India has neither a nation-wide drug recall system in the country nor any rules mandating the companies to withdraw “substandard” drug batches from the market. UP STF arrests three members of international drug smuggling racket, The Times of India Officials also seized 202.5 kg of charas worth Rs 2.2 crore from the miscreants, who used to supply the illegal substance to parts of Uttar Pradesh, Haryana and Delhi-NCR.     BSF seizes 2000 denominatised fake currency worth Rs. 1.96 lakhs, ANI The Border Security Force (BSF) has seized Rs 2000 denominatised Fake Indian Currency Note (FICN) with face value of Rs. 1.96 lakhs from Malda’s Sabdalpur area. Indians Have ‘Rather Few’ Deposits: Swiss Banks, India Today Money held by Indians in Swiss banks declined to a record low of 1.2 billion franc (about Rs. 8,392 crore) at the end of 2015, as per the latest available official data. However, no official data is available for money in other global hubs. Begging Mafia: A Social Evil, Rising Kashmir Though many people take to begging owing to poverty, however, it has become a menace. Of late, begging has become part of an organised crime.   CBI arrests Army Colonel, three others in case of bribery, India Today It was alleged that Colonel Shaibal Kumar had demanded a bribe of Rs 1.80 lakh from the managing director of the Pune-based company in connection with the supply of power pack rock splitters, which are used by various field formations of the Army. Mumbai blast case index of appalling delays, The Free Press Journal The criminal justice system in the country is in need of urgent attention. Apart from delays which are endemic, there are other areas crying for reform. A governance agenda for our times, The Tribune If the country has to be liberated from corruption and misgovernance, the political executive needs to accept its responsibility, assume leadership and play a visibly proactive role in promoting productive governance. It would no longer do to attribute all our failures, on various fronts, merely to the deficiencies of the bureaucracy, the writer agues. India makes pitch to fight terror as BRICS foreign ministers meet in Beijing, India Today India will want the BRICS grouping to put out a strong statement on terrorism as it holds a summit in Xiamen, southern China, in September which PM Modi will attend. New playground for non-state actors, The Hindu ‘Internet-enabled’ terrorism has introduced greater complexity in an already difficult scenario.  Muzzling freedom of expression, The Hindu At the heart of the fundamental right of freedom of expression is free speech. But the human right to freely express oneself is not limited to free speech.   Maldives   Police releases photos of murderers of Yameen Rasheed, Rajje.mv Police further added that all suspects connected to the murder have been identified with enough evidence for prosecution. Maldives pres ratifies bill to up no. of High Court judges, Mihaaru President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom on Sunday ratified the amendment to the Courts of Judicature Act to increase the number of judges in the High Court to eleven. Jailed ex-VP’s family turn to UN over denial of medical treatment, Mihaaru Jailed former Vice President Ahmed Adheeb’s family has turned to the United Nations over the Maldives government’s refusal to provide suitable medical service to Adheeb. Nepal    Human trafficking convict on the run for 7 years nabbed, The Himalayan Times The fugitive, identified as a 53-year-old Ram Bahadur Tamang (53) of Salme in Nuwakot, had taken a woman from Dhading to India on the pretext of marrying her, with the help of two other traffickers. Three Nepali human trafficking victims rescued, Mid-Day Three women from Nepal were rescued from human traffickers and one accused arrested in near the India-Nepal border in West Bengal’s Darjeeling district.   34 pc women victimised by kin, The Himalayan Times The study carried out by ‘Paribartan Gharaibat Project’ in Chitwan, Nawalparasi and Kapilvastu in the last 12 months showed that one out of four women fell victim to sexual violence from their nearest friend or husband. NHRC tells govt not to make arbitrary arrests, The Himalayan Times “The NHRC draws the attention of the government not to arrest people in arbitrary manner and not to misbehave with people who take part in peaceful protests,” the rights body said in its release. CIAA books eight govt transport officials for revenue embezzlement,  The Himalayan Times The Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority has filed cases against eight officials of Transport Management Office, Itahari, on the charge of revenue embezzlement at the Special Court. Sri Lanka   Suspect arrested with Rs.5.4mn worth heroin, The Daily Mirror A 33-year-old was arrested with 540 grams of heroine worth Rs.5.4 million during a raid in Sri Lanka’s Borella. Police investigations on hate crimes led to arrest of Buddhist monk and police officer, Colombo Page The police have arrested a police officer and a Buddhist monk accused of leading an arson attack against a mosque and a Muslim business. Hate crime: Police probing politicos’ speech, Daily Mirror The Police are investigating into politicians’ statements that are seen as inciting racism and create communal disharmony, according to Police Spokesman DIG Priyantha Jayakody. Sarath rejects Special Rapporteur allegations, The Daily Mirror  Rear Admiral Sarath Weerasekara has slammed UNHRC Special Rapporteur Ms. Monica Pinto’s allegations following her visit to Sri Lanka in 2016. UNODC World Consultations held with key South African actors as ‘Line Up Live Up’ enters next stage of roll out, UNODC Following early successes and positive experiences over recent months in piloting the Doha Declaration Global Programme’s ‘Line Up Live Up’ curriculum in Brazil, on-the-ground work recently started in South Africa. UN chief ‘deeply saddened’ by the many lives claimed by raging wildfires in Portugal, UN News Centre In a statement, the Secretary-General said he spoke with the President of Portugal, Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, and with the Prime Minister, António Costa, expressing his “deep sadness.” ‘No limit’ to cruelty of traffickers, says UN agency, as video surfaces of abused migrants in Libya, UN News Centre Two United Nations agencies have voiced ‘deep concern’ for the safety of hundreds of migrants and refugees – including many children – held captive by smugglers or criminal gangs at an unknown location in Libya after a video showing their abuse was posted on Facebook.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   We welcome your feedback and comments. Write to us on samarth.pathak@unodc.org Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/UNODC_ROSA Contact us: Regional Office for South Asia United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime EP 16/17, Chandragupta Marg, Chanakyapuri New Delhi-110021 Telephone: +91-11 42225000 Website: http://www.unodc.org/southasia

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UNFPA RELEASES INDIA AGEING REPORT 2017

JUNE 19, 2017LEAVE A COMMENTON UNFPA RELEASES INDIA AGEING REPORT 2017

19th June 2017, New Delhi – UNFPA India today released “Caring for our elders: Early Responses India Ageing Report 2017” at the India Habitat Centre, Lodhi Road, New Delhi in presence of Shri Thaawarchand Gehlot, Hon’ble minister, Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment. Amongst the hundred-plus participants at the function were representatives from the government, civil society,  educational and research institutes, UN agencies, and experts on Ageing.

The India Ageing report takes stock of the situation of the elderly in India, flags some key concerns and maps policy and programmatic responses by the Government and civil society. The report also documents good case studies and practices across the country.

While India is busy tapping its demographic dividend, this window of opportunity will be closing soon. According to the India Ageing report just released by UNFPA, by 2030 around 12.5 percent of our population will be 60 years and older and by 2050 one fifth of India’s population will be aged. Stressing upon the need to start planning for demographic transition, the report discusses multiple vulnerabilities faced by the aged in India, especially in terms of health, income, as well as social and psychological aspects.

Diego Palacios, UNFPA Country Representative India and Country Director Bhutan, in his address said “Everyone has a part to play for the well-being of elderly, including the government civil society, communities, and families. I would really like to thank the MSJE, Government of India for their continuous support to our efforts in bringing out this report”.

The report also highlights the status of elderly women, who are more vulnerable due to a longer life expectancy as compared to their male counterparts. Aged widows with meagre or no income, are especially vulnerable in the absence of a proper social security network. What’s more worrying is the fact that 10 percent of them are living alone, and the number has been rising over the past few decades, as evident from the data in the report.

In his keynote address, Shri Thaawarchand Gehlot, Hon’ble minister, MSJEGOI, spoke about the “Senior Citizen Welfare Fund” recently launched by the government. The Hon’ble minister also announced plans to launch another important scheme “Rashtriya Vayoshri Yojana” to assist senior citizens suffering from age-related ailments.

Highlights of the India Ageing Report 2017:

1.       Status of the Elderly – workforce participation, income security, health status, NCDs, disability, gender concerns, etc. in accessing social welfare services

2.       Effectiveness of current programmes (IPOP, NPHCE and NSAP) – the programs show a mixed scenario with scope for strengthening

3.       Government and NGO activities – Analyses elder care services in India by Government and selected NGOs and maps their activities in brief

4.       Good practices from around the country – case studies: The Elderly SHG; Kudumbashree & Palliative Care (Kerala); an NGO experience in providing dementia care, food security (Tamil Nadu), etc.

5.       Elderly voices and concerns, and relevant provisions in the national policy

6.       Estimated demand for elder care services including support needed in activities of daily living (ADL) and dealing with chronic ailments

7.       Way forward – Policy and programme relevance; Supportive environment; Capacity building of mid-level managers; Health professionals and service providers; and Undertaking essential research in specific aspects of ageing relevant to the national policy

The report is available for download at:

http://india.unfpa.org/en/ publications/caring-our- elders-early-responses-india- ageing-report-2017

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SRIKANTH, NEHWAL TO LEAD AT AUSTRALIA SUPER SERIES

JUNE 20, 2017LEAVE A COMMENTON SRIKANTH, NEHWAL TO LEAD AT AUSTRALIA SUPER SERIES

Newly-crowned Indonesia Open champion Kidambi Srikanth and title-holder Saina Nehwal will lead the Indian challenge at the Australia Super Series starting in Sydney tomorrow. Srikanth, who is in sizzling form, will start starts his campaign against a qualifier on Wednesday.

H S Prannoy will face Kazumasa Sakai of Japan in the qualifiers tomorrow. Among others, Syed Modi Grand Prix Gold winner Sameer Verma and Ajay Jayaram will also eye the title. All eyes will also be on B Sai Praneeth, who had clinched his maiden Super Series title at the Singapore Open in April. The 24-year-old, who bowed out in the opening round at Indonesia, will face Indonesian Tommy Sugiarto in first round.

For London bronze-medallist Saina and Rio silver-winner P V Sindhu, a tough challenge awaits the duo as they lock horns with the finalists of Indonesia Open — Runners-up Korean Sung Ji Hyun and Winner Sayaka Sato in their opening round.

In men’s doubles, Manu Attri and B Sumeeth Reddy and in women’s doubles, Ashwini Ponnappa and N Sikki Reddy will vow for the title.

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12 BOYS FROM NBA ACADEMY INDIA TO BE A PART OF THE ASIA PACIFIC TEAM CAMP IN CHINA

JUNE 20, 2017LEAVE A COMMENTON 12 BOYS FROM NBA ACADEMY INDIA TO BE A PART OF THE ASIA PACIFIC TEAM CAMP IN CHINA

NUGGETS’ BEASLEY, NETS’ NICHOLSON, KINGS’ TEMPLE HEADLINE ASIA PACIFIC TEAM CAMP IN HANGZHOU, CHINA

– Fourth Asia Pacific Team Camp Presented by Nike Will Bring Together Top High School Age Boys and Girls from Australia, China, India, Korea and New Zealand –

– 12 Boys from NBA Academy India to be a Part of the Elite Camp –

BEIJING, June 15, 2017 – The National Basketball Association (NBA) today announced the 73 boys and girls from Australia, China, India, Korea and New Zealand who will travel to Hangzhou, China for the fourth Asia Pacific Team Camp Presented by Nike.  The camp for elite young basketball talent in the region will be held June 18-21 at Zhejiang Provincial Sports Vocational Technical Institute.

Current NBA players Malik Beasley (Denver Nuggets), Andrew Nicholson (Brooklyn Nets) and Garrett Temple (Sacramento Kings) will join former WNBA player Zheng Haixia (the first Chinese WNBA player); NBA assistant coaches Ryan Bowen (Denver Nuggets), Charles Klask (Detroit Pistons), Bob Thornton (Sacramento Kings); and FIBA coach Ronald Cass to coach the 17 and 18-year old campers, who were selected by their respective basketball federations.

“We are grateful for the continued support of the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA), Zhejiang Provincial Sports Vocational Technical Institute and Nike to provide these elite young players with the opportunity to learn from some of the world’s best players and coaches,” said NBA China CEO David Shoemaker.  “We are once again looking forward to a great camp that will help these young players and reach their full potential and positively impact the local community.”

“The Asia Pacific Team Camp presented by Nike will provide the top young talent from Australia, China, India, Korea and New Zealand with the training and competition to take their game to the next level,” said Nike Asia Pacific Category Sports Marketing Director Goro Nakajima.  “Furthermore, the players will learn leadership, character development and life skills that will serve them well for future success.”

“We are very excited to partner with the NBA and Nike to provide this incredible opportunity for the top young talents to learn on and off the court from some of the best coaches, including China basketball legend Zheng Haixia,” said Zhejiang Provincial Sports Vocational Technical Institute President Zhang Yadong.  “We appreciate the NBA’s efforts to bring the camp to Hangzhou and to inspire our players in Zhejiang.”

Players and coaches will lead the campers through a variety of activities on and off the court, including movement efficiency, positional skill development, shooting and skills competitions, 5-on-5 games, and daily life skills seminars focusing on health, leadership and communication.  One boy and one girl will be named Asia Pacific Team Camp MVPs at the conclusion of the camp.

The camp will also include a variety of NBA Cares community outreach efforts with youth in Hangzhou in partnership with local community organizations.  These programs will highlight the power of sport to promote cultural understanding while teaching the importance of a healthy, active lifestyle and the values of the game, including teamwork, integrity and respect.

Nike, the Presenting Partner of the Asia Pacific Team Camp since 2011, will outfit the campers and coaches with Nike apparel and footwear.

2017 marks the fourth edition of the Asia Pacific Team Camp presented by Nike.  The camp has previously been held in Melbourne, Australia (2011) and Nanjing, China (2013 and 2015).

The following is a complete list of players participating in the fourth

Asia Pacific Team Camp presented by Nike:

BOYS ROSTER:

First Name	Last Name	Country
Robin	Banerjee	India
Vivek	Chauhan	India
Jagshaanbir	Jhawar	India
Sejin	Mathew	India
Shanmugam	Murugan	India
Riyanshu	Negi	India
Suraj	Pathak	India
Preshit	Pawar	India
Prashant	Rawat	India
Parth Sunil Kumar	Sharma	India
Princepal	Singh	India
Manoj Singh	Sisodiya	India
Cooper	Boyce-Towler	New Zealand
Max	de Geest	New Zealand
Iaac Tama	Faamausili	New Zealand
Tom	Higgins	New Zealand
James	Moors	New Zealand
Matthew	O’Connell	New Zealand
Oscar	Oswald	New Zealand
Kruz	Perrott-Hunt	New Zealand
Oscar	Robertson	New Zealand
Cameron	Trethewey	New Zealand
Minsuk	Cha	South Korea
Heehyun	Jung	South Korea
Doeun	Kim	South Korea
Hyeongjun	Kim	South Korea
Jaewoon	Kim	South Korea
Doowon	Lee	South Korea
Hyunjung	Lee	South Korea
Minchae	Park	South Korea
Sechan	Seomoon	South Korea
Joonsuk	Yeo	South Korea
Callum	Beard	Australia
Hayden	Blankley	Australia
Callum	Dalton	Australia
Sam	Froling	Australia
Hunter	Goodrick	Australia
Chol	Guet	Australia
Josh	Kunen Gatbel	Australia
Keli	Leaupepe	Australia
Sean	MacDonald	Australia
Kody	Stattman	Australia
Shiao	Gao	China
Borun	Li	China
Lutong	Li	China
Wenhao	Li	China
Yansong	Sun	China
Jijun	Wang	China
Shouqing	Wang	China
Yangzhi	Wang	China
Ke	Xu	China
Yiming	Zhao	China

GIRLS ROSTER:

First Name	Last Name	Country
Ke	Hu	China
Xinyu	Mao	China
Yilun	Bao	China
Keying	Mao	China
Jieying	Yang	China
Mengqin	Luo	China
Xiaohui	Mao	China
Miaohang	Duan	China
Jiaxin	Luo	China
Weijie	Guo	China
Leyan	Zhu	China
Dandan	Zhu	China
Jianan	Chen	China
Yunke	Xu	China
Shuhan	Cao	China
Huitian	Wu	China
Xiaoyu	Sun	China
Ning	Li	China
Leyi	Wang	China
Yutong	Liu	China
Juefei	Wu	China

###

Edit"12 Boys from NBA Academy India to be a Part of the Asia Pacific Team Camp in China"

US REVIEWS ITS AID TO CURB RADICALS

JUNE 20, 2017LEAVE A COMMENTON US REVIEWS ITS AID TO CURB RADICALS

President Donald Trump’s administration appears ready to harden its approach toward Pakistan to crack down on Pakistan-based militants launching attacks in neighbouring Afghanistan, US officials tell Reuters.

Potential Trump administration responses being discussed include expanding US drone strikes, redirecting or withholding some aid to Pakistan and perhaps eventually downgrading Pakistan’s status as a major non-NATO ally, the officials said, speaking on condition of anonymity.

Some US officials, however, are skeptical of the prospects for success, arguing that years of previous US efforts to curb Pakistan’s support for militant groups have failed, and that already strengthening US ties to India, Pakistan’s arch-enemy, undermine chances of a breakthrough with Islamabad.

US officials say they seek greater cooperation with Pakistan, not a rupture in ties, once the administration finishes a regional review of the strategy guiding the 16-year-old war in Afghanistan.

Precise actions have yet to be decided.

Pakistan as per their media reports has received more than $33 billion in US assistance since 2002, including more than $14 billion in so-called Coalition Support Funds (CSF), a US Defense Department programme to reimburse allies that have incurred costs in supporting counter-insurgency operations.

It is an important form of foreign currency for the nuclear-armed country and one that is getting particularly close scrutiny during the Trump administration review.

Last year, the Pentagon decided not to pay Pakistan $300 million in CSF funding after then-US Secretary of Defense Ash Carter declined to sign authorisation that Pakistan was taking adequate action against the Haqqani network.

US officials said the Trump administration was discussing withholding at least some assistance to Pakistan.

Curtis’ report also singled out the aid as a target.

But US aid cuts could cede even more influence to China, which already has committed nearly $60 billion in investments in Pakistan.

Another option under review is broadening a drone campaign to penetrate deeper into Pakistan to target Haqqani fighters and other militants blamed for attacks in Afghanistan, US officials and a Pakistan expert said.

“Now the Americans (will be) saying, you aren’t taking out our enemies, so therefore we are taking them out ourselves,” the Pakistan expert, who declined to be identified, said.

Pakistan’s Chief of Army Staff General Qamar Bajwa last week criticised “unilateral actions” such as drone strikes as “counterproductive and against (the) spirit of ongoing cooperation and intelligence sharing being diligently undertaken by Pakistan”.

Regarding Pakistan as an ally of  US the experts has their opinions :

Nuclear-armed Pakistan won the status as a major non-NATO ally in 2004 from the George Bush administration, in what was at the time seen in part as recognition of its importance in the US battle against al Qaeda and Taliban insurgents.

The status is mainly symbolic, allowing limited benefits such as giving Pakistan faster access to surplus US military hardware.

Some US officials and experts on the region scoff at the title.

“Pakistan is not an ally. It’s not North Korea or Iran. But it’s not an ally,” said Bruce Riedel, a Pakistan expert at the Brookings Institution.

But yanking the title would be seen by Pakistan as a major blow.

“The Pakistanis would take that very seriously because it would be a slap at their honour,” said a former US official, speaking on condition of anonymity.

Lisa Curtis, senior director for South and Central Asia at the National Security Council, co-authored a report with Husain Haqqani, Pakistan’s former ambassador to Washington, in which they recommended the Trump administration warn Pakistan the status could be revoked in six months.

“Thinking of Pakistan as an ally will continue to create problems for the next administration as it did for the last one,” said the February report.

It was unclear how seriously the Trump administration was considering the proposal.

The growing danger to Afghanistan from suspected Pakistan-based militants was underscored by a devastating May 31 truck bomb that killed more than 80 people and wounded 460 in Afghanistan’s capital, Kabul.

Afghanistan’s main intelligence agency said the attack – one of the deadliest in memory in Kabul – had been carried out by the Haqqani network with assistance from Pakistan, a charge Islamabad denies.

Washington believes the strikes appeared to be the work of the Haqqani network, US officials told Reuters.

US frustration over the Haqqani’s presence in Pakistan has been building for years. The United States designated the Haqqani network as a terrorist organisation in 2012. US Navy Admiral Mike Mullen, then the top US military officer, told Congress in 2011 that the Haqqani network was a “veritable arm” of the ISI.

The potential US pivot to a more assertive approach would be sharply different than the approach taken at the start of the Obama administration, when US officials sought to court Pakistani leaders, including then army chief General Ashfaq Kayani.

Edit"US reviews its aid to curb radicals"

CRICKETING SNIPPETS,COACH ANIL KUMBLE RESIGNS

JUNE 20, 2017LEAVE A COMMENTON CRICKETING SNIPPETS,COACH ANIL KUMBLE RESIGNS

Coach Anil Kumble resigns

Team  India cricket team coach Anil Kumble has reportedly stepped down after losing to arch rivals Pakistan in Champions Trophy 2017 final by 180 runs margin.

Kumble  is also a part of ICC’s cricket committee, has reportedly sent his resignation to BCCI CEO.

Virat Kohli named in ICC Team of Champions Trophy 2017

Three Indians, including skipper Virat Kohli, were today named in the ICC Team of the Champions Trophy 2017. Pakistan’s Sarfraz Ahmed named its captain. The side includes seven players from the two finalists – India and Pakistan.

All in all, it includes players from five
of the eight participating sides. The side includes four Pakistanis, three Indians, three Englishmen and one Bangladeshi, with Kane Williamson of New Zealand as 12th man.

West Indies annouces 13-member squad

West Indies have named an unchanged 13-member squad, which played against Afghanistan recently, for the first two ODIs of the upcoming five-match series against India.

The hosts will be without their premier fast bowler Shannon Gabriel as he is still rehabilitating from an injury. The team will be led by paceman Jason Holder.

It is an important series for the ninth-ranked West Indies as only top eight teams in the ICC rankings will get direct entry into the 2019 World Cup.

If they do not perform well and get points, they will have to go through the qualifiers to make it to the World Cup.

India are the world number three side in ODIs and they come into this series after a runner-up finish at the Champions Trophy.

The first ODI will be played on Friday in Trinidad and Tobago. The 5-match ODI series will be followed by a Twenty-20 match.

Edit"Cricketing snippets,Coach Anil Kumble resigns"

DR S JAIN: SCRAP THE MINORITY COMMISSION

JUNE 20, 2017LEAVE A COMMENTON DR S JAIN: SCRAP THE MINORITY COMMISSION

Scrap the Minority Commission or else form a Majority Commission: Dr. Surendra Jain

Minority commission spreading Separatism

New Delhi June 20, 2017. The Chairman of the National Commission for Minorities, Syed Ghayorul Hasan Rizvi by implementing the agenda of the separatists, is strengthening the feelings of separatism in the Muslim community, says Vishwa Hindu Parishad(VHP). While informing about the decision to start a helpline number for Muslims, he said that Muslims could give a call on this number in case any atrocity is being committed against them. Reacting to this statement, the international joint General secretary of VHP Dr. Surendra Jain today said that this makes one feel that the atrocities against the Muslim community has reached such proportions that the extreme step of opening a helpline for the Muslims had to be taken up.

Dr. Jain said that Pakistan and the separatists have been using this exact analogy to justify their anti-India activities. Now they got one more man to advocate their cause. The events unfolding in the entire world proves the point that the amount of rights that the Muslims in Bharat enjoying cannot be matched by even the Muslims of the Islamic states. Despite this, the jihadi elements foment enmity by creating dissatisfaction among the Muslims. The Minority Commission too is only fomenting the same feelings of dissatisfaction by its work thereby strengthening minoritism and separatism, he added.

The Hon. Supreme Court in a ruling had expected that the Minority Commission would put an end to this anti-national practice of minoritism. Instead, while opening a helpline number, it has encouraged the feelings of disintegration among the community.  He asked that the nation wants to know from the Minority Commission if the Muslim community is the one against whom atrocities have been committed or is it the other way round, is the Muslim community the perpetrator of atrocities? The Minority Commission must issue an elaborate statement on this. He challenged the Minority Commission for an open debate on the issue.

It is important to note that while the Chairman of the Minority Commission was busy announcing the decision to open a helpline, about the same time, Muslim goons were busy molesting and harassing Hindu girls in Muslim-dominated district of Bijnor in Uttar Pradesh. When they were stopped, their gang attacked the Hindus. Such incidents are commonplace in Muslim-dominated areas. When India lost to Pakistan in the finals of the Champions Trophy in cricket, Pakistani flags were waved all over the Kashmir valley, Bengal and other places dominating Muslims, and Hindus were attacked. The Minority Commission by portraying the perpetrators of atrocities as victims is encouraging the Mughal-mindset and tendency of the Muslims. This happens only in Pakistan where the Muslims who kill Hindus are rewarded. Is Minority Commission moving towards turning India into Pakistan? , he asked.

Dr. Jain also asked that as the very genesis of a Minority Commission is an encouragement to separatism, isn’t the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) more than enough to safeguard the rights of all the citizens of the nation? He demanded that the NHRC should be empowered and the Minority Commission should be scrapped. If this is not possible then a National Majority Commission should also be established to protect the rights of the majority, whose rights are being abused. The Minority Commission made unnecessary comments on cow-slaughter but remained silent on beef parties. This has certainly hurts Hindu sentiments.

Issued by

Vinod Bansal

National Spokesperson-VHP

@vinod_bansal M-9810949109

Edit"Dr S Jain: Scrap the Minority Commission"

RUCHI SOYA: YOGA A PART OF ‘WORKING DAY’ ON INTERNATIONAL YOGA DAY

JUNE 20, 2017LEAVE A COMMENTON RUCHI SOYA: YOGA A PART OF ‘WORKING DAY’ ON INTERNATIONAL YOGA DAY

Ruchi Soya announces first-of-its-kind corporate initiative to make Yoga a part of ‘Working Day’ on International Yoga Day

Ruchi ‘Saral Yoga’ Abhiyaan to integrate daily yoga sessions for employees into corporate routine

June 20, 2017, New Delhi / National: On the occasion of International Yoga Day, Ruchi Soya Industries Ltd. will launch a pioneering initiative, the Ruchi ‘Saral Yoga’ Abhiyaan to integrate yoga in the corporate routine through daily yoga sessions for all employees. Ruchi ‘Saral Yoga’ Abhiyaan will be rolled out in over 15 locations covering around 4000 employees across the country.  Under this initiative, employees will be trained and encouraged to practice ‘saral’ or simple yoga techniques, thereby playing a positive role in their health, fitness and overall well-being.

The initiative will kick off from the Corporate Office in Mumbai with around 200 employees taking part in a special yoga session, along with Mr. Dinesh Shahra, Founder and Managing Director, Ruchi Soya Industries Limited and Yogacharya  Mahavir Sainik, the mentor and guide for this programme.

In a message to employees about the Ruchi ‘Saral Yoga’ Abhiyaan endeavor, Mr. Dinesh Shahra elaborated “The Ministry of AYUSH has been asking corporates to introduce a yoga programme for employees to combat work related stress and resulting ailments. I have been practicing yoga for 25 years and it has helped me immensely. I have always wanted to share this with my extended Ruchi Soya family.Today, we are glad to be the first corporate to undertake the Ruchi ‘Saral Yoga’ Abhiyaan as part of our endeavour to ensure a mentally, spiritually and physically healthy workforce. The ancient science of yoga is practiced worldwide in a variety of settings and helps in maintaining overall health. It is beneficial in reducing fatigue, depression, anxiety and mental tension. This will help the employees perform better and benefit both the individual as well as the organisation. With Ruchi Soya’s products focusing on health and wellness, this effort will help imbibe the essence of our products into our employees’ daily lives.”

Mentor and guide for this yoga initiative, Yogacharya Mahavir Sainik has been teaching Yoga since 1973 after initiation into the practice at the Yoga Institute in Santa Cruz, Mumbai, one of the oldest yoga institutions in the country. The author of two books  ‘Yoga Amrut’ and ‘Saral Yog Prayog’, his prime objective has always been to help people channelize the power of yoga for better decision making, reducing stress and promoting a disciplined routine and lifestyle. Yogacharya said, “Yoga in the workplace has mutliple benefits. Besides contributing to the overall health of the employees, practicing yoga together acts as a bond helping employees work better together. It helps employees cope with pressure at work and improves their on-job performance. The yoga sessions will be designed for the workplace and in tune with the age, fitness and health profiles of the employees.”

All the offices where the Ruchi ‘Saral Yoga’ Abhiyaan is being implemented will be equipped with dedicated yoga rooms with yoga mats and other amenities to enable the employees to practice yoga. In-house yoga experts would be identified and trained in various aspects of traditional yoga including basic asanas, pranayama, concentration and meditation techniques. Periodic yoga workshops would also be held to guide employees on specific yoga techniques for conditions like high blood pressure, rheumatism, backache, etc. Going forward, the Ruchi ‘Saral Yoga’ Abhiyaan will be extended to benefit families of the employees.

Edit"Ruchi Soya: Yoga a part of ‘Working Day’ on International Yoga Day"

CAPTAIN AMARINDER SINGH ANNOUNCES CROP LOAN WAIVER FOR 10.25 LAKH FARMERS

JUNE 20, 2017LEAVE A COMMENTON CAPTAIN AMARINDER SINGH ANNOUNCES CROP LOAN WAIVER FOR 10.25 LAKH FARMERS

Chief Minister of Punjab Captain Amarinder Singh on 19th June, 2017 announced total waiver of entire crop loans for small and marginal farmers in Punjab . The loan waiver will be for up to Rs 2 lakh for small and marginal farmers (up to 5 acres) and a flat Rs 2 lakh relief for all the other marginal farmers, irrespective of their loan amount, thus paving the way for eventual total waiver of agricultural debts.

This move would benefit a total of 10.25 lakh farmers of the state’s 18.5 lakh farming families, including 8.75 lakh farmers having land up to 5 acres. The initiative would provide double the relief announced by the states of Uttar Pradesh and Maharashtra . The decision is based on the interim report of an expert group, headed by eminent economist Dr. T Haque, which was tasked with suggesting ways and means to help the state’s distressed farming community.

The government stood by its commitment to waive off the crop loans of the farmers, Hon’ble Chief Minister also said that his government had additionally decided to take over the outstanding crop loan from institutional sources of all the families of farmers who committed suicide in the state.

It has also decided to raise the ex-gratia for families of farmers committing suicide to Rs 5 lakh from the existing Rs 3 lakh. For debt relief to farmers for loans raised from non-institutional resources, the government has decided to review the ‘Punjab Settlement of Agriculture Indebtedness Act’ to provide the desired relief to the farmers through mutually acceptable debt reconciliation and settlement, which shall be statutorily binding on both the parties, the lender and the borrower. The government has already constituted a Cabinet Sub-Committee to review this Act.

The Hon’ble Chief Minister also proposed that the Speaker may constitute a 5-member committee of the Vidhan Sabha to visit families of the suicide victims, ascertain the reasons for suicides and suggest further steps to be taken to check the menace. He also mentioned that his government had already decided to repeal Section 67 A of the Punjab Cooperative Societies Act, 1961, which provides for auction (kurki) of the farmers’ land.

Edit"Captain Amarinder Singh announces crop loan waiver for 10.25 lakh farmers"

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SRIKANTH, NEHWAL TO LEAD AT AUSTRALIA SUPER SERIES

JUNE 20, 2017LEAVE A COMMENTON SRIKANTH, NEHWAL TO LEAD AT AUSTRALIA SUPER SERIES

Newly-crowned Indonesia Open champion Kidambi Srikanth and title-holder Saina Nehwal will lead the Indian challenge at the Australia Super Series starting in Sydney tomorrow. Srikanth, who is in sizzling form, will start starts his campaign against a qualifier on Wednesday.

H S Prannoy will face Kazumasa Sakai of Japan in the qualifiers tomorrow. Among others, Syed Modi Grand Prix Gold winner Sameer Verma and Ajay Jayaram will also eye the title. All eyes will also be on B Sai Praneeth, who had clinched his maiden Super Series title at the Singapore Open in April. The 24-year-old, who bowed out in the opening round at Indonesia, will face Indonesian Tommy Sugiarto in first round.

For London bronze-medallist Saina and Rio silver-winner P V Sindhu, a tough challenge awaits the duo as they lock horns with the finalists of Indonesia Open — Runners-up Korean Sung Ji Hyun and Winner Sayaka Sato in their opening round.

In men’s doubles, Manu Attri and B Sumeeth Reddy and in women’s doubles, Ashwini Ponnappa and N Sikki Reddy will vow for the title.

Edit"Srikanth, Nehwal to lead at Australia Super Series"

12 BOYS FROM NBA ACADEMY INDIA TO BE A PART OF THE ASIA PACIFIC TEAM CAMP IN CHINA

JUNE 20, 2017LEAVE A COMMENTON 12 BOYS FROM NBA ACADEMY INDIA TO BE A PART OF THE ASIA PACIFIC TEAM CAMP IN CHINA

NUGGETS’ BEASLEY, NETS’ NICHOLSON, KINGS’ TEMPLE HEADLINE ASIA PACIFIC TEAM CAMP IN HANGZHOU, CHINA

– Fourth Asia Pacific Team Camp Presented by Nike Will Bring Together Top High School Age Boys and Girls from Australia, China, India, Korea and New Zealand –

– 12 Boys from NBA Academy India to be a Part of the Elite Camp –

BEIJING, June 15, 2017 – The National Basketball Association (NBA) today announced the 73 boys and girls from Australia, China, India, Korea and New Zealand who will travel to Hangzhou, China for the fourth Asia Pacific Team Camp Presented by Nike.  The camp for elite young basketball talent in the region will be held June 18-21 at Zhejiang Provincial Sports Vocational Technical Institute.

Current NBA players Malik Beasley (Denver Nuggets), Andrew Nicholson (Brooklyn Nets) and Garrett Temple (Sacramento Kings) will join former WNBA player Zheng Haixia (the first Chinese WNBA player); NBA assistant coaches Ryan Bowen (Denver Nuggets), Charles Klask (Detroit Pistons), Bob Thornton (Sacramento Kings); and FIBA coach Ronald Cass to coach the 17 and 18-year old campers, who were selected by their respective basketball federations.

“We are grateful for the continued support of the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA), Zhejiang Provincial Sports Vocational Technical Institute and Nike to provide these elite young players with the opportunity to learn from some of the world’s best players and coaches,” said NBA China CEO David Shoemaker.  “We are once again looking forward to a great camp that will help these young players and reach their full potential and positively impact the local community.”

“The Asia Pacific Team Camp presented by Nike will provide the top young talent from Australia, China, India, Korea and New Zealand with the training and competition to take their game to the next level,” said Nike Asia Pacific Category Sports Marketing Director Goro Nakajima.  “Furthermore, the players will learn leadership, character development and life skills that will serve them well for future success.”

“We are very excited to partner with the NBA and Nike to provide this incredible opportunity for the top young talents to learn on and off the court from some of the best coaches, including China basketball legend Zheng Haixia,” said Zhejiang Provincial Sports Vocational Technical Institute President Zhang Yadong.  “We appreciate the NBA’s efforts to bring the camp to Hangzhou and to inspire our players in Zhejiang.”

Players and coaches will lead the campers through a variety of activities on and off the court, including movement efficiency, positional skill development, shooting and skills competitions, 5-on-5 games, and daily life skills seminars focusing on health, leadership and communication.  One boy and one girl will be named Asia Pacific Team Camp MVPs at the conclusion of the camp.

The camp will also include a variety of NBA Cares community outreach efforts with youth in Hangzhou in partnership with local community organizations.  These programs will highlight the power of sport to promote cultural understanding while teaching the importance of a healthy, active lifestyle and the values of the game, including teamwork, integrity and respect.

Nike, the Presenting Partner of the Asia Pacific Team Camp since 2011, will outfit the campers and coaches with Nike apparel and footwear.

2017 marks the fourth edition of the Asia Pacific Team Camp presented by Nike.  The camp has previously been held in Melbourne, Australia (2011) and Nanjing, China (2013 and 2015).

The following is a complete list of players participating in the fourth

Asia Pacific Team Camp presented by Nike:

BOYS ROSTER:

First Name	Last Name	Country
Robin	Banerjee	India
Vivek	Chauhan	India
Jagshaanbir	Jhawar	India
Sejin	Mathew	India
Shanmugam	Murugan	India
Riyanshu	Negi	India
Suraj	Pathak	India
Preshit	Pawar	India
Prashant	Rawat	India
Parth Sunil Kumar	Sharma	India
Princepal	Singh	India
Manoj Singh	Sisodiya	India
Cooper	Boyce-Towler	New Zealand
Max	de Geest	New Zealand
Iaac Tama	Faamausili	New Zealand
Tom	Higgins	New Zealand
James	Moors	New Zealand
Matthew	O’Connell	New Zealand
Oscar	Oswald	New Zealand
Kruz	Perrott-Hunt	New Zealand
Oscar	Robertson	New Zealand
Cameron	Trethewey	New Zealand
Minsuk	Cha	South Korea
Heehyun	Jung	South Korea
Doeun	Kim	South Korea
Hyeongjun	Kim	South Korea
Jaewoon	Kim	South Korea
Doowon	Lee	South Korea
Hyunjung	Lee	South Korea
Minchae	Park	South Korea
Sechan	Seomoon	South Korea
Joonsuk	Yeo	South Korea
Callum	Beard	Australia
Hayden	Blankley	Australia
Callum	Dalton	Australia
Sam	Froling	Australia
Hunter	Goodrick	Australia
Chol	Guet	Australia
Josh	Kunen Gatbel	Australia
Keli	Leaupepe	Australia
Sean	MacDonald	Australia
Kody	Stattman	Australia
Shiao	Gao	China
Borun	Li	China
Lutong	Li	China
Wenhao	Li	China
Yansong	Sun	China
Jijun	Wang	China
Shouqing	Wang	China
Yangzhi	Wang	China
Ke	Xu	China
Yiming	Zhao	China

GIRLS ROSTER:

First Name	Last Name	Country
Ke	Hu	China
Xinyu	Mao	China
Yilun	Bao	China
Keying	Mao	China
Jieying	Yang	China
Mengqin	Luo	China
Xiaohui	Mao	China
Miaohang	Duan	China
Jiaxin	Luo	China
Weijie	Guo	China
Leyan	Zhu	China
Dandan	Zhu	China
Jianan	Chen	China
Yunke	Xu	China
Shuhan	Cao	China
Huitian	Wu	China
Xiaoyu	Sun	China
Ning	Li	China
Leyi	Wang	China
Yutong	Liu	China
Juefei	Wu	China

###

Edit"12 Boys from NBA Academy India to be a Part of the Asia Pacific Team Camp in China"

US REVIEWS ITS AID TO CURB RADICALS

JUNE 20, 2017LEAVE A COMMENTON US REVIEWS ITS AID TO CURB RADICALS

President Donald Trump’s administration appears ready to harden its approach toward Pakistan to crack down on Pakistan-based militants launching attacks in neighbouring Afghanistan, US officials tell Reuters.

