प्रधानमंत्री @narendramodiसंसद भवन पहुंचे, पूर्वोत्तर राज्यों में जीत को लेकर पीएम का स्वागत किया गया
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China warns Taiwan
China said on Monday that it would never tolerate any separatist schemes for self-ruled Taiwan and would safeguard China’s territorial integrity with the aim of“reunification” with an island it considers its sacred territory.
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Premier Li Keqiang issued the warning in a speech at the opening of the annual session of China’s parliament, his stern words coming amid mounting Chinese anger over a US bill that seeks to raise official contacts between Washington and Taipei.
On Friday, China said Taiwan would only get burnt if it sought to rely on foreigners, adding to the warnings from state media about the risk of war.
The US legislation, which only needs President Donald Trump’s signature to become law, says it should be US policy to allow officials at all levels to travel to Taiwan to meet their counterparts, permit high-level Taiwan officials to enter the United States “under respectful conditions” and meet US officials.
In his address to the largely rubber-stamp assembly, Li said China would promote the peaceful growth of relations across the Taiwan Strait and “advance China’s peaceful reunification”.
“We will remain firm in safeguarding China’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and will never tolerate any separatist schemes or activities for Taiwan independence,” Li said, to applause from the 3,000-odd legislators at the Great Hall of the People.
“As fellow Chinese living on both sides of the Taiwan Strait, we share a bond of kinship. As long as we go with the tide of history and work together for our nation’s greater good, we will together create the future — a beautiful future of national rejuvenation.”
Taiwan’s China policy-making Mainland Affairs Council said it could not immediately comment.
Democratic Taiwan has shown no interest in being run by mainland China.
Best actress Oscar goes to ‘Three Billboards’ star Frances McDormand
The OSCARS, 2018: 90 the Academy award Best Actor goes to Gary Oldman for Darkest hour. Best Actress Frances McDonald Guillermo del Toro wins best director award for ‘The Shape of Water.Nolan’s Dunkirk win 3 Oscars.Sam Rockwell and Allison Janney win support.
Frances McDormand goes eclectic on Sunday for her the Oscar for best actress for her role as a rage-filled woman seeking answers over her daughter’s murder in Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri.
“I’m hyperventilating a little bit. If I fall over pick me up cause I’ve got some things to say,” she said. “I want to thank Martin McDonagh look what you did. We are a bunch of hooligans and anarchists but we do clean up nice.”
McDormand, who won her second Oscar after her performance in Fargo placed her statuette on the stage and dedicated the prize to all female nominees, across categories.
“If I may be so honoured to have all the female nominees stand with me in this room tonight. The film-makers the producers the directors, the writers, the cinematographers, the songwirters, the designers,” she said as many women in the audience got to their feet.
She bested Saoirse Ronan (Lady Bird), Margot Robbie (I, Tonya), Sally Hawkins (The Shape of Water) and Meryl Streep (The Post).
Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri also won the award for best supporting actor, which went to Sam Rockwell for his acclaimed turn as a racist, violent police officer in the film.
RBI releases Priority Sector Lending
RBI releases Priority Sector Lending-Targets and Classification
This is in reference to the revised priority sector guidelines issued to banks vide FIDD.CO.Plan.BC.54/04.09.01/2014-15 circular dated April 23, 2015 by RBI. It was stipulated therein under Para (II) (i) that the sub-targets for lending to small and marginal farmers and micro enterprises shall be made applicable for foreign banks with 20 branches and above, post 2018 after a review in 2017. Accordingly, after undertaking a review of the priority sector lending profile of the above banks and to create a level-playing field within banks, it has been decided by RBI that the sub-target of 8 percent of Adjusted Net Bank Credit (ANBC) or Credit Equivalent Amount of Off-Balance Sheet Exposure (CEOBE), whichever is higher, shall become applicable for the foreign banks with 20 branches and above, for lending to the small and marginal farmers from FY 2018-19. Further, the sub-target of 7.50 percent of ANBC or CEOBE, whichever is higher, for bank lending to the Micro Enterprises shall also become applicable for the foreign banks with 20 branches and above from FY 2018-19. Additionally, in the light of feedback received from various stakeholders and in line with the increasing importance of services sector in our economy, it has been decided by RBI to remove the currently applicable loan limits of Rs 5 crore and Rs 10 crore per borrower to Micro/ Small and Medium Enterprises (Services) respectively, for classification under priority sector. Accordingly, all bank loans to MSMEs, engaged in providing or rendering of services as defined in terms of investment in equipment under MSMED Act, 2006, shall qualify under priority sector without any credit cap. |
Quake of M6.0 – NEW GUINEA, PAPUA NEW GUINEA
Nearly 67 people were killed by a major earthquake that devastated Papua New Guinea’s remote highlands last week, the Red Cross said Monday, with thousands homeless and without food and clean water.
Terrified locals in the Southern Highlands, Western, Enga and Hela provinces have also had to deal with strong aftershocks, including two 6.0-magnitude tremors early Monday.
Terrified locals in the Southern Highlands, Western, Enga and Hela provinces have also had to deal with strong aftershocks, including two 6.0-magnitude tremors early Monday.
Compounding the fallout was an announcement Monday that the impoverished country’s biggest-ever development — the PNG LNG project operated by US energy giant ExxonMobil — will be offline for up to eight weeks as the quake-hit facilities undergo repairs.
National Disaster Centre and disaster management teams on Friday is 67,” the PNG country head of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies Udaya Regmi told AFP from the capital Port Moresby.
“Around 143,000 people are affected and 17,000 people have been generally displaced because their homes are either fully or partially damaged and not in a condition to live in.”
Regmi added that water and sanitation were major concerns for local communities, with relief workers unable to get bigger trucks carrying food through to some areas because of damage to roads by landslides.
Relief efforts are slowly being ramped up, with millions of dollars in aid pledged by the government, ExxonMobil and the Australian energy producers, Oil Search and Santos, involved in the gas project.
The Australian and New Zealand defence forces have began delivering aid, while the China Red Cross and Beijing have pledged financial assistance, according to the PNG Post-Courier.
Oil Search managing director Peter Botten, who travelled to the Highlands to survey the damage, said the impact “has been enormous, with many deaths in the region as well as the destruction of houses, schools, roads and bridges”.
“Many communities are without basic necessities, such as food, clean water, shelter and medical support.”
Prime Minister Peter O’Neill said last week the shutdown of the gas plant would have a “huge impact” on the economy, which is heavily dependent on its natural resources.
ExxonMobil PNG managing director Andrew Barry said production at the US$19 billion project would be restored as quickly as possible, adding that it was an “unprecedented event for the country” and the firm.
| Magnitude | 6.0 |
| Date-Time |
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| Location | 6.063S 142.733E |
| Depth | 16 km |
| Distances |
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Shubhankar Sharma posts creditable tied ninth at WGC –Mexico Championship
Shubhankar Sharma posts creditable tied ninth at WGC – Mexico Championship
Twenty-one-year-old climbs nine places to 66 in world ranking after posting top-10 at first PGA Tour and WGC appearance
March 5, 2018: Twenty-one-year-old Indian sensation Shubhankar Sharma, playing his first PGA Tour and WGC event at the US$ 10 million WGC – Mexico Championship in Mexico City, posted a creditable tied ninth finish.
With his top-10 finish at the event that featured an elite field of 64 and the who’s who of international golf, the European Tour and Asian Tour Order of Merit leader has now moved up from 75 to 66 in the world rankings.
Shubhankar (65-66-69-74), a two-time European Tour winner, became the talk of the golfing world after emerging as the solo leader after 36 and 54 holes.
Sharma led by two shots going into the final round with the chasing pack consisting of the world’s best such as Major winners Phil Mickelson, Sergio Garcia, Dustin Johnson and Justin Thomas.
At the start of round four, the Chandigarh lad was on the cusp of creating history as he looked to conquer uncharted territory by achieving the biggest win by an Indian golfer in terms of prize money earned (US$ 1,660,000), stature of the event (only second to the Majors) and world ranking points earned.
However, as the putts didn’t roll in for him on the final day, Shubhankar posted a three-over-74 to end the week in tied ninth with a total score of 10-under-274. He made four bogeys on the last six holes.
American star Phil Mickelson (66), playing alongside Shubhankar in the leader group, went on to win the tournament after defeating compatriot Justin Thomas (64) in a playoff. Mickelson and Thomas were tied at the top with totals of 16-under-268 after the regulation 72 holes.
Shubhankar now returns home to India for this week’s Indian Open, a tournament co-sanctioned by the European and Asian Tours.
Mithun Perera wins Chennai Open 2018,
Mithun Perera ends winless streak at Chennai Open 2018, posts tenacious 70 to come through; Climbs to second on PGTI Order of Merit
Digvijay Singh cards day’s best 62 to finish joint second with Mukesh Kumar
Chennai, March 4, 2018: Sri Lankan Mithun Perera ended a four-year winless streak with his hard-earned one-shot victory at the Rs. 30 lakh Chennai Open 2018 Golf Championship at the Madras Gymkhana Club Golf Annexe in Guindy on Sunday.
Perera, the overnight leader by three shots, came up with a tenacious even-par-70 in the final round to sign off with a winning total of 14-under-266.
Gurgaon-based Digvijay Singh posted the day’s best score, a scorching eight-under-62, to finish joint runner-up at 13-under-267 along with Mukesh Kumar (66) of Mhow, the winner of the last edition of the Chennai Open.
Mithun Perera (68-63-65-70) had an unexpectedly quiet final day as he managed only two birdies and two bogeys. But the 31-year-old came through after his closest rival, good friend and compatriot N Thangaraja’s (61-70-68-69) challenge faded away on the back-nine.
There was a four-shot swing against Mithun and in favour of Thanga over the first five holes that gave the latter a one-shot lead. But Perera played some solid golf that kept him on course even as Thanga made a bunch of errors to drop four shots from the 14th to the 16th. Mithun was back in the lead from the 15th onwards and saw it home despite a bogey on the 17th.
Perera, who bagged his sixth title on the PGTI, said, “I was really hungry to win and break my victory drought. This means a lot for me. My family has supported me throughout my lean phase and so have my sponsors. I thank them all for backing me through all these years.
“I had a shaky start today. But I played my normal game even after Thanga went in the lead. I kept in touch with the lead with a long birdie conversion on the ninth and a tap-in birdie on the 12th. I then got a little lucky when Thanga opened the door for me with that poor second shot on the 14th that rolled into the bunker and led to a bogey for him.
“Thereafter, my confidence was sky-high as I knew Thanga had literally given away the match after having a firm hold on it. I then just had one blemish on the 17th but kept my nerve to come through at the end.
“The week’s been fantastic as far as my hitting is concerned. I’ve been accurate off the tee and with the approaches. I’ve also kept the errors out having dropped just three bogeys all week. It’s a huge confidence-booster going ahead. I must add that I really enjoyed the conditions here at the MGC in Chennai as they were quite similar to my home town Colombo,” added Mithun, who took home a cheque of Rs. 4,84,950 and thus climbed from 21st position to second place on the PGTI Order of Merit.
Digvijay Singh (70-66-69-62) returned a sublime 62, the best score of the day, to climb 11 places from overnight tied 13th to tied second. Digvijay, a former Asian Tour winner, put together an eagle and seven birdies at the cost of a bogey.
Joining Digvijay in tied second was Mukesh Kumar (66-66-69-66), who had won at the MGC on the last three occasions. Mukesh worked his way up from overnight tied fourth after making an eagle, four birdies and two bogeys on Sunday at one of his favourite venues.
N Thangaraja, who was overnight second, finished in fourth at 12-under-268 despite his heroics on the front-nine on Sunday. Thanga was four-under on the front-nine in round four and looking good for the title. But he had a disastrous back-nine where he shot a three-over and lost out to fellow Sri Lankan Mithun Perera who was also his room partner for the week.
Chennai-based rookie Shivnaren Srinivasan fired a final round of 76 to finish tied 45th at seven-over-287.
INDIAN COAST GUARD RESCUES SEVERELY INJURED SRI LANKAN FISHERMAN
- INDIAN COAST GUARD RESCUES SEVERELY INJUREDSRILANKAN FISHERMAN FROM SRILANKAN FISHING BOATGEETHBABA IIIA request from Maritime Rescue Co-ordination Centre, Colombowas received on 27 Feb 18 at the Maritime Rescue CoordinationCentre, Mumbai for assistance of an injured fisherman onboardSrilankan fishing vessel which was fishing at 100 Nautical Mile west ofSuheli Par Island.The boat bearing registration number IMUL-A-0507-CHW hadleft Sri Lanka on 14 Feb 18 with 5 crew for carrying out fishing. One ofthe crew Shri Malwatta Pathirannehalage Sunil Shantha aged about47 years had suffered deep cut injury on his neck.Further, MRCC Colombo intimated that the patient is stable andfishing boat was heading towards Colombo , Further, evacuation ofthe patient is being planned by Sri Lankan Naval Ship on 28 Feb 18.On 01 Mar 18, at about 10 AM the Director General Operationsof Sri Lanka Navy intimated that condition of the injured fishermanwas not stable and the fishing boat was 98 Nautical Mile fromChenyakara light house.Indian Coast Guard Ship Samar which was on a separateoperational mission in the Lakshadweep area and was approximately174 Nautical Mile away from the fishing vessel was diverted to reachthe Sri Lankan fishing vessel at the earliest to render medical aid.Indian Coast Guard Ship Samar located the Sri Lankan fishingvessel at 9 PM on 01 Mar 18 and the medical team onboard CoastGuard ship administered necessary first aid to the injured fisherman.The injury was a 8 CM long and 1.5 CM deep cut at back of head.
- Considering the critically of the injured fisherman, he was takenonboard Coast Guard ship Samar and stitching/ scalp suturing of thewound under local anesthesia was undertaken by the Medical Officer.The patient is presently stable and is under observation.ICGS Samar alongwith the patient is being taken to Kochi forfurther treatment. The ship is likely to reach Kochi by AM 03 Mar 18.MRCC, Colombo has been informed to take further necessaryadministrative arrangement
Seoul to send envoys to N.Korea
President Moon Jae-in has chosen the head of the National Security Office, Chung Eui-yong, and the chief of the National Intelligence Service, Suh Hoon, as his special envoys.
Chung will lead the 10-member delegation and spend 2 days in Pyongyang.
The presidential office said the delegates will travel to the North to reciprocate for last month’s visit by the North Korean leader’s younger sister, Kim Yo Jong.
Seoul will send a five-member delegation, led by chief of the presidential National Security Office Chung Eui-yong, to the North on Monday, according to the presidential office cited by Yonhap. During the two-day trip to Pyongyang, the envoys are expected to hold high-level talks with North Korean officials. The goal of the negotiations is to discuss “the ways to reach peace on the Korean Peninsula and develop the bilateral relationship” as well as set up “conditions for North Korea-US dialogue aimed at denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula.”
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Italy Election:Five Star Movement & anti-immigrant League
The leaders of two anti-establishment parties have each claimed they have the right to govern Italy, after voters in Europe’s fourth-largest economy did not return a majority to any single party.
The Eurosceptic, populist Five Star Movement was the biggest single party with a third of the vote.
But the anti-immigrant League said it had been endorsed to run the country as part of a centre-right alliance.
Forming a government could take weeks of negotiation and coalition-building. Former Prime Minister Matteo Renzi has resigned as leader of the governing centre-left Democratic Party, which performed poorly, taking less than 20 per cent of the vote.
He said the party would not join a coalition with “anti-system forces” and would go into opposition instead.
An alliance between the far-right League and ex-Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi’s Forza Italia party is set to win the most seats in the Lower House of Parliament, but the League has emerged as the senior partner.
It won 17.4 per cent of the vote compared with Forza Italia’s 14 percent.
BJP & IPFT to meet in Agartala to elect state leader
The newly elected members of BJP and its ally IPFT will meet in Agartala today to elect the Leader of the Legislature Party for the formation of new government for the state of Tripura
Union Ministers Nitin Gadkari and Jual Oram have been appointed as the party’s Central observers to oversee the matters related to formation the first BJP led government in the state.
AIR correspondent reports, newly elected all members of BJP and its ally IPFT will hold their first meeting today in Agartala at around 11 O’clock in the State Guest House. BJP party sources said in that meeting the Chief Minister’s name will be decided.
BJP National General Secretary Ram Madhav will be present at the meeting.
After the meeting with elected and core committee members, the Central observers will submit their report to the BJP Parliamentary Board for final announcement of the name of the Chief Minister.
Party sources also said the oath-taking ceremony is likely to be held on 9th March.
Conrad Sangma takes oath as Meghalaya CM
National People’s Party president Conrad Sangma took oath, the 12th chief minister of the state on Tuesday. Governor Ganga Prasad invited Sangma to form the government after the Saturday results threw up a fractured mandate.
Bharatiya Janata Party on Saturday had suggested that the NPP and United Democratic Party enter into an alliance to form a “non-Congress government” in the state.After which the NPP got support from United Democratic Party, People’s Democratic Front, Hill State People’s Democratic Party and the BJP and an Independent. UDP, PDF, HSPDP and BJP have six, four, two and two seats respectively.
Sangma claimed support of 34 MLAs, on this occasions, Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh and Bharatiya Janata Party president Amit Shah, Assam Finance Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, who is the chairman of the North East Democratic Alliance, were present at the swearing-in ceremony at Raj Bhavan.
Therefore, the Congress failed to form a coalition government in the state even after emerging as the single largest party.
Karti remained evasive nine more days in custody
CBI seeks extension of remand of Karti Chidambaram on the plea that presence of accused is actually needed in order to serve some important and specific purposes connected with completion of investigation in the INX media case. The CBI has sought an extension of custody for nine days.
The CBI said that Karti Chidambaram also needs to confront the accused, co-accused and unearth the larger conspiracy and the role of other accused persons involved in the case. It said that during the custodial interrogation so far, CBI was able to gather some important information even though the accused (Karti Chidambaram) has remained evasive even while answering the routine questions.
CBI today produced Karti Chidambaram, arrested in the INX Media corruption case, before a Delhi court and sought his custody for nine more days.
Special Judge Sunil Rana said the court will hear the matter at 2 pm today as Additional Solicitor General (ASG) Tushar Mehta, who had appeared before it on the last hearing, was not available for arguments on behalf of the CBI.
The probe agency today submitted before the court certain documents in a sealed cover related to the probe in the case over the last six days.
The court allowed Karti Chidambaram to meet his father, Congress leader P Chidambaram, and mother Nalini Chidambram for 10 minutes.
Biplab Kumar Deb set to be next Tripura CM
Tripura BJP president and newly-elected MLA Biplab Kumar Deb was today unanimously elected leader of the BJP legislature party in the state, Union minister Nitin Gadkari announced. Deb, whose name was proposed by party MLA Sudip Roy Burman in the meeting, will be the new chief minister of Tripura, Gadkari said. BJP’s poll ally, the Indigenous People’s Front of Tripura, has demanded that the chief minister be from the tribal community.
Gadkari, deputed as observer by BJP president Amit Shah, said BJP MLA Jishnu Debbarma will be the deputy chief minister. Deb will stake claim to form government in the state before Governor Tathagata Roy. No MLA of the IPFT was present in the meeting. The IPFT had yesterday threatened not to join the government if the party was not given “respectable positions” in the ministry. It would support the government from outside if its conditions were not met, it said.
The BJP and the IPFT swept to power in the state, winning 43 seats in the 60-member assembly. BJP bagged 35 seats and the IPFT eight. Elections were held for 59 seats of the 60-member assembly on February 18. Polling was countermanded in one seat due to death of a CPI(M) candidate. — PTI
25 millions child marriage prevented
25 million child marriages prevented in last decade due to accelerated progress, according to new UNICEF estimates
Improving trend in child marriage driven largely by significant reductions in South Asia, but problem persists with over 150 million girls likely to marry by 2030
NEW YORK, 6 March 2018 – The prevalence of child marriage is decreasing globally with several countries seeing significant reductions in recent years, UNICEF said today. Overall, the proportion of women who were married as children decreased by 15 per cent in the last decade, from 1 in 4 to approximately 1 in 5.
South Asia has witnessed the largest decline in child marriage worldwide in the last 10 years, as a girl’s risk of marrying before her 18th birthday has dropped by more than a third, from nearly 50 per cent to 30 per cent, in large part due to progress in India. Increasing rates of girls’ education, proactive government investments in adolescent girls, and strong public messaging around the illegality of child marriage and the harm it causes are among the reasons for the shift.
“When a girl is forced to marry as a child, she faces immediate and lifelong consequences. Her odds of finishing school decrease while her odds of being abused by her husband and suffering complications during pregnancy increase. There are also huge societal consequences, and higher risk of intergenerational cycles of poverty,” said Anju Malhotra, UNICEF’s Principal Gender Advisor. “Given the life-altering impact child marriage has on a young girl’s life, any reduction is welcome news, but we’ve got a long way to go.”
According to new data from UNICEF, the total number of girls married in childhood is now estimated at 12 million a year. The new figures point to an accumulated global reduction of 25 million fewer marriages than would have been anticipated under global levels 10 years ago. However, to end the practice by 2030 – the target set out in the Sustainable Development Goals – progress must be significantly accelerated. Without further acceleration, more than 150 million additional girls will marry before their 18th birthday by 2030.
Worldwide, an estimated 650 million women alive today were married as children. While South Asia has led the way on reducing child marriage over the last decade, the global burden of child marriage is shifting to sub-Saharan Africa, where rates of progress need to be scaled up dramatically to offset population growth. Of the most recently married child brides, close to 1 in 3 are now in sub-Saharan Africa, compared to 1 in 5 a decade ago.
New data also point to the possibility of progress on the African continent. In Ethiopia – once among the top five countries for child marriage in sub-Saharan Africa – the prevalence has dropped by a third in the last 10 years.
“Each and every child marriage prevented gives another girl the chance to fulfill her potential,” said Malhotra. “But given the world has pledged to end child marriage by 2030, we’re going to have to collectively redouble efforts to prevent millions of girls from having their childhoods stolen through this devastating practice.”
4.9-magnitude earthquake strikes
4.9-magnitude earthquake strikes 300km off Chichi-shima, Japan
A 4.9-magnitude earthquake was reportedly registered at 11:00 GMT on Monday 298km north of Chichi-shima, Japan. The quake was 10km in depth. There were no immediate reports of damage. On March 4, the US Geological Survey reported a 4.8-magnitude quake 295km north of Japan’s Chichi-shima, with a depth of 30.3km.
A HOPE FOR UNDERPRIVILEGED CHILDREN
The Second fundraiser of Children’s Hope took place in Nation’s Capital!
After completing over 5 years of working for the underprivileged children, the Second fundraiser of Children’s Hope took place on Saturday, 3rd of March 2018, at the Kila Restaurant, Kalka Das Marg, Mehrauli, New Delhi. The evening was graced by many prominent personalities like Abha Singh, former civil servant and an advocate in the High Court of Judicature, Socialite Bina Ramani, Vijay Ramani and many more. The entire gathering as well as children present in the evening were entertained by Stand up Comedian Jeeveshu Ahluwalia’s performance. Apart from him, a silent auction of paintings provided by Great Banyan Tree also happened, for the cause.
This CH fundraiser sponsored by many corporates and individuals, (like Amway, JCB, PFC, ITC, Centrum, IndusInd Bank, Atlas Cycles, Omnicom Media Group, Bird Group, Drums Food, Fenesta, Tecnova etc.) which focus on its mission of “Every Child Counts” and work towards providing education and a holistic development of the urban slum children, on a Pan India level. Few children witnessed with their graceful performances, and all the participants will receive a “goodie bag”.
Well, CH is trying to increase the participation of society in its activities, and alongside accomplish its fundraising goals. CH had its first fundraiser one year ago with the Nizami Bandhus. With it being a resounding success.
Founded in August 2012, in New Delhi, drawing its inspiration from Children’s Hope India-New York, Children’s Hope works with the mission “From Cradle to Career” – helping the less advantaged children progress from poverty to prosperity, thereby giving them a chance for a brighter future. The organization works with an aim to alleviate their poverty through educational, vocational, community and medical initiatives. Currently it is associated with over 25 projects located in Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkatta, Bhopal, Hyderabad, Pune, Jammu, and Bhuj.
Eight suspects held in Belgium
Police in Belgium detained eight people during raids linked to an anti-terrorism investigation, prosecutors said on Monday. Seven homes in the Brussels district of Molenbeek were raided on Sunday, as well as the Flemish towns of Geraardsbergen and Mechelen, the office of the federal prosecutor said. No weapons or explosives were found. “A judge specializing in terrorism matters had asked for the home searches to be carried out,” the office said, as cited by Reuters. Newspaper DH had earlier said that those being held were suspected of planning a militant attack.
RBI release :Repurchase transactions (Repo) 2018
RBI releases draft directions on Repurchase transactions (Repo) (Reserve Bank) 2018 under section 45 W of the RBI Act, 1934.
Please find enclosed draft directions on Repurchase transactions (Repo) 2018 released by RBI for your kind reference.
Please find enclosed draft directions on Repurchase transactions (Repo) 2018 released by RBI for your kind reference.
