Quantcast
Channel: Sagar Online Media Research Centre
Viewing all 3329 articles
Browse latest View live

Article 0

$
0
0

PM INTERACTS WITH AMERICAN CEOS

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, today met and interacted with 20 top American CEOs at a roundtable meeting in Washington DC.
Welcoming the CEOs, the Prime Minister said that the world is focused on India’s economy. He said a young population and a rising middle class are among factors which generate global interest in the Indian economy, especially in areas such as manufacturing, trade and commerce, and people to people contacts.
He said that in the last three years, the Union Government in India has focused on improvement in quality of life of the people.
The Prime Minister said this requires global partnership. And therefore, he added, the Union Government in India is working on principles such as Minimum Government, Maximum Governance.
The Prime Minister spoke of the recent reforms, and noted that the Union Government alone has initiated 7000 reforms. He said this indicates India’s quest for global benchmarks. He mentioned the Government’s emphasis on efficiency, transparency, growth and benefit for all.
On GST, the Prime Minister said that this is becoming a reality after years of effort. He added that its implementation is a complex task that may well be the subject of future case-studies. He added that this shows India can take big decisions and implement them swiftly.
CEOs appreciated the Prime Minister for his policy initiatives and the work done in recent times towards ease of doing business. Initiatives such as Digital India, Make in India, Skill Development, Demonetization and the thrust towards renewable energy came in for much appreciation from a number of CEOs. Several CEOs showed their willingness to be partners in skill development and education initiatives. They also mentioned social initiatives being undertaken by their companies in India, in spheres such as women empowerment, digital technology, education and food processing. Themes such as infrastructure, defence manufacturing and energy security also came up for discussion.
In conclusion, the Prime Minister thanked the CEOs for their observations. Looking forward to his meeting with President Trump tomorrow, he said India and the US have shared values. He said if America becomes stronger, India will be a natural beneficiary. He also added that India believes that a strong America is good for the world. He sought enhanced attention from the CEOs in areas such as women empowerment, renewable energy, startups and innovation. He suggested linking sanitary practices, products and technologies with the requirements of school going girls. He reiterated that his primary interest is improving the quality of life in India.
Edit"PM interacts with American CEOs"

NAPM CONDEMN LYNCHING OF MUSLIM YOUTH-JUNAID

NAPM Condemn Lynching of Muslim Youth-Junaid 
Demand strict action against all those guilty
New Delhi | 26th June: National Alliance of People’s Movements (NAPM) is shocked and horrified by the gruesome murder of sixteen year old Junaid Khan in running train enroute to Mathura from Delhi on 22nd June. This happened in public view inside a train where ordinary people were travelling to their respective destinations. Junaid and his three brothers were returning after shopping for Eid. The attackers were calling them ‘beef eaters’ and taunted for their appearance. The attack happened mainly due to their appearance as Muslim fellows. What is shocking is the involvement of ordinary people in this incident. We learn from newspaper reports that the CCTV recordings at the railway station have been tampered with that there is much silence about the incident with hardly anyone coming forward to talk about what happened on that fateful day.

We hold the politics of RSS and its political outfit BJP directly responsible for such outburst of hatred. Sangh Parivar has decorated people who have openly abused minorities, have failed to rein in cow vigilantes who have been on killing spree all over the country, their online sena are spreading fake videos and messages depicting Muslims as anti-nationals and supporter of Pakistan and their divisive and dirty politics over beef has poisoned the minds of ordinary people. The designs of the BJP government was out in the open when in 2016 Haryana government had assigned the police to check samples of biryani for beef.  We also see it as RSS-BJP  efforts towards Nationalization of the Gujarat-2002 Model – killings of Muslim and Dalit citizens on one hand and throttling of the constitution on the other.

NAPM stands with the family of Junaid and prays for his brother who has been stabbed and is in serious condition. We demand a high level probe and immediate arrests of all those guilty. We demand ban on cow vigilante outfits whose soul aim is to terrorise and extort money.

Today, two members of NAPM-Vimal Bhai and Uma-visited the family of deceased Junaid and expressed condolences. A detailed write-up based on their visit will be issued shortly.

We call upon all the progressive forces of the country to join hands and resist the fascist onslaught the kind this country has never seen before. NAPM along with like-minded organisations will fight the communal and divisive forces with all its strength.

Contact: 9718479517

Medha Patkar, Narmada Bachao Andolan (NBA) and National Alliance of People’s Movements (NAPM)
Aruna Roy, Nikhil Dey and Shankar Singh Mazdoor Kisan Shakti Sangathan (MKSS) and National Campaign for People’s Right to Information and NAPM
Prafulla Samantara, – Lok Shakti Abhiyan & NAPM, Odisha;
Lingraj Azad – Samajwadi Jan Parishad – Niyamgiri Suraksha Samiti, NAPM, Odisha;
Binayak Sen and Kavita Srivastava, People’s Union for Civil Liberties (PUCL)
Sandeep Pandey, Socialist Party and NAPM, Uttar Pradesh
Sudhir Vombatkere, Senior Activist, NAPM, Karnataka
Gabriele Dietrich, Penn Urimay Iyakkam, Madurai and NAPM, TN;
Geetha Ramakrishnan, Unorganised Sector Workers Federation, NAPM, TN;
Arul Doss, NAPM Tamil Nadu
Arundhati Dhuru, Nandlal Master, Manesh Gupta – NAPM, UP;
Richa Singh, Sangatin Kisan Mazdoor Sangathan, NAPM-UP
Vilayodi Venugopal, CR Neelakandan and Prof. Kusumam, NAPM, Kerala
Vimal Bhai – Matu Jan Sangathan, NAPM-Uttarakhand & Jabar Singh, NAPM, Uttarakhand;
Sister Celia – Domestic Workers Union & NAPM, Karnataka;
Rukmini V P, Garment Labour Union, NAPM, Karnataka;
Anand Mazgaonkar, Krishnakant – Paryavaran Suraksh Samiti, NAPM Gujarat;
Kamayani Swami, Ashish Ranjan – Jan Jagran Shakti Sangathan & NAPM Bihar;
Mahendra Yadav – Kosi Navnirman Manch, NAPM Bihar;
Sister Dorothy, NAPM Bihar
Dayamani Barla, Aadivasi-Moolnivasi Astivtva Raksha Samiti, NAPM Jharkhand
Dr. Sunilam and Adv. Aradhna Bhargava – Kisan Sangharsh Samiti  NAPM Madhya Pradesh
Bhupender Singh Rawat – Jan Sangharsh Vahini, NAPM, Delhi
Rajendra Ravi, Nanu Prasad, Madhuresh Kumar, Amit Kumar, Himshi Singh, Uma Kapari, Zaved Mazumder, NAPM, Delhi
Faisal Khan, Khudai Khidmatgar, NAPM Haryana
J S Walia, NAPM Haryana;
Kailash Meena, NAPM Rajasthan;
Amitava Mitra & Avik Saha, NAPM West Bengal;
  1. Chennaiah, Andhra Prdaesh Vyavasaya Vruttidarulua Union (APVVU) and NAPM-AP
Ramakrishnam Raju, United Forum for RTI and NAPM, AP
Suniti SR, Suhas Kolhekar, Prasad Bagwe – NAPM, Maharashtra;
Gautam Bandopadhyay, NAPM, Chhattisgarh
Anjali Bharadwaj, National Campaign for People’s Right to Information and NAPM
Kaladas Dahariya, RELAA, NAPM, Chhattisgarh
Bilal Khan, Ghar Bachao Ghar Banao Andolan, Mumbai,
Meera Sanghamitra, NAPM Telangana-AP
Edit"NAPM Condemn Lynching of Muslim Youth-Junaid"

CAIT RELEASES “WHITE PAPER ON GST” FOR QUICK GUIDANCE ON GST COMPLIANCE

Continuing with it’s commitment of creating mass awareness towards fast track implementation of Goods and Services Tax (GST), the Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT), unveiled “GST White Paper” in a well-attended conference organised in New Delhi. 
Consisting all the important aspects of GST and its compliance, “GST White Paper” released by CAIT is meant to empower the traders with all the required knowledge pertaining to GST and moreover, it is also intended to make traders and others GST compliance.
In the run up to GST which is slated to be implemented from July 1, CAIT has already taken the note of the ground reality that a large number of traders across the country still remain unaware about the basic fundamentals of GST and the compliance obligations. Apart from educating traders and other sectors, on the core factors of GST, the white paper released by CAIT also represents its viewpoints on the new law and helps readers understand the nation’s biggest tax reform in a cohesive manner.
Unveiling the “GST White Paper”, CAIT National President Mr. B. C. Bhartia & Secretary General Mr. Praveen Khandelwal in a joint statement released in the conference today said, “Though GST is going to be implemented in less than a week from today, yet large number of traders across the Country are still unknown about not only the basic fundamentals of GST but even the compliance obligations. Through this White Paper, we intend to disseminate vital information on Goods & Services Tax (GST) to traders and people in general. It is important for the traders and all to understand that GST being a technology based taxation system is much different from the current VAT, Excise & Services Tax regime. Stated to be a landmark reform in Indirect Taxation System of the Country, it has several aspects of compliance which can be fulfilled only through digital technology.”
For seamless GST implementation, CAIT has already taken a big leap forward in its attempt to train and educate the trading fraternity on GST compliance and adoption of digital payments through its national campaign launched on May 01, 2017 in association with MasterCard, HDFC Bank and Tally Solutions under which more than 130 market camps, seminars and workshops are being organised in close vicinity of small traders across the country in various geographies of the country. 
CAIT has also launched Digi Varta national campaign including “DIGITAL RATH” to educate and empower small business and the trading community on enhanced adoption of digital payments. The mega initiative will also help traders’ transition towards the GST regime. Besides trading community, CAIT has also aimed to reach out to the farmers, transporters, hawkers, small and medium enterprises, consumers, women entrepreneurs and self-employed groups, among other sections. Obviously, this campaign by CAIT is in line with the prime minister’s efforts for converting the Indian economy into a cashless economy.
Edit"CAIT RELEASES “WHITE PAPER ON GST” FOR QUICK GUIDANCE ON GST COMPLIANCE"

7TH NATIONAL CONFERENCE ON SCIENTIFIC UPDATES ON ZOONOTIC DISEASES CONTROL

7th National Conference on Scientific Updates on Zoonotic Diseases Control at AIIMS New Delhi on 6th July 2017
Venue:  Dr Ramalingamswami Board Room AIIMS New Delhi
Organisers: Millennium India Education Foundation  AND 
                      Division of Clinical Microbiology & Molecular Medicine AIIMS
Dear Colleagues/Friends 
why important to attend:  
Conference would discuss about how to diagnose early,treat effectively, manage and follow preventive guidelines on some of the animal diseases(pets,wild,birds,domestic etc) which are knocking at our doors to cross thier primary host barriers and infect human beings.
It is well established scientifically established that almost 70% of human infections are traced to animals as primary hosts.

FOCUS
This conference will mainly focus on multi-disciplinary collaboration for promoting animal and human health and will provide a common platform for veterinary, medical and environmental professionals where they can interact  with  each  other  and  share  their  experiences  in  preventing  the  spread  of Zoonotic diseases.

PREREGISTRATION IS A MUST AND WILL BE CLOSED ONCE SEATS ARE FILLED.

Please be informed that the venue can accommodate only up to 100-120 delegates and which will be filled on first cum first serve basis. 

Some of the key areas to be covered in this conference are:

  1. All About Zika diagnosis by Prof. of Medicine Dr Kamlesh Upadhyay B J Medical college Ahmadabad Gujarat where first case of Zika in India has been diagnosed.

  1. Preventing Rabies by using Rabies Immunoglobulins directly in the wound bitten by suspected rabid animal  by epidemiologist Dr Omesh Bharati Himachal Pradesh Health services Shimla HP

  1. Biotechnological approach to prevent zoonotic diseases by Dr Lal Krishna Former Animal Husbandry commissioner Govt.of India & Chief Consultant Dept.of Biotechnology Govt.of India

  1.   Zoonotic diseases on North India Watch List by Dr P K Uppal ,the first Indian scientist who isolated NIPPAH virus in Malaysian outbreak in 1998.

  1. Sea Food (Aquatic-Fish) and wild animal zoonosis by Dr Jyoti Misri ICAR
  1. Need to Study Economic Impact of zoonotic diseases in human by Dr Uday Kakroo convenor conference and Director Millennium India Education Foundation New Delhi

Yours Sincerely,
                                                            
Dr Uday Kakroo                                                                 Dr Sarman Singh
Convenor                                                                       Organising Chairman
Director MIEF                                                   HOD of Clinical Microbiology &                                                                                   Molecular Medicine AIIMS
Ph 9810301261                                                                        Ph 9810813435
Edit"7th National Conference on Scientific Updates on Zoonotic Diseases Control"

PRESS CONFERENCE & TO SHARE WITH YOU THE UNIQUENESS OF THEIR LATEST FILM ‘CHEER HARAN’

PRESS INVITATION

Twister Entertainment cordially invites you to attend the Press Conference & to share with you the uniqueness of their latest film

‘CHEER HARAN’
(Indian film based on the attempt to showcase the psyche of Haryana in the aftermath of Jaat Reservation Agitation 2016.)


To be addressed by:
  • Randeep Hooda
  • Kuldeep Ruhil (Director)

Time: 4:00 pm
Date: 27th June 2017 (Tuesday)
Venue: Spice Cinemas, Sec 25 A, Noida

You are requested to send correspondents/ photographers/ camera crew for the Press Conference.

R.S.V.P
Shailesh Giri
9811222325(M)
Edit"Press Conference & to share with you the uniqueness of their latest film ‘CHEER HARAN’"

DELHI FURNITURE FEDERATION :’FURNITURE’ IN 28% SLAB OF G.S.T NOT ACCEPTABLE TO US:

3
Today the entire funiture market across India is closed on the important ffestival day of Eid because the Furniture trading fraternity feels that being  in 28% Slab of G.S.T will harm  the entire furntiure manufactuering  and trading companies with such high slab from 12 % to 28 5. Furntiure business fraternity  categorically telling media that it is not acceptable to us:
The decision of inclusion of ‘Furniture’ in 28% Slab of G.S.T and it being declared as an item of luxury, along with decrease of import duty on Furniture Goods to 10% is surely to bring doomsday to India Furniture Industry. It is also an irony when Government is promoting ‘Make In India’, this decision is surely against Spirit of ‘Make in India’, allowing the markets to be flooded by more imported Goods. In regards to this, we considered certain points, and demands:
  1. It is already well known fact that imported Furniture Goods have encroached its way up to 60% of total Market Share which has already become a threat for Indian Manufacturers. Now as mentioned above, the decision of Government to further decrease the import Duty will surely add to insurmountable problems presently faced by Industry. Foreign Goods will encroach the more of markets, which shall render 2 Lakh 70 Thousand Professionals adjoined with industry Jobless and this will be a BLACK DAY in history of Indian Manufacturing Industry.
  2. In today’s world, from Offices to Hospitals, from Schools to Homes, Furniture has surely become a necessity. Not only this, Indian usually Gift furniture for e.g. Bed, Sofa etc. in Daughters’ wedding, and moreover In Business premises, Office Furniture is a “must” need.
Then, this is totally incomprehensible, on what basis G.S.T Council declared Furniture as “Luxury”, whereas Gold, Silver and Diamond which are more of Luxury are surely underrated by G.S.T council.
  1. As request of Furniture manufactures, Furniture regardless Manufactured of Wood, Iron, Steel, Iron, Glass, Cane should be kept under G.S.T slab of 12.5% instead of proposed 28%.
  2. The said exemption of 75 Lakhs should be withdrawn, for benefit of Industry, as it will allow an alleyway for people to evade tax and will promote corruption.
  3. Furniture Industry is in unbreakable relation with professionals and worksmen. More than 85% of these professionals and worksmen belong to Low-income class and are unorganized. Hence, for their Benefit, all the Furniture Items should be included under 1 HSN code.
When Delhi Furniture Association and Members of Confederation of All Furniture Market Association of India not only considered abovementioned points, in addition, to also support the included demands, shall close all their Business Premises, Showrooms, Factories to Organize an Protest/Dharna on 26_27 June. Many of them will gather at Shaheed Bhagat Singh PARK, Furniture Market, for suggestions regarding this movement. After which, A Delegation shall present a memo to Finance Minister of the Country, Shree Arun Jaitely.

Regards,

Ratinder Pal Singh Bhatia
President
Delhi Furniture Federation
Edit"Delhi Furniture Federation :’Furniture’ in 28% Slab of G.S.T not acceptable to us:"

DELHI FURNITURE FEDERATION CALL MASS PROTEST

Delhi Furniture Federation call mass protest and strike against inclusion of Furniture in 28%GST slab by Central Govt.

From: Shakti Vidyarthi on Sun, 25 Jun 2017 19:53:34 Add to address bookTo: You & 1 other | See Details
Dear Media Friends!!,
Please find attached invitation of Delhi Furniture Federation call mass protest and 3 days all India strike against inclusion of Furniture in 28% G.S.T slab by Central Govt.
Media Conference will be organised on 26/6/2017 at Press Cub of India, Time 3.00 pm.
We kindly request you to send a journalist/photo journalist/cameraman of your esteemed publication/News Channels for cover this program.

Best Regards,
Shakti Raj Vidyarthi
M @ 9711118189
Email:- shakti.vidya@gmail.com
S. S. Media Communications
Edit"Delhi Furniture Federation call mass protest"

Article 0

$
0
0

LAUNCH OF DIGITAL MSME SCHEME

Kalraj Mishra Gives Away National Awards for MSME 2015
3 MoUs Exchanged with SAP India, Intel and HMT
National Awards for MSME 2015 was organized here today. Shri Kalraj Mishra, Union Minister for MSME gave away the MSME Awards 2015. Since the United Nations has declared 27th June as the UN Day for MSMEs, the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises has selected this day for distributing National Awards to Micro, Small and Medium Entrepreneurs for their outstanding performance, to express the gratitude of the Government to the achievers in this field which is so important for the national economy.
Shri Giriraj Singh and Shri Haribhai P. Chaudhary, Ministers of State for MSME were also present to grace the occasion. Shri KK Jalan, Secretary MSME, Shri Surendra Nath Tripathi, Development Commissioner, Shri. Vinai Kumar Saxena, Chairman, KVIC, Shri C.P. Radhakrishnan, Chairman, Coir Board also were present on the occasion.
On this occasion the Union Minister for MSME Shri Kalraj Mishra also launched ‘Digital MSME Scheme’ and handed over three Memorandums of Understandings to SAP India, Intel and HMT respectively. These steps would further boost Ministry’s effort towards making the Digital India Mission successful. The Digital MSME Scheme is revolving around Cloud Computing which is emerging as a cost effective and viable alternative in comparison to in-house IT infrastructure installed by MSMEs. In cloud computing, MSMEs use the internet to access common as well as tailor-made IT infrastructure including software for managing their business processes. Cloud computing is free from the burden of investment on hardware/software and infrastructural facilities. Therefore CAPEX converts into OPEX. This scheme would encourage MSMEs towards this new approach i.e. Cloud Computing for ICT adoption
Speaking on the occasion, Shri Kalraj Mishra, Union Minister for MSME informed that for the year 2015 the total number of National Awardees are 56 for various categories, including 50 for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises and 6 for Banks. He also said that the Ministry of MSME is making concrete efforts in line with ‘Digital India’ and ‘Make in India’ visions of the Speaking on the occasion, Sh. Kalraj Mishra, Hon’ble Union Minister (MSME) informed that for the year 2015 the total number of National Awardees are 56 for various categories, including 50 for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises and 6 for Banks. He also said that the Ministry of MSME is making concrete efforts in line with ‘Digital India’ and ‘Make In India’ visions of the Hon’ble Prime Minister. He congratulated the award winners for achieving excellence in various fields and expressed his hope that other enterprises in the sector would emulate the examples set by the awardees. He exhorted the MSME sector to walk the path of ZED and Lean manufacturing to make Hon’ble Prime Minister’s dream a reality.
Union Minister of State for MSME, Shri Haribhai P. Chaudhary stated that the importance of MSMEs and their contribution to the economic and social development of India could not be overemphasized. The MSME sector including Khadi & Village Industries and Coir Sector is the largest employer, after agriculture. The MSMEs have shown growth of over 10% in recent years, this being more than that recorded by the large corporates. The MSMEs provide employment to over 110 million persons through over 50 million enterprises producing over six thousand products. In view of its importance in the national economy, the MSME Sector has always been in the top priority of the present Government. He also listed out the achievements made in MSME sector during the last three years. Further, the Government has also extended the coverage of the loans covered under the Credit Guarantee Scheme from Rs. 1 Crore to Rs. 2 Crore and the corpus of Credit Guarantee Fund has also been enhanced from Rs. 2500 crore to Rs. 7500 crore to facilitate collateral free loans to Micro & Small Enterprises.
Union Minister of State for MSME, Shri Giriraj Singh stated that M/o MSME, as per the vision of Hon’ble Prime Minister, has taken a number of steps for ‘ease of doing business’ and ‘Digital India Mission’. Udyog Adhaar Memorandum launched in September, 2015, an online portal linked with Aadhaar number, can be filed within few minutes with no fee and on self certification basis. Furthermore, MSMEs can now access information on all schemes implemented by the Ministry on a single window at MyMSME mobile app.
Edit"Launch of Digital MSME Scheme"

CLEAR ACTION PLAN DRAWN TO REVITALISE CRUISE TOURISM IN INDIA 

Clear Action Plan drawn to revitalize Cruise Tourism in India
The Minister of Shipping and  Road Transport and Highways Shri  Nitin Gadkari  has said that Cruise Tourism is one of the fastest growing components of the leisure industry worldwide, and  can be a major growth driver for the Indian economy by generating huge employment opportunities.  Shri Gadkari was  speaking at the National Workshop on “Action Plan for Development of Cruise Tourism in India”, in New Delhi today. The workshop was also attended by Minister of State for  Culture and Tourism (I/C) Dr Mahesh Sharma, and representatives of all stakeholder organizations – both from the government and the private sector – including regulatory agencies which deal with issues impacting cruise tourism.

Pointing out that tourism has the highest investment to employment multiplier Shri Gadkari said that on an average, employment generation on a cruise ship is 1 job for 3-4 passengers. With India having the potential to cater to 700 cruise ships per year as against 158 handled this year, the cruise industry can generate more than 2.5 lakh jobs for ten lakh cruise passengers, giving a big boost to the country’s economy. He further informed that cruise terminals are being developed at five major ports – Mumbai, Goa, Cochin, Mangalore and Chennai. In addition, the transport potential of 111 inland waterways will  also be tapped. Work will start for developing ten inland waterways by the end of this year. This includes the rivers Ganga and Brahmaputra on which work is already in progress, he informed.

Shri Gadkari called upon  state governments also to play an active role in promoting cruise tourism by developing, packaging and marketing  their tourists attractions to draw more and more tourists.

The Ministry of Shipping has been working actively with all relevant ministries and organizations of the government to promote cruise tourism in the country.  A joint task force headed by Secretary Shipping and Secretary Tourism was constituted for the purpose, and a global consultant was engaged for drawing up an Action Plan. The objective of today’s workshop was to discuss this Action Plan which requires various arms of the Government to take action for creating an enabling business eco-system for growth of cruise tourism in the country.

Speaking on the occasion Dr Mahesh Sharma said that India is fast growing as an attractive tourist destination. To realize the full potential for cruise tourism in the country there was a need for all stakeholders to work together, in cooperation with each other, and create a favourable ecosystem for growth.
Highlighting the efforts of the Shipping Ministry for promoting cruise tourism, Dr Alok Srivastava, Special Secretary (Shipping), informed that e visa, e-landing and incentives like minimum rebate of 30% on all cruise vessel related charges and additional rebate of 25% for coastal cruise movement have already been implemented. Further to this, a joint task force has been set up by the Ministry of Shipping & the Ministry of Tourism and an action plan for deriving standard operating procedure has been drawn, which would be implemented in a time bound manner after discussion with various stakeholders.
Secretary Tourism Smt Rashmi Verma said that the coming together of the Shipping and Tourism ministries to promote cruise tourism in the country would help maximize the benefits that the sector has to offer.
Stakeholders discussed several regulatory issues pertaining to various aspects of cruise port operations namely security, immigration, customs, ports in the workshop. They worked towards drawing up Standard Operating Procedures for all govt. organizations for cruise vessel handling.
Edit"Clear Action Plan drawn to revitalise Cruise Tourism in India "

CHEER HARAN A TRUE PICTURE OF JAT RESERVATION AGITATION

_DSC4683
Cheer Haran a true picture of Jat reservation agitation that claimed many lives
The jat reservation agitation that paralyzed Haryana and shamed India across the globe last year, moved Kuldeep Ruhil so deeply that he decided to make a documentary on it. The producer and director of the 90-minute documentary said, “As a film maker it’s my duty to prevent and show the reality of Haryana.” On being asked about the reason behind portraying it as a documentary and not a feature film, the director said, “Thereason behind the documentary is that a feature could be a statement with conclusion. But that could not be the idea because there would be no exploration otherwise. The documentary serves the reality.” He also added that, “You will see that the real victims and survivors are still positive but these reservations has kept alive the cast discrimination.”
Randeep Hooda on being asked about the jat agitation said, “Reservation should be on socio economic basis and not on the basis of cast. It should be for those who need it. Moreover, money and development can come back but lives cannot. That is the most tragic and terrible thing to happen. It became a riot later and a riot is faceless. There was no cast then. There were a lot of anti-social elements that made it to such a bad thing and it was not about reservation anymore it became a riot.” He also said that, “I am not in the movie. My role is only to take this to you people and it’s a story of my heart and home.”
The title is being compared to the heinous incident from the Mahabharata as Haryana was in a similar situation, unguarded and abandoned when all of a sudden the Jat agitation for OBC reservation flared up into a devastating inferno of sectarian violence. The film tries to make out why things turned violent, whether the brutality could have been averted?
Produced by Twister Entertainment, the Hindi documentary is all set to be released in abroad. It will first be showcased in film festival first and then will be released in India.
Edit"Cheer Haran a true picture of Jat reservation agitation"

52 DEAD IN NIGER UN MIGRATION AGENCY SEARCH

A migrant being assisted by an IOM staff member in Seguedine. Photo IOM 2017

52 Dead in Niger as UN Migration Agency Search and Rescue Operation Saves 600 Stranded Migrants in Sahara Desert

Niger – Sunday morning (25/06), 24 migrants alerted authorities in Niger that they had been stranded in the desert. It is not clear for how long they had been walking in the deserts of central Niger, near Seguedine. The 24 were taken to Seguedine, where one died on arrival, making the total number of survivors, 23. Among the survivors, there are migrants from Gambia, Nigeria, Senegal and Cote d’Ivoire.
They had been in a group of 75 migrants in three different cars, eventually abandoned by smugglers during the journey north. The authorities went back to where they had found the survivors to look for the other 51 who had been in the group, but they could not be found due to a sand storm. The migrants were presumed dead and search missions resumed once the sand storm ended – the bodies have yet to be found. IOM teams on the ground in Dirkou went this morning to pick up the 23 survivors and take them to IOM’s transit centre in Dirkou.
At IOM’s transit centres across Niger migrants receive direct assistance including water, food, shelter, and medical and psychological assistance. They are also assisted with voluntary return and reintegration upon their return.
More than 600 lives have been saved since April 2017 through a new search and rescue operation run by the UN Migration Agency (IOM) in Niger. The operation is financed by the Government of the Netherlands and the European Union (EU) Trust Fund.
Smugglers are exploring new migratory routes along the Northern Corridor, the busiest and most important transport route in East and Central Africa. IOM’s new operation provides life-saving assistance to migrants in distress in areas where there is limited humanitarian presence.
In April 2017, IOM launched a new project financed by the Government of the Netherlands: “Migrants Rescue and Assistance in Agadez Region” (MIRAA). The MIRAA project will last for 12 months, and aims to ensure the protection of migrants in hard-to-reach areas while also strengthening the management of migration by the Government of Niger.
“We are enhancing our capacity to assist vulnerable migrants stranded in Northern Agadez, towards the Niger-Libya border,” said Giuseppe Loprete, IOM Niger Chief of Mission. “Saving lives in the desert is becoming more urgent than ever. Since the beginning of the year we have been receiving frequent calls to rescue victims who embark on this route‎,” Loprete adds.
MIRAA is complementary to the larger initiative “Migrant Resource and Response Mechanism” (MRRM), developed by IOM Niger and financed by the EU Trust Fund. It aims to bring together in one mechanism a wide range of services and assistance for migrants, including assisted voluntary return to their countries of origin and reintegration once they return.
Adaora*, 22 years old, is one of the survivors of a rescue mission on 28 May, and the only woman to have survived from her group. Adaora left Nigeria in early April hoping for a better future in Europe. There were 50 migrants on the pick-up truck when it left Agadez for Libya, but only six are still alive today.
“We were in the desert for ten days. After five days, the driver abandoned us. He left with all of our belongings, saying he was going to pick us up in a couple of hours, but he never did,” Adaora recalls.
Adaora had left Nigeria with two close female friends, who both died in the desert. “They were too weak to keep going,” she sadly remembers. “We buried a few, but there were just too many to bury and we didn’t have the strength to do it,” Adaora adds.
During the next two days, 44 of the migrants died which persuaded the six left to start walking to look for help. “We had to drink our own pee to survive,” she says.
“I couldn’t walk anymore. I wanted to give up,” she recalls. Two other migrants carried her until a truck driver picked them up and took them to local authorities who then alerted IOM staff in Dirkou in the Agadez Region of north-eastern Niger.
By the time the six survivors reached IOM’s transit centre in Dirkou, Adaora was unconscious. She received medical assistance, and once recovered, she gave a detailed account of her experience to both the authorities and IOM staff. Two of the other migrants from the group went back with IOM staff and the authorities to find the bodies and identify the victims.
After having received medical assistance at IOM’s transit centres in both Dirkou and Agadez, Adaora is currently recovering at IOM’s transit centre for migrants in Niamey, awaiting her imminent voluntary return to Nigeria.
Adaora says she had no idea what the route was going to be like, otherwise she would have never left Nigeria. Going back, she wants to continue her work as a nurse. “I think it’s important we all assist each other when we are in need,” she says.
On 9 June, another 92 migrants were also rescued through an IOM search and rescue operation; among them were 30 women and children.
*Adaora’s name has been changed to protect her identity
For further information, please contact Monica Chiriac at IOM Niger, Tel: +227 8931 8764, Email:
Edit"52 Dead in Niger UN Migration Agency Search"

EDINBURGH INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL

RUlGIGxvZ28uanBn
Standard Life Opening Event: Bloom
  • The third in a series of free to the public digital commissions celebrates the opening of the 2017 Festival season
  • Celebration of 70 years of the International Festival and Edinburgh’s status as the world’s Festival City
  • Standard Life Opening Event: Bloom reimagines the St Andrew Square inviting audiences to travel through a magical digital installation
  • For the first time the Opening Event takes place on two nights, Friday 4 & Saturday 5 August
  • Free event tickets released at 10.00am on Monday 3 July
  • A family of sponsors, donors, collaborators and city agencies have come to gether to make Standard Life Opening Event: Bloom possible
A full media kit including images further background information can be downloadedhere.
In 1947, Sir John Falconer – Lord Provost of Edinburgh and the International Festival’s first Chair – spoke of his ambition that the inaugural Edinburgh International Festival should ‘provide a platform for the flowering of the human spirit’. 70 years later, Edinburgh has bloomed into the world’s Festival City and its impact has been an constant inspiration, propagating new festivals throughout Europe and beyond. The Interantional Festival continues to celebrate our highest artistic achievements, our imagination and creativity, our generosity and diversity.
The third in a series of commissions from the International Festival’s Artistic Associates 59 Productions, the Standard Life Opening Event: Bloom is a an epic public artwork by 59 Director Leo Warner, which brings together large-scale animation and architectural projection mapping, celebrating the cultural reignition sparked by the Festival’s creation. Featuring a newly commissioned musical score from award winning composer Nick Powell, the Standard Life Opening Event: Bloom charts the joyful transformation of Edinburgh, from the darkness and division of the post-war years to the colour and vibrancy of today’s Festival City.  Bloomdraws upon the architechtural beauty of the new town, Edinburgh’s rich cultural heritage and the technological innovation for which the city is renowned.
Today the International Festival unveiled new information about the Standard Life Opening Event: Bloom, naming the location as St Andrew Square in Edinburgh’s New Town. Following the successes of The Harmonium Project in 2015 and 2016’s Deep Time, this year’s opening event sees 59 Productions transform not only a single building but use the facades around St Andrew Square to create a vast canvas for projection-mapped animations. The Square becomes an immersive environment of colour, texture, sounds and sensations that places the audience at the centre of a visually stunning digital constellation.
The International Festival also announced that the Opening Event will take place on two nights for the first time, on Friday 4 and Saturday 5 August, giving audiences another opportunity to experience the Standard Life Opening Event: Bloom during the opening weekend of the International Festival. The event runs from 10pm to midnight on a 20 minute loop, allowing audience members to explore it at their own pace.
The Standard Life Opening Event: Bloom is made possible by support from a portfolio of partners across the private and public sector. This is the second event in a three year partnership between the International Festival and Standard Life – the International Festival’s Opening Event Partner – which supports the the event alongside other key funders including EventScotland and the University of Edinburgh, which have supported the Festival’s Opening Event since it’s inception in 2015. This year the Standard Life Opening Event: Bloom also enjoys support from the Scottish Government’s Edinburgh Festivals EXPO Fund. This year the EXPO Fund has made an additional £300,000 available to support the Festivals celebrating 70 years of the Festival City. Edinburgh International Festival is working with Essential Edinburgh to realise the event.
Entry to the event is free. To guarantee access for the 10pm start, a limited number of tickets are available for both nights and will be released from 10am on Monday 3 July. Ticket holders can access the event arena from 9pm ahead of the event beginning at 10pm on both evenings. Non-ticket holders are also welcome to attend and will be admitted from 10.30pm on a first come basis.
Fergus Linehan, Edinburgh International Festival Director, said: ‘Since 1947 the International Festival has welcomed the world to Edinburgh, creating an electric atmosphere in this city which has radiated back out across the globe. That energy has transformed Edinburgh and sparked not only the development of the Festival City we know today, but the creation of countless other festivals around the world. We’ll experience that transformative power first-hand in Bloom, as 59 Productions create a digital constellation in the centre of our city that places our story and Edinburgh’s people at its heart. It takes a huge amount of collaborative work to mount an event like this, and it wouldn’t be possible without the support of our partners. I’d like to thank all of them – Standard Life, the Scottish Government, EventScotland, the University of Edinburgh, Blue-i Theatre Technology and Mclcreate – their support enables us to present this incredible celebration of our Festival City in its birthday year’.