Potential Trump administration responses being discussed include expanding US drone strikes, redirecting or withholding some aid to Pakistan and perhaps eventually downgrading Pakistan’s status as a major non-NATO ally, the officials said, speaking on condition of anonymity.

Some US officials, however, are skeptical of the prospects for success, arguing that years of previous US efforts to curb Pakistan’s support for militant groups have failed, and that already strengthening US ties to India, Pakistan’s arch-enemy, undermine chances of a breakthrough with Islamabad.

US officials say they seek greater cooperation with Pakistan, not a rupture in ties, once the administration finishes a regional review of the strategy guiding the 16-year-old war in Afghanistan.

Precise actions have yet to be decided.

Pakistan as per their media reports has received more than $33 billion in US assistance since 2002, including more than $14 billion in so-called Coalition Support Funds (CSF), a US Defense Department programme to reimburse allies that have incurred costs in supporting counter-insurgency operations.

It is an important form of foreign currency for the nuclear-armed country and one that is getting particularly close scrutiny during the Trump administration review.

Last year, the Pentagon decided not to pay Pakistan $300 million in CSF funding after then-US Secretary of Defense Ash Carter declined to sign authorisation that Pakistan was taking adequate action against the Haqqani network.

US officials said the Trump administration was discussing withholding at least some assistance to Pakistan.

Curtis’ report also singled out the aid as a target.

But US aid cuts could cede even more influence to China, which already has committed nearly $60 billion in investments in Pakistan.

Another option under review is broadening a drone campaign to penetrate deeper into Pakistan to target Haqqani fighters and other militants blamed for attacks in Afghanistan, US officials and a Pakistan expert said.

“Now the Americans (will be) saying, you aren’t taking out our enemies, so therefore we are taking them out ourselves,” the Pakistan expert, who declined to be identified, said.

Pakistan’s Chief of Army Staff General Qamar Bajwa last week criticised “unilateral actions” such as drone strikes as “counterproductive and against (the) spirit of ongoing cooperation and intelligence sharing being diligently undertaken by Pakistan”.

Regarding Pakistan as an ally of  US the experts has their opinions :

Nuclear-armed Pakistan won the status as a major non-NATO ally in 2004 from the George Bush administration, in what was at the time seen in part as recognition of its importance in the US battle against al Qaeda and Taliban insurgents.

The status is mainly symbolic, allowing limited benefits such as giving Pakistan faster access to surplus US military hardware.

Some US officials and experts on the region scoff at the title.

“Pakistan is not an ally. It’s not North Korea or Iran. But it’s not an ally,” said Bruce Riedel, a Pakistan expert at the Brookings Institution.

But yanking the title would be seen by Pakistan as a major blow.

“The Pakistanis would take that very seriously because it would be a slap at their honour,” said a former US official, speaking on condition of anonymity.

Lisa Curtis, senior director for South and Central Asia at the National Security Council, co-authored a report with Husain Haqqani, Pakistan’s former ambassador to Washington, in which they recommended the Trump administration warn Pakistan the status could be revoked in six months.

“Thinking of Pakistan as an ally will continue to create problems for the next administration as it did for the last one,” said the February report.

It was unclear how seriously the Trump administration was considering the proposal.

The growing danger to Afghanistan from suspected Pakistan-based militants was underscored by a devastating May 31 truck bomb that killed more than 80 people and wounded 460 in Afghanistan’s capital, Kabul.

Afghanistan’s main intelligence agency said the attack – one of the deadliest in memory in Kabul – had been carried out by the Haqqani network with assistance from Pakistan, a charge Islamabad denies.

Washington believes the strikes appeared to be the work of the Haqqani network, US officials told Reuters.

US frustration over the Haqqani’s presence in Pakistan has been building for years. The United States designated the Haqqani network as a terrorist organisation in 2012. US Navy Admiral Mike Mullen, then the top US military officer, told Congress in 2011 that the Haqqani network was a “veritable arm” of the ISI.

The potential US pivot to a more assertive approach would be sharply different than the approach taken at the start of the Obama administration, when US officials sought to court Pakistani leaders, including then army chief General Ashfaq Kayani.

Edit"US reviews its aid to curb radicals"

CRICKETING SNIPPETS,COACH ANIL KUMBLE RESIGNS

JUNE 20, 2017LEAVE A COMMENTON CRICKETING SNIPPETS,COACH ANIL KUMBLE RESIGNS

Coach Anil Kumble resigns

Team  India cricket team coach Anil Kumble has reportedly stepped down after losing to arch rivals Pakistan in Champions Trophy 2017 final by 180 runs margin.

Kumble  is also a part of ICC’s cricket committee, has reportedly sent his resignation to BCCI CEO.

Virat Kohli named in ICC Team of Champions Trophy 2017

Three Indians, including skipper Virat Kohli, were today named in the ICC Team of the Champions Trophy 2017. Pakistan’s Sarfraz Ahmed named its captain. The side includes seven players from the two finalists – India and Pakistan.

All in all, it includes players from five
of the eight participating sides. The side includes four Pakistanis, three Indians, three Englishmen and one Bangladeshi, with Kane Williamson of New Zealand as 12th man.

West Indies annouces 13-member squad

West Indies have named an unchanged 13-member squad, which played against Afghanistan recently, for the first two ODIs of the upcoming five-match series against India.

The hosts will be without their premier fast bowler Shannon Gabriel as he is still rehabilitating from an injury. The team will be led by paceman Jason Holder.

It is an important series for the ninth-ranked West Indies as only top eight teams in the ICC rankings will get direct entry into the 2019 World Cup.

If they do not perform well and get points, they will have to go through the qualifiers to make it to the World Cup.

India are the world number three side in ODIs and they come into this series after a runner-up finish at the Champions Trophy.

The first ODI will be played on Friday in Trinidad and Tobago. The 5-match ODI series will be followed by a Twenty-20 match.

Edit"Cricketing snippets,Coach Anil Kumble resigns"

DR S JAIN: SCRAP THE MINORITY COMMISSION

JUNE 20, 2017LEAVE A COMMENTON DR S JAIN: SCRAP THE MINORITY COMMISSION

Scrap the Minority Commission or else form a Majority Commission: Dr. Surendra Jain

Minority commission spreading Separatism

New Delhi June 20, 2017. The Chairman of the National Commission for Minorities, Syed Ghayorul Hasan Rizvi by implementing the agenda of the separatists, is strengthening the feelings of separatism in the Muslim community, says Vishwa Hindu Parishad(VHP). While informing about the decision to start a helpline number for Muslims, he said that Muslims could give a call on this number in case any atrocity is being committed against them. Reacting to this statement, the international joint General secretary of VHP Dr. Surendra Jain today said that this makes one feel that the atrocities against the Muslim community has reached such proportions that the extreme step of opening a helpline for the Muslims had to be taken up.

Dr. Jain said that Pakistan and the separatists have been using this exact analogy to justify their anti-India activities. Now they got one more man to advocate their cause. The events unfolding in the entire world proves the point that the amount of rights that the Muslims in Bharat enjoying cannot be matched by even the Muslims of the Islamic states. Despite this, the jihadi elements foment enmity by creating dissatisfaction among the Muslims. The Minority Commission too is only fomenting the same feelings of dissatisfaction by its work thereby strengthening minoritism and separatism, he added.

The Hon. Supreme Court in a ruling had expected that the Minority Commission would put an end to this anti-national practice of minoritism. Instead, while opening a helpline number, it has encouraged the feelings of disintegration among the community.  He asked that the nation wants to know from the Minority Commission if the Muslim community is the one against whom atrocities have been committed or is it the other way round, is the Muslim community the perpetrator of atrocities? The Minority Commission must issue an elaborate statement on this. He challenged the Minority Commission for an open debate on the issue.

It is important to note that while the Chairman of the Minority Commission was busy announcing the decision to open a helpline, about the same time, Muslim goons were busy molesting and harassing Hindu girls in Muslim-dominated district of Bijnor in Uttar Pradesh. When they were stopped, their gang attacked the Hindus. Such incidents are commonplace in Muslim-dominated areas. When India lost to Pakistan in the finals of the Champions Trophy in cricket, Pakistani flags were waved all over the Kashmir valley, Bengal and other places dominating Muslims, and Hindus were attacked. The Minority Commission by portraying the perpetrators of atrocities as victims is encouraging the Mughal-mindset and tendency of the Muslims. This happens only in Pakistan where the Muslims who kill Hindus are rewarded. Is Minority Commission moving towards turning India into Pakistan? , he asked.

Dr. Jain also asked that as the very genesis of a Minority Commission is an encouragement to separatism, isn’t the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) more than enough to safeguard the rights of all the citizens of the nation? He demanded that the NHRC should be empowered and the Minority Commission should be scrapped. If this is not possible then a National Majority Commission should also be established to protect the rights of the majority, whose rights are being abused. The Minority Commission made unnecessary comments on cow-slaughter but remained silent on beef parties. This has certainly hurts Hindu sentiments.

Issued by

Vinod Bansal

National Spokesperson-VHP

@vinod_bansal M-9810949109

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RUCHI SOYA: YOGA A PART OF ‘WORKING DAY’ ON INTERNATIONAL YOGA DAY

JUNE 20, 2017LEAVE A COMMENTON RUCHI SOYA: YOGA A PART OF ‘WORKING DAY’ ON INTERNATIONAL YOGA DAY

Ruchi Soya announces first-of-its-kind corporate initiative to make Yoga a part of ‘Working Day’ on International Yoga Day

Ruchi ‘Saral Yoga’ Abhiyaan to integrate daily yoga sessions for employees into corporate routine

June 20, 2017, New Delhi / National: On the occasion of International Yoga Day, Ruchi Soya Industries Ltd. will launch a pioneering initiative, the Ruchi ‘Saral Yoga’ Abhiyaan to integrate yoga in the corporate routine through daily yoga sessions for all employees. Ruchi ‘Saral Yoga’ Abhiyaan will be rolled out in over 15 locations covering around 4000 employees across the country.  Under this initiative, employees will be trained and encouraged to practice ‘saral’ or simple yoga techniques, thereby playing a positive role in their health, fitness and overall well-being.

The initiative will kick off from the Corporate Office in Mumbai with around 200 employees taking part in a special yoga session, along with Mr. Dinesh Shahra, Founder and Managing Director, Ruchi Soya Industries Limited and Yogacharya  Mahavir Sainik, the mentor and guide for this programme.

In a message to employees about the Ruchi ‘Saral Yoga’ Abhiyaan endeavor, Mr. Dinesh Shahra elaborated “The Ministry of AYUSH has been asking corporates to introduce a yoga programme for employees to combat work related stress and resulting ailments. I have been practicing yoga for 25 years and it has helped me immensely. I have always wanted to share this with my extended Ruchi Soya family.Today, we are glad to be the first corporate to undertake the Ruchi ‘Saral Yoga’ Abhiyaan as part of our endeavour to ensure a mentally, spiritually and physically healthy workforce. The ancient science of yoga is practiced worldwide in a variety of settings and helps in maintaining overall health. It is beneficial in reducing fatigue, depression, anxiety and mental tension. This will help the employees perform better and benefit both the individual as well as the organisation. With Ruchi Soya’s products focusing on health and wellness, this effort will help imbibe the essence of our products into our employees’ daily lives.”

Mentor and guide for this yoga initiative, Yogacharya Mahavir Sainik has been teaching Yoga since 1973 after initiation into the practice at the Yoga Institute in Santa Cruz, Mumbai, one of the oldest yoga institutions in the country. The author of two books  ‘Yoga Amrut’ and ‘Saral Yog Prayog’, his prime objective has always been to help people channelize the power of yoga for better decision making, reducing stress and promoting a disciplined routine and lifestyle. Yogacharya said, “Yoga in the workplace has mutliple benefits. Besides contributing to the overall health of the employees, practicing yoga together acts as a bond helping employees work better together. It helps employees cope with pressure at work and improves their on-job performance. The yoga sessions will be designed for the workplace and in tune with the age, fitness and health profiles of the employees.”

All the offices where the Ruchi ‘Saral Yoga’ Abhiyaan is being implemented will be equipped with dedicated yoga rooms with yoga mats and other amenities to enable the employees to practice yoga. In-house yoga experts would be identified and trained in various aspects of traditional yoga including basic asanas, pranayama, concentration and meditation techniques. Periodic yoga workshops would also be held to guide employees on specific yoga techniques for conditions like high blood pressure, rheumatism, backache, etc. Going forward, the Ruchi ‘Saral Yoga’ Abhiyaan will be extended to benefit families of the employees.

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CAPTAIN AMARINDER SINGH ANNOUNCES CROP LOAN WAIVER FOR 10.25 LAKH FARMERS

JUNE 20, 2017LEAVE A COMMENTON CAPTAIN AMARINDER SINGH ANNOUNCES CROP LOAN WAIVER FOR 10.25 LAKH FARMERS

Chief Minister of Punjab Captain Amarinder Singh on 19th June, 2017 announced total waiver of entire crop loans for small and marginal farmers in Punjab . The loan waiver will be for up to Rs 2 lakh for small and marginal farmers (up to 5 acres) and a flat Rs 2 lakh relief for all the other marginal farmers, irrespective of their loan amount, thus paving the way for eventual total waiver of agricultural debts.

This move would benefit a total of 10.25 lakh farmers of the state’s 18.5 lakh farming families, including 8.75 lakh farmers having land up to 5 acres. The initiative would provide double the relief announced by the states of Uttar Pradesh and Maharashtra . The decision is based on the interim report of an expert group, headed by eminent economist Dr. T Haque, which was tasked with suggesting ways and means to help the state’s distressed farming community.

The government stood by its commitment to waive off the crop loans of the farmers, Hon’ble Chief Minister also said that his government had additionally decided to take over the outstanding crop loan from institutional sources of all the families of farmers who committed suicide in the state.

It has also decided to raise the ex-gratia for families of farmers committing suicide to Rs 5 lakh from the existing Rs 3 lakh. For debt relief to farmers for loans raised from non-institutional resources, the government has decided to review the ‘Punjab Settlement of Agriculture Indebtedness Act’ to provide the desired relief to the farmers through mutually acceptable debt reconciliation and settlement, which shall be statutorily binding on both the parties, the lender and the borrower. The government has already constituted a Cabinet Sub-Committee to review this Act.

The Hon’ble Chief Minister also proposed that the Speaker may constitute a 5-member committee of the Vidhan Sabha to visit families of the suicide victims, ascertain the reasons for suicides and suggest further steps to be taken to check the menace. He also mentioned that his government had already decided to repeal Section 67 A of the Punjab Cooperative Societies Act, 1961, which provides for auction (kurki) of the farmers’ land.

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CHINA, RUSSIA JOINT NAVAL DRILLS

JUNE 20, 2017LEAVE A COMMENTON CHINA, RUSSIA JOINT NAVAL DRILLS

China’s Defense Ministry said, it will stage joint naval drills with Russia this summer.

The ministry said on Sunday that in late July the exercises will take place in the Baltic Sea. In mid-to-late September, they will take place in the Sea of Japan and the Sea of Okhotsk.

State-run China Central Television reported that 3 military vessels, including a destroyer and a supply ship, left the southern island province of Hainan on Sunday.

The TV station added that the 3 ships are sailing for the Russian city of St. Petersburg, and elsewhere, and will take part in the drills in the Baltic Sea.

China and Russia have been conducting annual joint naval exercises since 2012.

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MOON JAE-IN APPOINTED A FEMALE FOREIGN MINISTER

JUNE 20, 2017LEAVE A COMMENTON MOON JAE-IN APPOINTED A FEMALE FOREIGN MINISTER

South Korean President Moon Jae-in officially appointed a female diplomat, Kang Kyung-wha, as foreign minister on Sunday.

Kang served as a special advisor on policy to UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres until last month.

Kang is South Korea’s first female foreign minister. She will help to prepare a summit with the US later this month, and deal with North Korean issues, including the country’s nuclear and missile development.

Addressing  national assembly hearing earlier this month, Kang said it is international practice to observe the 2015 agreement with Japan on the issue of those referred to as wartime comfort women.

However, she also suggested that Japan must take sincere measures that reach the hearts of those women, indicating that the content of the deal is insufficient.

Members of opposition parties opposed Kang’s appointment, pointing to allegations that she falsified her address to allow her daughter to transfer to another school, and under-reported the profit she made from selling property.

Moon dismissed the criticism, stressing that Kang’s capability is recognized by the international community, and the majority of people support her appointment.NHK

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NSD CELEBRATIONS OF 3RD INTERNATIONAL DAY OF YOGA

JUNE 20, 2017LEAVE A COMMENTON NSD CELEBRATIONS OF 3RD INTERNATIONAL DAY OF YOGA

​

From: Anuj Kumar Boruah <anujkumarboruah@gmail.com> on Tue, 20 Jun 2017 12:14:24 Add to address bookTo: You & 1 other | See Details

​Hi,

 

3rd International day of Yoga will be celebrated on 21st June, 2017 at National School of Drama between 10.00 am & 11.30 am at Chahumukh hall. On this occasion, all faculty members, students, artists and staff of NSD will do Yoga exercise under the supervision of an Yoga Expert. The assemble time for the event will be at 9.30 am. 

 

Since it would be a great event at NSD

​,

​we would like to invite you to attend and cover the event

 

​Warm Regards,

Anoop Kumar Barua, 

PRO, NSD

M

​: 9810329401

Warm Regards,

Anuj Kumar Boruah

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ATHER ENERGY HIRES CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER, DR. VENKATESH PADMANABHAN

JUNE 20, 2017LEAVE A COMMENTON ATHER ENERGY HIRES CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER, DR. VENKATESH PADMANABHAN

Bangalore, 20th June, 2017: Ather Energy, the smart electric two-wheeler start-up, today announced the new addition of Dr. Venkatesh Padmanabhan as the Chief Operating Officer. Fondly known as Venki, he will head supply chain, quality, manufacturing, and service delivery at Ather.

“For my 10 years in India, I have been wrestling with this singular question: can we, will we create world beating consumer hardware products and brands from scratch?  We are great in value engineering, local sourcing manufacturing and even at detail engineering of designs of others. But what about solving hairy consumer problems with our own design, and our own brand?” said Venki. “When I met Tarun, Swapnil and their team at Ather, it was like a lightning bolt hit me. They surely have great brand, design and engineering mojo and are in early stages of building detail engineering and manufacturing capability. I thought I had value to add to this exciting quest and I signed up.”

“Venki’s career has taken him to multiple countries and multiple automotive companies. He has a strong knowledge base of the operational requirements for an automotive company, specially two wheelers. His network and his experience in the industry is a valuable asset for a young company.” said Tarun Mehta, CEO, Ather Energy. “Ather is a young company, building on a new platform with a nascent to often non-existent vendor ecosystem. Venki’s exposure to vendors and manufacturing processes in India will prove a strategic advantage as we close in on the production of the S340.”

After 15 years at General Motors, in 2004 Dr. Padmanabhan joined Daimler Chrysler’s (DCX) Chrysler Division to support the integration of Lean Manufacturing in its diverse operations and later also worked at Mercedes Car Division. He was brought to India in 2007 as Managing Director of Chrysler’s first South East Asia Global Sourcing Centre in Chennai from where the company today sources close to $1B every year in automotive parts.

He joined Royal Enfield as Chief Operating Officer in 2008 and rose to the position of Chief Executive Officer in 2011. During this period, with two successful launches of the Classic and Thunderbird single cylinder UCE based motorcycles, the company saw a threefold increase in sales and twenty fold increase in profits. Royal Enfield now is a brand reborn and thriving in India and 45 other countries.

In 2013, Dr. Padmanabhan served as the MD & CEO of EICL (English Indian Clays Limited) to help recast a 75 year old $80M Kaolin Clay and Starch Producer into a modern innovation driven specialty chemicals company. He moved to Cyient in October 2015 to integrate its acquisition of Rangsons Electronics into extending the detail engineering offerings of its aerospace, defense, rail, medical and consumer business units into complete life cycle offerings.

About Ather Energy:

Ather Energy Pvt. Ltd. is an automobile design and manufacturing company founded in the year 2013 by IIT Madras graduates – Tarun Mehta and Swapnil Jain. Ather is committed to building smart, connected, uncompromising vehicles and seeks to reimagine urban commute with the help of technology. The company has so far received funding from Hero MotoCorp, Tiger Global and Flipkart founders Sachin and Binny Bansal. The team of about 200+ employees is currently developing an electric two-wheeler, which will be completely designed and made In India. They are presently in their stage of product testing and vendor finalization for their first product, the S340. Ather is also setting up a charging network with its own smart charging pods. These fast charging pods will be set up initially across its three market cities – Bangalore, Chennai & Pune.

For more information, please visit: www.atherenergy.com

Media Contact:

Eshani Bhawal                                               

eshanib@sixdegreespr.co.in          

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EDOUARD PHILIPPE ASKED TO FORM GOVERNMENT

JUNE 20, 2017LEAVE A COMMENTON EDOUARD PHILIPPE ASKED TO FORM GOVERNMENT

French President Emmanuel Macron has re-appointed Edouard Philippe as prime minister after the weekend’s legislative run-off vote and asked him to form the next government by Wednesday.

Sources at Macron’s office said in Paris that Yesterday’s vote saw Macron’s centrist group, the Republic on the Move (REM), secure a massive victory in the National Assembly, giving him a mandate to pursue a pro-EU, business-friendly agenda.

On Sunday’s final round of the general elections, French President Emmanuel Macron has secured a clear majority in the parliament.

“Republic on the Move,” a new party Macron set up, won a majority with 308 seats in the 577-seat lower house. Macron’s strength will reach 350 seats, if combined with the seats won by his election partner, the centrist party.

The center-right Republicans won 113 seats. The center-left Socialists got 29 seats. That’s a sharp reduction from the numbers the once powerful parties enjoyed before the election. The far-right National Front took only 8 seats.

Macron’s “Republic on the Move,” and the centrist party fielded candidates in more than 500 constituencies. Half of the candidates were ordinary citizens with no political experience.

Macron, who has been short of support from established political forces, now has a power base with his party’s majority in parliament.

Prime Minister Edouard Philippe told reporters that the people have chosen hope over anger, and also trust over an inward-looking attitude. He added that one year ago, no one had imagined the politics would change so much.

The voter turnout in Sunday’s elections was the lowest-ever at about 42 percent, encouraging opposition parties to continue criticizing Macron’s administration. The new President may need to increase the public trust by trying hard to succeed in specific policy areas.

France’s defense minister Sylvie Goulard quit the government on Tuesday saying she did not want to be considered in the coming reshuffle because of the investigation overshadowing her party’s affairs in the European parliament. Goulard is a member of Modem, the centrist party that allied itself to President Emmanuel Macron’s party in the presidential and legislative elections, but which now faces an inquiry over the way it hired parliamentary assistants in the European parliament. “The honor of our armies, that of the men and women who serve… should not be mixed up with controversies that have nothing to do with them,” she said

Media agencies

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SC GRANTS SAHARA CHIEF MORE TIME

JUNE 20, 2017LEAVE A COMMENTON SC GRANTS SAHARA CHIEF MORE TIME

Supreme Court today granted Sahara Chief Subrata Roy more time to deposit around 710 crore rupees out of the promised 1,500 crore rupees and extended its interim order granting him bail till July 5 which is also the next date of hearing.

Senior counsel, Kapil Sibal, appearing for Subrata Roy told the apex court that the business conglomerate required more time to pay the rest of the amount of 709.82 crores rupees

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IT DEPT. ATTACHES ASSETS OF MISA BHARTI

JUNE 20, 2017LEAVE A COMMENTON IT DEPT. ATTACHES ASSETS OF MISA BHARTI

Income Tax Department,  has provisionally attached few immovable properties in Misa Bharti benami land deal case.

The IT, on Monday, attached two assets in connection with its probe into Rs. one thousand crore benami land deals and tax evasion case allegedly involving family members of RJD chief Lalu Prasad Yadav.

Officials said in New Delhi, a house and a land in Delhi, have been attached after the department issued a provisional order under the Benami Transactions Act, 1988, that came into force on first November last year.

They said, the value of the attached properties could not be ascertained immediately.

The officials said that a few more such assets will soon be attached in the case.

Officials added that the department want to question record statements of Lalu Prasad’s MP daughter Misa Bharti and her husband Shailesh Kumar in connection with the case.

Both Bharti and her husband have skipped IT summons in the past.

Benami properties are those in which the real beneficiary is not the one in whose name the property has been purchased.

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WHAT DOES AN INDIAN SMART CITY LOOK LIKE?

JUNE 21, 2017LEAVE A COMMENTON WHAT DOES AN INDIAN SMART CITY LOOK LIKE?

21.06.2017 12:22:41 – CPR and CSH are pleased to invite you to a workshop on
What does an Indian smart city look like? 

(live-PR.com) – CPR and CSH are pleased to invite you to a workshop on
What does an Indian smart city look like?
Ashwathy Anand, Ajai Sreevatsan, and Persis Taraporevala
Tuesday, 27 June 2017, 3:45 p.m.
Conference Hall, Centre for Policy Research

Image Source
June 2017 will mark the two year anniversary of the Smart City Mission (SCM), one of the flagship projects undertaken by the Government of India 

(GOI) towards urban development. The mission has generated extensive interest with a clear disjunction in opinions regarding the potential effectiveness of the mission in achieving its stated goal of creating ‘replicable models’ of urban development that can inspire change across cities in India. Given the scale and significance of the mission, it could create long term changes in the governance and financing patterns of urban India and affect the quality of life of millions of citizens.

A unique aspect of the Mission is the ambiguity of what constitutes a smart city. The Ministry of Urban Development (MoUD) has clearly stated that there is no singular definition of a smart city and provided each city the opportunity to define ‘smartness’ for themselves. The result has been a mix of ideas which include both high-end digital and more established traditional solutions to tackle gaps in urban form and quality of life. Through an analysis of the accepted smart city proposals and ancillary secondary data, this discussion seeks to present an empirical understanding of what India thinks a smart city looks like and examine the potential of achieving its aims of creating more liveable, sustainable and financially secure cities.

Ashwathy Anand is a trained architect from the School of Planning and Architecture, Bhopal and is currently associated with the Centre for Policy Research, New Delhi. As a practitioner she has worked on the City Heritage Plan for Mathura under the Heritage City Development and Augmentation Yojana (HRIDAY). Her academic research interests focus on understanding the processes involved in transforming and regenerating Indian cities. She was an Urban Fellow at IIHS Bangalore.

Ajai Sreevatsan is a former investigative reporter with The Hindu and is currently associated with the Centre for Policy Research, New Delhi. As a journalist, his primary interest lay in questions pertaining to urban inequality, local democracy and participative governance. He has also written extensively on environmental issues. Till recently, he was an urban fellow at IIHS, Bangalore. He has an M.S. in Journalism from Northwestern University.

Persis Taraporevala is a Research Associate at the Centre for Policy Research, New Delhi. She focuses on issues of citizenship, governance and social justice in the urban context. Her work includes the privatisation of government structures in India, participatory processes of planning and the agency of immigrants in urban villages. She has an MPhil in Development Studies from the University of Oxford.

As part of our Urban Workshop Series, the Centre for Policy Research (CPR) and Centre de Sciences Humaines (CSH), Delhi, are delighted to invite you to a workshop on What does an Indian smart city look like? by Ashwathy Anand, Ajai Sreevatsan and Persis Taraporevala.

Date: Tuesday, 27th June 2017

Time: 3.45 p.m.

Venue: Conference Hall, Centre for Policy Research, Dharma Marg, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi 110 021

—————————— —————————— —————————— —————————— —————————— ——————-

June 2017 will mark the two year anniversary of the Smart City Mission (SCM), one of the flagship projects undertaken by the Government of India (GOI) towards urban development. The mission has generated extensive interest with a clear disjunction in opinions regarding the potential effectiveness of the mission in achieving its stated goal of creating ‘replicable models’ of urban development that can inspire change across cities in India. Given the scale and significance of the mission, it could create long term changes in the governance and financing patterns of urban India and affect the quality of life of millions of citizens.

A unique aspect of the Mission is the ambiguity of what constitutes a smart city. The Ministry of Urban Development (MoUD) has clearly stated that there is no singular definition of a smart city and provided each city the opportunity to define ‘smartness’ for themselves. The result has been a mix of ideas which include both high-end digital and more established traditional solutions to tackle gaps in urban form and quality of life. Through an analysis of the accepted smart city proposals and ancillary secondary data, this discussion seeks to present an empirical understanding of what India thinks a smart city looks like and examine the potential of achieving its aims of creating more liveable, sustainable and financially secure cities.Ashwathy Anand is a trained architect from the School of Planning and Architecture, Bhopal and is currently associated with the Centre for Policy Research, New Delhi. As a practitioner she has worked on the City Heritage Plan for Mathura under the Heritage City Development and Augmentation Yojana (HRIDAY). Her academic research interests focus on understanding the processes involved in transforming and regenerating Indian cities. She was an Urban Fellow at IIHS Bangalore.

Persis Taraporevala is a Research Associate at the Centre for Policy Research, New Delhi. She focuses on issues of citizenship, governance and social justice in the urban context. Her work includes the privatisation of government structures in India, participatory processes of planning and the agency of immigrants in urban villages. She has an MPhil in Development Studies from the University of Oxford.

Ajai Sreevatsan is a former investigative reporter with The Hindu and is currently associated with the Centre for Policy Research, New Delhi. As a journalist, his primary interest lay in questions pertaining to urban inequality, local democracy and participative governance. He has also written extensively on environmental issues. Till recently, he was an urban fellow at IIHS, Bangalore. He has an M.S. in Journalism from Northwestern University.

—————————— —————————— —————————— —————————— —————————— ——————-

This is the eighty ninth in a series of Urban Workshops planned by the Centre de Sciences Humaines (CSH), New Delhi and Centre for Policy Research (CPR). These workshops seek to provoke public discussion on issues relating to the development of the city and try to address all its facets including its administration, culture, economy, society and politics. For further information, please contact: Christine Ithurbide at christine@csh-delhi.com, Pa rtha Mukhopadhyay at partha@cprindia.org or Marie-Hélène Zerah at marie-helene.zerah@ird.fr

This workshop is free and there is no registration. Find all the videos of our previous workshops on the following link : www.cprindia.org/ projects/cpr-csh-urban- workshop

We look forward to welcoming you to CPR for what promises to be an interesting discussion. Please feel free to share this invitation with friends and colleagues who may be interested.

Best regards,

Christine Ithurbide

—

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Contact information: sagar media inc Contact Person: Naresh sagar Author: Naresh Sagar e-mail Phone: 9810974027

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NSD : CELEBRATION OF 3RD INTERNATIONAL YOGA DAY  

JUNE 21, 2017LEAVE A COMMENTON NSD : CELEBRATION OF 3RD INTERNATIONAL YOGA DAY  

On the occasion of 3rd International Yoga Day, National School of Drama has celebrated this event on the day of 21st June 2017 from 10.00 am onwards in the campus by organizing a Yoga Camp under a Yoga Expert Ms. Sunaina Aarah in which Director (NSD), Registrar (NSD), Dy. Registrar (NSD), Faculty, Students, Artists and Staff participated and did couple of exercises and took initiative to bring Yoga in their daily life.

On this day, Prof. Waman Kendre, Director, NSD has stated that “Yog is our heritage, our precious gift from our ancestors and we should bring it to our life for our own benefit”.

Ms. Sunaina Aarha, Yog Expert emphasized on the value of co-ordination between breathe and movements during yog. She trained everyone there on the basis of same aspect i.e. breathe and movement coordination.

After an hour yog practice and lecture, the programme was ended with Vote of Thanks by Sh. A.K. Barua, PRO, NSD to all those who have participated on this great occasion.

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3RD EDITION OF THE FRENCH-LANGUAGE TEACHER TRAINING PROGRAMME

JUNE 21, 2017LEAVE A COMMENTON 3RD EDITION OF THE FRENCH-LANGUAGE TEACHER TRAINING PROGRAMME

3RD EDITION OF THE FRENCH-LANGUAGE TEACHER TRAINING PROGRAMME

21.06.2017 12:29:59 – 3RD EDITION OF THE FRENCH-LANGUAGE TEACHER TRAINING PROGRAMME 

(live-PR.com) – The Embassy of France and Institut français India organised the 3rd edition of the French-language Teacher Training Programme Université régionale BELC Inde, Asie centrale et Asie du sud

22-25 May 2017, in Goa

New Delhi, 30 May 17

Institut français India, the cultural service of the French Embassy, together with the International Center for Pedagogical Studies in Paris (CIEP) organised the 3rd 

Regional University BELC India, Central Asia and South Asia in Goa from 22-25 May 2017. The four-day training programme for French-language teachers was organised in collaboration with the Department of French and Francophone Studies at the University of Goa, in partnership with Goyal Publishers & Distributors.

The Regional University BELC is a highlight of the teaching of French as a foreign Language in India. The event took place in Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU), Delhi in May 2015. The following year, it took place at Amity University Noida, Delhi. In 2017, it was decided that the BELC would take place in a different region every year. Goa University had been chosen, thanks to Prof. Varun Sahni, Vice-Chancellor, whose policy was to increase higher education cooperation with France.

This May, Goa University hosted 122 teachers from various backgrounds (Alliances Françaises, schools and universities) and from various countries, including India, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Kazakhstan and Sri Lanka. Seven experts in didactics for the teaching of French as a Foreign Language supervised 30 hours of training to these teachers from schools and universities. The teachers were enrolled in different workshops, according to their specific needs: methodology, French for specific purposes, linguistic and cultural links, development of oral and written skills, literature, grammar, group interaction, etc. Institut français India also offered a programme of cultural activities, through visits to various locations and concerts in Goa.

The event proved to be a great success to teachers, and participants comments were as follows: “Very useful and efficient, in a friendly atmosphere”, “a wonderful experience”, “rewarding”, “also useful for the intercultural exchanges with teachers from other countries”, “very well organised”, “good opportunity to share ideas and experiences”, “rewarding”, “work with pleasure”, “I recommend!”, “my objectives have all been met”.

The main objective of the service for cooperation in French Language, Education and Training at Institut français India (IFI), as defined by the French Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs, is to promote and support French-language training in India by providing quality training for teachers. To this effect, pedagogical and linguistic workshops and seminars are organised throughout the country, in schools, universities and Alliances Françaises, at a national and regional level.

Through such cooperation the French Embassy aims to develop and enhance links between French and Indian schools and universities, to promote student mobility, and to increase students’ employability on the international labour market.
Institut français India, the cultural service of the French Embassy, together with the International Center for Pedagogical Studies in Paris (CIEP) organised the 3rd Regional University BELC India, Central Asia and South Asia in Goa from 22-25 May 2017. The four-day training programme for French-language teachers was organised in collaboration with the Department of French and Francophone Studies at the University of Goa, in partnership with Goyal Publishers & Distributors.

The Regional University BELC is a highlight of the teaching of French as a foreign Language in India. The event took place in Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU), Delhi in May 2015. The following year, it took place at Amity University Noida, Delhi. In 2017, it was decided that the BELC would take place in a different region every year. Goa University had been chosen, thanks to Prof. Varun Sahni, Vice-Chancellor, whose policy was to increase higher education cooperation with France.

Contact information: sagar Media inc Contact Person: Naresh sagar Phone: 9810974027 Author: Naresh Sagar e-mail Phone: 9810974027

Edit"3rd edition of the French-language Teacher Training Programme"

FIGHTER PILOTS DOMINATE SKIES 1000 KM RADIUS – NO BSF MES

JUNE 21, 2017LEAVE A COMMENTON FIGHTER PILOTS DOMINATE SKIES 1000 KM RADIUS – NO BSF MES

June20, 2017 (C) Ravinder Singh progressindia2015@gmail.com

I don’t know the Politics behind ‘Pathankot Report’ indicting Commandant of the Pathankot Airbase – a fighter Pilot.

Fighter Pilots are FRONTLINE of India’s Security. BSF or Punjab Police who failed in their duty to let in Terrorists almost every day and no BSF or PP Commandant was dismissed.

Role of Fighter Pilot Commander is to INTERCEPT Intruding Enemy Fighters within 60 seconds at all times and Cover & Dominate upto 1000 km radius in Fighter Jets  flying with Weapons at 2000 kmph+ speed, MES is responsible for Boundary Wall & Lighting.

In 1965 war IAF Fighter Pilots Nirmaljeet Singh Sekhon and Manjit Singh Sekhon cousins at Srinagar Airbase responded within seconds – Intercepted, Hit and Shot Down Pakistan Fighters otherwise Kashmir would have been lost.

In 1948 invasion of Kashmir – IAF Pilots Airlifted Army to Kashmir to save Kashmir.

In 1999 Kargil War also role IAF was attack Invaders from Air – it was Army who re-captured the lost ground.