The Reserve Bank of India released on Repurchase transactions (Repo) (Reserve Bank) 2018. Reserve Bank of India in its Statement on Developmental and Regulatory Policies dated February 7, 2018 announced that RBI will issue a streamlined and simplified Comprehensive Repo Directions with a view to harmonize regulations across different types of collateral and also to encourage wider participation, especially for repos in corporate bonds and debentures. Accordingly, a draft Repurchase transaction (Repo) (Reserve Bank) Directions, 2018 were issued for feedback
Repurchase transactions (Repo) (Reserve Bank) Directions, 2018- Draft
The Reserve Bank of India having considered it necessary in public interest and to regulate the financial system of the country to its advantage, in exercise of the powers conferred under section 45W of the Reserve Bank of India Act, 1934 (RBI Act) and of all the powers enabling it in this behalf, hereby gives the following directions to all persons dealing in repurchase transactions (repos).
The Reserve Bank of India having considered it necessary in public interest and to regulate the financial system of the country to its advantage, in exercise of the powers conferred under section 45W of the Reserve Bank of India Act, 1934 (RBI Act) and of all the powers enabling it in this behalf, hereby gives the following directions to all persons dealing in repurchase transactions (repos).
Short title and commencement of the directions
These directions may be called the Repurchase transactions (Repo) (Reserve Bank) Directions, 2018 and shall supersede all other Directions issued in this regard.
Definitions
Government securities mean a security created and issued by the Central and State Government for the purpose of raising a public loan or for any other purpose as may be notified by the Government in the Official Gazette and having one of the forms mentioned in section 3 of Government Securities Act 2006.
b. Corporate bonds and debentures mean non-convertible debt securities issued in India, which create or acknowledge indebtedness, including (i) debentures (ii) bonds (iii) commercial papers (iv) certificate of deposits and such other securities of a company or a body constituted by or under a Central or State Act, whether constituting a charge on the assets of the company or body or not, or such other persons as may be specified by the Reserve Bank.
c. Municipal bonds means a debt security created and issued by or on behalf of a municipality or a local authority in India for the purpose of raising a public loan or for any other purpose, which are specified in this behalf by Govt. of India.
d. Regulated entity means any person, other than an individual or HUF, that is subject to the regulatory jurisdiction of an Indian financial regulator viz. Reserve Bank of India, Securities and Exchange Board of India, Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India, Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority, National Housing Bank and National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development.
e. Listed corporate means a company or firm whose shares and (or) debt are listed and traded on an official stock exchange recognized by the concerned regulator.
f. Delivery versus Payment (DvP) is a settlement mechanism which stipulates that transfer of funds from the buyer of securities must be made simultaneously with the transfer of securities by the seller of securities.
g. Repo is as defined in Section 45U (c) of RBI Act, 1934.
h. Reverse Repo is as defined in Section 45U (d) of RBI Act, 1934.
A ‘repo’ transaction by an entity is ‘reverse repo’ transaction for the counterpart entity. Hence, in these Directions, the word ‘repo’ is used to mean both ‘repo’ and ‘reverse repo’ with the appropriate meaning applied contextually.
A ‘repo’ transaction by an entity is ‘reverse repo’ transaction for the counterpart entity. Hence, in these Directions, the word ‘repo’ is used to mean both ‘repo’ and ‘reverse repo’ with the appropriate meaning applied contextually.
i. Tri-party repo is a type of repo contract where a third entity (apart from the borrower and lender), called a Tri-Party Agent, acts as an intermediary between the two parties to the repo to facilitate services like collateral selection, payment and settlement, custody and management during the life of the transaction.
j. Haircut is the difference between the market value of an asset and the purchase price paid at the start of a repo.
3. Types of repos
a. Tri-Party repos are transacted through a Tri-Party agent in terms of Tri-Party Repo (Reserve Bank) Directions dated August 10, 2017.
b. Standard repos.
4. Eligible collateral for repo
a. Government securities.
b. Listed corporate bonds and debentures :provided that no corporate bonds and debentures may be used as collateral for any repo transaction wherein at least one counterparty is either the issuer or a related entity of the issuer.
Listed corporate bonds and debentures also include securities issued in India by Multilateral Development Banks (MDB) like World Bank Group (e.g., The International Bank for Reconstruction and Development, The International Finance Corporation), the Asian Development Bank or the African Development Bank and other such entities as approved by RBI.
c. Municipal bonds (as specified by Govt. of India)
5. Eligible participants
a. Any regulated entity.
b. Any listed corporate.
c. Any unlisted company which has been issued special securities by the Government of India.
d. Any All India Financial Institution (FIs) viz. Exim Bank, NABARD, NHB and SIDBI.
e. Any other entity approved by RBI for this purpose.
6. Tenor
Repos shall be undertaken for a minimum period of one day and a maximum period of one year.
7. Trading
Repo transactions may be traded on recognized stock exchanges, electronic trading platforms (ETP) authorised by RBI or in the over-the-counter (OTC) market.
8. Reporting of trades
All repo trades shall be reported within 15 minutes of the trade to the reporting platform F-TRAC under Clearcorp Dealing Systems (India) Ltd. (CDSIL) and any other entity as specified by RBI.
9. Settlement of trades
a. The first leg of all repo transactions shall settle either on a T+0 or T+1 basis.
b. All repo transactions shall settle on a DvP basis.
c. All government securities repos shall settle on a guaranteed basis through a clearing house approved by RBI.
d. All repos in corporate bonds and debentures shall settle through the clearing house of exchanges or any other entity approved by RBI.
10. Sale and substitution of repoed security
Securities purchased under repo may be
i. On-sold either as an outright transaction or as part of another repo transaction.
ii. Substituted by another security by mutual agreement under pre-existing arrangement.
11. Pricing of collateral, Haircut and Margining
i. Collaterals shall be priced transparently at prevailing market prices, in the first leg of a repo.
ii. Haircut will be decided either by the clearing house or may be bilaterally agreed upon, under Global Master Repurchase Agreement (GMRA).
12. Accounting, presentation, valuation and disclosure
Repos shall be accounted for by RBI regulated entities as per guidelines contained in RBI circular no. IDMD/4135/11.08.43/2009-10 dated March 23, 2010 (Annex I, II & III). Other eligible participants may account as per applicable accounting standards.
13. Computation of Cash Reserve Ratio (CRR) /Statutory Liquidity Ratio (SLR) and borrowing limit
The funds borrowed under market repo in government securities shall be exempted from CRR/SLR computation and the security acquired under repo shall be eligible for SLR. The borrowings of a bank through repo in corporate bonds and debentures and municipal debt shall be reckoned as liabilities for reserve requirement and, to the extent these liabilities are to the banking system, they shall be netted as per clause (d) of the explanation under section 42(1) of the RBI Act, 1934.
14. Documentation
The participants in bilateral OTC market shall enter into Master Repo Agreement as per the documentation finalized by Fixed Income Money Market and Derivatives Association of India (FIMMDA).
Delhi’s air reliably spikes every winter
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Public debate over the quality of Delhi’s air reliably spikes every winter, along with the readings from air quality monitors. However, public discussion tends to rapidly taper off, even as the air quality remains consistently bad. The Initiative on Climate, Energy and Environment (ICEE) at the Centre for Policy Research (CPR) is organising a seminar series – Clearing the Air? Seminar Series on Delhi’s Air Pollution – to promote sustained and informed public understanding around the data, impacts, sources and policy challenges involved in clearing Delhi’s air. While we will focus on the Delhi context, the series will also reflect the fact that the problem extends far beyond Delhi. The seminar series will present the work of experts in a range of areas, to help promote informed public discussion about what changes are needed, what is possible, and how to get it done. Clearing the air in terms of knowledge and public information, we hope, will make a small contribution toward actually clearing Delhi’s air. ICEE invites you to the sixth event in this series. Panel Discussion on ‘Municipal Solid Waste as a cause of Air Pollution’ Panellists: Ravi Agarwal, founder director of Toxics Link Nalini Shekhar, co-founder of Hasiru Dala Dr Seema Awasthi, founder & director of ICUC Consultants Pvt. Ltd The discussion will be moderated by Arkaja Singh, Fellow, Centre for Policy Research |
| Wednesday, 7 March 2018, 4:00 – 5:30 p.m. |
| Conference Hall, Centre for Policy Research |
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| Image Source |
The seminar series began with a talk on air pollutants in Indian cities and the gaps in our knowledge about them, followed by two events on health impacts of air pollution. We have now turned to specific sources of air pollution, and the last panel discussed emissions from crop burning. In the sixth event of this Seminar Series, we look at municipal solid waste as a source of air pollution in the National Capital Region. In this panel, we will seek to understand the multiple locations and kinds of exposures to air-borne pollutants that take place in the solid waste disposal cycle. Some of the strategies to address these exposures give primacy to the waste workers, whereas others emphasize technology, infrastructure and management. We will also discuss pollution standards setting processes and regulations, and the challenges and opportunities this provides for waste management and mitigation interventions. About the speakers: Ravi Agarwal is founder director of Toxics Link (www.toxicslink.org), an environmental NGO based in New Delhi and working on areas of chemical safety, toxics and waste, for over two decades. Ravi is part of several high-level governmental standards and regulatory committees, and a participant in UNEP, EU, WHO forums and related International Conventions. He is also the Treasurer and Executive Board Member of the International POPs Elimination Network (IPEN) a 600 member international civil society network working on chemical safety, besides being Chairperson of the Board of Tactical Tech Collective (TTC), an international NGO working on civil society and digital interphases. Ravi was awarded the IFCS -WHO Special Recognition Award (2008) and the Ashoka fellowship (1998). He writes regularly on environmental issues in the media and journals besides having co- authored books such as “Chemicals, Environment, Health: A Global Management Perspective, Taylor and Francis, USA, 2011”. Nalini Shekhar is co–founder of Hasiru Dala (http://hasirudala.in), a non-profit organization working on the informal waste economy. Her main focus of work is on inclusion of waste pickers in the solid waste management process of urban local body in Bangalore. She works with waste pickers, municipal officials and elected representatives on zero waste practices and integration of informal workers in solid waste management. She co-founded Kagad Kach Patra Kashtakari Panchayat (KKPKP), a union of wastepickers in Pune in 1993, and she is also co-ordinator of the National Alliance of Indian Wastepickers. Dr Seema Awasthi is a founder and director of ICUC Consultants Pvt. Ltd.(http://icuc.in/site/) an environmental startup based in Delhi that provides consultancy services in the field of urban environment, climate change, environment management and sustainability, carbon credit markets and renewable energy. She is an expert in solid waste management and has over 18 years of professional experience in which she has worked on number of projects on solid waste management, advising various city authorities on PPP models and integrated waste management strategies. She has advised on design for closure of landfill sites at Ghazipur and three other landfill sites under the Municipal Corporation of Delhi with emphasis on utilization of landfill gases and conversion of landfill gases to CNG, among many other projects. She received her M.Tech and PhD in Environmental Engineering from IIT Delhi. Please do RSVP at climate.initiative.cpr@gmail.com |
LOVE IS EVERYWHERE IN MONACO
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LOVE IS EVERYWHERE IN MONACO | ||||||||
For that ultimate romantic experience, it has to be the Principality! | ||||||||
Known to be a fairytale by the sea, besides from having unforgettable shopping sessions, casinos, sports, cultural events and larger-than-life parties, it has a beautiful romantic side to offer. The romantic hotels of Monte Carlo provide delicious gastronomy coming straight by the Michelin starred chefs with embracing personalised leisure activities as if it were a precious gift. The tiny details like a bottle of champagne, a fruit basket, a bouquet of freshly-cut flowers and a box of pralines, all to make your moment a magical one!
The Hotel Metropole, a Destination in itself has been celebrating love and art since years. This time it brings you the ultimate leisure experiences that will surely exceed the expectations, leaving you with memorable and never-ending romance. Experience a day and night imbued with James Bond style glamour/ Suite Accommodation starts at EUR 1,250 Craft together magical moments to create remarkable emotion and incredible memories with this experience.
This historic luxury hotel offers an intimate and relaxed ambiance, a haven of peace in the heart of Monte-Carlo. Turn dreams into reality in exceptional settings. It’s the perfect place to celebrate your love in a magical setting overlooking the Mediterranean and the legendary Rock, the Principalitys everlasting symbol. Treat yourself to an enchanting break at the Hôtel Hermitage Monte-Carlo / Suite Accommodation starts at EUR 407.00 Why not treat yourself to a gastronomic experience at the restaurant le Vistamar, the centre’s One Michelin star restaurant, for a delicious intimate meal under the spell of Cupids love arrow?
### About Monaco Welcome to Monaco. A Riviera Gem. An international cultural center for ballet, opera, music, theatre and exhibitions. A place where great minds meet for business at the Grimaldi Forum Monaco. Experience heart-stopping sports action at Monaco’s F1 Grand Prix and Tennis Masters and at the tables of the Casino de Monte-Carlo… or retreat to our luxurious spas (Les Thermes Marin, ESPA, Les Cinq Mondes, Willow Stream). World-class hotels (including the Hotel de Paris, Hotel Metropole Monte-Carlo, Fairmont Monte Carlo, Monte-Carlo Bay Hotel, Le Meridien Beach Plaza, Monte-Carlo Beach Hotel, Port Palace Monaco and the Hotel Hermitage) host the world’s most discerning guests. Press Contact: Ruma Gupta | Public Relations Manager Monaco Government Tourist Authority | TRAC Representations India Pvt. Ltd. |+91 11 23352550 | pr@tracrep.com | ||||||||
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DMRC Projects @ Rs.500 Cr/KM Most Corrupted Undesirable
March06, 2018 (C) Ravinder Singh progressindia2015@gmail.com
Center has pushed largely UNVIABLE & UNDESIRABLE Projects and DMRC Phase IV is most corrupted and least desirable to cost over Rs.500 Cr/Km.
Rs.50,000 Cr or Rs.60,000 Cr [Delhi Resources] that phase IV may cost is MOST CORRUPTED TRANSPORT Project so far. Public Investment Priority of Delhi is 24hr Water Supply, Dams on Yamuna which Are PENDING for 64 Years, Waste Treatment, Covered Sewers & Drains, Education & Healthcare.
Rs.60,000 Cr Shall DELIVER ALL ABOVE.
Delhi already has 3.5m Seats in Public Transport, Need Integration.
NCR Region has 600 km of Double Electrified Main Line Railways (Seats 0.2m), 300km of Delhi Metro (0.3m), 38,265 CNG Buses (2m), 1,48,434 CNG Taxis (0.5m), 1,74,000 CNG Auto Rickshaws (0.35m), 29,690 and E-Rickshaw (0.15m) = 3.5m seats
Yesterday there was story of UPGRADE OF SHATABDI-RAJDHANI Trains at Rs.2.35 Cr Per Coach – Revenue Loss Could Make it Rs.4 Cr. ALMOST COST OF NEW COACHES.
Since most of these Trains Originate in Delhi – I am Concerned.
We will be Travelling in JUNK GRADE Coaches, Pay Twice More. Delhi need 10+ New Stations to Decongest Main Railway Stations.
Ravinder Singh, Inventor & Consultant, INNOVATIVE TECHNOLOGIES AND PROJECTS
Y-77, Hauz Khas, ND -110016, India. Ph: 091- 8826415770, 9871056471, 9650421857
Ravinder Singh* is a WIPO awarded inventor specializing in Power, Transportation,
Smart Cities, Water, Energy Saving, Agriculture, Manufacturing, Technologies and Projects
GAIL’s LNG Contract with Sabine Pass
GAIL’s LNG Contract with Sabine Pass; first shipment bound for India flagged off from Sabine Pass by C&MD GAIL
March 5, 2018. HOUSTON and March 6, 2018 NEW DELHI. Mr. B C Tripathi, Chairman & Managing Director, GAIL flagged off GAIL’s first USA sourced LNG cargo from Sabine Pass LNG export facility in Louisiana on 5th March 2018. The cargo has been loaded on-board GAIL’s first chartered LNG ship “Meridian Spirit”. This LNG cargo originated from Cheniere Energy’s LNG export facility at Sabine Pass LNG project. The cargo will discharge LNG at Dabhol terminal of GAIL on or around 28th of this month.
The ship set sail after a ceremony to mark the occasion at Sabine Pass in the presence of Cheniere CEO Mr. Jack Fusco and GAIL Chairman and Managing Director Mr. B. C. Tripathi, who were joined by Consul General of India in Houston, Dr Anupam Ray, as well as representatives from Cheniere and GAIL.
The LNG SPA, which was signed in December of 2011, commenced on March 1, 2018. Under the terms of the SPA, GAIL would purchase approximately 3.5 million tonnes of LNG per year from Sabine Pass.
“The commencement of this agreement marks the start of a long and productive relationship between Cheniere and GAIL,” said Mr. Fusco. “GAIL is one of the foundation customers of Cheniere having signed the contract in 2011 and India remains an important market for LNG, and one that we hope will continue to show signs of growth. We look forward to decades of mutually beneficial cooperation between Cheniere and GAIL, the leading natural gas company of India. ”
“With supplies commencing from US, GAIL will have a diversified portfolio both on price indexation and geographical locations,” said Mr. Tripathi. “This long term agreement would go in a long way in strengthening relationship between GAIL and Cheniere and reinforcing India-US trade ties,” he added.
GAIL is India’s leading natural gas company with diversified interests across the natural gas value chain of trading, transmission, LPG production & transmission, LNG re-gasification, Petrochemicals, City Gas, E&P, etc. GAIL is expanding pipeline network by about 5000 kms. at an investment of over $ 3 billion to operate over 16,000 kms by 2020. GAIL commands 75% market share in gas transmission and has a Gas trading share of over 50% in India. It also has a growing international presence through subsidiaries in the USA and Singapore. It is also planning to invest over a billion dollars into its City Gas Distribution projects.
Commencement of LNG supplies from Sabine Pass are significant under the contract for India as it shall immensely support Hon’ble Prime Minister’s vision of taking India towards a gas based economy and expanding Natural Gas footprints in our economy.
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SC gives sanction for 'living will' in passive euthanasia: Breaking: Supreme Court allowing passive euthanasia gives sanction to a living will. It also issues guidelines governing execution of living will and also passive euthanasia in the absence of living wills.
The Supreme Court pronounced the verdict on a plea seeking legal sanction for passive euthanasia under which a person suffering from a terminal disease and in his/her last stage of life with no chance of recovery is allowed not to sustain life through artificial support system.
The court says it has laid down guidelines on who would execute the will and how nod for passive euthanasia would be granted by the medical board.
A living will, is an advance written directive to physicians for end-of-life medical care. It pointed out that this may lead to the abuse and neglect of the elderly, especially if they were financially well-off.
The SC said it has laid down guidelines on who would execute the will and how the nod for passive euthanasia would be granted by the medical board. The court says its guidelines and directives will remain in force till a legislation is brought to deal with the issue.
Chief Justice of India Dipak Misra says other members of the five-judge Constitution bench have concurred on the guidelines and directives passed by it.
The Supreme Court pronounced the verdict on a plea seeking legal sanction for passive euthanasia under which a person suffering from a terminal disease and in his/her last stage of life with no chance of recovery is allowed not to sustain life through artificial support system.
The court says it has laid down guidelines on who would execute the will and how nod for passive euthanasia would be granted by the medical board.
A living will, is an advance written directive to physicians for end-of-life medical care. It pointed out that this may lead to the abuse and neglect of the elderly, especially if they were financially well-off.
The SC said it has laid down guidelines on who would execute the will and how the nod for passive euthanasia would be granted by the medical board. The court says its guidelines and directives will remain in force till a legislation is brought to deal with the issue.
Chief Justice of India Dipak Misra says other members of the five-judge Constitution bench have concurred on the guidelines and directives passed by it.
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Disruptive Technologies
CII Western U.P Annual Meeting and
Session on
Disruptive Technologies
Evolving Trends & Innovation Foresight
1400 Hrs: 6 March 2018, Holiday Inn Hotel, Mayur Vihar, New Delhi
A major shift in business thinking has placed Artificial Intelligence at the very heart of business strategy. Last year saw a majority of tech giants focusing on an “AI first” strategy, leading the way for other major corporates to follow suit. The wider use of automated processes powered by AI, advanced robotics, and IoT connectivity will contribute to realising the ambitions of Industry 4.0. Otherwise known as the Fourth Industrial Revolution, Industry 4.0 promises a more connected world in which machines carry out mundane tasks. Many companies have taken tangible steps to implement this in automated warehouses.
Convergence, collaboration and the open source movement have all contributed to the encouragement of cross sector innovation. Companies are looking to businesses in other industries for insights and expertise that can enhance their own products and services. AgriTech and FinTech, for instance, are developing alongside each other to tackle financial issues within farming. As cross sector innovation becomes the norm, we will see the greater application of successful strategies and business models from one industry to another.
With this background CII Western UP Annual Session is focusing on “Disruptive Technologies: Evolving Trends & Innovation Foresight” scheduled from 1400 – 1700 hrs on 6th March 2018 at Hotel Holiday Inn, 13A, Mayur Vihar Phase – 1, New Delhi.
The Session aims to address the following:
- Mobile-first to AI-first
· Steps towards Industry 4.0
· Factory of the future
- Convergence & Increased cross sector innovation
I am writing to invite you to kindly block your diary and confirm your participation and that of your colleagues through the enclosed Registration form.
Look forward to meeting you on 6th.
Warm regards,
Anish Chaudhry
Chairman – CII Western Uttar Pradesh Zonal Council
SAP First ever Intelligent ERP Virtual Industry summit
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Decision taken by the Union Cabinet
Cabinet approves signing of Migration and Mobility Partnership Agreement between India and France
The Union Cabinet chaired by Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has approved the signing of Migration and Mobility Partnership Agreement between India and France. The Agreement is expected to be signed during the forthcoming State visit of the French President to India. The Agreement represents a major milestone in enhancing people-to -people contacts, fostering mobility of students, academics, researchers and skilled professionals and strengthening cooperation on issues related to irregular migration and human trafficking between the two sides. The Agreement is a testimony to India’s rapidly expanding multi-faceted relationship with France and symbolizes the increasing trust and confidence between the two sides.The Agreement is initially valid for a period of seven years, incorporates provision for automatic renewal and a monitoring mechanism through a Joint Working Group.
Cabinet approves signing of an Agreement between India and France to facilitate “Mutual Recognition of Academic Qualifications”
The Union Cabinet chaired by Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has given its approval for signing of an Agreement between India and France to facilitate Mutual Recognition of educational qualifications and periods of study undertaken by students in duly approved, recognized and/or accredited educational Institutions within the two countries. The Agreement is expected to be signed during the forthcoming State visit of the French President to India.
The signing of the agreement will help in deepening the educational ties between India and France and will go a long way in boosting the educational relationship between the two countries. The agreement will be instrumental in encouraging mobility of students from both the countries by facilitating possibilities for them to continue their studies in the other country and would also promote excellence in higher education through innovative partnerships/collaborations and research activities which will be leading to the improvement of the quality of education in India.
Cabinet approves an MoU between India and Hellenic on Renewable Energy Cooperation
The Union Cabinet chaired by Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has been apprised of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Cooperation in the field of Renewable Energy between India and Hellenic. The MoU was signed by the External Affairs Minister, Smt. Sushma Swaraj, Government of India and H.E. Nikos Kotzias, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Hellenic Republic during the latter’s visit to New Delhi in November, 2017. Both sides aim to establish the basis for a cooperative institutional relationship to encourage and promote technical bilateral cooperation on new and renewable issues on the basis of mutual benefit equality and reciprocity. The MoU envisages establishing a Joint Working Group to review, monitor and discuss matters relation to areas of cooperation. The MoU aims for exchange of expertise and networking of information.
Cabinet approves an agreement between India and France to prevent illicit consumption and reduction of illicit traffic in Narcotic Drugs, Psychotropic Substances and Chemical Precursors and related offences
The Union Cabinet chaired by Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has approved an Agreement between India and France on the Prevention of the Illicit Consumption and Reduction of Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs, Psychotropic Substances and Chemical Precursors, and related offences. The Agreement is aimed at enhancing mutual cooperation between the two countries in the prevention of the illicit consumption of, and reduction of illicit traffic, in narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances and chemical precursors and related offences through exchange of information, expertise and capacity building. Establishment of effective institutional interaction and curbing transnational narcotics trafficking including disruption of terrorist financing structures is also envisaged through this Agreement.
Cabinet approves the Arbitration and Conciliation (Amendment) Bill, 2018
The Union Cabinet chaired by Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has approved the Arbitration and Conciliation (Amendment) Bill, 2018 for introduction in the Parliament. It is a part of the efforts of the Government to encourage institutional arbitration for settlement of disputes and make India a centre of robust Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) mechanism.
Benefits:
The Amendments in the Act of 1996 will facilitate achieving the goal of improving institutional arbitration by establishing an independent body to lay down standards, make arbitration process more party friendly, cost effective and ensure timely disposal of arbitration cases.