Leo Warner, Founder of 59 Productions and Director of Standard Life Opening Event:Bloom said: ‘Following two wonderful years working with Fergus and his team at the International Festival to create increasingly ambitious and engaging opening events, we faced a challenge in conceiving a new piece befitting the significance of this anniversary year. We decided to place audiences inside the event, encompassing them within nearly half a linear kilometre of projection-mapped architecture and bespoke lighting fixtures, and use music, sound and light to tell a story celebrating the 70 year history of the International Festival and the associated Edinburgh festivals, and the immesurable impact that it has had on the cultural world.’

Standard Life’s Chief Executive Keith Skeoch, said: ‘We’re delighted to be sponsoring the Edinburgh International Festival’s Opening Event, particularly as it celebrates its 70th Anniversary. The Standard Life Opening Event: Bloom will look back and celebrate the creativity and achievements of this world-class Festival. Both Standard Life and the International Festival have a rich heritage that reflects our shared commitment to excellence and our forward-looking approach, often leading the way through collaboration and innovation.The Standard Life Opening Event: Bloom will bring many examples of this to life and will inspire others for the future too.’
Cabinet Secretary for Culture, Tourism and External Affairs, Fiona Hyslop said: ‘I never tire of championing Scotland’s outlook as a welcoming and progressive nation and this is particularly demonstrated in the arts. In 1947, the Edinburgh International Festival boldly invited artists from across Europe to perform in the capital. 70 years on, we’re revered as a festival nation that welcomes performers and audiences from every corner of the globe. We boosted the Scottish Government’s EXPO Fund by a further £300,000 to mark Edinburgh’s 70th anniversary as a festival city. I am delighted that part of this will support the Standard Life Opening Event: Bloom, an ambitious, inspiring and artistic visual representation of those 70 years. It is a fitting tribute to Edinburgh’s legacy as the city that inspired cities around the world to celebrate the arts.’
Paul Bush OBE, VisitScotland’s Director of Events, said: ‘EventScotland is delighted to once again support the Standard Life Opening Event: Bloom at this year’s Edinburgh International Festival. Since its inception in 2015, the opening event has truly captured the imagination of festival-goers and opened it up to a whole new audience. Scotland is the perfect stage for events and we are very proud to have backed Fergus and his team’s vision to launch an event that has gone from strength to strength. In 2017, the Standard Life Opening Event: Bloom will be a wonderful visual celebration of the Festival’s 70th anniversary and Scotland’s Year of History, Heritage and Archaeology.’
Professor Dorothy Miell, Vice-Principal and Head of the College of Arts Humanities and Social Sciences at the University of Edinburgh, said: “The University’s strong links with the Edinburgh International Festival go back to its inception, and we are delighted to collaborate once again to create this spectacular opening event. Our world-class researchers in digital media, design informatics and biological sciences will assist in shaping this epic artwork, and our archives will help tell the story of how the Festival has inspired a blossoming of creativity within the city and beyond. Academics will also work closely with 59 Productions to develop ambitious new ways for people to interact with the Standard Life Opening Event: Bloom, creating a lasting legacy for future generations.”
The Rt Hon Lord Provost of the City of Edinburgh, Frank Ross, said: ‘In 1947, my predecessor Lord Provost Falconer championed the inception of the International Festival. Today, I am as determined as ever to see the event bring people together from all over Scotland and the world. The Standard Life Opening Event: Bloom will provide a beautiful and fitting celebration of our festivals and our city, and of course, the continued flowering of the human spirit. We are delighted to have supported our city’s festivals for 70 years.’
Sponsored by Standard Life
Supported by EventScotland
Supported through the Scottish Government’s Edinburgh Festivals Expo Fund
Created by 59 Productions
In association with The University of Edinburgh
Technology Partner Blue-I Theatre Technology in partnership with mclcreate

Friday 4 & Saturday 5 August, 10.00pm – 12midnight.
Entry to the event is free. To guarantee access for the 10pm start there are a limited number of tickets for both nights available on 3 July at eif.co.uk/bloom. Ticket holders will have access to the arena from 9pm. Non-ticket holders will be admitted from 10.30pm on a first come basis.
Tickets are available at eif.co.uk/bloom.
For initial media enquiries contact susie@thecornershoppr.com or 07834 073 795
Standard Life Opening Event: Bloom (Event PR):
Susie Gray, The Corner Shop PR / 0131 202 6220
07834 073 795/ susie@thecornershoppr.com
Kate Bouchier-Hayes, The Corner Shop PR / 0131 202 6220
07825 335489 / kate@thecornershoppr.com
Edinburgh International Festival (Festival PR):
Liz Wallace
Media Relations Manager
0131 473 2020 / 07708 795 320 / liz.wallace@eif.co.uk
press@eif.co.uk / eif.co.uk
\ENDS
Notes to Editors
Standard Life Opening Event: Bloom
Friday 4 & Saturday 5 August, 10.00pm
St Andrew Square (access from George Street)
Priority admission with free ticket
Tickets limited to 2 per person
eif.co.uk/bloom
#edintbloom @edintfest @standardlifeplc
Edinburgh International Festival
  • The Edinburgh International Festival is an unparalleled celebration of the performing arts and an annual meeting point for peoples of all nations. Committed to virtuosity and originality, the International Festival presents some of the finest performers and ensembles from the worlds of dance, opera, music and theatre for three weeks each August.
  • The International Festival continues to attract people both locally and from across the globe, with audiences from 84 nations attending last year’s cultural celebration in Edinburgh.
  • In 2017 the International Festival celebrates its 70th anniversary. The International Festival was established in 1947 to ‘provide a platform for the flowering of the human spirit’ through a shared celebration of artistic excellence and cultural exchange. The 2017 programme celebrates 70 years of outstanding virtuosity and innovation, and explores how the Festival’s founding ideals still resonate today.
  • The 2017 International Festival runs from Friday 4 to Monday 28 August, welcoming 2,020 artists from 40 nations to perform in Scotland’s capital city.
International Festival and Standard Life
  • With a mutual commitment to excellence, ambition, creativity and innovation, this partnership allows both organisations to celebrate their shared home of Edinburgh on an international stage.
  • The partnership will support the International Festival in advancing its ambitions for future Opening Events, which will continue to deliver new and innovative work showcasing pioneering productions made in Scotland. Standard Life chooses sponsorships and partners that reflect its commitment to excellence and to helping people achieve their ambitions. By supporting the International Festival through this new sponsorship, the company continues to build its investment in its home city and its people, and to advance its global brand.
Standard Life
  • Standard Life was established in Edinburgh in 1825. Today it is a global investment company helping people to invest and manage their money.
  • Around 4.5 million customers and clients across 45 countries trust Standard Life with their financial future and Standard Life is responsible for the administration of over £360 billion of their assets. Standard Life also supports over 25 million customers through Indian and Chinese associate and joint venture businesses.
  • Standard Life Investments actively manages £278billion worldwide, offering global asset management expertise with strong investment capabilities and performance.
  • Standard Life employs around 6300 people internationally – through businesses in the UK, Europe, North America, Asia and Australia.
  • Standard Life plc is listed on the London Stock Exchange with around 1.2 million individual shareholders.
  • Standard Life chooses sponsorships and partners who reflect its commitment to excellence and its collaborative approach to helping people achieve their ambitions. Wherever Standard Life operates in the world, it is motivated by a sense of responsibility. That is what has helped it be a sustainable business over the long term. Standard Life is proud to be listed as a leader for corporate sustainability in its industry in the Dow Jones Sustainability™ Indices (DJSI World and DJSI Europe) and proud to partner with the Edinburgh International Festival and to be sponsoring this exciting Opening Event.
  • You can follow Standard Life on www.twitter.com/StandardLifeplc
59 Productions
59 Productions is the multi award-winning company of artists behind the video design of the Opening Ceremony of the 2012 London Olympic Games, the Tony Award-winning An American in Paris currently running in London, globe-trotting smash hit War Horse, and record-breaking David Bowie is exhibition. 59 Productions combines technology and art to tell amazing stories. Led by directors Leo Warner, Mark Grimmer, Lysander Ashton and Richard Slaney, they are world leaders specialising in design for stage and live events. Since 2006, 59 Productions has mounted more than 120 productions across the world at venues including the National Theatre, Royal Court, Young Vic, the Royal Opera House, English National Opera, and New York’s Metropolitan Opera as well as at theatre festivals in Salzburg, Berlin and Avignon. 59 Productions is an Associate Artist of the Edinburgh International Festival for a three-year tenure from 2016-2018.
EventScotland
EventScotland is working to make Scotland the perfect stage for events. By developing an exciting portfolio of sporting and cultural events EventScotland is helping to raise Scotland’s international profile and boost the economy by attracting more visitors. For further information about EventScotland, its funding programmes and latest event news visitwww.EventScotland.org. Follow EventScotland on Twitter @EventScotNews.
EventScotland is a team within VisitScotland’s Events Directorate, the national tourism organisation which markets Scotland as a tourism destination across the world, gives support to the tourism industry and brings sustainable tourism growth to Scotland. For more information about VisitScotland see www.visitscotland.org or for consumer information on Scotland as a visitor destination see www.visitscotland.com.
2017 Year of History, Heritage and Archaeology
  • The Standard Life Opening Event: Bloom forms part of Visit Scotland’s Year of History, Heritage and Archaeology.
  • 2017 is the year to delve into the past and discover Scotland’s fascinating stories through a wide-ranging variety of new and existing activity to drive the nation’s tourism and events sector, boosting tourism across Scotland.
  • The Year of History, Heritage and Archaeology begins on 1 January 2017 and will end on 31 December 2017.  It will build on the momentum generated by previous themed years in Scotland including the 2015 Year of Food and Drink, Homecoming Scotland 2014, the Year of Creative and the Year of Natural.
  • The Year of History, Heritage and Archaeology is a Scottish Government initiative being led by VisitScotland, and supported by a variety of partners including Creative Scotland, Scottish Tourism Alliance, Scottish Enterprise, The National Trust for Scotland, Historic Environment Scotland, Highlands and Islands Enterprise, Built Environment Forum Scotland, Heritage Lottery Fund, Museums Galleries Scotland and Traditional Arts and Culture Scotland.
  • The Year of History, Heritage and Archaeology is supported by £570,000 of Scottish Government funding.
  • The Year of History, Heritage and Archaeology events fund is managed by EventScotland, part of VisitScotland’s Events Directorate.
  • For more information visit visitscotland.com/HHA2017 or join the conversation at #HHA2017
University of Edinburgh
Established in 1583, the University of Edinburgh is one of the UK’s leading research-intensive universities and regularly ranks among the top 50 universities in the world. The University is an Edinburgh International Festival partner and proudly provides cutting-edge expertise and knowledge to help create one of the world’s greatest celebrations of the arts.
Scottish Government
Edinburgh’s Festivals have been defining, and promoting, Scotland’s identity as a confident, creative, welcoming nation for 70 years. The Edinburgh International Festival was formed to heal the wounds of war and bring European partners together through culture, focusing on our similarities rather than our differences. The Scottish Government greatly values the contribution our fellow Europeans bring to our society, culture and economy and this is particularly evident in the make-up of our festivals. We believe this should continue and that Scotland remains an open, outward-looking nation, with its cultural and creative sector at its heart.
The Scottish Government EXPO Fund enhances Scotland’s creative capacity and international reputation, and since 2008, the fund has provided over £19m in funding, supporting Edinburgh’s Festivals to create and showcase a legacy of important new work that is seen by audiences from around the world.
An additional £300,000 was provided to mark Edinburgh’s 70th anniversary as a festival city in 2017. The 2017/18 EXPO Fund has a budget of £2.1m for Edinburgh’s Festivals and £200,000 is provided to Festivals Edinburgh to promote and position Edinburgh as the world’s leading Festival City.
The Scottish Government places huge importance on the value of the arts and culture in our society. This week, we are commencing a national conversation exploring what culture means to everyone who lives here. These conversations will inform the development of a culture strategy for Scotland. The strategy will position culture as fundamental to a contemporary, diverse, democratic and innovative society with an open and international outlook – values which we know are shared by Edinburgh’s Festivals.
The Edinburgh Festivals Expo Fund assessment process and funding is administered by Creative Scotland, with input from Event Scotland, Scottish Enterprise, Festivals Edinburgh and City of Edinburgh Council.
Blue-i Theatre Technology & mclcreate
Blue-i Theatre Technology, the latest division of Blue-i Event Technology, is a leading supplier in video equipment rental to theatre and the arts across the UK and Worldwide. Teaming up with mclcreate Blue-i will be supplying the d3 media Server Package, video distribution and, in conjunction with mclcreate, 42 Panasonic PT-DZ21K projectors.
Ed Cooper of blue-I Theatre Technology said: ‘We are delighted to be able to support both the Edinburgh International Festival’s and close friends 59 Productions Deep Time for what promises to be a spectacular event’.
The Edinburgh International Festival receives core grant support from The City of Edinburgh Council and Creative Scotland. Scottish Charity Number SC004694.

Edit"Edinburgh International Festival"

‘LIGHTING UP BIHAR: IMPROVING ELECTRICITY SUPPLY

July
5
CPR Initiative on Climate, Energy and Environment is pleased to invite you to a talk on
‘Lighting Up Bihar: Improving Electricity Supply and Reducing Distribution Losses’
Wednesday,  5 July 2017, 4:00 – 5:30 p.m.
Dr Anant Sudarshan
Conference Hall, Centre for Policy Research
Image Source: Ashirbad Raha
Often the biggest bottlenecks to providing access to reliable, affordable electricity are not supply or technology constraints. Rather the problem lies with institutionally and economically inefficient electricity distribution. Almost half of power drawn from the grid is not paid for and is unmetered, unbilled or pilfered. In the state of Bihar, 42% of power consumed falls in this category. The Government of Bihar is trying to address this problem and expand access to electricity by implementing reforms to improve the Bihar State Electricity Board’s finances and the availability of power.
Dr Anant Sudarshan will discuss an ongoing pilot implemented in partnership with the North and South Bihar Distribution Company. The project is designed to test if an innovative group collective incentive can be used to increase payment rates, thus reducing distribution losses and enabling the utility to expand electricity supply. The pilot scheme links the amount of electricity supplied to groups of industrial and residential consumers to their overall performance in paying for the electricity they consume. As the proportion of electricity bills paid increases, the hours of electricity supplied to that community also increases. Ultimately where the community ends up on this schedule depends on how much they value a higher quality of electricity supply.
Speaker Bio: Dr. Anant Sudarshan is India Director of the Energy Policy Institute at Chicago University (EPIC-India). He is also a Senior Research Associate at the Department of Economics, University of Chicago. Prior to working at EPIC, Anant was the Giorgio Ruffolo Post-doctoral Fellow in the Sustainability Science Program at Harvard University’s Kennedy School of Government. He received his PhD in Management Science and Engineering from Stanford University and he holds undergraduate and Masters degrees in Mechanical Engineering from the Indian Institute of Technology (Delhi) and Stanford University respectively. Anant works at the intersection of environmental economics and engineering, with on-going research on a variety of areas including environmental regulation, air-pollution, climate change, energy efficiency, electricity and renewable energy. His present work includes collaboration with India’s Ministry for Environment and Forests to design and evaluate a pilot emissions trading program to regulate industrial air pollution. He is also working with the Governments of Bihar, Rajasthan and Maharashtra on electricity distribution reforms designed to reduce losses and enhance the supply of power.
Edit"‘Lighting Up Bihar: Improving Electricity Supply"

RETURN THE NATIONAL MINORITY RIGHTS AWARD

MEDIA INVITE
PRESS CONFERENCE
Dear Sir/ Madam,
I will be going to the National Commission for Minorities, Lok Nayak Bhawan, Khan Market, New Delhi-110013 today at 2.30pm to return the National Minority Rights Award, in protest against consistent attacks and killings of the members of the minority communities and total inaction, apathy and tacit support to the violent mobs by the government.
I will release a statement at a press conference at 3.30pm today 27 June, 2017 at IWPC, 5 Windsor Place, New Delhi-110001
Kindly depute a reporter to cover the press conference.

Yours sincerely

Shabnam Hashmi
9811807558
Edit"Return the National Minority Rights Award"

RESCUE AND RECOVERY OF DROWNED NAVAL OFFICERS

ON 24 JUN 17, INDIAN COAST GUARD STATION FRAZERGANJ RECEIVED INFORMATION FROM WIFE OF A RETIRED NAVAL OFFICER REGARDING DROWNING OF THREE PERSON INCLUDING HER HUSBAND AND DAUGHTER AT HENRY ISLAND BEACH AT 1605 HRS ON 24 JUN 17.
ON RECEIPT OF INFORMATION, ICGS FRAZERGANJ IMMEDIATELY COMMENCED SAR EFFORTS ALONGWITH LOCAL FISHERMEN AND MARINE POLICE, FRAZERGANJ. COAST GUARD AIR CUSHION VESSEL (ACV) H-182 WAS ALSO PRESSED INTO SEARCH OPERATION AND ALL THE THREE BODIES WERE RECOVERED BY 0800 HRS ON 25 JUN 17.
IN ANOTHER INCIDENT, COAST GUARD DISTRICT HEADQUARTERS NO.11, GOA RECEIVED A MESSAGE FROM INS VIKRAMADITYA AND BETUL COASTAL POLICE STATION REGARDING DROWNING OF ONE NAVAL OFFICER OFF CABO DE RAMA FORT AT 1450 HRS ON 26 JUN 17.  COAST GUARD HELO WAS IMMEDIATELY LAUNCHED AND WAS SUCCESSFUL IN LOCATING AND RECOVERING THE OFFICER.  HOWEVER, THE OFFICER WAS DECLARED DEAD BY THE NAVAL MEDICAL TEAM, GOA.
Edit"RESCUE AND RECOVERY OF DROWNED NAVAL OFFICERS"

PRESS CONFERENCE FILM’EK HASEENA THI EK DEEWANA THA’

PRESS INVITATION

Shree Krishna International cordially invites you to attend the Press Conference & to share with you the uniqueness of their latest film

Ek Haseena Thi Ek Deewana Tha

To be addressed by:
  • Suneel Darshan (Director)
  • Shiv Darshan (“Karle Pyaar Karle” fame)
  • Natasha Fernandez

Time: 1:00 pm
Date: 28th June 2017 (Wednesday)
Venue: Le Meridien, Windsor Place, New Delhi

You are requested to send correspondents/ photographers/ camera crew for the Press Conference.

R.S.V.P
Shailesh Giri
9811222325(M)
9213022325
Edit"Press Conference film’Ek Haseena Thi Ek Deewana Tha’"

कैलाश मानसरोवर यात्रा को लौटाने वाले चीन की वस्तुओं का करें बहिस्कार : विहिप

नई दिल्ली। जून 27, 2017. कैलाश मानसरोवर यात्रा को चीन द्वारा रोके जाने पर विश्व हिन्दू परिषद ने तीखी प्रतिक्रिया दी है. उसका कहना है कि नाथू ला बोर्डर से जाने वाली कैलाश मानसरोवर यात्रा को चीन द्वारा रोके जाने से सभी स्तब्ध थे. अभी तक लगता था कि इसके पीछे शायद प्राकृतिक विपदा ही मुख्य कारण रही होगी. परन्तु चीनी अधिकारियों द्वारा किए गए पत्र व्यवहार तथा जारी बयानों से अब यह स्पष्ट हो गया है कि इस महत्वपूर्ण यात्रा के रोकने का एक मात्र कारण क्षेत्रीय विस्तार की अमिट भूख व दादागिरी ही है. विश्व हिन्दू परिषद के अंतर्राष्ट्रीय संयुक्त महामंत्री डा सुरेन्द्र जैन ने चीन की इस दादागिरी की कठोर शब्दों में भर्त्सना करते हुए जहां देश की जनता से चीनी वस्तुओं के बहिस्कार की अपील की है वहीँ भारत सरकार से जमीन के भूखे चीन के साथ इस मामले को गंभीरता से उठाने को भी कहा है. उन्होंने कहा कि तिब्बत पर अबैध कब्जा जमाने के बाद ड्रेगन की भूख और बढ़ गई. इसलिए, उसने न सिर्फ भारत के अरुणाचल प्रदेश समेत कई क्षेत्रों पर दावा कर रखा है बल्कि उन क्षेत्रों के विकास में टांग भी अड़ाता रहता है. वह इन क्षेत्रों को विकसित होते नहीं देखना चाहता. भूपेन हजारिका पुल बनाने के बाद तो वह बुरी तरह बौखला गया. सिक्कम में दो भारतीय बंकर तोड़ना इसी बौखलाहट का प्रतीक है.
विहिप के संयुक्त महामंत्री ने कहा कि कैलाश मानसरोवर की यात्रा पर रोक लगा कर तो उसने सभी सीमाएं लांघ दी हैं. उसने अब यह स्पष्ट कर दिया है कि सिक्कम के कुछ स्थानों पर उसका अधिकार स्वीकार किए बिना वह इस यात्रा को प्रारम्भ नहीं होने देगा. विश्व हिन्दू परिषद चीन की इस दादागिरी की कठोर शब्दों में भर्त्सना करती है. चीन के  मना करने पर बापस आए यात्री किस यन्त्रणा से गुजरे होंगे, सम्भवतया क्रूर मानसिकता वाला ड्रेगन इसे समझने की सम्वेदनशीलता नहीं रखता. विहिप भारत सरकार से अपील करती है कि मानसरोवर यात्रा के विषय को और अधिक गंभीरता से ले तथा चीन को चेताए कि वह जमीन की असीम भूख को इस यात्रा में बाधा न बनने दे.
विहिप के राष्ट्रीय प्रवक्ता श्री विनोद बंसल द्वारा जारी बयान में डा जैन ने यह भी कहा है कि चीन की निगाहें भारत के क्षेत्रों के साथ साथ भारतीय अर्थ व्यवस्था पर भी है. इसलिए वह हमारे बाजार पर भी कब्जा कर रहा है. उन्होंने भारत की जनता से अपील की है कि बहुत हो चुका, अब वह चीनी वस्तुओं का बहिस्कार कर उसे उसी की भाषा में जबाव दे.
जारी कर्ता:

विनोद बंसल
(राष्ट्रीय प्रवक्ता)
विश्व हिन्दू परिषद
Edit"कैलाश मानसरोवर यात्रा को लौटाने वाले चीन की वस्तुओं का करें बहिस्कार : विहिप"

Article 0

$
0
0

CABINET CLEARS AIR INDIA DISINVESTMENT:

The Union cabinet today cleared disinvestment of debt-laden Air India but the final modalities, including the quantum of stake sale, will be decided by a group of ministers.
Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley said the cabinet has given ‘in-principle’ approval for disinvestment of Air India.A group will be set up to finalise modalities/details of disinvestment of Air India, including the quantum of stake sale, he said.
The airline has a debt of more than 52,000 crore rupes and is surviving on a 30,000 crore rupees bailout package extended by the previous UPA government in 2012.
Surviving on taxpayers’ money, Air India has been in the red for long and various proposals, including government think tank Niti Aayog’s suggestion for complete privatisation, have been made.
The civil aviation ministry is charting out the disinvestment of the state-run carrier.
Edit"Cabinet clears Air India disinvestment:"

EK HASEENA THI EK DEEWANA THA: AN INCOMPARABLE AND FRESH ROMANTIC THRILLER

_DSC4786

The film Ek Haseena Thi Ek Deewana Tha, directed and produced by Suneel Darshan features Shiv Darshan, Upen Patel and introduces the gorgeous   Natasha Fernandez in lead roles. The music is composed by Nadeem Saifi. The principle actor Shiv Darshan on being asked about the film said, “The speciality of the film is that it is a wholesome entertainment package which has got passion, pain, suffering, drama, romance and the soulful music which plays like a USP and will make a place in your hearts.”
The beautiful Natasha Fernandez on being questioned on her debut said that, “It changed my life when I was discovered by my mentor Suneel sir. I feel fairy-tails exist and dreams do come true because this films came to me by fate and destiny and I was blessed enough to catch sir’s eye. It was a challenging role but my creator painted me best like a blank canvas.”
The media got quite stunned when everyone got to witness a Skype interaction, that too the first time ever. In it Nadeen Saifi himself interacted with media through Skype and added on to the information. On music improvisation Nadeem said, “We wanted to keep our Hindustani culture alive so we have blended Indian with western and build up the composition. I think the only need is a good launch, moreover, the new emerging trend of music in the market will not affect much as good music will always attract and survive.” On being asked about his return to India he said, “The charges that were put on me were wrong and I also won the case. I really want to return to India as it is in my heart. But they should call me back with respect, I am a pure Indian and I love India.”
The movie have a love triangle, but with many more layers to it and comes somewhere from the world of classic English movies. Suneel Darshan commented on the uniqueness of the movie and said, “No doubt this is a romantic film but it is timeless and cannot be compared to any era.” On censorship the director said, “The board has upgraded and watch today’s cinema as it is, they have been extremely supportive with our film and I didn’t feel any rigidity in their suggestions that they gave.”
‘Ek Haseena Thi Ek Deewana Tha’, presented by Shree Krishna International, is all set to release on June 30.
Shailesh Giri
Edit"Ek Haseena Thi Ek Deewana tha: an incomparable and fresh romantic thriller"

INDIA SECOND IN JUNIOR SHOOTING WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP

Indian shooting squad has finished a creditable second at the ISSF Junior World Championship with three gold, two silver and three bronze medals in Suhl, Germany.
India picked up a gold and silver in the team and individual sections of the 25m pistol junior men’s event. India also won team bronze in the 25m pistol junior women’s event to shore up their tally on the fourth and final day of competitions yesterday.
Anish Bhanwala won three medals, one of each colour.
On day one, Anish had claimed gold in the 25m standard pistol men’s event. Yesterday, he win another gold teaming with Anhad Jawanda and Shivam Shukla for the 25m pistol event.
China topped the tally in the rifle/pistol tournament with 19 medals, including eight gold.
Edit"India second in Junior Shooting World Championship"

RBI AMENDS BANKING OMBUDSMAN SCHEME

The central bank has extended the scope of Banking Ombudsman Scheme. The Reserve bank said that under the amended scheme, a customer would also be able to lodge a complaint against the bank for its non-adherence to RBI instructions with regard to mobile banking/ electronic banking services in India. As per the amendment, the pecuniary jurisdiction of the Banking Ombudsman to pass an award has been doubled to 20 lakh rupees.
AIR correspondent reports that the Reserve Bank yesterday extended the scope of Banking Ombudsman Scheme under which banks could be penalised for mis-selling third-party products like insurance and mutual funds via mobile or electronic banking. Banking Ombudsman is a quasi judicial authority functioning under the Banking Ombudsman Scheme, 2006. The authority was created to enable resolution of complaints of customers of banks relating to services rendered by the lenders.
The gross fiscal deficits of all the states skyrocketed to 4,93,360 crore Rupee in the last fiscal from the 18,790 crore rupee in the financial year 1991, according to the latest RBI data. Most populous state Uttar Pradesh and the largest Rajasthan lead the list of states with highest deficit.
According to the second edition of RBI’s statistical publication titled ‘Handbook of Statistics on States 2016-17’, released on Saturday, the gap is projected to improve in the current fiscal. It is estimated to be 4,49,520 crore rupee as per the budget estimates of the states for financial year 2017.
The publication follows the ‘one-indicator-one table’ approach and covers all sub-national statistics on socio- demographics, state domestic product, agriculture, industry, infrastructure, banking and fiscal indicators across the states over a period ranging from 1950-51 to 2016-17.
It also offers data on state-wise availability of power, per capita availability of power, installed capacity of power, and power requirement, length of national highways, roads and state highways, and railheads.
According to the data released by RBI, banks’ credit growth grew at 6.02 per cent to Rs 76,58,212 crore in the fortnight ended June 9 from Rs 72,22,939 crore in the same period of fiscal 2016.
The data showed that the growth in advances in the reporting period was slightly higher than the previous fortnight ended May 26, 2017. In the fortnight ended May 26, advances had grown by 5.08 per cent with an outstanding loans at Rs 75,93,546 crore.
In the fiscal ended March 31, 2017, credit growth had plunged to a multi-year low of 5.08 per cent with an outstanding loan at Rs 78.81 trillion as against Rs 75.01 trillion on April 1, 2016. In the reporting fortnight, bank deposits grew at 11.19 per cent to Rs 105,77,947 crore from Rs 95,13,148 crore in the fortnight ended June 10, 2016.
Edit"RBI amends Banking Ombudsman Scheme"