I was responsible for JE(E) Security of Central Store near Leela Hotel in Chanakyapuri Delhi – India’s biggest in 1976.

Though my expected Role was to Control the Flow of Incoming and Outgoing stores, there was separate Audit Unit – but I exercised Much Greater responsibility used to make Surprise Checks. Even as DGS&D and ISI were responsible for QUALITY – I extended by responsibility on QUALITY also.  Anyone whispering in my ears ‘Sir Entire Stock of Lamps Was Of Poor Quality’ – I would direct stores to ‘Issue Good Quality Products Only’ – I was performing at 500% Efficiency.

Even in two years plus job I didn’t INSPECT boundary wall or street lighting which was responsibility of PWD and in charge of security guards.

It is Unfortunate INDIA never had Professional DEFENSE MINISTER – Lameduck Mediocre in last 10 years. It makes no sense to make F-16s in India when Enemy already operates F-16 for 30 years and entirely familiar with it. Buying 30-40 years old technology a huge cost than latest products.

Finally no Cabinet Minister had been dismissed for TOTAL failure in many cases in three years when they are not even qualified. Vishnu Bhagat, Manjit Singh Sekhon were and now Air Commodore are PUNISHED – VK Singh was rewarded for indiscipline in service.

There is 100 Times more security for YOGA event than Pathankot Air Base. It was political failure when GOI is investing in Multi-Layer Fencing but not protecting – Why didn’t India’s VITAL INSTALLATIONS have similar fencing?

Ravinder Singh, Inventor & Consultant, INNOVATIVE TECHNOLOGIES AND PROJECTS

Y-77, Hauz Khas, ND -110016, India. Ph: 091- 9871056471, 9718280435, 9650421857

Ravinder Singh* is a WIPO awarded inventor specializing in Power, Transportation,

Edit"Fighter Pilots Dominate Skies 1000 km Radius – No BSF MES"

ICG CELEBRATES YOGA DAY CELEBRATIONS

JUNE 21, 2017LEAVE A COMMENTON ICG CELEBRATES YOGA DAY CELEBRATIONS

YOGA DAY CELEBRATIONS

With an aim to introduce the benefits of yoga to the personnel of the service, the International Yoga day was celebrated by the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) across all formations in a befitting manner.  All the 5 Regional Headquarters, 14 District Headquarters, 42 Stations and 7 Air Enclaves of the ICG conducted yoga sessions simultaneously, at their respective locations on          21 Jun 17. The Yoga session commenced at 0600 hrs on 21 Jun simultaneously at all units. The ships whilst on deployment also conducted yoga session for their officers and personnel. Approximately 10,000 personnel including the Regional Commanders, Officers, men and their families participated in the event.  In addition, the Yoga day was also organised at the Coast Guard Headquarters, New Delhi and at Sec 24 NOIDA. Addl DG VSR Murthy, PTM, TM, alongwith the officers, men and their families posted at New Delhi participated in the event and performed various yoga asanas.

The yoga session at the Coast Guard Headquarters, New Delhi and Sector-24 at NOIDA was performed under the supervision of teachers of “Art Of Living”.  During the session, the audience were appraised about the advantages of yoga for their general health, well being and self awareness.  In addition to these asanas, simple pranayama and concentration of the mind was also practiced. The module has been developed by the Ministry of AYUSH, in consultation with all the Yoga institutes in the country.

In addition to conduct of Yoga on 21 Jun, the ICG regularly conducts yoga sessions across all formations under supervision of qualified instructors.

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INDIA COMPLETE CAMPAIGN AT THE BRICS GAMES 2017

JUNE 22, 2017LEAVE A COMMENTON INDIA COMPLETE CAMPAIGN AT THE BRICS GAMES 2017

• India finish 4th at the BRICS Games 2017, after losing to Russia and South Africa, concluding their exposure tournament in China.
• The team was lacking in size in the absence of star centre Amritpal Singh, which resulted in them being outrebounded by heavyweights Russia and China.
• Forwards Amjyot Singh Gill and Rikin Pethani performed consistently in the tournament, averaging 26 and 14.3 ppg respectively.
• The team benefitted greatly from the practice afforded by this tournament before the 2017 FIBA Asia Cup in Lebanon, but will be nervously waiting on the fitness of captain Vishesh Bhriguvanshi and veteran small forward Yadwinder Singh.

Bengaluru, 22nd June 2017: India completed their participation at the BRICS Games after posting losses against Russia (19th June) and South Africa (20th June). The Games were held from 17th to 20thJune in Guangzhou, China.

Against Russia, India continued to struggle in the paint in the absence of their starting big man Amritpal Singh, and were outrebounded 54 – 34. Amjyot Singh Gill top scored with 20 points.

The Indian team put up a much stronger fight against South Africa, in what was essentially a contest for third place, after each team had lost their previous games against China and Russia.

The Indian team began the game quick off the blocks, and held a 12 point lead at the end of the first quarter. South Africa clawed back quickly, and the game was tied 33-33 going into half time. The teams continued to trade baskets right until the end of the third quarter, with neither team able to break the deadlock. But South Africa put on the afterburners in the fourth quarter, outscoring India 31-18 and taking the last spot on the podium. Amjyot Singh Gill put in another strong performance with 32 points that included 4 treys from beyond the arc.

The Indian team benefitted greatly from the practice afforded by this tournament before the 2017 FIBA Asia Cup in Lebanon. India’s participation also provided excellent exposure to its younger players like Jeevanantham Pandi, Muin Bek, Arshpreet Bhullar and Ravi Bhardwaj, who gained valuable international on-court experience. Another key silver lining was the performances of Amjyot Singh Gill and Rikin Pethani, who averaged 26 and 14.3 ppg respectively. Gill performed consistently in the tournament, playing all but one minute of all three games in the tournament, and leading the scoring for the Indian team in each of those games.

On the flipside, India will be nervously waiting on the fitness of captain Vishesh Bhriguvanshi (who suffered an ACL injury in the first game of the tournament against China) and veteran small forward Yadwinder Singh (back injury). Both stars are being evaluated to determine their availability moving forward.

The hosts China finished the tournament as runners-up, as they were beaten by Russia 53-58 on the final day of the tournament.

19th June 2017: Russia (Ivlev Vladimir 17 pts; Zakharov Denis 14 pts) bt India (Amjyot Singh Gill 20 pts; Rikin Pethani 13pts, Jeevanantham Pandi 12 pts) 88 – 58 [22-26, 13-23, 14-20, 9-19]

20th June 2017: South Africa (Fumani Marhanele 21 pts; Thabo Sithole 18 pts) bt India (Amjyot Singh Gill 32 pts; Rikin Pethani 18 pts, 11 reb) 88 – 75 [21-9, 12-24, 24-24, 18-31]

About the BRICS Games 2017

The BRICS Games 2017 is a tournament played among the BRICS countries with a view to developing sports exchange and cooperation, and promoting mutual friendship among BRICS countries. The host country of BRICS summit organizes the annual BRICS games and as China is all set to host the summit in September this year, they are given the responsibility of organizing the games. The choices of the games differ each year and are selected in consultation with the member countries. The 2017 BRICS Games were held from 17-20 June 2017 in Guangzhou, China at the Tianhe Sports Gymnasium.

About Basketball Federation of India

The Basketball Federation of India or BFI is the governing and controlling body of basketball in India, and is responsible for the development and promotion of the sport at all levels. BFI has been involved in conducting camps, clinics, events, and training sessions at its academies for the development of basketball. BFI came into being in 1935 and took complete control over Indian basketball in 1950. Prior to that time, the Indian Olympic Association handled the conduct of Indian basketball championships. Since 1950, the BFI has been conducting various such championships, from the grassroots to senior team participation in international tournaments. In addition, the BFI has been responsible for the establishment of strong sub-junior and junior level programs. The BFI has to its credit produced several international players of repute, among them 17 have been bestowed with the honour of Arjuna Awards. Earlier in June 2015, 19-year-old Satnam Singh Bhamara made history by becoming the first Indian national to be drafted by an NBA team, when he was selected by the Dallas Mavericks. More information at www.basketballfederationindia.org.

Edit"India complete campaign at the BRICS Games 2017"

MINISTRY OF MINES INVITES SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY PROJECT PROPOSALS

JUNE 22, 2017LEAVE A COMMENTON MINISTRY OF MINES INVITES SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY PROJECT PROPOSALS

Ministry of Mines Invites Science and Technology Project Proposals

New Delhi, June 22, 2017

Projects are invited from Academic Institutions, Universities, National Institutes and R&D Institution recognized by the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research, Government of India, for upto 3 years duration in the following thrust areas which have direct bearing on mineral sector, applied and sustainable aspect of mining and industrial applications:

2.                  THRUST AREAS OF RESEARCH IN MINES

The broad thrust areas for supporting Research in Mining are given below:

1. Prospecting/exploration for strategic rare and rare earth
2. Development of new technology for mineral exploration and mining on land and deep sea to locate and exploit new mineral

• Research in mining methods. This includes rock mechanics, mine designing, mining equipments, energy conservation, environmental protection and mine

1. Improve efficiency in process, operations, recovery of by-products and reduction in specification and consumption
2. Research in metallurgy and mineral beneficiation techniques to utilize lower grade and finer size
3. Extraction of value added products from mine waste, plant tailings etc.

• Development of new alloys and metal related products,
• Evolve low capital and energy saving processing

1. Production of materials of high
2. Cooperative research among organizations associated with the mineral

3.                  Scientific and Technical Merit and relevance to Industry

All organization should follow the instructions given below before submitting the project proposals to the Ministry:-

1. the proposal should be relevant to the overall mandate of mining, exploration, minerals, metals value addition, waste and environmental impact of mining and metallurgical processing
2. b) industry inputs and participation

1. Originality in terms of concept, method, innovation, or in application;
2. development of    new    methods,     synthesis     of    advanced materials,
3. process improvements and innovation,
4. design of apparatus and other research tools,
5. process development       for     waste/secondary/low        grade materials recovery,

-2-

1. zero waste mining, large data analysis and simulation modeling
2. nature of study as experimental, modeling/simulation and both
3. There must be a clear enunciation of objectives and deliverable in the proposal
4. detailing of research methodology, design of experiments, chosen methods of analysis appropriate and
5. intended/potential application area has to be made clear in the proposal, industry relevance, industry participation if appropriate
6. potential scalability to pilot plant and later on plant levels
7. what are the techno economic benefits (at least rough estimates).

Science & Technology (S&T) projects are funded through grant-in- aid by the Ministry of Mines through the process of project evaluation by Project Evaluation and Review Committee (PERC) and recommended projects are approved by the Standing Scientific Advisory Group (SSAG) constituted by the Ministry.

Projects can be submitted to the Section Officer, (Metal-IV section), Room No. 528, Block 11, 5th Floor, CGO Complex, Ministry  of Mines, Lodhi Road, New Delhi-110001 (Phone No.-011-24364196 in the prescribed proforma by 15th July 2017 alongwith soft copy of the project proposal in MS word format (not more than 3 MB) to the E- mail vikas.raj@nic.in . The details of terms and conditions and the prescribed proforma are available at the website www.mines.nic.in. Those projects, which are shortlisted shall be directed to present their

proposal either in Delhi or any other city. The Grants-in-aid will be governed by Government of India terms and conditions as amended from time to tim

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M6.8 – NEAR COAST OF GUATEMALA

JUNE 22, 2017LEAVE A COMMENTON M6.8 – NEAR COAST OF GUATEMALA

Preliminary Earthquake Report

Magnitude	6.8
Date-Time	22 Jun 2017 12:31:04 UTC 22 Jun 2017 06:31:04 near epicenter 22 Jun 2017 16:31:04 standard time in your timezone
Location	13.753N 90.949W
Depth	46 km
Distances	64 km (40 miles) SSW (197 degrees) of Escuintla, Escuintla, Guatemala 65 km (40 miles) S (174 degrees) of Santa Luc�a Cotzumalguapa, Escuintla, Guatemala 88 km (55 miles) SSW (203 degrees) of Amatitl�n, Guatemala, Guatemala 95 km (59 miles) SSW (204 degrees) of Villa Nueva, Guatemala, Guatemala 108 km (67 miles) SSW (205 degrees) of GUATEMALA CITY, Guatemala

Edit"M6.8 – NEAR COAST OF GUATEMALA"

CHILD ABUSE: INSIA WRITES, “I WAS 10 WHEN I WAS SEXUALLY ABUSED.

JUNE 22, 2017LEAVE A COMMENTON CHILD ABUSE: INSIA WRITES, “I WAS 10 WHEN I WAS SEXUALLY ABUSED.

Dear Sagar Media Inc, Insia writes, “I was 10 when I was sexually abused. Over the years, I met many more survivors… One of them was my husband.” She adds, “Boys of all ages, and of all backgrounds, across locations and states, report that they have experienced sexual abuse… Then why were their stories never told? Many a time, I have also come across people who refuse to believe that boys can get raped.” Sign her petition asking the Ministry of Women and Child Development to conduct an in-depth study on male child abuse so that it can be tackled effectively.

Target- Maneka Gandhi, Minister for Women and Child Development: Order an in-depth study on male child sexual abuse in India #EndTheIsolation insia dariwala  mumbai, India Sign Insia’s petition  I was 10 when I was sexually abused. Men who I had dearly trusted had violated me. The violation became a part of my life. It continued. Later on, as I grew up confused about love, men, and the pain inside me, I realised, what happened to me, was called ‘Child Sexual Abuse.’ The knowing should have freed me. Instead, it sent me deeper into isolation. I carried my world in my head, and for some time it did work in protecting me, but in the process also alienated people around me. As a filmmaker, stories became my refuge. They moved, inspired, and had the power to bring together strangers. Over the years, I met many more survivors living a life of penance for a crime they had not committed. One of them was my husband. “I was sexually abused at the age of 5, by a trusted caretaker. The abuse went on for a month. Most times it lasted for a few minutes. The memories though, live in me forever.” My husband and I have lived through an extremely painful process of coming to terms with our abuse. His, and the other stories I had heard from friends I knew, made me realise that even men can get sexually abused. Millions of men are living an isolated life of pain endured as children. Then why were their stories never told? The government’s 2007 study on child abuse reports that a shocking 53.2% of children say they have experienced one or more form of sexual abuse. Of this number, 52.9% are boys. Boys of all ages, and of all backgrounds, across locations and states, report that they have experienced sexual abuse. It is quite unfortunate that while on one hand, a girl’s sexual abuse is scorned, and looked at as a serious crime, most men are pressurised by society to pass off their sexual abuse as a rite of passage. Sexual exploitation by older boys is often misinterpreted as Sexual Exploration and hence younger boys feel obligated to hide it. Many a time, I have also come across people who refuse to believe that boys can get raped. Men are ridiculed, their sexual orientation is questioned, and the pressure to live up to the façade of society’s macho image, weighs in so heavy, that ultimately the only way out, is to live a life within. There is hardly any attention given to male child sexual abuse by the government. As a mother of a 17 year old boy, I strongly believe that no male is born aggressive, violent, or insensitive to women. It is an acquired behaviour, learnt from the people around them. That’s why I started this petition asking the Women and Child Development Minister, Maneka Gandhi to do an in-depth study on male child sexual abuse. A study on this topic might help us get insights on how we can prevent the use of violence in this society. It might also help us curb the growth of sexual violence in men at its onset. Research will help shed light on male mindsets, and certain hidden aspects of the long term effects of sexual abuse on men.  The POCSO laws might merely act as a platform to punish sexual predators, but conviction rates are extremely low. What about the numerous cases out there, which are not yet addressed? What about the millions of boys, who have lived with the pain, and perhaps gone on to unleash their pain on other helpless victims? Why is it that till date we have invested so much in the cure but so little in prevention?  Sign my petition and ask the Women & Child development ministry to take the first step to end sexual violence against children & *women. Sign Insia’s petition

Edit"Child Abuse: Insia writes, “I was 10 when I was sexually abused."

ASIAN HOSPITAL AT FARIDABAD NEO SURGERY EGG SHAPED

JUNE 22, 2017LEAVE A COMMENTON ASIAN HOSPITAL AT FARIDABAD NEO SURGERY EGG SHAPED

Edit"Asian hospital at Faridabad Neo Surgery Egg shaped"

SOJOURN FOR MR RAM NATH KOVIND IN LUTYENS DELHI:

JUNE 22, 2017LEAVE A COMMENTON SOJOURN FOR MR RAM NATH KOVIND IN LUTYENS DELHI:

Indeed grand gesture by the Union Culture Minister Mahesh Sharma’s residence in Akbar Road will be the new temporary address of BJP’s presidential nominee Ram Nath Kovind.

Ram Nath Kovind will be staying at the expansive 10 Akbar Road bungalow in the heart of Lutyens Delhi for about a month till the presidential election on July 17, top sources said.

Septuagenarian  and choice of PM Modi appears certain to be the next president, had earlier been allocated 144 North Avenue as Bihar governor. After his resignation as governor, top authorities in the Centre decided he should move to a bigger bungalow for security reasons, the sources added.

Interestingly, this is not Sharma’s first tryst with presidents, former, would be and present.

The Union culture and tourism minister had earlier been allocated 10 Rajaji Marg, the residence of former president A P J Abdul Kalam, but was asked to leave it for President Pranab Mukherjee who will be moving to the bungalow after his retirement.

Kovind was picked as the ruling National Democratic Alliance’s candidate for president earlier this week. He has already got backing from several non-NDA parties, including the Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS), the Janata Dal-United (JD-U), the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) and both factions of the AIADMK.

Ram Nath Kovind born 1 October 1945 is an Indian politician and the NDA candidate for President of India. Kovind is a Dalit leader and member of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). He was Governor of Bihar from 2015 to 2017.

On 19 June 2017, BJP party president Amit Shah declared Kovind the NDA candidate for the post of President of India.

Edit"Sojourn for Mr Ram Nath Kovind in Lutyens Delhi:"

HIGH TIME BADAL STOOGES SHED POLITICAL CROSS-DRESSING: S. SARNA

JUNE 22, 2017LEAVE A COMMENTON HIGH TIME BADAL STOOGES SHED POLITICAL CROSS-DRESSING: S. SARNA

NEW DELHI, Jun 21: Exposed for their sins of omission and commission towards the Panth while in power for ten long years, the Badals and their stooges must now drop their miserably failed attempts to re-brand themselves as proponents of the Sikh cause, SADD president Paramjit Singh Sarna warned Wednesday.

S. Sarna’s comments came in response to petty criticism that sycophants of the ousted CM have launched over chief minister Amarinder Singh’s honest talk about atrocities against the Sikhs during the unrest in Punjab.

During the launch of a book recently, Capt Singh boldly disclosed how a group of 21 suspected Sikh insurgents were killed in fake shootouts after he negotiated their surrender during the Chandra Shekhar government.

“Capt Singh called a spade a spade. His audacious disclosure sheds new light on New Delhi’s Punjab policy during Chandra Shekhar’s seven-month government. It’s a highly precious historical record revealed by an elected leader,” noted the SADD chief. “Afflicted with a perpetually low IQ and abject slave mentality, stooges of the Badals have, however, sought to drag Sri Akal Takht Sahib into an issue of state policy,” S. Sarna observed.

He cautioned supporters of the former chief minister against resorting to political crossdressing.

“It’s like living in an idiot’s paradise if they believe the Panth cannot see through their turncoat posturing. They are the worst adversaries of the Sikh cause when in power. When out of it, they try to rediscover their lost ground in Sikhi,” the SADD president said.

He held the Badals and their loyalists squarely responsible for annihilating the institutional prestige of Sri Akal Takht Sahib with their trivial actions.

“I advise them to introspect what all their party and their top leaders have done to Sikhi whenever they got power. The Panth will not allow you to mess up with community affairs any more with your shenanigans,” warned S. Sarna.
-Ends-

Edit"High time Badal stooges shed political cross-dressing: S. Sarna"

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June 23, 2017, 6:52 am

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KALYAN JEWELLERS ANNOUNCES THE WINNERS OF GLOBAL CAMPAIGN “SHOP & WIN 30 AUDI A3”

JUNE 23, 2017LEAVE A COMMENTON KALYAN JEWELLERS ANNOUNCES THE WINNERS OF GLOBAL CAMPAIGN “SHOP & WIN 30 AUDI A3”

 

Raffle draw winners include 15 from India, 8 from UAE, 4 from Qatar and 3 from Kuwait

New Delhi, June 23, 2017:  Kalyan Jewellers, India’s trusted and leading jewellery brands has announced the 30 winners of the “Shop & Win 30 Audi A3” global campaign. Each of the 30 lucky winners will be getting an Audi A3 Car from Kalyan Jewellers. The winners were chosen through raffle draws held in India, UAE, Qatar and Kuwait. As mentioned during the initial campaign announcement in April, of the 30 selected winners, 15 were from India, 8 from UAE, 4 from Qatar and 3 from Kuwait. The cars keys will be handed over in the coming weeks after the formalities are completed.

The winners were overjoyed when the company informed them about their win. Ms Deva Kumari from Telangana said she was ecstatic about it and commented, “I am elated by this amazing news. I still cannot believe I have won the draw and I will own the Audi A3. This is truly incredible and I would to extend my gratitude to the whole team at Kalyan Jewellers for making my shopping experience an unforgettable one with this awesome win. I will for sure be going back to the showrooms.”

Mr Abdul Bare Abdul, our lucky winner from Kuwait expressed his happiness and remarked, “This is truly amazing an experience for me. I truly feel one can’t get luckier than this. I mean who doesn’t love cars and that too winning a car as desirable as an Audi A3 is truly a dream come true. I can’t wait to drive the car and would like to thank Kalyan Jewellers for this amazing experience of a lifetime.”

Mr Ramesh Kalyanaraman, Executive Director, Kalyan Jewellers said, ‘’I would like to congratulate the all the lucky winners. At Kalyan our endeavor has been to enable our customers to extract value from their purchase while providing a great shopping experience. I am delighted that we could play a small part in helping our customers realizing their dreams.’’

The Kalyan Jewellers global campaign was launched on April 10, 2017 and culminated on June 9, 2017 in India, UAE, Kuwait and Qatar. The campaign marks the single largest offer of free Audi A3s in a raffle draw in India and GCC. Customers participated in the promotion by making a minimum purchase across Kalyan Jewellers showrooms in their respective countries. The 15 winners from UAE, Qatar and Kuwait were selected earlier this month on June 13th, 14th and 15th. The list of winners is as follows.

Sr. No.	Name (As In Invoice)	Country/City	Coupon No
1	Alex Kuruvilla	Dubai	630301
2	Ahmed Sulthan	Dubai	546120
3	Joshua Samuel	Dubai	580949
4	Bernard Aguila	Dubai	701570
5	Sheshadri PS	Qatar	139330
6	Jeevitha Saravanan	Qatar	312317
7	Ashraf T	Qatar	132837
8	Huda Elkahlout	Qatar	215156
9	Mohaned Ameen	Sharjah	757101
10	Leah Shanley	Sharjah	779021
11	Ajitha VC	Abu Dhabi	330280
12	Suresh Kumar	Abu Dhabi	112379
13	Abdul Bare Abdul	Kuwait	79929
14	Shaik Khadar Basita	Kuwait	15808
15	Azhagarasan R	Kuwait	45469
16	Rajeev S Kudale	Belgaum	2213807
17	S Nandini	Delhi	102948
18	Vijay Kumar	Kolkata	1235748
19	Suguna V	Visakhapatnam	1958241
20	Sindhu Sharan	Hyderabad	1351096
21	Shyam B P	Kannur	3453878
22	Dhanya	Kodungallur	4064542
23	Rajesh Bikundia	Jodhpur	1123834
24	Gurjeet Kaur Chhabra	Jalandhar	1015223
25	Bhavika Dipak Rajput	Surat	466963
26	Naval Kishore	Navi Mumbai	652275
27	G Narayanappa	Bangalore	2380120
28	Drisavy Bandita Bisoyi	Bhubaneswar	839072
29	Subimol	Ranni	4179845
30	Deepak Chatterjee	Kolkata	1299685

About Kalyan Jewellers

Headquartered in Thrissur in the state of Kerala, Kalyan Jewellers is one of the largest jewellery manufacturers and distributors in India. The company draws from its strong roots of over a century in the business of textile trading, distribution and wholesaling. Starting with the first jewellery showroom in 1993, Kalyan Jewellers has enjoyed a long-standing presence in the Indian market for over two decades.  It has set industry benchmarks in quality, transparency, pricing and innovation.

Kalyan offers an array of traditional and contemporary jewellery designs in gold, diamonds and precious stones catering to the distinct needs of the customers. Kalyan Jewellers has grown to 105 showrooms across India and West Asia.

Edit"Kalyan Jewellers announces the winners of global Campaign “Shop & Win 30 Audi A3”"

EXPLORING INTERSECTIONS OF CASTE AND GENDER AMONG MIGRANT INDUSTRIAL WORKERS’

JUNE 23, 2017LEAVE A COMMENTON EXPLORING INTERSECTIONS OF CASTE AND GENDER AMONG MIGRANT INDUSTRIAL WORKERS’

Jun 28 CPR is pleased to invite you to a talk (as part of the Social Change series) on Between ‘khet,’ ‘factory’ and ‘colony’: Exploring intersections of caste and gender among migrant industrial workers Eesha Kunduri Wednesday, 28 June 2017, 12:30 to 2:00 p.m. Conference Hall, Centre for Policy Research Photo: Antara Rai Chowdhury This presentation examines the intersections of caste and gender in the context of migration, industrial work and urban spaces. Drawing upon fieldwork in Delhi and Ludhiana, it explores how inter-state migrant workers articulate their identities in relation to caste, gender, work, and urban/rural spaces. Migration narratives display a strong undertone of negotiating with traditional village-level hierarchies of caste and gender. In several accounts, while prima facie, the process of migration is strongly represented as a means of breaking away from traditional hierarchies, the intersections of caste and gender underlie the narratives, and these traditional identities often provide context and meaning(s) to how the migration process is envisaged. Migrating for industrial work—from how it is envisioned to how work in the urban context is seen—is not independent of these identities; rather they are reinforced and reconstituted in varied ways. Contemporary forms of employment and urbanisation give rise to localised and fluid meanings of caste and caste identity, and an even more complex intersection with gender. Eesha Kunduri is a Research Associate at CPR. Her research interests broadly lie in issues of migration, industrialisation and urbanisation, with a focus on the organisation of work and labour markets. She has also been engaged in research on state-citizen relationships in Delhi’s informal settlements, as part of CPR’s urbanisation focus area. Eesha holds a Master’s degree in Development Studies from Ambedkar University, Delhi (AUD), and a Bachelor’s degree in Economics from the University of Delhi.

Edit"Exploring intersections of caste and gender among migrant industrial workers’"

PARTHIV PATEL OPENS A PANDORA’S BOX OF LITTLE SECRETS ON WHAT THE DUCK 2

JUNE 23, 2017LEAVE A COMMENTON PARTHIV PATEL OPENS A PANDORA’S BOX OF LITTLE SECRETS ON WHAT THE DUCK 2

Catch the journey of the keeper only on Viu’s What the Duck 2

Mumbai, June 23, 2017: From being the baby-faced wicket-keeper who debuted for India back in 2002, Parthiv Patel has indeed come a long way. He played with the side in the 2003 World Cup, waited eight years to make a glorifying comeback to the national fold and has now led Gujarat to their maiden Ranji Trophy win beating Mumbai this season. Get to know more about him as he takes to the pitch as the next guest on What the Duck 2. The cricket-comedy chat show that brings forth the gabby side of the cricketers available only on video-on-demand service Viu.

One of India’s most promising wicket-keeper batsman, Parthiv Patel who is often regarded as the chatter box of the Indian cricket team confesses on being a fidgety person. He chuckles and goes on to say how he needs to keep doing something or the other, to keep himself occupied. A red-faced Patel explains how it becomes worse for him when someone asks him not to do a particular thing; which compels him to do that exact thing. Adding on, he says, “So, that is why I never sit beside the emergency seat. I am always so compelled to open and see what happens. That is why when the air hostess asks me, ‘Are you ready to help?”. I say, “No, please change my seat.”

Parthiv reminisces about his debut during the India Pakistan tour in 2004. He talks about the moment when he was sleeping and suddenly former Indian captain Sourav Ganguly asked him to open for the 3rd innings. He was so both surprised and ecstatic but agreed to play on one condition that Sehwag would take that strike. At that time Sehwag, who was on a rather good form said, “Dekh mera form aacha chal raha hai, main tere liye lunga strike warna main generally first ball pe out hojata hu jab main strike leta hu” (See, currently I am in good form right now, I will take the strike for you, although generally, I get out on the first ball whenever I take the strike). Parthiv says that while Shoaib was bowling he kept praying that, ‘hey bhagwan out mat hona warna mere pe aajayega sab’, (Oh God! Please don’t get out or else I will be in trouble) but as luck would have it Sehwag was bowled out in the first ball. However, Patel says that after Rahul came, they shared a partnership of 129 runs which was the most memorable moment of his life.

Patel gloats on Dhoni by saying that he changed the face of wicket keeping in India, raising the benchmark while also making sure that the keepers had an equal opportunity for batting. It was the love of the game that kept Parthiv going and the realization that he has to buckle up and improve his game. Later when he got Gujarat its maiden win against 3-time winner Mumbai in Ranji trophy he came out as a winner.

The chatterbox talks about his big mouth tales with the Aussies. He throws light on the Steve Waugh incident and even mentions that how his family asked him not to stand behind Hayden during his matches because of his height. From observing everyone in the dressing room and Laxman teaching him the subtle art of observing people without making it obvious to getting ice creams for all the seniors, Parthiv has been there throughout. He mockingly also comments how routine is a euphemism for superstitions in the dressing room and talks about his own superstitions.

From his sledging stories to his love for everything Gujju, Parthiv definitely shows a new humorous side to his usual self. Catch all the balls of laughter from this episode of What the Duck 2. All you need to do is turn to your mobile and download the Viu app on Android or iOS.

About What The Duck:

What The Duck is a cricket comedy chat show hosted by Vikram Sathaye on the digital platform Viu. Launched alongside the Viu app in 2016, Season One of the show was a swashbuckling success with participating cricketers such as Zaheer Khan and Virender Sehwag launching the property. What The Duck also inspired Viru Ke Funde, a Viu property which established Virender Sehwag as a social media celebrity. Participating in Season Two of the show are Shikhar Dhawan, Ravichandran Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, Sir Vivian Richards, Cheteshwar Pujara, KL Rahul, Hardik Pandya, Parthiv Patel, Kapil Dev and Ajinkya Rahane among others. To Viu What The Duck 2, download the app.

Edit"Parthiv Patel opens a Pandora’s Box of little secrets on What the Duck 2"

GLOBAL ECONOMIC MONITOR (APRIL-MAY,2017)

JUNE 23, 2017LEAVE A COMMENTON GLOBAL ECONOMIC MONITOR (APRIL-MAY,2017)

 

Global economic activity has expanded at a modest pace in the recent times, supported by firming growth in major advanced economies and in some emerging market economies as well. Consequently, the global growth has been anticipated to increase to 3.5 % in 2017 and 3.6 % in 2018, with optimistic financial markets and an expected recovery in manufacturing and trade.

In advanced economies, the pickup is mainly driven by higher projected growth in the United States , where activity was held back in 2016 by inventory adjustment and weak investment. In line with stronger than expected momentum in the second half of 2016, a stronger rebound in advanced economies is expected. The outlook has also improved for Europe and Japan on the basis of a cyclical recovery in global manufacturing and trade that accelerated in the second half of 2016. The pressures for inward-looking policies, with structural problems such as low productivity growth and high income inequality, are increasing in advanced economies.

While growth is still expected to pick up for the emerging markets and developing economies, weaker than expected activity in some countries has led to small downward revisions to the growth prospects for 2017 in these economies. However, growth forecasts have been marked up for China , reflecting stronger than expected policy support, as well as for Russia , where higher oil prices strengthens the recovery in 2017 as well as 2018.

Financial stability since last October has continued to improve. Economic activity has gained momentum and long term interest rates have risen, leading to a boost in the earnings of banks and insurance companies. Market sentiments have generally been strong, with outstanding gains in equity markets in both advanced and emerging market economies. Expectations of loose fiscal policy in the United States have contributed to a stronger dollar and higher U.S. Treasury interest rates, pushing up the yields in other economies as well.

 

Headline inflation has been picking up in advanced economies, many emerging market and developing economies due to higher commodity prices, but the dynamics of core inflation in advanced economies remain passive and heterogeneous.

On the trade front, Global trade is forecasted to expand by 2.4% in 2017. However, as uncertainty about near-term economic and policy developments raise the forecast risk, this figure is placed within a range of 1.8% to 3.6%. The WTO has forecasted trade growth between 2.1 % and 4 % in 2018.

Therefore, the policy choices are important in shaping the outlook and reducing the risks. In economies with weak core inflation, cyclical demand support is necessary. In economies where the output is close to or above potential output, fiscal policy in those economies should aim at intensification of safety nets and increasing potential output. Also, strategies are required in many countries to put public debt on a sustainable path. Actions to increase potential output are needed, given the challenges from ageing of population in advanced economies and the adjustment to lower terms of trade in emerging market and developing economies, as well as slow total factor productivity growth in these economies.

To sum up, many of the challenges that the global economy faces require individual country actions to be supported by multilateral cooperation. The key areas for collective action include preserving an open trading system, safeguarding global financial stability, achieving equitable tax systems, continuing to support low income countries as the economies pursue their development goals, and mitigating and adapting to climate change in the coming time

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AFGHAN WAR WILL END ONLY WHEN NATO LEAVES

JUNE 23, 2017LEAVE A COMMENTON AFGHAN WAR WILL END ONLY WHEN NATO LEAVES

The leader of the Afghan Taliban said on Friday that a planned US troop surge will not end the protracted war in the country and vowed to fight on until a full withdrawal of NATO troops from Afghanistan. The remarks by Maulvi Haibatullah Akhunzadah came in a message ahead of the Muslim holiday of Eid al Fitr. The militant leader seemed to harden his stance, saying the Afghan government is too corrupt to stay on and warning of another civil war in Kabul.

Edit"Afghan war will end only when NATO leaves"

AUSTRIA: FEWER MIGRANTS RETURNING HOME, DESPITE CASH OFFER

JUNE 23, 2017LEAVE A COMMENTON AUSTRIA: FEWER MIGRANTS RETURNING HOME, DESPITE CASH OFFER

Austria’s Interior Ministry says that 427 migrants have taken advantage of a €1,000 premium if they go back to their homeland since the initiative was put into place, but the overall number of voluntary returnees has fallen. The ministry said 1,855 people overall returned over the first five months of the year, 64 percent less than over the same period last year. The cash for return offer was launched three months ago. The ministry said Friday that most of those making use of it come from Iraq, Afghanistan or Iran. It does not apply to would-be asylum-seekers from European countries or those convicted of crimes. media agencies

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EUTHANASIA MINDSET LOOMS OVER DISABLED BABY’S LEGAL FIGHT, ETHICIST WARNS

JUNE 23, 2017LEAVE A COMMENTON EUTHANASIA MINDSET LOOMS OVER DISABLED BABY’S LEGAL FIGHT, ETHICIST WARNS

June 22, 2017 by admin
Filed under lead story, newsletter-lead

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London, June 22, 2017: Legal efforts to bar the parents of a British baby born with a disabling medical condition from seeking treatment overseas are based on deep ethical errors, a Catholic expert in medical ethics has warned.

“It seems to me completely wrongheaded that the state should be stepping in here when the decision that the parents are making is really aimed at the best interests of the child,” Dr. Melissa Moschella, a Catholic University of America philosophy professor, told CNA.

“It’s not crazy, it’s not abusive, it’s not neglectful. It’s the decision of parents who want to, however they can, to give their very sick child a chance for life.”

She said such a decision “should be completely within the prerogative of the parent,” citing the United Nations’ Universal Declaration of Human Rights. According to Moschella, that declaration “clearly indicates that the parents, not the state will have primarily responsibility.”

Charlie Gard, now aged 10 months, is believed to suffer from a rare genetic condition called mitochondrial depletion syndrome, which causes progressive muscle weakness. The disorder is believed to affect fewer than 20 children worldwide. Charlie has been in intensive care since October 2016. He has suffered significant brain damage due to the disease and is currently fed through a tube. He breathes with an artificial ventilator and is unable to move.

His parents, Connie Yates and Chris Gard, have wanted to keep him on life support and transport him to the United States in order to try an experimental treatment.

However, their decision was challenged in court by hospitals and an attorney appointed to represent Charlie. The parents appealed a High Court decision, and their appeal to the U.K.’s Supreme Court was rejected.

Their final legal challenge is presently before the European Court of Human Rights. The court has said Charlie must continue to receive treatment until its judges make a decision.

Moschella said the legal decisions favoring ending life support for Charlie are effectively “telling the parents that their child’s life has no value and that therefore they should cease any effort to heal him of his disease.”

These decisions represent a “quality of life” ethic and an ideology that say human life is valuable only if it meets certain capacities.

“It’s the same ideology that underlies allowing euthanasia or physician assisted suicide,” she said. “That’s completely opposed to the Catholic view in which every human life has intrinsic value regardless of the quality of that life.”

Charlie’s parents have raised more than $1.6 million to help seek experimental treatment for him in the U.S. Their decision faced legal challenge from Great Ormond Street Hospital, where he is being treated.

In early April, the baby’s hospital challenged their efforts. The hospital’s experts argued in court that long-term life support should be withdrawn from the baby because his quality of life was so poor.

Charlie’s court-appointed lawyer argued before a High Court judge that any treatments in the U.S. would be experimental and long-term life-support would only “prolong the process of dying.”

Charlie’s parents had their own legal representative in the case, who argued that travel to the U.S. for treatment would not cause the boy significant suffering or harm and could give him another chance.

Yates, Charlie’s mother, has argued that she would welcome any treatment that could help him live. She also suggested anything learned during an experimental treatment could help treat future babies who suffer from the disorder.