Salient features:
i. To facilitate speedy appointment of arbitrators through designated arbitral institutions by the Supreme Court or the High Court, without having any requirement to approach the court in this regard. It is envisaged that parties may directly approach arbitral institutions designated by the Supreme Court for International Commercial arbitration and in other cases the concerned High Courts.
ii. The amendment provides for creation of an independent body namely the Arbitration Council of India (ACI) which will grade arbitral institution and accredit arbitrators by laying down norms and take all such steps as may be necessary to promote and encourage arbitration, conciliation, mediation and other ADR Mechanism and for that purpose evolve policy and guidelines for the establishment., operation and maintenance of uniform professional standards in respect of all matters relating to arbitration and ADR mechanism. The Council shall also maintain an electronic depository of all arbitral awards,
iii. The ACI shall be a body corporate. The Chairperson of ACI shall be a person who has been a Judge of the Supreme Court or Chief Justice or Judge of any High Court or any eminent person. Further, the other Members would include an eminent academician etc. besides other Government nominees,
iv. It is proposed to amend sub section (1) of section 29A by excluding International Arbitration from the bounds of timeline and further to provide that the time limit for arbitral award in other arbitrations shall be within 12 months from the completion of the pleadings of the parties.
v. A new section 42A is proposed to be inserted to provide that the arbitrator and the arbitral institutions shall keep confidentiality of all arbitral proceedings except award. Further, a new section 42B protects an Arbitrator from suit or other legal proceedings for any action or omission done in good faith in the course of arbitration proceedings.
vi. A new section 87 is proposed to be inserted to clarify that unless parties agree otherwise the Amendment Act 2015 shall not apply to (a) Arbitral proceedings .which have commenced before the commencement of the Amendment Act of 2015 (b) Court proceedings arising out of or in relation to such arbitral proceedings irrespective of whether such court proceedings are commenced prior to or after the commencement of the Amendment Act of 2015 and shall apply only to Arbitral proceedings commenced on or after the commencement of the Amendment Act of 2015 and to court proceedings arising out of or in relation to such Arbitral proceedings.
Cabinet approves two percent Dearness Allowance to Central Government employees
The Union Cabinet chaired by Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has given its approval to release an additional instalment of Dearness Allowance (DA) to Central Government employees and Dearness Relief (DR) to pensioners w.e.f. 01.01.2018 representing an increase of 2% over the existing rate of 5% of the Basic Pay/Pension, to compensate for price rise. This will benefit about 48.41 lakh Central Government employees and 61.17 lakh pensioners.
The combined impact on the exchequer on account of both Dearness Allowance and Dearness Relief would be Rs.6077.72 crore per annum and Rs.7090.68 crore in the financial year 2018-19 (for a period of 14 months from January, 2018 to February, 2019).This increase is in accordance with the accepted formula, which is based on the recommendations of the 7thCentral Pay Commission.
Cabinet approves Recommendations of Inter-Ministerial Group on Stressed Assets in Telecom Sector
The Union Cabinet chaired by Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has approved two key measures in telecom sector to facilitate investments, consolidation in the sector and enhancing ease of doing business. These include restructuring the deferred payment liabilities of spectrum auction of telecom service providers and revising the limit of the cap for spectrum holding for telecom service providers.
Details:
1. Restructuring of Deferred Payment Liabilities of telecom Service providers for spectrum
By giving one-time opportunity to opt for higher number of instalment (max. 16 instalment) apart from currently permitted 10 instalments. The increased instalment is based upon the principle that the Net Present Value (NPV) of the Payment Due is protected as per respective notice inviting application for auction of spectrum from 2012. The total amount received will be higher by Rs. 74446.01 crore till 2034-35.
2. Revision of limits of cap for spectrum holding
Based upon the recommendations of TRAI and Telecom Commission, the Cabinet also approved the revision of limits of cap for spectrum holding as follows:-
The overall spectrum cap is revised from the current limit of 25% to 35%.
The current intra-band cap is removed. Instead, there is a cap of 50% on the combined spectrum holding in the sub-1 GHz bands (700 MHz, 800 MHz and 900 MHz bands).
There will be no cap for individual or combined spectrum holding in above 1 GHz band.
The revised spectrum caps limits may be revisited after Final Acts of World Radiocommunication Conference (WRC) 2019.
TRAI had recommended revision in the existing limits of cap for spectrum holding taking into consideration the technological advancement, efficient use of spectrum, measures to facilitate consolidation etc
Impact:
With the restructuring of the deferred payment liability, the cash flow for the telecom service providers will increase in the immediate timeframe providing them some relief. Revising the limit for the spectrum cap holding will facilitate consolidation of telecom licensees and may encourage the participation in the future auction.
Cabinet approves the Commercial Courts, Commercial Division and Commercial Division of High Courts (Amendment) Bill, 2018
The Union Cabinet chaired by Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has approved the Commercial Courts, Commercial Division and Commercial Appellate Division of High Courts (Amendment) Bill, 2018 for introduction in the Parliament.
The Bill seeks to achieve the following objectives:
· The Bill brings down the specified value of a commercial dispute to 3 Lakhs from the present one Crore: Therefore, commercial disputes of a reasonable value can be decided by commercial courts. This would bring down the time taken (presently 1445 days) in resolution of commercial disputes of lesser value and thus further improve India’s ranking in the Ease of Doing Business.
· The amendment provides for establishment of Commercial Courts at district Judge level for the territories over which respective High Courts have ordinary original civil jurisdiction i.e in the cities of Chennai, Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai and State of Himachal Pradesh. The State Governments, in such territories may by notification specify such pecuniary value of commercial disputes to be adjudicated at the district level, which shall ‘not be less than three lakhs rupees and not more than the pecuniary jurisdiction of the district court. In the jurisdiction of High Courts other than those exercising ordinary original jurisdiction a forum of Appeal in commercial dispute decided by commercial courts below the level of District judge is being provided, in the form of Commercial Appellate Courts to be at district judge level.
· The introduction of the Pre-Institution Mediation process in cases where no urgent, interim relief is contemplated will provide an opportunity to the parties to resolve the commercial disputes outside the ambit of the courts through the authorities constituted under the Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987.will also help in reinforcing investor’s confidence in the resolution of commercial disputes.
· Insertion of new section of 21A which enables the Central Government to make rules and procedures for PIM.
· To give prospective effect to the amendment so as not to disturb the authority of the judicial forum presently adjudicating the commercial disputes as per the extant provisions of the Act.
Cabinet approves continuation of Swatantra Sainik Samman Yojana (SSSY) during 2017-2020
The Union Cabinet chaired by Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has approved the continuation of Swatantra Sainik Samman Yojana (SSSY) during 2017-2020 beyond the 12th Five Year Plan whichended on 31/03/2017. The approval provides for a monthly Samman Pension to freedom fighters, as a token of respect for their contribution in the national freedom struggle and on their demise, to their eligible dependents viz. spouses and thereafter, unmarried and unemployed daughters and dependent parents, as per prescribed eligibility norms and procedure.
Cabinet approves a Memorandum of Cooperation between India and France in the field of environment
The Union Cabinet chaired by Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has approved the signing of a Memorandum of Cooperation between India and France in the field of environment. The Memorandum of Cooperation will enable establishment and promotion of closer and long-term cooperation between the countries in the field of environment protection and management of natural resources on the basis of equity, reciprocity and mutual benefits, taking into account the applicable laws and legal provisions in each country. The Memorandum of Cooperation is expected to bring in the latest technologies and best practices suited to bringing about better environment protection, better conservation, better management of climate change and wildlife protection/conservation.
Cabinet approves MoU between UPSC and Public Service Commission of Mauritius
The Union Cabinet chaired by Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has approved the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) and Public Service Commission of Mauritius. The MoU will strengthen the existing relationship between UPSC and Public Service Commission of Mauritius. It will facilitate sharing of experience and expertise of both the parties in the area of recruitment. The MoU will develop institutionalized linkage between the Public Service Commissions of two countries. It defines the scope of cooperation between the PSC, Mauritius and the UPSC and sets out the areas of cooperation and obligations of the Parties. The areas of co-operation include the following-
i. exchange of experience on modern approach to public service recruitment and selection, particularly the functions of the UPSC and the PSC;
ii. exchange of information and expertise including books, manuals and other documents which are not of a confidential nature;
iii. sharing of expertise in the use of Information Technology (IT) in the preparation of written examinations and holding of Computer Based Recruitment Tests and Online Examinations;
iv. sharing of experience in Single Window System for expeditious scrutiny and speedy disposal of applications;
v. sharing of experience and expertise on the various processes involved in the examination system which are routine in nature;
vi. organizing training sessions for officials, including through short attachments to the Parties secretariat/headquarters on air matters concerned by the respective mandate of the Parties.
(vii) sharing of experience on the modalities adopted on audit of processes and procedures followed by various Government Agencies in recruitment of posts under the delegated powers.
Cabinet approves the proposals for promulgation of the Daman and Diu Municipalities (Amendment) Regulation, 2018
The Union Cabinet chaired by Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has approved the proposal for promulgation of:
(i) the Daman and Diu Municipalities (Amendment) Regulation, 2018;
(ii) the Dadra and Nagar Haveli Municipal Council (Amendment) Regulation, 2018; and
(iii) the Andaman and Nicobar Islands (Municipal) Amendment Regulation 2018
Impact:
It will help ensure better provisions for the constitution, administration and powers of the Municipalities in the Union Territories of Daman and Diu, Dadra and Nagar Haveli, and Andaman & Nicobar Islands.
Details:
a. Provisions relating to anti-defection, constructive no confidence motion, establishment of ombudsman etc. will be inserted in “the Daman and Diu Municipalities Regulation, 1968”, “the Dadra and Nagar Haveli Municipal Council Regulation, 2004” and “the Andaman and Nicobar Islands (Municipal) Regulation, 1994, respectively.
The regulations also include other amendments like (i)replacement of term ‘servant’ by ’employee’ to remove colonial connotation, (ii) provisions for voting through Electronic Voting Machines, (iii) making CCS(CCA) Rules, 1965 applicable to penalty proceedings and (iv) revision in the amount of fines which were fixed many years back.
Cabinet approves promotion of agricultural mechanisation for in-situ management of crop residue in the states of Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and NCT of Delhi
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs chaired by Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, has given its approval for promotion of Agricultural Mechanization for in-situ Management of Crop Residue in the States of Punjab, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh and NCT of Delhi. The total outgo from the Central funds would be Rs. 1151.80 crore (Rs. 591.65 crore in 2018-19 and Rs. 560.15 crore in 2019-20).
Components of the Scheme
Establish Farm Machinery Banks for Custom Hiring of in -situ crop residue management machinery. Financial assistance @80% of the project cost will be provided to the cooperative societies of the farmers, FPOs, Self Help Groups, Registered Farmers Societies/ Farmers Group, Private Entrepreneurs, Group of Women Farmers.
Financial Assistance to the farmers for Procurement of Agriculture Machinery and Equipment for in -situ crop residue management. Financial assistance @50% of the machinery/ equipment will be provided to individual farmer for crop residue management.
Information, Education and Communication for awareness on in-situ crop residue management. Financial assistance will be provided to the State Government/ KVKs, ICAR Institutes, Central Government Institutes, PSUs, etc. for the activities to be undertaken towards information, education and communication. The activities will involve mass awareness campaigns through short and long films, documents, radio and TV programmes, demonstration camps at various levels, capacity building programme, advertisement in print media, star campaigning, award for Village/ Gram Panchayat for achieving Zero Straw Burning, panel discussions on Doordarshan, DD Kisan and other private channels, etc.
Beneficiaries
Respective State Governments through District Level Executive Committee (DLEC) will identify various beneficiaries and location – specific agricultural equipment depending on the farming system and will identify and select beneficiaries for establishment of Farm Machinery Bank for Custom Hiring and procurement of machines on individual ownership basis to avail the benefit in transparent and time bound manner.
The State Nodal Department / DLEC may tie up with the Banks for credit requirements of the beneficiaries. Name and details of selected beneficiaries will be documented at district level indicating Aadhar/UID numbers and the financial assistance will be paid through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT).
Implementing Agencies
i. At the Central level the scheme will be administered by Department of Agriculture, Cooperation and Farmers Welfare.
A National Steering Committee headed by Secretary, DAC&FW will formulate the policy and give overall directions and guidance to the implementation of the scheme by the State Government and will monitor and review its progress and performance.
Executive Committee chaired by Additional Secretary will oversee the activities of the scheme.
At the State level the nodal implementing agency will be the Department of Agriculture of the concerned State Government. State Level Executive Committee (SLEC) chaired by Principle Secretary (Agriculture)/ Agriculture Production Commissioner shall oversee the implementation of the scheme in their State through regular meeting and will provide inputs to Executive Committee for appropriate policy formulation. The SLEC shall ensure that no crop residue burning takes place in the farmer field.
The District Level Executive Committee shall be responsible for carrying forward the objectives of the scheme for project formulation, implementation and monitoring in the districts and will constitute Surveillance Committees involving farmers group / progressive farmers to mobilize farmers for not burning the crop residue and will also ensure active participation of Panchayati Raj Institutions.
The DAC&FW will empanel the manufacturer of machines and equipment, identified for in-situ management of crop residue alongwith their costs.
Khaleda Zia on to four months interim bail
Bangladesh, the Dhaka High Court has granted a four-month interim bail to former Prime Minister and opposition BNP Chief Khaleda Zia in a corruption case.
A court official said, the bench considered Ms Zia’s age factor as one of the reasons for granting the bail.
The official said, authorities have also been asked to prepare arguments on the BNP Chief’s appeal against the conviction and imprisonment.
The 72-year old former Prime Minister was sentenced to five years in jail on the 8th of last month in connection with the embezzlement of around 250,000 US dollars in foreign donations meant for the Zia Orphanage Trust.
The verdict shook the country’s political scenario ahead of this year’s general elections.
Naresh Agarwal expresses ‘regret’ for remarks on Jaya Bachchan
Former Samajwadi Party leader and now BJP leader Naresh Agarwal expresses regret for his remarks on SP MP Jaya Bachchan.
Speaking to ANI, Agarwal said, “Agar meri kisi baat se kisi ko thes pahuchi hai toh main khed vyakt karta hun. I express regret if anyone has been hurt by my comments.”
In his initiation ceremony at the BJP headquarters yesterday, Naresh Agrawal said that he was humiliated by the SP as he lost the Rajya Sabha election ticket to Jaya Bachchan.”My status was reduced to that of a film actor. Because of her, the ticket was not given to me, which I did not find right. Films mein kaam karne wali se meri hesiyat kardi gayi, unke naam par humara ticket kataa gaya, maine isko bhi bahut utchit nahi samjha,” he said.
He was welcomed at the BJP’s Delhi headquarters by union minister Piyush Goyal, but the party was soon left acutely embarrassed by his attack on Jaya Bachchan in his first speech.BJP spokesperson Sambit Patra immediately distanced his party from Mr Agrawal’s remarks, saying the BJP respects people from all fields and welcomes them in politics.
Union minister Sushma Swaraj tweeted, “Shri Naresh Agarwal has joined Bhartiya Janata Party. He is welcome. However, his comments regarding Jaya Bachchan ji are improper and unacceptable.”
Agrawal represents the Hardoi constituency at the Upper House, and at the expiration of his term, the party choose to field Bachchan from that seat.
Bachchan is a three-time MP and was first elected to the Upper House by the Samajwadi Party in 2004 till March 2006. She got a second term from June 2006 and was re-elected in 2012 for the third term. Her third term comes to an end on April 3. Jaya Bachchan candidate for Rajya Sabha MP reveal her declartion assets worth Rs 1000 crore
Fena Confirms Official Partnership with Kings XI Punjab for IPL Season 11
New Delhi , 13th March 2018: Fena, the leading fabric care, home care and personal care brand of India is all set to boost the country’s most spectacular cricket extravaganza, IPL. For the Indian Premier League Season 11, which is going to commence from April 07, Fena has confirmed its official partnership with Kings XI Punjab, the runner-up of 2014. And, as per the association, all jerseys and merchandise of Kings XI Punjab will carry Fena’s logo. Along with this, Fena will also have in-stadium presence on match days and significant brand exposure at the Kings XI Punjab’s home grounds, IS Bindra Stadium, Mohali and Holkar Cricket Stadium, Indore. The brand will also keep its viewers engaged and entertained via its facebook page https://www.facebook.com/fenah ilena
Fena feels confident that with the new explosive Kings XI line up after the IPL Auction in January, the new team under the captaincy of R Ashwin, and with the experience of Yuvraj Singh and Chris Gayle, are ready to do some serious dhulai in IPL 2018, as a formidable competitor. The young blood in the team of KL Rahul, David Miller, Axar Patel and others, adds some great all round depth to the team.
On this significant move, Mr. Santosh Saraswat, Product Manager, Fena said, “Cricket has always been close to our nations sports lovers hearts, and the stupendous popularity of IPL in the last 10 years further validates that no other sport is as entertaining and uniting as Cricket for the Indian viewers. With this year’s IPL getting even bigger and better, we take pride in extending our association with one of the best team in IPL, Kings XI Punjab. This partnership will increase our brand salience and help us engage with cricket fans across the nation through the common spirit and pure raw entertainment of IPL cricket”.
Mr. Arshad Shawl, Director, Alliance Advertising and Marketing Pvt Ltd said, “ We welcome Fena into the “ World’s most watched SPORT – IPL ’” and are happy to connect them with millions of viewers and fans . KXIP is a fantastic team and has one of the highest female fan base and most popular among the youth. It also serves the purpose to reach North & Punjab markets through this association.”
We at Alliance are excited to see both Indian and Foreign players endorsing the brand Fena , and this innovative approach will catapult the brand Fena to the next level.
Mr. Satish Menon, CEO, Kings XI Punjab said, “We are extremely delighted to announce our partnership with Fena as our Principal Sponsor for the season. It’s great to find synergies when you come across likeminded brands with a vision that aligns cohesively with your efforts. Fena has been exactly that for us and we’re confident about how mutually beneficial this association is going to be for us all.”
Fena is truly an Indian brand which is consistently moving and evolving with thenation’s aspirations and ethos. Today, Fena’s holistic product range including Fena Superwash powder, Fena Superwash detergent cake, Impact Smartwash, Nip Dishwash bar, Nip liquid and powder, Cop toilet and floor Cleaner and Famus beauty soap, Famush and wash and hand sanitizer range, is the trusted choice of millions of Indian households.
Xi welcomes N.Korea peace efforts s
Chinese President Xi Jinping has welcomed news of an inter-Korean summit and possible talks between the US and North Korea.
China’s state-run media and South Korea’s presidential office say Xi met with Seoul’s National Security Office chief, Chung Eui-yong, in Beijing on Monday.
Chung headed the high-level delegation that visited North Korea and the United States last week.
Xi said the Korean Peninsula has an opportunity for dialogue and an easing of tensions. He also expressed China’s willingness to play a role in resolving the current situation.
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February 2018 WPI inflation stands at 2.5%
The WPI inflation stands at 2.5% in February 2018 as compared to 2.8% in January 2018, 3.6% in December 2017, 4.02% in November 2017, 3.7% in October 2017 and 3.14% in September 2017. The decline in WPI inflation in the month of February 2018 is attributed to fall in the prices of food articles (0.88%), vegetables (15.86%), fruits (6.13%), eggs, meat & fish (-0.22%) and LPG (8.5%)
Driven by fall in the prices of food articles, vegetables, fruits, eggs, meat & fish and LPG, WPI inflation stands at 2.5% in February 2018 as compared to 2.8% in January 2018. The official Wholesale Price Index for ‘All Commodities’ (Base: 2011-12=100) for the month of February, 2018 remained unchanged at its previous month level of 115.8 (Provisional).
Trend in WPI Inflation (Y-O-Y) %
Source: PHD Research Bureau, compiled from the office of the Economic Advisor to the Govt. of India
WPI inflation in select commodities (Base year: 2011-12)
Commodity | WPI Inflation Y-o-Y % growth | |||
Dec’17 | Jan’18 | Feb’18 | ||
1 | All Commodities | 3.58 | 2.84 | 2.48 |
2 | Primary Articles | 3.86 | 2.37 | 0.79 |
3 | Food Articles | 4.72 | 3.00 | 0.88 |
4 | Cereals | -3.00 | -1.98 | -2.45 |
5 | Vegetables | 56.38 | 40.77 | 15.26 |
6 | Non-food Articles | -0.34 | -1.23 | -2.66 |
7 | Fuel & Power | 8.03 | 4.08 | 3.81 |
8 | Petrol | 8.94 | 1.21 | 2.52 |
9 | Manufactured Products | 2.79 | 2.78 | 3.04 |
10 | Sugar | 0.73 | -5.70 | -9.74 |
Source: PHD Research Bureau, compiled from the office of the Economic Advisor to the Govt. of India
Build up inflation rate in the financial year so far was 2.30% compared to a build up rate of 4.92% in the corresponding period of the previous year.
Build up in inflation from March in select food commodities (in %)
Source: PHD Research Bureau, compiled from the office of the Economic Advisor to the Govt. of India
Manufacturing inflation stands at 3.04% (weight 64.23 %)
The WPI inflation for manufactured products grows at 3.04% for February 2018 as against 2.78% for January 2018. The index for this major group rose by 0.4 % to 115.2 (provisional) from 114.7 (provisional) for the previous month..
Trend in WPI inflation in manufactured products (in %)
Source: PHD Research Bureau, compiled from the office of the Economic Advisor to the Govt. of India
Food inflation stands at 0.88% (Weight 15.26%)
Food inflation stands at 0.88% in February 2018 as against 3% in January 2018. The index for ‘Food Articles’ group declined by 2.0 % to 137.8 (provisional) from 140.6 (provisional) for the previous month due to lower price of fruits & vegetables (9%), gram, tea and masur (4% each), rajma and bajra (3% each), egg, fish-marine, peas/chawali, jowar and urad (2% each) and wheat (1%). However, the price of betel leaves (13%), ragi (3%) and arhar, maize, condiments & spices, coffee, moong, fish-inland, poultry chicken and paddy (1% each) moved up.
Non-food articles inflation stands at (-)2.66% (weight 4.12%)
Non-food articles inflation for the month of February 2018 stands at (-)2.66% as against (-)1.23% in January 2018. The index for ‘Non-Food Articles’ group declined by 0.1 % to 120.6 (provisional) from 120.7 (provisional) for the previous month due to lower price of floriculture (15%), niger seed (5%), raw cotton and linseed (3% each), raw rubber and skins (raw) (2% each) and cotton seed, raw silk, rape & mustard seed and copra (coconut) (1% each). However, the price of soyabean (11%), hides (raw) (10%), mesta (8%), raw jute (5%), guar seed (4%), raw wool and fodder (2% each) and groundnut seed, castor seed, gingelly seed and sunflower (1% each) moved up.
Fuel & power inflation stands at 3.81% (weight 13.15%)
Fuel & power inflation for the month of February 2018 stands at 3.81% as against 4.08% in January 2018. The index for this major group rose by 1.2 % to 98.1 (provisional) from 96.9 (provisional) for the previous month. The index for ‘Coal’ group rose by 1.2 % to 122.6 (provisional) from 121.1 (provisional) for the previous month due to higher price of non-coking coal (2%). The index for ‘Mineral Oils’ group rose by 1.8 % to 89.8 (provisional) from 88.2 (provisional) for the previous month due to higher price of ATF (7%), kerosene and lube oils (4% each), furnace oil (3%), HSD and petrol (2% each) and petroleum coke (1%). However, the price of bitumen and naphtha (2% each) declined.
Suresh Prabhu: Nation steps up new tech skills
Min Suresh Prabhu brief AIMA delegates at Le Meridian Hotel New Delhi, AIMA platform for National Leadership is unique. Min said we are encountering lots of challenges in fourth revolution with drastic change are coming with rapid pace but what happens to jobs employment definitely to be lost but new technology create new jobs in time of Artificial Intelligence and alternate technology. It is need of hours to have specialised report and KPMG presented report in commendable. The experts in government braces and are coming with reports to understand the ensuing fast change.
Manufacturing style skill bring new industry so modernisation of existing industry is government challenge.Trllion $ must come from manufacturing task force is met Gov will come with scheduling these are growth engine for future with employment. Cos nearly formed recently like Amazon Google and other in hybrid may touch trillion dollars.
India champion in service sector can create best growth with agriculture, manufacturing propel India to develope in 5trillion dollars in years with Industrial policy .
Manufacturing style skill bring new industry so modernisation of existing industry is government challenge.Trllion $ must come from manufacturing task force is met Gov will come with scheduling these are growth engine for future with employment. Cos nearly formed recently like Amazon Google and other in hybrid may touch trillion dollars.
India champion in service sector can create best growth with agriculture, manufacturing propel India to develope in 5trillion dollars in years with Industrial policy .
Jayant: Aviation prepare billion travellers
Min Aviation Jyant Sinha address the delegates at 4 leadership conclave, Hawai chapalvale,viz. guy with rubber slipper to travel in air, be so affordable for masses. Price of flying same to cost 3 tier cost of rail parity, no of trips 130 million passengers and same number in rail in volume, Imagine magic figures of the total volume of rail revenue, telecom-revenue and air-revenue generated is Rs 2 lakh Cr, domestic carrier Rs One lakh Cr and Int Carrier is Rs One lakh Cr. We have doubled in last 3 – 4 yrs. Airline soon to quin-tip the volume to gain in such proportions. This is only people percentage 5% of Indian fly when this percent ascend you can think the volume shall be humongous.![15210021803401180440191.jpg]()
For billion commuter safety and security is major challenge next to find Greenfield land for the airport and IG airport is top few airport cater largest number of commuters.