MODI RETURNS DELHI AFTER THREE NATIONS VISIT

Prime Minister Narendra Modi returned home a short while ago from Amsterdam after a four day three nation visit to Portugal, United States and The Netherlands. During his visit, India signed eleven MoUs for cooperation with Portugal and three with the Netherlands.
In USA, Mr Modi and President Donald Trump comprehensively reviewed bilateral relations and laid down the future road map.
Our correspondent covering the visit of the Prime Minister reported that the Prime Minister’s visit focused primarily on four broad areas: one, furthering India’s strategic interests, two- projection of India as a country with fast track reforms coupled with high economic growth making it a strong opportunity for investment; third- seek collaborations in areas like skill development, knowledge based society and frontier areas of science and technology and four- reviving bonds with Indian Diaspora and seek their contribution for the development of India of their dreams.
The first ever Modi Trump meeting reaffirmed close Indo-US relations with President Trump reiterating himself a true friend of India. India not only received full support in its fight on terrorism from the three countries but the US went a step further by calling Pakistan to put an end to terror.
The visits saw increasing convergence of views between India and the three countries on major international issues.
Edit"Modi returns Delhi after three nations visit"

MIKE PENCE:US TO HELP INDIAN ARMED FORCES SA

US Vice President Mike Pence has said that his country will help the Indian armed forces to obtain the resources and technology it needs to support security in South Asia.
He said the process to approve the sale was underway and expressed hope that it would accurately reflect commitment to mutual security among both nations.
In a key note address to members of the US India Council in Washington yesterday, Pence said, the US and India can deepen their ties in many industries and areas.
He urged India to enact the necessary economic reforms to ensure fair and reciprocal bilateral trade. He also said India and the US, are strong partners in fight against terrorism.
He said, the United States and India already collaborate to a significant extent. But in the face of terror networks that are ever-more sophisticated, ever-more dispersed. He said, both countries will continue to take renewed action to facilitate two-way information and intelligence sharing to confront this threat.
Edit"Mike Pence:US to help Indian armed forces SA"

NO WINNER IN MONGOLIA’S PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION

There was no outright winner in Mongolia’s presidential election on Monday, forcing the country’s first ever second-round run-off between the two leading candidates, the country’s General Election Committee said on Tuesday. The populist former martial arts star Khaltmaa Battulga of the opposition Democratic Party won the most votes, but failed to secure the majority required, the committee said. He will face ruling Mongolian People’s Party (MPP) candidate Miyeegombo Enkhbold, who came second, in a run-off on July 9, the committee’s chairman Choinzon Tsodnomtseren confirmed at a briefing on Tuesday morning.
Edit"No winner in Mongolia’s presidential election"

TRUMP NOMINATE FBI DIRECTOR CHRISTOPHER WRAY

President Donald Trump officially nominated Christopher Wray as the new head of the FBI on Monday. Trump first announced his intention to nominate Wray three weeks ago, describing him in a tweet as “a man of impeccable credentials.” Wray formerly served as assistant attorney-general in charge of the Criminal Division at the Justice Department under former President George W Bush. During his tenure, Wray oversaw several major corporate fraud investigations, including the federal prosecutions of executives involved in the Enron scandal. Wray’s nomination must now be confirmed by the Senate. If he is confirmed, Wray will take over for Andrew McCabe, who has been the bureau’s acting director since Trump fired James Comey on May 9. In a statement released by the Justice Department, Wray said he was “honored and humbled” to be nominated.
Edit"Trump nominate FBI director Christopher Wray"

NETHERLANDS BACKS INDIA’S BID FOR NSG ENTRY AND A PERMANENT UNSC SEAT

The Netherlands has backed India’s early entry into the Nuclear Suppliers Group, NSG, and other multilateral export control regimes.
In a joint communique issued after the meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Dutch counterpart Mark Rutte in Hague the Netherlands also supported the country’s bid for a permanent UN Security Council seat.
Both leaders agreed that the NSG, Wassenaar Arrangement and Australia Group would benefit from India’s membership. Prime Minister Modi thanked the Netherlands for its role in India’s accession to the Missile Technology Control Regime in June 2016.
India and the Netherlands also strongly condemned the use of double standards in addressing the menace of terrorism, saying there can be no justification for acts of terror on any grounds.
They expressed concern about the serious and grave threat posed by the spread of terrorism and violent extremism to both the countries and the world. Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to combat terrorism and prevent radicalisation that could lead to violent extremism.
Mr Modi also discussed the role of the Netherlands as ‘Gateway to Europe’ for India as 20 per cent of its exports to Europe enters through the Dutch country. Both leaders expressed hope for an early resumption of negotiations leading to the conclusion of the Broad-based Trade and Investment Agreement between India and the EU.
Prime Minister Modi invited the Netherlands to join the International Solar Alliance. Prime Minister Rutte appreciated the lead taken by India to galvanise global action on Climate Change through the its initiatives. Both leaders reaffirmed their countries’ commitment towards Paris climate deal.
Earlier yesterday, Prime Minister Modi described the Netherlands as India’s “natural partner” in its economic development and said the bilateral ties with the country’s major trading partner will grow rapidly.
India and Netherlands also signed three MOUs on water management, cultural cooperation and on amending social security arrangement. The MOUs were signed in the presence of both leaders.
Expressing that his Netherlands tour comes at a time when the two countries are celebrating 70 years of diplomatic relations, Mr Modi said the two countries have centuries old relations & are together progressing ahead steadily.
Stressing that today world is interdependent & interconnected, he said, India & Netherlands have convergence of views on the global issues.
Yesterday, Mr Modi also interacted with the CEOs of Dutch companies inviting them to utilize the vast opportunities provided by his ‘Make in India’ initiative.
Prime minister Narendra Modi has said that everything the country have must be world class as the India of the 21st century cannot stay behind when it comes to technology and infrastructure.
Addressing Indian diaspora at a stadium in South Holland’S capital the Hague, Prime minister stressed on larger community participation in development. Mr Modi said, India will have to be modernised at a greater speed.
Addressing the diaspora the Prime Minister announced that five years business visa will soon be granted to the dutch nationals.
Mr. Modi appealed all Indian origin people in Netherlands to apply for their Overseas Citizens of India, OCI, cards at earliest.
Mr Modi praised the Sarnami Indians for maintaining Indianness despite being outside India for around 150 years. He said, despite migrating as labourers to American country of Surinam & then to Netherlands, the Sarnami community has maintained Indian language, culture and traditions.
Emphasizing that relations of blood do not change with change in colour of passport, he said, Indian diaspora across world has feeling of an obligation towards India.
The prime minister Citing the contribution of India’s women across all fields, the prime minister said his government aims at the women-led development.
He said, his government’s thrust has been on jan bhagidari (people’s involvement) in governance as he believed that the country’s progress cannot be ensured only through the government’s work.
He mentioned about various initiatives taken by his government in the sectors like banking, energy and digitalisation and talked about progress being made in areas like space, healthcare and sanitation.
Later, The Prime Minister left for home after concluding his three-nation tour of Portugal, the United States and the Netherlands.
Edit"Netherlands Backs India’s Bid For NSG Entry And A Permanent UNSC Seat"

MEGA CAMP TO FACILITATE DIVYANGJANS

Edit"Mega Camp to facilitate Divyangjans"

THREE JOURNALISTS ARRESTED BY THE BURMESE ARMY

Dear friend
On 26th June, three journalists were arrested by the Burmese Army in Shan State.  Lawi Weng, from The Irrawaddy, and Aye Naing and Pyae Bone Naing from Democratic Voice of Burma, have not been seen or heard from since then. Four other people were arrested with them.
Tell Min Aung Hlaing, head of the military, to free the journalists now! 
The military don’t publish contact details, but Min Aung Hlaing’s staff are regularly updating his Facebook and Twitter accounts, and read messages sent to him on Facebook.
Facebook and Twitter are the quickest way we can get the message to him.
Send this campaign poster to Min Aung Hlaing.
If you have a Facebook or Twitter account, please send Min Aung Hlaing a Facebook message with our campaign picture, and Tweet it to him as well.
1. Send Min Aung Hlaing a message on his Facebook page here. (click the blue ‘Send Message’ button and attach the poster)
2. Tweet the poster to Min Aung Hlaing: @Min_Aung_Hlaing
Min Aung Hlaing doesn’t want the media to report on the human rights violations committed by his troops in ethnic states. Don’t let him get away with arresting journalists and covering up human rights abuses.
Thank you so much for your support.
Anna Roberts
Burma Campaign UK
Share
Tweet
Forward
Our mailing address is:
Burma Campaign UK
28 Charles Square
LondonN1 6HT
United Kingdom
Edit"Three journalists arrested by the Burmese Army"

CULTURAL EVENTS JULY 2017

Ciné-Club – NOCTURAMA

Tuesday, 4th July 2017, 10am
ML Bhartia Auditorium, Alliance Française de Delhi
Initial release: 2016 | Director: Bertrand Bonello
Running time: 2h10min
French with English subtitles | Free Entry Open to All
Plot: Some young folks, tired of the society they’re living in, plan a bomb attack over Paris before to take shelter for a night in a shopping centre.
—————————————————————————————————————————

HISTOIRES VRAIES

A contemporary dance show

Choreographed by Cécile Loyer

Thursday, 6th July 2017, 7pm
ML Bhartia Auditorium, Alliance Française de Delhi
Free Entry | Open to all
In this contemporary dance project, the French artist Cécile Loyer weaves together the stories and the histories of dance.
Histoires Vraies” is, first and foremost, an enquiry into the origins of movement and how movements are passed on. Having been intro­duced to bharathanatyam, Cécile Loyer creates a mix contrasting two different traditions and their use of the body.
On the stage, 2 Indian dancers and 2 European dancers turn themselves into witnesses and nar­rators of their own stories. This bizarre, often funny, chaos of gestures narrates our ‘collective history’ and tries to capture the essence of what dance is and to see whether movements, gestures and signs can help us discover other versions of history – less tangible but more moving!
—————————————————————————————————————————

Ciné-Club – JE FAIS LE MORT 

Tuesday, 18th July 2017, 10am
ML Bhartia Auditorium, Alliance Française de Delhi
Initial release: 2013 | Director: Jean-Paul Salomé
Running time: 1h 44min
French with English subtitles | Free Entry Open to All
Plot: A has-been actor takes a job playing the victims in a homicide re-enactment, where he sparks with the civil officer investigating the real-life crime.
—————————————————————————————————————————

Music: TRIO RANGANATHAN

Thursday, 20th July 2017, 6:30pm
ML Bhartia Auditorium, Alliance Française de Delhi
Free Entry | Open to all
Ranganathan Trio is a presentation by a family: three brothers, three talents. Ajay, 22, playing piano, and the twins Ravi and Théo, 19, playing cello and violin. All three-started learning music at a very early age at a Conservatory in the city of Tours. Afterwards, they have continued their studies with famous professors in various Conservatories in France.
The three virtuoso will share with you the classical pieces by famous European composers such as Piazzola, Strauss, Joplin, Brahms…
—————————————————————————————————————————

Ciné-Club

CHRONIQUES D’UNE COUR DE RECRE

Tuesday, 25th July 2017, 10am
ML Bhartia Auditorium, Alliance Française de Delhi
Initial release: 2013 | Director: Brahim Fritah
Running time: 1h 25min
French-Iranian with english subtitles | Free Entry Open to All
Plot: Pierreffite-sur-Seine, 1980. Brahim, a 10-year-old, lives with his family in the construction factory of cranes. His father, of Moroccan origin, is the keeper of this factory. It is a period full of Novelties for the young boy. But at the plant, a relocation of the site is announced to the South of France. The factory closes and the family of Brahim must move elsewhere.
—————————————————————————————————————————

Ciné-Club – HANNAH ARENDT

Thursday, 27th July 2017, 6:30pm
ML Bhartia Auditorium, Alliance Française de Delhi
Initial release: 2013 | Director: Margarethe von Trotta
Running time: 1h53min
French with English subtitles | Free Entry Open to All
Plot: Writer and philosopher Hannah Arendt (Barbara Sukowa) goes to Israel to cover Adolf Eichmann’s war-crimes trial for The New Yorker magazine.
—————————————————————————————————————————

DR. KHANNA

A play by Tom Alter

Friday, 28th July 2017, 7pm
ML Bhartia Auditorium, Alliance Française de Delhi
Free Entry | Open to all
Tom Alter directs this philosophical drama drama about the perception of one’s own happiness through the story of an unhappy man and his upbeat. Enigmatic psychiatrist played by theatre personality DIVYA ARORA.
About: ‘Dr. Khanna’, play written and directed by Padmashri Tom Alter, staring Divya Arora as the protagonist as she was the only actor in the writer’s mind when he wrote the play. Divya is a much remembered and loved alumna of the Alliance française de Delhi and Lady Shri Ram College for Women, Delhi University.
Presently living and working in Mumbai, Divya revisits Delhi now, after becoming an actor, director, writer and a national awardee herself. Divya Arora interprets Dr. Khanna’s role in “DR. KHANNA” opposite Tom Alter, for a course of precise 45 minute doctor- patient appointment that starts, gradually through the puns of Galib’s famous shayaris. The formal barriers of a patient and his doctor melt into a camaraderie that the two begin to share.
—————————————————————————————————————————
Cine club screenings are open to all. Free admission.
For more details on programs, please contact the cultural section
@ 43500 217 / 218 / 222 | Or E mail: culture@afdelhi.org

Copyright © Alliance Francaise de Delhi, All rights reserved.

Article 0

$
0
0

US CONTINUES TO LABEL INDIA AS TIER-II

Human trafficking report 2017: US continues to label India as Tier-II
According to the June 2017 edition of “Trafficking in persons” report released by the United States State Department, India continues to be placed in tier-2 of human trafficking, the department arguing that the country does not fully meet the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking.
The State Department in its annual Congressional-mandated report on human trafficking claimed that though India does not fully meet the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking but it has been making significant efforts to do so. The government demonstrated increasing efforts compared to the previous reporting period; therefore, India remained on tier-2.
India ‘s efforts were reflected in increasing the number of victims identified, investigations completed, and traffickers convicted, as well as its budget for shelter programmes for female and child trafficking victims. It also adopted an action plan for children, which included plans to prevent child trafficking and protect child victims. However, the government did not meet the minimum standards in several key areas.
The report ruled that overall victim identification and protection remained inadequate and inconsistent and the government sometimes penalised victims through arrests for crimes committed as a result of being subjected to human trafficking.
According to the report, demonetisation had an impact on sex trafficking last year. Some NGOs commented sex trafficking was temporarily reduced until other forms of payment were established. Some NGOs reported a resultant increase in other methods of payment including online payments.
Other NGOs stated workers in the informal economy, including brick kiln workers, were at times paid in void currency notes or were not paid at all due to cash shortages. Both the situations subsequently increased the workers’ vulnerability to debt bondage and forced labour.
As per the report, India is a source, destination, and transit country for men, women, and children subjected to forced labour and sex trafficking. Forced labour constitutes India ‘s largest trafficking problem. Men, women, and children in debt bondage, sometimes inherited from previous generations are forced to work in brick kilns, rice mills, agriculture, and embroidery factories.
Most of India ‘s trafficking problem is internal, and those from the most disadvantaged social strata- lowest caste Dalits, members of tribal communities, religious minorities, and women and girls from excluded groups are most vulnerable.
Within India , some are subjected to forced labour in sectors such as construction, steel, and textile industries, wire manufacturing for underground cables, biscuit factories, pickling, floriculture, fish farms, and ship breaking, among others. Thousands of unregulated work placement agencies reportedly lure adults and children under false promises of employment into sex trafficking or forced labour, including domestic servitude, the report added.
Edit"US continues to label India as Tier-II"

DRIVING ENTREPRENEURSHIP THROUGH SMES

Edit"Driving Entrepreneurship through SMEs"

M6.0 – KERMADEC ISLANDS REGION

Preliminary Earthquake Report
Magnitude6.0
Date-Time
  • 29 Jun 2017 07:03:10 UTC
  • 29 Jun 2017 19:03:10 near epicenter
  • 29 Jun 2017 11:03:10 standard time in your timezone
Location31.101S 179.951E
Depth392 km
Distances
  • 799 km (497 miles) NE (38 degrees) of Auckland, New Zealand
  • 1223 km (760 miles) NNE (24 degrees) of WELLINGTON, New Zealand
Location UncertaintyHorizontal: 7.1 km; Vertical 5.4 km
Edit"M6.0 – KERMADEC ISLANDS REGION"

AUSTRALIA, US BEGIN JOINT MILITARY EXERCISE

Australia and the US began their biggest ever joint military exercises on Thursday, a show of force, largely at sea, aimed at sending a message both to allies and potential foes, including China. The exercises involve 33,000 US and Australian troops on board battleships equipped with strike jets. Admiral Harry Harris, head of the US Pacific Command, asked how he thought China would view the exercises, said the size of the deployment was intended as a signal. “I’m pleased about that message it sends our friends, allies, partners and potential adversaries,” Harris told reporters on board the USS Bonhomme Richard.
Edit"Australia, US begin joint military exercise"

US DOWNGRADES CHINA

The US china  diplomatic trifle goes on various issues ranging from economical to diplomatic channels  the two giants economy and super powers are stuck in various global issues. With new global order the axis of Russia China Iran with their individual interest  the one axis  and the other axis of US NATO -Allied forces Viz US, UK, EU,Israel, Japan Australia and Saudi Arabia formidable.
US State Department has downgraded China’s status in its report on human trafficking to the lowest level. It says the country has not taken serious steps to end its own complicity in trafficking, including North Koreans working as forced laborers in China.The department released its annual Trafficking in Persons report on Tuesday.
The report lowered China’s standing by one notch from last year to the lowest of the 4 ranks — for the first time in 4 years.
Secretary of State Rex Tillerson said North Korean citizens are working overseas as forced laborers to earn foreign currency for their country. He asked nations hosting North Korean laborers to send them home.
The administration of President Donald Trump has placed importance on cooperating with China over North Korea’s nuclear and missile programs. Observers say the latest downgrade is likely to draw a sharp reaction from Beijing.
Japan was given the second highest ranking, unchanged from last year. The report says some women and men are coerced to engage in sexual acts to produce pornographic materials. Media agencies
Edit"US downgrades China"

PRESIDENT DONALD TRUMP TO VISIT FRANCE

US President Donald Trump will visit France for the Bastille Day celebrations on July 14th. His visit will also commemorate the US entry into World War One 100 years ago.White House spokesperson Sean Spicer said on Wednesday that Trump accepted French President Emmanuel Macron’s invitation and will visit Paris.
Spicer says Trump looks forward to reaffirming the United States’ strong ties of friendship with France.
France’s presidency said on Wednesday that US President Donald Trump had accepted an invitation to attend the annual Bastille day military parade in Paris on July 14. “As part of the commemoration marking the 100th anniversary of the entry of the United States into World War I,” Trump has accepted an invitation from President Emmanuel Macron, the French leader’s office said
During this year’s traditional Bastille Day military parade down Paris’ Champs-Elysees avenue, American soldiers will walk together with French soldiers.
The 2 leaders say they will further build on the strong partnership between their countries.
Nonetheless, differences are emerging between the 2 countries on some global issues.
Early this month, Trump decided to pull the United States out of the Paris Agreement on climate change. Macron has expressed regret over the decision. Media agencies
Edit"President Donald Trump to visit France"

MERKEL PUT CLIMATE CHANGE AT THE CENTER OF G20 TALKS

Addressing the challenge of climate change will be one of the central tasks of the upcoming G20 summit of the world’s largest economies in Hamburg, German Chancellor Angela Merkel told lawmakers on Thursday. In a speech to the German parliament, Merkel said she expected discussions on the matter to be difficult in the wake of US President Donald Trump’s decision to withdraw from the Paris climate pact, adding that, as host, she would lead the talks with the aim of furthering the pact’s goals. “We cannot expect easy discussions on climate change at the G20 summit,” she said. “Our differences with the US are clear.”
Edit"Merkel Put climate change at the center of G20 talks"

Article 0

$
0
0

LAUNCH OF GUIDE FOR KENYAN DIASPORA ON REMITTANCES AND INVESTMENT

Kenya – Yesterday (29/06), the UN Migration Agency (IOM) launched Send Money & Invest in Kenya: A Guide for Diaspora Remittances & Investments, in partnership with the Kenyan Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The booklet targets the Kenyan diaspora and provides tips for sending money home through safe, affordable and convenient channels. It also gives guidance on how local savings, payments, donations and investments can be made while abroad.
During the launch, Jane Mwangi, Managing Director of Diaspora Interlink, pointed to research which shows that Kenyans abroad often identify information gaps about affordable transfer channels and investment opportunities as key challenges. Fears of being defrauded also factor high in their concerns.
The guide addresses many of these concerns by providing tips and information, which cover sending money, making payments and investing in Kenya. A key theme in the guide is the role that technology is playing in increasing convenience, supporting autonomy and cutting down costs.
Washington Oloo, Director of the Diaspora and Consular Affairs Directorate, stressed that diaspora remittances and other resources “are of immense importance to the Kenyan economy, with an estimated USD 1.6 billion remitted in 2015.” He highlighted that the Government of Kenya is committed to working with all stakeholders to empower Kenyans abroad to invest back home.
A wide variety of stakeholders attended the event, including diaspora organizations, the African Institute for Remittances (AIR), the GSMA Foundation, money transfer operators, commercial banks, research and policy outfits and Government of Kenya officials.
The guide was developed with the technical support of the ACP-EU Migration Action, an initiative launched by the African, Caribbean and Pacific Group of States (ACP) Secretariat, funded by the European Union (EU) and implemented by IOM.
Edit"Launch of Guide for Kenyan Diaspora on Remittances and Investment"

UN MIGRATION AGENCY WORKS WITH GOVERNMENTS IN EASTERN EUROPE

UN Migration Agency Works with Governments in Eastern Europe on Ethical Recruitment, Preventing Exploitation

Washington, D.C. – The UN Migration Agency (IOM) joined InterAction’s 2017 Forum bringing leading professionals from international development and humanitarian to Washington, D.C., on 20–22 June. InterAction is the US’s largest consortium of Non-Governmental Organizations focused on disaster relief and sustainable development.
During the Forum, IOM’s Assistance to Vulnerable Migrants Unit hosted a breakout session to discuss trafficking in emergency settings.
Moderated by Rick Sandoval – a veteran immigration journalist and director of 100 Reporters Agency – the panel offered an exchange of ideas and an opportunity to compare best practices in responding to trafficking and exploitation during emergency crises.
Human trafficking and exploitation often are direct consequences of crises and not mere byproducts, explained Michela Macchiavello, IOM Specialist, Assistance to Vulnerable Migrants Unit, who cited an IOM study published in 2015. Macchiavello stressed that both human trafficking and exploitation can be “a matter of life and livelihood for victims. For this reason, they need to be given from the outset as much priority as any other crisis response.”
Following the recommendations of this study, IOM is now developing a Global Strategy to fight trafficking and exploitation in crisis. This will allow actors to address such crimes systematically and strengthen IOM’s capacity as well as the ability of first responders, from both the humanitarian and development communities, to respond to these violations in the future.
Too often, victims might not be visible at the beginning of the crisis. One reason for this: the destruction of traditional protection mechanisms that hold sway before a crisis. Therefore, it is vital to start addressing the issue even when victims are not yet visible.
“Victims will surface possibly a few weeks or months into the crisis but by then it may be too late to help them! Larger numbers of victims will have been affected by trafficking, some beyond recovery, and the crime will have expanded much more than if we had acted at the very outset of the crisis,” explained Macchiavello.
Authorities also have key roles to play in mitigating trafficking during crises. “We encourage governments to build the necessary foundations to combat trafficking and to raise awareness of human trafficking indicators among first responders before a crisis hits,” said Greg Hermsmeyer, Senior Coordinator for International Programs, US Department of State, Office to Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons (J/TIP).
He added: “In the wake of a disaster, we recommend that governments immediately implement screening measures without waiting for evidence of trafficking, which takes too long.”
The Department of State’s TIP Office has funded numerous IOM projects on counter-trafficking and exploitation in areas affected by conflict and crisis, including in the Philippines post-Hurricane Haiyan, in the Balkans, and in several African countries.
The UN Migration Agency (IOM) has been protecting and assisting victims of trafficking since the mid-nineties. By the end of 2016, it had assisted close to 90,000 victims worldwide.
Despite efforts by the humanitarian and development communities to address trafficking in situations of crisis, more needs to be done.
“There is a protection gap in the current UN response system through which the needs of the victims of trafficking remain unaddressed. This is why activities addressing human trafficking and exploitation of migrants and refugees need to be included systematically in humanitarian responses to crises,” IOM’s Macchiavello concluded.
For further information, please contact Hajer Naili, IOM Washington. Tel: +1 202 568 3757, Email: hnaili@iom.int
Edit"UN Migration Agency Works with Governments in Eastern Europe"

73RD SESSION OF THE ESCAP COMMISSION SESSION SOUTH ASIAN COUNTRIES

73rd session of the ESCAP Commission Session
South Asian countries underscore centrality of regional cooperation for sustainable energy and the achievement of the SDGs
Seven countries from South and South-West Asia participated in the 73rd session of the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific held in Bangkok from 15 to 19 May 2017. The yearly Commission provides a platform for member States to discuss policy issues and key challenges towards achieving inclusive and sustainable economic and social development in Asia and the Pacific. The session was held under the theme ‘Regional cooperation for sustainable energy’ and placed particular emphasis on how greater economic cooperation and integration can help achieve the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and related Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).Below are salient points from South Asian member States’ country statements delivered at the above Commission session (Ministerial segment). Highlights pertain in particular to the implementation of the SDGs, sustainable energy and the importance of regional cooperation to address common challenges and scale up progress. Full text of the statements can also be accessed from the below links.
  1. Afghanistan
  • Incorporated the SDGs and targets into its National Peace and Development Strategy, and identified and integrated priority areas in the strategies of eight economic and social sectors.
  • Oversees development in all SDGs through the Ministerial Council. Prepares the National SDG document, coordinates among sectors, and reports annually to Council and the cabinet through the Ministry of Economy.
  • Aspires to serve as an energy transit corridor between Central Asia and South Asia.
  • Aspires to serve as cross road between South and Central Asia, particularly in light of recent developments such as the belt and road initiative, the Central Asia-South Asia power project (CASA-1000), Turkmenistan, Afghanistan, Pakistan, India (TAPI) gas pipeline project, five nations railway, digital silk road, etc.
  • Regional Economic Integration is one of the five pillars of Afghanistan National Peace and Development Framework.
  • Aims to open ways for more dialogues and expend regional cooperation.
  1. Bangladesh
  • Declared ‘Vision 2021’ for transforming the country into a middle-income country by 2021.
  • Formed ‘SASEC’, together with India, Nepal, Bhutan, Maldives and Sri Lanka, for initiating cross border electricity trade and utilizing hydro power potential of the subregion.
  • Needs a huge amount of investment and a smooth and steady flow of development assistance from valued development partners for achieving the targets of the 2030 Agenda.
  • Prepared climate change strategy and action plan which also need huge investments and an easy and adequate access to climate funds.
  • Earns remittance as one of the largest receiving countries in the world. Yet stringent measures undertaken by host countries might create a setback in the country’s remittance earning capacity.
  1. Bhutan
  • Welcomes the Regional Road Map for Implementing the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development in Asia and the Pacific.
  • Captured the 17 SDGs (with the exception of Goal 14) in the country’s 11th Five-Year Plan, which is due for completion is June 2018. Currently finalizing the 12th Five Year Plan (2018-2023), based on nine domains of Gross National Happiness that also integrate 16 of the 17 SDGs.
  • Emphasizes a significant concern about the economic vulnerabilities on the graduation track of least developed countries (LDCs), including Bhutan, such as narrow economic base, over reliance on a single sector for revenue, threat of natural disasters, and impacts of climate change etc.
  • Considers that promoting knowledge exchange, best practices, and sharing experiences between graduated and graduating countries could be of particular value.
  • Fully committed to an energy transition towards clean and sustainable energy as a response to climate change.
  • Regional trade and cross border trade in energy requires building of trust through political commitment, investment in infrastructure, the removal of institutional barriers and the normalization and harmonization of standards and regulations.
  1. India
  • Finalizes 15-year Vision Document and 7-year strategy for post five-year plan that ends in 2017. The documents have at their core, the integration of the SDGs into the national context.
  • Plans a mapping of the SDGs to specific national programmes, priorities and targets, and embodies the spirit of the SDGs to India’s development transformation, tailoring them to India’s development needs.
  • Aims to double farmers’ incomes by 2022 through investment in agricultural productivity and extension to promote higher value commodities and sustainable increases in yield and crop intensity.
  • Implements “Skill India” mission and “Make in India” programmes for increasing vocational skills and productive employment.
  • Improves and expands the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act that provides 100 days of essential employment to those living in poverty.
  • Commits to national electrification of villages and cities by the end of 2018.
  • Raises awareness and capacity for sub-national SDG integration, into state and local government plans, programmes, targets and expenditures. The support of the UN Country Team in India, including ESCAP is recognized.
  • Supports initiatives related to regional economic cooperation and integration towards a South Asia Power Grid and South Asia Market for Electricity Trade in Energy Sources-Oil and Gas.
  • Committed to active cooperation to develop the two Southern-Central Asia trunk corridors identified by ESCAP as integral parts of the Asian Highway and Trans-Asian Railway networks.
  1. Nepal
  • Addresses the possibility of a subregional cooperation among LDCs for fostering localized innovation.
  • Includes the use of renewable energy in the strategies of the ongoing 14th Periodic Plan.
  • Recognizes the potential of clean hydropower for satisfying the energy demand in Nepal. Envisions an increase in hydropower production capacity to 2300 MW within the next three years, an amount sufficient enough to export to South Asian countries within the next decade.
  • Emphasizes that the adoption of a regionally coordinated market mechanism by the public and private sectors for accelerating green growth could address the challenges relating to technology transfer, finance and the capacity building needs.
  1. Pakistan
  • Aspires to establish a universal, affordable, efficient and sustainable energy architecture at the national and regional levels through its comprehensive policies on energy security in terms of National Development Strategy: Vision 2025.
  • Aims to establish Pakistan Climate Change Council to prepare and supervise implementation of adaptation and mitigation projects.
  • Launched a Green Pakistan Programme to increase natural resources through afforestation.
  • Develops new regional energy projects such as CASA-1000 and TAPI.
  • Implements a Renewable Energy Resource Mapping activity across the country through Alternative Energy Development Board of Pakistan.
  • Establishes connectivity in the region such as China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, one of the pilot projects of the belt and road initiative.
  • Considers that achieving the SDGs along with regional integration, reinforced by UNESCAP’s guidelines and several regional and subregional initiatives of connectivity in Transport, Energy, Climate Change, ICT, Trade and Economics and other sectors is the best option to leave no one behind.
  1. Sri Lanka
  • Achieved the lower-middle income status, and seeks upward movement by using many socio-economic reforms, including enhanced fiscal management policies.
  • Considers that ensuring energy sufficiency and access is also a vital component in drive towards economic prosperity.
  • Achieved providing almost 100% of households with access to affordable and reliable electricity at all times.
  • Implements a mixed renewable energy generation system, comprising, hydropower, solar, wind, biomass and agriculture based energy, which amounted to 49% of all national electricity needs in 2015.
  • Aims to launch a development program in the coming years to implement effective measures to ensure sustainable energy to meet the country’s future demand.
  • Emphasizes the importance of sharing experiences and supporting Research and Development among member States in addressing technological and other related issues in harnessing renewable energy and sustainable energy resources.
Edit"73rd session of the ESCAP Commission Session South Asian countries"

DMA REJECTS THE RECOMMENDATION OF THE 7TH PAY COMMISSION

Edit"DMA rejects the recommendation of the 7th Pay Commission"

GERMAN PARLIAMENT TOUGH LAW FOR SOCIAL MEDIA

German parliament on Friday approved a plan to fine great example of such up to 50 million euros ($57. 04 million) if they fail to eliminate hateful postings quickly, despite problems the law could limit free manifestation.
Is this German law empowers the government with such massive fine for the social networks to be fearful while writing on the net. Is this is an exercise to take speedy by the government to take action against rumour mongers.
The German parliament on Friday approved a plan to fine social networks up to €50 million if they fail to remove hateful postings quickly, despite concerns the law could limit free expression.
The measure requires social media platforms to remove obviously illegal hate speech and other postings within 24 hours after receiving a notification or complaint, and to block other offensive content within seven days.
Germany has some of the world’s toughest laws covering defamation, public incitement to commit crimes and threats of violence.
But few online cases are prosecuted.
Germany’s Merkel voted against gay marriage
German Chancellor Angela Merkel said on Friday she voted against legalizing gay marriage given her personal view that marriage should be between a man and a woman, but she hoped parliament’s approval of the measure would lead to more social cohesion.“For me, marriage in the basic law is marriage between a man and a woman and that is why I did not vote in favor of this bill today,” she said moments after the 393-266 vote in favor of an amendment that will legalize same-sex marriage. “I hope that the vote today not only promotes respect between different opinions but also brings more social cohesion and peace, she added
Media agencies
Edit"German Parliament tough law for social media"

FRENCH EMBASSY INDIA, SST,SUPPORT SUSHIL REDDY FOR “SUN TRIP TOUR 2017” IN FRANCE


New Delhi, 28 June 2017
French embassy and Institutes of French are making dedicated efforts for students across India with scholarship, sponsorship,training,participation for Indian students to study and participate in their national sports events. One such events are enumerated here for the benefits of the Indian students to prepare and compete globally.
The Section for Science and Technology (SST) of Institut français India, French Embassy in India, is pleased to announce its support for IIT engineer Sushil Reddy, selected to participate as a Special Guest in the solar bicycle rally, “Sun Trip Tour 2017”. Organised by the French ‘Sun Trip Company’, the solar bike rally will take place from 8 to 21 July, 2017. It will pass through some of France’s most beautiful landscapes in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, and cross two neighboring countries, Switzerland and Italy.
Mumbai IITian Sushil Reddy is the Guinness World Record holder for the longest journey on a motorised bicycle. Using a solar-powered motorised bicycle to raise awareness about solar energy, he made a trip around India between 8 May and 25 July 2016, which started and ended in Mumbai, covering a distance of 7,423.88 km
From a young age, Sushil Reddy has displayed deep commitment to promoting low-cost, clean, sustainable energy, both in his academic and personal life. He has contributed greatly towards this by using science, technology, education and tourism.
A month prior to joining the Sun Trip Tour, Sushil embarked on his own Tour de France with his solar bicycle from 1st June to 2nd July 2017, again in a bid to promote the use of solar energy. Starting from Istres, his journey has led him to Toulouse, Bordeaux, La-Roche-sur-Yon, Rennes, Le Mans, Paris, and will finally take him to Lyon. In each city, he is holding seminars and meeting students in universities like Ecole Centrale, Instituts Polytechniques and HEC Paris, with fruitful discussions on the challenges of using solar energy.
Indo-French collaboration
Renewable energy – and solar energy, in particular – is one of the key areas of the Indo-French partnership, involving academics, industry captains and other stakeholders from both the countries, who are collaborating in this fast-growing and promising sector.