According to Moschella, who has a background in parental rights and medical ethics, said parental rights derive both from the “special intimate relationship” they have with their child and from their primary obligations to care for their own children. Interfering with their conscientious best efforts is akin to violating religious freedom, she said.

“It is a deep violation of conscience, when, without a very serious reason, the state presents parents from fulfilling that conscientious obligation,” she said.

She noted that what Charlie’s parents are trying to do by helping secure extraordinary treatment is not ethically required by Catholic ethics.

“It would be perfectly morally acceptable should they choose to forgo seeking further treatment and take the baby off life support and allow him to pass away naturally due to the underlying disease,” the professor said. “But it’s also acceptable, on Catholic ethics, to do whatever you can to heal a person if you think that there’s any chance that a treatment could have a positive effect.”

She suggested that extraordinary treatment could be unethical only when “there is absolutely no hope of any benefit whatsoever” and the treatment is painful to the patient, or the treatment would take away “important resources that are needed to help other patients who could benefit.”

Moschella said there should only be legal intervention against the wishes of parents in cases “when there is a clear case of abuse or neglect or some significant threat to the public order.”

“Neither of those situations is the case here.”

– cna

Edit"Euthanasia mindset looms over disabled baby’s legal fight, ethicist warns"

NBA AND BASKETBALL AUSTRALIA OFFICIALLY OPEN

JUNE 23, 2017LEAVE A COMMENTON NBA AND BASKETBALL AUSTRALIA OFFICIALLY OPEN

THE NBA GLOBAL ACADEMY FOR TOP PROSPECTS FROM OUTSIDE THE U.S.

– The NBA Global Academy to Host First-Ever NBA Academy Games

for Prospects from Academies in Africa, Australia, China and India –

MELBOURNE AND NEW YORK, June 23, 2017 – The National Basketball Association (NBA) and Basketball Australia (BA) today announced the official opening of The NBA Global Academy, an elite basketball training center at BA’s Centre of Excellence at the Australian Institute of Sport in Canberra.  The NBA Global Academy will serve as the NBA’s hub for top male and female prospects from outside the United States.

As part of today’s announcement, the NBA and BA also announced that the first-ever NBA Academy Games will begin tomorrow and run through June 30 at The NBA Global Academy.  The series of exhibition games will include prospects from The NBA Global Academy, NBA Academies in Africa, China and India, along with a team from BA’s Centre of Excellence and local Australian youth teams.

“Basketball Australia is delighted to partner in this venture, which will enable our world-class coaches and athletes to share their knowledge with the NBA,” said Basketball Australia Chief Executive Officer, Anthony Moore.  “Our Centre of Excellence has an incredible track record of producing athletes who can compete on the international stage.  We are honoured to be hosting The NBA Global Academy and helping to develop promising young talent from around the world.”

“The NBA Global Academy, the league’s sixth international elite training center, will provide scholarships and training for top international prospects,” said NBA Vice President, International Basketball Operations & Head of Elite Basketball, Brooks Meek.  “Basketball Australia’s internationally recognized coaches have successfully developed top prospects for many decades.  We’re looking forward to working with BA on this initiative and conducting the first NBA Academy Games.”

In addition to exhibition games between the academies and local Australian teams, The NBA Academy Games will feature academy coaches leading the prospects through a variety of activities on and off the court, including movement efficiency, positional skill development, and daily life skills seminars focusing on health, leadership and communication.

The NBA Global Academy will employ a holistic, 360-degree approach to player development with focuses on education, leadership, character development and life skills.  As part of the program, the students will compete against top competition throughout the year and will have an opportunity to be selected for travel teams that play in international tournaments and exhibition games.

The official opening of The NBA Global Academy follows the launch of academies in Hangzhou, Jinan and Urumqi, China; Thies, Senegal; and Delhi National Capital Region (NCR), India.  NBA Academies include educational development for top international male and female prospects and mark the NBA’s most significant investment in elite player development.  The initiative exposes elite prospects to NBA-level coaching, facilities and competition and provides a global framework for elite prospects to maximize their success.

The NBA Global Academy will take advantage of BA’s Centre of Excellence location at the world-renowned Australian Institute of Sport (AIS).  The AIS campus in Canberra is home to world-class, elite high-performance facilities and leading sports practitioners in the fields of sports science, sports medicine and coaching.  AIS is a world leader in high performance and is the flagship of the Australian Sports Commission, the Australian Government’s sports agency.

Basketball Australia previously supported the NBA and FIBA’s Basketball without Borders (BWB) Asia camp, which was held in Australia for the first time at Dandenong Basketball Stadium in Melbourne in June 2016.

###

Contacts

Lisa Hasker, Basketball Australia, +61 418 194 933, lisa.hasker@basketball.net.au

Roger Ong, NBA Asia, +852-2843-9623, rong@nba.com

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EU AGREES TO ROLL OVER RUSSIA ECO- SANCTION

JUNE 23, 2017LEAVE A COMMENTON EU AGREES TO ROLL OVER RUSSIA ECO- SANCTION

European Union agreed to roll over economic sanctions against Russia for another six months because Moscow has failed to meet its Ukraine ceasefire commitments.

EU president Donald Tusk yesterday said that the Union will extend economic sanctions against Russia for their lack of implementing the Minsk agreement. He said the decision will become effective on July 31, when the current measures are to expire.

The EU imposed the economic sanctions against Russia after the shooting down of Malaysia Airlines flight MH17 in July 2014 with heavy loss of life, blamed by the EU on pro-Russian rebels in eastern Ukraine.

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ANOTHER 30 SMART CITIES

JUNE 23, 2017LEAVE A COMMENTON ANOTHER 30 SMART CITIES

Government today announced the names of another 30 cities for development as smart cities under Smart City Mission. With this the total number of smart cities has gone up to 90.

Thiruvananthapuram in Kerala has topped the list. Announcing the new batch of smart cities at a National Workshop on Urban Transformation, in New Delhi, Urban development Minister M Venkaiah Naidu said, 45 cities contested for 40 available smart city slots but only 30 were selected.

He said, there will be no compromise in selection of cities and quality of smart city plans. Mr Naidu said, 20 cities will be contesting for the remaining 10 slots under smart city mission.

The Minister informed that the 30 cities announced today proposed a total investment of 57 thousand 393 crore rupees under respective smart city plans. With this the total investment approved under the smart city plans of 90 cities has gone up to one lakh 91 thousand 155 crore rupees.

Mr Naidu said selection of cities for smart city development is running ahead of schedule and the remaining cities will submit revised smart city plans for filling up the vacant slots.

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MOB STONE TO DEATH DSP IN SRINAGAR

JUNE 23, 2017LEAVE A COMMENTON MOB STONE TO DEATH DSP IN SRINAGAR

Jammu & Kashmir, A deputy superintendent of police was stoned to death by an irate mob after he allegedly opened fire at a group of people outside Jamia Masjid, Srinagar in the early hours today.

The police officer has been identified as Mohammad Ayub Pandit, deputy superintendent in Security wing of police. He was on duty when the mob attacked him, a police spokesman said.
DGP S P Vaid termed the killing as sad and unfortunate.Another report said the irate mob of people caught him clicking pictures near Jamia Masjid in early hours today.

A Police statement said he was attacked and beaten to death by a mob at Nowhatta last night.Reports said the group of people caught hold the DySP in civvies outside Jamia Masjid in Nowhatta and thrashed him. Reports said the mob around him snatched his pistol and beat the police officer to death. The incident happened when Shab-e-Qadr prayers were under way in the historic mosque.

Meanwhile, chief minister Mehbooba Mufti while paying tributes to the police officer said “the crime of lynching is actually a murder of trust as the officer had allowed his guards to go home”. She said J&K police is one of the finest forces in the country who exercise maximum restraint while dealing with law and order situation.

Rahul Gandhi

7 mins · 

The brutal lynching of DySP Md Ayub Pandith marks a new low. Pained beyond words at the horrific incident.

Heartbreaking to see J&K being pushed back several decades because of the complete failure of the PDP/BJP Govt

Edit"Mob stone to death DSP in Srinagar"

ISRO LAUNCH CARTOSAT-2

JUNE 23, 2017LEAVE A COMMENTON ISRO LAUNCH CARTOSAT-2

ISRO has successfully launched PSLV C-38 this morning putting Cartosat-2 Series remote sensing earth observation satellite and 30 other nano-satellites into their orbits. The fortieth flight of its highly reliable polar satellite launch vehicle lifted off from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikotta at 9.29 am.

Around 16 minutes after lift-off, the rocket placed its main payload -Cartosat-2 Series Satellite in orbit. The satellite is the sixth in the Cartosat-2 series. It is the third earth observation satellite for India in space. It will provide spot-specific pictures in high resolution.

The imagery of Cartosat-2 series satellite will be useful cartographic applications, urban and rural applications, coastal land use and regulation and creation of land use maps. It will also be useful for utility management like road network monitoring, water distribution, Land Information System and Geographical Information System applications.

Out of the 30 nano-satellites 29 belongs to foreign customers from 14 countries including France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Britain and the United States. The other is a domestic payload of a private educational institution.

ISRO chairman A S Kiran Kumar congratulated the scientists after the mission was declared a success, saying, it comes just 18 days after the fruitful maiden test flight of the 4-ton class launch vehicle GSLV Mark-III.

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CELEBRATING #YOGADAY2017 AT THE FRENCH EMBASSY

JUNE 23, 2017LEAVE A COMMENTON CELEBRATING #YOGADAY2017 AT THE FRENCH EMBASSY

French Embassy in India / Ambassade de France en Inde 

21 June at 12:08 · 

Celebrating #YogaDay2017 at the French Embassy and enjoying India’s precious gift to the world!

Naresh Kumar Sagar

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NDA: COUNTRY FIRST, NOT POLITICS, SAYS RN KOVIND AFTER FILING NOMINATION :

JUNE 23, 2017LEAVE A COMMENTON NDA: COUNTRY FIRST, NOT POLITICS, SAYS RN KOVIND AFTER FILING NOMINATION :

NDA Presidential candidate Ram Nath Kovind, speaking to reporters after filing the nomination papers, Mr Kovind said, office of president is the highest constitutional post and in the past it has been adorned by eminent personalities like Dr Rajendra Prasad, Dr Radhkrishnan, Dr A P J Abdul Kalam. Further the septuagenarian added, it was country first, not politics. “Ever since I became governor, I don’t belong to any political party.  The post of President is above party politics. I am thankful to everybody for their support. I will strive to keep President’s post above party politics. Development is priority. I appeal to all for cooperation.”

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, BJP president Amit Shah, BJP veterans Lal Krishna Advani and Murli Manohar Joshi, Chief Ministers of  BJP ruled states and NDA allies ruled states and the heads of some other parties supporting Mr Kovind’s candidature were also present on the occasion.

All chief ministers of BJP-ruled states and its allies except Manohar Parrikar of Goa and Mehbooba Mufti of Jammu and Kashmir were present. Telangana chief minister K Chandrashekar Rao and Tamil Nadu chief minister Edappadi K Palaniswami were among those present.

Over-viewing presidential colleges besides NDA constituents, which comprise over 48.6 per cent of votes in the electoral college that will elect the next president, regional parties such as the AIADMK, BJD, TRS and JD(U) have announced their support to the Dalit leader, making his win an almost foregone conclusion. Kovind is guaranteed to get more than 61 per cent of votes, and the finally tally depends on how some still- undecided regional parties vote, BJP source said.

UPA ,opposition candidate for the post Ms Meira Kumar is excepted to file her nomination on 27th of this month. 28th June is the last date for filing the nomination. The election for the President post is scheduled for 17th of next month and counting of votes will take place on 20th of July.

The term of President Pranab Mukherjee ends on July 24. Once elected, Kovind will be the second Dalit to occupy the highest constitutional office.

The first was K R Narayanan, who was in the Rashtrapati Bhavan in 1997-2002. A low-profile Dalit leader who held various organisational positions in the BJP, Kovind, 71, was made the Bihar Governor in 2015 after the NDA came to power in May 2014.

The name of the two-term Rajya Sabha member did not figure among the probables but his nomination by the BJP is now being seen as a “political masterstroke”.

He enjoys a clean reputation and has steered clear of any controversy in his over 26-year-old political career. His Dalit background makes him a sound political choice for the saffron party working overtime to woo Dalits.

RJD chief Lalu Prasad today again appealed to Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar not to make a “historic blunder” by extending support to the NDA nominee for the presidential poll.

Describing the combined opposition nominee Meira Kumar as “Bihar ki Beti” (daughter of Bihar), Prasad appealed to Kumar to “mend the historic blunder” of supporting NDA candidate Ram Nath Kovind.

“We are still treading on the path you had suggested to make the country ‘Sangh-mukt’…don’t know what made Kumar move away and extend support to a RSS man,” Prasad told reporters on his arrival at the Jayprakash Narayan Airport at Patna from New Delhi.

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GERMAN BILL TO VOTE ON GAG SOCIALMEDIA HATEPOSTS ?

JUNE 24, 2017LEAVE A COMMENTON GERMAN BILL TO VOTE ON GAG SOCIALMEDIA HATEPOSTS ?

The German Media Gagged

The legislature in German parliament is soon  to ride ,gag an scuttle the media at large with such massive fine for fake news or hate speech is incongruous for media fraternity as the news are not always from the grass root,or primary,first  source, but is from various tale told in form of accounts and depend on the intellect and wisdom of the conveyor accounts  thus news are likely to be essentially  some percent of falseness.

Media being targeted for their imperfect stance with such massive fine i unpalatable and against human rights.

Germany’s governing parties have cleared the way for parliament to vote on legislation designed to get illegal content such as hate speech or defamatory fake news removed quickly from social networking sites. The legislation provides for fines of up to €50 million for sites that fail to remove such content. The Cabinet approved it in April. It then encountered strong criticism, including fears that networks would delete too many posts to avoid the risk of fines. Chancellor Angela Merkel’s conservative bloc said the governing parties agreed Friday to amendments that would allow for a vote next week.

Media agencies

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EU PUBLICLY TRADING BARBS OVER JOB & MIGRANTS

JUNE 24, 2017LEAVE A COMMENTON EU PUBLICLY TRADING BARBS OVER JOB & MIGRANTS

France’s Macron, eastern Europeans try to mend fences

French President Emmanuel Macron and four eastern EU leaders sought to smooth relations on Friday after publicly trading barbs over jobs and democratic values. Macron has vowed to protect French workers from what he sees as “social dumping,” in which companies employ cheaper labor, and unfair competition from the poorer eastern European states. Poland, Hungary, Slovakia and the Czech Republic say they should be allowed to compete on lower prices – just as more developed western EU nations compete on quality products and know-how. A diplomatic source said the five leaders had agreed to meet again in September.

EU leaders pledged Friday to boost their support for conflict-ravaged Libya as the number of people fleeing Africa on crowded, unsafe boats for better lives in Europe continues to rise. European Council President Donald Tusk said the central Mediterranean Sea route to Italy for unauthorized migrants “remains critical in terms of irregular arrivals.” To help prevent people from setting out for Europe in un-seaworthy boats, the leaders committed to step up their backing of the Libyan coastguard by providing more training and equipment.

RT news

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CHINA, US AGREE AIM OF ‘COMPLETE, IRREVERSIBLE’ KOREAN DENUCLEARIZATION

JUNE 24, 2017LEAVE A COMMENTON CHINA, US AGREE AIM OF ‘COMPLETE, IRREVERSIBLE’ KOREAN DENUCLEARIZATION

China and the United States agreed that efforts to denuclearize the Korean Peninsula should be “complete, verifiable and irreversible”, Chinese state media said on Saturday, reporting the results of high level talks in Washington this week. “Both sides reaffirm that they will strive for the complete, verifiable and irreversible denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula,” a consensus document released by the official Xinhua news agency said. US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson had said on Thursday that the United States pressed China to ramp up economic and political pressure on North Korea, during his meeting with top Chinese diplomats and defense chiefs.RT news

Edit"China, US agree aim of ‘complete, irreversible’ Korean denuclearization"

“TRANSFORMING INDIA DIALOGUES’ BEING ORGANISED ON JUNE 28 – 2017

JUNE 24, 2017LEAVE A COMMENTON “TRANSFORMING INDIA DIALOGUES’ BEING ORGANISED ON JUNE 28 – 2017

Dear Sir/ Madam

Namaskar

 

This is to cordially invite you to “Transforming India Dialogues‘ being organised on June 28that 4.00PM at Deputy Chairman Hall, Constitution Club of India (Nearest Metro Station-Patel Chowk).

 

Speaker – Shri. Jayant Sinha, Minister of State for Civil Aviation

 

Chair – Dr Vinay Sahasrabuddhe, Member of Parliament, Rajya Sabha and Vice Chairman of Rambhau Mhalgi Prabodhini

 

Invitation card – Enclosed

​

Kindly note that the invitation is non-transferrable and entry is by invitation only. 

 

A line of confirmation would be very helpful.

 

—

Sincerely

—–

Prashant Chauhan

Rambhau Mhalgi Prabodhini

136, North Avenue, New Delhi-110001

Ph-9999486030, 9540876719

Edit"“Transforming India Dialogues’ being organised on June 28 – 2017"

GDP GROWTH RATE OF 7.1% IN 2016-17

JUNE 24, 2017LEAVE A COMMENTON GDP GROWTH RATE OF 7.1% IN 2016-17

NirmalOm news line

Just now ·

EAC Newsletter
May-June 2017
According to the provisional estimates of national accounts released by the Central Statistics Office recently, the real GDP (at constant prices) registered a growth rate of 7.1% in 2016-17 though lower than 8% registered in 2015-16 are in line with expectations vis-à-vis impact of demonetization on various sectors of the economy such as mining, manufacturing, construction and trade sectors. The growth of agriculture and allied sector increased significantly while manufacturing, construction, mining and trade & services sectors faced contraction in their respective growth rates. Manufacturing sector’s growth declined from 10.8% in 2015-16 to 7.9% in 2016-17; growth in construction sector declined from 5% in 2015-16 to 1.7% in 2016-17; growth in mining sector declined from 10.5% in 2015-16 to 1.8% in 2016-17 and growth in trade & services declined from 10.5% in 2015-16 to 7.8% in 2016-17.

International Organizations such as World Bank is optimistic on India ’s growth. According to a Report of South Asia Economic Focus of World Bank, India ’s economic momentum is anticipated to speed up from 6.8 % in 2016 to 7.2 % by 2018 after an unpretentious delay due to weaker than expected investments and the effects of the withdrawal of large denomination bank notes. IMF in its recent regional economic outlook finds that growth in India is projected to bounce back to 7.2% in the 2017-18 fiscal and 7.7% in 2018-19 after the disruptions caused by demonetization.

Consequently, RBI has kept the policy repo rate under the liquidity adjustment facility (LAF) unchanged at 6.25% in Second Bi-monthly Monetary Policy of 2017-18, the reverse repo rate under the LAF at 6% and marginal standing facility (MSF) rate and the Bank Rate at 6.5%. However, a rate cut was expected from the RBI as inflation is in the comfortable zone and supply side is expected to improve with a good monsoon on the cards as forecasted by India Meteorological Department (IMD).

At the macro-economic front, the lead indicators are in comfortable trajectory as the Index of Industrial Production (IIP) registered a growth of 3.1% in April 2017 from 2.7% in the month of March 2017 while the WPI inflation and CPI inflation have declined in the month of May 2017. Also, India ’s merchandise exports and merchandize imports continued with a growth rate of 8.3% and 33.09% respectively in May 2017. However, the eight core infrastructure industries have showed 2.5% growth in output for April 2017 from 5.3% in March 2017 on account of negative growth in coal, cement and crude oil.

On the policy front, cabinet approved slew of reforms such as providing preference to domestically manufactured iron & steel products in government procurement, approval to National Steel Policy 2017, pan-India implementation of maternity benefit program and phasing out of Foreign Investment Promotion Board (FIPB), among others. Also, significant changes were made to change the definition of startups such as increase in the age of startups to seven years, no requirement of letter of recommendation from incubator/industry association and potential of job and wealth creation. Also, Goods and Services Tax Council has finalized the tax rates on 80-90% of the goods and services under the four-slab structure with important items of daily use being kept in the lowest bracket of 5%.

Going ahead, a good GDP growth is expected in 2017-18 with the expectations of a good monsoon and implementation of GST. Moderation in inflationary scenario, revival in growth of exports coupled with various structural reforms such as Insolvency & Bankruptcy Code, among others will attract private investments and support the growth of the economy in the coming times.

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CHRISTIANS PROTEST AGAINST HARASSMENT IN MADHYA PRADESH

JUNE 24, 2017LEAVE A COMMENTON CHRISTIANS PROTEST AGAINST HARASSMENT IN MADHYA PRADESH

June 23, 2017; admin   

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Madhya Pradesh, June 23, 2017: Some 300 Christian leaders and pastors gathered in Bhopal, central India, on June 20 to protest against what they called state-sponsored harassment of Christians at the behest of extremist Hindu organizations.

In the last month police in Madhya Pradesh state have registered at least three false cases against Christians, accusing them of trying to convert Hindus, the gathering was told.

Priests, nuns, pastors and lay leaders at the protest reiterated their commitment to evangelization despite challenges, and expressed anger over the government’s “apathy” toward Hindu hardliners and not ensuring religious freedom for all.

In the most recent case, Sister Beena Joseph, a member of the Carmelite Sisters of St Teresa congregation, along with four tribal women were arrested on a train to Bhopal. She was released after being interrogated on June 15, only to be slapped with abduction charges the next day, the gathering was told.

Police said they were responding to complaints from Hindu groups, who critics say are attempting to build a Hindu-only India.

Pastor C.P. Singh, who addressed the gathering said it is not only missionaries “but even police … are facing similar harassment from right-wing Hindu groups if they do not toe their line.”

Other speakers at the gathering said Christian leaders should find ways to use legal provisions to protect and safeguard the interests of the Christian community as the Indian Constitution guarantees the right to “profess and propagate a religion of choice.”

http://www.thecsf.org

– ucan

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‘TRANSFORMERS’ ACTOR GLORIFIES GOD

JUNE 24, 2017LEAVE A COMMENTON ‘TRANSFORMERS’ ACTOR GLORIFIES GOD

‘Transformers’ actor glorifies God for helping him overcome drug dealing, suicidal thoughts

June 23, 2017 by admin

U.S., June 23, 2017: From selling drugs to joining the Navy SEALs, actor Remi Adeleke is giving God all of the credit for his role in the new blockbuster movie, “Transformers: The Last Knight.”

Adeleke, who plays a TRF lieutenant in the film that released in movie theaters nationwide on Tuesday, made his I AM SECOND debut where he spoke about his childhood growing up in the Bronx, New York, and the absence of a male role model in his life which led to him stealing from his mother and selling drugs. His father was a well-known engineer in Nigeria, but following his death in 1987 Adeleke and his mother moved to New York City.

In 2002, Adeleke joined the Navy SEALs and began training in Alaska after he heard a voice urging him to go.

“One day I was laying in bed, a voice kept on pressing upon me that I needed to join the military,” he recalled in his I AM SECOND testimony. “While I would walk through this wilderness I had time to reflect in the silence. I started thinking about how I treated my mom and people I love.”

The yearning for a paternal presence turned into one of the lowest points of Adeleke’s life where he contemplated suicide. It was then that he began to call on the name of Jesus.

“I started having suicidal thoughts. I was at the lowest point of my life,” he recalled. “I didn’t know anything about the Bible but I just literally began to cry out to Jesus.”

Adeleke began to surround himself with other Christians who were serious about embodying biblical principles.

“All I wanted to do was to be with Him,” he recalled.

After spending 13 years in the military, Adeleke said God told him, “it’s time for you to move on.”

But Adeleke found himself growing angry with God when opportunities were not awaiting him after he retired from the Navy SEALs. Adeleke expected his phone to be ringing off the hook. Instead, he found himself worrying about how he would take care of his wife and unborn baby with only six months-worth of savings.

“We contemplated getting a divorce,” Adeleke admitted. “I got so frustrated. I got mad at God. ”

God didn’t forsake Adeleke and his family. A Hollywood film advisor whom he previously worked with on a television show was looking to cast him for “Transformers.”

“She said, ‘I’ve been trying to find you for a movie that is filming tomorrow. ‘The Transformers,’” Adeleke recounted. “The director was Michael Bay, the same one who inspired me to be a SEAL.”

Looking back at his testimony, the budding actor believes God had a hand in it all.

“You know, when I look at my story from the Bronx, to the military, to a marriage, being a father, now having a career in acting — if there’s one word to sum it up: God,”  said Adeleke, who’s the father of two young children. “He’s been with me throughout my entire life. He’s used it all to bring me to where I’m at today.”

When speaking to the Life of Valor men’s ministry created by another Navy SEAL, Adeleke said he’s now using all of those experiences to glorify God.

“I truly believe that God allowed me to go through all that I went through in order to make me the man I am today,” he said. “He was building my story; a story that would one day be used for His glory.”

thecsf.org

– christian post

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UN REWARDS BEST PUBLIC SERVICE INITIATIVES WORLDWIDE

JUNE 24, 2017LEAVE A COMMENTON UN REWARDS BEST PUBLIC SERVICE INITIATIVES WORLDWIDE

                               

23 June 2017

UNIC/PRESS RELEASE/074-2017

UN Rewards Best Public Service Initiatives Worldwide

India recognized for its innovative public service project to advance Sustainable Development Goals

12 institutions from 11 countries were recognized by the United Nations on UN Public Service Day for their innovation and excellence in providing public services. The Day highlights the pivotal role of public services in the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The UN Public Service Day is celebrated every year to recognize public service innovations and excellence that have led to more effective and inclusive public service delivery contributing to the achievement of the SDGs in countries worldwide.

The 2017 Public Service Awards winners were announced during the UN Public Service Forum “The Future is Now – Accelerating Public Service Innovation for Agenda 2030” held from 22 to23 June in The Hague, Netherland.

Rewarding a wide range of projects worldwide

The Awards ceremony featured various initiatives that are helping to improve people’s lives. In Argentina, an initiative has provided quality early childhood education to neighbourhoods in extreme needs. An initiative in Australia was recognised that promotes transparency and inclusiveness in use of public fund and resources. In Thailand, a project has provided quality care to elders. In Botswana, the effective waste management system has been implemented to improve communities.

One of the winners this year is from India.  It is the Department of Women, Child Development and Social Welfare of West Bengal for its initiative Kanyashree Prakalpa. 

This initiative aims to improve the status of adolescent girls from socio-economically disadvantaged families in West Bengal by providing cash transfer to girls who stay in school and unmarried, which prevents child marriage.

“Kanyashree Prakalpa provides a safety net for those vulnerable families who are forced, by tradition, social compulsion or poverty, to truncate the education of their daughters and contract them to child marriages. Kanyashree makes a promise to every girl child: she can now confidently achieve her goal of a full education, for it shields her from being married off as a child”, said Dr. ShashiPanja, Minister of State (Independent Charge), Department of Women and Child Development & Social Welfare of India.

Other award winners include projects to provide inclusive access to quality health care in Ecuador, a scholarship for adolescent girls to combat child marriage in India, and productive water management system in France. The winners were awarded on 23 June, which is UN Public Service Day.

Sharing innovative initiatives by public institutions:

Also on the occasion of UN Public Service day, a two-day Forum was held in the Hague in the Netherlands to allow ministers, senior public servants, civil society representatives, young people and experts to share innovations and lessons learned on mobilizing public servants and public services to realize the SDGs.

“We need to mobilize the best expertise of public servants to transform institutions and put people at the centre of public service. We need to mobilize their creativity and empower them to take risks and try new ways of doing things.  In brief, we need innovation so that no one is left behind”, said Thomas Gass, UN Assistant Secretary-General for Policy Coordination and Inter-Agency Affairs.

The Forum bolstered the capacities of governments to respond in innovative ways to the challenges posed by implementation of the SDGs, in a range of areas, from energy and employment to children’s well being and improving the lives of the poorest and most vulnerable people.

The Forum was organized by the Ministry of Interior and Kingdom Relations of the Netherlands and the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA), Division for Public Administration and Development Management.

List of countries awarded

The 2017 Public Service Awards winners are from the following countries:  1st place winners: Argentina, Armenia, Australia, Colombia, Ecuador, India, Mongolia, United Kingdom 2nd place winners: Botswana, Colombia, France, Thailand

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BESTE NARESH, BEZOEK RAI AMSTERDAM

JUNE 24, 2017LEAVE A COMMENTON BESTE NARESH, BEZOEK RAI AMSTERDAM

Bekijk het complete agenda overzicht » E-mail niet juist weergegeven? Bekijk in uw webbrowser.

Beste Naresh, —— Bezoek RAI Amsterdam en waan je bij elk evenement in een andere wereld. Laat je verrassen en verrijken door innovatieve producten, kennis, creativiteit en zoveel meer. Ontmoet mensen van ver en van dichtbij. Een bezoek verlegt grenzen, het inspireert. Beleef het zelf tijdens één van onze evenementen dit jaar.

‘Start up your Event’-pitch Deadline voor deelname: 7 september 2017 Heb jij een idee of concept voor een nieuwe beurs die je wilt organiseren? Dit is je kans! We hebben een pitch uitgeschreven voor startende beursconcepten. Met deze pitch stellen wij naast beursoppervlak ook de kennis en expertise die nodig is bij het organiseren van evenementen beschikbaar. Lees meer Kickstart jouw nieuwe beurs! »

Zomerparkeren bij de RAI voor slechts €12,50 14 juli t/m 31 augustus 2017 Bent u van plan om in de zomer een dagje of een paar dagen naar Amsterdam komen? Dan kunt u, voor maar €12,50 per dag, voordelig parkeren bij de RAI. Maar let op! Deze korting geldt alleen als u de parkeerkaarten in onze parkeerwebshop bestelt. Lees meer Bestel uw zomerparkeerkaarten »

Hollywood komt naar Amsterdam! 2 t/m 3 september 2017 Comic Con komt terug naar Amsterdam! Neem een kijkje in de Artist Alley, Comic World, Merchandise Area & Cosplay Universe. Ontmoet Hollywood-sterren tijdens foto- en handtekeningensessies of panels. Ook games, manga/anime, wrestling & superhelden vind je terug in de RAI. Kaartjes vanaf €10. Lees meer Bestel snel tickets »

Aankomende evenementen ——— 24 jun t/m 27 jun 2017 3rd EAN Congress 27 jun t/m 29 jun 2017 TOC Europe 2017 9 jul t/m 10 jul 2017 MODEFABRIEK 2017 Bekijk alle evenementen

Over——— Contact——— Volg ons——— De RAI Amsterdam E-Newsletter is een publicatie van RAI Amsterdam, Postbus 77777, 1070 MS te Amsterdam. T.    +31 20 549 1212 E.    organisers@rai.nl

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DRIVING ENTREPRENEURSHIP THROUGH SMES’

JUNE 24, 2017LEAVE A COMMENTON DRIVING ENTREPRENEURSHIP THROUGH SMES’

Driving Entrepreneurship through SMEs’ to be held on July 3, 2017 at Multipurpose Hall, IIC, New Delhi.

Key Panellists Invited:

• Mr. Ramesh Abhishek, Secretary, Department of Industrial Policy & Promotion
• Mr. Surendra Nath Tripathi, Additional Secretary, Ministry Of Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises
• Mr. Ravindra Nath, Chairman & Managing Director, National Small Industries Corporation Limited (NSIC)
• Ms. Jyoti Khanna, Promoter, Nipa International Pvt Ltd

Agenda:

Pahle India Foundation – YES Global Institute Monthly Seminar Series on SMEs ‘Driving Entrepreneurship through SMEs’ July 3, 2017                  IIC, New Delhi
2:30 pm onwards	Registration
3:00 pm – 3:10 pm	Introductory Remarks: Dr. Rajiv Kumar, Founding Director, Pahle India Foundation Sumit Gupta, Group President &National Head Business and Rural Banking, YES BANK
3:10 pm – 4:30 pm	Panel Discussion (Moderated by Dr. Rajiv Kumar)
4:30 pm – 4:55 pm	Q&A
4:55 pm – 5:00 pm	Vote of thanks by Nirupama Soundararajan, Senior Fellow, Pahle India Foundation
5:00 pm onwards	Networking & Tea

 

For any further information, please get in touch with:

Anil Kumar, Pahle India Foundation

E-mail: anil.kumar@pahleindia.org Mob: +91 8826408889

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2ND NATIONAL HIGHER EDUCATION SUMMIT FOR SKILL DEVELOPMENT

JUNE 24, 2017LEAVE A COMMENTON 2ND NATIONAL HIGHER EDUCATION SUMMIT FOR SKILL DEVELOPMENT

Invitation to Join 

2nd National Higher Education Summit For Skill DevelopmentAlong With 11th National Education Summit 2017Hall no. 4, Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi30th June, 2017, 10.30 AM Onwards 

CMAI Association of India cordially invites you as our VIP Delegate to 2nd National Higher Education Summit for Skill Development along with 11th National Education Summit on 30th June, 2017 at Hall No. 4, Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi from 10.30 AM onwards. We personally request to please give confirmation on email.

This is a unique platform to get connected with hundreds of Institutes/Universities and Higher Education Decision Makers, Government representatives , Principals, University Vice Chancellors and Private Managements running Institutes and decision makers available at one single point.

The Summit will be graced by:-

• Hon’ble Prof. Anil D. Sahasrabudhe, Chairman, AICTE
• Hon’ble Sh. Rakesh Kumar Chaturvedi, IAS, Chairman, CBSE
• Hon’ble Prof. Dr. P.B Sharma, President, Association of Indian Universities
• Hon’ble Prof. Dr. Navin Seth, Vice Chancellor, Gujarat Technological University
• Hon’ble Prof. (Dr.) RK Khandal, Former VC, UPTU (Lucknow)
• Hon’ble Sh. Vikas Jain, Chairman, Micromax

This is rare conference with stakeholders from Representatives from NIELIT, NIXI, several officials from Government of India and other Telecom & IT Associations of India will be participating in this event, which will be extensively covered by the media. The Summit will also be attended by Industry experts, HR/Marketing people etc from companies such as HP, CISCO, Datawind, Microsoft etc.

Agenda

10.30AM- 11.00AM – Collection of Invitation card and parking stickers for entry (East Gate)
11.00AM- 12.00PM- VC’s/Directors Conference on Education
12.00PM- 01.30PM- National Education Summit & Awards 2016
01.30PM onwards – Networking Lunch

Kindly find the invitation card before the signatures in PDF version (request to please download and carry a copy of the card).

You are requested to kindly carry an ID Proof and copy of the invitation card for your smooth entry at the venue.

Details are available athttp://nationaleducationaward.com/NEA2017/

Request to please send confirmation by email

In case you have any queries or seek any clarifications, please call Pooja Sharma, AGM, +91 9654894854 or our Helpline Numbers: 011-26266211/ 011-26266411 (10.00AM-06.00PM)

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KIDAMBI SRIKANTH WINS AUSTRALIA OPEN SUPER SERIES

JUNE 25, 2017LEAVE A COMMENTON KIDAMBI SRIKANTH WINS AUSTRALIA OPEN SUPER SERIES

BAI announced a cash reward of Rs. 5 lakhs for Kidambi Srikanth forwinning Australia Open Super Series. He won his fourth superseries title

Badminton, ace Indian shuttler Kidambi Srikanth today lifted the Australian Open Superseries trophy in Sydney. In the summit clash, 11th world ranked Srikanth stunned former world number one and Rio Olympics Gold medalist Chen Long of China in straight games, 22-20, 21-16. It was Srikanth’s first victory over the Chinese in 6 matches.

The trophy is Srikanth’s second this season and fourth overall. He had won the Indonesian Open last week.

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NATIONAL MISSION FOR CLEAN GANGA: THE CHALLENGES AHEAD

JUNE 25, 2017LEAVE A COMMENTON NATIONAL MISSION FOR CLEAN GANGA: THE CHALLENGES AHEAD

National Mission for Clean Ganga: The challenges ahead:                                                                                                                     

                                                                                                                   K.N.Pathak

Before the advent of the National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG), Ganga, the most revered and national river of India, was facing the challenge to its existence due to discharge of increasing quantities of sewage, trade effluents and other pollutants on account of rapid urbanization and industrialization. The stretch of Ganga covers a length of 2525 kilometers across five states namely Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand and West Bengal. It has a catchment area of 8,61,404 square km covering over a quarter of country’s land area and sustaining 46% of the total population of the country. It touches 118 towns and 1657 Gram Panchayats across 66 districts of 5 states of India.

The National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG), created in June, 2014, is being supported by State level Programme Management Groups (SPMGs) of Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Bihar, Jharkhand and west Bengal. The main activities undertaken under Namami Gange include sewage and effluent management including creation of new and rehabilitation of existing STPs, complete sanitation coverage of Gram Panchayats, development of model cremation/dhobi ghats, development of decision support system in GIS platform for efficient planning and monitoring and creation of an IT based monitoring centre with capabilities of real time alerts and prediction. For long term protection and rejuvenation, a provision has been made for 100% funding for the entire life time cost of the treatment of assets created including O&M cost for 10 years. Due importance has also been accorded to bio diversity, conservation, maintenance of flow in the river and afforestation along river side with medicinal and native plant species along with conservation of aquatic species.

The expenditure incurred on Namami Gange in the first three years, (ie; 2014-2015 to 2016-17) is Rs 3673.00 crore. For the current year (2017-18), an amount of Rs 2300 crore has been allocated in the budget. It is however, observed that the pace of utilization of fund under this programme has not been satisfactory. The slow implementation of project is attributed to delay in tendering, retendering, non- availability of land, legal issues, natural calamities, delay in permission for road cutting, crossing, local festivals, higher fund requirement and pending  approvals of state Cabinet etc.  Regular monitoring meeting of NMCG with concerned state is expected to help in expediting the pace of the projects implementation and eliminating bottlenecks in making land available and clear the projects through tendering.