“IPRS” to collaborate with Amazon India
The Indian Performing Right Society Limited (“IPRS”) is all set to collaborate with Amazon India
The Indian Performing Right Society Limited (“IPRS”) is pleased to announce that it has collaborated with Amazon India in respect of the IPRS music publishing repertoire for Amazon Prime Music in India (for Musical & Literary Works). Amazon India’s recently launched ad-free music streaming service, Amazon Prime Music, will receive access to the IPRS repertoire of more than a million of works/titles spread across multiple languages, eras, and genres of Indian music.
IPRS which was granted registration as a Copyright Society by the Government of India in November 2017 under the Copyright Act, 1957 represents more than 4000 Indian Authors, Composer and major Music Publishers which include Saregama, Times Music, Sony, Aditya, Tips Music and Venus. IPRS administers lyrics and musical works as an assignee of its members in respect of communication to the public and mechanical rights in lyrics and musical works.
Mr. Javed Akhtar the Chairman of IPRS said, “The IPRS arrangement with Amazon India heralds a new era for IPRS and the music community in the country. With a strongly united IPRS, Indian lyricists and music composers can finally now start to reap the benefits of the historic changes to the Copyright law in India along with our music publisher members. IPRS looks forward to similar collaborative & positive relationships with platforms in India and is committed to transparent and ethical functioning”.
Sahas Malhotra, Director Amazon Music, India said, “We are happy to collaborate with IPRS and keen to strengthen our ties with all important stakeholders in the Indian music industry.We will continue to offer a transformative music listening experience to our customers with the ad-free Amazon Prime Music offering that comes at no additional cost to Prime members in India”.
Mr. Rakesh Nigam CEO of IPRS said, “Working with Amazon Music in India signifies that the newly restructured IPRS can achieve much more for its members by actively and transparently partnering with entities like Amazon”.
Disruptive Technologies
CII Western U.P Annual Meeting and
Session on
Disruptive Technologies
Evolving Trends & Innovation Foresight
1400 Hrs: 6 March 2018, Holiday Inn Hotel, Mayur Vihar, New Delhi
A major shift in business thinking has placed Artificial Intelligence at the very heart of business strategy. Last year saw a majority of tech giants focusing on an “AI first” strategy, leading the way for other major corporates to follow suit. The wider use of automated processes powered by AI, advanced robotics, and IoT connectivity will contribute to realising the ambitions of Industry 4.0. Otherwise known as the Fourth Industrial Revolution, Industry 4.0 promises a more connected world in which machines carry out mundane tasks. Many companies have taken tangible steps to implement this in automated warehouses.
Convergence, collaboration and the open source movement have all contributed to the encouragement of cross sector innovation. Companies are looking to businesses in other industries for insights and expertise that can enhance their own products and services. AgriTech and FinTech, for instance, are developing alongside each other to tackle financial issues within farming. As cross sector innovation becomes the norm, we will see the greater application of successful strategies and business models from one industry to another.
With this background CII Western UP Annual Session is focusing on “Disruptive Technologies: Evolving Trends & Innovation Foresight” scheduled from 1400 – 1700 hrs on 6th March 2018 at Hotel Holiday Inn, 13A, Mayur Vihar Phase – 1, New Delhi.
The Session aims to address the following:
- Mobile-first to AI-first
· Steps towards Industry 4.0
· Factory of the future
- Convergence & Increased cross sector innovation
I am writing to invite you to kindly block your diary and confirm your participation and that of your colleagues through the enclosed Registration form.
Look forward to meeting you on 6th.
Warm regards,
Anish Chaudhry
Chairman – CII Western Uttar Pradesh Zonal Council
SAP First ever Intelligent ERP Virtual Industry summit
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‘3rd National Conclave on Mines and Minerals’
CURTAIN RAISER
‘3rd National Conclave on Mines and Minerals’
20th March, 2018 at Hotel Ashoka, New Delhi
- The Ministry of Mines organized the 1stNational Conclave on Mines & Minerals on 4-5 July, 2016 at Raipur and 2ndNational Conclave on Mines & Minerals on 15th Feb 2017 at New Delhi. In these conclaves, the representatives of State Governments, mining industries, industry associations, financial & academic institutions, and others participated and raised various issues, challenges and opportunities in the mining sector to realize its optimum potential for the sustainable development. Both the National Mining Conclaves were great success and had overwhelming participation. All the participants expressed great satisfaction on the organization and outcome of the conclaves.
- Several new initiatives have been taken in the ministry since the last conclave. The Mineral Auction Rules have been amended, Sand Mining Policy is likely to be finalized, key modules of MTS are likely to be rolled out, launch of Star Rating Scheme for Minor Minerals, Mining Surveillance System implementation for Minor Minerals and many other schemes in the recent past. The implementation of these and other initiatives being taken, requires harmonization of ends and objectives together with the capacity building of the stakeholders. For this, intensive and wide interaction is required, between all stakeholders, such as the government bodies responsible for mineral conservation, development, policy & regulation and the mining industry. The Conclave will provide an effective platform to showcase the recent policy initiatives by the Government of India and enable intensive discussion on the issues, challenges and opportunities in the mining sector to realize its optimum potential for the sustainable development of the country. It will help the Central Government to further improve the policy environment to promote best practices and addressing various issues in the mining sector. It will strengthen the efforts of the Ministry in enabling the mining sector to contribute its fullest to foster the rapid growth of national economy and employment generation.
- Owing to the immense benefits of the conclave as mentioned above, the participation of the industry and other stakeholders in the earlier conclaves was kept free of charge for encouraging their participation and the same will be continued in this conclave. Both the public and the private mining companies will actively take part in the conclave. Besides this, the metal and the allied sector, which is involved in the mining activity would also participate in the conclave. This would provide an effective platform to the various Government organizations of the mining sector, viz. Union Mines Ministry, State Mining Departments, regulators such as IBM &DGMs, explorations entities GSI&NMET, etc. to interact with the mining and allied industry stakeholders.
- The astounding success and immense utility of earlier National Conclaves on Mines & Minerals to gather solidarity in approach for addressing the issues in the mining sector, the Ministry of Mines is organizing 3rdNational Conclave on Mines & Minerals on 20th March 2018 in Convention Hall, Hotel Ashoka New Delhi.
- Federation of Indian Mineral Industries(FIMI) has agreed to partner in the event. The PSUs which are closely associated with the mining activity directly or as an integral part of their production process, would be one of the major stakeholders assisting the Ministry in organising the conclave. These PSUs are NALCO, HCL&MECL under the Ministry of Mines and the companies in which the government stake is under the administrative control of the Ministry of Mines, viz. HZL&BALCO.
- Hon’ble Minister of Mines, Shri Narendra Singh Tomar has consented to give the awards for ‘5 Star’ rating in the conclave to the 20 best performing mines which are star rated. The Star rating system evaluates performance of mines on technical, socio-economic, environmental parameters; final and progressive mine closure and adoption of international standards with the objective to bring standardisation in mining operations and for minimising impacts of mining. The extension of implementation of the Star Rating System for minor mineral mines for will be discussed in the conclave.
- The launch of Portal for PMKKKY monitoring along with Registration and Returns module of MTS will also be done by the Hon’ble Minister of Mines, Shri Narendra Singh Tomar during the award function in the conclave. MTS primarily involves automating the entire concession life-cycle, starting from identification of area and ending with closure of the mine; and connecting the various stakeholders for real-time transfer of electronic files and exchange of data. Wipro Ltd. is the Implementation Agency for Mining Tenement System, which has been engaged by Indian Bureau of Mines for its development and implementation.
- The existing 14500 users of the registration and the returns module will be migrated into the new system. The daily returns may be filed from the Mobile App or directly on the online portal. The filing of monthly returns will have to be done on the new system starting this months return onwards. The MTS software has to be integrated not only with the existing IT systems of the States, but several other existing IT applications viz. Aadhar, RTO data, GST, etc., for its effective implementation.
- MTS will facilitate end to end national scale accounting of all the minerals produced in the country from the pithead to its end use, reducing the scope for illegal mining, royalty evasion, etc. and enhancing the data processing with regard to the mineral sector.
- Pradhan Mantri Khanij Kshetra Kalyan Yojna (PMKKKY) scheme is to be implemented by the funds collected under District Mineral Foundations (DMF) to be utilized for the welfare and development of the mining affected areas. The portal for the monitoring the implementation of PMKKKY is being implemented through providing for change control in the MTS project owing to its backward integration with OAS for fund collection.
- The module for monitoring portal of PMKKKY implementation captures from the collection and accrual of funds, to its utilization and monitoring for implementation of projects.
- The portal will be utilized not only from the perspective of monitoring from the Centre and State level but will also help online monitoring of fund collection and projects implementation at each of the district level where DMF has been established.
- The portal will disseminate key information about the progress of works being implemented to the local population and other stakeholders working in the direction of ensuring maximum transparency. This will facilitate the participatory approach of the affected people and stakeholders in the implementation of projects under PMKKKY and help ameliorate their grievances.
- The user interface for input and monitoring will be created in the system at district level. The basic data input has to be done by the respective DMFs, about the implementation of projects under PMKKKY such as project details, start date, targeted date, sanctioned and spent amount, progress, GIS enabled monitoring, beneficiaries, affected people and areas, etc.
- Pursuant to the decision taken in the Ministers’ Conference with the State Mining Ministers on 4th May, 2017, a Committee under the chairmanship of Union Mines Secretary with senior officials from the States of Assam, Chhattisgarh, Karnataka, Telangana and Uttar Pradesh, was constituted on 18th May, 2017, to study the existing system of sand mining in various States and suggest a comprehensive sand mining policy/ guidelines as a model for replication by the States to address concerns in this sector, such as availability of sand in terms of demand and supply, illegal mining issues, use of MSS, pricing of sand, feasibility of M-Sand (Manufactured sand) and of the import of sand, testing facility & quality of sand, size of mineral concessions, etc.
- The committee has studied existing models of sand mining and usage, Minor Mineral Rules / sand mining rules of 14 State, demand supply assessment, Identification of sand reaches, assessment of the quality of District Survey Reports being prepared by States, method of allotment of boulder quarries, quality checking norms for imported sand, sourcing of sand by major consumers and Government agencies and legal aspects of semi mechanical and mechanical mining.
- The report of the committee is likely to be finalized till then. Hon’ble Minister of Mines, Shri Narendra Singh Tomar has consented to release the report in the conclave function.
- The conclave will have three technical sessions for interaction on the following key topics-
| Technical Sessions | Key Topics |
| I | Auction of Mineral Blocks & Implementation of PMKKKY |
| II | Impetus on Exploration |
| III | Sustainable Development Framework – Sharing of Best Practices |
- The Mineral Auction Rules have been amended by the Ministry of Mines vide notification dated 30.11.2017 to make the auction process less cumbersome and thus, expedite the mineral auctions. The implementation of Pradhan Mantri Khanij Kshetra Kalyan Yojana (PMKKKY) under the District Mineral Foundation (DMFs) will be discussed in the conclave.
- The effective utilization of the Mining Surveillance System (MSS) for curbing the incidences of illegal mining for major minerals and its extension for minor minerals will also be deliberated upon in the conclave.
- A webpage on the Ministry of Mines website, “NCMM 2018” has been created about the Conclave, giving the brochure, program schedule and a link for registration.
- The registration and handing over of folder and badges would be done at the venue itself from 9.00 onwards on 20th March 2018.
- For any further queries please contact us at miningconclave@gmail.com
PM: Rising India is rising confidence of 125Crpeople
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said, the government has received tremendous support in its efforts to curb black money and fight corruption. He was speaking at the Rising India Summit organised by a private TV channel in New Delhi last evening. Mr Modi said, due to the support and inspiration of the people, the government has succeeded in taking and executing bold steps. He said, there is a transformational shift in the country because of the people and their will to dream.
The Prime Minister said, in his opinion, Rising India means rising the confidence of 125 crore people of the country. He said, Rising India evokes the thought of light through the darkness. Mr Modi also envisaged![26904649_1677898832231908_7978816502977795113_n]()
the role of northeast towards Rising India.
the role of northeast towards Rising India.The Prime Minister also said, Swachh Bharat Mission has now become people’s movement. He also highlighted the Ujjwala scheme which has changed the lives of crores of people.
Mr Modi reiterated the government’s commitment to make health care affordable and accessible to all. He said, in this year’s budget, the government announced the Ayushman Bharat Scheme under which wellness centres will be set-up and a medical insurance coverage of 5 lakh rupees will be provided to 10 crore families.
The Prime Minister asserted that the government has planned to invest one lakh crore rupees to improve the education system in the country.
Mr Modi said, India is performing well on all macroeconomic factors. He said, the power sector is undergoing several transformational changes to fight power shortage, adding that 16,000 crore rupees are being spent on electrification projects. The Prime Minister also said, the government has given nearly 5 lakh crore rupees loans to the poor without guarantee.
Mr Modi said, India is spearheading a solar revolution in the world, adding that in the last 4 years, India has contributed massively to the world economy. He said, the motto of Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas is not just restricted to India but covers the world. The Prime Minister also said, India helped 48 countries during the crisis in Yemen.
Mr Modi said, Rising India means the rising of pride of over 1.25 billion Indians. He said, isolation to integration is the only way to Rising India. The Prime Minister said, the government is working at a fast pace on its resolve to ‘Act Fast for the North East’. He said, the government is ensuring that the projects pending for long are completed so that people and the states facing the imbalance with regard to development are benefited.
Daler Mehndi convicted in human trafficking case
Punjab, a Patiala court has awarded a two-year prison sentence to singer Daler Mehndi for human trafficking. The court found him and his brother guilty of taking ten people to the United States 20 years ago as part of their singing troupe, in return for money. The case began in 2003.
Mehndi’s lawyer said, the singer was granted bail immediately after the sentencing by the court.
Congress Clarion to rise for values
Congress President Rahul Gandhi, former party president Sonia Gandhi and former prime minister Manmohan Singh attended the 84th Congress plenary session in New Delhi, March 17, 2018. Congress on Saturday, March 18, resolved to adopt a ‘pragmatic approach’ for cooperation with all like-minded parties and evolve a common workable programme to defeat the BJP-RSS in the 2019 general election.
Congress launched an attack on the BJP-RSS, saying the country’s core Constitutional values are under attack and freedom of all is in jeopardy, with institutions under stress and their independence compromised.
Congress President Rahul Gandhi, in his inaugural address at the 84th Congress plenary session. He accused the Narendra D Modi government of spreading hatred and anger, and said the Congress was the only party that would take the country forward by fostering an environment of amity and love.
Gandhi said the Congress’s hand (its election symbol) is the only one that would unite India and take it forward, and reminded partymen that it followed the ideology of love.
Further added, difference between two was that while they spread anger and hatred, “we spread love and brotherhood”, we would take seniors and the youth together as the tradition of the Congress party was to embrace change without forgetting its past and legacy. “If the youth have to take the Congress forward, it cannot be done without the experience of the party veterans. My task is to be take them together,” he said.
President Gandhi said that crores of youth in the country, looking up to Modi, are not finding any anything as there were no jobs. “The country is tired of what is happening under the current government. Only the Congress party can show the way and heal divisions in the nation,” he said. “Come what may, this country belongs to everyone, every religion, every caste and every person and the Congress party is for everyone and we will not leave anyone behind,” he added.
Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge says, ‘A resurgent Congress alone shall win back the idea of India as envisioned by the founding fathers of our nation.’
The party said it was prepared for making sacrifices required to defend the ethos of the Constitution and ‘We will purge the polity of the aberrations witnessed during the BJP regime, which has failed to honour its commitments to the people of India.’
The party also gave a clarion call to its rank and file to rise to the occasion and defend the foundational values of the Republic and Constitutional democracy.
The resolution said at a time when the country stood at the crossroads, facing the threat posed by ‘authoritarian, divisive and disruptive forces’, the Congress is committed to serve the people of India with its illustrious history and legacy that represent multi-cultural, multi-lingual and multi-religious India.
Under the BJP regime, the Congress said, the people of the country, be it farmers, labourers, unorganised sector workers, self-employed, Dalits, traders, minorities and the poor have been ‘betrayed’.
The political resolution called for reverting to the old practice of paper ballot as adopted by other major democracies to help restore the credibility of the electoral process.
This, it said, was necessary as there were misgivings on the ‘misuse’ of EVMs to ‘manipulate the outcome contrary to the popular verdict.’
It also said that the BJP’s move of simultaneous elections is ‘misplaced’ and is ‘incompatible with the Constitution as also impractical.’
‘It will have serious implications, which must be thoroughly enquired into, and a national consensus built,’ it said.
Facing the challenge of defections in the party, with the BJP poaching many of its leaders, the party sought debarring defectors from contesting elections for six years to check the ‘brazen misuse of money power to create political instability.’
The party hit out at the BJP-RSS ideology, alleging that it was creating an environment of ‘distrust, fear and intimidation’ in pursuit of their ‘insidious and divisive agenda.’
‘The Congress condemns the BJP government for brazen abuse of power and misuse of central agencies for targeted political vendetta to harass, humiliate and persecute its political opponents,’ the resolution stated.
‘The Congress party warns the BJP and its government that its undemocratic methods and acts to curtail liberty, freedom of expression and violation of fundamental rights of its citizens as enshrined in the Constitution will be strongly resisted,’ the resolution added.
On corruption, the party said the BJP government ‘lacks sincerity in fighting corruption, to ensure transparency and accountability. This is underscored by its non-appointment of the Lokpal.’
The party also said the judicial system needed urgent reforms for effective and timely dispensation of justice and said the huge pendency of cases and providing affordable justice remains a big challenge that needs to be addressed.
The resolution also called upon the media to restore the balance in national narrative to safeguard democracy.
DEAR AVAAJ
| Ricken Patel – Avaaz |
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Sonia: ModiGov,can't Congress cower down:
Sonia attacks Modi govt, says Congress will never cower down:
Former Congress president Sonia Gandhi addresses the 84th party plenary session in New Delhi.
Here are the highlights.
- First of all, I congratulate Rahul Gandhi, he took up this responsibility (of party president) at a very challenging time
- The party's victory will be the nation's victory. It will be the victory for each one of us. The Congress is not a political term, it is a movement
- Today only one things matters -- how to strengthen the great party with which we have relations which goes back in time
- 40 years back Indiraji's stunning victory in Chikmagalur turned around Indian politics, once again our party must give a similar performance
- You all know how due circumstances I entered the public sphere but when I realized that the party is weakening, keeping in mind sentiments of Congressmen, I entered the political arena
- Under Manmohan Singh's government economic growth was at its highest. Today, I am saddened to see that Modi government is weakening and ignoring the schemes and programs (implemented during UPA)
- In last four years, this arrogant govt has left no stone unturned to destroy Congress. But Congress has never cowered down and it will never cower down
- We are exposing fraud and corruption by PM Modi and the people with him, using proof
- It is the beginning of a new chapter, the challenges we are facing are not usual ones. We need to make an India free of corruption and vendetta, under President Rahul Gandhi, let us pledge that we will make all efforts to to do this
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Xi Jinping gets second term
China’s parliament unanimously handed President Xi Jinping a second term Saturday and elevated his right-hand man to the vice presidency, giving him a strong ally to consolidate power and handle US trade threats.
Xi’s reappointment by the Communist Party-controlled legislature was a foregone conclusion, but all eyes had been on whether his former anti-corruption enforcer, Wang Qishan, would become his deputy.
The National People’s Congress has widely expanded Xi’s already considerable authority during its annual session, adding his name to the constitution and lifting the two five-year term limit for the presidency and vice presidency.
Xi received a standing ovation after winning all 2,970 votes. Only one delegate voted against Wang’s appointment, with 2,969 in favour. In 2013, Xi had received 2,952 votes, with one against and three abstentions, a 99.86 percent share.
Xi and Wang shook hands as the legislators applauded.
As part of the package of constitutional amendments, Xi and Wang for the first time took the oath of office by pledging allegiance to the constitution. Xi put his left hand on a red-covered book containing the constitution, and raised his right fist to take his oath.
Elevating Wang allows Xi to keep a formidable ally by his side, as China’s most powerful leader since Mao Zedong cements his authority and sets his sights on a possible lifelong tenure.
Wang, 69, stepped down from the Communist Party’s ruling council in October under informal retirement rules.
But he has kept a prominent profile, sitting at the same table as the seven members of the Politburo Standing Committee during the public sessions of the National People’s Congress.
Wang’s appointment shows that “he’s a really important political advisor,” said Kerry Brown, director of the Lau China Institute at King’s College London. “He’s a very capable politician, so it make sense he would still be around,” Brown told AFP, noting that “it also shows we’re in an unconventional time in Chinese politics.”
Wang was at the frontline of Xi’s anti-corruption crusade, heading the party’s Central Commission for Discipline Inspection, which punished 1.5 million officials in the past five years, from low-level cadres to regional leaders and generals. He stepped down last year.
Known internationally in his previous role as China’s pointman on trade, Wang could help Xi deal with increasingly tense relations with the United States amid fears of a looming trade war, analysts say.
Russia expel 23 British diplomats
Russian has said shall take retaliatory actions so have they asked British embassy 23 diplomats to leave. The retaliatory measures were communicated to British ambassador Laurie Bristow, when he was summoned before the foreign ministry in Moscow this week.
Moscow times reports Russia has decided to expel 23 British diplomats who must leave Moscow within a week, its foreign ministry said on Saturday, after a meeting with Britain’s ambassador to Russia, Laurie Bristow.
In retaliation for British Prime Minister Theresa May’s decision to kick out 23 Russians, Moscow has also decided to close the British Council in Russia and to withdraw permission for Britain to open a general consulate in St Petersburg, the ministry said in a statement.
Russia announced Saturday it will expel 23 British diplomats and halt the activities of the British Council in response to London’s “provocative” measures over the poisoning of a former Russian double agent and his daughter.
“Twenty three diplomatic staff at the British embassy in Moscow are declared persona non grata and to be expelled within a week,” the foreign ministry said in a statement after summoning the British ambassador Laurie Bristow.
It said the move was a response to Britain’s “provocative actions” and “baseless accusations over the incident in Salisbury on March 4,” referring to the poisoning of Sergei and Yulia Skripal with a nerve agent developed in the Soviet Union, which Britain has blamed on Russia.
Russia also said it was halting the activities of the British Council, Britain’s international organisation for cultural relations and educational opportunities, across the country.
“Due to the unregulated status of the British Council in Russia, its activity is halted,” the foreign ministry said.
And the ministry had also warned Britain that “if further unfriendly actions are taken towards Russia, the Russian side retains the right to take other answering measures.”
Philippine plane crashes into house
Ten people were killed when a small plane crashed into a house just outside the Philippine capital on Saturday, police and aviation officials said.
The twin-engine aircraft crashed shortly after taking off in Plaridel town, killing all five aboard as well as three children, a mother and a grandmother from the family in the house, said Superintendent Julio Lizardo.
“We had to dig through the rubble to find the bodies,” he said, explaining why the toll rose from an initial figure of seven dead.
Officials declined to say what may have caused the crash of the Piper PA-23 Apache, operated by a local charter company. Media agencies
TV Heartthrob Tarun Malhotra’s Bollywood debut cakewalk
TV Heartthrob Tarun Malhotra’s Bollywood debut opposite Esha Deol in Cakewalk.
After working with ace filmmakers like Pradeep Sarkar and Gaurie Shinde, Tarun will work with debutant director duo Ram Kamal Mukherjee and Abhra Chakraborty.
Tarun always wanted to act in a Hindi feature film. When producer turned director Ram Kamal Mukherjee offered him male lead in his film Cakewalk, Tarun couldn’t believe that he was an inch away from making his dream come true. Incidentally, he met Ram Kamal when he was heading Stardust magazine.
Tarun recollects, “I met Ram Kamal when I was called to choreograph the annual event of Magna Publications five years ago. I met him for the first time. He came across as a no-nonsense guy. I was teaching him a dance routine for one of the acts. It is nostalgic to revisit those memories. I was delighted when
Ram Kamal told me he would like to consider me for the role, he asked me ‘If I would like to do it?’, for the belief that he showed in me, my response was ‘Hell yeah!’ And now I am all set to make my Bollywood debut.”
Tarun will be seen opposite Bollywood actress Esha Deol. Considering both Esha and Tarun are fabulous dancers, do we get to see some “Dhoom machale” moves in Cakewalk? “That I can’t reveal right now, but I am excited and nervous at the same time. I think Esha is a powerhouse of talent. I look forward to start the process of making this beautiful depiction of relationships in a subtle way. The story written by Ram Kamal is just so amazing and real. And l am absolutely sure that working with director duo like Ram Kamal and Abhra Chakraborty is going to be a cakewalk,” he concludes. Produced by Assorted Motion Pictires and S S One Entertainments, the film will shot in Mumbai and Kolkata. Produced by Dinesh Gupta, Shailendra Kumar and Aritra Das, the film has music by Shailendra Sayanti
Tarun bagged his first TV project Jaanbaz Sindabad for Ramanand Sagar productions for Zee TV. He played antagonist Keherman, which was based on a Persian fairy tale. “I thoroughly relished the experience. My learning prevailed as I further went onto working with Pradeep dada (Sarkar) for a TVC, which lead me to receiving more calls from him for several other projects. Today I have been a part of almost 8 advertisements with Dada. I owe him a lot because today I grew as an actor because of him,” he informs.