The Embassy of France in India, and its Science and Technology Sector (SST) under Institut français India (IFI), aim to ceaselessly develop cutting-edge cooperation in science, technology and innovation for the actors from France and India who share common interests and are interested in collaborating together.
The Section for Science and Technology of Institut français India, Embassy of France in India
supports Sunil Reddy as Special Guest
at France’s solar bicycle rally, Sun Trip Tour 2017
France-Switzerland-Italy, 8-21 July 2017
As a unique opportunity, stakeholders from India and France may benefit from CEFIPRA (www.cefipra.org), which provides financial incentives for organising joint seminars and workshops, and conducting collaborative research projects, including in public-private modes.
The SST provides regular information about the opportunities offered by the two countries for cooperation in science and technology through its website: www.frenchscienceindia.org
Edit"French Embassy India, SST,support Sushil Reddy for “Sun Trip Tour 2017” in France"

INDIA BEAT WEST INDIES

India,  stunned hosts England with a 35-run victory, also made it two wins from two as they overpowered the West Indies by seven wickets at Taunton on Thursday.
Opener Smriti Mandhana got to three figures with an unbeaten 106 following her 90 against England.
She added 108 runs for the third wicket with captain Mithali Raj (46) after India were in trouble at 33 for two chasing a modest 184.
“Smriti played well for her hundred, it was a crucial innings she played,” said Raj.
India´s spinners made life so tough for the West Indies that even the usually dynamic Deandra Dottin — holder of the fastest century in women´s T20Is — could manage a mere seven off 48 balls.
The West Indies slumped to 91 for six before some late-order hitting boosted the total.
“We didn´t get the batting right in the middle,” admitted West Indies captain Stafanie (attn eds: correct) Taylor. “We have the batters to do it but I think it´s up to the batters to take more responsibility in their actions.”
All the eight teams involved play each other once, with the top four contesting the semi-finals.
The final takes place at Lord´s on July 23.
Edit"India beat West Indies"

Article 1

$
0
0

1.5LAKH PEOPLE AFFECTED RIVERS SURGE IN ASSAM

Assam, 1.5 Lakh people have been affected in current surge of water in five districts. Official sources informed that Karimganj district in Barak valley is the worst affected as 1 lakh 34 thousand people are reeling under the fury of flood in this district alone.
Several rivers are flowing above the danger level in Brahmaputra and Barak valley. 266 relief camps and distribution centres have been set up at Karimganj and Cachar districts. Over 5 thousand flood hit people are taking shelter at relief camps. Surging water also damaged huge crop areas in the state.
Edit"1.5Lakh people affected rivers surge in Assam"

EC LAUNCHES SPECIAL DRIVE TO ENROLL LEFT OUT VOTERS

Election Commission (EC) has launched nation wide month long special drive from today for maximization of registration of eligible electors with focus on left out eligible young citizens in age group of 18-19. During the drive, the EC will remove names of registered dead electors, if any, from electoral rolls.
During the month of June , the election officials have completed preparatory work like identification of critical gaps in existing electoral rolls, strengthening of infrastructure and sensitization of ground level electoral machine. The EC has also sent communication to all recognised political parties seeking their cooperation for success of the Special Drive.
During the Special enrollment Drive, which will be completed by 31st July, special attention would be given receiving Form 6 for enrolment of new electors and Removal of names of registered dead electors, if found any.
Edit"EC launches special drive to enroll left out voters"

GROWTH OF EIGHT CORE SECTORS SLOWED TO 3.6 % IN MAY



The growth of eight core sectors slowed to 3.6 per cent in May this year due to fall in output of coal and fertilisers.The growth rate of eight infrastructure sectors including coal, crude oil, fertiliser, steel, cement and electricity was 5.2 per cent in May last year.
According to data released by Ministry of Commerce and Industry,coal and fertiliser productions recorded negative growth of 3.3 per cent and 6.5 per cent respectively. Steel sector growth dipped to 3.7 per cent last month as against 13.4 per cent in May 2016.
Slow growth in key sectors would also have implications on the Index of Industrial Production number as these segments account for about 41 per cent to the total factory output. In April this year, these eight sectors had recorded a growth rate of 2.8 per cent.

Edit"Growth of eight core sectors slowed to 3.6 % in May"

RAHUL GANDHI : GST LAUNCH IS TAMASHA

1376992_419274558173958_172511059_n
Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi has dubbed the implementation of GST as a “tamasha”, saying the reform was being rushed through in a “half-baked” manner. Currently abroad on a holiday, Mr. Gandhi, hit out at the government through twitter. He accused the government of being “insensitive” for rolling out GST without planning, foresight and institutional readiness, as it did during demonetisation.
Meanwhile, the opposition stood a divided house as NCP, JD(U), BSP, BJD, Samajwadi Party and Janata Dal(S) participated in the midnight launch of the GST, while the Congress, RJD, Trinamool Congress, Left, the DMK, National Conference boycotted the launch event.
Ruptures in the opposition unity emerged barely a week after 17 parties joined hands to put up a joint candidate against the ruling NDA nominee for the July 17 Presidential election.
The NCP, a key constituent of the Congress-led UPA, broke away from the Opposition ranks, with its chief Sharad Pawar along with Praful Patel and Tariq Anwar attending the event in the Central Hall of Parliament. Mr. Anwar said his party was attending the GST launch as it had supported the legislation on ushering in the new indirect tax regime in the country.
On behalf of JD(U), its Bihar unit chief and Rajya Sabha member Vashisht Narain Singh attended the event.
The BSP, which stood with opposition unity, was represented by two of their MPs. The Samajwadi Party, which had initially announced the boycott, did a somersault by attending the event, saying it found no problem when the party had supported the GST bill in Parliament.
Edit"Rahul Gandhi : GST launch is Tamasha"

GST AFTER MID-NIGHT LAUNCH

15727124_1389848527693346_3870219220386728666_n
India’s biggest tax reform since independence ‘Goods and Service Tax’ (GST) comes into force after the mid-night launch last night. GST, which brings the entire country under single taxation system, was launched by President Pranab Mukherjee and Prime Minister Narendra Modi by pressing a button at a special function in central Hall of Parliament.
Speaking on the occasion, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said the GST was the result of combined efforts of all political parties and it does not belong to any one party or one government. He said it is a great example of cooperative federalism which shall facilitate inclusive growth of the country. Mr.Modi said all states are slated to gain immensly as they will now get equal opportunities of development. The Prime Minister said GST is the first of its kind system in the country when both centre and states will be putting consolidated efforts in the same direction.
In his address, President Pranab Mukherjee said GST council, centre and states should continuously improve and refine the GST in the same spirit that we have seen till now. He said the GST Council should continuously review the implementation and suggest suitable improvements to the new indirect taxation regime.
Speaking on the occasion, Finance Minister Arun Jaitely said the GST will lower prices, make tax avoidance difficult, boost GDP and bolster government resources allowing greater spending on the welfare of the people. He said there will also be a check on inflation.
GST roll-out – Complete transformation of the Indirect Taxation Landscape
The Goods and Services Tax came into force at midnight, amid a historic midnight session in the Central Hall of Parliament yesterday. Hon’ble President Shri Pranab Mukherjee, Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, and Hon’ble Shri Finance Minister Shri Arun Jaitley addressed the gathering, before the Hon’ble President and the Hon’ble Prime Minister pressed a button to mark the launch of GST.
The Hon’ble President of India, Shri Pranab Mukherjee graced a special function organized to launch the Goods and Services Tax (GST) in the midnight of June 30- July1, 2017 in the Central Hall of Parliament House, New Delhi.
“Speaking on the occasion, the Hon’ble President said that the introduction of GST is a momentous event for the nation. It was also a moment of some satisfaction for him because, as the Finance Minister, he had introduced the Constitution Amendment Bill on 22nd March 2011. He was closely involved in the design and implementation and had the occasion to meet the Empowered Committee of state finance ministers, formally and informally, as many as 16 times. He had also met the Chief Ministers of Gujarat, Bihar, Andhra Pradesh and Maharashtra a number of times. He had a vivid recollection of those meetings and the various matters that were raised. Given the magnitude of the task, which spans constitutional, legal, economic and administrative spheres, it was not a surprise that there were many contentious issues. Yet, he found both in those meetings and in his many interactions with Chief Ministers, Finance Ministers and officers of States, that most of them had a constructive approach and an underlying commitment to the introduction of GST. He, therefore, remained confident that GST was a matter of time and it would eventually be implemented. His confidence stood justified when, on 8th September 2016, after the Bill was passed by both Houses of Parliament and more than 50 percent of State Legislatures, he had the privilege of giving assent to the Constitution (One Hundred and First Amendment) Act.”
Speaking on the occasion, the Hon’ble Prime Minister said that the day marks a decisive turning point, in determining the future course of the country.
The Goods and Services Tax came into force at midnight, amid a historic midnight session in the Central Hall of Parliament. Hon’ble President Shri Pranab Mukherjee, Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, and Hon’ble Finance Minister Shri Arun Jaitley addressed the gathering, before the President and the Prime Minister pressed a button to mark the launch of GST. Speaking on the occasion, the hon’ble Prime Minister said that the day marks a decisive turning point, in determining the future course of the country.
He recalled that the Central Hall had been witness to several historic occasions in the past as well, including the first session of the Constituent Assembly, India’s independence, and the adoption of the Constitution. He described GST is an example of Cooperative Federalism. He quoted Chanakya to say that hard work can overcome all obstacles and help us accomplish even the most difficult of objectives. He said that just as Sardar Patel had ensured political integration of the country, GST would ensure economic integration. Recalling the famous scientist Albert Einstein who said that income tax is the most difficult thing to understand in the world, he said that GST would ensure one nation, one tax. He said that GST would lead to immense savings of time and cost. Savings of fuel due to elimination of delays at State border crossings will help the environment as well, he added. The Prime Minister said GST would lead to a modern tax administration which is simpler, more transparent, and helps curb corruption.

Government  levy of 10% Basic Customs Duty (BCD) on cellular mobile phone, specified parts and certain electronic goods
The Government had constituted Inter Ministerial Committee [IMC] comprising of officers from Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), the Department of Commerce (DoC), Department of Telecommunication (DoT) and Department of Revenue (DoR) to identify electronic / IT / telecom products, which are not Information Technology Agreement [ITA] – I bound, for customs duty enhancement on them.
With effect from 01.07.2017, the Government has imposed 10% basic customs duty (BCD) on:
1) Cellular mobile phones and specified parts of cellular mobile phones like charger, battery, wire headset, Microphone and Receiver, Key Pad, USB Cable etc.
2) Certain other specified electronic goods (Detailed List enclosed)
The present exemption from basic customs duty on specified parts of mobiles, namely, Printed Circuit Board Assembly (PCBA), Camera Module, Connectors Display Assembly, Touch Panel / Cover Glass Assembly, Vibrator Motor / Ringer will continue. Further, inputs and raw material for manufacture of parts of above specified electronics goods including mobile phones will also continue to be exempt from BCD.
Government reduces tax rate on fertilizers from existing 12% to 5 % under GST for the interests of the farmers
Under GST regime, a uniform MRP of Rs. 295.47 per 50 kg bag to be fixed across the country. The GST regime to deter inter-state smuggling of fertilizers by integrating the entire fertilizer market into a single market farmers to benefit to the tune of Rs. 1261 crores under GST regime
The Union Minister for Chemicals & Fertilizers and Parliamentary Affairs, Shri Ananthkumar briefed on the outcome of the 18th meeting of the GST Council, held on 30th June 2017, regarding Fertilizer sector. The Minister said that it was decided to reduce the GST rate of fertilizers from the existing 12% to 5%. This decision was primarily taken in the interests of the farmers. The Government has also taken up with the Industry to pass on the benefit to the Farmers, the Minister informed.
GST Journey
Importance of GST
The biggest tax reform since independence – GST – will pave the way for realization of the goal of One Nation – One Tax – One Market. GST will benefit all the stakeholders namely industry, government and consumer. It will lower the cost of goods and services, give a boost to the economy and make the products and services globally competitive, giving a major boost to ‘Make in India’ initiative. Under the GST regime, exports will be zero-rated in entirety unlike the present system where refund of some of the taxes does not take place due to fragmented nature of indirect taxes between the Centre and the States. GST will make India a common market with common tax rates & procedures and remove economic barriers. GST is largely technology driven and will reduce the human interface to a great extent. GST is expected to improve ease of doing business in India.
In majority of supplies of goods, the tax incidence approved by the GST Council is much lower than the present combined indirect tax rates levied [on account of central excise duty rates / embedded central excise duty rates / service tax post-clearance embedding, VAT rates or weighted average VAT rates, cascading of VAT over excise duty and tax incidence on account of CST, Octroi, Entry Tax, etc.] by the Centre and State(s).
Journey of GST after the Constitutional Amendment Act, 2016
After the assent of the Hon’ble President on 8th September, 2016, the 101th Constitutional Amendment Act, 2016 came into existence. The GST Council was constituted on 15.9.2016.
Since its formation in September, 2016 the GST Council has held 18 meetings. The Finance Ministers of all the States or their representative along with State and Central Government officials have participated in these extensive meetings and formulated the law and procedure to implement this historic tax reform. It was a mammoth task involving 27000+ man hours of intensive work. More than 200 meetings of the officers of the Centre and States took place in different parts of the country to expedite the implementation of GST.
While framing GST Acts and Rules, enhanced ‘Ease of doing business’ for the taxpayers was a key consideration and accordingly the roles and responsibilities of the States and Central govt have been defined. In a short span of time, the GST council has cleared GST laws, GST Rules, Tax rate structure including Compensation Cess, Classification of goods and services into different rate slabs, exemptions, thresholds, structure for tax administration, etc. All the decisions of Council were taken with consensus. While formulating the Acts and Rules, extensive participatory consultations with trade and industry including other significant stakeholders were undertaken. Feedback was also obtained by posting draft Acts and Rules on the websites and inviting comments from the public.
On 29th March, 2017, the Hon’ble Finance Minister of India tabled four Goods and Services Tax (GST) Bills for consideration and passage in the Lok Sabha namely The Central Goods and Services Tax (CGST) Bill, 2017, The Integrated Goods and Services Tax (IGST) Bill, 2017, The Union Territories Goods and Services Tax (UTGST) Bill, 2017 and the GST (Compensation to States) Bill, 2017. They were passed by the Lok Sabha on 29th March, 2017 and by the Rajya Sabha on 6th April, 2017.
The GST Council has decided the final structure of GST as follows:
The threshold limit for exemption from levy of GST is Rs. 20 lakh for the States except for the Special Category, where it is Rs 10 Lakh.
A four slab tax rate structure of 5%, 12%, 18% and 28% has been adopted for GST. A cess would be levied on certain goods such as luxury cars, aerated drinks, pan masala and tobacco products, over and above the GST rate of 28% for payment of compensation to the states.
The threshold for availing the Composition scheme is Rs. 75 lakh except for special category States where it is Rs. 50 lakh and they are required to file quarterly returns only. Certain categories of manufacturers, service providers (except restaurants) are out of the Composition Scheme.
Features of GST
GST envisages all transactions and processes to be done only through electronic mode, to achieve non-intrusive administration. This will minimise tax payers physical interaction with the tax officials.
GST provides for the facility of auto-populated monthly returns and annual return.
It also facilitates the taxpayers by prescribing grant of refund within 60 days, and provisional release of 90% refund to exporters within 7 days. Further facilitation measures include interest payment if refund is not sanctioned in time, and refund to be directly credited to bank accounts.
Comprehensive transitional provisions for ensuring smooth transition of existing taxpayers to GST regime, credit for available stocks, etc.
Other provisions include system of GST Compliance Rating, etc.
Anti-profiteering provisions for protection of consumer rights.
Role of GST Network (GSTN)
GSTN has been created as a section 25 private limited company with Strategic Control with the Government, to function as a common Pass-through portal for taxpayers. On this common portal, taxpayers will submit their registration applications, file returns, make tax payments, claim refunds etc. GSTN has been provided with a robust IT platform and it will provide interface to 80 lakh taxpayers and thousands of tax officials. All filings under GST will be done electronically. While GSTN remains a front-end, at the back end, the IT systems of CBEC and different states interface with the GSTN IT network to provide a seamless end to end processing of tax returns for the taxpayers. 64,000 officials have been trained on the GST portal from February till June 2017. The GSTN IT systems have undergone load tests, performance tests, vulnerability tests, security and all other mandatory tests.
Enrolment of existing taxpayers of the State tax administrations and the Central Board of Excise and Customs to the GST system commenced on 8thNovember, 2016. More than 66 lakh taxpayers have activated their account at the GST portal.
GST Application on Payment has been operationalized. 25 banks have been integrated with the GST Common portal and will be providing e-payment and Over the counter payment facilities as well as payment through NeFT/RTGS and credit/debit card.
GST OUTREACH PROGRAMME
The Government has stepped up its outreach programme through various events, workshops, media, television to reach masses. Field formations of CBEC, at all levels have been activated to carry out interaction with the trade and industry to help them with the migration to GST and to clear their doubts. The field units of CBEC have run campaigns using mobile vans to reach the assessees at their door-step to help them with the GST migration and transitional issues. A total of 4700 workshops have been conducted across India.
An extensive multi-media campaign through print and electronic media, outdoor hoardings, etc. has been carried out for informing, educating and assisting taxpayers and other stake-holders to enable a smooth transition to GST.
RE-ORGANISATION OF CBEC
Implementation of GST has necessitated reorganisation of the Central Board of Excise & Customs (CBEC) formations for administration of GST. The reorganisation involved bringing about structural changes and redeployment of human resources. Redeployment has been done to ensure outreach to the remotest corner. The Directorates which have significant role under the GST have been adequately expanded and strengthened.
The field formations have been restructured as 21 CGST & CX Zones, 107 CGST & CX Commissionerates, 12 Sub-Commissionerates, 768 CGST & CX Divisions, 3969 CGST & CX Ranges, 48 Audit Commissionerates and 49 Appeal Commissionerates.
TRAINING
For a smooth roll out of GST, it was imperative to carry out adequate capacity-building exercise and awareness. National Academy of Customs Indirect Taxes and Narcotics (NACIN) have conducted extensive training programs. In the first phase, nearly 52,000 officers were trained during September, 2016 to January, 2017 through a multi-layered training programme across India. A Refresher Training was also conducted on updated Law, Rules and Procedures and a total of 17,213 officials were trained till 23rd June, 2017. Under the Accredited GST Training Programme, 20 institutes have been certified as ‘Approved Training Partners’ to impart ‘quality training at reasonable cost’ to members of trade/industry and other stakeholders. 2,565 participants have been trained so far (ongoing). NACIN have also trained 2,611 officers from 92 Ministries/PSUs trained so far.
Edit"GST after mid-night launch"

34TH YOUTH NATIONAL BASKETBALL CHAMPIONSHIP TIPS OFF IN HYDERABAD

Delhi_centre_Aryan__guards_the_paint_against_Haryana_during_their_overtime_loss
  • The 34th Youth National Basketball Championship for Boys and Girls tipped off this morning at the Indoor Stadium, Gachibowli in Hyderabad.
  • The opening ceremony will be held at 4 pm today with Shri T Padma Rao Goud and Shri Dr Vivek Anand as chief guests, and numerous other guests of honour and special invitees.
  • Defending Champs Tamil Nadu girls have opened with an easy win over Rajasthan, while Punjab and Karnataka boys too have registered important victories.
  • In an exciting overtime game, Haryana boys have beaten Delhi 69-65.
Bengaluru, 1st July 2017:  The 34th Youth National Basketball Championship for Boys and Girls has tipped off at the Indoor Stadium, Gachibowli in Hyderabad.

The Championship is being organized by the Hyderabad District Basketball Association under the aegis of the Telangana Basketball Association and the Basketball Federation of India.

In the morning matches so far, defending champions Tamil Nadu girls have opened with an easy 76-31 win over Rajasthan. In the boys section, Karnataka and Punjab also registered important victories over Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh respectively. Last year’s semifinalists Karnataka trailed at the end of the first and second quarters before a strong showing in the third period saw them outlast their opponents from western India. In the Punjab vs Chhattisgarh boys game, repeated turnovers in the third quarter cost Chhattisgarh dearly as Punjab was able to pull away for the easy double digit win.

Arguably the most exciting match of the morning was between Haryana and Delhi boys. This level 1 Group A league encounter started with Delhi dominating, with 14-7 and 13-9 opening quarters. That’s when the momentum shifted drastically towards Haryana who clawed their way back in the second half. A buzzer beating two pointer by Haryana’s Mukesh pushed the game into overtime and they continued to shine in the extra five minutes to hand Delhi the heartbreaking loss.

In lower level 2 games, Himachal Pradesh boys and girls, West Bengal girls and MP girls too posted victories in their respective bids to get elevated to Level 1.

Results from Day 1 (1st July 2017) until 1:00 pm


Girls
Level 1

Group A
  1. Tamil Nadu (S Pushpa 14, S Lakshmipriya 13, Monica 10) bt Rajasthan (Ankita Mandia 11, Shatakshi 9, Akshita 8) 76-31 [25-8, 25-10, 14-9, 12-4]

Level 2
Group C
  1. Himachal Pradesh (Pallavi 14, Ramandeep 9, Ananya 8) bt Goa (Katherine Barr 10, Shimei Nathan 6) 49-27 [18-4, 12-6, 14-10, 5-7]
Group D
  1. West Bengal (J Routh 18, B Das 12, M Singh 12) bt Uttarakhand (Srishti Sharma 14) 74-20 [18-0, 15-0, 17-6, 24-14]

Boys
Level 1
Group A
  1. Karnataka (Prashant T 21, Akshan Rao 13, S Sreenivas 10) bt Rajasthan (Kuldeep Singh 23, Digvijay 16, Rajveer 10) 70-65 [13-18, 21-17, 27-16, 9-14]
  2. Haryana (Mukesh 24, Gaurav 18) bt Delhi (Nitish 29, Aman 20) 69-65 [14-7, 13-9, 16-23, 17-21, 9-5(OT)]
Group B
  1. Punjab (Akashdeep Sharma 27, H Singh 9, Md Singh Gill 8) bt Chhattisgarh (Ayushman Singh 14, Govind 11, Ritesh Yadav 08) 55-42 [16-8, 04-12, 18-9, 17-13]

Level 2
Group C
  1. Himachal Pradesh (Abhay 25, S Singh 13, Sahil 6) bt Chandigarh (Sahaij 15, Jaskaran 15, Harkirat 08) 61-55 [6-18, 16-8, 14-11, 25-18]

Group E
  1. Madhya Pradesh (Uday Veer Yadav 29, Divyaraj Singh 23, Mani Thakur 6) bt Odisha (Chitta Ranjan 8, Harsh Vardhar 7, Soilen Mondal 7) 62-26 [23-06, 17-09, 18-06, 04-05]

About the 34th Youth National Basketball Championship

The Championship is featuring 26 boys’ teams and 25 girls’ teams in the U16 age group, from various Indian States and Union territories, and is being played in a league cum knockout format.

The matches are being played at the Indoor Stadium, Gachibowli, Hyderabad from 1st to 8th July.


The teams are grouped into two levels –Level 1 features the top 10 teams from the previous championship divided into two groups of five teams each (Group A and B), while Level 2 features the remaining teams divided into four groups (Group C, D, E, F).

In the league stages, all the teams play each of the other teams in their group once. The top three teams from each of the groups in Level 1 advance directly to the quarterfinals, while the fourth placed teams play pre-quarterfinal games against the top two teams from Level 2.

The competition is expected to be fierce beyond the immediate prospect of glory, because the teams that finish last in each of the groups in Level 1 are relegated to Level 2 for the next edition of the tournament, while the Level 2 teams that qualified for the pre-quarterfinals will replace them in Level 1 in the next edition.

Over the years, this Championship has provided a platform for the country’s best players in the U16 category to showcase their talents. This allows selectors to identify and shortlist the most promising players and coaches to parachute into national team training camps with an eye towards participation in international events.

About Basketball Federation of India

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

Edit"34th Youth National Basketball Championship tips off in Hyderabad"

Article 0

$
0
0

1.5LAKH PEOPLE AFFECTED RIVERS SURGE IN ASSAM

Assam, 1.5 Lakh people have been affected in current surge of water in five districts. Official sources informed that Karimganj district in Barak valley is the worst affected as 1 lakh 34 thousand people are reeling under the fury of flood in this district alone.
Several rivers are flowing above the danger level in Brahmaputra and Barak valley. 266 relief camps and distribution centres have been set up at Karimganj and Cachar districts. Over 5 thousand flood hit people are taking shelter at relief camps. Surging water also damaged huge crop areas in the state.
Edit"1.5Lakh people affected rivers surge in Assam"

EC LAUNCHES SPECIAL DRIVE TO ENROLL LEFT OUT VOTERS

Election Commission (EC) has launched nation wide month long special drive from today for maximization of registration of eligible electors with focus on left out eligible young citizens in age group of 18-19. During the drive, the EC will remove names of registered dead electors, if any, from electoral rolls.
During the month of June , the election officials have completed preparatory work like identification of critical gaps in existing electoral rolls, strengthening of infrastructure and sensitization of ground level electoral machine. The EC has also sent communication to all recognised political parties seeking their cooperation for success of the Special Drive.
During the Special enrollment Drive, which will be completed by 31st July, special attention would be given receiving Form 6 for enrolment of new electors and Removal of names of registered dead electors, if found any.
Edit"EC launches special drive to enroll left out voters"

GROWTH OF EIGHT CORE SECTORS SLOWED TO 3.6 % IN MAY



The growth of eight core sectors slowed to 3.6 per cent in May this year due to fall in output of coal and fertilisers.The growth rate of eight infrastructure sectors including coal, crude oil, fertiliser, steel, cement and electricity was 5.2 per cent in May last year.
According to data released by Ministry of Commerce and Industry,coal and fertiliser productions recorded negative growth of 3.3 per cent and 6.5 per cent respectively. Steel sector growth dipped to 3.7 per cent last month as against 13.4 per cent in May 2016.
Slow growth in key sectors would also have implications on the Index of Industrial Production number as these segments account for about 41 per cent to the total factory output. In April this year, these eight sectors had recorded a growth rate of 2.8 per cent.