The Order issued through the Gazette of India on 7thOctober, 2016 constituting River Ganga (Rejuvenation, Protection and management) Authorities under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 lays down a new institutional structure for policy and implementation in fast track manner and empowers NMCG to discharge its functions in independent and accountable manner. The said Authority has its jurisdiction spread over 5 states along the main stem of Ganga and 5 states and Union territory of Delhi along the major tributaries of the river Ganga.

The key principles identified for the Authority are:

1)      Maintaining the continuity of the flow without altering the natural season variations.

2)      Restoring and maintaining the integral relationship between the surface flow and sub-surface water (ground water),

3)      Restoration and maintenance of the property and quality of water in time bound manner.

4)      Regenerating and maintaining the lost natural vegetation in catchment area,

5)      Regeneration and conservation of the aquatic and riparian biodiversity in river Ganga basin,

6)      To keep the bank of river Ganga and its floodplains as construction free zone to reduce pollution sources and maintain its natural ground water recharge functions

7) Making public participation as integral part of process of rejuvenation, protection and management of the river.

River surface cleaning work has been undertaken in major cities on the bank of River Ganga in collaboration with Corporate bodies and Public Sector undertakings. Under Rural Sanitation programme, NMCG has provided Rs 263 Crore to Ministry of Drinking Water &Sanitation for construction of toilets. About 11 lakh toilets have been constructed so far. For renovation/modernization and construction of crematoria based  on standard design, initially, 20-25 urban local bodies (ULBs) are being taken up  with the target of developing 100 crematoria in a year’s time.

River front/ ghat development work has been taken up in 7 towns of Kedarnath, Haridwar, Delhi, Allahabad, Kanpur, Varanasi & Patna in addition to repair and modernization of existing ghats. Under medium term plan Effluents Management activity, real Time Effluent Monitoring stations have been installed in 508 out of 764 grossly polluting industries of distillery, pulp and paper; tanneries; textile and sugar. Regarding Zero Liquid Discharge, action plan has been under implementation for distilleries since the last quarter of 2016. Vigilance squad of Central Pollution Control Board is closely monitoring for improved compliance.

Biodiversity Conservation is being implemented in association with Wildlife Institute of India to cover Golden Mahaseer, Dolphins, Crocodiles, Turtles and Otters etc under conservation programme. 30,000 Hectares of land is targeted to be covered under afforestation programme. For water quality monitoring, in addition to 57 Manual monitoring stations, 113 Real-time monitoring stations are being set up with display boards at selected locations. Steps are being taken for public outreach. Resource materials such as posters, flyers, brochures, pamphlets, hoardings etc. have been circulated/displayed among stake holders.

Awareness activities are taken up through Pad Yatras, cleanliness drives, painting competitions for children, shramdaan, talk-shows and dialogues etc. Namami Gange song has been released and played on digital media and during public events. In addition to that featured articles and advertorials through audio-visual media have also been introduced. Regular updates are shared on Social Media platforms like Facebook, Twitter and You tube etc. Mass awareness campaigns, photo exhibitions , setting up Pavilions/Stalls at national/ International events have also been organized. For involvement of public in monitoring of pollution entering into the river Ganga, Bhuvan-Ganga Web App and mobile app have been launched.

In view of multi stakeholder  nature of the Ganga rejuvenation challenge, 7 Ministries of Govt of India are working together on an action plan since June,2014. Besides, MoU has also been signed between NMCG and 11 Ministries of the Govt of India to ensure convergence of their activities in protection and rejuvenation of river Ganga. MoU has also been signed with National Remote Sensing Centre, a department under Indian Space Research Organization ISRO.

For Pollution abatement and cleaning exercise  in river Ganga, the policy making authorities at higher level have emphasized the need of close monitoring, focus on minimizing waste generation and disposal of waste in eco- friendly manner and  publicizing the use of electric crematoria for enhancing its acceptability  among the masses. Uploading the monitoring reports in public domain has been recommended.

A number of decisions taken recently indicate that the pace of project implementation has picked up momentum for pollution abatement and making the flow of river incessant. State Ganga Committees and District Ganga Committees have been formed to ensure effective implementation and Participation of people in protection &rejuvenation of Ganga.

*****

*Author is an independent researcher and writes on socio-economic issues. He is former Joint Adviser of Niti Aayog, Govt of India.

These are the author’s views.

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PRESSURISED HEAVY WATER REACTOR WILL MEET COUNTRY’S DEMAND FOR CLEAN ENERGY

JUNE 25, 2017LEAVE A COMMENTON PRESSURISED HEAVY WATER REACTOR WILL MEET COUNTRY’S DEMAND FOR CLEAN ENERGY

Pressurised Heavy Water Reactor

It will meet country’s demand for Clean Energy in the immediate and the long-term future

*Srikumar Banerjee

Government’s announcement for the plan of construction of ten new Pressurised Heavy Water Reactors (PHWR) of 700 MWe capacity vindicates the confidence in the indigenous PHWR technology which has been built over a period of nearly four decades. The performance of the present sixteen indigenously built PHWRs is demonstrated by an average capacity factor of about 80% over last five years, their uninterrupted operation over extended periods, the longest being 765 days for a Rajasthan Reactor, RAPS-5 securing the second world ranking and a very low average electricity tariff which is next to that of the hydroelectric power. More than anything else, is the fact that 100% of all their components are manufactured by the Indian industry. Dr. M.R.Srinivasan in a recent column in The Hindu (appeared on May 19,2017) has succinctly outlined the history of the development of the PHWR technology and the near-term strategy of the growth of nuclear power capacity. The evolution of the PHWR technology and the upgradation of their safety features have been covered in a series of scientific papers published in a special section of the April ‘17 Issue of “Nuclear Engineering and Radiation Science’- a journal published by American Society of Mechanical Engineers.

The PHWR technology in India started in the late nineteen sixties with the construction of the first 220 MWe reactor, Rajasthan Atomic Power Station, RAPS-1 with a design similar with that of the Douglas Point reactor in Canada under the joint Indo-Canadian nuclear co-operation. Canada supplied all main equipment for this first unit. India retained responsibility for construction, installation and commissioning activities. For the second unit (RAPS-2), import content was reduced considerably and indigenization was taken up for major pieces of equipment. Following the complete withdrawal of the Canadian support in 1974 after Pokhran-1, Indian nuclear engineers completed the construction and the plant was made operational with majority of the components made in India. From the third PHWR unit (Madras Atomic Power Station, MAPS-1) onwards, the evolution and indigenisation of the design began with the objective of keeping abreast with evolutionary changes taking place worldwide and of meeting new safety criteria. Improvements were also incorporated for reduction of the construction time and cost, and enhancing reliability of operation leading to better capacity factors. The first two units of PHWR using indigenously developed standardized 220 MWe design were set up at the Narora Atomic Power Station (NAPS). This standardized and optimised design had several new safety systems which have been incorporated in five more twin-unit atomic power stations with capacity of 2 x 220 MWe located at Kakrapar, Kaiga and Rawatbhata. For realising the economics of scale, the design of 540 MWe PHWR was developed and two such units were constructed at Tarapur. Further optimisations were carried out by utilising the excess thermal margins and improve the economics and NPCIL modified the 540 MWe PHWR design to that of 700 MWe capacity without much design changes. Four units of this design are being constructed at Rawatbhata and Kakrapar at present.

As far as the safety is concerned, the PHWR technology scores well in terms of its several inherent safety features. The biggest advantage of the PHWR design is the use of thin walled pressure tubes instead of large pressure vessels used in pressure vessel type reactors. This results in a distribution of pressure boundaries to large number of small diameter pressure tubes. The consequence of an accidental rupture of the pressure boundary in such a design will have a much less severity than that in a pressure vessel type reactor. The PHWR core is always uniquely surrounded by huge quantity of low temperature and low pressure water in the calandria vessel and in the calandria vault. These coolant inventories significantly delay the progression of the event and, thereby, provide adequate time for interventions and corrective actions by operators to mitigate the consequences. In fact, the large quantity of vault water can serve as a core catcher for in-vessel retention of disintegrated fuel debris in the case of a very low probability core melt accident. These inherent heat sinks are required only when the primary heat sink through steam generators or the shutdown cooling system becomes unavailable in the most severe accident scenario.

In addition, the Indian 700 MWe PHWR design has enhanced safety through dedicated Passive Decay Heat Removal System which has the capability of removing decay heat from core without requiring any operator actions similar with the technology adopted for Generation III+ plants to address the Fukushima type accident. The 700 MWe Indian PHWR has steel-lined containment to reduce the leakages and containment spray system to reduce the containment pressure in case of a loss of coolant accident and for scrubbing radio nuclides in case of their release beyond the design limit.

The main reasons for selecting PHWRs in the 1960s for the First Stage of the Indian nuclear power programme have been the use of natural uranium oxide as the fuel, the best utilisation of mined uranium in energy production and the prospect of establishing a completely self-reliant technology. Over four decades of relentless research, design and development work in Bhabha Atomic Research Centre and Nuclear Power Corporation and the matching contributions of some of their industry partners who had shown the courage in taking up the challenging manufacturing and construction work have enabled India in establishing the technology in totality. Mastering the entire fuel cycle including prospecting of minerals, mining, processing and manufacturing of fuel and structural materials, reprocessing of spent nuclear fuel and immobilization of radioactive waste has given India a unique position of self-reliance in the atomic energy domain. The constraint of a limited reserve of uranium in the country which earlier impeded a rapid growth in nuclear power has now been eased by augmented production of indigenous uranium and import of uranium under the civil nuclear co-operation agreements with several countries. During the last financial-year Nuclear Fuel Complex had a record production of nuclear fuel exceeding 1500 tonne and new uranium deposits discovered by Atomic Mineral Division for Exploration and research have taken the uranium reserve in the country to a level of 200000 tonne.

India is now poised for a rapid growth in the nuclear power capacity which is essential for meeting the demand of clean electricity. The per-capita electricity consumption in India (now close to 1000 KWh) is nearly one-third of the world average and there is an obvious need for a substantial enhancement of non-carbon electricity production to improve the quality of life of our people. The impressive growth in the solar and wind power has made a visible impact in increased availability of electricity in many areas. However, it needs to be emphasized that the distributed and intermittent sources of energy such as solar and wind cannot meet the base load demand very effectively. The nuclear energy source is concentrated, continuous and reliable and, therefore, can be complemented by solar and wind energy in meeting the overall demand of electricity with practically zero carbon foot-print. While the huge electricity demand from large cities and industrial complexes require uninterrupted and concentrated form of energy, there is an equally big demand of distributed energy in our rural areas. Energy planners are, therefore, combining these different patterns of energy requirement to achieve an optimised solution.

The next issue which needs to be addressed is the speed at which we can grow our nuclear power capacity. In this context one can examine the experience of France and USA in nineteen seventies and of China in the recent years. They all have achieved very impressive rapid growth by adopting a convoy or a serial mode of installation of nuclear power plants of a few standardised designs. In such a strategy, the industry can gear up their dedicated production lines for sophisticated nuclear components and construction companies can deploy their manpower and skill-set most effectively. The decision that 10 PHWRs of 700 MWe will be installed in the immediate future will generate enough enthusiasm in the industry for taking up the challenge of serial production of nuclear components of exacting specifications. The expansion in nuclear power activity will not only broaden the supplier base but also make the participating industry more quality conscious. They can even qualify to be exporters of nuclear grade components. A reduction in the gestation period of construction of nuclear plants will have a strong impact in reducing the cost of electricity.

As has been mentioned by Dr.Srinivasan, India is now in a position to embark upon building 900 MWe Pressurised Water Reactors (PWRs) of her own design. The capability of making large size pressure vessel is now available within the country and our own isotope enrichment plants will be able to supply a part of the required enriched uranium fuel within a decade. These will be in addition to imported PWRs from Russia, France and USA with the aim of an accelerated growth of nuclear energy in the country. The signing of the recent agreement between India and Russia for the construction of two more 1000 MWe PWRs (Units 5 and 6) in Kudankulam confirms this overall plan. The convenience of operation and a high average capacity factor have made PWRs the most sought after nuclear power reactors in the world, nearly 85% of all power reactors being the PWR type.  There will be a special advantage of operating a mix of PWRs and PHWRs in India as the spent fuel of the former which will contain more than 1% of uranium-235 can be reprocessed and further utilized as the fuel in PHWRs operating in tandem. This evolving fuel cycle will eventually extend the power generation from the First Stage of the well- known three stage programme quite significantly.

The merit of the closed fuel cycle which has been adopted right from the beginning of the Indian programme is not only in multiplying the fuel resource but also in reducing the radio-active burden of the nuclear waste dramatically. In this context, the successful development of separation of minor actinides from the nuclear waste in India, deployed in pilot plant scale, has drawn world-wide attention. Plutonium recovered by reprocessing of spent fuel from operating PHWRs has been used in making the plutonium-uranium mixed oxide fuel for the full core of the Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR) which has initiated the commissioning activities before commencing operation. With the entry of India in her Second Stage of nuclear power programme in which Fast Breeder Reactors will not only enable the growth of the installed nuclear capacity, but also generate more fissile materials, plutonium-239 and uranium-233 by conversion of fertile isotopes, uranium-238 and thorium-232 respectively. An enhanced scope and an accelerated implementation of the First Stage of the programme will make a far- reaching impact on securing the energy self-reliance of the country. By operating multiple recycles in the uranium-plutonium fuel cycle the supply of fissile material is expected to be enhanced by a factor of 60 and by using the huge reserve of thorium, the current estimate being four times that of uranium, India can sustain the supply of clean nuclear energy for several centuries.

Dr Srikumar Banerjee is a former Chairman AEC & Secretary DAE. Currently he is Homi Bhabha Chair Professor, DAE; Chancellor, Homi Bhabha National Institute (HBNI) and Chancellor Kashmir University.

Edit"Pressurised Heavy Water Reactor will meet country’s demand for Clean Energy"

PM NARENDRA MODI ARRIVES IN WASHINGTON

JUNE 25, 2017LEAVE A COMMENTON PM NARENDRA MODI ARRIVES IN WASHINGTON

Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in US capital Washington this morning on the second leg of his three nation tour. Indian Ambassador to US Navtej Sarna and Charge de Affairs of US Embassy Marykay Loss Carlson received Mr Modi at the Andrew’s Air Force Base. Large number of NRIs present outside the base greeted Mr Modi upon his arrival.

In the US, Mr Modi will attend a community reception today and hold talks with President Donald Trump tomorrow. Ahead of his US visit, Mr Modi said he is looking forward to the opportunity of having an in-depth exchange of views. In a tweet, Prime Minister said his US visit is aimed at deepening ties between the two countries which will benefit the two nations and the world. Apart from official meetings with Mr Trump and his cabinet colleagues, Mr Modi will be meeting some prominent American CEOs.

Calling Mr Modi a true friend, President Trump said he looks
forward to welcome Prime Minister Modi and discuss important strategic issues.

The two leaders will hold talks tomorrow in the White House. They will spend several hours together in various settings including one-on-one and delegation level meetings, a reception and a working dinner. The working dinner that Mr Trump is hosting for Mr Modi is the first of its kind under the present administration. A senior US official said this will be the first dinner for a foreign dignitary at the White House under this administration.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, Indian community has the capacity to incorporate every diversity in the world into itself. Addressing Indian origin people at Radhakrishna Temple complex in Portugal capital Lisbon this evening, he praised Indian diaspora saying they are working as the true ambassadors of India across world.

Mr Modi said, wherever Indians have gone, they have maintained the Indian cultural heritage and also have dedicatedly contributed to the country of their residence.

Reiterating his confidence in Indian youth, Mr Modi said over 65 percent of Indians today are below 35 years of age. He said, the country that has such youthful resource also has youthful dreams and is today progressing fast in every field.

The Prime minister said India and Portugal share democratic values and can contribute together in global welfare by bringing together people of all communities. He also lauded efforts of Portugal in taking forward the ‘Yoga movement’ in Europe.

Later, Mr Modi headed towards US capital Washington DC where he will hold talks with President Donald Trump.

Edit"PM Narendra Modi arrives in Washington"

THE MAGIC OF YOGA TAKES OVER IN LATIN AMERICA  

JUNE 25, 2017LEAVE A COMMENTON THE MAGIC OF YOGA TAKES OVER IN LATIN AMERICA  

The magic of Yoga takes over in Latin America:     *Huma Siddiqui

Ambassador of the Republic of Costa Rica to India, Ms. Mariela Cruz Alvarez practicing Yoga.

There is no better feeling than to feel one with one’s inner self. For centuries Yoga is known to awaken in one, the inner peace and tranquility we often go looking for in material things.

Little surprise Latin Americans are clued in to this brilliant science. I fact they rightly consider India a land of yoga, meditation, philosophy, wisdom, culture and spiritualism. Yoga schools can be found all over the region. Yoga and meditation are taught in some Latin American jails to calm down the convicts.  With miles of untouched natural habitat and the deeply held spiritual traditions of the Maya and Incan civilizations, Central and South America is the perfect place to embark on a spiritual journey.

Though Yoga has been practiced in the region for last several years, yet in last couple of year, the kind of ‘explosion’ in yoga seekers and awareness in Indian culture has increased rapidly.  Infact, Yoga is now set for promotion in Peru, Bolivia and adjoining parts of Latin America, with a MoU being signed in New Delhi in this regard recently. The Embassy of India in Peru’s capital Lima has taken up the responsibility for the promotion of Voluntary Scheme for Evaluation and Certification of Yoga Professionals, developed by the Quality Council of India (QCI) at the bidding of the Ministry of AYUSH.

Little surprise then that Latin America is the destination of choice among yoga enthusiasts looking for ways to spice up their yoga retreat experiences – the region just never seems to run out of sizzling options. Countries including Costa Rica, Nicaragua,  Peru; Brazil; Honduras; Guatemala; Mexico; Ecuador;  Chile, all are sought after destinations by the yoga enthusiasts.

A small country Costa Rica has an Indian population of 200 in 5 million populations.  But these 200 people have engaged a larger population of Costa Ricans to be looking at India with high esteem, for cultural, technological and economic reasons. Costa Rica is known as a jewel in Central America region for its natural beauty, peace and economical stability which have also led to expansion of seekers of healthy lifestyle. About a decade ago when an Indian company Havells acquired business of Sylvania worldwide, a young family moved to Costa Rica to manage the regional interest of the company. They not only managed the company, but also expanded the knowledge of India and aroused interest in the spiritual aspect of the Indian culture by opening up Indian restaurants in the country.

Keeping with the spirit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s call for June 21 to be International Yoga day, Kapil Gulati the owner of “Taj Mahal” restaurant developed an area to have regular Yoga sessions and Indian classical dance sessions, in addition to Indian cuisine cooking classes.  The whole idea is to make mini India at Taj Mahal, where the mystique of India and its culture can be experienced by people living so far away from home. To add to the ambiance the owner has three peacocks –India’s national bird, which seems to love dancing in the wonderful weather of Costa Rica while locals are doing Yoga. The musical instruments at restaurants, Yoga classes, Indian classical dance classes, Hindi language classes, Indian cuisine cooking classes, Indian festival celebrations, Bollywood themed Costa Rican movie,   … the Indian culture is blossoming in Costa Rica… and now Costa Rican Ambassador in India is herself a fine example how Indian culture has impacted positively to Costa Ricans.

“The world is going through a lot of havoc in the Kali Yuga and as long as we remain connected to whom we are and know where we are going and why we will help balance the chaos. Yoga is one of the many options to do this.  Yoga is not a religion but a science and art and it can benefit all humanity, says Ambassador of the Republic of Costa Rica, Ms. Mariela Cruz Alvarez.

The yoga passionate who is a grandmother but doesn’t look it, says, “I got interested in yoga through a personal crisis.  I started searching within for answers to my heart and my search took me here to India.  After my first three trips to the north as a tourist I felt the calling to go south and I found my Guru, Sri K. Pattabhi Jois and his grandson Sharath Joisin Mysore, Karnataka, back in 2003.”

Ms Alvarez has been to India 14 times including this assignment as an ambassador to India.  “The last 11 trips to my school in India to practice Ashtanga yoga with Guruji and now Sharathji after his grandfather passing in 2009.  My school is very popular in the West and many students from all over the world are appreciating the benefits of yoga as a traditional classical method. The source of yoga is India and that is very important to know because now many teach in the west with no qualifications.  A lot of commercial yoga is watered down yoga as fitness or social gig, instead of a spiritual sadhana,” she says.

Yoga is getting very popular in Costa Rica and we are a hub for international teachers, yoga retreats, nature and practice.  Costa Rica has amazing venues in the beaches, volcanes and jungle and yoga practice transforms us to appreciate beauty, peace and freedom- those values my country deeply understands.  We are a nation of democracy and green development, small in size but big in heart and principles.

In her first mission as a diplomat after almost 30 years of raising a family and being an ambassador for Ashtanga yoga in the world, she says, “My intention in India as a diplomat is to meet my colleagues with an open heart,  no matter if they practice or not.  One of the gifts of this practice is acceptance of who we are and acceptance and unconditional love for others.  I feel so grateful to know them and admire them all deeply.  The blessing my Guru Sharath Jois gave me to teach has put me in touch with many wonderful people in Latin America, Europe and India.  I have no words to thank him for his trust in me.”

She says that “I deeply admire India in all senses and that the wisdom that I have found here has transformed my life and the lives of those around me beyond any expectations. My Guruji used to say:  Practice and all is coming.  I have been through hard times as any soul in this life and yoga has supported me and healed me.  My intention here now in my tenure is to promote peace and stability,   the main value that Costa Rica has to offer the world besides our concern with the environment and our efforts for education and healthcare.  I feel proud to be a Costarican and my country is very much interested in creating a deep relationship with yours.  We may be small in size and population but big in intention.  India has taught me so much:  I hope I can serve my country in the best way and yours as well.”

******

*The Author is Senior Correspondent with the Financial Express and writes extensively about Latin America.

View expressed in the article are author’s personal.

Please also see the picture below

Edit"The magic of Yoga takes over in Latin America  "

PM MODI CALLS UPON PEOPLE TO USE E-GEM

JUNE 25, 2017LEAVE A COMMENTON PM MODI CALLS UPON PEOPLE TO USE E-GEM

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has called upon the people to use Government -E- Marketplace, E-GEM portal to sell their products or services to the government. Sharing his Mann Ki Baat on All India Radio with the countrymen and the people abroad today, the Prime Minister said, the E-GEM portal is an excellent example of minimum government and maximum governance. He said, its objective is minimum price and maximum ease, efficiency and transparency. The Prime Minister referred to the experience of a lady from Madurai in Tamil Nadu, who had got money from the MUDRA Scheme for starting her business through this portal. She used the portal to sell her products. He said, had she not written to him, he would not have realised that because of E-GEM, a housewife running a small business can have the items on her inventory purchased directly by the Prime Minister’s Office.

On International Day of Yoga which was celebrated just a few days back, Mr Modi said, Yoga has permeated the entire world and its threads have bound everyone together and have become the means to unite the world. He said, in a small country like Singapore , programmes were organised at 70 places with a week-long campaign and the United Nations released ten stamps on this day. He said, Yoga has created a world record again this time with Ahmedabad setting a new record where around 55 thousand people performed Yoga together. Referring to the benefits of practicing Yoga, Mr Modi said, now the health conscious society is taking steps from fitness to wellness realising that Yoga is the best way for true wellness.

Referring to landmark achievements in space science, the Prime Minister said whereas Indians have their feet firmly on the ground with Yoga, they have also their dreams to soar beyond horizons to far away skies.He said, India’s flag is flying high not only on earth but also in space and just two days ago, ISRO launched 30 nano Satellites with Cartosat-2 series. He said, the Satellites will give a lot of help in the field of agriculture and dealing with natural disasters. The Prime Minister also mentioned Mars Mission which has completed one thousand days in orbit. He said, the mission which had a life of six months, has not only crossed its life- span but even after thousand days Mangalyaan Mission is at work sending images, providing information and collating scientific data.

On increasing inclination of youth to the field of sports, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, if children are interested in sports they should be encouraged and supported by the school, college and family. He said, promotion of sports creates spirit of sportsmanship and it has a great significance in overall development of personality. Mr Modi said, every Indian sportsman should nurture dreams for the next Olympics. He also congratulated Badminton player Kidambi Shrikant for winning Indonesia Open.

On cleanliness drive, Mr Modi said, it has become a mass movement and is no longer confined to being a government programme. Referring to Mubarakpur village of Bijnor in Uttar Pradesh which has set an example of constructing toilets out of their own resources, the Prime Minister felicitated the residents of the village for transforming the pious occasion of Ramadan into opportunity for social welfare. He said, the village returned the 17 lakh rupees financial assistance received from the government saying this sum be used for other facilities in the village. He also thanked the people and administration of Sikkim, Himachal Pradesh, Kerala, Uttarakhand and Haryana for achieving the objective of Open Defecation Free status.

Mr Modi also referred to another example of Vizianagaram District of Andhra Pradesh where District administration constructed 10 thousand household toilets with public participation in one hundred hours making 71 villages Open Defecation Free.

The Prime Minister called for further fortification of the strength and spirit of democracy which pervades the very being of Indian. In this context, he mentioned a letter written by Prakash Tripathi reminiscing about the emergency which was imposed on 25th of June in 1975. He said, democracy is not only a system but also a sanskar a part of ethos. Mr Modi said, there is a need to be constantly alert about democracy and the events that inflicted harm upon democracy must be remembered. He reminded that eternal vigilance is the price of liberty. He said, 25th June 1975 was a dark night which no one can ever forget.

The Prime Minister urged people to welcome their guests by books or handkerchiefs instead of bouquets. He said, use of khadi handkerchiefs can be a support to innumerable underprivileged engaged in Khadi and Village Industries.

The Prime Minister also extended his heartiest greetings to all countrymen on the occasion of the Rath Yatra, Car festival of Lord Jagannath and Eid-ul- Fitr saying India’s diversity is its strength.

Edit"PM Modi calls upon people to use E-GEM"

“TRANSFORMING INDIA DIALOGUES’ BEING ORGANISED ON JUNE 28TH

JUNE 25, 2017LEAVE A COMMENTON “TRANSFORMING INDIA DIALOGUES’ BEING ORGANISED ON JUNE 28TH

Dear Sir/ Madam

Namaskar

 

This is to cordially invite you to “Transforming India Dialogues‘ being organised on June 28th at 4.00PM at Deputy Chairman Hall, Constitution Club of India (Nearest Metro Station-Patel Chowk).

 

Speaker – Shri. Jayant Sinha, Minister of State for Civil Aviation

 

Chair – Dr Vinay Sahasrabuddhe, Member of Parliament, Rajya Sabha and Vice Chairman of Rambhau Mhalgi Prabodhini

 

Invitation card – Enclosed

​

Kindly note that the invitation is non-transferrable and entry is by invitation only. 

 

A line of confirmation would be very helpful.

 

—

Sincerely

—–

Prashant Chauhan

Rambhau Mhalgi Prabodhini

Edit"“Transforming India Dialogues’ being organised on June 28th"

RANJEET & RAKESH BEDI ARE ALSO READY TO HIT THE STAGE OF LUVKUSH RAMLEELA THIS YEAR!!

JUNE 25, 2017LEAVE A COMMENTON RANJEET & RAKESH BEDI ARE ALSO READY TO HIT THE STAGE OF LUVKUSH RAMLEELA THIS YEAR!!

This year again the biggest Ramleela of Nation, LuvKush Ramleela is all set to hit the stage in a huge manner, along with very well known of B’town, such as Ranjeet, Rakesh Bedi, Manoj Tiwari, Vindu Dara Singh, Shahbaz Khan, Anup Jalota and many more. And as per the information revealed by the Chairperson of Ramleela Committee Ashok Aggarwal, this Year’s Ramleela is gonna be bigger in comparison with last time.

This latest Press Conference of Ramleela witnessed by the presence of Ranjeet, Rakesh Bedi, Ramesh Goyal and Ashok Aggarwal himself. And their enthusiasm was entirely visible for the same. According to the media interactions & the info. shared  Ranjeet will play the character of Subahu, Rakesh Bedi will be shangigan, Ramesh Goyal is Maareech.

As per the characters revealed in last Press Conferences, Avtar Gill will be playing the role of ‘khar’ whereas the role of Meghnad will be played by Shahbaz Khan. Rupa Dutta, who has also played the role of Sita previously will be playing the role of Kekai this year. Vishal Kawar will be Ram, Sita will be Shubhi Sharma, Manoj Tiwari will be seen as Angad, Anup Jalota as Kevat, Shankar Sahni as Raja Dashrath. Raza Murad will portray the role of Kumbhkaran, Surendra Pal will be Raja Janak, Jagdish Kaliraman, will be playing Hanuman this year. Mukesh Rishi will play the role of Raavan, whereas Vindu Dara Singh will be Parshuram.

It is for sure, LuvKush Ramleela is all set to put the stage on fire and mesmerize the devotees. Well, the 40-year-old LuvKush Ramleela will be showcased from 21st September till 1st October 2017.

—
Shailesh Giri
Effective Communication
(A Division of Shailesh Giri Media Group)
Mobile-9811222325

Edit"Ranjeet & Rakesh Bedi are also ready to hit the stage of LuvKush Ramleela this Year!!"

GUJARAT ‘JYOTIGRAM YOJNA’ MOSTLY FLOPPED FEEDER LOSSES 56%

JUNE 25, 2017LEAVE A COMMENTON GUJARAT ‘JYOTIGRAM YOJNA’ MOSTLY FLOPPED FEEDER LOSSES 56%

June25, 2017 (C) Ravinder Singh progressindia2015@gmail.com

Way back in 1990 I first proposed to reduce T&D Losses in Punjab when PSEB led by NS Vasant first time in India released detailed account of Punjab Electricity Board working disclosed high T&D Losses. In 1991 UP CM invited Investors to meet him in Le Meridian Hotel Delhi. I met him in presence of TSR Subramanian who was then Chief Secretary.

In 27 years India couldn’t reduce T&D Losses – Particularly Rural Feeders. Ex CM Gujarat falsely claimed to have greatly improved Rural Power supply. Reports here points out High Rate of Transformer Failures 18.82% [CAG], LT & HT Lines failure – Poles or Tower Collapses in storms and 8 hour power supply for tube-wells.

CAG report had attested the fact that Gujarat Rural Feeder losses which were as high as 63% before Jotigram Yojna merely reduced to 56% or still too high.

Agriculture accounted for 38% of Electricity Sales in Gujarat FY06 which has reduced to 27.7% FY16. T&D losses in 2006 was 26.28% has reduced slightly to 23.04% in FY16.

Jyotigram Yojna didn’t reduce T&D Losses of Rural Feeders Much therefore was Mostly FLOP – Gujarat T&D loses Rs.10,000 Cr/Yr.

 http://www.cag.gov.in/sites/default/files/audit_report_files/Gujarat_Commercial_2011.pdf

http://www.cag.gov.in/sites/default/files/audit_report_files/Gujarat_Report_No_1_of_2017_on_PSUs.pdf

http://www.gercin.org/uploaded/document/9388701b-a52d-45e3-a50c-c73a67acfd68.pdf –  http://www.gercin.org/orders.aspx?o_cat=1

Commission’s Analysis P-61 – Transmission Losses 28.8%.

PGVCL has computed the energy requirement based on the actual distribution losses of 24.73% and actual energy sales of 21,189 MUs and transmission loss of 3.74%. [Energy Required was 29,776 MU] Technical Losses 28.8%.

PGVCL Agriculture accounted for 4437+2648 = 7085 MU Sales or 33.4%.

Technical Losses of Four Gujarat PSU Discoms 2015-16 [T-4.5 & T-5.1]

Name	Energy Sale	Energy Rqrd	Agri. Sale	% Agri Sale	Trans. Loss %	T&D Loss*
PGVCL	21,189	29,776	7,086	33.4	28.8	31.8%
MGVCL	8,675	10,412	1,182	13.6	16.7	19.7%
DGVCL	16,336	18,976	765	4.7	14.0	17.0%
UGCVL	17,254	20,509	8,548	49.5	15.9	18.9%
Total	63,454	79,673	17,581	27.7	20.4	23.04%

*Revenue Gap of about 3% approx.

Ravinder Singh, Inventor & Consultant, INNOVATIVE TECHNOLOGIES AND PROJECTS

Y-77, Hauz Khas, ND -110016, India. Ph: 091- 9871056471, 9718280435, 9650421857

Ravinder Singh* is a WIPO awarded inventor specializing in Power, Transportation,

Smart Cities, Water, Energy Saving, Agriculture, Manufacturing, Technologies and Projects

Edit"Gujarat ‘Jyotigram Yojna’ Mostly FLOPPED Feeder Losses 56%"

SATAN’S PARADISE SUCCESSFULLY CONCLUDE LIMCA RECORD ATTEMPT IN DELHI IN ROPE SKIPPING

JUNE 25, 2017LEAVE A COMMENTON SATAN’S PARADISE SUCCESSFULLY CONCLUDE LIMCA RECORD ATTEMPT IN DELHI IN ROPE SKIPPING

Satan’s Paradise Successfully Conclude Limca Record Attempt in Delhi in Rope Skipping

 

New Delhi:Friday 23rd June  

Satan’s Paradise -House of Media a production house and a sports management firm organised a two day Indian Sports and Fitness Carnival wherein to celebrate and mark the International Olympic Day on 23rd of June, it attempted the Limca Book of Record in mass demonstration for Rope Skipping for two minutes.

In the Limca Book of Record Attempt 552 people including kids from different age groups and several coaches of different sports like Taekwondo and athletics also took part in the attempt. People came from Delhi-NCR, Haryana and Andhra Pradesh to attempt the record in rope skipping.

The attempt was made with the support of Skip -N- Fit India Trust at Thyagaraj Stadium in New Delhi and was led by its president Mr Nirdesh Sharma who highlighted the importance of the healthy lifestyle. Skip-N-Fit India and Satan’s Paradise will jointly organise tournaments across India in rope skipping across India.

 “Rope Skipping promotes a healthy lifestyle. It helps in building strength and stamina for every sport. Ten minutes of rope skipping every day helps to keep one fit”, said Sharma.

The chief guest for the day was Anca Verma, Chairperson, Olialia World who announced the plans to start its Sports Academy with world class infrastructure and training program in collaboration with Satan’s Paradise and ISAFC.

  “ Olialia World is keen on promoting and nurturing the sporting talents of India. .We are very soon coming up with Sports Acdemies across India,” said Verma.

The motto behind this activity was to spread the message of Move, Learn & Discover sharing Olympic Values and discover new sports to each individual. Platforms like ISAFC give players a chance to learn to perform in a competitive environment and test their skills & competence.

The organisers said that every phase will see something new and interesting for the sports lovers. We are also supporting with our expertise, to all upcoming sports startups under the sports based incubator and accelerator.

  “ This time under ISAFC, on International Olympic Day, we’re attempting to create Limca Book of Record in Rope Skipping. We aim to hold ISAFC twice in a year or more. With such activities we are also opening avenues for all those players and sports persons who are denied of the right opportunities to showcase their skills. The main aim is to include participation from every age group and make it bigger in every way possible and promote sports as a way of life”,said Sushant Malhotra, Director, Satan’s Paradise also the organisers for the event.

It was the third season of ISAFC and this time the carnival had sports like Arm Wrestling (Men and Women), Badminton by Boys & Girls(Under 15, Under 17 & Under 19 Years), Field Archery (Open Championship), Futsal (Boys Under 9, 13 & 17 years & Open Girls), Rope Skipping Open Championship (by Boys &Girls)

Satan’s Paradise has also developed an app for the participants to register by the name of the Total Sports League (TSL) App. TSL will be promoting every kind of tournament on its app be it district, state or national level international level tournaments to list their activities so that the players can get access to play every sport happening across the nation and doesn’t miss the opportunity.

Brief

(About ISAFC)

Indian Sports & Fitness Carnival (ISAFC) is an attempt to bring all the sports and fitness freaks on one stage from across the globe to create awareness about the importance of a healthy and wealthy life. ISAFC is a platform that gives opportunities to and creates awareness among sports persons from the sports and fitness fraternity, as well as the common people who aspire to make a career in the sports field.

Objective:

We are working on launching the Sports Incubator and Accelerator Program and Sports Academies across India which will focus on providing awareness the youth right from the grassroots level about the opportunities available with them. It will also focus on skilling them in right manner by providing the right mentorship & guidance. It will be conducting regular practical sessions, workshops & tournaments and maintain their performance record.

Company Profile: About Satan’s Paradise

We are a production house, an event management & sports management company which deals in organizing various activities involving Schools, Colleges, Universities, Corporate, Clubs, Embassies & High Commissions, also deal in making corporate films & documentaries and organizing events for our esteemed clients.

We are actively involved in developing and customizing marketing strategies for niche segments as per the requirement. We focus on creating our own Intellectual Event Properties that provide solution to brand visibility and brand building with prime focus on ROI.

Follow us on:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/isafc arnival

Twitter:@isafcarnival

Instagram: isafcarnival

In case you have any query please call Sushant and Divvisha for any clarifications.

Sushant Malhotra- 9810359486

Email –sushant.malhotra@gmail.com

Arun Pabreja- 9811474241

Email –arunpabreja@gmail.com

isafcarnival@gmail.com

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PRESS CONFERENCE ON GST

JUNE 25, 2017LEAVE A COMMENTON PRESS CONFERENCE ON GST

Ref. No.:  2255/1/45                                                                                                    24th  June, 2017

The Chief Reporter/Photographer.

New Delhi

Dear Sir/Madam,

Subject : Press Conference on GST

The Goods & Services Tax (GST) is a technology based taxation system much different from the current VAT, Excise & Services Tax regime. Stated to be a landmark reform in Indirect Taxation System of the Country, it has several aspects of compliance only through digital technology. Though it is going to be implemented from 1st July,2017 yet large number of traders across the Country are still remain unknown about not only the basic fundamentals of GST but even the compliance obligations.

In order to make trade and other sectors of economy aware of the core factors of GST and its compliance thereof, the Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT) has prepared a GST White Paper pertaining to important aspects of GST and its compliance which will make everyone familiar with GST and make Traders & others tax compliant. In this regard your worthy cooperation will go a long way in empowering traders and others about GST compliance.