Tarun recently played lead in a web series Dulha Wanted. He shared screen space with veteran Surekha Sikhri. He also played cameo in an Australian TV series Jack Irish. He might soon make his debut in a Marathi film. Recently he worked with Gaurie Shinde for a TVC starring Alia Bhatt.
Tarun worked in a dance musical fashion film for Neeta Lulla, which bagged the Best Fashion Film Award at London Film Festival. He was also associated with dancing diva Madhuri Dixit for her television “home learning” of various dance moves. “It was in the later years, when I began to take an keen interest in acting, as I felt I could further explore my creative side, it was just a matter of time that it became my primary line of work,” he avers.
Rahul Sharma lost 20 kilos
Rahul Sharma lost 20 kilos for his debut Hindi thriller film X Ray- The Inner Image.
Who says only women in Bollywood have to deal with physical stereotypes? There are men too who succumb to such prejudices and lose out on opportunities! Case in point being the upcoming star Rahul Sharma who broke many barriers to make his way in the Hindi film industry and is a classic example of a great transformation by having lost as many as 20 KILOS!
Hailing from Muzzarpur, Bihar, Rahul had to deal with many backlashes for his looks. Despite taking formal training in acting from Vidur Chaturvedi’s acting academy, in his initial auditions, Rahul faced rejections not for his acting mettle but for being over weight and dark! “Yes, it’s true. I did get rejected for being fat and dark!,” recalls Rahul who finally has landed himself his debut film X-Ray – The Inner Image.
“I went for auditions where people were more interested in my looks than my talent. But this movie is my answer to all those people,” says Sharma. “I did work hard to make this far. I refined my acting skills even more, got some back camera training as well and all this while losing 20 Kilos! The journey was tough, I went through severe diets and workout to get this body and I am glad it worked for me,” exclaims Rahul who is tremendously inspired by actors like Varun Dhawan and Tiger Shroff! “I think they showcase great discipline and that’s what I admire about both Varun and Tiger. They inspire me to work hard on myself and hence I want to be like them,” says Rahul.
Starting off with music videos and having done many fashion shows, Rahul is very excited about his debut project. “It’s a thriller directed by Rajiv S Ruia,” divulges Rahul very cautiously while refusing to give out more details.The film is produced by Baba Motion Pictures.
Well, Rahul Sharma sure looks the promising star of 2019! Atta boy!
Sonia: Modi Gov,can’t cower down Congress
Former Congress president Sonia Gandhi addresses the 84th party plenary session in New Delhi. Modi’s promises were all ‘dramebazi’, says Sonia.
The salient features are as such,
First of all, I congratulate Rahul Gandhi, he took up this responsibility (of party president) at a very challenging time
The salient features are as such,
First of all, I congratulate Rahul Gandhi, he took up this responsibility (of party president) at a very challenging time
The party’s victory will be the nation’s victory. It will be the victory for each one of us. The Congress is not a political term, it is a movement
Today only one things matters — how to strengthen the great party with which we have relations which goes back in time
Forty years back Indiraji’s stunning victory in Chikmagalur turned around Indian politics, once again our party must give a similar performance.
You all know how due circumstances I entered the public sphere but when I realized that the party is weakening, keeping in mind sentiments of Congressmen, I entered the political arena.
Under Manmohan Singh’s government economic growth was at its highest. Today, I am saddened to see that Modi government is weakening and ignoring the schemes and programs (implemented during UPA)
In last four years, this arrogant govt has left no stone upturned to destroy Congress. But Congress has never cowered down and it will never cower down.>
We are exposing fraud and corruption by PM Modi and the people with him, using proof.
It is the beginning of a new chapter, the challenges we are facing are not usual ones. We need to make an India free of corruption and vendetta, under President Rahul Gandhi, let us pledge that we will make all efforts to to do this.
In last four years, this arrogant govt has left no stone upturned to destroy Congress. But Congress has never cowered down and it will never cower down.>
We are exposing fraud and corruption by PM Modi and the people with him, using proof.
It is the beginning of a new chapter, the challenges we are facing are not usual ones. We need to make an India free of corruption and vendetta, under President Rahul Gandhi, let us pledge that we will make all efforts to to do this.
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RJS Vande Mantram & JaiHind Journalists met
RJS Vande Mantram & JaiHind Journalists met to discuss positivity in journalism.Deliberation began with self introduction of India News Today and the inquisitive young – Interns.
RJS journalists raised lot of questions related to the media°s career,its working , social security welfare of media person and it’s growth in today’s perspective. Uday Manna the Convener of the group explained the necessity of positive journalism and how to inculcate it’s ethic and values so the society gets inspiration to be better human being.Naresh Sagar RJS Sr member of RJS explain the role of media as an umpire,observer has bird view to find solutions with continuous deliberation among intellectual Thinkers for setting right direction for the society to achieve their Solomon goals and bring day to day changes in the society.
Entire deliberation or mini worship started at 2.15 PM lasted UpTo 6.15 PM the India News Today asked to convert the deliberation into the videos for the benefit of media fraternity. Deliberation were shot in questions answer firm as an interview which shall be uploaded as per the schedule of Ajay Pawar who is well versed film direction and took personal interest in making it Video of Chai for baatcheet soon shall be sent to 10K members of ippci ,WJI & RJS.
JaiHind- JaiBharat
‘Our Time Has Come – How India is Making its Place in the World’
CPR is pleased to invite you to a book discussion on
‘Our Time Has Come – How India is Making its Place in the World’
Author: Alyssa Ayres
The discussion will be moderated by Srinath Raghavan, Senior Fellow at CPRMonday, 19 March 2018, 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.Conference Hall, Centre for Policy Research
‘Our Time Has Come – How India is Making its Place in the World’
Author: Alyssa Ayres
The discussion will be moderated by Srinath Raghavan, Senior Fellow at CPRMonday, 19 March 2018, 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.Conference Hall, Centre for Policy Research
About the book:
A rising India wants a seat at the table of global powers, and is ready to set its own terms on everything from defense to climate to trade. Ayres considers how a fiercely independent India seeks its place as a leading power, and how the United States should respond.
About the author:
Alyssa Ayres is senior fellow for India, Pakistan, and South Asia at the Council on Foreign Relations (CFR). At CFR her work focuses on India’s role in the world and on U.S. relations with South Asia. In 2015, she served as the project director for the CFR-sponsored Independent Task Force on U.S.-India Relations, and from 2014 to 2016, as the project director for an initiative on the new geopolitics of China, India, and Pakistan. She directs the U.S. Relations with South Asia Roundtable series, blogs regularly for Asia Unbound, and is a contributor to Forbes.com. Her book about India’s rise on the world stage, Our Time Has Come: How India is Making Its Place in the World, was published by Oxford University Press in January 2018.
New Delhi: India
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Hillary Clinton slips fracture wrist in India
Hillary Clinton Broke Wrist: Falls Again On India Trip.
The former secretary of state for the United States, Hillary Clinton, could not follow her itinerary in Indian city of Jodhpur as she injured her right hand.
According to reports, Hillary injured her hand after slipping in a bathtub at the palace where she was staying in Rajasthan’s Jodhpur city.
Doctors, who were called to Umaid Bhawan Palace following the mishap, advised the 70-year-old to rest as they diagnosed her with a sprain. Due to this, Hillary had to cancel her plans to visit the Mehrangarh Fort, which she had lined up for the day.
After her visit to the Mehrangarh Fort, Hillary had leave for Salawas village to see weaving of durries (carpets).
However, since the pain did not subside, Hillary decided to get her hand checked at Goyal Hospital in Jodhpur where an X-ray of the wrist showed she had a hairline fracture, according to Times of India.
This was the second time Hillary fell on her tour of India.
Earlier, she was seen stumbling while descending the staircase of Jahaz Mahal, a 13th century harem in Mandu, Madhya Pradesh.
It was unclear whether the fall caused injury in Hillary’s hand as she used her right hand to catch herself on the stairs.
Ex-FBI Dy McCabe ouster
Former FBI deputy director Andrew McCabe, who has endured a year of withering attacks from President Donald Trump, was fired by the Justice Department Friday just days before he was to retire.
McCabe pushed back hard at the decision, saying he was the victim of a “war” by the Trump administration against both the FBI, and the special counsel probing allegations of Russian election meddling.
Announcing McCabe’s ouster, the Justice Department said an internal investigation found that he had made unauthorized disclosures to the media, and had not been fully honest “on multiple occasions” with the department’s inspector general.
“The FBI expects every employee to adhere to the highest standards of honesty, integrity and accountability,” Attorney General Jeff Sessions said in a statement.
The decision was taken “after an extensive and fair investigation,” Sessions said.
German FM:Islam ‘not part’ of country,
German Chancellor Angela Merkel´s hardline new interior minister declared that Islam is not “part of Germany” in an interview published Friday, setting off a political storm two days into her fourth term.
Asked by the top-selling Bild daily whether the influx of Muslim migrants and asylum seekers to Europe´s top economy meant that Islam now belonged to the fabric of the nation, Horst Seehofer replied “no”.
“Islam is not part of Germany. Christianity has shaped Germany including Sunday as a day of rest, church holidays, and rituals such as Easter, Pentecost and Christmas,” he said.
“The Muslims who live among us are naturally part of Germany. But that of course does not mean that we, out of a false sense of deference, should sacrifice our traditions and customs.”
Germany´s Muslim community is estimated to count about 4.5 million members, around 1.8 million of whom are German citizens.
Most are descendants of Turkish so-called “guest workers” invited to Germany in the 1960s and 1970s.
The community grew again with the arrival since 2015 of more than one million asylum seekers from war-torn Muslim-majority countries such as Syria and Afghanistan.
Seehofer´s provocative comments come just two days after Merkel was sworn in for a fourth term with a new right-left “grand coalition” government.
The outspoken Seehofer, leader of the Christian Social Union (CSU), the Bavarian sister party of Merkel´s Christian Democrats, is new to the cabinet.
His expanded interior super-ministry also covers “Heimat” or homeland affairs, intended to recapture claims to patriotism and national identity from the far-right AfD, which won nearly 13 percent of the vote in September´s general election.
Powerful conservative Wolfgang Schaeuble said in 2006 that Islam was part of Germany and Europe as interior minister in Merkel´s first cabinet, provoking little reaction.
Christian Wulff, then president of the country, revived the phrase in 2010, this time touching off a heated national debate, with right-wing conservatives accusing him of denying Germany´s Judeo-Christian roots.
Merkel has come down firmly on the side of inclusion, repeatedly stating that Islam and Muslims belonged in Germany, and vocally defending the stance at the height of the refugee influx.
Seehofer´s comments are likely to prove divisive in the fledgling coalition, which only came together when the reluctant SPD got on board after months of political paralysis.
Juergen Trittin of the opposition Greens sharply criticised Seehofer, saying a stance of exclusion would be “catastrophic” and only benefit the anti-immigration AfD.
Bavaria is holding a state election in October, when the CSU is expected to face a strong challenge from the far-right.
Jacob Zuma is to face corruption charges
Former South African president Jacob Zuma is to face corruption charges over a $2.5 billion arms deal, prosecutors said, as a years-old scandal returned to haunt him within weeks of his fall from power.
It was a stunning judicial development on a continent where political “Big Men” rarely have to face their accusers in court.
Zuma, who was forced to resign by his ruling African National Congress (ANC) last month, was at the centre of a 1990s deal to buy European military kit that has cast a shadow over politics in South Africa for years.
Chief state prosecutor Shaun Abrahams told a media conference on Friday that Zuma’s attempts to head off the charges hanging over him for more than a decade had failed.
The 75-year-old denied all the allegations against him, Abrahams added.
“After consideration of the matter, I am of the view that there are reasonable prospects of successful prosecution of Mr Zuma on the charges listed in the indictment,” Abrahams said.
“I am of the view that a trial court would be the most appropriate forum for these issues to be ventilated and to be decided upon.”
Zuma will face 16 charges relating to 783 instances of alleged wrongdoing, National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) spokesman Luvuyo Mfaku said.
Twelve are of fraud, one of racketeering, two of corruption and one of money laundering.
There was no immediate comment from Zuma and it was not immediately clear when the former leader might go to trial.
Zuma was deputy president at the time of the arms deal. Schabir Shaikh, his former financial adviser, was found guilty and jailed in 2005 for trying to solicit bribes for Zuma from a French arms company.
The 16 counts were filed against Zuma but then dropped by the NPA shortly before he successfully ran for president in 2009.
Since his election nine years ago, his opponents have fought a lengthy legal battle to have the charges reinstated. Zuma countered with his own legal challenges.
The ANC said it had confidence in the country’s criminal justice system and the independence of the judiciary.
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New Caledonia vote for Independence
Lawmakers in New Caledonia have voted in favour of a referendum in November this year, which will decide the territory’s independence from France.
The Congress of the French overseas territory approved the plan for a popular vote yesterday. New Caledonia, an archipelago in the South Pacific with a population of nearly three lakh, became the French colony in the 19th century.
In 1998, the French government and leaders of the independence movement signed an agreement to hold a referendum on independence from France by the end of 2018.
G-20 meeting in Argentina
Finance Ministers and central bankers from 20 leading industrial and developing countries are meeting in Argentina amid growing concerns over potential global trade war following US decision to slap import tariffs on steel and aluminium.
G-20 officials are also discussing issues including infrastructure development and the technology behind cryptocurrencies during the two-day meeting that began in Buenos Aires yesterday.This is the first of five such meetings to be held before Argentina hosts the G20 Summit in November
Russia blocks UNSC meeting on human rights in Syria
Russia has blocked a meeting of the United Nations Security Council to discuss the human rights situation in Syria. Deputy Permanent Representative of Russia to the un, Gennady Kuzmin said, they do not see any justification for the meeting since human rights is not a subject on the agenda of the Council. Russia is the largest international backer of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.
France and six other members had called for the meeting, which was expected to include a briefing from the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Zeid Ra’ad al-Hussein.
China, Bolivia and Kazakhstan voted with Russia to prevent the meeting, while Ivory Coast, Equatorial Guinea and Ethiopia were abstentions.
Those who voted to hold the meeting alongside France were the United Kingdom, Sweden, Poland, Holland, the United States, Peru and Kuwait.
United Nations’ Human Rights Chief has criticised the Security Council for failing to defend human rights and prevent further loss of life in Syria where the war that has killed nearly half a million people enters its eighth year.
Mr Zeid Ra’ad al-Hussein said many who had sought to document human rights violations had been detained, tortured or killed. He said the Council has not lived up to the sacrifice of these heroes throughout Syria.
The High Commissioner for Human Rights spoke at an informal meeting at the UN shortly after his expected briefing to the Security Council was blocked when Russia requested a procedural vote. The 15 members of the Council attended the informal meeting.
Israel’s Shin Bet arrests French Romain Franck
A French employee of France’s consulate in Jerusalem has been arrested for allegedly smuggling dozens of weapons from the Gaza Strip to the West Bank, Israel’s domestic security agency said Monday. The Shin Bet said the man, identified as Romain Franck, 23, was part of a broader Palestinian smuggling ring, AP reported. He allegedly used his consular vehicle, which is subjected to less stringent security checks, as cover to transport the weapons through Israel’s secured border with the Gaza Strip. The Shin Bet accused Franck of taking part in the ring for financial gain, saying his employer was unaware of his actions. The consulate in Jerusalem declined to comment and did not confirm whether Franck was an employee.
No-confidence motion dropped
Another day, another washout. No-confidence motion dropped amid protests in Lok Sabha: Notices of no-confidence motion against the government by the Telugu Desam Party and the YSR Congress were not taken up for a second consecutive day in Lok Sabha.
Today as the Speaker Sumitra Mahajan asked the MPs to quiet down so that she could introduce the motion, chants and protests erupted, forcing her to adjourn for the day.
It was deja vu as similar scenes had taken place on Monday when Mahajan tried to introduce the no-confidence motion, but the uproar in the House forced an adjournment.
Today will be the 12th day in a row that the Lok Sabha has not transacted any business
Africa’s leaders to launch world’s largest FTA
Africa’s leaders are expected to gather in Rwanda Wednesday to launch what they say will be the world’s largest free trade area in terms of countries.
Establishing the African Continental Free Trade Area (CFTA) with 55 African Union members having a cumulative GDP of $2.5 trillion is one of the AU’s flagship projects, AFP reports.
Muhammadu Buhari, president of one of Africa’s largest markets Nigeria, this week canceled plans to attend the Kigali launch and called for more consultations after business leaders objected to joining the free trade area. “The signature of the CFTA is something that makes Africa look good on paper, but for implementation it’s going to have a lot of hiccups,” according to Sola Afolabi, a Nigeria-based international trade consultant.
Some 27 heads of state are expected to attend the Kigali meeting. It is still unclear who will sign on to the CFTA right away.
Sweden Foreign Ministry to summon Russian ambassador
Swedish Foreign Ministry announced Monday it will summon the Russian ambassador in Stockholm on March 20. Stockholm wants explanations over Moscow’s “accusations that Sweden could be the source of the poison that was used” against ex-double agent Sergei Skripal in the UK.
Swedish Foreign Minister Margot Wallstrom has called that claim “unacceptable and unfounded,” according to Reuters. Russia’s ambassador will be summoned “on account of the Russian accusations that Sweden could be a source of the nerve toxin used in the attempted murder in Salisbury,” a Foreign Ministry spokeswoman told Reuters on Monday.
Britain has accused Russia of being behind the attack. Russia’s Foreign Ministry said the most likely source of the nerve agent was Britain itself, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, the US or Sweden.
Canada IPKF mission to Mali
Canada has announced a peacekeeping effort in the West African country of Mali. The mission will include six helicopters and some support troops, Foreign Minister Chrystia Freeland said Monday, adding that the deployment will be 12 months.
The mission will have two Chinook helicopters for airlift operations and four armed Griffon helicopters for escort purposes, AP said. The number of troops has yet to be determined. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has promised to return Ottawa to peacekeeping after more than a decade of dwindling participation.
Young Indian asked to deposit Rs 10 cr in IT case
Delhi High Court today directed Young Indian Private Limited, in which Congress President Rahul Gandhi and his mother Sonia Gandhi are major stakeholders, to deposit 10 crore rupees in the over 249 crore rupees income tax proceedings against it.
The court directed the company, earlier summoned as an accused by a trial court in the National Herald misappropriation case, to deposit half the amount with the Income Tax department before the 31st of this month and the remaining by 15th of next month.
The court also sought the IT department’s response to the company’s plea challenging the demand and the proceedings emanating from it and listed the matter for further hearing on the 24th of next month.
The IT department’s move followed its probe on a complaint alleging that the Gandhis had misappropriated the assets of Associated Journal Limited, which is the owner of the National Herald newspaper while transferring their shares to the newly formed Young Indian.
WTO ministerial meeting begins
The two-day informal World Trade Organisation (WTO) ministerial meeting got underway in New Delhi today. Representatives from 50 countries are participating in the meet. Our correspondent reports the WTO is facing systemic challenges, particularly its dispute settlement arm.
The informal meeting is expected to provide an opportunity to engage in free and frank discussions leading to political guidance on some of the major issues, both at the negotiating table and also in other areas.
In the absence of Ministerial guidance at the Eleventh Ministerial Conference that took place in December last year in Buenos Aires, it is hoped that the meeting in New Delhi will provide an opportunity for ministers to explore in greater detail options on different issues for re-invigorating the WTO.
Former Chinese missile force commander appointed defense minister
China appointed a former missile force commander as its new defense minister. Lt. Gen. Wei Fenghe’s naming on Monday as the international face of China’s military was among a series of appointments by the legislature on the penultimate day of its annual session. As the minister, Wei is outranked by President Xi Jinping, who is also chairman of the Central Military Commission, and two vice chairmen, AP said. Foreign Minister Wang Yi was reappointed as the country’s top diplomat and also promoted to state counselor, while Zhao Kezhi was confirmed as minister of public security in charge of the police. Chen Wenqing, a former top official in the ruling Communist Party’s graft-busting agency, remains minister of state security.
North Korean diplomat heads to Finland
A senior North Korean diplomat left for Finland on Sunday for talks with former US and South Korean officials, Yonhap News Agency reported, amid a series of diplomatic encounters ahead of a possible US-North Korean summit.
North Korea is pursuing its nuclear and missile programs in defiance of UN Security Council sanctions and has made no secret of its plans to develop a missile capable of hitting the US mainland.
It defends the programs as a necessary deterrent against a possible US invasion. The United States stations 28,500 troops in South Korea but denies any invasion plans.
Tensions have eased in recent weeks, coinciding with North Korea’s participation in the Winter Olympics held in the South last month.
Choe Kang Il, a deputy director general for North American affairs at North Korea’s foreign ministry, plans to attend the “track 1.5 talks”, according to Yonhap, reflecting planned contact between former US officials and current North Korean ones in a broader bid to end the standoff over North Korea’s weapons programs.
South Korea’s foreign ministry said in a statement North Korea would participate in the meeting joined by former South Korean officials and academics but did not provide further details.
The talks in Finland will add to a flurry of diplomatic activity ahead of the proposed North Korean summits with South Korea and the United States, respectively, in April and May.
Arriving at a Beijing airport en route to Finland, Choe declined to comment.
In Washington, a State Department representative said they had no information on the meeting in Finland.
North Korean and Swedish foreign ministers ended three days of talks on Saturday on security on the Korean peninsula in preparation of the meeting between US President Donald Trump and Kim Jong Un.
South Korea said on Friday it was seeking high-level talks this month with North Korea to prepare for a summit and that South Korean President Moon Jae-in may meet Trump before the US president’s planned meeting with the North Korean leader.
In a telephone call, Moon and Trump both voiced “cautious optimism” about efforts to resolve the crisis over North Korea’s nuclear weapons.
In an interview broadcast Sunday by CBS News’ Face the Nation, South Korean Foreign Minister Kang Kyung-wha noted that Kim has “in effect” met a condition for talks by making a commitment “in clear terms” to denuclearization.
“He’s given his word,” said Kang, referring to discussions that South Korean officials held with Kim in Pyongyang earlier this month. “But the significance of his word is – is quite – quite weighty in the sense that it is the first time that the words came directly from the North Korean supreme leader himself.”
Kang stressed that Kim will receive “no reward” for engaging in dialogue and that South Korea and the United States will be pressing the North Korean leader to take unspecified “actions” in order for there to be any progress.
Merkel, Macron meet in Paris on eurozone reform
French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Angela Merkel meet in Paris on Friday to discuss eurozone reform. It is their first encounter since Merkel’s new coalition took office. The leaders may struggle to find common ground on further change in Europe, Reuters said. Merkel, reelected to a fourth term as chancellor, wants to fulfill her incoming government’s pledge to deliver a “new start” for Europe. The French president has made eurozone overhaul a key goal since taking power last May. There is already detailed reform underway in the eurozone, including the creation of a banking union among its 19 member states and plans for a single deposit insurance scheme that would protect individuals’ savings. Macron has ideas for a separate eurozone budget and a single eurozone finance minister.
Mark Rutte : No ‘dictating EU reforms’
Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte on Friday cautioned Berlin and Paris not to try to push through their ambitious EU reform plans against the will of other member states.
Prime Minister of the Netherlands Rutte believes deeper integration is not the answer to the bloc’s problems, telling Der Spiegel that countries would not just “nod along” to French-German proposals, particularly the eurozone.
The warning came hours before German Chancellor Angela Merkel was due in Paris for talks with French President Emmanuel Macron, who is eager to push his vision for an overhaul of EU institutions, AFP reported. “We have freedom of movement in the EU, and of course the German government can meet the French government without us being there,” Rutte said in an interview. “But that doesn’t mean that we and other EU countries agree with everything the Germans and French agree on.”
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Khushali Kumar’s transformation for her upcoming project with Guru Randhawa shocked everyone!
Khushali Kumar’s transformation for her upcoming project with Guru Randhawa shocked everyone!
The beautiful fashionista turned lead actor, Khushali Kumar is better known for her soulful performances in hit music video’s like ‘Mainu Ishq Da’, ‘ Mere Papa’ ‘Ik Yaad Purani’ Etc.. And yet again she proved her dedication when she lost 5 to 6 kg’s in a week’s time for an upcoming music video with singer and composer Guru Randhawa, her preparations surprised the whole team. Khushali’s first look from the talked about shoot are out and she is looking gorgeously beautiful, the music video is due to release soon.
Well Guru himself is looking awestruck by his lead in the first images. And why not??
The talented Khushali achieved never before success in the field of fashion when she dressed international megastar Shakira, two times Grammy award winner singer Leann Rimes, Carman Electra, spice girl Melanie B and styled for Justin Bieber’s music video ‘Wait for a minute’. Her work has recently been recognized and rewarded by an award affiliated with Govt. of India’s Child and woman welfare ministry.
But her creative aspirations have always been to be an actor which keeps getting her back to the silver screen, she has already teamed up with IFFA award winner singer and sister Tulsi Kumar and featured in hit singles. And now she is all set to make her Bollywood debut as few projects are already in pipeline.