Edit"Growth of eight core sectors slowed to 3.6 % in May"

RAHUL GANDHI : GST LAUNCH IS TAMASHA

1376992_419274558173958_172511059_n
Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi has dubbed the implementation of GST as a “tamasha”, saying the reform was being rushed through in a “half-baked” manner. Currently abroad on a holiday, Mr. Gandhi, hit out at the government through twitter. He accused the government of being “insensitive” for rolling out GST without planning, foresight and institutional readiness, as it did during demonetisation.
Meanwhile, the opposition stood a divided house as NCP, JD(U), BSP, BJD, Samajwadi Party and Janata Dal(S) participated in the midnight launch of the GST, while the Congress, RJD, Trinamool Congress, Left, the DMK, National Conference boycotted the launch event.
Ruptures in the opposition unity emerged barely a week after 17 parties joined hands to put up a joint candidate against the ruling NDA nominee for the July 17 Presidential election.
The NCP, a key constituent of the Congress-led UPA, broke away from the Opposition ranks, with its chief Sharad Pawar along with Praful Patel and Tariq Anwar attending the event in the Central Hall of Parliament. Mr. Anwar said his party was attending the GST launch as it had supported the legislation on ushering in the new indirect tax regime in the country.
On behalf of JD(U), its Bihar unit chief and Rajya Sabha member Vashisht Narain Singh attended the event.
The BSP, which stood with opposition unity, was represented by two of their MPs. The Samajwadi Party, which had initially announced the boycott, did a somersault by attending the event, saying it found no problem when the party had supported the GST bill in Parliament.
Edit"Rahul Gandhi : GST launch is Tamasha"

GST AFTER MID-NIGHT LAUNCH

15727124_1389848527693346_3870219220386728666_n
India’s biggest tax reform since independence ‘Goods and Service Tax’ (GST) comes into force after the mid-night launch last night. GST, which brings the entire country under single taxation system, was launched by President Pranab Mukherjee and Prime Minister Narendra Modi by pressing a button at a special function in central Hall of Parliament.
Speaking on the occasion, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said the GST was the result of combined efforts of all political parties and it does not belong to any one party or one government. He said it is a great example of cooperative federalism which shall facilitate inclusive growth of the country. Mr.Modi said all states are slated to gain immensly as they will now get equal opportunities of development. The Prime Minister said GST is the first of its kind system in the country when both centre and states will be putting consolidated efforts in the same direction.
In his address, President Pranab Mukherjee said GST council, centre and states should continuously improve and refine the GST in the same spirit that we have seen till now. He said the GST Council should continuously review the implementation and suggest suitable improvements to the new indirect taxation regime.
Speaking on the occasion, Finance Minister Arun Jaitely said the GST will lower prices, make tax avoidance difficult, boost GDP and bolster government resources allowing greater spending on the welfare of the people. He said there will also be a check on inflation.
GST roll-out – Complete transformation of the Indirect Taxation Landscape
The Goods and Services Tax came into force at midnight, amid a historic midnight session in the Central Hall of Parliament yesterday. Hon’ble President Shri Pranab Mukherjee, Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, and Hon’ble Shri Finance Minister Shri Arun Jaitley addressed the gathering, before the Hon’ble President and the Hon’ble Prime Minister pressed a button to mark the launch of GST.
The Hon’ble President of India, Shri Pranab Mukherjee graced a special function organized to launch the Goods and Services Tax (GST) in the midnight of June 30- July1, 2017 in the Central Hall of Parliament House, New Delhi.
“Speaking on the occasion, the Hon’ble President said that the introduction of GST is a momentous event for the nation. It was also a moment of some satisfaction for him because, as the Finance Minister, he had introduced the Constitution Amendment Bill on 22nd March 2011. He was closely involved in the design and implementation and had the occasion to meet the Empowered Committee of state finance ministers, formally and informally, as many as 16 times. He had also met the Chief Ministers of Gujarat, Bihar, Andhra Pradesh and Maharashtra a number of times. He had a vivid recollection of those meetings and the various matters that were raised. Given the magnitude of the task, which spans constitutional, legal, economic and administrative spheres, it was not a surprise that there were many contentious issues. Yet, he found both in those meetings and in his many interactions with Chief Ministers, Finance Ministers and officers of States, that most of them had a constructive approach and an underlying commitment to the introduction of GST. He, therefore, remained confident that GST was a matter of time and it would eventually be implemented. His confidence stood justified when, on 8th September 2016, after the Bill was passed by both Houses of Parliament and more than 50 percent of State Legislatures, he had the privilege of giving assent to the Constitution (One Hundred and First Amendment) Act.”
Speaking on the occasion, the Hon’ble Prime Minister said that the day marks a decisive turning point, in determining the future course of the country.
The Goods and Services Tax came into force at midnight, amid a historic midnight session in the Central Hall of Parliament. Hon’ble President Shri Pranab Mukherjee, Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, and Hon’ble Finance Minister Shri Arun Jaitley addressed the gathering, before the President and the Prime Minister pressed a button to mark the launch of GST. Speaking on the occasion, the hon’ble Prime Minister said that the day marks a decisive turning point, in determining the future course of the country.
He recalled that the Central Hall had been witness to several historic occasions in the past as well, including the first session of the Constituent Assembly, India’s independence, and the adoption of the Constitution. He described GST is an example of Cooperative Federalism. He quoted Chanakya to say that hard work can overcome all obstacles and help us accomplish even the most difficult of objectives. He said that just as Sardar Patel had ensured political integration of the country, GST would ensure economic integration. Recalling the famous scientist Albert Einstein who said that income tax is the most difficult thing to understand in the world, he said that GST would ensure one nation, one tax. He said that GST would lead to immense savings of time and cost. Savings of fuel due to elimination of delays at State border crossings will help the environment as well, he added. The Prime Minister said GST would lead to a modern tax administration which is simpler, more transparent, and helps curb corruption.

Government  levy of 10% Basic Customs Duty (BCD) on cellular mobile phone, specified parts and certain electronic goods
The Government had constituted Inter Ministerial Committee [IMC] comprising of officers from Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), the Department of Commerce (DoC), Department of Telecommunication (DoT) and Department of Revenue (DoR) to identify electronic / IT / telecom products, which are not Information Technology Agreement [ITA] – I bound, for customs duty enhancement on them.
With effect from 01.07.2017, the Government has imposed 10% basic customs duty (BCD) on:
1) Cellular mobile phones and specified parts of cellular mobile phones like charger, battery, wire headset, Microphone and Receiver, Key Pad, USB Cable etc.
2) Certain other specified electronic goods (Detailed List enclosed)
The present exemption from basic customs duty on specified parts of mobiles, namely, Printed Circuit Board Assembly (PCBA), Camera Module, Connectors Display Assembly, Touch Panel / Cover Glass Assembly, Vibrator Motor / Ringer will continue. Further, inputs and raw material for manufacture of parts of above specified electronics goods including mobile phones will also continue to be exempt from BCD.
Government reduces tax rate on fertilizers from existing 12% to 5 % under GST for the interests of the farmers
Under GST regime, a uniform MRP of Rs. 295.47 per 50 kg bag to be fixed across the country. The GST regime to deter inter-state smuggling of fertilizers by integrating the entire fertilizer market into a single market farmers to benefit to the tune of Rs. 1261 crores under GST regime
The Union Minister for Chemicals & Fertilizers and Parliamentary Affairs, Shri Ananthkumar briefed on the outcome of the 18th meeting of the GST Council, held on 30th June 2017, regarding Fertilizer sector. The Minister said that it was decided to reduce the GST rate of fertilizers from the existing 12% to 5%. This decision was primarily taken in the interests of the farmers. The Government has also taken up with the Industry to pass on the benefit to the Farmers, the Minister informed.
GST Journey
Importance of GST
The biggest tax reform since independence – GST – will pave the way for realization of the goal of One Nation – One Tax – One Market. GST will benefit all the stakeholders namely industry, government and consumer. It will lower the cost of goods and services, give a boost to the economy and make the products and services globally competitive, giving a major boost to ‘Make in India’ initiative. Under the GST regime, exports will be zero-rated in entirety unlike the present system where refund of some of the taxes does not take place due to fragmented nature of indirect taxes between the Centre and the States. GST will make India a common market with common tax rates & procedures and remove economic barriers. GST is largely technology driven and will reduce the human interface to a great extent. GST is expected to improve ease of doing business in India.
In majority of supplies of goods, the tax incidence approved by the GST Council is much lower than the present combined indirect tax rates levied [on account of central excise duty rates / embedded central excise duty rates / service tax post-clearance embedding, VAT rates or weighted average VAT rates, cascading of VAT over excise duty and tax incidence on account of CST, Octroi, Entry Tax, etc.] by the Centre and State(s).
Journey of GST after the Constitutional Amendment Act, 2016
After the assent of the Hon’ble President on 8th September, 2016, the 101th Constitutional Amendment Act, 2016 came into existence. The GST Council was constituted on 15.9.2016.
Since its formation in September, 2016 the GST Council has held 18 meetings. The Finance Ministers of all the States or their representative along with State and Central Government officials have participated in these extensive meetings and formulated the law and procedure to implement this historic tax reform. It was a mammoth task involving 27000+ man hours of intensive work. More than 200 meetings of the officers of the Centre and States took place in different parts of the country to expedite the implementation of GST.
While framing GST Acts and Rules, enhanced ‘Ease of doing business’ for the taxpayers was a key consideration and accordingly the roles and responsibilities of the States and Central govt have been defined. In a short span of time, the GST council has cleared GST laws, GST Rules, Tax rate structure including Compensation Cess, Classification of goods and services into different rate slabs, exemptions, thresholds, structure for tax administration, etc. All the decisions of Council were taken with consensus. While formulating the Acts and Rules, extensive participatory consultations with trade and industry including other significant stakeholders were undertaken. Feedback was also obtained by posting draft Acts and Rules on the websites and inviting comments from the public.
On 29th March, 2017, the Hon’ble Finance Minister of India tabled four Goods and Services Tax (GST) Bills for consideration and passage in the Lok Sabha namely The Central Goods and Services Tax (CGST) Bill, 2017, The Integrated Goods and Services Tax (IGST) Bill, 2017, The Union Territories Goods and Services Tax (UTGST) Bill, 2017 and the GST (Compensation to States) Bill, 2017. They were passed by the Lok Sabha on 29th March, 2017 and by the Rajya Sabha on 6th April, 2017.
The GST Council has decided the final structure of GST as follows:
The threshold limit for exemption from levy of GST is Rs. 20 lakh for the States except for the Special Category, where it is Rs 10 Lakh.
A four slab tax rate structure of 5%, 12%, 18% and 28% has been adopted for GST. A cess would be levied on certain goods such as luxury cars, aerated drinks, pan masala and tobacco products, over and above the GST rate of 28% for payment of compensation to the states.
The threshold for availing the Composition scheme is Rs. 75 lakh except for special category States where it is Rs. 50 lakh and they are required to file quarterly returns only. Certain categories of manufacturers, service providers (except restaurants) are out of the Composition Scheme.
Features of GST
GST envisages all transactions and processes to be done only through electronic mode, to achieve non-intrusive administration. This will minimise tax payers physical interaction with the tax officials.
GST provides for the facility of auto-populated monthly returns and annual return.
It also facilitates the taxpayers by prescribing grant of refund within 60 days, and provisional release of 90% refund to exporters within 7 days. Further facilitation measures include interest payment if refund is not sanctioned in time, and refund to be directly credited to bank accounts.
Comprehensive transitional provisions for ensuring smooth transition of existing taxpayers to GST regime, credit for available stocks, etc.
Other provisions include system of GST Compliance Rating, etc.
Anti-profiteering provisions for protection of consumer rights.
Role of GST Network (GSTN)
GSTN has been created as a section 25 private limited company with Strategic Control with the Government, to function as a common Pass-through portal for taxpayers. On this common portal, taxpayers will submit their registration applications, file returns, make tax payments, claim refunds etc. GSTN has been provided with a robust IT platform and it will provide interface to 80 lakh taxpayers and thousands of tax officials. All filings under GST will be done electronically. While GSTN remains a front-end, at the back end, the IT systems of CBEC and different states interface with the GSTN IT network to provide a seamless end to end processing of tax returns for the taxpayers. 64,000 officials have been trained on the GST portal from February till June 2017. The GSTN IT systems have undergone load tests, performance tests, vulnerability tests, security and all other mandatory tests.
Enrolment of existing taxpayers of the State tax administrations and the Central Board of Excise and Customs to the GST system commenced on 8thNovember, 2016. More than 66 lakh taxpayers have activated their account at the GST portal.
GST Application on Payment has been operationalized. 25 banks have been integrated with the GST Common portal and will be providing e-payment and Over the counter payment facilities as well as payment through NeFT/RTGS and credit/debit card.
GST OUTREACH PROGRAMME
The Government has stepped up its outreach programme through various events, workshops, media, television to reach masses. Field formations of CBEC, at all levels have been activated to carry out interaction with the trade and industry to help them with the migration to GST and to clear their doubts. The field units of CBEC have run campaigns using mobile vans to reach the assessees at their door-step to help them with the GST migration and transitional issues. A total of 4700 workshops have been conducted across India.
An extensive multi-media campaign through print and electronic media, outdoor hoardings, etc. has been carried out for informing, educating and assisting taxpayers and other stake-holders to enable a smooth transition to GST.
RE-ORGANISATION OF CBEC
Implementation of GST has necessitated reorganisation of the Central Board of Excise & Customs (CBEC) formations for administration of GST. The reorganisation involved bringing about structural changes and redeployment of human resources. Redeployment has been done to ensure outreach to the remotest corner. The Directorates which have significant role under the GST have been adequately expanded and strengthened.
The field formations have been restructured as 21 CGST & CX Zones, 107 CGST & CX Commissionerates, 12 Sub-Commissionerates, 768 CGST & CX Divisions, 3969 CGST & CX Ranges, 48 Audit Commissionerates and 49 Appeal Commissionerates.
TRAINING
For a smooth roll out of GST, it was imperative to carry out adequate capacity-building exercise and awareness. National Academy of Customs Indirect Taxes and Narcotics (NACIN) have conducted extensive training programs. In the first phase, nearly 52,000 officers were trained during September, 2016 to January, 2017 through a multi-layered training programme across India. A Refresher Training was also conducted on updated Law, Rules and Procedures and a total of 17,213 officials were trained till 23rd June, 2017. Under the Accredited GST Training Programme, 20 institutes have been certified as ‘Approved Training Partners’ to impart ‘quality training at reasonable cost’ to members of trade/industry and other stakeholders. 2,565 participants have been trained so far (ongoing). NACIN have also trained 2,611 officers from 92 Ministries/PSUs trained so far.
Edit"GST after mid-night launch"

34TH YOUTH NATIONAL BASKETBALL CHAMPIONSHIP TIPS OFF IN HYDERABAD

Delhi_centre_Aryan__guards_the_paint_against_Haryana_during_their_overtime_loss
  • The 34th Youth National Basketball Championship for Boys and Girls tipped off this morning at the Indoor Stadium, Gachibowli in Hyderabad.
  • The opening ceremony will be held at 4 pm today with Shri T Padma Rao Goud and Shri Dr Vivek Anand as chief guests, and numerous other guests of honour and special invitees.
  • Defending Champs Tamil Nadu girls have opened with an easy win over Rajasthan, while Punjab and Karnataka boys too have registered important victories.
  • In an exciting overtime game, Haryana boys have beaten Delhi 69-65.
Bengaluru, 1st July 2017:  The 34th Youth National Basketball Championship for Boys and Girls has tipped off at the Indoor Stadium, Gachibowli in Hyderabad.

The Championship is being organized by the Hyderabad District Basketball Association under the aegis of the Telangana Basketball Association and the Basketball Federation of India.

In the morning matches so far, defending champions Tamil Nadu girls have opened with an easy 76-31 win over Rajasthan. In the boys section, Karnataka and Punjab also registered important victories over Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh respectively. Last year’s semifinalists Karnataka trailed at the end of the first and second quarters before a strong showing in the third period saw them outlast their opponents from western India. In the Punjab vs Chhattisgarh boys game, repeated turnovers in the third quarter cost Chhattisgarh dearly as Punjab was able to pull away for the easy double digit win.

Arguably the most exciting match of the morning was between Haryana and Delhi boys. This level 1 Group A league encounter started with Delhi dominating, with 14-7 and 13-9 opening quarters. That’s when the momentum shifted drastically towards Haryana who clawed their way back in the second half. A buzzer beating two pointer by Haryana’s Mukesh pushed the game into overtime and they continued to shine in the extra five minutes to hand Delhi the heartbreaking loss.

In lower level 2 games, Himachal Pradesh boys and girls, West Bengal girls and MP girls too posted victories in their respective bids to get elevated to Level 1.

Results from Day 1 (1st July 2017) until 1:00 pm


Girls
Level 1

Group A
  1. Tamil Nadu (S Pushpa 14, S Lakshmipriya 13, Monica 10) bt Rajasthan (Ankita Mandia 11, Shatakshi 9, Akshita 8) 76-31 [25-8, 25-10, 14-9, 12-4]

Level 2
Group C
  1. Himachal Pradesh (Pallavi 14, Ramandeep 9, Ananya 8) bt Goa (Katherine Barr 10, Shimei Nathan 6) 49-27 [18-4, 12-6, 14-10, 5-7]
Group D
  1. West Bengal (J Routh 18, B Das 12, M Singh 12) bt Uttarakhand (Srishti Sharma 14) 74-20 [18-0, 15-0, 17-6, 24-14]

Boys
Level 1
Group A
  1. Karnataka (Prashant T 21, Akshan Rao 13, S Sreenivas 10) bt Rajasthan (Kuldeep Singh 23, Digvijay 16, Rajveer 10) 70-65 [13-18, 21-17, 27-16, 9-14]
  2. Haryana (Mukesh 24, Gaurav 18) bt Delhi (Nitish 29, Aman 20) 69-65 [14-7, 13-9, 16-23, 17-21, 9-5(OT)]
Group B
  1. Punjab (Akashdeep Sharma 27, H Singh 9, Md Singh Gill 8) bt Chhattisgarh (Ayushman Singh 14, Govind 11, Ritesh Yadav 08) 55-42 [16-8, 04-12, 18-9, 17-13]

Level 2
Group C
  1. Himachal Pradesh (Abhay 25, S Singh 13, Sahil 6) bt Chandigarh (Sahaij 15, Jaskaran 15, Harkirat 08) 61-55 [6-18, 16-8, 14-11, 25-18]

Group E
  1. Madhya Pradesh (Uday Veer Yadav 29, Divyaraj Singh 23, Mani Thakur 6) bt Odisha (Chitta Ranjan 8, Harsh Vardhar 7, Soilen Mondal 7) 62-26 [23-06, 17-09, 18-06, 04-05]

About the 34th Youth National Basketball Championship

The Championship is featuring 26 boys’ teams and 25 girls’ teams in the U16 age group, from various Indian States and Union territories, and is being played in a league cum knockout format.

The matches are being played at the Indoor Stadium, Gachibowli, Hyderabad from 1st to 8th July.


The teams are grouped into two levels –Level 1 features the top 10 teams from the previous championship divided into two groups of five teams each (Group A and B), while Level 2 features the remaining teams divided into four groups (Group C, D, E, F).

In the league stages, all the teams play each of the other teams in their group once. The top three teams from each of the groups in Level 1 advance directly to the quarterfinals, while the fourth placed teams play pre-quarterfinal games against the top two teams from Level 2.

The competition is expected to be fierce beyond the immediate prospect of glory, because the teams that finish last in each of the groups in Level 1 are relegated to Level 2 for the next edition of the tournament, while the Level 2 teams that qualified for the pre-quarterfinals will replace them in Level 1 in the next edition.

Over the years, this Championship has provided a platform for the country’s best players in the U16 category to showcase their talents. This allows selectors to identify and shortlist the most promising players and coaches to parachute into national team training camps with an eye towards participation in international events.

About Basketball Federation of India

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

Edit"34th Youth National Basketball Championship tips off in Hyderabad"

Premier Skills Coaching Coaches


Article 1

$
0
0

SERVICE TAX DEPARTMENT PRESS MEET ANNOUNCING THE ARRIVAL OF GST. 

7._Shri.S.C.Varshney__Chief_Commissioner_GST___John_Joseph__Chief_Commissioner_Navasheva___Rajeev_Ta_1467628Service Tax Department & Government of India hosted a press meet announcing the arrival of GST. 
The press meet saw the presence of Chief Commissioner CGST Mumbai Zone-S.C. Varshney, Additional Commissioner CCO- S.C. Gangar, Deputy Commissioner CCO- S.K. Mishra, Commissioner Mumbai Cebtral- K.C. Gupta, Joint Commissioner Mumbai Central- Pankaj Kumar, Additional Commissioner Mumbai South- K.K. Gupta, Commissioner Mumbai East- Piyusha Patnaik
Additional Commissioner Mumbai East- Nilkhanth Shelke, Commissioner Mumbai West- Sandeep Puri
Additional Commissioner Mumbai- Manpreet Arya, Commissioner Audit 2-Suresh Krishnani
Additional Commissioner 2- A.K. Goyal, Commissioner Audit 3 – Shanbhoo Nath, Additional Commissioner- Manisha Goyal.
Ushering into Saturday, Service Tax Department & Government of India announced the arrival of the Goods and Services Tax ( GST) in India. All the dignitaries Sushil Solanki , Nihal Kothari , Shouvik Roy,Ashish Pednekar (speakers) spoke about GST, India’s biggest-ever tax reform, which will bring in place a single tax system that some analysts predict will be bigger than that of the European Union.
Service Tax Department & Government of India kicked off proceedings, delivering a short address in which they called GST an “important achievement for the entire country.” “The old India was economically fragmented, the new India will create one tax, one market and for one nation”.
Addressing the gathering, Chief Commissioner CGST Mumbai Zone-S.C. Varshney
said the introduction of GST is a moment of precedent for the country “I had always believed that GST was a matter of time and was happy when it was enacted and I gave assent to the Constitution amendment last year,” he said.
GST is expected to check tax evasion and broaden tax base. In the new regime, all filings will be done only through electronic mode to ensure non-intrusive administration. This will minimise taxpayers’ physical interaction with the tax officials.
The GST regime seeks to reduce rates of over 50 per cent of items of daily use and charge others at much lower rate of 5 per cent, 12 per cent and 18 per cent.
A higher tax rate is imposed on luxury and sin goods at 28 per cent in the new regime. Certain services like telephone, banking and insurance are expected to feel the pinch of higher taxes.
GST also promises taxpayers a refund against their sales within 60 days. Similarly, exporters will get refund within seven days. For protection of consumer rights, the new law provides anti-profiteering provisions. In a departure from the normal practice, the GST will be administered together by the Centre and the states.
Complications, however, are expected, and the general consensus is that it will take at least a month before GST’s true impact is realised.
Though even critics of the roll out agree that in the long run, GST will benefit the Indian economy.
Regards
Picture N Kraft Team
19/101 Mhada Complex, Oshiwara Garden Lane,
New Link Road, Andheri (West) Mumbai-400053
Email-parul@picturenkraft.com
Edit"Service Tax Department press meet announcing the arrival of GST. "

34TH YNBCHAMP, DAY 2- UP BOYS BT PUNJAB; HOSTS TELANGANA BOYS OPEN WITH WIN

Tanay_Thatte_of_Maharashtra_led_from_the_front_yet_again__this_time_in_beating_Chhattisgarh_by_1_poi_3565955
34th Youth National Basketball Championship Day 2- UP boys bt Punjab; Hosts Telangana boys open with win
Bengaluru, 2nd July 2017:  The 34th Youth National Basketball Championship for Boys and Girls entered Day 2 today at the Indoor Stadium, Gachibowli in Hyderabad.

The Championship is being organized by the Hyderabad District Basketball Association under the aegis of the Telangana Basketball Association and the Basketball Federation of India.

Maharashtra, UP and Telangana boys post wins

A short while ago, Maharashtra boys beat Chhattisgarh by 1 point, 54-53. This was after they upset Tamil Nadu yesterday 69-67. Maharashtra is now 2-0 and is the top placed team in Group B, with 2 matches still to be played. Just like in the game against Tamil Nadu yesterday, yet again, it was Maharashtra’s captain Tanay Thatte who came through for his side. Tanay’s match-high 25 points also included two clutch freethrows in the final few seconds that secured the win.

In a significant league encounter this morning, last year’s runners up Uttar Pradesh continued to shine at the U16 level this year too, beating Punjab 68-62. UP (1-0) and Punjab (1-1) are both teams favoured to reach the decisive stages of the Championship so this clash between these strong teams was an excellent appetizer for things to come. Punjab centre Princepal Singh, who is already dominating at the National U18 level and only last month helped his state win the Junior National Championship had 21 points today, but it paled in comparison to UP’s Priyhanshu who scorched his way to 42 game winning points. Scores were tied at the end of the first quarter and remained almost neck and neck going into the halfime. Q3 saw UP pull ahead thanks to 5 straight points by Priyhanshu and by the start of the fourth period UP was up by 8 points, 54-46. Punjab’s Akashdeep Sharma hit 5 threes to complement Princeipal, but eventually it was UP that secured the W.

Earlier in the morning, hosts Telangana boys opened with a lopsided 59-10 win over Puducherry in lower Level 2 action. Telangana will need to top its Group F and finish among the top two Level 2 teams in order to progress to the knockout stages.

In girls’ Level 1 play, Kerala overcame the disappointment of yesterday’s loss to Karnataka by beating Uttar Pradesh 69-48. Balanced scoring by Kerala, with 4 players posting 15 points or more made it hard for UP to contain their talented opponents.

Results from Day 2 (2nd July 2017) until 12:30 pm

Girls

Level 1
Group B
  1. Kerala (Anmariya Johny 17, Sandra KA 16, Aparna Sadasivan 15, Anagha Nair 15) bt Uttar Pradesh (Vartika Kushwaha 23, Muniba Ali 16) 69-48 [14-16, 13-12, 22-10, 20-10]

Level 2
Group C
  1. Haryana (Suman 17, Ritika 9) bt Goa (Kimeron Vas 8, Naomi Nunes 7) 36-15 [3-3, 13-5, 8-4, 12-3]
Group D
  1. West Bengal (Jyothi Routh 22, Liza Deb 19) bt Chandigarh (Tarini Boprai 31, Nilisha 6) 61-50 [21-12, 13-14, 13-16, 14-8]
  2. Uttarakhand (Divyangana 14, Kamaljit 12) bt Jammu & Kashmir (Chitreshi 4, Ananya 4) 22-8 [2-5, 10-3, 5-0, 5-0]
Group E
  1. Delhi (Khushi 11) bt Bihar (Kushi Prakhar 2) 43-2 [10-2, 17-0, 14-0, 2-0]
Group F
  1. Andhra Pradesh (P Sathya Sai 21) bt Assam (Lakshmi Kachari 6) 35-14 [15-6, 5-1, 6-4, 9-3]
  2. Odisha (Lipramayee 18) bt Puducherry (Monisha 4) 39-21 [8-2, 12-11, 12-4, 7-4]


Boys

Level 1
Group B
  1. Uttar Pradesh (Priyhanshu 42, Shubham Karwasara 9) bt Punjab (Princepal Singh 21, Akashdeep Sharma 17) 68-62 [12-12, 18-17, 24-17, 14-16]
  2. Maharashtra (Tanay Thatte 25, Om Pawar 14, Arjun Yadav 4) bt Chhattisgarh (Ayushman Singh 16, Govind 15, Ritesh Yadav 9) 54-53 [17-21, 10-9, 9-11, 18-12]

Level 2
Group C
  1. Telangana (Vinay Kothari 11, Vighneshwar 11, Sumant Marni 10) bt Puducherry (P Pavithran 6) 59-10 [22-4, 17-0, 14-4, 6-2]- This match was originally scheduled to be played on 1st July but was subsequently postponed.
Group E
  1. Madhya Pradesh bt Tripura walkover*

Results from Day 1 (1st July 2017) after 7:00 pm


Girls

Level 1
Group B
  1. Karnataka (Grishma N 17, Sanjana Ramesh 11) bt Kerala (Aparna Sadasivan 11, Sandra K A 9) 52-45 [14-6, 13-18, 12-10, 13-11]

Level 2
Group C
  1. Assam (Lakshmi Kachari 12, Shinjini Basu 7) bt Puducherry (Monisha K 5) 34-24 [6-2, 6-7, 10-10, 12-5]
  2. Chandigarh (Jaismeen Kaur 10, Tarini Boprai 4) bt Jammu & Kashmir (Chitresh Gupta 3) 21-3 [12-0, 6-0, 3-0, 0-3]
Boys

Level 1
Group B
  1. Maharashtra (Tanay Thatte 38, Kamlesh Rajbhar 13) bt Tamil Nadu (Gokul V 31, Dhanush G 9, Lokeswaran M 8) 69-67 [16-11, 21-19, 18-23, 14-14]

Level 2
Group D
  1. Gujarat (Rushal Khoilya 22, Rishadh Chaudhary 20, Bhavya Upadhyay 9) bt Uttarakhand (Ansh Saini 19, Arin Singh 7) 62-37 [11-4, 16-14, 21-14, 14-5]
  2. Bihar (V Naga Durga 14, S Nayeem 13, J Amruth Raj 11, M Mani Kanta 10) bt Jharkhand (Sushant Deep 11, Prabhat Kr M 10, Varun Raipat 7) 57-34 [14-11, 10-3, 8-11, 25-9]
Group E
  1. Assam bt Tripura walkover*
Group F
  1. Andhra Pradesh (V N Durga Prasad 22, M Manikanta 17, A S Pavan Kumar 10) bt Goa (Jeshua Pinto 6) 73-16 [29-6, 11-4, 16-6, 17-0]
*The Tripura boys team has withdrawn itself from the Championship.

About the 34th Youth National Basketball Championship

The Championship is featuring 25 boys’ and 25 girls’ teams in the U16 age group, from various Indian States and Union territories, and is being played in a league cum knockout format.

The matches are being played at the Indoor Stadium, Gachibowli, Hyderabad from 1st to 8th July.


The teams are grouped into two levels –Level 1 features the top 10 teams from the previous championship divided into two groups of five teams each (Group A and B), while Level 2 features the remaining teams divided into four groups (Group C, D, E, F).

In the league stages, all the teams play each of the other teams in their group once. The top three teams from each of the groups in Level 1 advance directly to the quarterfinals, while the fourth placed teams play pre-quarterfinal games against the top two teams from Level 2.

The competition is expected to be fierce beyond the immediate prospect of glory, because the teams that finish last in each of the groups in Level 1 are relegated to Level 2 for the next edition of the tournament, while the Level 2 teams that qualified for the pre-quarterfinals will replace them in Level 1 in the next edition.

Over the years, this Championship has provided a platform for the country’s best players in the U16 category to showcase their talents. This allows selectors to identify and shortlist the most promising players and coaches to parachute into national team training camps with an eye towards participation in international events.

About Basketball Federation of India

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

Edit"34th YNBChamp, Day 2- UP boys bt Punjab; Hosts Telangana boys open with win"

DELHI POLICE ‘STREET HAWKS’ WATCH YOUTUBE ON CCTV MONITORS

July02, 2017 (C) Ravinder Singh progressindia2015@gmail.com

Following are stories Rapes, Shooting, Murder, Vehicle Thefts, Robbery, Burglary, Stalking, Road Rage, Wrong Parking, Snatching etc – all ‘Street or Highway Crimes Under CCTV Watch’ of Delhi Police picked from TOI Delhi edition on June27, 2017.

Delhi Police may not have few hundred ‘Two Wheeler Flying Squads’ but almost all police officers have motor cycles which is economical & fast on Delhi streets.