In this context, a Press Conference will be held on Monday, the 26th June,2017 at 3.00 p.m. at Conference Hall, NDMC Convention Centre, Parliament Street, Opposite Jantar Mantar, New Delhi to release ” GST White Paper” and to seek your valued cooperation in disseminate vital information of GST to traders and people in general. 

We shall be grateful if you kindly depute a Staff Correspondent and Photographer of your esteemed news paper to cover the same. 

Thanking you. With kind regards

Yours truly

Praveen Khandelwal

National Secretary General

Contact Cell : +91-9891015165

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NDTV-ICICI BANK CASE: WHAT’S THE INSIDE STORY?

JUNE 25, 2017LEAVE A COMMENTON NDTV-ICICI BANK CASE: WHAT’S THE INSIDE STORY?

Ranjeev C Dubey   New Delhi

We live in a world riddled with Moral Ambiguity. Aadhar should bring transparency and probity in our society yet our Government has handed over our confidential secrets to private parties in a patently non-transparent way. The judiciary remains the last bastion of hope in a polity that is fast descending into moral  bankruptcy, yet we are sweeping irrefutable evidence of corruption at the highest level of the judiciary under the carpet.

Our Government wishes to unveil a new golden age of moral rectitude, yet the most elementary principles of democratic plurality are being trampled by rampaging food faddists. To me, the greatest irony of the age of Social Media is that we are testing the limits of this moral ambiguity riding on the back of a virulent form of bipolar disorder. The shenanigans around NDTV are only the latest case in point.

The facts, such as we know them, can be summarized as follows. On June 2nd, 2017, a shareholder of both NDTV and ICICI Bank registered an FIR against Pranoy and Radhika Roy claiming they conspired to defraud ICICI Bank of some Rs. 48 Crores. The saga began in 2008 when the Roy striggered an open offer in the wake of their decision to buy back some shares of NDTV.

In July 2008, they obtained short term bridge finance of Rs 500 Crores from Indiabulls and then set to the task of finding a way to pay back Indiabulls. Three months later, on 23rd October, 2008, they persuaded ICICI Bank to grant them a loan of Rs. 375 Crores against a pledge of all their shares in NDTV carrying interest at roughly 19%.

On the face of it, this loan violated the Banking Regulation Act which did not allow Roys to pledge more than 30% of their shares to ICICI Bank. Just so that we don’t lose perspective, this violation carries a penalty of Rs. 1 Crore or twice the amount involved, whichever is more. No jail time is prescribed. As far as I am concerned, if ICICI Bank wants Roys to pledge more shares that they are allowed to, then it’s for ICICI Bank to explain what they were smoking at the time.

There is a second element to this bit. RBI’s Master Circular dated 28.8.1998, clause 10(vi) requires Banks to “ensure that advance against shares are NOT USED to enable the borrower to acquire or retain controlling interest in the company/companies or to facilitate or retain inter-corporate investments.” As far as I am concerned, it’s something the bank needs to worry about. Besides, NDTV can argue that they took the money to pay Indiabulls, not buy shares!

You may think that is too slick by half, but then, welcome to the real world of M&A! It’s called transaction structuring.

That takes us to Act 2. In 2009, Reliance Ventures Limited extended a “zero coupon optionally convertible loan” of Rs. 403.85 Crores to its minimally capitalized ‘paper’ subsidiary SRPLimited. In turn, SRP Limited extended the same courtesy to its minimally capitalized associate company VCPLimited).

In turn, VSP Limited passed through the money to RRPR Holdings, the wholly owned Roy entity which held part of NDTV’s equity. Now why would Reliance want to jump three hoops to give money to RRPR Holding? I don’t have to tell you. A bunch of regulatory handcuffs prevented Reliance from doing directly what it did indirectly.

I also don’t need to tell you that if you want to do something about these allegations, you have to talk to Reliance. Wildly gesticulating and screaming conspiracy theories doesn’t change the fact that it’s not a NDTV problem.

Now behold Act 3. With the Reliance money secured, RRPR Holding purchased more NDTV shares from the Roystill RRPR’s ownership of NDTV ballooned to 29% while Roy’s shareholding in NDTV dropped to 32%. Through this process, Roys also ended up personally richer by Rs. 53.85 Crores! Seen in isolation, it is debatable if a law was broken in this piece of it. The violation if any occurred under SEBI’s Takeover Regulations provided you treat the Convertibles issued to Reliance as a change in control even though the Takeover Code doesn’t define it like that.

On a worse case basis, should SEBI decide that a violation had occurred, the Roys will pay a penalty in an amount not exceeding Rs. 1 Crore. This is something for SEBI to look at, not the local thanedaar!

This brings us to the final and fourth act. On August 6th, 2009, ten months after the loan was taken, ICICI Bank entered into a settlement with the Roys, and accepted the reduced sum of Rs. 350 Crores in settlement of the outstanding. As confirmed by a letter of August 7th, 2009, ICICI Bank treated the debt as fully paid though RRPR Holdings still showed a pending amount of Rs 4.4 Crores as due.

On this basis, the FIR claims that ICICI Bank gave up Rs 4.4 Crores of principal amount due with interest on top, thus taking a net haircut of Rs 48 Crores.

No doubt, there is reason to pause. Did ICICI Bank take a genuine commercial haircut or did it get scalped? Considering that the Roy’s ended up with an extra Rs 53.85 Crores in their personal accounts, they were clearly capable of giving Rs 48 Crores to the bank. I am sure there is much to be said on both sides of this subject.

I do observe though that settling a loan too cheap is something RBI would normally look at as a governance issue, not CBI, and most certainly not at the instance of a minor shareholder of ICICI Bank. It’s not a crime for a Bank to take a haircut. We need more substance to sustain an allegation of fraud, though fraud it may well be. I looked hard at the FIR and found nothing more than vague allegations in highly emotive rhetoric all but drowning under ridiculous verbosity and split infinitives.

In this, the FIR is unexceptional. Desi FIRs engage in spin doctoring all the time, mainly in order to stretch the accusations beyond their natural logic and get maximum flexibility for constructing alternative narratives in the future. If someone objects to the verbiage, the cops shrug: “oh but this is an FIR and the investigation is still to come”.

That may well be but the same verbiage allows the cops to swoop into the homes of the accused at all hours of the day or night and arrest the poor victim without just cause. As for the rest of us, we withdraw into a shell and weakly protest that “there can be no smoke without fire”. Never do we stop to ask what indeed is the precise nature of the ostensible fire that created this dramatic smoke?

Viewed from a distance, the same set of interconnected facts has seen NDTV repeatedly attacked over the last several years. In 2014, the Income Tax Department accused the Roys of not paying tax on the money they made on the sale of NDTV shares to RRPR. The Roys claim the Department’s lawyer has stalled the proceedings for years together and doesn’t allow them to be heard.

SEBI has been examining the legality of a range of actions taken by NDTV for a decade now. On June 8th, 2016, it issued a show cause notice to NDTV for violation of the Takeover Code amongst other things. This too has been hanging fire for a long time.

At the end of the day then, what are we to make of the fate of a TV channel that has frequently been critical of the Government? If you smell smoke in ICICI Bank’s Rs. 48 Crore haircut, wouldn’t you argue that the press cannot claim immunity from prosecution on the patently dishonest argument that it would muzzle freedom of speech?

__._,_.___

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Posted by: Anant Trivedi <trivedianant@gmail.com>

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GERMAN BILL TO VOTE ON GAG SOCIALMEDIA HATEPOSTS ?

JUNE 24, 2017LEAVE A COMMENTON GERMAN BILL TO VOTE ON GAG SOCIALMEDIA HATEPOSTS ?

The German Media Gagged

The legislature in German parliament is soon  to ride ,gag an scuttle the media at large with such massive fine for fake news or hate speech is incongruous for media fraternity as the news are not always from the grass root,or primary,first  source, but is from various tale told in form of accounts and depend on the intellect and wisdom of the conveyor accounts  thus news are likely to be essentially  some percent of falseness.

Media being targeted for their imperfect stance with such massive fine i unpalatable and against human rights.

Germany’s governing parties have cleared the way for parliament to vote on legislation designed to get illegal content such as hate speech or defamatory fake news removed quickly from social networking sites. The legislation provides for fines of up to €50 million for sites that fail to remove such content. The Cabinet approved it in April. It then encountered strong criticism, including fears that networks would delete too many posts to avoid the risk of fines. Chancellor Angela Merkel’s conservative bloc said the governing parties agreed Friday to amendments that would allow for a vote next week.

Media agencies

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PM INTERACTS WITH AMERICAN CEOS

JUNE 26, 2017LEAVE A COMMENTON PM INTERACTS WITH AMERICAN CEOS

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, today met and interacted with 20 top American CEOs at a roundtable meeting in Washington DC.

Welcoming the CEOs, the Prime Minister said that the world is focused on India’s economy. He said a young population and a rising middle class are among factors which generate global interest in the Indian economy, especially in areas such as manufacturing, trade and commerce, and people to people contacts.

He said that in the last three years, the Union Government in India has focused on improvement in quality of life of the people.

The Prime Minister said this requires global partnership. And therefore, he added, the Union Government in India is working on principles such as Minimum Government, Maximum Governance.

The Prime Minister spoke of the recent reforms, and noted that the Union Government alone has initiated 7000 reforms. He said this indicates India’s quest for global benchmarks. He mentioned the Government’s emphasis on efficiency, transparency, growth and benefit for all.

On GST, the Prime Minister said that this is becoming a reality after years of effort. He added that its implementation is a complex task that may well be the subject of future case-studies. He added that this shows India can take big decisions and implement them swiftly.

CEOs appreciated the Prime Minister for his policy initiatives and the work done in recent times towards ease of doing business. Initiatives such as Digital India, Make in India, Skill Development, Demonetization and the thrust towards renewable energy came in for much appreciation from a number of CEOs. Several CEOs showed their willingness to be partners in skill development and education initiatives. They also mentioned social initiatives being undertaken by their companies in India, in spheres such as women empowerment, digital technology, education and food processing. Themes such as infrastructure, defence manufacturing and energy security also came up for discussion.

In conclusion, the Prime Minister thanked the CEOs for their observations. Looking forward to his meeting with President Trump tomorrow, he said India and the US have shared values. He said if America becomes stronger, India will be a natural beneficiary. He also added that India believes that a strong America is good for the world. He sought enhanced attention from the CEOs in areas such as women empowerment, renewable energy, startups and innovation. He suggested linking sanitary practices, products and technologies with the requirements of school going girls. He reiterated that his primary interest is improving the quality of life in India.

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BJP : EID MUBARAK CELEBRATIONS

JUNE 26, 2017LEAVE A COMMENTON BJP : EID MUBARAK CELEBRATIONS

Edit"BJP : Eid Mubarak celebrations"

NAPM CONDEMN LYNCHING OF MUSLIM YOUTH-JUNAID

JUNE 26, 2017LEAVE A COMMENTON NAPM CONDEMN LYNCHING OF MUSLIM YOUTH-JUNAID

NAPM Condemn Lynching of Muslim Youth-Junaid 

Demand strict action against all those guilty

New Delhi | 26th June: National Alliance of People’s Movements (NAPM) is shocked and horrified by the gruesome murder of sixteen year old Junaid Khan in running train enroute to Mathura from Delhi on 22nd June. This happened in public view inside a train where ordinary people were travelling to their respective destinations. Junaid and his three brothers were returning after shopping for Eid. The attackers were calling them ‘beef eaters’ and taunted for their appearance. The attack happened mainly due to their appearance as Muslim fellows. What is shocking is the involvement of ordinary people in this incident. We learn from newspaper reports that the CCTV recordings at the railway station have been tampered with that there is much silence about the incident with hardly anyone coming forward to talk about what happened on that fateful day.

We hold the politics of RSS and its political outfit BJP directly responsible for such outburst of hatred. Sangh Parivar has decorated people who have openly abused minorities, have failed to rein in cow vigilantes who have been on killing spree all over the country, their online sena are spreading fake videos and messages depicting Muslims as anti-nationals and supporter of Pakistan and their divisive and dirty politics over beef has poisoned the minds of ordinary people. The designs of the BJP government was out in the open when in 2016 Haryana government had assigned the police to check samples of biryani for beef.  We also see it as RSS-BJP  efforts towards Nationalization of the Gujarat-2002 Model – killings of Muslim and Dalit citizens on one hand and throttling of the constitution on the other.

NAPM stands with the family of Junaid and prays for his brother who has been stabbed and is in serious condition. We demand a high level probe and immediate arrests of all those guilty. We demand ban on cow vigilante outfits whose soul aim is to terrorise and extort money.

Today, two members of NAPM-Vimal Bhai and Uma-visited the family of deceased Junaid and expressed condolences. A detailed write-up based on their visit will be issued shortly.

We call upon all the progressive forces of the country to join hands and resist the fascist onslaught the kind this country has never seen before. NAPM along with like-minded organisations will fight the communal and divisive forces with all its strength.

Contact: 9718479517

Medha Patkar, Narmada Bachao Andolan (NBA) and National Alliance of People’s Movements (NAPM)

Aruna Roy, Nikhil Dey and Shankar Singh Mazdoor Kisan Shakti Sangathan (MKSS) and National Campaign for People’s Right to Information and NAPM

Prafulla Samantara, – Lok Shakti Abhiyan & NAPM, Odisha;

Lingraj Azad – Samajwadi Jan Parishad – Niyamgiri Suraksha Samiti, NAPM, Odisha;

Binayak Sen and Kavita Srivastava, People’s Union for Civil Liberties (PUCL)

Sandeep Pandey, Socialist Party and NAPM, Uttar Pradesh

Sudhir Vombatkere, Senior Activist, NAPM, Karnataka

Gabriele Dietrich, Penn Urimay Iyakkam, Madurai and NAPM, TN;

Geetha Ramakrishnan, Unorganised Sector Workers Federation, NAPM, TN;

Arul Doss, NAPM Tamil Nadu

Arundhati Dhuru, Nandlal Master, Manesh Gupta – NAPM, UP;

Richa Singh, Sangatin Kisan Mazdoor Sangathan, NAPM-UP

Vilayodi Venugopal, CR Neelakandan and Prof. Kusumam, NAPM, Kerala

Vimal Bhai – Matu Jan Sangathan, NAPM-Uttarakhand & Jabar Singh, NAPM, Uttarakhand;

Sister Celia – Domestic Workers Union & NAPM, Karnataka;

Rukmini V P, Garment Labour Union, NAPM, Karnataka;

Anand Mazgaonkar, Krishnakant – Paryavaran Suraksh Samiti, NAPM Gujarat;

Kamayani Swami, Ashish Ranjan – Jan Jagran Shakti Sangathan & NAPM Bihar;

Mahendra Yadav – Kosi Navnirman Manch, NAPM Bihar;

Sister Dorothy, NAPM Bihar

Dayamani Barla, Aadivasi-Moolnivasi Astivtva Raksha Samiti, NAPM Jharkhand

Dr. Sunilam and Adv. Aradhna Bhargava – Kisan Sangharsh Samiti  NAPM Madhya Pradesh

Bhupender Singh Rawat – Jan Sangharsh Vahini, NAPM, Delhi

Rajendra Ravi, Nanu Prasad, Madhuresh Kumar, Amit Kumar, Himshi Singh, Uma Kapari, Zaved Mazumder, NAPM, Delhi

Faisal Khan, Khudai Khidmatgar, NAPM Haryana

J S Walia, NAPM Haryana;

Kailash Meena, NAPM Rajasthan;

Amitava Mitra & Avik Saha, NAPM West Bengal;

1. Chennaiah, Andhra Prdaesh Vyavasaya Vruttidarulua Union (APVVU) and NAPM-AP

Ramakrishnam Raju, United Forum for RTI and NAPM, AP

Suniti SR, Suhas Kolhekar, Prasad Bagwe – NAPM, Maharashtra;

Gautam Bandopadhyay, NAPM, Chhattisgarh

Anjali Bharadwaj, National Campaign for People’s Right to Information and NAPM

Kaladas Dahariya, RELAA, NAPM, Chhattisgarh

Bilal Khan, Ghar Bachao Ghar Banao Andolan, Mumbai,

Meera Sanghamitra, NAPM Telangana-AP

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CAIT RELEASES “WHITE PAPER ON GST” FOR QUICK GUIDANCE ON GST COMPLIANCE

JUNE 26, 2017LEAVE A COMMENTON CAIT RELEASES “WHITE PAPER ON GST” FOR QUICK GUIDANCE ON GST COMPLIANCE

Continuing with it’s commitment of creating mass awareness towards fast track implementation of Goods and Services Tax (GST), the Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT), unveiled “GST White Paper” in a well-attended conference organised in New Delhi. 

Consisting all the important aspects of GST and its compliance, “GST White Paper” released by CAIT is meant to empower the traders with all the required knowledge pertaining to GST and moreover, it is also intended to make traders and others GST compliance.

In the run up to GST which is slated to be implemented from July 1, CAIT has already taken the note of the ground reality that a large number of traders across the country still remain unaware about the basic fundamentals of GST and the compliance obligations. Apart from educating traders and other sectors, on the core factors of GST, the white paper released by CAIT also represents its viewpoints on the new law and helps readers understand the nation’s biggest tax reform in a cohesive manner.

Unveiling the “GST White Paper”, CAIT National President Mr. B. C. Bhartia & Secretary General Mr. Praveen Khandelwal in a joint statement released in the conference today said, “Though GST is going to be implemented in less than a week from today, yet large number of traders across the Country are still unknown about not only the basic fundamentals of GST but even the compliance obligations. Through this White Paper, we intend to disseminate vital information on Goods & Services Tax (GST) to traders and people in general. It is important for the traders and all to understand that GST being a technology based taxation system is much different from the current VAT, Excise & Services Tax regime. Stated to be a landmark reform in Indirect Taxation System of the Country, it has several aspects of compliance which can be fulfilled only through digital technology.”

For seamless GST implementation, CAIT has already taken a big leap forward in its attempt to train and educate the trading fraternity on GST compliance and adoption of digital payments through its national campaign launched on May 01, 2017 in association with MasterCard, HDFC Bank and Tally Solutions under which more than 130 market camps, seminars and workshops are being organised in close vicinity of small traders across the country in various geographies of the country. 

CAIT has also launched Digi Varta national campaign including “DIGITAL RATH” to educate and empower small business and the trading community on enhanced adoption of digital payments. The mega initiative will also help traders’ transition towards the GST regime. Besides trading community, CAIT has also aimed to reach out to the farmers, transporters, hawkers, small and medium enterprises, consumers, women entrepreneurs and self-employed groups, among other sections. Obviously, this campaign by CAIT is in line with the prime minister’s efforts for converting the Indian economy into a cashless economy.

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7TH NATIONAL CONFERENCE ON SCIENTIFIC UPDATES ON ZOONOTIC DISEASES CONTROL

JUNE 26, 2017LEAVE A COMMENTON 7TH NATIONAL CONFERENCE ON SCIENTIFIC UPDATES ON ZOONOTIC DISEASES CONTROL

7th National Conference on Scientific Updates on Zoonotic Diseases Control at AIIMS New Delhi on 6th July 2017

Venue:  Dr Ramalingamswami Board Room AIIMS New Delhi

Organisers: Millennium India Education Foundation  AND 

                      Division of Clinical Microbiology & Molecular Medicine AIIMS
Dear Colleagues/Friends 

why important to attend:  

Conference would discuss about how to diagnose early,treat effectively, manage and follow preventive guidelines on some of the animal diseases(pets,wild,birds,domestic etc) which are knocking at our doors to cross thier primary host barriers and infect human beings.

It is well established scientifically established that almost 70% of human infections are traced to animals as primary hosts.

FOCUS

This conference will mainly focus on multi-disciplinary collaboration for promoting animal and human health and will provide a common platform for veterinary, medical and environmental professionals where they can interact  with  each  other  and  share  their  experiences  in  preventing  the  spread  of Zoonotic diseases.

PREREGISTRATION IS A MUST AND WILL BE CLOSED ONCE SEATS ARE FILLED.

Please be informed that the venue can accommodate only up to 100-120 delegates and which will be filled on first cum first serve basis. 

Some of the key areas to be covered in this conference are:

1. All About Zika diagnosis by Prof. of Medicine Dr Kamlesh Upadhyay B J Medical college Ahmadabad Gujarat where first case of Zika in India has been diagnosed.

2. Preventing Rabies by using Rabies Immunoglobulins directly in the wound bitten by suspected rabid animal  by epidemiologist Dr Omesh Bharati Himachal Pradesh Health services Shimla HP

3. Biotechnological approach to prevent zoonotic diseases by Dr Lal Krishna Former Animal Husbandry commissioner Govt.of India & Chief Consultant Dept.of Biotechnology Govt.of India

4.   Zoonotic diseases on North India Watch List by Dr P K Uppal ,the first Indian scientist who isolated NIPPAH virus in Malaysian outbreak in 1998.

5. Sea Food (Aquatic-Fish) and wild animal zoonosis by Dr Jyoti Misri ICAR

6. Need to Study Economic Impact of zoonotic diseases in human by Dr Uday Kakroo convenor conference and Director Millennium India Education Foundation New Delhi

Yours Sincerely,

                                                            

Dr Uday Kakroo                                                                 Dr Sarman Singh

Convenor                                                                       Organising Chairman

Director MIEF                                                   HOD of Clinical Microbiology &                                                                                   Molecular Medicine AIIMS

Ph 9810301261                                                                        Ph 9810813435

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PRESS CONFERENCE & TO SHARE WITH YOU THE UNIQUENESS OF THEIR LATEST FILM ‘CHEER HARAN’

JUNE 26, 2017LEAVE A COMMENTON PRESS CONFERENCE & TO SHARE WITH YOU THE UNIQUENESS OF THEIR LATEST FILM ‘CHEER HARAN’

PRESS INVITATION

Twister Entertainment cordially invites you to attend the Press Conference & to share with you the uniqueness of their latest film

‘CHEER HARAN’

(Indian film based on the attempt to showcase the psyche of Haryana in the aftermath of Jaat Reservation Agitation 2016.)

To be addressed by:

• Randeep Hooda
• Kuldeep Ruhil (Director)

Time: 4:00 pm

Date: 27th June 2017 (Tuesday)

Venue: Spice Cinemas, Sec 25 A, Noida

You are requested to send correspondents/ photographers/ camera crew for the Press Conference.

R.S.V.P

Shailesh Giri

9811222325(M)

Edit"Press Conference & to share with you the uniqueness of their latest film ‘CHEER HARAN’"

DELHI FURNITURE FEDERATION :’FURNITURE’ IN 28% SLAB OF G.S.T NOT ACCEPTABLE TO US:

JUNE 26, 2017LEAVE A COMMENTON DELHI FURNITURE FEDERATION :’FURNITURE’ IN 28% SLAB OF G.S.T NOT ACCEPTABLE TO US:

Today the entire funiture market across India is closed on the important ffestival day of Eid because the Furniture trading fraternity feels that being  in 28% Slab of G.S.T will harm  the entire furntiure manufactuering  and trading companies with such high slab from 12 % to 28 5. Furntiure business fraternity  categorically telling media that it is not acceptable to us:

The decision of inclusion of ‘Furniture’ in 28% Slab of G.S.T and it being declared as an item of luxury, along with decrease of import duty on Furniture Goods to 10% is surely to bring doomsday to India Furniture Industry. It is also an irony when Government is promoting ‘Make In India’, this decision is surely against Spirit of ‘Make in India’, allowing the markets to be flooded by more imported Goods. In regards to this, we considered certain points, and demands:

1. It is already well known fact that imported Furniture Goods have encroached its way up to 60% of total Market Share which has already become a threat for Indian Manufacturers. Now as mentioned above, the decision of Government to further decrease the import Duty will surely add to insurmountable problems presently faced by Industry. Foreign Goods will encroach the more of markets, which shall render 2 Lakh 70 Thousand Professionals adjoined with industry Jobless and this will be a BLACK DAY in history of Indian Manufacturing Industry.
2. In today’s world, from Offices to Hospitals, from Schools to Homes, Furniture has surely become a necessity. Not only this, Indian usually Gift furniture for e.g. Bed, Sofa etc. in Daughters’ wedding, and moreover In Business premises, Office Furniture is a “must” need.

Then, this is totally incomprehensible, on what basis G.S.T Council declared Furniture as “Luxury”, whereas Gold, Silver and Diamond which are more of Luxury are surely underrated by G.S.T council.

3. As request of Furniture manufactures, Furniture regardless Manufactured of Wood, Iron, Steel, Iron, Glass, Cane should be kept under G.S.T slab of 12.5% instead of proposed 28%.
4. The said exemption of 75 Lakhs should be withdrawn, for benefit of Industry, as it will allow an alleyway for people to evade tax and will promote corruption.
5. Furniture Industry is in unbreakable relation with professionals and worksmen. More than 85% of these professionals and worksmen belong to Low-income class and are unorganized. Hence, for their Benefit, all the Furniture Items should be included under 1 HSN code.

When Delhi Furniture Association and Members of Confederation of All Furniture Market Association of India not only considered abovementioned points, in addition, to also support the included demands, shall close all their Business Premises, Showrooms, Factories to Organize an Protest/Dharna on 26_27 June. Many of them will gather at Shaheed Bhagat Singh PARK, Furniture Market, for suggestions regarding this movement. After which, A Delegation shall present a memo to Finance Minister of the Country, Shree Arun Jaitely.

Regards,

Ratinder Pal Singh Bhatia

President

Delhi Furniture Federation

Edit"Delhi Furniture Federation :’Furniture’ in 28% Slab of G.S.T not acceptable to us:"

DELHI FURNITURE FEDERATION CALL MASS PROTEST

JUNE 26, 2017LEAVE A COMMENTON DELHI FURNITURE FEDERATION CALL MASS PROTEST

Delhi Furniture Federation call mass protest and strike against inclusion of Furniture in 28%GST slab by Central Govt.

From: Shakti Vidyarthi <shakti.vidya@gmail.com> on Sun, 25 Jun 2017 19:53:34 Add to address bookTo: You & 1 other | See Details

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Dear Media Friends!!,

Please find attached invitation of Delhi Furniture Federation call mass protest and 3 days all India strike against inclusion of Furniture in 28% G.S.T slab by Central Govt.

Media Conference will be organised on 26/6/2017 at Press Cub of India, Time 3.00 pm.

We kindly request you to send a journalist/photo journalist/cameraman of your esteemed publication/News Channels for cover this program.

—

Best Regards,
Shakti Raj Vidyarthi
M @ 9711118189
Email:- shakti.vidya@gmail.com
S. S. Media Communications

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LAUNCH OF DIGITAL MSME SCHEME

JUNE 27, 2017LEAVE A COMMENTON LAUNCH OF DIGITAL MSME SCHEME

Kalraj Mishra Gives Away National Awards for MSME 2015
3 MoUs Exchanged with SAP India, Intel and HMT

National Awards for MSME 2015 was organized here today. Shri Kalraj Mishra, Union Minister for MSME gave away the MSME Awards 2015. Since the United Nations has declared 27th June as the UN Day for MSMEs, the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises has selected this day for distributing National Awards to Micro, Small and Medium Entrepreneurs for their outstanding performance, to express the gratitude of the Government to the achievers in this field which is so important for the national economy.

Shri Giriraj Singh and Shri Haribhai P. Chaudhary, Ministers of State for MSME were also present to grace the occasion. Shri KK Jalan, Secretary MSME, Shri Surendra Nath Tripathi, Development Commissioner, Shri. Vinai Kumar Saxena, Chairman, KVIC, Shri C.P. Radhakrishnan, Chairman, Coir Board also were present on the occasion.

On this occasion the Union Minister for MSME Shri Kalraj Mishra also launched ‘Digital MSME Scheme’ and handed over three Memorandums of Understandings to SAP India, Intel and HMT respectively. These steps would further boost Ministry’s effort towards making the Digital India Mission successful. The Digital MSME Scheme is revolving around Cloud Computing which is emerging as a cost effective and viable alternative in comparison to in-house IT infrastructure installed by MSMEs. In cloud computing, MSMEs use the internet to access common as well as tailor-made IT infrastructure including software for managing their business processes. Cloud computing is free from the burden of investment on hardware/software and infrastructural facilities. Therefore CAPEX converts into OPEX. This scheme would encourage MSMEs towards this new approach i.e. Cloud Computing for ICT adoption

Speaking on the occasion, Shri Kalraj Mishra, Union Minister for MSME informed that for the year 2015 the total number of National Awardees are 56 for various categories, including 50 for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises and 6 for Banks. He also said that the Ministry of MSME is making concrete efforts in line with ‘Digital India’ and ‘Make in India’ visions of the Speaking on the occasion, Sh. Kalraj Mishra, Hon’ble Union Minister (MSME) informed that for the year 2015 the total number of National Awardees are 56 for various categories, including 50 for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises and 6 for Banks. He also said that the Ministry of MSME is making concrete efforts in line with ‘Digital India’ and ‘Make In India’ visions of the Hon’ble Prime Minister. He congratulated the award winners for achieving excellence in various fields and expressed his hope that other enterprises in the sector would emulate the examples set by the awardees. He exhorted the MSME sector to walk the path of ZED and Lean manufacturing to make Hon’ble Prime Minister’s dream a reality.

Union Minister of State for MSME, Shri Haribhai P. Chaudhary stated that the importance of MSMEs and their contribution to the economic and social development of India could not be overemphasized. The MSME sector including Khadi & Village Industries and Coir Sector is the largest employer, after agriculture. The MSMEs have shown growth of over 10% in recent years, this being more than that recorded by the large corporates. The MSMEs provide employment to over 110 million persons through over 50 million enterprises producing over six thousand products. In view of its importance in the national economy, the MSME Sector has always been in the top priority of the present Government. He also listed out the achievements made in MSME sector during the last three years. Further, the Government has also extended the coverage of the loans covered under the Credit Guarantee Scheme from Rs. 1 Crore to Rs. 2 Crore and the corpus of Credit Guarantee Fund has also been enhanced from Rs. 2500 crore to Rs. 7500 crore to facilitate collateral free loans to Micro & Small Enterprises.

Union Minister of State for MSME, Shri Giriraj Singh stated that M/o MSME, as per the vision of Hon’ble Prime Minister, has taken a number of steps for ‘ease of doing business’ and ‘Digital India Mission’. Udyog Adhaar Memorandum launched in September, 2015, an online portal linked with Aadhaar number, can be filed within few minutes with no fee and on self certification basis. Furthermore, MSMEs can now access information on all schemes implemented by the Ministry on a single window at MyMSME mobile app.

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CLEAR ACTION PLAN DRAWN TO REVITALISE CRUISE TOURISM IN INDIA 

JUNE 27, 2017LEAVE A COMMENTON CLEAR ACTION PLAN DRAWN TO REVITALISE CRUISE TOURISM IN INDIA 

Clear Action Plan drawn to revitalize Cruise Tourism in India

The Minister of Shipping and  Road Transport and Highways Shri  Nitin Gadkari  has said that Cruise Tourism is one of the fastest growing components of the leisure industry worldwide, and  can be a major growth driver for the Indian economy by generating huge employment opportunities.  Shri Gadkari was  speaking at the National Workshop on “Action Plan for Development of Cruise Tourism in India”, in New Delhi today. The workshop was also attended by Minister of State for  Culture and Tourism (I/C) Dr Mahesh Sharma, and representatives of all stakeholder organizations – both from the government and the private sector – including regulatory agencies which deal with issues impacting cruise tourism.

Pointing out that tourism has the highest investment to employment multiplier Shri Gadkari said that on an average, employment generation on a cruise ship is 1 job for 3-4 passengers. With India having the potential to cater to 700 cruise ships per year as against 158 handled this year, the cruise industry can generate more than 2.5 lakh jobs for ten lakh cruise passengers, giving a big boost to the country’s economy. He further informed that cruise terminals are being developed at five major ports – Mumbai, Goa, Cochin, Mangalore and Chennai. In addition, the transport potential of 111 inland waterways will  also be tapped. Work will start for developing ten inland waterways by the end of this year. This includes the rivers Ganga and Brahmaputra on which work is already in progress, he informed.

Shri Gadkari called upon  state governments also to play an active role in promoting cruise tourism by developing, packaging and marketing  their tourists attractions to draw more and more tourists.

The Ministry of Shipping has been working actively with all relevant ministries and organizations of the government to promote cruise tourism in the country.  A joint task force headed by Secretary Shipping and Secretary Tourism was constituted for the purpose, and a global consultant was engaged for drawing up an Action Plan. The objective of today’s workshop was to discuss this Action Plan which requires various arms of the Government to take action for creating an enabling business eco-system for growth of cruise tourism in the country.

Speaking on the occasion Dr Mahesh Sharma said that India is fast growing as an attractive tourist destination. To realize the full potential for cruise tourism in the country there was a need for all stakeholders to work together, in cooperation with each other, and create a favourable ecosystem for growth.

Highlighting the efforts of the Shipping Ministry for promoting cruise tourism, Dr Alok Srivastava, Special Secretary (Shipping), informed that e visa, e-landing and incentives like minimum rebate of 30% on all cruise vessel related charges and additional rebate of 25% for coastal cruise movement have already been implemented. Further to this, a joint task force has been set up by the Ministry of Shipping & the Ministry of Tourism and an action plan for deriving standard operating procedure has been drawn, which would be implemented in a time bound manner after discussion with various stakeholders.

Secretary Tourism Smt Rashmi Verma said that the coming together of the Shipping and Tourism ministries to promote cruise tourism in the country would help maximize the benefits that the sector has to offer.

Stakeholders discussed several regulatory issues pertaining to various aspects of cruise port operations namely security, immigration, customs, ports in the workshop. They worked towards drawing up Standard Operating Procedures for all govt. organizations for cruise vessel handling.

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CHEER HARAN A TRUE PICTURE OF JAT RESERVATION AGITATION

JUNE 27, 2017LEAVE A COMMENTON CHEER HARAN A TRUE PICTURE OF JAT RESERVATION AGITATION

Cheer Haran a true picture of Jat reservation agitation that claimed many lives

The jat reservation agitation that paralyzed Haryana and shamed India across the globe last year, moved Kuldeep Ruhil so deeply that he decided to make a documentary on it. The producer and director of the 90-minute documentary said, “As a film maker it’s my duty to prevent and show the reality of Haryana.” On being asked about the reason behind portraying it as a documentary and not a feature film, the director said, “Thereason behind the documentary is that a feature could be a statement with conclusion. But that could not be the idea because there would be no exploration otherwise. The documentary serves the reality.” He also added that, “You will see that the real victims and survivors are still positive but these reservations has kept alive the cast discrimination.”

Randeep Hooda on being asked about the jat agitation said, “Reservation should be on socio economic basis and not on the basis of cast. It should be for those who need it. Moreover, money and development can come back but lives cannot. That is the most tragic and terrible thing to happen. It became a riot later and a riot is faceless. There was no cast then. There were a lot of anti-social elements that made it to such a bad thing and it was not about reservation anymore it became a riot.” He also said that, “I am not in the movie. My role is only to take this to you people and it’s a story of my heart and home.”

The title is being compared to the heinous incident from the Mahabharata as Haryana was in a similar situation, unguarded and abandoned when all of a sudden the Jat agitation for OBC reservation flared up into a devastating inferno of sectarian violence. The film tries to make out why things turned violent, whether the brutality could have been averted?

Produced by Twister Entertainment, the Hindi documentary is all set to be released in abroad. It will first be showcased in film festival first and then will be released in India.

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52 DEAD IN NIGER UN MIGRATION AGENCY SEARCH

JUNE 27, 2017LEAVE A COMMENTON 52 DEAD IN NIGER UN MIGRATION AGENCY SEARCH

52 Dead in Niger as UN Migration Agency Search and Rescue Operation Saves 600 Stranded Migrants in Sahara Desert

Niger – Sunday morning (25/06), 24 migrants alerted authorities in Niger that they had been stranded in the desert. It is not clear for how long they had been walking in the deserts of central Niger, near Seguedine. The 24 were taken to Seguedine, where one died on arrival, making the total number of survivors, 23. Among the survivors, there are migrants from Gambia, Nigeria, Senegal and Cote d’Ivoire.

They had been in a group of 75 migrants in three different cars, eventually abandoned by smugglers during the journey north. The authorities went back to where they had found the survivors to look for the other 51 who had been in the group, but they could not be found due to a sand storm. The migrants were presumed dead and search missions resumed once the sand storm ended – the bodies have yet to be found. IOM teams on the ground in Dirkou went this morning to pick up the 23 survivors and take them to IOM’s transit centre in Dirkou.

At IOM’s transit centres across Niger migrants receive direct assistance including water, food, shelter, and medical and psychological assistance. They are also assisted with voluntary return and reintegration upon their return.

More than 600 lives have been saved since April 2017 through a new search and rescue operation run by the UN Migration Agency (IOM) in Niger. The operation is financed by the Government of the Netherlands and the European Union (EU) Trust Fund.

Smugglers are exploring new migratory routes along the Northern Corridor, the busiest and most important transport route in East and Central Africa. IOM’s new operation provides life-saving assistance to migrants in distress in areas where there is limited humanitarian presence.

In April 2017, IOM launched a new project financed by the Government of the Netherlands: “Migrants Rescue and Assistance in Agadez Region” (MIRAA). The MIRAA project will last for 12 months, and aims to ensure the protection of migrants in hard-to-reach areas while also strengthening the management of migration by the Government of Niger.

“We are enhancing our capacity to assist vulnerable migrants stranded in Northern Agadez, towards the Niger-Libya border,” said Giuseppe Loprete, IOM Niger Chief of Mission. “Saving lives in the desert is becoming more urgent than ever. Since the beginning of the year we have been receiving frequent calls to rescue victims who embark on this route‎,” Loprete adds.

MIRAA is complementary to the larger initiative “Migrant Resource and Response Mechanism” (MRRM), developed by IOM Niger and financed by the EU Trust Fund. It aims to bring together in one mechanism a wide range of services and assistance for migrants, including assisted voluntary return to their countries of origin and reintegration once they return.