Mahurat of Esha Deol’s Cakewalk in Mumbai
On Gudi Padwa, Dhoom girl starts shooting for her short feature film Cakewalk, directed by Ram Kamal Mukherjee and Abhra Chakraborty.
The shooting of Esha Deol Takhtani’s comeback venture Cakewalk started on the auspicious day of Gudi Padwa, marking the first day of the year in Marathi calendar. She officially announced the teaser poster of the film, followed by birthday celebration of producer Shailendra Kumar at the shoot.
Produced by Assorted Motion Pictures and SS 1 Entertainments, the film is directed by Ram Kamal Mukherjee and Abhra Chakraborty.
Story and Screenplay by Ram Kamal Mukherjee and Chandrodoy Pal, the film revolves around the life of a chef, played by Esha.
“It’s an auspicious day to start anything new. Today is Cheti Chand also, and being married to a Sindhi family, it’s an auspicious day,” says Esha. They started the shoot in a Mumbai suburban studio with traditional puja, followed by a series of montages which will be an important part of the film.
Esha had her scenes with male lead Tarun Malhotra. And they had an instant “buddy bonding” which created magic on screen.
The film is produced by Dinesh Gupta, Shailendra Kumar and Aritra Das. “I come from a small town like Jhansi, and it was my dream to make a film that people will be happy to see. I personally like makers like Mani Ratnam, Shoojit Sircar, Gauire Shinde, R. Balki and Hrishikesh Mukherjee. I am happy that my friend Dinesh Gupta believed our project,” says Shailendra, who also happens to be the music director of the film. Aritra Das, from Assorted Motion Pictures says, “I am thankful to Esha Deol for making it possible. We all have worked hard on this project, and we are doing everything that one generally does with a feature film.”
Television actor Tarun Malhotra who makes his Bollywood debut in Cakewalk says, “There is a scene where I had to recite few verses written by Elliot. I was thoroughly impressed with the homework Ram Kamal did. When he explained me the prelude of the text and mentioned the reason why co-director Abhra had included the scene in the film, I realized that they have worked a lot on the character.” The film also stars popular Bengali actress Anindita Bose.
After completion of Mumbai schedule, Esha will be shooting in Kolkata for the last schedule of the film. “I have never shot any films in Kolkata. But I am deeply connected to Dakhineshwari Kali Ma, she is so powerful. I am looking forward to visit the city,” shares Esha
During the pack up hubby Bharat Takhtani came with little Radhya to give mommy Deol a little surprise. Jokingly she added, “Balancing dance, films and family is definitely not a cakewalk.” Incidentally, Esha started her solo recital and will also be seen in dance ballets soon. The teaser launch of Cakewalk received good response from media and film fraternity.
Produced by Assorted Motion Pictures and SS 1 Entertainments, the film is directed by Ram Kamal Mukherjee and Abhra Chakraborty.
Story and Screenplay by Ram Kamal Mukherjee and Chandrodoy Pal, the film revolves around the life of a chef, played by Esha.
“It’s an auspicious day to start anything new. Today is Cheti Chand also, and being married to a Sindhi family, it’s an auspicious day,” says Esha. They started the shoot in a Mumbai suburban studio with traditional puja, followed by a series of montages which will be an important part of the film.
Esha had her scenes with male lead Tarun Malhotra. And they had an instant “buddy bonding” which created magic on screen.
The film is produced by Dinesh Gupta, Shailendra Kumar and Aritra Das. “I come from a small town like Jhansi, and it was my dream to make a film that people will be happy to see. I personally like makers like Mani Ratnam, Shoojit Sircar, Gauire Shinde, R. Balki and Hrishikesh Mukherjee. I am happy that my friend Dinesh Gupta believed our project,” says Shailendra, who also happens to be the music director of the film. Aritra Das, from Assorted Motion Pictures says, “I am thankful to Esha Deol for making it possible. We all have worked hard on this project, and we are doing everything that one generally does with a feature film.”
Television actor Tarun Malhotra who makes his Bollywood debut in Cakewalk says, “There is a scene where I had to recite few verses written by Elliot. I was thoroughly impressed with the homework Ram Kamal did. When he explained me the prelude of the text and mentioned the reason why co-director Abhra had included the scene in the film, I realized that they have worked a lot on the character.” The film also stars popular Bengali actress Anindita Bose.
After completion of Mumbai schedule, Esha will be shooting in Kolkata for the last schedule of the film. “I have never shot any films in Kolkata. But I am deeply connected to Dakhineshwari Kali Ma, she is so powerful. I am looking forward to visit the city,” shares Esha
During the pack up hubby Bharat Takhtani came with little Radhya to give mommy Deol a little surprise. Jokingly she added, “Balancing dance, films and family is definitely not a cakewalk.” Incidentally, Esha started her solo recital and will also be seen in dance ballets soon. The teaser launch of Cakewalk received good response from media and film fraternity.
Notable turn around in Mining sector under NDA Govt- Tomar
Govt launches a ‘Sand Mining Framework’ to check illegal mining.
New Delhi-20.03.2018
The Union Minister of Mines Shri Narendra Singh Tomar has said that there has been a notable turn around in the mining sector ever since government has taken initiative for policy reforms. In the current year up to January, 2018 the mineral production in terms of volume has registered a growth of 6% when compared to same period last year, which he described is a robust one. Addressing the 3rd National Conclave on Mines & Minerals today in New Delhi, he emphasized the underlying importance of the mining sector as it provides basic raw materials to many important industries.
Shri Tomar said that to make the auction process less cumbersome and help states auction mineral blocks quickly, the Ministry of Mines has amended the Mineral Auction Rules 2015 in November 2017. The amendment has facilitated the auctions in a big way. A record number of 41 mineral blocks have been put on auction within 3 months of the amendment, whereas 27 blocks were put up on auction earlier in 8 months from April to November 2017. Total estimated revenue to the state government over the lease period from the blocks already auctioned is Rs.1,43,893/- crores.
The Portal for Pradhan Mantri Khanij Kshetra Kalyan Yojna (PMKKKY) monitoring along with Registration and Returns module of Phase I of the Mining Tenement System (MTS) was also launched by the Shri Tomar during the award function in the conclave. MTS primarily involves automating the entire mineral concession life-cycle, starting from identification of area and ending with closure of the mine; and connecting the various stakeholders for real-time transfer of electronic files and exchange of data. MTS will facilitate end to end national scale accounting of all the minerals produced in the country from the pithead to its end use, reducing the scope for illegal mining.
The PMKKKY scheme is to be implemented by the funds collected under District Mineral Foundations (DMF) to be utilized for the welfare and development of the mining affected areas. The module for monitoring portal of PMKKKY implementation captures from the collection and accrual of funds, to its utilization and monitoring for implementation of projects. Over Rs.17,000/- crores have been collected under PMKKKY and 56,000 projects launched.
A ‘Sand Mining Framework’ was also launched by the Shri Tomar. This Framework has been prepared by the Ministry of Mines from the study conducted on sand mining in various States and intensive consultations with institutions like National Council for Cement and Building Materials (NCCBM), Cement Manufacture Association (CMA), Public and other stakeholders while preparing the sand mining framework. The suggestions in the Framework will provide a roadmap to the States helping them to frame their policies and act as a check on illegal mining of sand.
Shri Tomar and Minister of State for Mines Shri Haribhai Parthibhai Chaudhary felicitated the 5 Star rated mines in the Conclave to the top 20 mines in the opening session and remaining 37 mines in the valedictory session. During last conclave held at New Delhi on 15th Feb 2017 total 32 mines were awarded with 5 stars on the basis of performance during 2015-16. The performance of mines during 2016-17 has improved and total 57 mines have been awarded 5 star ratings. The star rating system has led to a self-driven mechanism for adoption of best practices and for exhaustive and universal implementation of Sustainable Development Framework in mining. This would substantially address the ill ecological impacts associated with mining activities and will eventually result in ensuring the handing over of mining area to the community in a better ecological condition. The Hon’ble Minister also urged the states for adoption of the star rating system for minor minerals. The model template for the same has been circulated by the Union Mines Ministry on 30.01.2018.
The conclave will strengthen the efforts of the Ministry in enabling the mining sector to contribute its fullest to foster the rapid growth of national economy and employment generation. It will help the Central Government to further improve the policy environment to promote best practices and addressing various issues in the mining sector.
The last two conclaves were held at Raipur and New Delhi in 2016 & 2017 respectively. The representatives of State Governments, mining industries, industry associations, academic institutions and others participated in the conclave and raised various issues, challenges and opportunities in the mining sector to realize its optimum potential for the sustainable development.
BJP Prez Amit Shah ask its UP ally chief to meet
Suheldev Bharatiya Samaj Party chief Rajbhar, whose party is an ally of the BJP in Uttar Pradesh, yesterday, threatened to boycott voting for the Rajya Sabha elections if he is not allowed to speak Amit Shah.
Rajbhar had said yesterday, “If I don’t get to speak to BJP president Amit Shah, I will boycott the voting for Rajya Sabha elections.”
The BJP has the numbers to send its eight candidates to the Rajya Sabha, the SBSP, which has four MLAs in the 403-member Uttar Pradesh assembly, holds the key to the fate of its ninth nominee. The Rajya Sabha polls are scheduled for March 23.
There will be 59 vacancies in the Rajya Sabha in April, including 17 from the BJP and 12 from the Congress party.
Sasikala parole to attend husband’s funeral
Convicted All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam leader VK Sasikala, who is currently lodged in Bengaluru’s Parappanna Agrahara Jail, has applied for 15 days parole to attend her husband last rites.
Reportedly, Sasikala is expected to travel to Thanjavur directly by road for the funeral.
Maruthappa passed away on Tuesday around 1.35 am at the Gleneagles Global hospital in Chennai.
Sasikala is currently serving a four-year imprisonment and is lodged in central prison in Bengaluru in a disproportionate assets case. She was sent to Parappana Agrahara central prison in February last year.
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EU: Big tech-cos pay more taxes
European Union on Wednesday unveiled plans to make big tech companies pay more taxes. The move could, if endorsed, hit online US firms like Google and Facebook, AP reported. The European Commission says that digital companies must pay their fair share, adding that EU member countries should be able to tax firms that make profits on their territory even if they aren’t physically present. It would concern any country where a firm’s annual revenue exceeds $8.6 million, or which has more than 100,000 users or more than 3,000 digital service business contracts in a tax year. The commission estimates that up to 150 companies could be affected, around half of them from the US.
Peru’s president offers to resign
Peruvian President Pedro Pablo Kuczynski has submitted his resignation to Congress. The move comes as his center-right administration faces an impeachment vote on Thursday. Kuczynski denies allegations of corruption, and promised an orderly, constitutional transition of power. Congress may accept his resignation or proceed with its plan for a vote to force him from office.
Mark Zuckerberg :Facebook’s security force would be doubled.
Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg cited, acknowledged a breach of trust over the Cambridge Analytica scandal but failed to apologize. Lessons have been learned, he said, pledging to do better in future. Further he admitted Cambridge University researcher Aleksandr Kogan’s 2013 personality quiz, which mined data on some 300,000 Facebook users and their contacts, saying Facebook changed its data use rules in 2014, in response to this.
In 2015 Facebook banned Kogan’s app after learning from Britain’s Guardian newspaper that he had sold data on to Cambridge Analytica (CA), the London-based political strategy firm which worked for a string of US politicians’ election campaigns, including that of President Donald Trump.
The firm certified that it had deleted that data, in response to demands from Facebook, but last week the Guardian and Britain’s Channel 4 News alleged that that had not been done. Channel 4 covertly filmed CA CEO Alexander Nix boasting of fixing elections around the world, using prostitutes and blackmail to control politicians. He has since been suspended by the firm.
Zuckerberg claimed Facebook had already had most of the security measures needed to prevent a repeat of the data breach in place for years. Zuckerberg eventually uttered the s-word in an interview with CNN on Wednesday evening. “This was a major breach of trust, and I’m really sorry that this happened,” he said.
CEO also said Facebook would testify before Congress on the scandal, but did not commit to appearing in person. “What we try to do is send the person at Facebook who will have the most knowledge,” he said. “If that’s me, then I am happy to go.”
Zuckerberg said he was willing to consider outside regulation of Facebook, within limits. “I’m not sure we shouldn’t be regulated,” he said. “There are things like ad transparency regulation that I would love to see.”
He told the New York Times Facebook’s security force would be doubled. “We’ll have more than 20,000 people working on security and community operations by the end of the year, I think we have about 15,000 now.”
Media agencies
On WaterDay tell us what can India do
With rainfall in India being highly seasonal and 50% of precipitation falling in just 15 days, #India continues to be water-stressed and is faced with the challenge of managing its water needs amidst recurring floods and drought.
On #WaterDay tell us what can India do to manage its fast-depleting groundwater resources? #IndiaWeWant
On #WaterDay tell us what can India do to manage its fast-depleting groundwater resources? #IndiaWeWant
The Top 10 Most Welcoming Countries for Expats
Feeling at home abroad comes easy to foreign residents when being surrounded by warmhearted locals.
- Portugal, Taiwan, Mexico, Cambodia, and Bahrain are the most welcoming countries for expats.
- Between 81 and 94 percent of expats rate the attitude of the local population towards foreign residents positively in the top-10 destinations, compared to 67 percent globally.
- Expats continue to feel unwelcome in Kuwait, Austria, and Switzerland with up to 46 percent negative ratings.
Munich, 21 March 2018 — For the first time ever, Portugal claims the top position as the world’s most welcoming country for expats: close to every expat living there (94%) states to be satisfied with the attitude of locals towards foreign residents. In fact, the general satisfaction with this factor is far above average across all top-10 destinations, as the latestExpat Insider survey reveals. Based on the insights of close to 13,000 expats from 188 countries and territories in the annual survey, InterNations, the world’s largest network for people who live and work abroad, compiled a so-far unpublished ranking of the world’s friendliest countries for foreign residents. Expats in living in these destinations also find it easy to make local friends, and the majority feels at home in the local culture.
1. Portugal
- Friendly attitude towards expats: 94%
- Ease of making local friends: 58%
- Expats likely to stay forever: 47%
Climbing nine places since 2016, Portugal claims the title of the most welcoming country for expats. “The local population is friendly and helpful,” states an Australian, while a Dutch expat values that “people look after each other” here. In fact, close to four in five expats (79%) describe the Portuguese as welcoming, and about three in ten (29%) state that locals make up most of their social circles (vs. 19% globally).
2. Taiwan
- Friendly attitude towards expats: 86%
- Ease of making local friends: 61%
- Expats likely to stay forever: 30%
Close to three-quarters of expats living in Taiwan agree that the Taiwanese are welcoming (73%) rather than distant (8%). “The people are wonderfully friendly and welcoming to foreigners,” states a US American expat. Maybe it is this friendly attitude that makes it easy for the majority of expats to settle down in the country (74%) and feel at home in the local culture (69%).
3. Mexico
- Friendly attitude towards expats: 87%
- Ease of making local friends: 73%
- Expats likely to stay forever: 39%
Considering how easy expats find it to make local friends in Mexico, it comes as no surprise that 30 percent say their friends are mainly locals. Moreover, four in five expats find it easy to settle down in the country (81%) and to get used to the local culture (80%). A US American expat especially likes “how easy it is to adapt, and the people are incredibly friendly”.
4. Cambodia
- Friendly attitude towards expats: 92%
- Ease of making local friends: 59%
- Expats likely to stay forever: 23%
Moving to Cambodia does not seem to be worrisome for expats: more than four in five find the local population welcoming (85%) and think that it is easy to settle down here (83%). This might be one of the reasons why 39 percent felt at home nearly straight away, which is the highest share across all surveyed countries and more than twice the global average (19%).
5. Bahrain
- Friendly attitude towards expats: 86%
- Ease of making local friends: 55%
- Expats likely to stay forever: 11%
Close to seven in ten (69%) find the Bahrainis welcoming, and another 73 percent feel at home in the local culture. This might be thanks to the lack of a significant language barrier: 91 percent find it easy to live here without speaking the local language. “Bahrain is a beautiful melting pot of many different cultures,” states an expat from the USA. In fact, only one percent believes that they will never feel at home here.
6. Costa Rica
- Friendly attitude towards expats: 87%
- Ease of making local friends: 78%
- Expats likely to stay forever: 48%
Out of 65 countries, Costa Rica is the number one destination when it comes to making local friends. This might be due to the fact that 85 percent of expats describe Costa Ricans as welcoming rather than distant (9%), which is 30 percentage points above the global average (55%). Moreover, it might have contributed to more than four in five expats saying they feel at home in the local culture (81%), compared to a global average of 60 percent.
7. Oman
- Friendly attitude towards expats: 86%
- Ease of making local friends: 60%
- Expats likely to stay forever: 12%
“Oman is very expat friendly. The locals are warm and welcoming,” says an Indian living in Oman, and most expats in the country seem to agree: close to three-quarters describe the locals as welcoming (73%). Despite that positive attitude, only three percent state to be mainly friends with locals — however, the majority (58%) is part of a quite mixed social circle.
8. Colombia
- Friendly attitude towards expats: 87%
- Ease of making local friends: 62%
- Expats likely to stay forever: 33%
Out of the top 10 most welcoming countries, expats in Colombia are the most likely to be mainly friends with locals (34%). In fact, more than four in five expats describe the Colombians as welcoming (86%) and find it easy to settle down in the country (81%). A US American finds the Colombians “open, warm, and friendly”, and an expat from the Netherlands adds that they “are always willing to help”.
9. Vietnam
- Friendly attitude towards expats: 83%
- Ease of making local friends: 56%
- Expats likely to stay forever: 16%
More than four in five expats describe the Vietnamese as welcoming (81%), and 73 percent find it easy to settle down in the country. “I love the friendly vibe in the city,” states an expat from South Korea about life in Ho Chi Minh, “people are mostly nice and gentle.” Despite that welcoming attitude, more than half the expats in Vietnam (51%) plan to stay up to five years at most, which is quite above the global average (35%).
10. Canada
- Friendly attitude towards expats: 81%
- Ease of making local friends: 43%
- Expats likely to stay forever: 45%
Canadians are perceived as welcoming by 62 percent of expats in the country, or as a French expat puts it: they are “open-minded, tolerant, and benevolent”. In fact, close to three in ten expats state to be mainly friends with locals (27%), which might contribute to their ease of settling down in the country (70%). Although many expats (45%) find it likely that they will stay forever, the share of expats not yet feeling at home in the country (15%) is the highest out of the top-10 destinations.
Where Expats Feel the Most UnwelcomeOn the opposite end of the spectrum, Kuwait stays firmly in last place for the fourth year in a row when it comes to the friendly attitude of the local population towards foreign residents. An expat from India reports an “increasing anti expat sentiment from locals” in the country. In fact, about half the expats in Kuwait (46%) rate the attitude of locals towards foreign residents negatively, which is nearly three times the global average (16%). Switzerland (63rd) and Austria (64th) do not shine with improved ratings either, as 30 and 35 percent, respectively, rate the attitude negatively. An Italian expat found Austrians to be “uninterested in making new friends”, while a Mexican expat describes Swiss locals as “closed and uneasy”.
Read More about Feeling Welcome Abroad
 | The Top 10 Most Welcoming Countries Portugal, Taiwan, and Mexico top the table when it comes to the friendliness of the local population towards foreign residents, but expats can expect a frosty welcome in Switzerland, Austria, and Kuwait, according to the respondents of the Expat Insider survey. |
| The Expat BubbleExpats often struggle to completely adjust to living in another country. But sticking exclusively with the expat community may ultimately prevent you from really understanding and immersing yourself in the local culture. InterNations helps you leave your comfort zone! |
| Ten Ways to Make a Country Feel Like HomeBefore a move abroad, excitement is usually high. You are probably imagining all the great things you will learn at your new job and how they will advance your career. You are probably already dreaming of all the delicious local foods you will get to try and the wonderful friends you are about to make, but then you arrive and feel out of place. |
| Seven Reasons Why You Aren’t Fitting in With the LocalsYou took a huge step by moving to a new country! However, it doesn’t quite feel like home yet without the right people by your side. Making new friends through cultural barriers can be a struggle, but thankfully there are ways to make it easier. |
About the InterNations Expat Insider 2017 SurveyFor its annual Expat Insider survey, InterNations asked about 13,000 expatriates representing 166 nationalities and living in 188 countries or territories to provide information on various aspects of expat life, as well as their gender, age, and nationality. Participants were asked to rate 43 different aspects of life abroad on a scale of one to seven. The rating process emphasized the respondents’ personal satisfaction with these aspects and considered both emotional topics as well as more factual aspects with equal weight. The respondents’ ratings of the individual factors were then bundled in various combinations for a total of 16 subcategories, and their mean values were used to draw up six topical indices: Quality of Life, Ease of Settling In, Working Abroad, Family Life, Personal Finance, and Cost of Living Index. Except for the latter, all indices were further averaged in order to rank 65 expatriate destinations around the world. In 2017 the top 10 were Bahrain, Costa Rica, Mexico, Taiwan, Portugal, New Zealand, Malta, Colombia, Singapore, and Spain.
For a country to be featured in the indices and consequently in the overall ranking, a sample size of at least 75 survey participants per country was necessary. The only exception to this is the Family Life Index, where a sample size of more than 40 respondents raising children abroad was required. In 2017, 65 and 45 countries respectively met these requirements. However, in most countries the sample size exceeded 100 participants.
About InterNationsWith 3 million members in 390 cities around the world, InterNations (http://www.internations.org/) is the largest global network and information site for people who live and work abroad. InterNations offers global and local networking both online and face-to-face. At around 6,000 monthly events and activities, expatriates have the opportunity to meet other global minds. Online services include country and city guides created by a team of professional writers, guest contributions about life abroad, and discussion forums to help members with topics such as the local job or housing search. InterNations membership is by approval only to ensure we remain a community of trust.
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Agrarian Crisis, Assault on Cattle Economy and Lynching of Dalits and Minorities
Bhumi Adhikar Andolan resolved to the following action during the two-day National Convention and Photo Feature on Agrarian Crisis, Assault on Cattle Economy and Lynching of Dalits and Minorities (held on 20-21 March,2018) at Constitution Club of India, New Delhi.
- On 3rd April, a protest meeting will be organised at Parliament Street Police Station.
- On 23rd May, a rally is to be organised with Jan Ekta Jan Adhikar Andolan in Delhi.
- Alternate policy formulations, for making demands to political parties to include these concerns with the central and state governments, and raise these issues with the State legislatures and Parliament.
- Intensify struggle against forced and illegal land acquisition at the state level.
- The fact finding report into the mob lynching cases in Rajasthan would be furhter released in various languages.
- The Bhumi Adhikar Andolan (BAA) would be expanded to form state committees in newer states, and carry on work where these committees are already formed.
- Legal aid and support would be provided to families of victims of violence.
For Bhumi Adhikaar Andolan : Krishna Prasad, Madhuresh, Sanjeev, Shweta
The Identification Revolution and Development
CPR is pleased to invite you to a seminar on The Identification Revolution and Development Alan Gelb Thursday, 22 March 2018, 3:30 – 5:00 p.m. Conference Hall, Centre for Policy Research
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| Image Source |
Driven by multiple factors, digital ID systems are rapidly increasing in numbers, coverage and precision, and legal identity has been recognised as an SDG target. Will the increasing reach and effectiveness of ID technology and systems support the SDGs more widely? Will they improve state capacity to implement policies and programs, and open up opportunities for people? What can be learned from leading cases? What risks are created or aggravated by the new systems? The seminar will provide an overview of this new, emerging area. Alan Gelb is a senior fellow at the Center for Global Development. His recent research includes the development applications of biometric and identification technology, the special development challenges of Africa and resource-rich countries and results-based aid. He was previously director of development policy at the World Bank and Chief Economist for the bank’s Africa region. His recent book, Identification Revolution: Can Digital ID be Harnessed for Development? was published in January. |
Saudi Arabia is revamping its education curriculum
Saudi Arabia is revamping its education curriculum to eradicate any trace of Muslim Brotherhood influence, the country’s education minister said. Anyone working in the sector who sympathizes with the banned group will be dismissed, Reuters quoted Ahmed Al-Issa as saying. Promoting a more moderate form of Islam is one of the promises made by Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman under plans to modernize the kingdom.
The Education Ministry is working to “combat extremist ideologies by reviewing school curricula and books to ensure they do not reflect the banned Muslim Brotherhood’s agenda,” Al-Issa said in a statement. It would “ban such books from schools and universities, and remove those who sympathize with the group or its ideology from their posts,” he added. In September, a large Saudi public university said it would dismiss employees suspected of ties to the Muslim Brotherhood.
Dynamic duo from Shri Ram College of Commerce emerge as city champions
Dynamic duo from Shri Ram College of Commerce
emerge as city champions of Tata Crucible Campus Quiz 2018
Vipraw Srivastava and Sushant Adlakha from National Institute of Technology (NIT) Kurukshetra along with Rajenki Das and Soham Banerjee from Thapar Institute of Engineering & Technology, Patiala were the top two teams at the Zone 1 finals of Tata Crucible Campus Quiz 2018, held in Delhi. They will now compete with the other four zones at the National finals to be held in Mumbai.