But Street Hawks of Delhi watch YouTube on CCTV Monitors. There may some incidence within yards of a policeman but Police rarely notice it.
Fact is most of the CCTVs are Not Working or are Disabled.
Ravinder Singh, Inventor & Consultant, INNOVATIVE TECHNOLOGIES AND PROJECTS
Y-77, Hauz Khas, ND -110016, India. Ph: 091- 9871056471, 9718280435, 9650421857
Edit"Delhi Police ‘Street Hawks’ Watch YouTube on CCTV Monitors"

34TH YOUTH NATIONAL BASKETBALL CHAMPIONSHIP TIPS OFF IN HYDERABAD

Don_Bosco_Hyderabad_school_children_with_an_entertaining_basketball_themed_performance_during_the_op_2582243
  • The 34th Youth National Basketball Championship for Boys and Girls tipped off this morning at the Indoor Stadium, Gachibowli in Hyderabad.
  • The opening ceremony was held in the evening with Shri T Padma Rao Goud and Shri Dr Vivek Anand as chief guests, and numerous other guests of honour and special invitees.
  • Defending Champs Tamil Nadu girls have opened with an easy win over Rajasthan, while Punjab and Karnataka boys too have registered important victories.
  • In an exciting overtime game, Haryana boys have beaten Delhi 69-65.
  • Hosts Telangana girls too have got off to a dream start, beating Bihar 42-10, while Andhra Pradesh girls fell to Odisha.
Bengaluru, 1st July 2017:  The 34th Youth National Basketball Championship for Boys and Girls has tipped off at the Indoor Stadium, Gachibowli in Hyderabad.

The Championship is being organized by the Hyderabad District Basketball Association under the aegis of the Telangana Basketball Association and the Basketball Federation of India.

Morning Session

In the morning matches so far, defending champions Tamil Nadu girls have opened with an easy 76-31 win over Rajasthan. In the boys section, Karnataka and Punjab also registered important victories over Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh respectively. Last year’s semifinalists Karnataka trailed at the end of the first and second quarters before a strong showing in the third period saw them outlast their opponents from western India. In the Punjab vs Chhattisgarh boys game, repeated turnovers in the third quarter cost Chhattisgarh dearly as Punjab was able to pull away for the easy double digit win.

Arguably the most exciting match of the morning was between Haryana and Delhi boys. This level 1 Group A league encounter started with Delhi dominating, with 14-7 and 13-9 opening quarters. That’s when the momentum shifted drastically towards Haryana who clawed their way back in the second half. A buzzer beating two pointer by Haryana’s Mukesh pushed the game into overtime and they continued to shine in the extra five minutes to hand Delhi the heartbreaking loss.

In lower level 2 games, Himachal Pradesh boys and girls, West Bengal girls and MP girls too posted victories in their respective bids to get elevated to Level 1.

Opening Ceremony

The opening ceremony was in the afternoon, with Shri T Padma Rao Goud (Minister for Sports and Youth Services as well as Excise & Prohibition) and Shri Dr Vivek Anand (Advisor to Government of Telangana & Chairman & Managing Director, Visaka Groups) as chief guests. Guests of honour include Shri G Kishan Reddy (MLA, BJP), Shri Burra Venkatesam (Telangana Principal Secretary, Youth Affairs & Sports), Shri K Govindaraj (President, BFI), Shri Chander Mukhi Sharma (General Secretary, BFI) and Shri Ragothaman (Treasurer, BFI). Special invitees include Shri Ranga Rao (President, Olympic Association of Telangana), Smt Dr Vidya Sravanthi (Co-option Member, GMHC), Shri S R Prem Raj (General Secretary, Olympic Association of Telangana) and Shri Arvind Krishna (Film Actor).

Don Bosco School, Hyderabad were particularly entertaining with their innovative basketball themed performance that was enjoyed and appreciated by all those present.

Later in the evening hosts Telangana girls got off to a dream start beating Bihar 42-10.

Results from Day 1 (1st July 2017) until 7:00 pm


Girls

Level 1
Group A
  1. Tamil Nadu (S Pushpa 14, S Lakshmipriya 13, Monica 10) bt Rajasthan (Ankita Mandia 11, Shatakshi 9, Akshita 8) 76-31 [25-8, 25-10, 14-9, 12-4]
  2. Maharashtra (Suzanne 15, Shruti Bhosale 13) bt Punjab (Heena 17, Radha Rani 15) 57-47 [18-10, 9-7, 7-14, 23-16]
Group B
  1. Chhattisgarh (Elizabeth Ekka 24, M Nagmani 11) bt Gujarat (Naina Patel 16, Hetushree S 6) 69-35 [15-9, 20-7, 19-11, 15-8]

Level 2
Group C
  1. Himachal Pradesh (Pallavi 14, Ramandeep 9, Ananya 8) bt Goa (Katherine Barr 10, Shimei Nathan 6) 49-27 [18-4, 12-6, 14-10, 5-7]
Group D
  1. West Bengal (J Routh 18, B Das 12, M Singh 12) bt Uttarakhand (Srishti Sharma 14) 74-20 [18-0, 15-0, 17-6, 24-14]
Group E
  1. Telangana (G Sandhya 9, Aarya 8) bt Bihar (Kavya 5) 42-10 [18-3, 8-2, 10-2, 6-3]
Group F
  1. Odisha (Lipramayee 23, Swagatika 13) bt Andhra Pradesh (V Satwika 12, R Swetha 11) 46-41 [11-7, 13-8, 12-6, 10-20]

Boys

Level 1
Group A
  1. Karnataka (Prashant T 21, Akshan Rao 13, S Sreenivas 10) bt Rajasthan (Kuldeep Singh 23, Digvijay 16, Rajveer 10) 70-65 [13-18, 21-17, 27-16, 9-14]
  2. Haryana (Mukesh 24, Gaurav 18) bt Delhi (Nitish 29, Aman 20) 69-65 [14-7, 13-9, 16-23, 17-21, 9-5(OT)]
Group B
  1. Punjab (Akashdeep Sharma 27, H Singh 9, Md Singh Gill 8) bt Chhattisgarh (Ayushman Singh 14, Govind 11, Ritesh Yadav 08) 55-42 [16-8, 04-12, 18-9, 17-13]
Group C
  1. West Bengal (Avijit Monkar 37) bt Jammu & Kashmir (Shivam Heer 21, Harithik C 14) 70-51 [25-19, 11-12, 18-9, 16-11]
Level 2
Group C
  1. Himachal Pradesh (Abhay 25, S Singh 13, Sahil 6) bt Chandigarh (Sahaij 15, Jaskaran 15, Harkirat 08) 61-55 [6-18, 16-8, 14-11, 25-18]
Group E
  1. Madhya Pradesh (Uday Veer Yadav 29, Divyaraj Singh 23, Mani Thakur 6) bt Odisha (Chitta Ranjan 8, Harsh Vardhar 7, Soilen Mondal 7) 62-26 [23-06, 17-09, 18-06, 04-05]

About the 34th Youth National Basketball Championship

The Championship is featuring 26 boys’ teams and 25 girls’ teams in the U16 age group, from various Indian States and Union territories, and is being played in a league cum knockout format.

The matches are being played at the Indoor Stadium, Gachibowli, Hyderabad from 1st to 8th July.


The teams are grouped into two levels –Level 1 features the top 10 teams from the previous championship divided into two groups of five teams each (Group A and B), while Level 2 features the remaining teams divided into four groups (Group C, D, E, F).

In the league stages, all the teams play each of the other teams in their group once. The top three teams from each of the groups in Level 1 advance directly to the quarterfinals, while the fourth placed teams play pre-quarterfinal games against the top two teams from Level 2.

The competition is expected to be fierce beyond the immediate prospect of glory, because the teams that finish last in each of the groups in Level 1 are relegated to Level 2 for the next edition of the tournament, while the Level 2 teams that qualified for the pre-quarterfinals will replace them in Level 1 in the next edition.

Over the years, this Championship has provided a platform for the country’s best players in the U16 category to showcase their talents. This allows selectors to identify and shortlist the most promising players and coaches to parachute into national team training camps with an eye towards participation in international events.

About Basketball Federation of India

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

Edit"34th Youth National Basketball Championship tips off in Hyderabad"

Article 0

$
0
0

BEYONCÉ PARTNERS WITH UNICEF TO BRING SAFE WATER TO CHILDREN IN BURUNDI

Beyoncé partners with UNICEF to bring safe water to children in remote areas of Burundi

NEW ORLEANS, 30 June 2017 – Global entertainer and humanitarian Beyoncé has teamed up with UNICEF through her BeyGOOD philanthropic arm to announce the launch of BEYGOOD4BURUNDI, a multi-year partnership to provide safe water to the most vulnerable children in Burundi. The partnership will support programmes to improve water, sanitation and basic hygiene practices in the hardest-to-reach areas of the landlocked East African nation.

The water crisis in Burundi is a crisis for children. When children have to rely on unsafe water, they become weak, malnourished and susceptible to water-borne diseases, which are among the leading causes of death in children under five. The lack of water also forces children to miss out on school to walk for miles in search of wells. The burden of fetching water falls disproportionately on girls, who risk attacks along their journeys.

“Access to water is a fundamental right. When you give children clean and safe water, you don’t just give them life, you give them health, an education, and a brighter future. I am committed to helping drive lasting solutions to the water crisis in Burundi,” said Beyoncé.

“Addressing the global water crisis is one of the defining challenges of our time, and the children of Burundi are among the most vulnerable,” said Caryl M. Stern, President and CEO of UNICEF USA. “This unique partnership combines UNICEF’s decades of expertise in providing clean water to children in Burundi and around the world with the power and influence of the entertainment world to bring about social change. We are grateful to Beyoncé and BeyGOOD for joining forces with UNICEF, to highlight this critical issue to new audiences.”

“BEYGOOD4BURUNDI is a continuation of the work that Beyoncé, her family and Parkwood Entertainment are doing to address water crises around the world, including right here in the state of Louisiana and in Michigan,” said Ivy McGregor, ‎Director of Philanthropy and Corporate Relations at Parkwood Entertainment, who traveled to Burundi earlier this year. “In Burundi I saw myself, my sisters and my mother in the strength of the women and young sisters travelling miles to carry water for their families. Today young girls in the ‘Heart of Africa’ are given the gift of hope for a brighter tomorrow through our multi-year partnership with UNICEF and commitment to support safe water access solutions.”

The first phase of the partnership includes the construction of new wells equipped with hand pumps, hygiene education and the improvement of water and sanitation facilities in schools in four priority regions, including Bukemba and Giharo in Rutana Province and Kinyinya and Nyabitsinda in Ruyigui Province. In these rural communities, children are chronically malnourished and more than 65 percent of the population use unsafe water sources. Children and families have to walk long distances to water collection points, and even then the water access rate is extremely low.

Further announcements related to the initiative will be made on 20 November 2017, when the world comes together to celebrate World Children’s Day – and give a voice and global platform to the most vulnerable and hardest to reach children on the planet.

More than 100 million people have gained access to water, sanitation and hygiene services with the support of UNICEF in the last three years. With over 70 years of field-tested experience and a network that spans the globe, UNICEF has unequalled expertise in providing immediate, lifesaving relief as well as driving long-term, sustainable solutions to the biggest development challenges facing the world’s children.
Edit"Beyoncé partners with UNICEF to bring safe water to children in Burundi"

PM MODI WARNS OF TOUGH ACTION AGAINST BLACK MONEY HOARDER

s20170625110121
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi arrives at Joint Base Andrews, Washington DC, USA on June 25, 2017.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said that his Government is committed to take tough action against firms helping in hiding black money without being concerned about its political implications.
The Prime Minister speaking at the foundation day function of Institute of Chartered Accountants of India in New Delhi last evening said, three lakh companies have come under scanner post demonetisation and more than one lakh companies have been de-registered by the Registrar of Companies. Mr Modi said, large number of shell companies have been identified against whom action is being initiated.
The Prime Minister emphasised it would become more difficult for people stashing illicit funds in Swiss banks once automatic tax information exchange regime begins between India and Switzerland. He said it is surprising that in a huge country like India, there are only 32 lakh people who claim to have income above ten lakh rupees per annum.
Mr Modi urged the CAs to take the lead in the journey towards India’s economic growth. He called upon Chartered Accountants to advice their clients to pay their taxes honestly.
The Prime Minister said the money which government receives as taxes are spent on public welfare and development of the country. He said the foundation day of the ICAI coincides with the launch of GST which intends to weed out black money from the system. He said the CAs will have to play a major role following implementation of Insolvency and Bankrupcy Code. He termed the CAs as Charter of Accuracy and Compliance of Authenticity.
Earlier, addressing the gathering, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley said government has rationalised the taxation system and made it online. He said India has become most favored destination for FDI and 90 percent FDI is coming through automatic route. He said now subsidies are going directly to bank accounts of beneficiaries through financial inclusion.
Mr Jaitley said government tried to make the country’s economy formalised and digital through demonetisation. The Finance Minister also said there is no need to worry about GST as it is joint decision of Centre and state governments.
Edit"PM Modi warns of tough action against black money hoarder"

DP CLAIMS DELHI SAFER- ITALIAN ABDUCTED IN PRE-PAID TAXI

Mr. Naresh Kumar Sagar interacting with the panelists during Press MeetJuly02, 2017 (C) Ravinder Singh progressindia2015@gmail.com
Delhi Police claimed reduction in crime in New Delhi district but DP story was at the bottom of page 2 of June29 of TOI – stories above it related to Protests at Jantar Mantar, regarding attacks on Minorities & Dalits, Italian Tourist Abducted in Pre-Paid Taxi, A person Batters to death, many hundreds Thefts, Stalking, Murders, Eve Teasing, Cheating that couldn’t be covered by TOI  – should also include Senior Citizens, victims of Crimes, False cases registered by DP and Avoid Registering Crimes.

was in a Patiala House Court on May30, 2017 in connection with 66A case instituted much after Supreme Court of India declared it as Unconstitutional in April2015 –
– Was Horrified to notice Delhi Police took keen interest in ‘Proclaimed Offender’ case tens of thousands of s138 Cases were registered for Check Bounce in Case of Vodafone Telephone bills – amount ranging from Rs.500 to Rs.2000 and Consumers in avoiding arrest hide somewhere and DP declare them as Proclaimed Offenders, are required to seek bail worth Rs.10,000 for personal and Rs.10,000 for guarantors plus many more thousand Advocate cost.

Italian Tourist hired PRE-PAID TAXI from Delhi Airport on June20 – top security zone to Paharganj Hotel another High Security Zone that reported Terrorist Attack also – was Abducted and taken to Chandigarh – she escaped on her own in 6 days* – no Credit to Delhi Police. [Her family in Italy Must be Enquiring From Embassy – Police Has No Idea.]

*No TRACKING of Delhi Taxi passing through CCTVs at Toll Plazas, Mobile Phone Tracking of Taxi Driver, No Call Details or GPS Tracking – Delhi Police Had No Verified Numbers.
— No Mobile Phone, Registration and GPS Numbers inside Autos & Taxis.

Delhi Airport has High Resolution CCTV Cameras – Every Vehicle entering or leaving is Captured and Photographed and ‘Number Plate’ – in addition to PRE-PAID Booking – Delhi Police didn’t Notice – NO REPORTING OF ‘TAXI’ INVOLVED IN ABDUCTION FOR 6 DAYS – Taxis are expected to be back in 2 hours in Peak Hours, 1 hour at night. 

Even Pre-Paid Taxis Owners-Drivers at Delhi AIRPORT are ‘NOT POLICE VERIFIED’, when
All 5 Lakh Drivers & Owners of Commercial Vehicles Should Be VERIFIED ANNUALLY.
                                                                                                                                                            
Delhi Police Fails to Prevent STREET CRIMES as all Police Officers own Two Wheelers or Cars besides – Mob Attacks Even in CCTV Camera Zones. CCTV Cameras are mostly Don’t Work or Monitors Used to Watch Films & Movies.

DP & Railway Stations has CCTV – Delhi Police ‘Couldn’t IDENTIFY DAILY PASSENGERS’ from CCTV, Footage of some Office gave the main lead.

Except VIP Security, Delhi Police to WORK Under Delhi Government Control.
Ravinder Singh, Inventor & Consultant, INNOVATIVE TECHNOLOGIES AND PROJECTS
Y-77, Hauz Khas, ND -110016, India. Ph: 091- 9871056471, 9718280435, 9650421857
Ravinder Singh* is a WIPO awarded inventor specializing in Power, Transportation,
Smart Cities, Water, Energy Saving, Agriculture, Manufacturing, Technologies and Projects
Edit"DP Claims Delhi Safer- Italian Abducted in Pre-Paid Taxi"

5.1 M QUAKE HITS HOKKAIDO ISLAND

A 5.1-magnitude earthquake struck Japan’s northernmost Hokkaido island. Japan Meteorological agency said earthquake hit Abira settlement late yesterday, while Iburi province suffered from 5-magnitude quakes within 7 points scale used in Japan. According to local authorities, one woman was injured in the earthquake after she fell down and broke her ribs. Traffic was temporarily blocked in the affected area.
Edit"5.1 M quake hits Hokkaido island"

SERVICE TAX DEPARTMENT PRESS MEET ANNOUNCING THE ARRIVAL OF GST. 

7._Shri.S.C.Varshney__Chief_Commissioner_GST___John_Joseph__Chief_Commissioner_Navasheva___Rajeev_Ta_1467628Service Tax Department & Government of India hosted a press meet announcing the arrival of GST. 
The press meet saw the presence of Chief Commissioner CGST Mumbai Zone-S.C. Varshney, Additional Commissioner CCO- S.C. Gangar, Deputy Commissioner CCO- S.K. Mishra, Commissioner Mumbai Cebtral- K.C. Gupta, Joint Commissioner Mumbai Central- Pankaj Kumar, Additional Commissioner Mumbai South- K.K. Gupta, Commissioner Mumbai East- Piyusha Patnaik
Additional Commissioner Mumbai East- Nilkhanth Shelke, Commissioner Mumbai West- Sandeep Puri
Additional Commissioner Mumbai- Manpreet Arya, Commissioner Audit 2-Suresh Krishnani
Additional Commissioner 2- A.K. Goyal, Commissioner Audit 3 – Shanbhoo Nath, Additional Commissioner- Manisha Goyal.
Ushering into Saturday, Service Tax Department & Government of India announced the arrival of the Goods and Services Tax ( GST) in India. All the dignitaries Sushil Solanki , Nihal Kothari , Shouvik Roy,Ashish Pednekar (speakers) spoke about GST, India’s biggest-ever tax reform, which will bring in place a single tax system that some analysts predict will be bigger than that of the European Union.
Service Tax Department & Government of India kicked off proceedings, delivering a short address in which they called GST an “important achievement for the entire country.” “The old India was economically fragmented, the new India will create one tax, one market and for one nation”.
Addressing the gathering, Chief Commissioner CGST Mumbai Zone-S.C. Varshney
said the introduction of GST is a moment of precedent for the country “I had always believed that GST was a matter of time and was happy when it was enacted and I gave assent to the Constitution amendment last year,” he said.
GST is expected to check tax evasion and broaden tax base. In the new regime, all filings will be done only through electronic mode to ensure non-intrusive administration. This will minimise taxpayers’ physical interaction with the tax officials.
The GST regime seeks to reduce rates of over 50 per cent of items of daily use and charge others at much lower rate of 5 per cent, 12 per cent and 18 per cent.
A higher tax rate is imposed on luxury and sin goods at 28 per cent in the new regime. Certain services like telephone, banking and insurance are expected to feel the pinch of higher taxes.
GST also promises taxpayers a refund against their sales within 60 days. Similarly, exporters will get refund within seven days. For protection of consumer rights, the new law provides anti-profiteering provisions. In a departure from the normal practice, the GST will be administered together by the Centre and the states.
Complications, however, are expected, and the general consensus is that it will take at least a month before GST’s true impact is realised.
Though even critics of the roll out agree that in the long run, GST will benefit the Indian economy.
Regards
Picture N Kraft Team
19/101 Mhada Complex, Oshiwara Garden Lane,
New Link Road, Andheri (West) Mumbai-400053
Email-parul@picturenkraft.com
Edit"Service Tax Department press meet announcing the arrival of GST. "

34TH YNBCHAMP, DAY 2- UP BOYS BT PUNJAB; HOSTS TELANGANA BOYS OPEN WITH WIN

Tanay_Thatte_of_Maharashtra_led_from_the_front_yet_again__this_time_in_beating_Chhattisgarh_by_1_poi_3565955
34th Youth National Basketball Championship Day 2- UP boys bt Punjab; Hosts Telangana boys open with win
Bengaluru, 2nd July 2017:  The 34th Youth National Basketball Championship for Boys and Girls entered Day 2 today at the Indoor Stadium, Gachibowli in Hyderabad.

The Championship is being organized by the Hyderabad District Basketball Association under the aegis of the Telangana Basketball Association and the Basketball Federation of India.

Maharashtra, UP and Telangana boys post wins

A short while ago, Maharashtra boys beat Chhattisgarh by 1 point, 54-53. This was after they upset Tamil Nadu yesterday 69-67. Maharashtra is now 2-0 and is the top placed team in Group B, with 2 matches still to be played. Just like in the game against Tamil Nadu yesterday, yet again, it was Maharashtra’s captain Tanay Thatte who came through for his side. Tanay’s match-high 25 points also included two clutch freethrows in the final few seconds that secured the win.

In a significant league encounter this morning, last year’s runners up Uttar Pradesh continued to shine at the U16 level this year too, beating Punjab 68-62. UP (1-0) and Punjab (1-1) are both teams favoured to reach the decisive stages of the Championship so this clash between these strong teams was an excellent appetizer for things to come. Punjab centre Princepal Singh, who is already dominating at the National U18 level and only last month helped his state win the Junior National Championship had 21 points today, but it paled in comparison to UP’s Priyhanshu who scorched his way to 42 game winning points. Scores were tied at the end of the first quarter and remained almost neck and neck going into the halfime. Q3 saw UP pull ahead thanks to 5 straight points by Priyhanshu and by the start of the fourth period UP was up by 8 points, 54-46. Punjab’s Akashdeep Sharma hit 5 threes to complement Princeipal, but eventually it was UP that secured the W.

Earlier in the morning, hosts Telangana boys opened with a lopsided 59-10 win over Puducherry in lower Level 2 action. Telangana will need to top its Group F and finish among the top two Level 2 teams in order to progress to the knockout stages.

In girls’ Level 1 play, Kerala overcame the disappointment of yesterday’s loss to Karnataka by beating Uttar Pradesh 69-48. Balanced scoring by Kerala, with 4 players posting 15 points or more made it hard for UP to contain their talented opponents.

Results from Day 2 (2nd July 2017) until 12:30 pm

Girls

Level 1
Group B
  1. Kerala (Anmariya Johny 17, Sandra KA 16, Aparna Sadasivan 15, Anagha Nair 15) bt Uttar Pradesh (Vartika Kushwaha 23, Muniba Ali 16) 69-48 [14-16, 13-12, 22-10, 20-10]

Level 2
Group C
  1. Haryana (Suman 17, Ritika 9) bt Goa (Kimeron Vas 8, Naomi Nunes 7) 36-15 [3-3, 13-5, 8-4, 12-3]
Group D
  1. West Bengal (Jyothi Routh 22, Liza Deb 19) bt Chandigarh (Tarini Boprai 31, Nilisha 6) 61-50 [21-12, 13-14, 13-16, 14-8]
  2. Uttarakhand (Divyangana 14, Kamaljit 12) bt Jammu & Kashmir (Chitreshi 4, Ananya 4) 22-8 [2-5, 10-3, 5-0, 5-0]
Group E
  1. Delhi (Khushi 11) bt Bihar (Kushi Prakhar 2) 43-2 [10-2, 17-0, 14-0, 2-0]
Group F
  1. Andhra Pradesh (P Sathya Sai 21) bt Assam (Lakshmi Kachari 6) 35-14 [15-6, 5-1, 6-4, 9-3]
  2. Odisha (Lipramayee 18) bt Puducherry (Monisha 4) 39-21 [8-2, 12-11, 12-4, 7-4]


Boys

Level 1
Group B
  1. Uttar Pradesh (Priyhanshu 42, Shubham Karwasara 9) bt Punjab (Princepal Singh 21, Akashdeep Sharma 17) 68-62 [12-12, 18-17, 24-17, 14-16]
  2. Maharashtra (Tanay Thatte 25, Om Pawar 14, Arjun Yadav 4) bt Chhattisgarh (Ayushman Singh 16, Govind 15, Ritesh Yadav 9) 54-53 [17-21, 10-9, 9-11, 18-12]

Level 2
Group C
  1. Telangana (Vinay Kothari 11, Vighneshwar 11, Sumant Marni 10) bt Puducherry (P Pavithran 6) 59-10 [22-4, 17-0, 14-4, 6-2]- This match was originally scheduled to be played on 1st July but was subsequently postponed.
Group E
  1. Madhya Pradesh bt Tripura walkover*

Results from Day 1 (1st July 2017) after 7:00 pm


Girls

Level 1
Group B
  1. Karnataka (Grishma N 17, Sanjana Ramesh 11) bt Kerala (Aparna Sadasivan 11, Sandra K A 9) 52-45 [14-6, 13-18, 12-10, 13-11]

Level 2
Group C
  1. Assam (Lakshmi Kachari 12, Shinjini Basu 7) bt Puducherry (Monisha K 5) 34-24 [6-2, 6-7, 10-10, 12-5]
  2. Chandigarh (Jaismeen Kaur 10, Tarini Boprai 4) bt Jammu & Kashmir (Chitresh Gupta 3) 21-3 [12-0, 6-0, 3-0, 0-3]
Boys

Level 1
Group B
  1. Maharashtra (Tanay Thatte 38, Kamlesh Rajbhar 13) bt Tamil Nadu (Gokul V 31, Dhanush G 9, Lokeswaran M 8) 69-67 [16-11, 21-19, 18-23, 14-14]

Level 2
Group D
  1. Gujarat (Rushal Khoilya 22, Rishadh Chaudhary 20, Bhavya Upadhyay 9) bt Uttarakhand (Ansh Saini 19, Arin Singh 7) 62-37 [11-4, 16-14, 21-14, 14-5]
  2. Bihar (V Naga Durga 14, S Nayeem 13, J Amruth Raj 11, M Mani Kanta 10) bt Jharkhand (Sushant Deep 11, Prabhat Kr M 10, Varun Raipat 7) 57-34 [14-11, 10-3, 8-11, 25-9]
Group E
  1. Assam bt Tripura walkover*
Group F
  1. Andhra Pradesh (V N Durga Prasad 22, M Manikanta 17, A S Pavan Kumar 10) bt Goa (Jeshua Pinto 6) 73-16 [29-6, 11-4, 16-6, 17-0]
*The Tripura boys team has withdrawn itself from the Championship.

About the 34th Youth National Basketball Championship

The Championship is featuring 25 boys’ and 25 girls’ teams in the U16 age group, from various Indian States and Union territories, and is being played in a league cum knockout format.

The matches are being played at the Indoor Stadium, Gachibowli, Hyderabad from 1st to 8th July.


The teams are grouped into two levels –Level 1 features the top 10 teams from the previous championship divided into two groups of five teams each (Group A and B), while Level 2 features the remaining teams divided into four groups (Group C, D, E, F).

In the league stages, all the teams play each of the other teams in their group once. The top three teams from each of the groups in Level 1 advance directly to the quarterfinals, while the fourth placed teams play pre-quarterfinal games against the top two teams from Level 2.

The competition is expected to be fierce beyond the immediate prospect of glory, because the teams that finish last in each of the groups in Level 1 are relegated to Level 2 for the next edition of the tournament, while the Level 2 teams that qualified for the pre-quarterfinals will replace them in Level 1 in the next edition.

Over the years, this Championship has provided a platform for the country’s best players in the U16 category to showcase their talents. This allows selectors to identify and shortlist the most promising players and coaches to parachute into national team training camps with an eye towards participation in international events.

About Basketball Federation of India

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

Article 1

$
0
0

UFLEX STAIRS SCHOOL FOOTBALL LEAGUE (SSFL) ARRIVES IN UTTAR PRADESH


Varanasi/New Delhi –  July 4, 2017:  The world’s biggest talent scouting and training programme, Uflex Stairs School Football League (SSFL) arrives in Uttar Pradesh.  After the resounding success in the states of Delhi and Gujarat, SSFL makes a new beginning today in the ancient holy city of Varanasi in partnership with the Uttar Pradesh Football Sangh.
Today with the launch in UP, in its fourth year the Uflex SSFL will only grow into a bigger movement with stronger participation and engagement of youth and children. With scouting and honing of talent by better training, a league of world class footballers will emerge and do India proud in the global football arenas.
Last year under the aegis of Uflex SSFL-3 held in Gujarat and Delhi, more than 35,000 children from 2000 schools competed 4000 matches. The tournament was organised in the FIFA format.
We in STAIRS believe that such initiatives help create opportunities for schools children to pursue their passion in a field of sport. It’s also essential for a holistic development of the children by engagement and participation. In the process, they get a platform to showcase their talent.
The objective of SSFL-Uttar Pradesh is to identify, support and nurture football talent in the most populous state of India. We have been getting continuous support from the Uflex Ltd.-India’s largest flexible packaging company as part of their corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiative. We will initially operate in two regions—Gorakhpur  and  Varanasi which will consist of eights districts of Chandauli, Ghazipur, Jaunpur, Varanasi, Deoria, Kushinagar and Gorkahpur.
In the Phase-1, 160 teams of under-17 age group from these two regions will compete. In the Phase -2, the winner teams will compete representing their respective districts.
Founder and Secretary General, STAIRS, Shri Siddhartha Upadhyay, is upbeat. “We feel inspired and excited to launch the Uflex SSFL in Varanasi. There cannot be a better place to do that. Varanasi is an ancient city and repository of Indian culture, traditions, music and philosophy. It also happens to be the constituency of our Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi who feels ‘Sports can be a great means of national integration’. We are pleased to work with Uttar Pradesh Football Sangh to encourage sports amongst youth and children. In the first phase some 20,000 children will get the opportunity to showcase their football talent.”
“I am thankful to Uflex Group for its continued support to the initiative,” Shri Upadhyay added.
The Hon. General Secretary of Uttar Pradesh Football Sangh, Shri Mohd. Shamsuddin said, “We are glad to be associated with SSFL as this will provide valuable opportunities to youth and children at the grassroots level. I’m sure this association will result in promising outcomes and encourage sports in the state.”
Shri Gulab Chauhan who wears many caps is the Secretary Gujarat State Football Association; Chairman of Referee Board (AIFF); Head- SSFL National council is of the view that “the commitment of STAIRS towards encouragement of football at grassroots is unparalleled. Sports is good for mind and body, also for the general well-being of the community at large.”
The SSFL has become one of the most important sporting event and ‘talent spotting’ platform in the country. Various sports clubs and other agencies involved in the administration of sports, officials and national selectors keep an eyes on prodigies during the SSFL tournament. The selectors of international clubs too keep a tab by way of ‘live streaming’ of important matches. They also request for videos of the matches to have a closer look at the performance of some promising players.
Edit"Uflex STAIRS School Football League (SSFL) arrives in Uttar Pradesh"

CENTRAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEETING ON NCC


Dr.  Subhash Bhamre, Hon’ble Raksha Rajya Mantri chaired the 50th Central Advisory Committee (CAC) meeting of the National Cadet Corps on 04 Jul 2017 in New Delhi.  The meeting was attended by the Chiefs of Army Staff, Naval Staff &  Air Staff, Defence Secretary, Financial Advisor (Defence Services), Secretary (Deptt of Higher Education), DGNCC, Member of Parliament Smt Kum Sushmita Dev, Shri Anupam Kher, Shri Piyush Pandey, Dr. Parth J Shah,  Social Activists and other eminent dignitaries.
The DGNCC, Lt Gen Vinod Vashisht, AVSM, VSM & BAR presented a detailed update on NCC activities to the members of the CAC.  The Hon’ble Raksha Rajya Mantri in his address complimented the NCC on the performance of its cadets in various activities pertaining to training, adventure, social service and community development.
NCC presently has cadet strength of 13 lakhs and it plans to expand to 15 lakhs and beyond. NCC has a Pan India foot print which includes remote areas and low intensity conflict areas. CAC reviewed provisions, activities and initiative to make the organisation more effective to attain its mandate there in.
The Committee deliberated on various issues in order to optimize training efforts so that NCC continues to perform in an excellent manner towards character and leadership building of the youth of the nation. Raksha Rajya Mantri complimented the efforts of NCC in nation building and urged the organisation to continue ‘Grooming Future Leaders’.
Sd/***
(Umang Kohli)
Lt Col
Addl Dir (Pub)
Edit"CENTRAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEETING ON NCC"

I PLEDGE TO LEAVE MY DAUGHTER HER EQUAL SHARE OF PROPERTY

Change.org
Dear Sagar Media Inc,
Arti writes, “My husband and I have been blessed with a daughter, Mithi Anubhuti. She is the love of our life. We want our daughter to be supported so that she grows up to be strong and independent. That is why we have pledged to leave her our property.
By leaving her property, we know that we are supporting her future, as well as leaving behind a better tomorrow for her children and for society. When women have property, everyone benefits.
Thankfully, my husband and I are not alone in thinking this way. We know that you too would feel the same way about yourself, your sisters, and your daughters. That is why we’re asking you to sign our pledge.”