Adaora*, 22 years old, is one of the survivors of a rescue mission on 28 May, and the only woman to have survived from her group. Adaora left Nigeria in early April hoping for a better future in Europe. There were 50 migrants on the pick-up truck when it left Agadez for Libya, but only six are still alive today.

“We were in the desert for ten days. After five days, the driver abandoned us. He left with all of our belongings, saying he was going to pick us up in a couple of hours, but he never did,” Adaora recalls.

Adaora had left Nigeria with two close female friends, who both died in the desert. “They were too weak to keep going,” she sadly remembers. “We buried a few, but there were just too many to bury and we didn’t have the strength to do it,” Adaora adds.

During the next two days, 44 of the migrants died which persuaded the six left to start walking to look for help. “We had to drink our own pee to survive,” she says.

“I couldn’t walk anymore. I wanted to give up,” she recalls. Two other migrants carried her until a truck driver picked them up and took them to local authorities who then alerted IOM staff in Dirkou in the Agadez Region of north-eastern Niger.

By the time the six survivors reached IOM’s transit centre in Dirkou, Adaora was unconscious. She received medical assistance, and once recovered, she gave a detailed account of her experience to both the authorities and IOM staff. Two of the other migrants from the group went back with IOM staff and the authorities to find the bodies and identify the victims.

After having received medical assistance at IOM’s transit centres in both Dirkou and Agadez, Adaora is currently recovering at IOM’s transit centre for migrants in Niamey, awaiting her imminent voluntary return to Nigeria.

Adaora says she had no idea what the route was going to be like, otherwise she would have never left Nigeria. Going back, she wants to continue her work as a nurse. “I think it’s important we all assist each other when we are in need,” she says.

On 9 June, another 92 migrants were also rescued through an IOM search and rescue operation; among them were 30 women and children.

*Adaora’s name has been changed to protect her identity

For further information, please contact Monica Chiriac at IOM Niger, Tel: +227 8931 8764, Email:

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EDINBURGH INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL

JUNE 27, 2017LEAVE A COMMENTON EDINBURGH INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL

Standard Life Opening Event: Bloom

• The third in a series of free to the public digital commissions celebrates the opening of the 2017 Festival season
• Celebration of 70 years of the International Festival and Edinburgh’s status as the world’s Festival City
• Standard Life Opening Event: Bloom reimagines the St Andrew Square inviting audiences to travel through a magical digital installation
• For the first time the Opening Event takes place on two nights, Friday 4 & Saturday 5 August
• Free event tickets released at 10.00am on Monday 3 July
• A family of sponsors, donors, collaborators and city agencies have come to gether to make Standard Life Opening Event: Bloom possible

A full media kit including images further background information can be downloadedhere.

In 1947, Sir John Falconer – Lord Provost of Edinburgh and the International Festival’s first Chair – spoke of his ambition that the inaugural Edinburgh International Festival should ‘provide a platform for the flowering of the human spirit’. 70 years later, Edinburgh has bloomed into the world’s Festival City and its impact has been an constant inspiration, propagating new festivals throughout Europe and beyond. The Interantional Festival continues to celebrate our highest artistic achievements, our imagination and creativity, our generosity and diversity.

The third in a series of commissions from the International Festival’s Artistic Associates 59 Productions, the Standard Life Opening Event: Bloom is a an epic public artwork by 59 Director Leo Warner, which brings together large-scale animation and architectural projection mapping, celebrating the cultural reignition sparked by the Festival’s creation. Featuring a newly commissioned musical score from award winning composer Nick Powell, the Standard Life Opening Event: Bloom charts the joyful transformation of Edinburgh, from the darkness and division of the post-war years to the colour and vibrancy of today’s Festival City.  Bloomdraws upon the architechtural beauty of the new town, Edinburgh’s rich cultural heritage and the technological innovation for which the city is renowned.

Today the International Festival unveiled new information about the Standard Life Opening Event: Bloom, naming the location as St Andrew Square in Edinburgh’s New Town. Following the successes of The Harmonium Project in 2015 and 2016’s Deep Time, this year’s opening event sees 59 Productions transform not only a single building but use the facades around St Andrew Square to create a vast canvas for projection-mapped animations. The Square becomes an immersive environment of colour, texture, sounds and sensations that places the audience at the centre of a visually stunning digital constellation.

The International Festival also announced that the Opening Event will take place on two nights for the first time, on Friday 4 and Saturday 5 August, giving audiences another opportunity to experience the Standard Life Opening Event: Bloom during the opening weekend of the International Festival. The event runs from 10pm to midnight on a 20 minute loop, allowing audience members to explore it at their own pace.

The Standard Life Opening Event: Bloom is made possible by support from a portfolio of partners across the private and public sector. This is the second event in a three year partnership between the International Festival and Standard Life – the International Festival’s Opening Event Partner – which supports the the event alongside other key funders including EventScotland and the University of Edinburgh, which have supported the Festival’s Opening Event since it’s inception in 2015. This year the Standard Life Opening Event: Bloom also enjoys support from the Scottish Government’s Edinburgh Festivals EXPO Fund. This year the EXPO Fund has made an additional £300,000 available to support the Festivals celebrating 70 years of the Festival City. Edinburgh International Festival is working with Essential Edinburgh to realise the event.

Entry to the event is free. To guarantee access for the 10pm start, a limited number of tickets are available for both nights and will be released from 10am on Monday 3 July. Ticket holders can access the event arena from 9pm ahead of the event beginning at 10pm on both evenings. Non-ticket holders are also welcome to attend and will be admitted from 10.30pm on a first come basis.

Fergus Linehan, Edinburgh International Festival Director, said: ‘Since 1947 the International Festival has welcomed the world to Edinburgh, creating an electric atmosphere in this city which has radiated back out across the globe. That energy has transformed Edinburgh and sparked not only the development of the Festival City we know today, but the creation of countless other festivals around the world. We’ll experience that transformative power first-hand in Bloom, as 59 Productions create a digital constellation in the centre of our city that places our story and Edinburgh’s people at its heart. It takes a huge amount of collaborative work to mount an event like this, and it wouldn’t be possible without the support of our partners. I’d like to thank all of them – Standard Life, the Scottish Government, EventScotland, the University of Edinburgh, Blue-i Theatre Technology and Mclcreate – their support enables us to present this incredible celebration of our Festival City in its birthday year’.

Leo Warner, Founder of 59 Productions and Director of Standard Life Opening Event:Bloom said: ‘Following two wonderful years working with Fergus and his team at the International Festival to create increasingly ambitious and engaging opening events, we faced a challenge in conceiving a new piece befitting the significance of this anniversary year. We decided to place audiences inside the event, encompassing them within nearly half a linear kilometre of projection-mapped architecture and bespoke lighting fixtures, and use music, sound and light to tell a story celebrating the 70 year history of the International Festival and the associated Edinburgh festivals, and the immesurable impact that it has had on the cultural world.’

Standard Life’s Chief Executive Keith Skeoch, said: ‘We’re delighted to be sponsoring the Edinburgh International Festival’s Opening Event, particularly as it celebrates its 70th Anniversary. The Standard Life Opening Event: Bloom will look back and celebrate the creativity and achievements of this world-class Festival. Both Standard Life and the International Festival have a rich heritage that reflects our shared commitment to excellence and our forward-looking approach, often leading the way through collaboration and innovation.The Standard Life Opening Event: Bloom will bring many examples of this to life and will inspire others for the future too.’
Cabinet Secretary for Culture, Tourism and External Affairs, Fiona Hyslop said: ‘I never tire of championing Scotland’s outlook as a welcoming and progressive nation and this is particularly demonstrated in the arts. In 1947, the Edinburgh International Festival boldly invited artists from across Europe to perform in the capital. 70 years on, we’re revered as a festival nation that welcomes performers and audiences from every corner of the globe. We boosted the Scottish Government’s EXPO Fund by a further £300,000 to mark Edinburgh’s 70th anniversary as a festival city. I am delighted that part of this will support the Standard Life Opening Event: Bloom, an ambitious, inspiring and artistic visual representation of those 70 years. It is a fitting tribute to Edinburgh’s legacy as the city that inspired cities around the world to celebrate the arts.’

Paul Bush OBE, VisitScotland’s Director of Events, said: ‘EventScotland is delighted to once again support the Standard Life Opening Event: Bloom at this year’s Edinburgh International Festival. Since its inception in 2015, the opening event has truly captured the imagination of festival-goers and opened it up to a whole new audience. Scotland is the perfect stage for events and we are very proud to have backed Fergus and his team’s vision to launch an event that has gone from strength to strength. In 2017, the Standard Life Opening Event: Bloom will be a wonderful visual celebration of the Festival’s 70th anniversary and Scotland’s Year of History, Heritage and Archaeology.’
Professor Dorothy Miell, Vice-Principal and Head of the College of Arts Humanities and Social Sciences at the University of Edinburgh, said: “The University’s strong links with the Edinburgh International Festival go back to its inception, and we are delighted to collaborate once again to create this spectacular opening event. Our world-class researchers in digital media, design informatics and biological sciences will assist in shaping this epic artwork, and our archives will help tell the story of how the Festival has inspired a blossoming of creativity within the city and beyond. Academics will also work closely with 59 Productions to develop ambitious new ways for people to interact with the Standard Life Opening Event: Bloom, creating a lasting legacy for future generations.”

The Rt Hon Lord Provost of the City of Edinburgh, Frank Ross, said: ‘In 1947, my predecessor Lord Provost Falconer championed the inception of the International Festival. Today, I am as determined as ever to see the event bring people together from all over Scotland and the world. The Standard Life Opening Event: Bloom will provide a beautiful and fitting celebration of our festivals and our city, and of course, the continued flowering of the human spirit. We are delighted to have supported our city’s festivals for 70 years.’

Sponsored by Standard Life

Supported by EventScotland

Supported through the Scottish Government’s Edinburgh Festivals Expo Fund

Created by 59 Productions

In association with The University of Edinburgh

Technology Partner Blue-I Theatre Technology in partnership with mclcreate

Friday 4 & Saturday 5 August, 10.00pm – 12midnight.

Entry to the event is free. To guarantee access for the 10pm start there are a limited number of tickets for both nights available on 3 July at eif.co.uk/bloom. Ticket holders will have access to the arena from 9pm. Non-ticket holders will be admitted from 10.30pm on a first come basis.

Tickets are available at eif.co.uk/bloom.

For initial media enquiries contact susie@thecornershoppr.com or 07834 073 795

Standard Life Opening Event: Bloom (Event PR):
Susie Gray, The Corner Shop PR / 0131 202 6220
07834 073 795/ susie@thecornershoppr.com

Kate Bouchier-Hayes, The Corner Shop PR / 0131 202 6220
07825 335489 / kate@thecornershoppr.com

Edinburgh International Festival (Festival PR):
Liz Wallace
Media Relations Manager
0131 473 2020 / 07708 795 320 / liz.wallace@eif.co.uk
press@eif.co.uk / eif.co.uk

\ENDS

Notes to Editors

Standard Life Opening Event: Bloom
Friday 4 & Saturday 5 August, 10.00pm
St Andrew Square (access from George Street)

Priority admission with free ticket
Tickets limited to 2 per person
eif.co.uk/bloom

#edintbloom @edintfest @standardlifeplc

Edinburgh International Festival

• The Edinburgh International Festival is an unparalleled celebration of the performing arts and an annual meeting point for peoples of all nations. Committed to virtuosity and originality, the International Festival presents some of the finest performers and ensembles from the worlds of dance, opera, music and theatre for three weeks each August.
• The International Festival continues to attract people both locally and from across the globe, with audiences from 84 nations attending last year’s cultural celebration in Edinburgh.
• In 2017 the International Festival celebrates its 70th anniversary. The International Festival was established in 1947 to ‘provide a platform for the flowering of the human spirit’ through a shared celebration of artistic excellence and cultural exchange. The 2017 programme celebrates 70 years of outstanding virtuosity and innovation, and explores how the Festival’s founding ideals still resonate today.
• The 2017 International Festival runs from Friday 4 to Monday 28 August, welcoming 2,020 artists from 40 nations to perform in Scotland’s capital city.

International Festival and Standard Life

• With a mutual commitment to excellence, ambition, creativity and innovation, this partnership allows both organisations to celebrate their shared home of Edinburgh on an international stage.
• The partnership will support the International Festival in advancing its ambitions for future Opening Events, which will continue to deliver new and innovative work showcasing pioneering productions made in Scotland. Standard Life chooses sponsorships and partners that reflect its commitment to excellence and to helping people achieve their ambitions. By supporting the International Festival through this new sponsorship, the company continues to build its investment in its home city and its people, and to advance its global brand.

Standard Life

• Standard Life was established in Edinburgh in 1825. Today it is a global investment company helping people to invest and manage their money.
• Around 4.5 million customers and clients across 45 countries trust Standard Life with their financial future and Standard Life is responsible for the administration of over £360 billion of their assets. Standard Life also supports over 25 million customers through Indian and Chinese associate and joint venture businesses.
• Standard Life Investments actively manages £278billion worldwide, offering global asset management expertise with strong investment capabilities and performance.
• Standard Life employs around 6300 people internationally – through businesses in the UK, Europe, North America, Asia and Australia.
• Standard Life plc is listed on the London Stock Exchange with around 1.2 million individual shareholders.
• Standard Life chooses sponsorships and partners who reflect its commitment to excellence and its collaborative approach to helping people achieve their ambitions. Wherever Standard Life operates in the world, it is motivated by a sense of responsibility. That is what has helped it be a sustainable business over the long term. Standard Life is proud to be listed as a leader for corporate sustainability in its industry in the Dow Jones Sustainability™ Indices (DJSI World and DJSI Europe) and proud to partner with the Edinburgh International Festival and to be sponsoring this exciting Opening Event.
• You can follow Standard Life on www.twitter.com/StandardLifeplc

59 Productions

59 Productions is the multi award-winning company of artists behind the video design of the Opening Ceremony of the 2012 London Olympic Games, the Tony Award-winning An American in Paris currently running in London, globe-trotting smash hit War Horse, and record-breaking David Bowie is exhibition. 59 Productions combines technology and art to tell amazing stories. Led by directors Leo Warner, Mark Grimmer, Lysander Ashton and Richard Slaney, they are world leaders specialising in design for stage and live events. Since 2006, 59 Productions has mounted more than 120 productions across the world at venues including the National Theatre, Royal Court, Young Vic, the Royal Opera House, English National Opera, and New York’s Metropolitan Opera as well as at theatre festivals in Salzburg, Berlin and Avignon. 59 Productions is an Associate Artist of the Edinburgh International Festival for a three-year tenure from 2016-2018.

EventScotland

EventScotland is working to make Scotland the perfect stage for events. By developing an exciting portfolio of sporting and cultural events EventScotland is helping to raise Scotland’s international profile and boost the economy by attracting more visitors. For further information about EventScotland, its funding programmes and latest event news visitwww.EventScotland.org. Follow EventScotland on Twitter @EventScotNews.

EventScotland is a team within VisitScotland’s Events Directorate, the national tourism organisation which markets Scotland as a tourism destination across the world, gives support to the tourism industry and brings sustainable tourism growth to Scotland. For more information about VisitScotland see www.visitscotland.org or for consumer information on Scotland as a visitor destination see www.visitscotland.com.

2017 Year of History, Heritage and Archaeology

• The Standard Life Opening Event: Bloom forms part of Visit Scotland’s Year of History, Heritage and Archaeology.
• 2017 is the year to delve into the past and discover Scotland’s fascinating stories through a wide-ranging variety of new and existing activity to drive the nation’s tourism and events sector, boosting tourism across Scotland.
• The Year of History, Heritage and Archaeology begins on 1 January 2017 and will end on 31 December 2017.  It will build on the momentum generated by previous themed years in Scotland including the 2015 Year of Food and Drink, Homecoming Scotland 2014, the Year of Creative and the Year of Natural.
• The Year of History, Heritage and Archaeology is a Scottish Government initiative being led by VisitScotland, and supported by a variety of partners including Creative Scotland, Scottish Tourism Alliance, Scottish Enterprise, The National Trust for Scotland, Historic Environment Scotland, Highlands and Islands Enterprise, Built Environment Forum Scotland, Heritage Lottery Fund, Museums Galleries Scotland and Traditional Arts and Culture Scotland.
• The Year of History, Heritage and Archaeology is supported by £570,000 of Scottish Government funding.
• The Year of History, Heritage and Archaeology events fund is managed by EventScotland, part of VisitScotland’s Events Directorate.
• For more information visit visitscotland.com/HHA2017 or join the conversation at #HHA2017

University of Edinburgh

Established in 1583, the University of Edinburgh is one of the UK’s leading research-intensive universities and regularly ranks among the top 50 universities in the world. The University is an Edinburgh International Festival partner and proudly provides cutting-edge expertise and knowledge to help create one of the world’s greatest celebrations of the arts.

Scottish Government

Edinburgh’s Festivals have been defining, and promoting, Scotland’s identity as a confident, creative, welcoming nation for 70 years. The Edinburgh International Festival was formed to heal the wounds of war and bring European partners together through culture, focusing on our similarities rather than our differences. The Scottish Government greatly values the contribution our fellow Europeans bring to our society, culture and economy and this is particularly evident in the make-up of our festivals. We believe this should continue and that Scotland remains an open, outward-looking nation, with its cultural and creative sector at its heart.

The Scottish Government EXPO Fund enhances Scotland’s creative capacity and international reputation, and since 2008, the fund has provided over £19m in funding, supporting Edinburgh’s Festivals to create and showcase a legacy of important new work that is seen by audiences from around the world.

An additional £300,000 was provided to mark Edinburgh’s 70th anniversary as a festival city in 2017. The 2017/18 EXPO Fund has a budget of £2.1m for Edinburgh’s Festivals and £200,000 is provided to Festivals Edinburgh to promote and position Edinburgh as the world’s leading Festival City.

The Scottish Government places huge importance on the value of the arts and culture in our society. This week, we are commencing a national conversation exploring what culture means to everyone who lives here. These conversations will inform the development of a culture strategy for Scotland. The strategy will position culture as fundamental to a contemporary, diverse, democratic and innovative society with an open and international outlook – values which we know are shared by Edinburgh’s Festivals.

The Edinburgh Festivals Expo Fund assessment process and funding is administered by Creative Scotland, with input from Event Scotland, Scottish Enterprise, Festivals Edinburgh and City of Edinburgh Council.

Blue-i Theatre Technology & mclcreate

Blue-i Theatre Technology, the latest division of Blue-i Event Technology, is a leading supplier in video equipment rental to theatre and the arts across the UK and Worldwide. Teaming up with mclcreate Blue-i will be supplying the d3 media Server Package, video distribution and, in conjunction with mclcreate, 42 Panasonic PT-DZ21K projectors.

Ed Cooper of blue-I Theatre Technology said: ‘We are delighted to be able to support both the Edinburgh International Festival’s and close friends 59 Productions Deep Time for what promises to be a spectacular event’.

The Edinburgh International Festival receives core grant support from The City of Edinburgh Council and Creative Scotland. Scottish Charity Number SC004694.

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‘LIGHTING UP BIHAR: IMPROVING ELECTRICITY SUPPLY

JUNE 27, 2017LEAVE A COMMENTON ‘LIGHTING UP BIHAR: IMPROVING ELECTRICITY SUPPLY

July 5 CPR Initiative on Climate, Energy and Environment is pleased to invite you to a talk on ‘Lighting Up Bihar: Improving Electricity Supply and Reducing Distribution Losses’ Wednesday,  5 July 2017, 4:00 – 5:30 p.m. Dr Anant Sudarshan Conference Hall, Centre for Policy Research Image Source: Ashirbad Raha Often the biggest bottlenecks to providing access to reliable, affordable electricity are not supply or technology constraints. Rather the problem lies with institutionally and economically inefficient electricity distribution. Almost half of power drawn from the grid is not paid for and is unmetered, unbilled or pilfered. In the state of Bihar, 42% of power consumed falls in this category. The Government of Bihar is trying to address this problem and expand access to electricity by implementing reforms to improve the Bihar State Electricity Board’s finances and the availability of power. Dr Anant Sudarshan will discuss an ongoing pilot implemented in partnership with the North and South Bihar Distribution Company. The project is designed to test if an innovative group collective incentive can be used to increase payment rates, thus reducing distribution losses and enabling the utility to expand electricity supply. The pilot scheme links the amount of electricity supplied to groups of industrial and residential consumers to their overall performance in paying for the electricity they consume. As the proportion of electricity bills paid increases, the hours of electricity supplied to that community also increases. Ultimately where the community ends up on this schedule depends on how much they value a higher quality of electricity supply. Speaker Bio: Dr. Anant Sudarshan is India Director of the Energy Policy Institute at Chicago University (EPIC-India). He is also a Senior Research Associate at the Department of Economics, University of Chicago. Prior to working at EPIC, Anant was the Giorgio Ruffolo Post-doctoral Fellow in the Sustainability Science Program at Harvard University’s Kennedy School of Government. He received his PhD in Management Science and Engineering from Stanford University and he holds undergraduate and Masters degrees in Mechanical Engineering from the Indian Institute of Technology (Delhi) and Stanford University respectively. Anant works at the intersection of environmental economics and engineering, with on-going research on a variety of areas including environmental regulation, air-pollution, climate change, energy efficiency, electricity and renewable energy. His present work includes collaboration with India’s Ministry for Environment and Forests to design and evaluate a pilot emissions trading program to regulate industrial air pollution. He is also working with the Governments of Bihar, Rajasthan and Maharashtra on electricity distribution reforms designed to reduce losses and enhance the supply of power.

Edit"‘Lighting Up Bihar: Improving Electricity Supply"

RETURN THE NATIONAL MINORITY RIGHTS AWARD

JUNE 27, 2017LEAVE A COMMENTON RETURN THE NATIONAL MINORITY RIGHTS AWARD

MEDIA INVITE

PRESS CONFERENCE

Dear Sir/ Madam,

I will be going to the National Commission for Minorities, Lok Nayak Bhawan, Khan Market, New Delhi-110013 today at 2.30pm to return the National Minority Rights Award, in protest against consistent attacks and killings of the members of the minority communities and total inaction, apathy and tacit support to the violent mobs by the government.

I will release a statement at a press conference at 3.30pm today 27 June, 2017 at IWPC, 5 Windsor Place, New Delhi-110001

Kindly depute a reporter to cover the press conference.

Yours sincerely

Shabnam Hashmi

9811807558

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RESCUE AND RECOVERY OF DROWNED NAVAL OFFICERS

JUNE 27, 2017LEAVE A COMMENTON RESCUE AND RECOVERY OF DROWNED NAVAL OFFICERS

ON 24 JUN 17, INDIAN COAST GUARD STATION FRAZERGANJ RECEIVED INFORMATION FROM WIFE OF A RETIRED NAVAL OFFICER REGARDING DROWNING OF THREE PERSON INCLUDING HER HUSBAND AND DAUGHTER AT HENRY ISLAND BEACH AT 1605 HRS ON 24 JUN 17.

ON RECEIPT OF INFORMATION, ICGS FRAZERGANJ IMMEDIATELY COMMENCED SAR EFFORTS ALONGWITH LOCAL FISHERMEN AND MARINE POLICE, FRAZERGANJ. COAST GUARD AIR CUSHION VESSEL (ACV) H-182 WAS ALSO PRESSED INTO SEARCH OPERATION AND ALL THE THREE BODIES WERE RECOVERED BY 0800 HRS ON 25 JUN 17.

IN ANOTHER INCIDENT, COAST GUARD DISTRICT HEADQUARTERS NO.11, GOA RECEIVED A MESSAGE FROM INS VIKRAMADITYA AND BETUL COASTAL POLICE STATION REGARDING DROWNING OF ONE NAVAL OFFICER OFF CABO DE RAMA FORT AT 1450 HRS ON 26 JUN 17.  COAST GUARD HELO WAS IMMEDIATELY LAUNCHED AND WAS SUCCESSFUL IN LOCATING AND RECOVERING THE OFFICER.  HOWEVER, THE OFFICER WAS DECLARED DEAD BY THE NAVAL MEDICAL TEAM, GOA.

Edit"RESCUE AND RECOVERY OF DROWNED NAVAL OFFICERS"

PRESS CONFERENCE FILM’EK HASEENA THI EK DEEWANA THA’

JUNE 27, 2017LEAVE A COMMENTON PRESS CONFERENCE FILM’EK HASEENA THI EK DEEWANA THA’

PRESS INVITATION

Shree Krishna International cordially invites you to attend the Press Conference & to share with you the uniqueness of their latest film

‘Ek Haseena Thi Ek Deewana Tha‘

To be addressed by:

• Suneel Darshan (Director)
  
• Shiv Darshan (“Karle Pyaar Karle” fame)
• Natasha Fernandez

Time: 1:00 pm

Date: 28th June 2017 (Wednesday)

Venue: Le Meridien, Windsor Place, New Delhi

You are requested to send correspondents/ photographers/ camera crew for the Press Conference.

R.S.V.P

Shailesh Giri

9811222325(M)

9213022325

Edit"Press Conference film’Ek Haseena Thi Ek Deewana Tha’"

कैलाश मानसरोवर यात्रा को लौटाने वाले चीन की वस्तुओं का करें बहिस्कार : विहिप

JUNE 27, 2017LEAVE A COMMENTON कैलाश मानसरोवर यात्रा को लौटाने वाले चीन की वस्तुओं का करें बहिस्कार : विहिप

नई दिल्ली। जून 27, 2017. कैलाश मानसरोवर यात्रा को चीन द्वारा रोके जाने पर विश्व हिन्दू परिषद ने तीखी प्रतिक्रिया दी है. उसका कहना है कि नाथू ला बोर्डर से जाने वाली कैलाश मानसरोवर यात्रा को चीन द्वारा रोके जाने से सभी स्तब्ध थे. अभी तक लगता था कि इसके पीछे शायद प्राकृतिक विपदा ही मुख्य कारण रही होगी. परन्तु चीनी अधिकारियों द्वारा किए गए पत्र व्यवहार तथा जारी बयानों से अब यह स्पष्ट हो गया है कि इस महत्वपूर्ण यात्रा के रोकने का एक मात्र कारण क्षेत्रीय विस्तार की अमिट भूख व दादागिरी ही है. विश्व हिन्दू परिषद के अंतर्राष्ट्रीय संयुक्त महामंत्री डा सुरेन्द्र जैन ने चीन की इस दादागिरी की कठोर शब्दों में भर्त्सना करते हुए जहां देश की जनता से चीनी वस्तुओं के बहिस्कार की अपील की है वहीँ भारत सरकार से जमीन के भूखे चीन के साथ इस मामले को गंभीरता से उठाने को भी कहा है. उन्होंने कहा कि तिब्बत पर अबैध कब्जा जमाने के बाद ड्रेगन की भूख और बढ़ गई. इसलिए, उसने न सिर्फ भारत के अरुणाचल प्रदेश समेत कई क्षेत्रों पर दावा कर रखा है बल्कि उन क्षेत्रों के विकास में टांग भी अड़ाता रहता है. वह इन क्षेत्रों को विकसित होते नहीं देखना चाहता. भूपेन हजारिका पुल बनाने के बाद तो वह बुरी तरह बौखला गया. सिक्कम में दो भारतीय बंकर तोड़ना इसी बौखलाहट का प्रतीक है.

विहिप के संयुक्त महामंत्री ने कहा कि कैलाश मानसरोवर की यात्रा पर रोक लगा कर तो उसने सभी सीमाएं लांघ दी हैं. उसने अब यह स्पष्ट कर दिया है कि सिक्कम के कुछ स्थानों पर उसका अधिकार स्वीकार किए बिना वह इस यात्रा को प्रारम्भ नहीं होने देगा. विश्व हिन्दू परिषद चीन की इस दादागिरी की कठोर शब्दों में भर्त्सना करती है. चीन के  मना करने पर बापस आए यात्री किस यन्त्रणा से गुजरे होंगे, सम्भवतया क्रूर मानसिकता वाला ड्रेगन इसे समझने की सम्वेदनशीलता नहीं रखता. विहिप भारत सरकार से अपील करती है कि मानसरोवर यात्रा के विषय को और अधिक गंभीरता से ले तथा चीन को चेताए कि वह जमीन की असीम भूख को इस यात्रा में बाधा न बनने दे.

विहिप के राष्ट्रीय प्रवक्ता श्री विनोद बंसल द्वारा जारी बयान में डा जैन ने यह भी कहा है कि चीन की निगाहें भारत के क्षेत्रों के साथ साथ भारतीय अर्थ व्यवस्था पर भी है. इसलिए वह हमारे बाजार पर भी कब्जा कर रहा है. उन्होंने भारत की जनता से अपील की है कि बहुत हो चुका, अब वह चीनी वस्तुओं का बहिस्कार कर उसे उसी की भाषा में जबाव दे.

जारी कर्ता:

विनोद बंसल

(राष्ट्रीय प्रवक्ता)

विश्व हिन्दू परिषद

Edit"कैलाश मानसरोवर यात्रा को लौटाने वाले चीन की वस्तुओं का करें बहिस्कार : विहिप"

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CABINET CLEARS AIR INDIA DISINVESTMENT:

JUNE 28, 2017LEAVE A COMMENTON CABINET CLEARS AIR INDIA DISINVESTMENT:

The Union cabinet today cleared disinvestment of debt-laden Air India but the final modalities, including the quantum of stake sale, will be decided by a group of ministers.

Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley said the cabinet has given ‘in-principle’ approval for disinvestment of Air India.A group will be set up to finalise modalities/details of disinvestment of Air India, including the quantum of stake sale, he said.
The airline has a debt of more than 52,000 crore rupes and is surviving on a 30,000 crore rupees bailout package extended by the previous UPA government in 2012.

Surviving on taxpayers’ money, Air India has been in the red for long and various proposals, including government think tank Niti Aayog’s suggestion for complete privatisation, have been made.

The civil aviation ministry is charting out the disinvestment of the state-run carrier.

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EK HASEENA THI EK DEEWANA THA: AN INCOMPARABLE AND FRESH ROMANTIC THRILLER

JUNE 28, 2017LEAVE A COMMENTON EK HASEENA THI EK DEEWANA THA: AN INCOMPARABLE AND FRESH ROMANTIC THRILLER

The film Ek Haseena Thi Ek Deewana Tha, directed and produced by Suneel Darshan features Shiv Darshan, Upen Patel and introduces the gorgeous   Natasha Fernandez in lead roles. The music is composed by Nadeem Saifi. The principle actor Shiv Darshan on being asked about the film said, “The speciality of the film is that it is a wholesome entertainment package which has got passion, pain, suffering, drama, romance and the soulful music which plays like a USP and will make a place in your hearts.”

The beautiful Natasha Fernandez on being questioned on her debut said that, “It changed my life when I was discovered by my mentor Suneel sir. I feel fairy-tails exist and dreams do come true because this films came to me by fate and destiny and I was blessed enough to catch sir’s eye. It was a challenging role but my creator painted me best like a blank canvas.”

The media got quite stunned when everyone got to witness a Skype interaction, that too the first time ever. In it Nadeen Saifi himself interacted with media through Skype and added on to the information. On music improvisation Nadeem said, “We wanted to keep our Hindustani culture alive so we have blended Indian with western and build up the composition. I think the only need is a good launch, moreover, the new emerging trend of music in the market will not affect much as good music will always attract and survive.” On being asked about his return to India he said, “The charges that were put on me were wrong and I also won the case. I really want to return to India as it is in my heart. But they should call me back with respect, I am a pure Indian and I love India.”

The movie have a love triangle, but with many more layers to it and comes somewhere from the world of classic English movies. Suneel Darshan commented on the uniqueness of the movie and said, “No doubt this is a romantic film but it is timeless and cannot be compared to any era.” On censorship the director said, “The board has upgraded and watch today’s cinema as it is, they have been extremely supportive with our film and I didn’t feel any rigidity in their suggestions that they gave.”

‘Ek Haseena Thi Ek Deewana Tha’, presented by Shree Krishna International, is all set to release on June 30.

—

Shailesh Giri

Edit"Ek Haseena Thi Ek Deewana tha: an incomparable and fresh romantic thriller"

INDIA SECOND IN JUNIOR SHOOTING WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP

JUNE 28, 2017LEAVE A COMMENTON INDIA SECOND IN JUNIOR SHOOTING WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP

Indian shooting squad has finished a creditable second at the ISSF Junior World Championship with three gold, two silver and three bronze medals in Suhl, Germany.

India picked up a gold and silver in the team and individual sections of the 25m pistol junior men’s event. India also won team bronze in the 25m pistol junior women’s event to shore up their tally on the fourth and final day of competitions yesterday.

Anish Bhanwala won three medals, one of each colour.

On day one, Anish had claimed gold in the 25m standard pistol men’s event. Yesterday, he win another gold teaming with Anhad Jawanda and Shivam Shukla for the 25m pistol event.

China topped the tally in the rifle/pistol tournament with 19 medals, including eight gold.

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RBI AMENDS BANKING OMBUDSMAN SCHEME

JUNE 28, 2017LEAVE A COMMENTON RBI AMENDS BANKING OMBUDSMAN SCHEME

The central bank has extended the scope of Banking Ombudsman Scheme. The Reserve bank said that under the amended scheme, a customer would also be able to lodge a complaint against the bank for its non-adherence to RBI instructions with regard to mobile banking/ electronic banking services in India. As per the amendment, the pecuniary jurisdiction of the Banking Ombudsman to pass an award has been doubled to 20 lakh rupees.
AIR correspondent reports that the Reserve Bank yesterday extended the scope of Banking Ombudsman Scheme under which banks could be penalised for mis-selling third-party products like insurance and mutual funds via mobile or electronic banking. Banking Ombudsman is a quasi judicial authority functioning under the Banking Ombudsman Scheme, 2006. The authority was created to enable resolution of complaints of customers of banks relating to services rendered by the lenders.

The gross fiscal deficits of all the states skyrocketed to 4,93,360 crore Rupee in the last fiscal from the 18,790 crore rupee in the financial year 1991, according to the latest RBI data. Most populous state Uttar Pradesh and the largest Rajasthan lead the list of states with highest deficit.
According to the second edition of RBI’s statistical publication titled ‘Handbook of Statistics on States 2016-17’, released on Saturday, the gap is projected to improve in the current fiscal. It is estimated to be 4,49,520 crore rupee as per the budget estimates of the states for financial year 2017.
The publication follows the ‘one-indicator-one table’ approach and covers all sub-national statistics on socio- demographics, state domestic product, agriculture, industry, infrastructure, banking and fiscal indicators across the states over a period ranging from 1950-51 to 2016-17.
It also offers data on state-wise availability of power, per capita availability of power, installed capacity of power, and power requirement, length of national highways, roads and state highways, and railheads.

According to the data released by RBI, banks’ credit growth grew at 6.02 per cent to Rs 76,58,212 crore in the fortnight ended June 9 from Rs 72,22,939 crore in the same period of fiscal 2016.

The data showed that the growth in advances in the reporting period was slightly higher than the previous fortnight ended May 26, 2017. In the fortnight ended May 26, advances had grown by 5.08 per cent with an outstanding loans at Rs 75,93,546 crore.

In the fiscal ended March 31, 2017, credit growth had plunged to a multi-year low of 5.08 per cent with an outstanding loan at Rs 78.81 trillion as against Rs 75.01 trillion on April 1, 2016. In the reporting fortnight, bank deposits grew at 11.19 per cent to Rs 105,77,947 crore from Rs 95,13,148 crore in the fortnight ended June 10, 2016.

Edit"RBI amends Banking Ombudsman Scheme"

MODI RETURNS DELHI AFTER THREE NATIONS VISIT

JUNE 28, 2017LEAVE A COMMENTON MODI RETURNS DELHI AFTER THREE NATIONS VISIT

Prime Minister Narendra Modi returned home a short while ago from Amsterdam after a four day three nation visit to Portugal, United States and The Netherlands. During his visit, India signed eleven MoUs for cooperation with Portugal and three with the Netherlands.

In USA, Mr Modi and President Donald Trump comprehensively reviewed bilateral relations and laid down the future road map.

Our correspondent covering the visit of the Prime Minister reported that the Prime Minister’s visit focused primarily on four broad areas: one, furthering India’s strategic interests, two- projection of India as a country with fast track reforms coupled with high economic growth making it a strong opportunity for investment; third- seek collaborations in areas like skill development, knowledge based society and frontier areas of science and technology and four- reviving bonds with Indian Diaspora and seek their contribution for the development of India of their dreams.

The first ever Modi Trump meeting reaffirmed close Indo-US relations with President Trump reiterating himself a true friend of India. India not only received full support in its fight on terrorism from the three countries but the US went a step further by calling Pakistan to put an end to terror.

The visits saw increasing convergence of views between India and the three countries on major international issues.

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MIKE PENCE:US TO HELP INDIAN ARMED FORCES SA

JUNE 28, 2017LEAVE A COMMENTON MIKE PENCE:US TO HELP INDIAN ARMED FORCES SA

US Vice President Mike Pence has said that his country will help the Indian armed forces to obtain the resources and technology it needs to support security in South Asia.

He said the process to approve the sale was underway and expressed hope that it would accurately reflect commitment to mutual security among both nations.

In a key note address to members of the US India Council in Washington yesterday, Pence said, the US and India can deepen their ties in many industries and areas.

He urged India to enact the necessary economic reforms to ensure fair and reciprocal bilateral trade. He also said India and the US, are strong partners in fight against terrorism.

He said, the United States and India already collaborate to a significant extent. But in the face of terror networks that are ever-more sophisticated, ever-more dispersed. He said, both countries will continue to take renewed action to facilitate two-way information and intelligence sharing to confront this threat.