A total of 84 teams battled it out in the city level finale for the top honours, held at Vivanta by Taj.Hari and Ashik took home a cash prize of Rs. 75,000* and will compete in the zonal round to qualify for the national finale. Bramhdeep Singh Jakhar and Ankit from Delhi Technological University were declared runners-up, winning a cash prize of Rs. 35,000*. Mr. Rohit Khosla, Senior Vice President – Operations, The Indian Hotels Company Limited (IHCL) was the Chief Guest at the finale.
This year, the theme of the quiz revolves around 150 years of business to mark the 150th year of the Tata group. In keeping with tradition, renowned quizmaster ‘Pickbrain’ Giri Balasubramaniam hosted the quiz in his masterful, inimitable style of presenting clever questions with equal humour.
The fourteenth edition of India’s biggest campus quiz will run for a little over two months, traversing 38 cities, with five zonal rounds leading to the grand national finale in Mumbai. The winners of the National Finals will receive a Grand Prize of Rs. 5,00,000/-* along with the coveted Tata Crucible trophy.
Explain Why Debt-Ridden DSGMC Splurged on Celebrations
Explain Why Debt-Ridden DSGMC Splurged On Your Father’s Birthday Celebrations, SADD Asks GKGK’s Narcissism Coming at a Heavy Price
NEW DELHI — Already driven to the verge of financial collapse, the DSGMC carried out-lavish spending to celebrate birthday of its president’s late father in what has been a criminal waste of Sangat funds, SADD secretary-general Harvinder Singh Sarna regretted Tuesday. Twenty-two buses were dispatched from the committee budget to the Punjab village of Jathedar Santokh Singh, the late father of DSGMC chief Manjit Singh GK recently.
“Was the jathedar a national hero? Was he a Sikh hero who fought for any movement in Punjab?” asked S. Sarna. “What was his stature in bigger scheme of things? Can he, under any situation, be compared with stalwarts of Punjab in independent India?
The answer to all these questions is one word and this ‘no’,” the SADD leader said.Still, GK chose to glorify himself by celebrating his father’s birthday at the expense of community resources, S. Sarna noted.“On the one hand you are preparing to beg for a huge loan and mortgage DSGMC estates.On the other, you continue to splurge gurdwara resources to satisfy your sick ‘I-me-my’tendencies.
Your narcissism is coming at a heavy price,” S. Sarna told GK.The SADD demanded the DSGMC president immediately reimburse every penny he orderedthe committee to spend on the event.“It was your personal program and agenda not even remotely linked to the Panth. You haveto refund every paisa you took out from the DSGMC treasury to advertise and celebrate yourfather’s birthday. Be warned, this shouldn’t happen again,” S. Sarna asked GK
Cyclone Marcus move to Perth
Tropical Cyclone Marcus into a category five system 950 kilometres northwest of Port Hedland and is tracking west, well away from the WA mainland. Trees are quite literally rolling down roads as appear in videos.
Cyclone Marcus slamming the Australian coast. Australian soldiers and US Marines help remove debris. Marcus storm blasted heavy rain and strong winds to Australia’s Northern Territory this weekend: There’s a chance for a second cyclone to threat Darwin within the next days as we’re seeing the monsoon trough starting to get more active now through the eastern Arafura Sea as per the weather reports.
Cyclone has the strongest category rating possible for a cyclone and is generating winds of 205 kilometres per hour, with gusts of up to 285kph.
Experts say that level or possibly strengthen even further uptil Thursday, when it should start weakening and moving south along the coast, then turn east towards Perth on the weekend.
The cyclone after battered Darwin, passing over the Northern Territory capital as a category two system on the weekend and causing widespread damage.Media agencies
Experts say that level or possibly strengthen even further uptil Thursday, when it should start weakening and moving south along the coast, then turn east towards Perth on the weekend.
The cyclone after battered Darwin, passing over the Northern Territory capital as a category two system on the weekend and causing widespread damage.Media agencies
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The Identification Revolution and Development
CPR is pleased to invite you to a seminar on The Identification Revolution and Development Alan Gelb Thursday, 22 March 2018, 3:30 – 5:00 p.m. Conference Hall, Centre for Policy Research
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| Image Source |
Driven by multiple factors, digital ID systems are rapidly increasing in numbers, coverage and precision, and legal identity has been recognised as an SDG target. Will the increasing reach and effectiveness of ID technology and systems support the SDGs more widely? Will they improve state capacity to implement policies and programs, and open up opportunities for people? What can be learned from leading cases? What risks are created or aggravated by the new systems? The seminar will provide an overview of this new, emerging area. Alan Gelb is a senior fellow at the Center for Global Development. His recent research includes the development applications of biometric and identification technology, the special development challenges of Africa and resource-rich countries and results-based aid. He was previously director of development policy at the World Bank and Chief Economist for the bank’s Africa region. His recent book, Identification Revolution: Can Digital ID be Harnessed for Development? was published in January. |
Digital Leadership Conclave
Digital Leadership Conclave at Le Meridian Hotel New Delhi.
Transport is second largest second employment provider after agriculture and millions of drivers,Indirect employment and is chief contributors in treasury and corporate manufacturing.
Transport includes Aviation, Shipping, Road transport plus rapid transport systems including latest drone, seaplanes are Trams, metro,Auto vehicles.
Data in this digital world becomes paramount.
Sagar Media Inc : Tweets of the day
Sagar Media Inc : Expelled Russians leave London.Myanmar Prez Htin Kyaw resigns, Slovakian Prez rejects Govt shuffle. PM Modi congrats China Xi on be President. Uproar continue in both houses of India Parliament.
Organic world is organized by Assochem
Sagar Media Inc: Organic world is being organized by Assochem at Le Meridian Hotel New Delhi to give impetus to food Industry in India touch of better food to counter junk foods in vogue.
106th edition of Indian Science Congress to be held in Bhopal
The 106th edition of the Indian Science Congress will be held next year from 3rd to 7th January at the Barkatullah University in Bhopal. General President-elect of the Science Congress Association, Prof. Manoj Kumar Chakrabarti announced that the theme of the meet will be ‘Future India: Science & Technology’.
As part of the valedictory function of the 105th Congress held at the Manipur University in Imphal yesterday, awards especially for encouragement of young scientist ‘Young Scientist Awards 2017-18’ to 14 awardees, ‘Best Poster Award’ to 20 awardees, ‘Best Science Model’ to five awardees and ‘Pride of Indian Exhibition Awards’ were distributed to the awardees from across the country.
Speaking on the occasion, Manipur Governor Dr Najma Heptulla said it is the responsibility of the scientific community to develop young minds to further research in the country. Strongly emphasising that the Science Congress should not be a one-time affair, the Governor urged the scientists to return to the state to conduct research in the field of science.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressing the inaugural session on 16th of March, exhorted scientists to extend their research from “labs to the land” for the greater benefit of the people.
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Anna has the pulse of the people
An activist par excellence know the pulse of the people and finds it his moral duty for constitutional Lokpal appointed at national level and other states. Further talking he said, All farmers should get a pension of Rs 5000 per month: Anna Hazare
All farmers should get a pension of Rs 5000 per month: Anna HazareThus he lands in Delhi the seat of power move on to pays tribute at Raj Ghat in Delhi and will begin an indefinite fast demanding a competent Lokpal and better production cost for farm produce, later today.
Ramlila Maidan in Delhi awaits with set ready for social activist Anna Hazare’s indefinite fast beginning today. Hazare chief demands are a competent Lokpal and better production cost for farm produce which is the slogan of many activist and Opposition leaders but farmers plight remain the same.
The question arises will the Modi Government or Delhi government ponder on the subject.
Key Economic Forecast Detailed Commentary
“While India has once again regained the title of one of the fastest growing economies in the world with Q3 FY18 GDP growth data, the government faces a challenging scenario of managing the growth momentum.
Handling the emerging frauds in the banking sector coupled with its likely ripple effects, dealing with the farmer’s agitation over loan waivers, muted GST collections, deteriorating conditions in the telecom and power sector and the protectionist policy imposed by US are likely to keep risk to growth elevated. The investment cycle in the economy needs to be revived in a sustained way.
However, meeting the financing needs of both the private and the government will be constrained in the short term, in the light of the mounting losses and capital erosion in the public sector banks.
Expecting a significant increase in government spending amidst the growing pressure of farm loan waivers, low GST collections and poor health of PSU banks seems challenging.
Managing balance sheets of government and public sector banks while ensuring an employment led economic recovery are the two difficult tasks that the central government has to manage deftly” said Dr. Arun Singh, Lead Economist, Dun & Bradstreet India.
Inflation W.P.I Inflation C.P.I (Combined)Exchange Rate INR/US$I.I.P Growth15-91 day’s T-Bills10 year G-Sec yield Bank Credit*Dun & Bradstreet’s Macro Economic ForecastsForecastLatest Period
Index of Industrial Production (IIP) is expected to have clocked higher growth level even in Feb 2018, partly due to the low base effect. Further, IIP has gathered a strong footing over the three months through Feb 2018 and is likely to remain steady given improvement in demand.
The thrust on infrastructure and construction activity in the Union Budget is likely to aid the demand scenario further. Nonetheless, a sustained rise in the capital goods segment and consumer durable segment is warranted to support the industrial activity.
D&B expects Index of Industrial Production (IIP) to grow by 7.5%-7.7% during Feb-18.Price Scenario:
While the rate of CPI inflation has softened and fallen below 5% in Feb 2018 after clocking more than 5.0% in the previous two months, the rate of inflation is likely to remain elevated in Mar 2018.
Both the core CPI and WPI have strengthened to around three-and-a-half years high. Moreover, the seasonal trend of higher food prices in summer might prevent further easing of food inflation than the current levels.
D&B expects the CPI inflation to be in the range of 4.4%-4.6% and WPI inflation to be in the range of 2.6%-2.8% during Mar-18, respectively.
Money & Finance: Rise in the market-borrowing programme for FY18, reduction in surplus liquidity with improved credit pick up, muted demand for G-Secs from banks and FPIs is likely to keep yields elevated.
Continued normalisation of the monetary policy by the central banks of advanced economies, may harden global bond yields in 2018 in turn exert pressure on domestic yields.
D&B expects 15-91-day T-Bill yield to average at around 6.1%-6.2% and 10-year G-Sec yield at around 7.4%-7.6% during Mar-18.External Sector:
Rupee is expected to depreciate further in Mar 2018 given higher current account and fiscal deficit along with FII outflows.
Moreover, dollar strength, the uncertainty posed by the recent by-poll results and potential market headwinds from heightened geopolitical tensions will keep rupee on the downside in Mar 2018 compared to Feb 2018.
D&B expects the rupee to trade in the range of around 65.0-65.2 per US$ during Mar-18.The investment cycle needs to be revived to ensure sustained recovery.
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US Senators ask Trump to sell F-35 to Taiwan
Two top American senators have urged President Donald Trump to sell F-35 fighter jet to Taiwan so that the small island nation can defend itself from China.
Taiwan’s President Tsai Ing-wen is believed to have requested the purchase of the F-35B vertical take-off and landing aircraft to bolster Taiwan’s air defence.
“Taiwan has a legitimate requirement to field a modern fighter fleet to address a myriad of defence contingencies. Therefore, Taiwan is requesting US support in their procurement of the F-35B,” Senators James M Inhofe and John Cornyn wrote in a letter to Trump.
Diagnostic Ease
University Professor of Applied Physics Stephen Arnold and his team at the New York University Tandon School of Engineering have made a discovery that could lead to Star Trek-like biosensor devices capable of flagging the barest presence in blood of a specific virus or antibody, or protein marker for a specific cancer; or sniffing out airborne chemical warfare agents while they are still far below toxic levels.
The discovery follows years of ground-breaking work by Arnold, who in 1995 discovered that an optical fiber could excite what he termed Whispering Gallery Mode (WGM) in silicon micro-beads less than one-third the diameter of a human hair.
Insilico Medicine in AI RD base 2018 in Taiwan
Insilico Medicine, which was selected by the well-known American venture capital research organization CB Insights as one of the 100 companies in the world in the AI field in 2018, and was named by NVIDIA as one of the top 5 most influential AI companies worldwide.
The company announced that its subsidiaries “Insilico Medicine” and “Asia’s First AI R&D Base” are to officially be established in Taiwan.
The companies will form an alliance with the Center for Biotechnology, the Institute for Information Industry, and TUL Corporation to implement the “AI Digital Health Talent Development Project” in order to accelerate the integration of cross-domain talent.
The primary aim of the AI Digital Health Talent Development Project is to address the industry’s strong demand for AI talent.
Insilico Medicine, the Center for Biotechnology, the Institute for Information Industry, and TUL Corporation will jointly develop a series of courses related to AI biomedicine, in order to develop ICT and biomedical talent, and accelerate the acquisition knowledge on how AI technology can accelerate the development of drugs. These measures will effectively reduce the risks associated with high R&D costs, and build a strong foundation for AI technology in Taiwan.
Insilico Medicine’s AI drug R&D Base establishes itself in Nankang Software Park; they will be able to work closely with organizations in the biomedical industry to contribute to the well-being of all people.
Additionally, Insilico Medicine will be able to provide digital R&D technology services for Taiwan’s pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries, thus introducing greater innovation to the biomedical industry and driving Taiwan to become the center of combining AI and the biomedical industry in Asia.
US Expel 60 Russian diplomats
United States on Monday expelled 60 Russian diplomats, describing them as “intelligence officers” and ordered closure of the country’s consulate in Seattle over the use of nerve agent allegedly by Moscow against a former Russian spy in the UK.
A dozen of these expelled diplomats are based at Russia’s Permanent Mission to the UN.
“Today President Donald J Trump ordered the expulsion of dozens of Russian intelligence officers from the United States and the closure of the Russian consulate in Seattle due to its proximity to one of our submarine bases and Boeing,” the White House Press Secretary, Sarah Sanders, said.
Inputs Rediff
M6.6 – NEW BRITAIN REGION, P.N.G.
| Magnitude | 6.6 |
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| Location | 5.462S 151.396E |
| Depth | 39 km |
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Italian Upper House Chair,Maria Elisabetta Alberti Casellati is First Lady to be Speaker
Maria Elisabetta Alberti Casellati, a Forza Italia MP, has been appointed speaker of Italian Senate, local media report. She has become the first woman in the country’s history to chair the parliament’s upper house.
Casellati is a staunch ally of Forza Italia’s leader Silvio Berlusconi. She graduated from the Pontifical Lateran University and practiced as a matrimonial lawyer for several years, having joined Forza Italia in 1994.
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PRESS INVITATION
Rising Sun Films cordially invites you to attend the Song Launch ‘TAB BHI TU’ & to share with you the uniqueness of their latest film
'OCTOBER'
(An upcoming Indian romantic drama film directed by Shoojit Sircar and written by Juhi Chaturvedi. The film stars Varun Dhawan, Banita Sandhu and Gitanjali Rao in lead roles. Music given by Shantanu Moitra, the film is scheduled for release on 13 April 2018.)
To be addressed by:
· Varun Dhawan (Lead Actor)
· Shoojit Sircar (Director)
Time: 12:00 Noon
Date: 28th March 2018 (Wednesday)
Venue: PVR Pacific Mall, Subhash Nagar, Delhi
You are requested to send correspondents/ photographers/ camera crew for the Event.
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India condemns missile attacks on Saudi Arabia
According to media reports, Saudi Arabia has announced that its forces had intercepted a number of ballistic missiles fired by Houthi rebels towards several locations in the kingdom.
“The UK stands shoulder to shoulder with Saudi Arabia in the face of serious national security threats. Those responsible must cease these dangerous & provocative actions”
Boris Johnson calls on the UN to investigate the origin of the missiles.
Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson said:
I was appalled by last night’s multiple Houthi missile launches at Saudi Arabia, which threatened civilian areas and resulted in at least one fatality. I offer my condolences to the families of those killed and injured. Building on the recent UN Panel of Experts report, we will be calling on the UN to investigate how these latest missiles found their way into Yemen in contravention of Security Council Resolutions.The United Kingdom stands shoulder to shoulder with Saudi Arabia in the face of such serious national security threats. Those responsible must cease these dangerous and provocative actions. A return to political dialogue remains vital to ensuring an end to the conflict for the sake of the Yemeni people and regional security. British nationals in Saudi Arabia should continue to follow FCO Travel Advice.
In a statement the Saudi government also said that the Saudi air defence intercepted seven missiles, three of which were headed towards Riyadh.
An Egyptian resident was reportedly killed as a result of shrapnel – the first death in Riyadh since the country’s military campaign was launched three years ago in Yemen – while several others were injured.
An Egyptian resident was reportedly killed as a result of shrapnel – the first death in Riyadh since the country’s military campaign was launched three years ago in Yemen – while several others were injured.
India today strongly condemned the renewed missile attacks targeting civilian areas in the direction of Riyadh and other cities of Saudi Arabia. In response to a media query on the missile attacks in Saudi Arabia, External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said, New Delhi is deeply concerned about the escalating situation threatening the lives of innocent civilians. India reiterated its resolve to fight terrorism and violence in all its forms.
Slovak court orders Uber to suspend services nationally
A Slovak court has ordered Uber to suspend its operations in the country, responding to an action by taxi drivers who say the ride-hailing service represents unfair competition. The decision came into effect on March 6, but it was announced only on Tuesday and Uber services were still available in the Slovak capital Bratislava, according to Reuters. “The defendant is obliged to refrain from allowing people who do not meet legal requirements… to carry out taxi services in Slovakia,” court spokesman Pavol Adamciak said on Tuesday. The association of certified taxi drivers filed the lawsuit in January. It argued that Uber drivers do not meet the requirements for professional taxi drivers, and the cars do not meet the safety and regulatory requirements for professional transport services. Uber has faced regulatory and legal setbacks around the world amid opposition from traditional taxi services.
US EU to address China’s unfair trade practices
US President Donald Trump discussed trade practices with China in calls on Tuesday with French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Angela Merkel, according to the White House.
Readout of President Donald J. Trump’s Call with President Emmanuel Macron of France statement said, President Donald J. Trump spoke today with President Emmanuel Macron of France. Both leaders expressed support for the West’s strong response to Russia’s chemical weapons attack in Salisbury, United Kingdom, including the expulsion of numerous Russian intelligence officers on both sides of the Atlantic. President Trump stressed the need to intensify cooperation with Turkey with respect to shared strategic challenges in Syria. The two leaders also discussed trade practices between the United States and European Union and the next steps in addressing China’s unfair trade practices.
Readout of President Donald J. Trump’s Call with President Emmanuel Macron of France statement said, President Donald J. Trump spoke today with President Emmanuel Macron of France. Both leaders expressed support for the West’s strong response to Russia’s chemical weapons attack in Salisbury, United Kingdom, including the expulsion of numerous Russian intelligence officers on both sides of the Atlantic. President Trump stressed the need to intensify cooperation with Turkey with respect to shared strategic challenges in Syria. The two leaders also discussed trade practices between the United States and European Union and the next steps in addressing China’s unfair trade practices.
It said Trump and Merkel also discussed “joining forces to counter” China’s economic practices and acquisition of intellectual property. Speaking with Macron, Trump pushed to intensify cooperation with Turkey on Syria, the statement said. The leaders of the US and France also supported the West’s “strong response” to Russia, including expulsion of Russian diplomats, after the UK’s chemical weapons attack accusations,according to media reports.
SMILE INDIA’s ‘GIFT A SMILE 2018’
SMILE INDIA’s ‘GIFT A SMILE 2018’ turned out to be a Starry Night out here in New Delhi
Smile India’s ‘GIFT A SMILE’ meet and greet turned out to be a glitzy event, which took place in Radisson Blu, Airport Hotel. The event showcased its activities in the past 16 years and how they have grown in numbers from the year 2002 to 2017.Dr.Sushant Umre (Trustee, Smile India) and daughter, Dr. Ishita Umre (Director Smile India) run a dental NGO, the first of its kind in India, which serves the underprivileged with modern dentistry aids since 2002. Present at the event were many known personalities Ustad Shujaat Khan, supermodels Sonalika Sahay, Laxmi Rana, Anousha Chauhan, Fitness Instructor, Vesna Jacob and Blossom Kocchar along with daughter Samantha Kocchar who spoke about how a perfect smile is important in the present world. They judged the smile contest which was a super hit with the audience.
The event also witnessed a small skit presented by children of Salaam Balaak trust ‘Mareezmast,Dentistpast’ which was followed by a brilliant musical performance ‘ELIXIR’ by famous Smt.Shubha Mudgal and her band Aditya Balani, Gaurav Balani, Srijan Mahajan, Anil Chawla and audio engineer Nitin Joshi.
The king of Bollywood-Shahrukh Khan’s personal dentist Dr.Sushant Umre is a well-known Cosmetic Dentist of North India and is in practice for 35 years with a focus on Aesthetic dentistry. Dr Umre along with daughter Dr. Ishita Umre head Smile India- the social face.
Smile India is an organization with a mission to make available latest and affordable dental care to the underprivileged masses and to provide young, upcoming dentists willing to do community service an opportunity to experience and learn.
The internationally acclaimed Indian musician and sitar player, Shujaat Khan while appreciating the noble cause of Smile India said “Dr.Sushant Umre and Dr. Ishita Umre with their team of competent professionals are doing a great job by taking advanced dentistry to those who would have never believed to afford it otherwise. Their high tech equipment and modern techniques are of international standards, constantly improving the ever-changing world of medicine.”
Gift a Smile is a program initiated to generate funds for sustaining and expanding the impact of this mission at multiple levels. Such programs have been organized in the past with great success.
“If it is to do with Teeth, I only know one person which takes wonderful care of mine and that is Dr.Umre and his team. Thank you so much for keeping me smiling”- SHAHRUKH KHAN
India U16 Mens Team finalized U16Asian
India U16 Mens Team all set to compete at the FIBA U16 Asian Championship
Bengaluru, 27th March 2018: The Indian U16 Men’s Basketball Teams will depart on 30th March 2018 for FIBA U16 Asian Championship that will be held between 2nd to 8th April 2018 at the Lingan Pearl Gymnasium, Foshan, China. This event was scheduled to take place in 2017 but was later rescheduled. The 16-team tournament will serve as Asia’s qualifier for the FIBA U17 Basketball World Cup 2018, with the top four finishers booking their tickets for the world spectacle in Rosario and Santa Fe, Argentina from June 30-July 8, 2018.
“We are proud of your achievements so far and expect a lot more from you in the coming days. It as an incredible achievement to represent the country at such a young age but we hope that all of you keep on learning and improving so that in future we can see you representing the Senior team as well. I wish you all the best and hope that you make the country proud.” BFI President, Mr. K Govindaraj addressed the young stars at the colour distribution ceremony.
The 16 teams qualified to compete are hosts China, reigning champions Korea, Australia, Bahrain, Chinese Taipei, Hong Kong, India, Iran, Japan, Kazakhstan, Lebanon, Macau, Malaysia, New Zealand, Philippines and Saudi Arabia. Thirteen (13) teams will be divided into three (3) groups (A, B, C) of three (3) teams each and one (1) group (D) of four (4). The best placed Team in each group will qualify directly to the Knock-out stage starting with the Quarter-Finals. 2nd and 3rd placed Teams will proceed to the Play-Offs Round. The 4th placed team in group D will be eliminated.
India is placed in Group D alongside Korea, Japan and Lebanon.
Preliminary Round:
Schedule: India Vs Korea (2nd April)
India Vs Japan (3rd April)
India Vs Lebanon (4th April)
The final rosters for the Team is:
INDIAN U16 MEN’ S TEAM
| Sr. No. | NAMES | STATE | Position |
| 1 | Prashant Tomar | Karnataka | SG/PG |
| 2 | Jerome Prince | Kerala | PG/SG |
| 3 | Rajveer S Bhati | Rajasthan | F |
| 4 | Nitish Beniwal | Delhi | C/F |
| 5 | Vigneshwar Upadhyay | Telangana | PF |
| 6 | M Mani Kanta | A.P. | F/SG |
| 7 | Divya Raj S Rathore | M.P. | SG |
| 8 | Harshvardhan Tomar(Captain) | M.P. | C/F |
| 9 | Priyanshu | U.P. | F |
| 10 | Princepal Singh | Punjab | C |
| 11 | Ajmer | Chandigarh | F |
| 12 | Vibhor Bhriguvanshi (Head Coach) | ||
| 14 | Babu Davis (Asst. Coach) | ||
| 15 | Navaneeth (Physiotherapist) | ||
| 16 | Ajeet Singh Rathore (Manager) |
Kim Jong-un & Xi Jinping held talks
Kim Jong-un and Chinese counterpart, Xi Jinping, have held talks in Beijing, in Kim’s first foreign trip since taking office. Kim’s wife reportedly accompanied him.
Both Chinese and North Korean state media have confirmed that Kim is on a state visit to China. Kim arrived at the invitation of the Chinese president, and stayed for an unofficial four-day visit.
The visit comes ahead of the highly anticipated talks between Kim and US President Donald Trump, which are expected to be held by the end of May. The exact date has not been set yet, and it was feared that the denuclearization issue, a long-standing stumbling block in US-North Korea relations, will be an unsurmountable obstacle on the way to a potential breakthrough.
The high level negotiations with Xi, Kim indicated that Pyongyang may be ready for compromise.