The People of India: I Pledge To Leave My Daughter Her Equal Share Of Property #PropertyForHer

Arti Pandey 
India
I faced discrimination from my joint-family for being born a girl. Fortunately, my father was a progressive man who made sure that I was educated and supported.
Not all girls are as lucky as me. In India, lakhs of girls are ignored and abused. They are married off at a young age, they are not educated, and many of them are killed even before they’re born.
This is because girls are seen as a burden. Families don’t want to leave them property or ‘waste’ any money on supporting girls. Many think that giving their daughter a dowry is enough, but most often this dowry is controlled not by her but by her husband and his family. Further, this dowry is only a fraction of the value of an equal share of her family’s property. Without a strong support system, without financial security, how are girls supposed to grow up to be fearless, strong, and independent women?
How can a woman walk away from an abusive relationship, how can a woman earn a livelihood, if she has no support from her parents or no financial security?
My husband and I have been blessed with a daughter, Mithi Anubhuti. She is the love of our life. We want our daughter to be supported so that she grows up to be strong and independent. That is why we have pledged to leave her our property.
We don’t have much property, but by giving her the little that we have, we will show Mithi that she always has our support.
By leaving her property, we know that we are supporting her future, as well as leaving behind a better tomorrow for her children and for society. When women have property, everyone benefits.
Thankfully, my husband and I are not alone in thinking this way. We know that you too would feel the same way about yourself, your sisters, and your daughters. That is why we’re asking you to sign our pledge.
If you are a mother or father, sign this pledge and promise to leave your daughter her equal share of property. If you are a brother, pledge to stand with your sister in seeking her property rights. If you are a woman, take this pledge with a commitment to asking for your equal share.
Show the world that India is changing and that there is a massive movement to make sure India’s daughters are supported and empowered.
— Arti Pandey, Co-Founder and Secretary of Bitiya, Madhya Pradesh. Bitiya is an organization formed by parents with only one daughter, working against the social stigma faced by such parents and for the equal rights of all daughters.
Edit"I Pledge To Leave My Daughter Her Equal Share Of Property"

FALCONS T.T.C.’S SANIL AND DABANG SMASHERS T.T.C.’S  SATHIYAN UPSETS TOP SEEDS AT ITTF WORLD TOUR PLATINUM AUSTRALIA OPEN

cid:image001.png@01D2E07D.2BCC7880
2017 ITTF WORLD TOUR India Open - Preparation day
  
4 July 2017
: In run up to the much anticipated Ultimate Table Tennis, Indian stars Sanil Shetty who will represent Falcons T.T.C and Sathiyan Gnanasekaran who was drafted by Dabang Smashers T.T.C created an upset on Tuesday toppling their Korean and Chinese Taipei counterparts respectively in the Seamaster 2017 ITTF World Tour Platinum Australia Open at Gold Coast, Australia.
Sanil Shetty beat Korea’s Jang Woojin, the no.13 seed, (11-9, 3-11, 12-10, 11-3, 6-11, 11-8) and Sathiyan Gnanasekaran accounted for Chinese Taipei’s Chen Chien-An, the no.14 seed (11-6, 4-11, 1-11, 11-9, 11-8, 11-9). In a space of two days Falcons T.T.C.’s Sanil Shetty has beaten players who last year had won ITTF World Tour Men’s Singles titles.
Their victory against their higher ranked counterparts should definitely be a morale booster for both Falcons T.T.C and Dabang Smashers T.T.C. leading up to the league that starts from July 13, 2017 in Chennai.
Edit"Falcons T.T.C.’s Sanil and Dabang Smashers T.T.C.’s  Sathiyan upsets top seeds at ITTF World Tour Platinum Australia Open"

ALL-NEW KALINGA STADIUM UNVEILED AHEAD OF ASIAN ATHLETICS CHAMPIONSHIPS



Honourable Odisha Chief Minister inaugurates synthetic all-weather main track, warm-up area and floodlights for 22nd Asian Athletics Championships in Bhubaneswar

July 1st, Bhubaneswar : Honourable Chief Minister of Odisha Shri Naveen Patnaik inaugurated the all-new Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar today, which is hosting the 22ndAsian Athletics Championships from July 5-9. A cultural extravaganza marked this special occasion for the city of Bhubaneswar as the Honourable CM also unveiled the uniquely-designed medals for the Championships, as well as the plaques next to each renovated area of the prestigious stadium.

It was a day to rejoice for the city of Bhubaneswar as it opened its doors to the Kalinga Stadium for Asia’s premier track and field event, with a full line-up of athletes from Odisha, who have represented India at various sporting events. The Honourable CM also distributed cheques worth Rs 3 lakh to five prominent Odia athletes who have made India proud on the international stage i.e. Dutee Chand, Sarbani Nanda, Purnima Hembram, Amiya Kumar Mallick and Jauna Murmu.

Olympian and national record holder in the 100m women’s hurdles Anuradha Biswal, Asian Games silver medallist Pranati Mishra, Sushma Behera, former Indian women’s football captain Shradhanjali Samantray, BanitaLakra, who was selected for the World Police Meet, and a trio of athletes from the famed Sports Hostel of Bhubaneswar Latika Besra, Raibari Tiria and Sanjukta Mallick ran the inaugural race on the newly laid track, cheered on by the Honourable CM who cut a ribbon to declare the track open.

This momentous day for sports in Odisha and India was marked by festivities as the Kalinga Stadium reverberated with the sound of numerous dhol and shankha by local artists, as the Honourable CM was felicitated on the stage. The CM was then given a tour on a golf cart of all the renovated areas that include the main track, the warm-up track, the newly-installed elevators and state-of-the-art high mast floodlights.

Honourable Chief Minister Shri Naveen Patnaik said: “Odisha has come a long way. After setting global benchmarks in disaster management, playing a major role in the food security of the country, becoming a state known for its transparency and anti-corruption measures, we wanted to take up this challenge to show the world how far we have come. The trust that the people of Odisha have put in us has allowed us to make Bhubaneswar the No. 1 Smart City in the country, besides setting benchmarks in the ease of doing business here. With the Asian Athletics Championships, we also want to showcase how ready we are to host global sporting events. We will also be hosting the Hockey World Cup next year, and in the future we want to be one of the most sought after cities when bigger sporting events take place in India.”

“As many as six athletes from the state participated in the Rio Olympics in 2016 – four hockey players and two runners – and I must remind you they were all women, which goes to show the women power Odisha demonstrated at the world stage.”

The entire work commissioned to complete the renovation of the Kalinga Stadium, besides the beautification of the city of Bhubaneswar to host the Asian Athletics Championships has been completed in record time. Ranchi, which was to host the event, pulled out at the last minute, giving Bhubaneswar just 90 days to prepare from the day the Government of Odisha said yes to hosting the Championships.

The entire work for the renovation of the Kalinga Stadium was completed by June 17, which included the competition area, warm-up area, high mast floodlights as well as the beautification of the seating area and the outside façade of the stadium. Work also included the renovation of all the rooms and toilets inside the Kalinga Stadium, laying of 3 lakh square feet of grass turfing in and around the stadium, and the installation of the 5000 new seats for spectators.

The Government of Odisha took up the challenge with utmost care, and a stage-wise execution of every task was carried out by special teams. As it was not a budgeted event for Odisha, all the funds for the development of the stadium had to be done from the contingency funds allocated to the state, while a number of corporates reached out with strong financial support to organize this event.

Asian Athletics Championships
The Asian Athletics Championships (AAC) is Asia’s flagship event organized by the Asian Athletics Association (AAA). The capital of Odisha, Bhubaneswar will host the 22ndedition of AAC from July 6thto July 9th 2017 at Kalinga Stadium. India has hosted the event earlier on two occasions in New Delhi (1989) and Pune (2013). Nearly 800 athletes from 45 countries will participate across track and field events. The winners of the AAC procure a direct berth in the IAAF World Championships London, 2017.
Edit"All-new Kalinga Stadium unveiled ahead of Asian Athletics Championships"

EMBASSY OF FRANCE IN INDIA SUPPORTS SUNIL REDDY AS SPECIAL GUEST AT FRANCE’S SOLAR BICYCLE RALLY

The Section for Science and Technology of Institut français India, Embassy of France in India
supports Sunil Reddy as Special Guest
at France’s solar bicycle rally, Sun Trip Tour 2017
France-Switzerland-Italy, 8-21 July 2017
New Delhi, 28 June 2017
The Section for Science and Technology (SST) of Institut français India, French Embassy in India, is pleased to announce its support for IIT engineer Sushil Reddy, selected to participate as a Special Guest in the solar bicycle rally, “Sun Trip Tour 2017”. Organised by the French ‘Sun Trip Company’, the solar bike rally will take place from 8 to 21 July, 2017. It will pass through some of France’s most beautiful landscapes in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, and cross two neighboring countries, Switzerland and Italy.
Mumbai IITian Sushil Reddy is the Guinness World Record holder for the longest journey on a motorised bicycle. Using a solar-powered motorised bicycle to raise awareness about solar energy, he made a trip around India between 8 May and 25 July 2016, which started and ended in Mumbai, covering a distance of 7,423.88 km
From a young age, Sushil Reddy has displayed deep commitment to promoting low-cost, clean, sustainable energy, both in his academic and personal life. He has contributed greatly towards this by using science, technology, education and tourism.
A month prior to joining the Sun Trip Tour, Sushil embarked on his own Tour de France with his solar bicycle from 1st June to 2nd July 2017, again in a bid to promote the use of solar energy. Starting from Istres, his journey has led him to Toulouse, Bordeaux, La-Roche-sur-Yon, Rennes, Le Mans, Paris, and will finally take him to Lyon. In each city, he is holding seminars and meeting students in universities like Ecole Centrale, Instituts Polytechniques and HEC Paris, with fruitful discussions on the challenges of using solar energy.
Indo-French collaboration
Renewable energy – and solar energy, in particular – is one of the key areas of the Indo-French partnership, involving academics, industry captains and other stakeholders from both the countries, who are collaborating in this fast-growing and promising sector.
The Embassy of France in India, and its Science and Technology Sector (SST) under Institut français India (IFI), aim to ceaselessly develop cutting-edge cooperation in science, technology and innovation for the actors from France and India who share common interests and are interested in collaborating together.

As a unique opportunity, stakeholders from India and France may benefit from CEFIPRA(www.cefipra.org), which provides financial incentives for organising joint seminars and workshops, and conducting collaborative research projects, including in public-private modes.

The SST provides regular information about the opportunities offered by the two countries for cooperation in science and technology through its website: www.frenchscienceindia.org
Edit"Embassy of France in India supports Sunil Reddy as Special Guest at France’s solar bicycle rally"

HISTOIRES VRAIES

Alliance Française de Delhi
in collaboration with Institut Français India and Oman Air
presents

HISTOIRES VRAIES

A contemporary dance show

Choreographed by Cécile Loyer

Thursday | 6th July 2017 | 7pm
at ML Bhartia Auditorium, Alliance Française de Delhi,
KK Birla Lane, 72 Lodi Estate, New Delhi – 110003
————————————————————————————————————
————————————————————————————————————-
In this contemporary dance project, the French artist Cécile Loyer weaves together the stories and the histories of dance.
“Histoires Vraies” is, first and foremost, an enquiry into the origins of movement and how movements are passed on. Having been intro¬duced to bharathanatyam, Cécile Loyer creates a mix contrasting two different traditions and their use of the body. 
On the stage, 2 Indian dancers and 2 European dancers turn themselves into witnesses and narrators of their own stories. This bizarre, often funny, chaos of gestures narrates our ‘collective history’ and tries to capture the essence of what dance is and to see whether movements, gestures and signs can help us discover other versions of history – less tangible but more moving! 

————————————————————————————————————-
 FREE ENTRY | OPEN TO ALL
————————————————————————————————————-
For more details on programs, please contact the cultural section
@ 43500 217 / 218 / 222 | Or E mail: culture@afdelhi.org
————————————————————————————————————-
————————————————————————————————————-
————————————————————————————————————-

Copyright © Alliance Francaise de Delhi, All rights reserved.
Our mailing address is:
culture@afdelhi.org
Want to change how you receive these emails?
You can update your preferences or unsubscribe from this list

Edit"HISTOIRES VRAIES"

Article 0

$
0
0

THE MODERN AND SIMPLE NEW UNIC WEBSITE IS LIVE;


The modern and simple new UNIC website is live; Incorporating dynamism and accessibility to all  


The United Nations Information Centre for India and Bhutan (UNIC) launched its new website today. The website with a fresh look and a contemporary design, offers information on activities conducted by the Centre and campaigns of the United Nations. With more dynamic data and structured content, the website hopes to be an interactive gateway to promote the work of the United Nations in India and Bhutan.

“The website is simple, easy to use yet modern and well designed to appeal to the young and old alike. It captures the elements of a dynamic website like videos, images, social media interactivity, and at the same time has distinct navigation. We have tried to keep it light to ensure it can operate with high and low bandwidth internet speed,” said Derk Segaar, Director, UNIC.

Most importantly, the website has been built according to the UN guidelines on accessibility that enable websites to be disabled friendly. Accessibility tools like font scalability, screen reading will be operational soon. The website intends to be multilingual and the content will be soon translated into Hindi and other languages. The carousels have been designed so that the users can experience the content at a speed suitable to them.  The website can be viewed at www.unic.org.in

website screenshot

For further details, contact: Shachi Chaturvedi, Public Information Assistant, UNIC at shachi.chaturvedi@un.org



cid:image001.jpg@01D0DFEF.3FAA7D60cid:image002.png@01D0DFEF.3FAA7D60
RAJIV CHANDRAN
National Information Officer
United Nations Information Centre
for India and Bhutan
55, Lodi Estate, New Delhi 110003
Tel: 91 11 46532237
M: 9810606833
cid:image003.png@01D0DFEF.3FAA7D60cid:image004.png@01D0DFEF.3FAA7D60 cid:image005.jpg@01D0DFEF.3FAA7D60
cid:image009.jpg@01D0DFF0.5BE2CE00Sustainable Development Goals | 17 Goals.  169 Targets.  One Destination! Journey to The Future We Want
Edit"The modern and simple new UNIC website is live;"

PUTIN-TRUMP MEETING AT G20 SUMMIT

Naresh Kumar Sagar
G 20 Summit begins in Hamburg on July 7 and 8 why it is so important because of new global order and continuing cold war embattled in Syria which is giving cascading effect to migrants influx in Europe and embattled Sudan Libya and other African countries giving more loads on Italy and other European countries further enhancing the terrorism in Europe the growth engine for the Euro-Asian regions. Russian and important global power emerging from the economic- ebb, with global regional consortium on rise the meeting of G 20 countries with China emerging power and making punching powerful calls too the power blocs need cozy confluence to sort out global trivial matters which gather massive global dimensions.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi left for Tel Aviv, Israel this morning on the first leg of his two-nation tour. Mr Modi is the first Indian Prime Minister to visit Israel.
The Prime Minister will stay there for three days during which he will hold talks with his Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu on all matters of mutual interest.
Before leaving, Mr Modi in a joint blog with the Israeli Prime Minister said, the natural relationship between the two countries has grown strong year after year. They said, the deep connection between the people of the two countries reflects the similarities of the states.
Both leaders asserted that the relationship faces many challenges which they can overcome by working together. The leaders said, combination of India’s human resources and Israel’s ingenuity will provide a solution to share problems in diverse fields such as water, health, environment, education and security.
The two countries, they said, have forged strong ties in the field of technology from startup to space communication and cybernetics. The leaders expressed hope that India and Israel can cooperate in the field of water challenges and create new solution that could help nation across the globe. They asserted that India and Israel and genuine partners for development, technology, innovation and entrepreneurship.
Both leaders also recognised the threat terrorism poses to global peace and security, for which a few years back a landmark agreement on co-operation in homeland and public security was signed. The leaders said, both countries are committed to fighting this scourge.
Mr Modi and Mr Netanyahu also said, the business section will be involved as a catalyst in the bilateral relation. The two countries also decided to establish a new India Israel CEO forum. They said, the Make In India initiative has been enhanced by the Israeli initiative of Make with India which is bearing fruit now.
Meawhile, in an interview to a daily ‘Israel Hayom’, Mr Modi said, India wants to transform its relationship with Israel from traditional to a tech-based one with emphasis on ‘Make in India’.
He said, his visit will take the relationship to a new level. The Prime Minister said, the first-ever visit by an Indian premier to Tel Aviv will lead to further cementing of bilateral ties and cooperation in key areas including counter-terrorism. He added that New Delhi and Tel Aviv could cooperate even more closely and compliment each other’s efforts to fight against terrorism. In the second and final leg of his tour, Mr Modi will visit Hamburg in Germany for the 12th G-20 Summit.
AIR correspondent reports that as Prime Minister is reaching Israel today evening for his 3 day visit, Isreal is all excited to welcome the Indian Premier.All major newspapers in Isreal including Jerusalem Post , Haretz etc has given headline stories in the front page on the arrival of Prime Minister.
PM will be welcomed by his Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu along with 40 Israeli leaders as a special gesture.Prime Minister will visit Danziger agricultural farm, where innovative methodologies are practiced in agriculture.
Later He will viist Yad vashem, Israel’s official memorial for victims of holocoust. Prime Minister is also scheduled to have a private dinner with his Israeli counter part.
Kremlin has expressed confidence that Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump will find time to hold their highly anticipated and important first meeting on the sidelines of the upcoming G20 summit to discuss Syria, international terrorism and Russia-US ties among other issues.
“It’s agreed that the presidents will meet, but the schedules are quite tight,” Kremlin aide Yury Ushakov said as cited by TASS. President Putin already has talks scheduled with 11 world leaders during the G20 meeting in Hamburg on July 7 and 8, but “nevertheless, our American partners and us will be looking for openings… to hold this utmost important meeting.”
G29 summit e agenda of the Hamburg talks, Ushakov confirmed media reports that Syria and Ukraine will be among the issues up for discussion between the two leaders.
“I think it makes sense to discuss these issues,” he said, adding, that Moscow also believes it necessary to address tackling international terrorism, which requires cooperation between Russia and the US.
There are many “problematic areas” and many other issues that Russia is ready to discuss with its American partners, the aide said.
“It seems to me that the very atmosphere of the upcoming meeting can allow solving many problems , including cooperation on the international arena as well as bilateral issues that [has] remained in limbo,” Ushakov said.
Moscow and Washington have a “considerable potential for coordinating efforts in the area of tackling international terrorism, drug trafficking, organized crime and the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction.”
“Our countries can do a lot together to resolve regional crises like the Ukrainian, Palestinian-Israeli, Yemeni, Libyan, Afghan and others,” he added.
The coordination of Russian-American efforts on Syria is “of prime importance,” Ushakov said, adding, that Moscow stands firm on its “principal line of maintaining the territorial integrity and secular character of the Syrian state.”
After the terrorist threat in the country is eradicated, political reforms worked out “during the inclusive intra-Syrian dialogue without external pressure” are to be implemented in Syria, he said, reiterating Moscow’s long-standing position on the issue.
The Hamburg meeting, Ushakov hopes, will “finally relieve the Russian side of the need to take retaliatory measures” against the December’s decision by the outgoing Obama administration to expel 35 Russian diplomats and bar access to Russian diplomatic compounds in New York and Maryland.
At the time, Moscow said it won’t introduce its own sanctions against American diplomats in the country to resolve the issue with the new president in the White House.“We have a lot of patience, but it’s not limitless,”Ushakov pointed out, adding, that reciprocal measures may still be implemented by Moscow.
“We understand that it’s complicated and that relations with Russia have become hostage to internal political dissent in the US. It’s not easy for us too, but we want and we will be working [with the US],” the aide emphasized.
In a separate statement to the media, the Kremlin said the issue of US sanctions, which has had a negative effect on bilateral trade, is a matter Russia wants to discuss with Trump. With trade turnover between Russia and the US dipping from $29 to $20 billion between 2014 and 2016, the restoration of mutually beneficial ties between the businesses in the two countries is essential, it added.Trump has so far failed to maintain his campaign promises to seek constructive relations with Moscow. President Putin said earlier this year that Russian-American relations have deteriorated to a level worse than that under Obama.
The US president is meanwhile battling claims that his associates “colluded” with Russia during his victorious run for the White House last year. The accusations have been repeatedly dismissed as groundless by both the Kremlin and the team Trump.Rt news
 Other media reports meeting of
Chinese President Chinese President Xi Jinping visited Moscow on Monday for what his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin has described as “a major event in bilateral relations.”
Xi arrived’s two-day visit to Moscow on Monday comes before he travels to Germany to take part in an upcoming G20 summit in Hamburg.
Before his departure for the state visit to Russia, Xi said, “Our two countries have built a high level of political and strategic trust… I believe the visit will lend new impetus to the growth of bilateral relations.”
“Economic cooperation and trade is the most wide-ranging area in our practical cooperation and enjoys great potential,” he added.
He also expressed hope that the G20 will continue to “uphold the spirit of partnership for win-win cooperation…Global growth continues to gather momentum, as both developed countries and emerging markets show stronger economic performance. However, grave challenges remain. Therefore, it is particularly important for the G20 to play its role as a premier forum for international economic cooperation.”
“This evening, within Chinese President Xi Jinping’s official visit, there will be an informal dinner for President Putin and Xi Jinping at the Kremlin,” said Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov. He added that Xi’s official visit, which includes bilateral talks, will begin on Tuesday.
“It will have an unusual format [of the meeting]: the leaders will meet [Russian and Chinese] representatives of the public, businesses and media, who will briefly inform Putin and Xi Jinping on their cooperation,” added Peskov.
Putin will also bestow upon Xi one of Russia’s utmost honors, the order of St. Andrew the First-Called, for his efforts towards bolstering ties between Russia and China.
Xi’s meeting with Putin will be the third of its kind this year.
According to Russia’s ambassador to China, Andrey Denisov, during the visit, China and Russia will sign multiple contracts for the collective worth of over $10 billion in various fields.
“We’re discussing a number of draft documents, both on government and corporate levels. And we have dozens of documents relating to the former group,” he added.
Edit"Putin-Trump meeting at G20 summit"

GERMAN LIFTS CONFEDERATION CUP FOOTBALL

Germany have lifted their maiden Confederation Cup Football title. In the final played at St Petersburg last night, the four-time World Cup winners defeated Chile by a solitary goal. Lars Stindl put Germany ahead in the first half against the run of play, and Germany then held on to the lead.
Copa America winners Chile dominated ball possession from start to finish, but could not score despite getting a plethora of chances.
Earlier, in the third-place play-off match in Moscow, Portugal defeated Mexico 2-1. Luis Neto bundled into his own net to hand Mexico a
54th-minute lead, but centre-back Pepe stabbed home a stoppage-time equaliser to force an extra 30 minutes at Spartak Stadium. Adrien Silva then scored an extra-time penalty to give victory to Portugal. For Silva, it was his first international goal.
In the group stage of the tournament, the match between Portugal and Mexico had ended in a 2-2 draw.
European champions Portugal were without captain Cristiano Ronaldo after the Real Madrid star was released from the squad to return home to meet his newborn twins.
Edit"German lifts Confederation Cup Football"

Article 0

$
0
0

NORTH KOREA LAUNCHED THE HWASONG-14 ICBM AN INTERCONTINENTAL BALLISTIC MISSILE

595c1b04fc7e9327548b4567
On Tuesday morning, North Korea conducted what it claimed to be its first successful test of an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM). The Hwasong-14 ICBM, launched on a steep trajectory, flew some 933 kilometers in 39 minutes reaching an altitude of 2,802 kilometers, according to the country’s state television.
The Russian military, however, questioned Pyongyang’s claim, saying the missile only flew around 535 kilometers, reaching an altitude of 510 kilometers before falling into the Sea of Japan. The assessment places the North Korean missile fired Tuesday in the category of an intermediate-range ballistic missile (IRBM).
The US Pacific Command initially identified the projectile fired by North Korea as a land-based, intermediate-range ballistic missile. American military data indicated that it flew some 930 kilometers over 37 minutes. Yet, and despite the assessment, the US Secretary of State, Rex Tillerson, lent credibility to North Korea’s claim that it launched an ICBM.
“The United States strongly condemns North Korea’s launch of an intercontinental ballistic missile. Testing an ICBM represents a new escalation of the threat to the United States, our allies and partners, the region, and the world,” Tillerson said in a statement.
Read more
July 4, 2017. From right: Russian President Vladimir Putin meets with People's Republic of China President Xi Jinping in Moscow. © Sergey Guneev
Russia, China: N. Korea must freeze nuclear activities, US halt THAAD deployment.\
Russian President Vladimir Putin and his Chinese counterpart, Xi Jinping, meeting in Moscow, called for a freeze of Kim Jong-un’s nuclear and ballistic programs which are in breach of UNSC resolutions.
But Tillerson said global action is required to stop what he called the North Korean “global threat,” as he warned countries against supporting Pyongyang. “We will never accept a nuclear-armed North Korea.”
The US also called a United Nations Security Council meeting Wednesday to discuss the latest test launch by North Korea.
American and South Korean militaries have launched surface-to-surface tactical missiles into neutral waters as a show of force against the latest North Korean ballistic test, despite the joint Russian-Chinese warning not to escalate tensions on the peninsula.
“Eighth US Army and Republic of Korea (ROK) military personnel conducted a combined event exercising assets countering North Korea’s destabilizing and unlawful actions on July 4,” United States Forces in Korea said in a statement.
“This exercise utilized the Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS) and the Republic of Korea Hyunmoo Missile II, which fired missiles into territorial waters of South Korea along the East Coast,” the military statement added.
The Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS) is a guided surface-to-surface missile (SSM) produced by Lockheed Martin. It has a range of some 300 kilometers, and can strike targets deeps inside enemy territory. The guided missile can be fired from multiple rocket launchers, including the Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS) M270, and High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS).
Edit"North Korea launched the Hwasong-14 ICBM an intercontinental ballistic missile"

SPAIN: EU NEEDS TO DISCUSS ITALY MIGRANT REQUEST

Spain’s foreign minister says that all European Union members need to discuss Italy’s proposal for other countries in the bloc to open their ports to ships carrying rescued migrants. Alfonso Dastis told journalists in Madrid that “our position is that exceptional situations require exceptional measures as a response, but they need to be discussed among all countries.” Italy has pleaded for help as thousands of migrants and refugees pour onto its shores. The U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees, Filippo Grandi, decried an “unfolding tragedy” in the country.
Edit"Spain: EU needs to discuss Italy migrant request"

SHIV KAPUR EARNS TICKET TO THE OPEN AFTER TOPPING QUALIFYING EVENT AT WOBURN


Milton Keynes, England, July 4, 2017: It’s turning out to be a highly productive year for India’s Shiv Kapur. The 35-year-old, who posted a win and a tied second finish on the Asian Tour in the first half of the season, added another feather to his cap by earning a ticket to his third British Open after winning one of the five Final Qualifying events staged in the United Kingdom on Tuesday.

Kapur, who will be the lone Indian at this year’s Open Championship, earned his berth at the year’s third Major after shooting scores of 71 and 65 that gave him first place at eight-under-136. Shiv was thus among the three players with the best scores who qualified from The Marquess’ Course at Woburn in England.

The top three players from each of the five Final Qualifying events made it to this year’s British Open which will be held at the Royal Birkdale Golf Club in England from July 20 – 23.

Kapur finished two shots ahead of the English duo of Ian Poulter and Toby Tree, the other two players to qualify from Woburn.

Shiv, who made 13 birdies, a bogey and two double-bogeys in his two rounds on Tuesday, is now all set to make his fifth Major appearance.

The two-time Asian Tour winner, who returned to the winner’s circle in Asia after an 11-year gap earlier this year, has previously been part of the field at the British Open in 2006 and 2013. He missed the halfway cut by one shot in 2006 and finished tied 73rd in 2013.

Kapur’s other two Major appearances have come at the US Open in 2014 and 2015. He will now be playing at a Major after two years.

Incidentally, Shiv, who is currently placed 305 in the world rankings, holds the Indian record for the best finish at the US Open thanks to his tied 23rd place at the 2014 edition.
Edit"Shiv Kapur earns ticket to The Open after topping qualifying event at Woburn"

PHILIPPINES’ TOP COURT UPHOLDS DUTERTE’S MARTIAL LAW

The Philippines’ top court on Tuesday upheld President Rodrigo Duterte’s martial law declaration in the southern third of the country, dismissing petitions to nullify it. Supreme Court spokesman Theodore Te said 11 of 15 justices voted to dismiss the consolidated petitions filed by opposition lawmakers, activist groups and four women from Maraw – the southern city where an attack by Islamic State-aligned militants prompted Duterte to declare martial law on May 23. Te said three of the justices voted to partially grant the petitions while one voted to grant them. Details of the justices’ vote were not immediately known, with Te saying the justices’ draft opinions will be finalized and submitted Wednesday
Edit"Philippines’ top court upholds Duterte’s martial law"

CATALONIA TO DECLARE IMMEDIATE INDEPENDENCE IF ‘YES’ WINS REFERENDUM

Catalonia will declare independence “immediately” if a majority of the Spanish region’s voters opt for independence in a Scotland-style referendum called for October, its ruling coalition said Tuesday. “If the majority of votes are for creating a Catalan republic, obviously independence will have to be declared immediately,” said Gabriela Serra, a member of the separatist coalition that governs Catalonia. Her comments came as the coalition introduced a law aimed at extracting the northeastern region from Spain’s legal system, in a bid to circumvent all legal and practical challenges to organising a referendum. It will be submitted to a vote in the regional parliament, where separatists hold a majority, at the end of August.
Edit"Catalonia to declare immediate independence if ‘yes’ wins referendum"

THE ENTERPRISES AND ALUMNI JOB FAIR 2017


Bengaluru, 8th July 2017
The Embassy of France in India and its cultural wing, Institut français India, in collaboration with the Indo French Chambers of Commerce and Industry and Business France, are organising the Enterprises and Alumni Job Fair 2017.
This job fair is a platform for Indian students and professionals who have pursued a part of their education, internship or training in France to explore promising job opportunities. It will facilitate the meeting of potential recruiters with a diverse talent pool of young professionals from top-notch institutions of learning in both countries with multicultural experience, technical and managerial skills, and a solid understanding of corporate environments.
Participating organisations at this job fair include L’Oréal, Amaris, Gaja Digital, Faurecia, Accor Hotels, Lumiplan, French Institute in India, Indo-French Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
Over 400 French companies are present in India, which employ over 300,000 skilled workers. This provides immense opportunities to Indian alumni who are trained in France. These skilled professionals would be an asset to not only French but also other multinational companies.
France is the third global destination for foreign students. Over 4000 Indian students choose to study in France every year; most of them enrol for STEM courses at reputed institutions. French universities and grandes écoles offer an increasing number of courses taught in English. Campus France, a French government agency for promoting higher education and operating from 11 offices across India, guides students in their choice of courses and the procedures involved in obtaining admissions and the requisite visa.
The French government would like to welcome more Indian students to France. Indian students can extend their stay in France after the completion of their studies. France offers several visa schemes for the alumni, ranging from the 2-year visa to the 5-year circulation visa, not to forget, the Talent Passport.
The French Institute/ Institut français India (IFI) is the section of the Embassy of France responsible for promoting Indo-French people-to-people ties. IFI promotes academic and scientific exchange between higher institutes of learning and research. It enables student mobility and promotes the French language. It fosters links between artists, scientists, NGOs, professors, enterprises, film professionals, publishers and more in addition to supporting partnerships in research and innovation, capacity-building and interactions with civil society, vocational studies, as well as artistic and cultural partnerships in arts, books, film, fashion, design and more. It organises forums and debates that bring together innovators and thinkers from both countries. IFI acts as a matchmaker in the exchange of expertise, strengthening these connections between private companies and public institutions between France and India.