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NO WINNER IN MONGOLIA’S PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION

JUNE 28, 2017LEAVE A COMMENTON NO WINNER IN MONGOLIA’S PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION

There was no outright winner in Mongolia’s presidential election on Monday, forcing the country’s first ever second-round run-off between the two leading candidates, the country’s General Election Committee said on Tuesday. The populist former martial arts star Khaltmaa Battulga of the opposition Democratic Party won the most votes, but failed to secure the majority required, the committee said. He will face ruling Mongolian People’s Party (MPP) candidate Miyeegombo Enkhbold, who came second, in a run-off on July 9, the committee’s chairman Choinzon Tsodnomtseren confirmed at a briefing on Tuesday morning.

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TRUMP NOMINATE FBI DIRECTOR CHRISTOPHER WRAY

JUNE 28, 2017LEAVE A COMMENTON TRUMP NOMINATE FBI DIRECTOR CHRISTOPHER WRAY

President Donald Trump officially nominated Christopher Wray as the new head of the FBI on Monday. Trump first announced his intention to nominate Wray three weeks ago, describing him in a tweet as “a man of impeccable credentials.” Wray formerly served as assistant attorney-general in charge of the Criminal Division at the Justice Department under former President George W Bush. During his tenure, Wray oversaw several major corporate fraud investigations, including the federal prosecutions of executives involved in the Enron scandal. Wray’s nomination must now be confirmed by the Senate. If he is confirmed, Wray will take over for Andrew McCabe, who has been the bureau’s acting director since Trump fired James Comey on May 9. In a statement released by the Justice Department, Wray said he was “honored and humbled” to be nominated.

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NETHERLANDS BACKS INDIA’S BID FOR NSG ENTRY AND A PERMANENT UNSC SEAT

JUNE 28, 2017LEAVE A COMMENTON NETHERLANDS BACKS INDIA’S BID FOR NSG ENTRY AND A PERMANENT UNSC SEAT

The Netherlands has backed India’s early entry into the Nuclear Suppliers Group, NSG, and other multilateral export control regimes.

In a joint communique issued after the meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Dutch counterpart Mark Rutte in Hague the Netherlands also supported the country’s bid for a permanent UN Security Council seat.

Both leaders agreed that the NSG, Wassenaar Arrangement and Australia Group would benefit from India’s membership. Prime Minister Modi thanked the Netherlands for its role in India’s accession to the Missile Technology Control Regime in June 2016.

India and the Netherlands also strongly condemned the use of double standards in addressing the menace of terrorism, saying there can be no justification for acts of terror on any grounds.

They expressed concern about the serious and grave threat posed by the spread of terrorism and violent extremism to both the countries and the world. Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to combat terrorism and prevent radicalisation that could lead to violent extremism.

Mr Modi also discussed the role of the Netherlands as ‘Gateway to Europe’ for India as 20 per cent of its exports to Europe enters through the Dutch country. Both leaders expressed hope for an early resumption of negotiations leading to the conclusion of the Broad-based Trade and Investment Agreement between India and the EU.

Prime Minister Modi invited the Netherlands to join the International Solar Alliance. Prime Minister Rutte appreciated the lead taken by India to galvanise global action on Climate Change through the its initiatives. Both leaders reaffirmed their countries’ commitment towards Paris climate deal.

Earlier yesterday, Prime Minister Modi described the Netherlands as India’s “natural partner” in its economic development and said the bilateral ties with the country’s major trading partner will grow rapidly.

India and Netherlands also signed three MOUs on water management, cultural cooperation and on amending social security arrangement. The MOUs were signed in the presence of both leaders.

Expressing that his Netherlands tour comes at a time when the two countries are celebrating 70 years of diplomatic relations, Mr Modi said the two countries have centuries old relations & are together progressing ahead steadily.

Stressing that today world is interdependent & interconnected, he said, India & Netherlands have convergence of views on the global issues.

Yesterday, Mr Modi also interacted with the CEOs of Dutch companies inviting them to utilize the vast opportunities provided by his ‘Make in India’ initiative.

Prime minister Narendra Modi has said that everything the country have must be world class as the India of the 21st century cannot stay behind when it comes to technology and infrastructure.

Addressing Indian diaspora at a stadium in South Holland’S capital the Hague, Prime minister stressed on larger community participation in development. Mr Modi said, India will have to be modernised at a greater speed.

Addressing the diaspora the Prime Minister announced that five years business visa will soon be granted to the dutch nationals.

Mr. Modi appealed all Indian origin people in Netherlands to apply for their Overseas Citizens of India, OCI, cards at earliest.

Mr Modi praised the Sarnami Indians for maintaining Indianness despite being outside India for around 150 years. He said, despite migrating as labourers to American country of Surinam & then to Netherlands, the Sarnami community has maintained Indian language, culture and traditions.

Emphasizing that relations of blood do not change with change in colour of passport, he said, Indian diaspora across world has feeling of an obligation towards India.

The prime minister Citing the contribution of India’s women across all fields, the prime minister said his government aims at the women-led development.

He said, his government’s thrust has been on jan bhagidari (people’s involvement) in governance as he believed that the country’s progress cannot be ensured only through the government’s work.

He mentioned about various initiatives taken by his government in the sectors like banking, energy and digitalisation and talked about progress being made in areas like space, healthcare and sanitation.

Later, The Prime Minister left for home after concluding his three-nation tour of Portugal, the United States and the Netherlands.

Edit"Netherlands Backs India’s Bid For NSG Entry And A Permanent UNSC Seat"

NMML PUBLIC LECTURE_’GENDER DHARMA IN COUNTER

JUNE 28, 2017LEAVE A COMMENTON NMML PUBLIC LECTURE_’GENDER DHARMA IN COUNTER

Reply Reply to All Forward More

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MEGA CAMP TO FACILITATE DIVYANGJANS

JUNE 28, 2017LEAVE A COMMENTON MEGA CAMP TO FACILITATE DIVYANGJANS

PRESS INFORMATION BUREAU

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

AHMEDABAD

PRESS ADVISORY

Union Minister for Social Justice & Empowerment                 Shri Thaawarchand Gehlot will visit Rajkot. He will attend Mega Camp to facilitate Divyangjans with Prime Minister                     Shri Narednra Modi on 29th June, 2017 (Thursday) at Rajkot.

The Details are as under :

         

Date          :        29st June, 2017 Thursday

Time         :        4.20 P.M.

Venue      :        Race Course Ground,

                          Rajkot, Gujarat.

You are cordially invited to cover the event. Kindly make it convenient to send your reporter / correspondent / photographer / cameraperson for the same.

— 

Press Information Bureau, 

Government of India,

Ahmedabad.

—

Press Information Bureau

Government of India

Ahmedabad

www.pibregional.nic.in

079-25507041

Reply R

Edit"Mega Camp to facilitate Divyangjans"

THREE JOURNALISTS ARRESTED BY THE BURMESE ARMY

JUNE 28, 2017LEAVE A COMMENTON THREE JOURNALISTS ARRESTED BY THE BURMESE ARMY

Dear friend On 26th June, three journalists were arrested by the Burmese Army in Shan State.  Lawi Weng, from The Irrawaddy, and Aye Naing and Pyae Bone Naing from Democratic Voice of Burma, have not been seen or heard from since then. Four other people were arrested with them. Tell Min Aung Hlaing, head of the military, to free the journalists now!  The military don’t publish contact details, but Min Aung Hlaing’s staff are regularly updating his Facebook and Twitter accounts, and read messages sent to him on Facebook. Facebook and Twitter are the quickest way we can get the message to him. Send this campaign poster to Min Aung Hlaing. If you have a Facebook or Twitter account, please send Min Aung Hlaing a Facebook message with our campaign picture, and Tweet it to him as well. 1. Send Min Aung Hlaing a message on his Facebook page here. (click the blue ‘Send Message’ button and attach the poster) 2. Tweet the poster to Min Aung Hlaing: @Min_Aung_Hlaing Min Aung Hlaing doesn’t want the media to report on the human rights violations committed by his troops in ethnic states. Don’t let him get away with arresting journalists and covering up human rights abuses. Thank you so much for your support. Anna Roberts Burma Campaign UK

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Our mailing address is: Burma Campaign UK 28 Charles Square London, N1 6HT United Kingdom

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CULTURAL EVENTS JULY 2017

JUNE 28, 2017LEAVE A COMMENTON CULTURAL EVENTS JULY 2017

Ciné-Club – NOCTURAMA Tuesday, 4th July 2017, 10am ML Bhartia Auditorium, Alliance Française de Delhi Initial release: 2016 | Director: Bertrand Bonello Running time: 2h10min French with English subtitles | Free Entry Open to All Plot: Some young folks, tired of the society they’re living in, plan a bomb attack over Paris before to take shelter for a night in a shopping centre. ————————————————————————————————————————— HISTOIRES VRAIES A contemporary dance show Choreographed by Cécile Loyer Thursday, 6th July 2017, 7pm ML Bhartia Auditorium, Alliance Française de Delhi Free Entry | Open to all In this contemporary dance project, the French artist Cécile Loyer weaves together the stories and the histories of dance. “Histoires Vraies” is, first and foremost, an enquiry into the origins of movement and how movements are passed on. Having been intro­duced to bharathanatyam, Cécile Loyer creates a mix contrasting two different traditions and their use of the body. On the stage, 2 Indian dancers and 2 European dancers turn themselves into witnesses and nar­rators of their own stories. This bizarre, often funny, chaos of gestures narrates our ‘collective history’ and tries to capture the essence of what dance is and to see whether movements, gestures and signs can help us discover other versions of history – less tangible but more moving! ————————————————————————————————————————— Ciné-Club – JE FAIS LE MORT  Tuesday, 18th July 2017, 10am ML Bhartia Auditorium, Alliance Française de Delhi Initial release: 2013 | Director: Jean-Paul Salomé Running time: 1h 44min French with English subtitles | Free Entry Open to All Plot: A has-been actor takes a job playing the victims in a homicide re-enactment, where he sparks with the civil officer investigating the real-life crime. ————————————————————————————————————————— Music: TRIO RANGANATHAN Thursday, 20th July 2017, 6:30pm ML Bhartia Auditorium, Alliance Française de Delhi Free Entry | Open to all Ranganathan Trio is a presentation by a family: three brothers, three talents. Ajay, 22, playing piano, and the twins Ravi and Théo, 19, playing cello and violin. All three-started learning music at a very early age at a Conservatory in the city of Tours. Afterwards, they have continued their studies with famous professors in various Conservatories in France. The three virtuoso will share with you the classical pieces by famous European composers such as Piazzola, Strauss, Joplin, Brahms… ————————————————————————————————————————— Ciné-Club CHRONIQUES D’UNE COUR DE RECRE Tuesday, 25th July 2017, 10am ML Bhartia Auditorium, Alliance Française de Delhi Initial release: 2013 | Director: Brahim Fritah Running time: 1h 25min French-Iranian with english subtitles | Free Entry Open to All Plot: Pierreffite-sur-Seine, 1980. Brahim, a 10-year-old, lives with his family in the construction factory of cranes. His father, of Moroccan origin, is the keeper of this factory. It is a period full of Novelties for the young boy. But at the plant, a relocation of the site is announced to the South of France. The factory closes and the family of Brahim must move elsewhere. ————————————————————————————————————————— Ciné-Club – HANNAH ARENDT Thursday, 27th July 2017, 6:30pm ML Bhartia Auditorium, Alliance Française de Delhi Initial release: 2013 | Director: Margarethe von Trotta Running time: 1h53min French with English subtitles | Free Entry Open to All Plot: Writer and philosopher Hannah Arendt (Barbara Sukowa) goes to Israel to cover Adolf Eichmann’s war-crimes trial for The New Yorker magazine. ————————————————————————————————————————— DR. KHANNA A play by Tom Alter Friday, 28th July 2017, 7pm ML Bhartia Auditorium, Alliance Française de Delhi Free Entry | Open to all Tom Alter directs this philosophical drama drama about the perception of one’s own happiness through the story of an unhappy man and his upbeat. Enigmatic psychiatrist played by theatre personality DIVYA ARORA. About: ‘Dr. Khanna’, play written and directed by Padmashri Tom Alter, staring Divya Arora as the protagonist as she was the only actor in the writer’s mind when he wrote the play. Divya is a much remembered and loved alumna of the Alliance française de Delhi and Lady Shri Ram College for Women, Delhi University. Presently living and working in Mumbai, Divya revisits Delhi now, after becoming an actor, director, writer and a national awardee herself. Divya Arora interprets Dr. Khanna’s role in “DR. KHANNA” opposite Tom Alter, for a course of precise 45 minute doctor- patient appointment that starts, gradually through the puns of Galib’s famous shayaris. The formal barriers of a patient and his doctor melt into a camaraderie that the two begin to share. ————————————————————————————————————————— Cine club screenings are open to all. Free admission. For more details on programs, please contact the cultural section @ 43500 217 / 218 / 222 | Or E mail: culture@afdelhi.org WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | TWITTER | INSTAGRAM | YOUTUBE

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Human trafficking report 2017: US continues to label India as Tier-II

According to the June 2017 edition of “Trafficking in persons” report released by the United States State Department, India continues to be placed in tier-2 of human trafficking, the department arguing that the country does not fully meet the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking.

The State Department in its annual Congressional-mandated report on human trafficking claimed that though India does not fully meet the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking but it has been making significant efforts to do so. The government demonstrated increasing efforts compared to the previous reporting period; therefore, India remained on tier-2.

India 's efforts were reflected in increasing the number of victims identified, investigations completed, and traffickers convicted, as well as its budget for shelter programmes for female and child trafficking victims. It also adopted an action plan for children, which included plans to prevent child trafficking and protect child victims. However, the government did not meet the minimum standards in several key areas.

The report ruled that overall victim identification and protection remained inadequate and inconsistent and the government sometimes penalised victims through arrests for crimes committed as a result of being subjected to human trafficking.

According to the report, demonetisation had an impact on sex trafficking last year. Some NGOs commented sex trafficking was temporarily reduced until other forms of payment were established. Some NGOs reported a resultant increase in other methods of payment including online payments.

Other NGOs stated workers in the informal economy, including brick kiln workers, were at times paid in void currency notes or were not paid at all due to cash shortages. Both the situations subsequently increased the workers' vulnerability to debt bondage and forced labour.

As per the report, India is a source, destination, and transit country for men, women, and children subjected to forced labour and sex trafficking. Forced labour constitutes India 's largest trafficking problem. Men, women, and children in debt bondage, sometimes inherited from previous generations are forced to work in brick kilns, rice mills, agriculture, and embroidery factories.

Most of India 's trafficking problem is internal, and those from the most disadvantaged social strata- lowest caste Dalits, members of tribal communities, religious minorities, and women and girls from excluded groups are most vulnerable.

Within India , some are subjected to forced labour in sectors such as construction, steel, and textile industries, wire manufacturing for underground cables, biscuit factories, pickling, floriculture, fish farms, and ship breaking, among others. Thousands of unregulated work placement agencies reportedly lure adults and children under false promises of employment into sex trafficking or forced labour, including domestic servitude, the report added.

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1.5LAKH PEOPLE AFFECTED RIVERS SURGE IN ASSAM

JULY 1, 2017LEAVE A COMMENTON 1.5LAKH PEOPLE AFFECTED RIVERS SURGE IN ASSAM

Assam, 1.5 Lakh people have been affected in current surge of water in five districts. Official sources informed that Karimganj district in Barak valley is the worst affected as 1 lakh 34 thousand people are reeling under the fury of flood in this district alone.

Several rivers are flowing above the danger level in Brahmaputra and Barak valley. 266 relief camps and distribution centres have been set up at Karimganj and Cachar districts. Over 5 thousand flood hit people are taking shelter at relief camps. Surging water also damaged huge crop areas in the state.

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EC LAUNCHES SPECIAL DRIVE TO ENROLL LEFT OUT VOTERS

JULY 1, 2017LEAVE A COMMENTON EC LAUNCHES SPECIAL DRIVE TO ENROLL LEFT OUT VOTERS

Election Commission (EC) has launched nation wide month long special drive from today for maximization of registration of eligible electors with focus on left out eligible young citizens in age group of 18-19. During the drive, the EC will remove names of registered dead electors, if any, from electoral rolls.

During the month of June , the election officials have completed preparatory work like identification of critical gaps in existing electoral rolls, strengthening of infrastructure and sensitization of ground level electoral machine. The EC has also sent communication to all recognised political parties seeking their cooperation for success of the Special Drive.

During the Special enrollment Drive, which will be completed by 31st July, special attention would be given receiving Form 6 for enrolment of new electors and Removal of names of registered dead electors, if found any.

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GROWTH OF EIGHT CORE SECTORS SLOWED TO 3.6 % IN MAY

JULY 1, 2017LEAVE A COMMENTON GROWTH OF EIGHT CORE SECTORS SLOWED TO 3.6 % IN MAY

The growth of eight core sectors slowed to 3.6 per cent in May this year due to fall in output of coal and fertilisers.The growth rate of eight infrastructure sectors including coal, crude oil, fertiliser, steel, cement and electricity was 5.2 per cent in May last year.

According to data released by Ministry of Commerce and Industry,coal and fertiliser productions recorded negative growth of 3.3 per cent and 6.5 per cent respectively. Steel sector growth dipped to 3.7 per cent last month as against 13.4 per cent in May 2016.

Slow growth in key sectors would also have implications on the Index of Industrial Production number as these segments account for about 41 per cent to the total factory output. In April this year, these eight sectors had recorded a growth rate of 2.8 per cent.

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RAHUL GANDHI : GST LAUNCH IS TAMASHA

JULY 1, 2017LEAVE A COMMENTON RAHUL GANDHI : GST LAUNCH IS TAMASHA

Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi has dubbed the implementation of GST as a “tamasha”, saying the reform was being rushed through in a “half-baked” manner. Currently abroad on a holiday, Mr. Gandhi, hit out at the government through twitter. He accused the government of being “insensitive” for rolling out GST without planning, foresight and institutional readiness, as it did during demonetisation.

Meanwhile, the opposition stood a divided house as NCP, JD(U), BSP, BJD, Samajwadi Party and Janata Dal(S) participated in the midnight launch of the GST, while the Congress, RJD, Trinamool Congress, Left, the DMK, National Conference boycotted the launch event.

Ruptures in the opposition unity emerged barely a week after 17 parties joined hands to put up a joint candidate against the ruling NDA nominee for the July 17 Presidential election.

The NCP, a key constituent of the Congress-led UPA, broke away from the Opposition ranks, with its chief Sharad Pawar along with Praful Patel and Tariq Anwar attending the event in the Central Hall of Parliament. Mr. Anwar said his party was attending the GST launch as it had supported the legislation on ushering in the new indirect tax regime in the country.
On behalf of JD(U), its Bihar unit chief and Rajya Sabha member Vashisht Narain Singh attended the event.

The BSP, which stood with opposition unity, was represented by two of their MPs. The Samajwadi Party, which had initially announced the boycott, did a somersault by attending the event, saying it found no problem when the party had supported the GST bill in Parliament.

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GST AFTER MID-NIGHT LAUNCH

JULY 1, 2017LEAVE A COMMENTON GST AFTER MID-NIGHT LAUNCH

India’s biggest tax reform since independence ‘Goods and Service Tax’ (GST) comes into force after the mid-night launch last night. GST, which brings the entire country under single taxation system, was launched by President Pranab Mukherjee and Prime Minister Narendra Modi by pressing a button at a special function in central Hall of Parliament.

Speaking on the occasion, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said the GST was the result of combined efforts of all political parties and it does not belong to any one party or one government. He said it is a great example of cooperative federalism which shall facilitate inclusive growth of the country. Mr.Modi said all states are slated to gain immensly as they will now get equal opportunities of development. The Prime Minister said GST is the first of its kind system in the country when both centre and states will be putting consolidated efforts in the same direction.

In his address, President Pranab Mukherjee said GST council, centre and states should continuously improve and refine the GST in the same spirit that we have seen till now. He said the GST Council should continuously review the implementation and suggest suitable improvements to the new indirect taxation regime.

Speaking on the occasion, Finance Minister Arun Jaitely said the GST will lower prices, make tax avoidance difficult, boost GDP and bolster government resources allowing greater spending on the welfare of the people. He said there will also be a check on inflation.

GST roll-out – Complete transformation of the Indirect Taxation Landscape

The Goods and Services Tax came into force at midnight, amid a historic midnight session in the Central Hall of Parliament yesterday. Hon’ble President Shri Pranab Mukherjee, Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, and Hon’ble Shri Finance Minister Shri Arun Jaitley addressed the gathering, before the Hon’ble President and the Hon’ble Prime Minister pressed a button to mark the launch of GST.

The Hon’ble President of India, Shri Pranab Mukherjee graced a special function organized to launch the Goods and Services Tax (GST) in the midnight of June 30- July1, 2017 in the Central Hall of Parliament House, New Delhi.

“Speaking on the occasion, the Hon’ble President said that the introduction of GST is a momentous event for the nation. It was also a moment of some satisfaction for him because, as the Finance Minister, he had introduced the Constitution Amendment Bill on 22nd March 2011. He was closely involved in the design and implementation and had the occasion to meet the Empowered Committee of state finance ministers, formally and informally, as many as 16 times. He had also met the Chief Ministers of Gujarat, Bihar, Andhra Pradesh and Maharashtra a number of times. He had a vivid recollection of those meetings and the various matters that were raised. Given the magnitude of the task, which spans constitutional, legal, economic and administrative spheres, it was not a surprise that there were many contentious issues. Yet, he found both in those meetings and in his many interactions with Chief Ministers, Finance Ministers and officers of States, that most of them had a constructive approach and an underlying commitment to the introduction of GST. He, therefore, remained confident that GST was a matter of time and it would eventually be implemented. His confidence stood justified when, on 8th September 2016, after the Bill was passed by both Houses of Parliament and more than 50 percent of State Legislatures, he had the privilege of giving assent to the Constitution (One Hundred and First Amendment) Act.”

Speaking on the occasion, the Hon’ble Prime Minister said that the day marks a decisive turning point, in determining the future course of the country.

The Goods and Services Tax came into force at midnight, amid a historic midnight session in the Central Hall of Parliament. Hon’ble President Shri Pranab Mukherjee, Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, and Hon’ble Finance Minister Shri Arun Jaitley addressed the gathering, before the President and the Prime Minister pressed a button to mark the launch of GST. Speaking on the occasion, the hon’ble Prime Minister said that the day marks a decisive turning point, in determining the future course of the country.

He recalled that the Central Hall had been witness to several historic occasions in the past as well, including the first session of the Constituent Assembly, India’s independence, and the adoption of the Constitution. He described GST is an example of Cooperative Federalism. He quoted Chanakya to say that hard work can overcome all obstacles and help us accomplish even the most difficult of objectives. He said that just as Sardar Patel had ensured political integration of the country, GST would ensure economic integration. Recalling the famous scientist Albert Einstein who said that income tax is the most difficult thing to understand in the world, he said that GST would ensure one nation, one tax. He said that GST would lead to immense savings of time and cost. Savings of fuel due to elimination of delays at State border crossings will help the environment as well, he added. The Prime Minister said GST would lead to a modern tax administration which is simpler, more transparent, and helps curb corruption.

Government  levy of 10% Basic Customs Duty (BCD) on cellular mobile phone, specified parts and certain electronic goods
The Government had constituted Inter Ministerial Committee [IMC] comprising of officers from Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), the Department of Commerce (DoC), Department of Telecommunication (DoT) and Department of Revenue (DoR) to identify electronic / IT / telecom products, which are not Information Technology Agreement [ITA] – I bound, for customs duty enhancement on them.

With effect from 01.07.2017, the Government has imposed 10% basic customs duty (BCD) on:

1) Cellular mobile phones and specified parts of cellular mobile phones like charger, battery, wire headset, Microphone and Receiver, Key Pad, USB Cable etc.

2) Certain other specified electronic goods (Detailed List enclosed)

The present exemption from basic customs duty on specified parts of mobiles, namely, Printed Circuit Board Assembly (PCBA), Camera Module, Connectors Display Assembly, Touch Panel / Cover Glass Assembly, Vibrator Motor / Ringer will continue. Further, inputs and raw material for manufacture of parts of above specified electronics goods including mobile phones will also continue to be exempt from BCD.

Government reduces tax rate on fertilizers from existing 12% to 5 % under GST for the interests of the farmers

Under GST regime, a uniform MRP of Rs. 295.47 per 50 kg bag to be fixed across the country. The GST regime to deter inter-state smuggling of fertilizers by integrating the entire fertilizer market into a single market farmers to benefit to the tune of Rs. 1261 crores under GST regime

The Union Minister for Chemicals & Fertilizers and Parliamentary Affairs, Shri Ananthkumar briefed on the outcome of the 18th meeting of the GST Council, held on 30th June 2017, regarding Fertilizer sector. The Minister said that it was decided to reduce the GST rate of fertilizers from the existing 12% to 5%. This decision was primarily taken in the interests of the farmers. The Government has also taken up with the Industry to pass on the benefit to the Farmers, the Minister informed.

GST Journey

Importance of GST

The biggest tax reform since independence – GST – will pave the way for realization of the goal of One Nation – One Tax – One Market. GST will benefit all the stakeholders namely industry, government and consumer. It will lower the cost of goods and services, give a boost to the economy and make the products and services globally competitive, giving a major boost to ‘Make in India’ initiative. Under the GST regime, exports will be zero-rated in entirety unlike the present system where refund of some of the taxes does not take place due to fragmented nature of indirect taxes between the Centre and the States. GST will make India a common market with common tax rates & procedures and remove economic barriers. GST is largely technology driven and will reduce the human interface to a great extent. GST is expected to improve ease of doing business in India.

In majority of supplies of goods, the tax incidence approved by the GST Council is much lower than the present combined indirect tax rates levied [on account of central excise duty rates / embedded central excise duty rates / service tax post-clearance embedding, VAT rates or weighted average VAT rates, cascading of VAT over excise duty and tax incidence on account of CST, Octroi, Entry Tax, etc.] by the Centre and State(s).

Journey of GST after the Constitutional Amendment Act, 2016

After the assent of the Hon’ble President on 8th September, 2016, the 101th Constitutional Amendment Act, 2016 came into existence. The GST Council was constituted on 15.9.2016.

Since its formation in September, 2016 the GST Council has held 18 meetings. The Finance Ministers of all the States or their representative along with State and Central Government officials have participated in these extensive meetings and formulated the law and procedure to implement this historic tax reform. It was a mammoth task involving 27000+ man hours of intensive work. More than 200 meetings of the officers of the Centre and States took place in different parts of the country to expedite the implementation of GST.

While framing GST Acts and Rules, enhanced ‘Ease of doing business’ for the taxpayers was a key consideration and accordingly the roles and responsibilities of the States and Central govt have been defined. In a short span of time, the GST council has cleared GST laws, GST Rules, Tax rate structure including Compensation Cess, Classification of goods and services into different rate slabs, exemptions, thresholds, structure for tax administration, etc. All the decisions of Council were taken with consensus. While formulating the Acts and Rules, extensive participatory consultations with trade and industry including other significant stakeholders were undertaken. Feedback was also obtained by posting draft Acts and Rules on the websites and inviting comments from the public.

On 29th March, 2017, the Hon’ble Finance Minister of India tabled four Goods and Services Tax (GST) Bills for consideration and passage in the Lok Sabha namely The Central Goods and Services Tax (CGST) Bill, 2017, The Integrated Goods and Services Tax (IGST) Bill, 2017, The Union Territories Goods and Services Tax (UTGST) Bill, 2017 and the GST (Compensation to States) Bill, 2017. They were passed by the Lok Sabha on 29th March, 2017 and by the Rajya Sabha on 6th April, 2017.

The GST Council has decided the final structure of GST as follows:

The threshold limit for exemption from levy of GST is Rs. 20 lakh for the States except for the Special Category, where it is Rs 10 Lakh.

A four slab tax rate structure of 5%, 12%, 18% and 28% has been adopted for GST. A cess would be levied on certain goods such as luxury cars, aerated drinks, pan masala and tobacco products, over and above the GST rate of 28% for payment of compensation to the states.

The threshold for availing the Composition scheme is Rs. 75 lakh except for special category States where it is Rs. 50 lakh and they are required to file quarterly returns only. Certain categories of manufacturers, service providers (except restaurants) are out of the Composition Scheme.

Features of GST

GST envisages all transactions and processes to be done only through electronic mode, to achieve non-intrusive administration. This will minimise tax payers physical interaction with the tax officials.

GST provides for the facility of auto-populated monthly returns and annual return.

It also facilitates the taxpayers by prescribing grant of refund within 60 days, and provisional release of 90% refund to exporters within 7 days. Further facilitation measures include interest payment if refund is not sanctioned in time, and refund to be directly credited to bank accounts.

Comprehensive transitional provisions for ensuring smooth transition of existing taxpayers to GST regime, credit for available stocks, etc.

Other provisions include system of GST Compliance Rating, etc.

Anti-profiteering provisions for protection of consumer rights.

Role of GST Network (GSTN)

GSTN has been created as a section 25 private limited company with Strategic Control with the Government, to function as a common Pass-through portal for taxpayers. On this common portal, taxpayers will submit their registration applications, file returns, make tax payments, claim refunds etc. GSTN has been provided with a robust IT platform and it will provide interface to 80 lakh taxpayers and thousands of tax officials. All filings under GST will be done electronically. While GSTN remains a front-end, at the back end, the IT systems of CBEC and different states interface with the GSTN IT network to provide a seamless end to end processing of tax returns for the taxpayers. 64,000 officials have been trained on the GST portal from February till June 2017. The GSTN IT systems have undergone load tests, performance tests, vulnerability tests, security and all other mandatory tests.

Enrolment of existing taxpayers of the State tax administrations and the Central Board of Excise and Customs to the GST system commenced on 8thNovember, 2016. More than 66 lakh taxpayers have activated their account at the GST portal.

GST Application on Payment has been operationalized. 25 banks have been integrated with the GST Common portal and will be providing e-payment and Over the counter payment facilities as well as payment through NeFT/RTGS and credit/debit card.

GST OUTREACH PROGRAMME

The Government has stepped up its outreach programme through various events, workshops, media, television to reach masses. Field formations of CBEC, at all levels have been activated to carry out interaction with the trade and industry to help them with the migration to GST and to clear their doubts. The field units of CBEC have run campaigns using mobile vans to reach the assessees at their door-step to help them with the GST migration and transitional issues. A total of 4700 workshops have been conducted across India.

An extensive multi-media campaign through print and electronic media, outdoor hoardings, etc. has been carried out for informing, educating and assisting taxpayers and other stake-holders to enable a smooth transition to GST.

RE-ORGANISATION OF CBEC

Implementation of GST has necessitated reorganisation of the Central Board of Excise & Customs (CBEC) formations for administration of GST. The reorganisation involved bringing about structural changes and redeployment of human resources. Redeployment has been done to ensure outreach to the remotest corner. The Directorates which have significant role under the GST have been adequately expanded and strengthened.

The field formations have been restructured as 21 CGST & CX Zones, 107 CGST & CX Commissionerates, 12 Sub-Commissionerates, 768 CGST & CX Divisions, 3969 CGST & CX Ranges, 48 Audit Commissionerates and 49 Appeal Commissionerates.

TRAINING

For a smooth roll out of GST, it was imperative to carry out adequate capacity-building exercise and awareness. National Academy of Customs Indirect Taxes and Narcotics (NACIN) have conducted extensive training programs. In the first phase, nearly 52,000 officers were trained during September, 2016 to January, 2017 through a multi-layered training programme across India. A Refresher Training was also conducted on updated Law, Rules and Procedures and a total of 17,213 officials were trained till 23rd June, 2017. Under the Accredited GST Training Programme, 20 institutes have been certified as ‘Approved Training Partners’ to impart ‘quality training at reasonable cost’ to members of trade/industry and other stakeholders. 2,565 participants have been trained so far (ongoing). NACIN have also trained 2,611 officers from 92 Ministries/PSUs trained so far.

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34TH YOUTH NATIONAL BASKETBALL CHAMPIONSHIP TIPS OFF IN HYDERABAD

JULY 1, 2017LEAVE A COMMENTON 34TH YOUTH NATIONAL BASKETBALL CHAMPIONSHIP TIPS OFF IN HYDERABAD

• The 34th Youth National Basketball Championship for Boys and Girls tipped off this morning at the Indoor Stadium, Gachibowli in Hyderabad.
• The opening ceremony will be held at 4 pm today with Shri T Padma Rao Goud and Shri Dr Vivek Anand as chief guests, and numerous other guests of honour and special invitees.
• Defending Champs Tamil Nadu girls have opened with an easy win over Rajasthan, while Punjab and Karnataka boys too have registered important victories.
• In an exciting overtime game, Haryana boys have beaten Delhi 69-65.

Bengaluru, 1st July 2017:  The 34th Youth National Basketball Championship for Boys and Girls has tipped off at the Indoor Stadium, Gachibowli in Hyderabad.

The Championship is being organized by the Hyderabad District Basketball Association under the aegis of the Telangana Basketball Association and the Basketball Federation of India.

In the morning matches so far, defending champions Tamil Nadu girls have opened with an easy 76-31 win over Rajasthan. In the boys section, Karnataka and Punjab also registered important victories over Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh respectively. Last year’s semifinalists Karnataka trailed at the end of the first and second quarters before a strong showing in the third period saw them outlast their opponents from western India. In the Punjab vs Chhattisgarh boys game, repeated turnovers in the third quarter cost Chhattisgarh dearly as Punjab was able to pull away for the easy double digit win.

Arguably the most exciting match of the morning was between Haryana and Delhi boys. This level 1 Group A league encounter started with Delhi dominating, with 14-7 and 13-9 opening quarters. That’s when the momentum shifted drastically towards Haryana who clawed their way back in the second half. A buzzer beating two pointer by Haryana’s Mukesh pushed the game into overtime and they continued to shine in the extra five minutes to hand Delhi the heartbreaking loss.

In lower level 2 games, Himachal Pradesh boys and girls, West Bengal girls and MP girls too posted victories in their respective bids to get elevated to Level 1.

Results from Day 1 (1st July 2017) until 1:00 pm

Girls

Level 1

Group A

1. Tamil Nadu (S Pushpa 14, S Lakshmipriya 13, Monica 10) bt Rajasthan (Ankita Mandia 11, Shatakshi 9, Akshita 8) 76-31 [25-8, 25-10, 14-9, 12-4]

Level 2

Group C

1. Himachal Pradesh (Pallavi 14, Ramandeep 9, Ananya 8) bt Goa (Katherine Barr 10, Shimei Nathan 6) 49-27 [18-4, 12-6, 14-10, 5-7]

Group D

1. West Bengal (J Routh 18, B Das 12, M Singh 12) bt Uttarakhand (Srishti Sharma 14) 74-20 [18-0, 15-0, 17-6, 24-14]

Boys

Level 1

Group A

1. Karnataka (Prashant T 21, Akshan Rao 13, S Sreenivas 10) bt Rajasthan (Kuldeep Singh 23, Digvijay 16, Rajveer 10) 70-65 [13-18, 21-17, 27-16, 9-14]
2. Haryana (Mukesh 24, Gaurav 18) bt Delhi (Nitish 29, Aman 20) 69-65 [14-7, 13-9, 16-23, 17-21, 9-5(OT)]

Group B

1. Punjab (Akashdeep Sharma 27, H Singh 9, Md Singh Gill 8) bt Chhattisgarh (Ayushman Singh 14, Govind 11, Ritesh Yadav 08) 55-42 [16-8, 04-12, 18-9, 17-13]

Level 2

Group C

1. Himachal Pradesh (Abhay 25, S Singh 13, Sahil 6) bt Chandigarh (Sahaij 15, Jaskaran 15, Harkirat 08) 61-55 [6-18, 16-8, 14-11, 25-18]

Group E

1. Madhya Pradesh (Uday Veer Yadav 29, Divyaraj Singh 23, Mani Thakur 6) bt Odisha (Chitta Ranjan 8, Harsh Vardhar 7, Soilen Mondal 7) 62-26 [23-06, 17-09, 18-06, 04-05]

About the 34th Youth National Basketball Championship

The Championship is featuring 26 boys’ teams and 25 girls’ teams in the U16 age group, from various Indian States and Union territories, and is being played in a league cum knockout format.

The matches are being played at the Indoor Stadium, Gachibowli, Hyderabad from 1st to 8th July.

Kerala boys and Tamil Nadu girls are the defending champions from the previous edition held in Hassan, Karnataka in November 2016.

The teams are grouped into two levels –Level 1 features the top 10 teams from the previous championship divided into two groups of five teams each (Group A and B), while Level 2 features the remaining teams divided into four groups (Group C, D, E, F).

In the league stages, all the teams play each of the other teams in their group once. The top three teams from each of the groups in Level 1 advance directly to the quarterfinals, while the fourth placed teams play pre-quarterfinal games against the top two teams from Level 2.

The competition is expected to be fierce beyond the immediate prospect of glory, because the teams that finish last in each of the groups in Level 1 are relegated to Level 2 for the next edition of the tournament, while the Level 2 teams that qualified for the pre-quarterfinals will replace them in Level 1 in the next edition.

Over the years, this Championship has provided a platform for the country’s best players in the U16 category to showcase their talents. This allows selectors to identify and shortlist the most promising players and coaches to parachute into national team training camps with an eye towards participation in international events.

About Basketball Federation of India

The Basketball Federation of India or BFI is the governing and controlling body of basketball in India, and is responsible for the development and promotion of the sport at all levels. BFI has been involved in conducting camps, clinics, events, and training sessions at its academies for the development of basketball. BFI came into being in 1935 and took complete control over Indian basketball in 1950. Prior to that time, the Indian Olympic Association handled the conduct of Indian basketball championships. Since 1950, the BFI has been conducting various such championships, from the grassroots to senior team participation in international tournaments. In addition, the BFI has been responsible for the establishment of strong sub-junior and junior level programs. The BFI has to its credit produced several international players of repute, among them 17 have been bestowed with the honour of Arjuna Awards. Earlier in June 2015, Satnam Singh Bhamara made history by becoming the first Indian national to be drafted by an NBA team, when he was selected by the Dallas Mavericks.

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