“It is our consistent stand to be committed to denuclearization on the peninsula, in accordance with the will of late President Kim Il Sung and late General Secretary Kim Jong Il,” he said in a stark contrast to some of North Korea’s previous statements, as cited by Xinhua.
He went on to imply that North Korea will be poised to get rid of its own nuclear arsenal, provided the US and its ally, South Korea, cooperate.
“The issue of denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula can be resolved, if South Korea and the United States respond to our efforts with goodwill, create an atmosphere of peace and stability while taking progressive and synchronous measures for the realization of peace,” he said.
Last September, North Korea carried out its sixth nuclear test, which was followed by a series of missile launches in September and November. However, starting from the Winter Olympic Games, that saw a high-ranking North Korean delegation arriving in South Korea, Pyongyang has shown it is willing to seek mutual rapprochement with the West and its neighbors, primarily South Korea.
In late February, South Korean President Moon Jae-in said the North Korean delegation at the Olympics indicated in talks with South Korean officials that they were willing to hold direct negotiations with the US. RT news
VHP Dares Mamata for trying to turn Bengal into Bangladesh
New Delhi March 27, 2018 The Vishva Hindu Parishad congratulates the Hindus of Bengal for taking out more than 700 processions (Shobha Yatras) with participation of more than 30 lakh people on the occasion of Ram Navmi.
The international joint General secretary of VHP has said that the Hindus of Bengal have proved that they will not tolerate anti-Hindu and anti-national activities in the name of secularism. It will give a befitting reply to all the attempts of dividing and terrorising Hindus of Bengal.
Vishva Hindu Parishad warns Mamta Banerjee to stop committing atrocities on Hindus in her greed for Muslim votes. She had last year asked if there was a need for Ram in Bengal? The Hindus of Bengal gave a befitting reply to her by organising Shobha Yatras all over the state. Mamta Banerjee even went to the extent of creating confusion among the Hindus when her party decided to celebrate Ramotsav. But the Bengali Hindus rejected Mamta’s false Ram-bhakti and accepted the saffron flag instead of the blue. It had proven that now even in Bengal, the politics will revolve on Hindu issues.
Mamta’s frustration at failing to stem the Shobha Yatras has led her to restart her atrocities against Hindus.The stage of Shri Ram was damaged in Burdwan by her goons and attacks were carried out on Ram Bhakts. One Ram Bhakt was killed in the incident. This is what once again encouraged the Jehadi Muslims to attack Ram Navmi shobha yatras. Many places including Raniganj and Purulia became the centre of such attacks on Hindus. The shops and residences of Hindus were broken open, bullets fired on them, bombs hurled at them and Hindu temples were attacked. One police officer had to lose his hand in the incident. The Jehadi Muslims could carry out such dastardly attacks riding on the back of Mamta’s anti Hindu policies only.
Despite the arson and attack on the Bengali Hindus, Mamta has the temerity to ask if Ram used to carry guns and swords? Vishva Hindu Parishad challenges Mamta Banerjee to ask the same question of Paigambar Mohammad during Moharram, does she have the guts to? The Hindu in Bengal will not take things lying down anymore, it won’t be beaten up and then again trampled upon by the CM.
Through the Press statement issued by the VHP National spokesperson Vinod Bansal the VHP leader asked ‘Is the Hindu a second class citizen in Bengal’?. Or does Mamta want to convert West Bengal into Bangladesh where Hindus observe their festivals under the fear of Islam? The VHP again warns Mamta Banerjee that if the atrocities against Hindus continue like this, then the Bengali Hindu will be constrained to take things into their own hands to protect themselves and their Dharma.
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“Land Laws, Land Acquisition, and Scheduled Areas in India”.
CPR Land Rights Initiative
Dear all,
Thanks to all those who participated in our Fourth Annual Conference on “Land Laws, Land Acquisition, and Scheduled Areas in India”. To those, who couldn’t make it to the conference, we will be sharing with you recordings of the conference proceedings in the near future. We are grateful to all of you for your continued support for and encouragement of our work.
Please find listed below some highlights from the conference.
A. Launch of CPR Land Rights Initiative Report
The conference featured the launch of the CPR Land Rights Initiative Report on “The Legal Regime and Political Economy of Land Rights of Scheduled Tribes in the Scheduled Areas of India”. In addition, the conference featured presentation of findings from two of our ongoing research projects on “Land Acquisition Disputes in India” and “Mapping Land Legislation in India”. These presentations included findings from our previous Report on “Land Acquisition in India: A Review of Supreme Court cases from 1950 to 2016”, which was launched at our Third Annual Conference on “Land Rights, Land Acquisition, and Inclusive Development in India” in 2017. The conference and the CPR LRI Reports and findings were extensively covered by print and television media.
B. Newspaper coverage of CPR Land Rights Initiative Conference, Projects and Reports
1. Land Acquisition Disputes
Dr. Namita Wahi was interviewed by Live Law, a legal news portal, in which she spoke about the recent controversy in the Supreme Court with respect to the interpretation of Section 24 of the Right to Fair Compensation, and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation, and Resettlement Act, 2013.
2. Land Laws Database
The Sunday Guardian in a piece titled “Database for land laws being created” reported findings from the CPR LRI “Land laws” database of 556 laws from seven states of India, including, Andhra Pradesh, Assam, Bihar, Gujarat, Jharkhand, Meghalaya, and Telangana.
3. Land Rights in the Scheduled Areas
The Wire in a piece titled, “Scheduled Areas may be generating mineral wealth, but it’s not going to STs” reported extensively from the CPR LRI Report on why despite constitutional protections, the STs remain the most vulnerable and impoverished groups in India.
C. TV coverage of CPR Land Rights Initiative Work
1. In a Lok Sabha Television Show called ‘अस्तित्व: देश का बढ़ता भू संघर्ष’, Dr. Namita Wahi shared findings from CPR Land Rights Initiative reports and ongoing research on the reasons for extensive and growing conflict over land in India.
2. Go News reported on findings from the CPR LRI “Scheduled Areas” report as well as the “Land Laws” database, and “Land Acquisition” report.
We will be in touch soon with the recordings of the conference proceedings. In the meantime, you can follow us on our Facebook and Twitter pages .
As always, we look forward to your feedback and continued support.
Best wishes,
CPR Land Rights Initiative Team
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CPR LAND RIGHTS INITIATIVE
Dharma Marg, Chanakyapuri | New Delhi 110021
Build India bit by bit
Sagar Media Inc run online media company with our own accrual with no fiscal help from other than our family run companies to which me as Honorary Gr Chair work with passion to bring change not only to lower level of strata but in elite stratas of society who are capitivated by insured government jobs our endeavour to inject passion in elite and affluence look for neo opportunities in tech for masses to build garner employment for millions.
In process in our endeavour each day we are taunted, daunted, humilated affronted, insulted sometime scolded for no reason. We are made fun by our near dears the family members but goal is crystal clear. Our efforts is both cleansing soul and spreading mental awareness for deeper understanding of our spirtiual mental powers with which we all are blessed. How it works ? When your intutive mind acts in tandom with intellect and wisdom find one in tight path.
Taking affront with smile some time with red face and scold of our colleagues in our jouney we fond sojourn travel an interesting feature where we mingle all sorts of people with rainbow aura we need to read.
Thus helps in differentiating there is an of reading mind constrctuion on thy face.
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Sagar Media Inc: Water is not scarce but water management is intense and muti tasking subject which need awarenes training to application of natural and scientific instrumentation means from solar pumps to building biggers water reserviour both for supply recharge creating wbod
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Sagar Media Inc : infrastructure being taken care of Min Nitin in cool speed but River rejuvenation he talk of judiciary ask for e engines but rejuvenation cant happen unless embankment are strenthen satellite mapping done and society is restrited to dump waste in life line?
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Uber has brought Brussels to its knees
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Uber has brought EU Brussels to its knees with public transport failing because of Digitalising Companie drivers association is second extortionist after their mad masters pobcketing the LSG state & national gov under scam in wrapers who gets booty with min hassals EU too infix
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Sagar Media Inc :We have worked when most of professional in trade talk of impossibillities the work is done with ease is because visualise the professeional hazards get over with its solution before one expression of interest in project.Indian lack Dignity of Labor no lofttalks
CPR: Unpacking India-China Relations
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CPR is pleased to invite you to a discussion on Unpacking India-China Relations A conversation between Ambassador Shyam Saran, Srinath Raghavan, and Zorawar Daulet Singh |
Wednesday, 4 April 2018, 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. |
| Image Source |
As the dust settles from the last year’s Doklam Standoff between India and China, relationship between the two neighbours has entered a state of flux. Even as domestic political priorities have come to the fore in both countries, India and China are discovering new spots of friction and struggling to evolve a sustainable framework of cooperation. Against the backdrop of the latest diplomatic efforts by both sides to put the relationship on an even keel, our in-house experts on Chinese and Indian foreign policy will consider the geopolitics, strategy and economics underpinning this new conjuncture in India-China relations and its implications for the two countries, for Asia and beyond. Ambassador Shyam Saran, senior fellow at CPR, is a former foreign secretary and has served as the Prime Minister’s Special Envoy for Nuclear Affairs and Climate Change, chairman of the National Security Advisory Board, and chairman of the Research and Information System for Developing Countries. He is currently a member of the governing board of CPR, Life Trustee of the India International Centre, a trustee of the World Wildlife Fund (India), a member of the National Executive of FICCI, and an independent director at the Press Trust of India. Srinath Raghavan is a senior fellow at CPR. He is also a senior research fellow at the India Institute at King’s College, London. He works on contemporary and historical aspects of India’s foreign and security policies. His most recent book India’s War: The Making of Modern South Asia, 1939-45 featured among the top non-fiction bestsellers, was chosen as Book of the Year by the Financial Times, and received glowing reviews both nationally and internationally. He is a regular columnist and commentator on international and strategic affairs. Prior to his academic career, he spent six years as an infantry officer in the Indian Army. Zorawar Daulet Singh is an author and foreign affairs analyst. He is a Fellow at the Centre for Policy Research. He is also an Adjunct Fellow with the Institute of Chinese Studies and a Visiting Fellow at the Forum for Strategic Initiative. Zorawar’s research interests include India’s foreign policy, various dimensions of India China relations, Eurasian geopolitics, and, international political economy. His recent books include India China Relations: The Border Issue and Beyond and Chasing the Dragon: Will India Catch up with China? Zorawar is currently working on a comparative study of Nehru and Indira Gandhi’s regional policies through an examination of six major crises during the Cold War. Please RSVP at president.cpr@cprindia.org. Seating is limited and will be on first come first serve basis. |
‘ITA TUNNELING AWARDS 2018’
China invites international tunneling and underground engineering competition : t
Dear All,
The International Tunnelling and Underground Space Association is launching a new edition of its worldwide competition of tunnel engineering and underground construction, the ITA Tunnelling Awards !
Since 2015, the international competition “the ITA Tunnelling Awards” seeks and rewards the most ground-breaking innovation and outstanding projects in tunnelling and underground space utilization.
The 2018 edition will take place on 7 November, in Chuzhou-Nanjing during the 20thChinese Tunnel and Underground works Conference (CTUC) from 5 to 6 Nov. followed by technical visits on Nov.8 in Nanjing, Chuzhou and Shanghai.
After editions in Switzerland, Singapore and Paris, the fourth ITA Tunnelling Awards will return to Asia for the 2018 event. The three previous editions of the ITA Tunnelling Awards received more than 240entries and 110 nominations, rewarded 30 projects and personalities and gathered more than 750 attendees.
The application process is now open and candidacies can be registered until May 31st, in the ITA Tunnelling Awards website through 9 categories : https://awards.ita-aites.org/
You can access the full press release by clicking the links at the bottom of the e-mail.
I remain at your disposal for further informations,
Diane LOTH, ITA Press Officer, + 33 6 47 27 74 29, d.loth@giesbert-mandin.fr
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Article 0
EC Schedule of Election to the Karnataka Assembly , 2018.
Election Commission of India announces Schedule for the General Election to the Legislative Assembly of Karnataka, 2018.
Posted On: 27 MAR 2018
The term of the Legislative Assembly of Karnataka is normally due to expire on 28.05.2018. By virtue of its powers, duties and functions under Article 324 read with Article 172(1) of the Constitution of India and Section 15 of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, the Election Commission of India is required to hold general election to constitute the new Legislative Assembly in the State of Karnataka before expiry of its present term.
Schedule of Election
The Commission has prepared the Schedules for holding General Elections to the Legislative Assembly of Karnataka after taking into consideration all relevant aspects like climatic conditions, academic calendar, major festivals, prevailing law and order situation in the State, availability of Central Police Forces, time needed for movement, transportation and timely deployment of forces and in-depth assessment of other relevant ground realities.
The Commission after considering all relevant aspects has decided to recommend to the Governor of the State of Karnataka to issue notifications for the General Elections under the relevant provisions of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, as per the Schedule given below
Schedule for General Election to the Legislative Assembly of Karnataka, 2018
| Poll Events | Schedule |
| Date of Issue of Gazette Notification | 17.04.2018 (TUE) |
| Last Date of Nominations | 24.04.2018 (TUE) |
| Date for Scrutiny of Nominations | 25.04.2018 (WED) |
| Last Date for Withdrawal of candidatures | 27.04.2018 (FRI) |
| Date of Poll | 12.05.2018 (SAT) |
| Date of Counting | 15.05.2018 (TUE) |
| Date before which election shall be completed | 18.05.2018 (FRI) |
Other Relevant facts:
(1) Assembly Constituencies
The total number of Assembly Constituencies in the State of Karnataka and seats reserved for the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes, as determined by the Delimitation of Parliamentary and Assembly Constituencies Order, 2008, are as under: –
| State | Total No. of ACs | Reserved for SCs | Reserved for STs |
| Karnataka | 224 | 36 | 15 |
(2) Electoral Rolls
The existing electoral rolls of all the Assemblies Constituencies in the State of Karnataka have been revised, with reference to 01.01.2018 as the qualifying date. Final publication of electoral rolls in respect of Karnataka has been done on 28.02.2018. The details of the final publication are available on the NVSP website (www.nvsp.in) / CEO, Karnataka website (www.ceokarnataka.kar.nic.in). As per the final electoral roll, the number of electors in the State is as follows:
| State | Total No. of electors as per draft electoral rolls | Total No. of electors as per final electoral rolls |
| Karnataka | 4,90,06,901 (Approx. 4.90 Cr.) | 4,96,82,357 (Approx. 4.968 Cr.) |
(3) Polling Stations and Special Facilitation
The number of Polling Stations of Karnataka are as follows:
| State | No. of Polling Stations in 2013 | No. of Polling Stations in 2018 | % Increase |
| Karnataka | 52,034 | 56,696 | 9% |
(4) Special Arrangement For Women:
All-Women Managed Polling Stations: As part of its firm commitment towards gender equality and greater constructive participation of women in the electoral process, the Commission has also directed that, to the extent possible, ‘All- women Managed Polling Stations’ shall be set up in one polling station for each Assembly Constituency where the entire polling staff, including the police and security personnel, shall be women. Total 224 Women managed Polling Stations will be setup for the entire state of Karnataka for the first time.
(5) Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) and Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPATs):
EVMs & VVPATs shall be used in all the polling stations of all the Karnataka to enhance the transparency and credibility of the election. The Commission has already made arrangements to ensure availability of adequate number of EVMs and VVPATs for the smooth conduct of election. The First Level Check of EVMs and VVPATs has been completed in the presence of representatives of political parties. A two-stage randomization of EVMs and VVPATs will also be done. In the first stage, all the EVMs and VVPATs stored in the district EVM warehouse will be randomized by the District Election Officer (DEO) in the presence of the representatives of the recognized political parties for Assembly Constituency-wise allocation. Second randomization of EVMs and VVPATs will be done at RO level before candidate setting of EVMs and VVPATs for polling station-wise allocation. This is done in the presence of General Observer of Election Commission of India, contesting candidates/their agents. This process will be carried out after finalization of the contesting candidates. At this stage also, candidates or their agents/representatives will be allowed to check and satisfy themselves in every manner about the error-free functionality of the EVMs and VVPATs. On a pilot basis, VVPAT from One (1) Polling Station in each Assembly Constituency will be randomly selected by the Returning Officer by Draw of Lot in presence of all candidates to count VVPAT paper slips for verification of the result obtained from the Control Unit. Thus, paper slip for one polling station in each Assembly Constituency will be counted in Karnataka.
VVPATs will be used along with EVMs in all polling stations of all the 224 Assembly Constituencies of poll going state of Karnataka to enhance the transparency and credibility of the election. A comprehensive SVEEP programme has already been launched in Karnataka to increase voters’ awareness and education about the VVPATs.
(6) Model Code of Conduct
The Model Code of Conduct comes into effect immediately from now onwards. All the provisions of the Model Code will apply to the whole of Karnataka and will be applicable to all candidates, political parties and, the State Government of Karnataka. The Model Code of Conduct shall also be applicable to the Union Government insofar as announcements/policy decisions pertaining to/for this State is concerned.
The Commission has made elaborate arrangements for ensuring the effective implementation of the MCC Guidelines. Any violations of these Guidelines would be strictly dealt with and the Commission re-emphasizes that the instructions issued in this regard from time to time should be read and understood by all Political Parties, contesting candidates and their agents/representatives, to avoid any misgivings or lack of information or inadequate understanding/interpretation. The government of the poll-bound State has also been directed to ensure that no misuse of official machinery/position is done during the MCC period.
The Commission has also issued instructions for swift, effective and stringent action for enforcement of Model Code of Conduct during the first 72 hours of announcement of the election schedule and also for maintaining extra vigilance and strict enforcement action in the Last 72 hours prior to the close of polls. These instructions have been issued in the form of Standard Operating
Procedures (SOPs) for compliance by the field election machinery.
(7) Election Expenditure Monitoring:
Some new initiatives taken by the Commission to strengthen the Expenditure Monitoring mechanism are:
(a) Standard Operating Procedure for Seizure and release of cash: For the purpose of maintaining purity of elections, the Election Commission of India has issued the Standard Operating Procedure for Flying Squads and Static Surveillance Teams, constituted for keeping vigil over excessive campaign expenses, distribution of items of bribe in cash or in kind, movement of illegal arms, ammunition, liquor, or antisocial elements etc. in the constituencies during election process.
(b) Accounting of the expenditure incurred for campaign vehicles – on the basis of permissions granted: It has come to the notice of the Commission that the candidates take permission from the Returning Officer for use of vehicles for campaign purpose, but some candidates do not show the vehicle hiring charges or fuel expenses in their election expenditure account. Therefore, it has been decided that unless the candidate intimates the R.O. for withdrawing the permission, the notional expenditure on account of campaign vehicles will be calculated based on the number of vehicles for which permissions is granted by the Returning Officer.
(c) Account Reconciliation Meeting: In order to reduce litigation relating to expenditure accounts, a reconciliation meeting will be convened by the DEOs before final submission of the accounts, on the 26th day after the declaration of the results.
(d) All expenditure incurred by those candidates, their party agents or party leaders on their travel, boarding, lodging etc. who travel to overseas countries for the purpose of canvassing in their favour to seek votes of overseas electors residing there, would be deemed to be the expenditure incurred or authorized by the candidates in connection with their election and will have to be included in their account of election expenses. Moreover, any inducement to overseas electors by way of air tickets or any other allurements to them, in cash or kind, to come to India for the purpose of voting at the election would amount to the electoral offence of ‘bribery’ within the meaning of section 171B of the IPC as also the corrupt practice of ‘Bribery’ within the meaning of section 123(1) of the R.P. Act, 1951.
(e) Expenditure incurred on candidates’ Booth/(Kiosk) and on TV/Cable Channel / Newspaper owned by party for promoting the electoral prospects of the candidate in the account of the candidate:
The Commission, on further examination of the relevant provisions of section 77(1) of the R. P. Act, 1951, had decided that the candidates’ booths set up outside the polling stations should hereinafter be deemed to have been set up by the candidates as part of their individual campaign and not by way of general party propaganda and as such all expenditure incurred on such candidates’ booths shall be deemed to have been incurred/authorized by the candidate/his election agent so as to be included in his account of election expenses.
(f) Ceiling Of Election Expenses For Candidates:
The election expenses ceiling for candidates has been revised by the Government of India vide Notification dated 28th February, 2014. As per the revised ceilings, the maximum limit of election expenses for the Assembly Constituencies is Rs. 28 lakh per candidate for the state of Karnataka. All candidates are required to furnish their accounts of expenditure within 30 days of declaration of results.
(g) Final Accounts By Political Parties:
All Political Parties sponsoring candidates for the Legislative Assembly elections are required to maintain day-to-day accounts of all election campaign expenses and submit the accounts to the Commission within 75 days of the completion of such elections. Such accounts will be uploaded on the website of the Commission for public viewing.
(8) New ITApplications To Be Used For Forthcoming General Elections:
(a) SAMADHAN: Public Grievance RedressalAnd Monitoring System:
A comprehensive, robust and reliable pubic Grievance Redress System has been developed by the Election Commission to provide a common platform for all complaints, grievances, concerns and suggestions lodged by any member of the public, including our various stakeholders like political parties, candidates, civil society groups etc. a citizen has the multi-modal facility to lodge any election-related complaint via bouquet of channels/sources like website, email, letter, fax, SMS, call center ( Call center number is 1950) etc. A mobile app shall also be made available for the people, so that they can submit complaints with photographs/videos on the common platform.
(b) SUVIDHA: Single Window Permission System:
A single window system for giving election-related permission/clearness within 24 hours has been created. In this system, candidates and political parties can apply for permissions for meetings, rallies, vehicles, temporary election office, loudspeakers etc at a single location, where back-end convergence of various authorities/departments has been done. This system is put in place at every RO level in each sub-division which will provide for applying, processing, granting and monitoring permissions in a synergistic manner. However in case of permission for helicopter usage/ landing and use of helipads, the application shall have to be submitted at least 36 hours in advance.
(c) SUGAM: Vehicle Manaement System:
It is an IT based Vehicle Management System with the facility of issuance of requisition letters for vehicles, capturing of vehicle details with address, mobile number and bank details of owner and drive, transfer of vehicles from one district to another district etc.
(d) Webcasting /CCTV at poling stations:
Webcasting at identified critical stations for LIVE monitoring of election process, to keep a check on illegal activities such as booth capturing, money distribution and bogus voting and to bring about complete transparency in the voting process shall be undertaken. Further, during the election process, CCTV monitoring and webcasting shall also be done at various border check-posts, check-nakas and other sensitive and critical locations across the constituencies to keep a strict vigil on any nefarious activities designed to vitiate the electoral process.
(e) Voter Centric Information Dissseminatin Initiatives on Website of CEO, Karnataka (www.ceokarnataka.kar.nic.in):
It is the constant endeavor of the Commission to facilitate the voters in accessing the multifarious election-related services and information. As part of this vision, an SMS-based search facility and voter friendly interactive website has already been launched by CEO, Karnataka and successfully working.
(f) One-way Electronically Transmitted Postal Ballot for Service Voters:
All registered Service Voters will be delivered e-postal ballot of their respective constituency through electronically transmitted postal ballot (ETPBS), which will be printed and after casting the vote will be sent back to Returning Officer by post.
(9) Other New Initiatives
- Use of VVPATs at all Polling Stations:
VVPATs will be used along with EVMs in all 56,696 Polling Stations of 224 Assembly Constituencies of poll going state of Karnataka to enhance the transparency and credibility of the elections. On a pilot basis, VVPAT from One (1) Polling Station in each Assembly Constituency will be randomly selected to count VVPAT paper slips for verification of the result obtained from the control unit.
- All Women Managed Polling Stations:
All- women Managed Polling Stations’ shall be set up in one polling station for each Assembly Constituency where the entire polling staff, including the police and security personnel, shall be Women. Total 224 Women Managed Polling Stations will be setup for the entire state of Karnataka for the first time.
- Booth Level Planning:
First time in the Country an innovative “bottom up” approach of booth level planning and management has been implemented in the State of Karnataka where in Booth Level plans for 56,696 Polling Stations have been prepared containing all information and Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) for response for smooth conduct of elections at each Polling Station. These booth level Plans have been used to prepare AC level, District level and State level Election Management Plans.
- E-Atlas :
As a new innovation, GIS based planning, implementation and monitoring of various elections related activities are being implemented in the State of Karnataka for Election Planning.
- E-Payment Gateway for Goods and Services:
All Payments will be made through e-payment gateway for (i) Timely Payment for all the Civilian Officials/Police Officials deployed for “Election Duties” (ii) Timely Payment to all the Owners of the Vehicles which are Requisitioned for Election Purpose , (iii) Timely Payment for all the Vendors who provide Goods and Services for Election related Duties in all the Assembly Constituencies.
- Registration of Service Voters and ETPBS:
Earlier, the Commission implemented ETPBS (Electronically Transmitted Postal Ballot System) on pilot basis in 4 states of Punjab, UP, Uttarakhand and Manipur and in the entire state of Goa. ETPBS was used in all the State Assembly Elections conducted during 2017-2018 and will be used in Karnataka election also.
- Friendly Polling Stations for differently abled electors:
Special facilitation voting at all Polling Stations would be ensured for all differently-abled
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