Indo-French Chamber of Commerce and Industry (IFFCI): Set up in 1977, IFCCI is a not-for-profit bilateral business Chamber which fosters and promotes mutually beneficial relations between India and France through trade and industry. The Chamber has four offices in Mumbai, New Delhi, Chennai and Bengaluru and over 550 members, comprising leading French and Indian companies.
IFCCI provides a platform facilitating business and networking opportunities between French and Indian companies, and promotes their members’ interests to key decision makers, and helps develop economic and commercial relations between France and India.

For Media queries, please contact:
Geetika Gulati, WordsWork
geetika@wordswork.in | +91 9289897231
Nandini Kumar, WordsWork
nandini@wordswork.in
| +91 9886040715

CityDateVenue
Bengaluru8th July
2:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Alliance Française,
108, Thimmaiah Road, Opposite U.N. I Building, Vasant Nagar
The event will be followed by a cocktail reception.

Partners:

For further information, please contact:
Kanika BHARADWAJ
South India Campus France Coordination
southindia@india-campusfrance.org
+91 9205 35 24 75
Edit"The Enterprises and Alumni Job Fair 2017"

EGYPT’S PARLIAMENT APPROVES STATE OF EMERGENCY EXTENSION

Egypt’s parliament on Tuesday approved President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi’s decision to extend a nationwide state of emergency for an additional three months, said Speaker of the House of Representatives Ali Abdelaal. “The reasons for which the state of emergency was declared are still in place and therefore it must be extended,” Abdelaal told lawmakers. Parliament unanimously approved a three-month state of emergency in April, broadening the power of authorities to crack down on what it called enemies of the state after two church bombings killed at least 45 people.
Edit"Egypt’s parliament approves state of emergency extension"

Article 1

$
0
0

AK JOTI TAKES OVER AS CHIEF ELECTION COMMISSIONER OF INDIA

Mr AK Joti has taken over as Chief Election Commissioner of India. He succeeds Nasim Zaidi, who retired yesterday.
Mr Joti will continue as the Chief Election Commissioner till the 17th of January next year. Speaking on the occassion Mr. Joti underlined his priorities as Chief of the poll panel.
64-year-old Mr Joti had joined the three-member poll panel as an Election Commissioner in May, 2015. He is a 1975-batch IAS officer who retired as the Gujarat Chief secretary in January, 2013.
Edit"AK Joti takes over as Chief Election Commissioner of India"

INDIAN WOMEN BEGIN WILLIAM JONES CUP WITH A LOSS TO NEW ZEALAND


  • The Indian women’s basketball team opened its William Jones campaign earlier today with a 52-75 loss to New Zealand.
  • The top performers for the Indian team were captain Anitha Paul Durai with 15 points, and R Rajapriyadharshini with 8 rebounds, while Micaela Cocks led New Zealand with 21 points.
  • Next up, the Indian women play Japan on Thursday, 6th July at 1500 hrs CST (1230 IST).

Bengaluru, 5th July 2017:  The Indian women’s basketball team has begun its 39th William Jones Cup International Basketball Tournament campaign with a 52-75 loss to New Zealand. The Indian women, seeking valuable exposure before the FIBA Women’s Asia Cup later this month, were hoping for a positive start. But their opponents, the “Tall Ferns” raced to a 9 point lead at the first quarter, and extended it to 16 points by half time.

The New Zealanders were led by the scoring of Micaela Cocks with 21 points, supported by Chevannah Paalvast and Jillian Harmon who dropped 15 and 11 points respectively. The “Tall Ferns” lived up to their moniker, out-rebounding the Indian team 43-31.

In contrast, the Indian women shot 42% from the field, and will definitely look to improve from beyond the arc (6/21) and the free throw line (2/7). This being their first competitive outing in months, the Indian women’s 24 turnovers can be overlooked, provided they to do a better job of protecting the ball in coming matches. The top performers for the Indian team were captain Anitha Paul Durai with 15 points, and R Rajapriyadharshini with 8 rebounds, while veteran shooting guard Raspreet Sidhu chipped in with 11.

Next up, the Indian women play Japan on 6th July at 1500 hrs CST (1230 IST).

New Zealand (Micaela Cocks 21 pts, Chevannah Paalvast 15 pts, Jillian Harmon 11 pts) bt India (Anitha Paul Durai 15 pts, Raspreet Sidhu 11 pts, R Rajapriyadharshini 8 reb) 75–52 [24 – 15, 18 – 11, 13 – 9, 20 – 17]

About the William Jones Cup

The William Jones Cup is a basketball tournament that has been held annually in Taipei since 1977. The tournament was named in honor of Renato William Jones, who was one of the founders of the International Basketball Federation (FIBA). One team represents each country, and that team could be the national team, a professional club, or a college team. The tournament will be played in a single round-robin format, and the final points tally will determine the placing of the teams. This is the 39th edition of the tournament, and all games are being played at the Changhua Gymnasium, Changhua County, Chinese Taipei. Last year, the South Korean team took the gold in the women’s tournament, while Japan and Chinese Taipei A finished second and third respectively.

Official Tournament website: www.jonescup.choxue.com

About Basketball Federation of India

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

PLACE-BASED PREFERENTIAL TAX POLICY AND ITS SPATIAL EFFECTS

Jul
14
CPR is pleased to invite you to a talk on
Place-based Preferential Tax Policy and its Spatial Effects: Evidence from India’s Program on Industrially Backward Districts
Yi Jiang, Rana Hasan
Friday, 14 July 2017, 3:30 p.m.
Conference Hall, Centre for Policy Research
Image Source
Indian government initiated a program in 1994 to promote manufacturing in districts designated “backwards”. The way the backwards districts were identified enables us to employ a regression discontinuity design to evaluate the impacts of the program. We find that the program’s 5-year tax exemption to manufacturers led to a significant increase in firm entry and employment in relatively better-off backward districts, particularly in light manufacturing industries. However, the program also resulted in negative spillover effects on districts which were neighbouring these backward districts and relatively weaker in economic activity. The findings emphasise that the spatial effects of place-based policies deserve greater attention from policy makers.
Yi Jiang is a senior economist at the Economic Research and Regional Cooperation Department of the Asian Development Bank. His research focuses on topics in public, development, urban, and environmental economics. Yi holds a PhD degree in economics from the University of Maryland, College Park, a Master’s degree in statistics from the University of Missouri-Columbia, and a Bachelor’s degree in finance and economics from Zhejiang University, China.
Rana Hasan is the Director of the Development Economics and Indicators Division at the Asian Development Bank’s Economic Research and Regional Coordination Department. His research has focused on understanding how market-oriented economic reforms affect labour market outcomes and industrial performance, and analyses of poverty and inequality in the Asia-Pacific region. He holds a Ph.D. in Economics from the University of Maryland and a Masters’ degree in Economics from the Delhi School of Economics, University of Delhi.
Edit"Place-based Preferential Tax Policy and its Spatial Effects"

ANALYSIS OF FUNDS COLLECTED AND EXPENDITURE INCURRED BY POLITICAL PARTIES IN THE 5 STATE ASSEMBLY ELECTIONS, 2016

6th July, 2017
Analysis of Funds Collected and Expenditure Incurred by Political Parties in the 5 State Assembly Elections, 2016
(Assam, Kerala, Puducherry, Tamil Nadu & West Bengal)
For the Executive summary in HINDI and for details of expenditure incurred onPUBLICITY and TRAVEL at the central and State level by National and Regional parties, please refer to the attached documents.
Introduction
·         Political parties are required to submit a statement of election expenditure to the Election Commission within 75 days of completion of Assembly Elections.
·         The expenditure statement contains details of the total amount received as funds in the form of cash, cheques and demand drafts and the total amount spent under various heads.
·         The expenditure statement contains information on the amount spent on the following heads at the state, district and constituency levels by the party: Publicity; Travel expenses; Other expenses & Expenditure towards candidates.
·         Political parties submit these statements providing information of funds collected and spent between announcement and completion of elections. This period could be between 3 weeks to 3 months based on the notification issued by the Election Commission.
·         This report analyses the funds received and expenditure incurred by recognised political parties, during the five state Assembly elections of Assam, Kerala, Puducherry, Tamil Nadu and West Bengal, held in 2016.
 Funds Collected and Expenditure Incurred: National and Regional Parties
·         Total funds collected by the National Parties during the five state Assembly Elections held in 2016 was Rs 287.89 cr and total expenditure incurred by the National Parties was Rs 188.12 cr.
·         Of the 25 regional parties which contested in the five state assembly elections, NPP, JDS, RSP, KCM, DMDK, RJD, JKNPP, AJSU and JMM have not submitted their election expenditure statements for at least one Assembly election that they contested.
·         Based on the details provided, the Regional Parties collected a total of Rs 67.22 cr and incurred an expenditure of Rs 213.97 cr.
​​Inline image 1
State-wise total funds collected
·         The election expenditure reports of political parties contain information on the funds collected at the Central Headquarters of the party as well as at the state level.
·         The National and Regional parties collected a total of Rs 190.23 cr at the Central level, in cash and by cheque. This constituted 53.57% of the total funds collected at the Central and State levels.
·         Among the state units, the political parties collected the maximum amount of Rs 84.30 cr from West Bengal which formed 23.74% of the total funds collected at the state and central levels.
·         The most preferred mode of collected was by cheque where the parties collected Rs 197.32 crwhich formed 55.57% of the total funds collected at the state and central levels.
Inline image 2
Inline image 3
State-wise expenditure incurred
·         Out of total expenditure of Rs 402.09 cr, 75.32% or Rs 302.86 cr was spent by cheque while the National and Regional parties, together, had left Rs 75.93 cr ‘remaining unpaid’ which formed 18.88% of the total expenditure.
·         Similar to fund collection, the Central headquarters of the National and Regional parties spent the maximum (Rs 217.64 cr) and the second highest amount was declared by the Tamil Nadu state units(Rs 79 cr) followed by West Bengal state units (Rs 57.76 cr) and Kerala state units (Rs 31.01 cr).
Inline image 4
Inline image 5
Expenditure incurred by National and Regional Parties under various heads
·         Political parties declare their expenditure under the heads of Publicity, Travel Expenses, Other/ Miscellaneous expenses and Lumpsum amount paid to their contesting candidates.
·         The National Parties spent a total of Rs 137.46 cr on Publicity while the Regional Parties declared a total of Rs 119.33 cr under the same head.
·         While National Parties spent Rs 51.04 cr on Travel expenses, the Regional Parties incurred Rs 23.46 cr under the same head.
·         The maximum difference in expenditure between National and regional parties was on the amount the parties had given to their contesting candidates. While National Parties declared giving Rs 151.65 cr to their candidates for election expenditure, the regional parties spent only Rs 60.89 cr on their candidates.
Inline image 6
Inline image 7
Inline image 8
For details of expenditure incurred on PUBLICITY and TRAVEL at the central and State level by National and Regional parties, please refer to the complete report attached herewith.
​​
Contact Details
 
State Coordinators
Assam

Mr.Tasaduk Ariful Hussain
+91 361 2338-888
+91-94350-54775
arif@nestinfo.org
Kerala

Mr.Ravindran
+91-93493-33458
Puducherry

Mr.Joseph Victor Raj
+91-94860-86938
Tamil Nadu

Dr. Sudarsan Padmanabhan
+91-44 2257-426
+91-94447-82884
West Bengal

Mr.Biplab Halim
+91-33 2483-6491
+91-33 2472-5571
+91-98311-24736

National Election Watch (NEW) & Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR)
Media and Journalist Helpline

+91 80103 94248
Maj Gen Anil Verma (Retd)
Head – NEW & ADR

+91 8826479910
Prof Jagdeep Chhokar
IIM Ahmedabad (Retd)

Founder Member- NEW & ADR

+919999620944
Prof Trilochan Sastry
IIM Bangalore

Founder Member – NEW & ADR

+919448353285,
Edit"Analysis of Funds Collected and Expenditure Incurred by Political Parties in the 5 State Assembly Elections, 2016"

BIENVENUE EN FRANCE 2017 PRE-DEPARTURE ORIENTATION SESSION

Bienvenue en France 2017
Pre-Departure Orientation Session and Scholarship Award Ceremony in New Delhi.
Read more ☞ goo.gl/P25Mv2
Image may contain: 40 people, people smiling, people standing
Image may contain: 2 people, people smiling
Image may contain: 5 people, people sitting, crowd and indoor
A full session was organised for the orientation of students to study France  under their scheme  of Bienvenue en France 2017,  Embassy of France In New Delhi India on Wednesday  5th July 2017 organised ornamentation for Indian students . In this orientation session more than six speaker spoke on the subjects of documentation from Visa to accommodation with ID proofs in details for three hours.
Thereafter hour long question answer  session  was also organised in which students nearly 250 present in big hall contributed to their trifles and matters of lodging travelling which were explained by the experts in very persuasive manner.
The entire students orientation programme was under the presence of the Consular who spent the whole session in the surveillance, managing  his experts and students in patronizing the family  member watch in which the parents of the students were present. They were watching their dear ones leaving under the stewardship of very responsible and methodical peoples and experts in their fields.
The parents thus expressed sigh of relief of their kith and kin undergoing rigorous orientation before departure to France to study.
 Ambassador of France in New Delhi gave scholarship to the forty students.
Edit"Bienvenue en France 2017 Pre-Departure Orientation Session"

QUAKE OF M6.5 – LEYTE, PHILIPPINES

Preliminary Earthquake Report
Magnitude6.5
Date-Time
  • 6 Jul 2017 08:03:58 UTC
  • 6 Jul 2017 16:03:58 near epicenter
  • 6 Jul 2017 12:03:58 standard time in your timezone
Location11.114N 124.633E
Depth6 km
Distances
  • 3.2 km (2.0 mi) NNE of Masarayao, Philippines
  • 12.3 km (7.6 mi) NNE of Ormoc, Philippines
  • 21.0 km (13.0 mi) SSW of Carigara, Philippines
  • 28.1 km (17.4 mi) ENE of Palompon, Philippines
Edit"Quake of M6.5 – Leyte, Philippines"

DEAR SAGAR MEDIA INC, ACTRESS SWARA BHASKAR

Change.org
Dear Sagar Media Inc,
Actress Swara Bhaskar writes, “Every time I read about a new case of mob lynching, my head hangs in shame. I am a proud Indian and have always believed that our country’s strength lies in its diversity… as a conscientious citizen of India, cannot allow these lynchings to take place in my name.”
She adds, “mob lynching is not an issue that affects any one community. It can happen to anyone.”
Sign her petition asking Prime Minister Narendra Modi to enact a law against mob lynchings.

@narendramodi : Walk the talk, enact Manav Suraksha Kanoon (MASUKA) #MASUKA

Swara Bhaskar 
Mumbai, India

Article 0

$
0
0

IATF :THE EMBASSY OF FRANCE AND INSTITUT FRANÇAIS INDIA PARTICIPATED IN AN ALL-DAY TRAINING FOR 68 TEACHERS OF FRENCH LANGUAGE

Participants_1st_july
]The French Embassy in India and Institut français India were proud to support an all-day training of 68 teachers of French language from various CBSE schools of Delhi /NCR. The training, co-organised by Indian Association of Teachers of French (IATF) North Zone and Langers International Pvt. Ltd, was held on Saturday 1st of July 2017 at the Delhi Public School, Noida.
This one-day workshop was entitled ‘Revisiter le programme d’études de langue française de CBSE : enjeux et nouvelles perspectives’ (Revisiting the CBSE French Language Curriculum : Stakes and New Perspectives ).

Sessions were conducted by Caroline Schmitt, Attachée for Cooperation in French Language, Embassy of France, Prof. Kiran Chaudhry of Jawaharlal Nehru University, Ms. Anuradha Karkun President (North Zone) IATF and Mrs. Balvinder Kaur Bindra, Committee Member (North Zone) IATF.
Dr. Shweta Singh, CBSE Joint Director had also sent a message of encouragement which was read to the Teachers during the introduction session.
The workshop was followed by a round table conference led by Prof. Kiran Chaudhry. French teachers present at the discussion highlighted the various challenges they faced, especially in view of the recent changes proposed by CBSE (in evaluation structure, language policy).

The French Embassy in India and Institut français India express their full support to principals, teachers, the Association of Teachers of French, and universities that are convinced that global education is an asset for their students, encouraging them to become strong, smart citizens of the future.
Edit"IATF :The Embassy of France and Institut français India participated in an all-day training for 68 teachers of French language"

UN SECURITY COUNCIL SANCTIONS SPLINTER GROUP OF PAK TALIBAN

UN Security Council has sanctioned a splinter group of the Pakistan Taliban, subjecting it to assets freeze and an arms embargo.
The Security Council’s Al-Qaida Sanctions Committee last night added Jamaat-Ul-Ahrar (JuA) to the terror group Islamic State and Al-Qaida Sanctions List.
The outfit is also known as Tehrik-e Taliban Pakistan Jamaat ul Ahrar and is located in the Nangarhar Province of Afghanistan as well as in Mohmand Agency, a district in the Federally Administered Tribal Areas of Pakistan.
According to information on the UN website, Jamaat-Ul-Ahrar is the splinter group of the Tehrik-e Taliban Pakistan and is associated with the Islamic State terror group.
Edit"UN Security Council sanctions splinter group of Pak Taliban"

MEXICO VIOLENCE

A fight between rival gangs in a prison in south-western Mexico has left at least 28 inmates dead.
The pre-dawn fight broke out in the security wing of Las Cruces prison in the city of Acapulco. The victims were stabbed and beaten to death.
The governor has ordered an investigation. A State Security Spokesman said, bodies were discovered throughout the unit, including inside the kitchen and in an area for conjugal visits. He added, there were no signs that weapons were used. The investigation would also focus on the prison staff.
Acapulco is the largest city in Guerrero state, one of Mexico’s most violent areas and a big centre for drug production. The city used to be one of Mexico’s most popular tourist spots, but has seen a rise in violence as criminal gangs fight for control over illegal activities. It has become one of the country’s deadliest cities.
Edit"Mexico violence"

G 20 SUMMIT : PROTESTERS CLASH POLICE, TRUMP BLASTS RUSSIA

Bundeskanzlerin Angela Merkel: Teilnahme am G20-Gipfel in Brisbane 2014
Germany assumed the G20 Presidency on 1 December 2016. The G20 is the central forum for international cooperation on financial and economic issues. The G20 countries account for more than four-fifths of gross world product and three-quarters of global trade, and are home to almost two-thirds of the world’s population. The Group of Twenty is comprised of 19 countries plus the European Union. The countries   are Argentina,  Australia,  Brazil,  Canada,  China,  France,  Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, South Korea, Turkey, the United Kingdom and the United States of America.
G20 heads of state and government traditionally focus on issues relating to global economic growth, international trade and financial market regulation.
G20 deliberations. Germany in particular has been pushing for measures to tackle harmful tax competitionbetween countries and combat the aggressive tax policies adopted by international firms, and not just since the publication of the “Panama Papers”. A package of measures has been adopted, and will now be implemented.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi  reached  at Hamburg in Germany last night for the 12th meeting of the G20 nations which begins later today. He will also hold bilateral discussions with leaders of Canada, South Korea, Mexico, Argentina, UK and a few more nations on the sidelines of the summit.
Deliberations on counter terrorism, climate change and global trade are likely to dominate the two-day Summit.
A closed door meeting of the BRICS leaders will also take place on the side lines of the meeting in which the Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be meeting the leaders including Brazil, Russia, and South Africa.
The summit will focus on -Shaping an Interconnected World- as it is the main theme for this edition. The deliberations will also focus on global growth and trade, sustainable development, environment and energy, Partnership with Africa, Migration, and women’s empowerment and employment in four working sessions.
Group of 20 (G-20) Summit in Germany should strengthen international cooperation and Berlin remains committed to the implementation of a major climate protection agreement, Chancellor Angela Merkel said.
“We’re united in our will to strengthen multilateral relations at the G-20 Summit, that we need an open society, especially open trade flows,” Merkel said during a joint news conference with Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong.
Merkel added that both countries also supported the implementation of the Paris climate protection agreement — a major international pact of which US President Donald Trump announced the US withdrawal.
Seventy-six police officers have been injured in clashes with protesters in Germany’s city of Hamburg, where a G20 summit starts shortly.
Police said, three officers were taken to hospital. There were also reports of injuries among protesters.
The clashes began when police charged at masked protesters at a “Welcome to hell” march attended by 12,000 people. World leaders – including US President Donald Trump – will discuss climate change, trade and other major issues.
Police fired water cannon and pepper spray at masked protesters, who hurled bottles, stones and flares. Organisers cancelled the march where the first clashes took place, but protesters remained on the streets and police said violence spread to other areas of the city.
World awaits the summit meeting top two global leaders, US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin are set to meet each other up in person for the first time today in what promises to be the most highly anticipated meeting on the sidelines of the G20 summit. How far two go to talk and discuss the global gravitating problems of Syria, migrations, terrorism, West Africa, West Asia and North Korea climate control the allies fresh alignments and the growing menace  of grouping of regional powers the dilution of United nations for the betterment for regional powers growing consolidation to build anti -peace globe.
Trump has said he wants to find ways to work with Putin, a goal made more difficult by sharp differences over Russia’s actions in Syria and Ukraine, and allegations Moscow meddled in the 2016 US presidential election. The White House declined to offer details on what Trump would request of Putin and what he might offer in exchange for cooperation.
US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson said Trump wanted to talk about how the two countries can work together to stabilize war-ravaged Syria.
He is also slated to meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping at the G20 amid an ICBM launch by North Korea.
US President Donald Trump warned that the future of the West was at risk and lashed out at Russia and North Korea on Thursday at the start of a high-stakes trip to Europe.
In key US ally Poland on the first leg of the trip, he accused Russia of “destabilising” action in Ukraine and warned North Korea it faced “consequences” after an intercontinental ballistic missile test that has alarmed the international community.
On the eve of what is likely to be a prickly G20 summit in Hamburg, Trump — who faces animosity from traditional US allies — used his keynote address in Warsaw to warn that a lack of collective resolve could doom an alliance that endured through the Cold War.
“The defence of the West ultimately rests not only on means but also on the will of its people to prevail,” he said.
“The fundamental question of our time is whether the West has the will to survive.”
Seeking to ease allies’ concerns about the US commitment to NATO, Trump endorsed its one-for-all-and-all-for-one mutual defence pact.
“The United States has demonstrated not merely with words, but with it actions, that we stand firmly behind Article Five,” he said, while calling for more defence spending on the eastern side of the Atlantic.
“The transatlantic bond between the United States and Europe is as strong as ever, and maybe in many ways, even stronger,” he added.
Speaking in a country alarmed by Moscow’s increasing military assertiveness, Trump hit out at Russia, just a day before his highly anticipated first face-to-face talks with President Vladimir Putin at the G20.
“We urge Russia to cease its destabilising activities in Ukraine and elsewhere, and its support for hostile regimes — including Syria and Iran — and to instead join the community of responsible nations in our fight against common enemies and in defence of civilisation itself.”
He also said Moscow “may have” tried to influence the 2016 election that brought him to power, but suggested others too may have been involved and blames his predecessor Barack Obama for failing to act.
Arriving at the G20 host city Hamburg later Thursday, Trump headed in the evening to talks with German Chancellor Angela Merkel, who has vowed to defend the 2015 Paris climate accord which the US leader has pledged to withdraw America from.
Trump would then hold a dinner meeting with leaders of South Korea and Japan, when focus will be trained on another crisis that erupted this week when Pyongyang successfully tested an ICBM that could deliver a nuclear payload to Alaska.
In his first public remarks since the test, Trump said in Warsaw that Pyongyang’s military sabre-rattling must bring “consequences” and warned he was considering a “severe” response to its ‘very, very bad behaviour”.
After repeatedly urging Beijing to ratchet up the economic pressure on North Korea, Trump will hold what promises to be a testy meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the G20.
The White House wanted to use Trump’s Warsaw speech — with its echoes of historic addresses overseas by Ronald Reagan and John F. Kennedy — to burnish his credentials as a global statesman and deflect suggestions he is making the United States a virtual pariah.
Speaking in front of 10,000 people at Krasinski Square — which memorialises the Warsaw uprising against Nazi occupation — Trump pointed to Poland as an example of resolve in the defence of Western traditions.
“The people of Poland, the people of America, and the people of Europe still cry out ‘We want God’,” Trump said.
Referring to the Nazi and Soviet invasions of Poland, he said: “That’s tough.”
Edit"G 20 Summit : Protesters clash Police, Trump blasts Russia"

“BIENVENUE EN FRANCE”, 10 CITIES ACROSS INDIA,


19731970_10213026661922823_5309373712024928240_n
The Embassy of France, through Campus France, invests considerable effort in enhancing student mobility towards France. By the year 2020, France aims to welcome 10,000 Indian students to Europe’s most innovative country. This year, while a significant increase in the number of departures is already expected, the French Embassy is assisting over 2250 students in their journey to France through a pre-departure session “Bienvenue en France”, which is taking place in 10 cities across India, from 29th June to 11th July.

On 5 July 2017, H.E. Mr Alexandre Ziegler, Ambassador of France to India, opened the session in Delhi, with an introductory note explaining the importance France attaches to international students and how France is going to enhance their study abroad experience in presence of nearly 200 students, including 40 scholarship awardees.

On the agenda, announcement of the French Embassy in India scholarship holders, an interactive and instructive session covered frequently asked questions, such as visa application procedure, accommodation. Students were also given practical advice about daily life in France, cultural life and awareness on learning French.  It also provided useful information about administrative procedures to be completed on the students’ arrival in France, teaching methods used in French educational institutions, and various inter-cultural aspects.

Edit"“Bienvenue en France”, 10 cities across India,"

SPORTS MUST GROW AS INDUSTRY: VIJAY GOEL

19657228_10213034020906793_7567582891653177037_n
CII Scorecard 2017 brings stakeholders from policy, business, sports, academia and philanthropy together to ‘Make India Play’

“We need broadbasing of sports, and excellence in sports – these are the twin goals of the Sports Ministry. Sports has to grow as an industry, with development of adequate infrastructure, sports science, sports medicine, coaching, event management, broadcasting. Through Khelo India, we are awarding 1000 scholarships of 1 lakh every year to deserving sportspersons, to discover and grow potential from the grassroots,” said Mr Vijay Goel, Minister of State for Sports and Youth Affairs (I/C).
 
CII in association with the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports hosted the third annual ‘CII Scorecard 2017’, bringing together sport policymakers, stakeholders and dignitaries on the opportunities and future of the Sports Sector.
“Sports excellence centres, such as the one in Manipur, are a starting point for sports skill development so that we can encourage trained coaches and physical instructors. The larger change has to be in mindsets. We need to educate parents to instill in children the value of sports,” said Mr Jitender Singh, Minister of State.
“We need safe playing spaces, trained coaches, and sports to be integrated into core-curriculum of education and not just extra-curricular activities. Whether it is inclusive development, gender equality or tapping grassroot potential, we need to collaborate to take strides in sports.” stated Mr Injeti Srinivas, Secretary, Sports.
“The share of public and private sector involvement in sports is limited at the moment. There is a need for partnership expansion for more impact,” said Mr Ratan Watal, Principal Advisor, Social Space, NITI Aayog.
“For an industry that had possibly nothing to offer 5 years ago, sports in India is seeing a massive surge today. The ISL final had a 60,000 strong stadium packed 2 hours before the match; Young India is giving sports a new lease of life. But the challenges are many. How can we ensure that 30 crore Indian children get to play one hour of sports every day? This is what is going to transform sports in the country,” said Mr Sanjay Gupta, Chairman, CII National Committee for Sports.
Mr Chandrajit Banerjee, Director General, CII, said, “Our main agenda in sports is to make India play, to create excitement around sports and offer a unique platform for corporates and entrepreneurs to come together to network and form collaborations with management organizations, educational institutes, infrastructure companies, marketing, advertising, brand managers, and manufacturers in the Sports domain.”
Sessions included an inaugural on partnering to Make India Play, followed by moderated panel discussions on ‘sports as a holistic tool for social inclusion and holistic development’, ‘corporate philanthropy and sport’, ‘sports education in schools’ and a special session with Minister Jitender Singh on ‘the power of sports to realise human potential.’
Scorecard 2017 set the agenda for sports in school curriculum and ways to evangelise sports at the grassroots level. The conference saw the release of Reports on Mapping of Sports in Maharashtra with GroupM, Opportunities for CSR funding in Sports with Sattva Consulting, and a whitepaper on establishing national curriculum standards for sports curriculum in India with Sportsseed.
The conference also launched a one-of-a-kind platform bringing together corporates, schools, service providers and CSR and in order to establish a structured programme for sports in government and aided schools.
https://t.co/PTtV6ULDNn MinSports Vijay Goel at CII SCORECARD Le Meridian Hotel New Delhi
Edit"Sports must Grow as Industry: Vijay Goel"

VENEZUELA: PRO-GOVT ACTIVISTS ATTACK LAWMAKERS

Venezuela, dozens of pro-government activists have stormed into Venezuela’s opposition controlled National Assembly and attacked lawmakers, leaving several hurt and bleeding.
AFP quoting witnesses said, about 100 government supporters brandishing sticks and dressed in red broke through the front gate and set off fireworks in the interior gardens of the building.
The attackers ordered journalists to stop filming and taking photographs and leave the premises. The opposition-controlled legislature was holding a special session to mark independence day when the government supporters burst in.
Tension is high in Venezuela after three months of anti-government protests that have seen 90 people killed in clashes with police.
Protesters blame President Nicolas Maduro for a desperate economic crisis. He said the chaos is the result of a US-backed capitalist conspiracy by the opposition.
Edit"Venezuela: Pro-govt activists attack lawmakers"

Article 0

$
0
0

PAKISTAN RESORTS TO MORTAR SHELLING

Jammu and Kashmir, husband and wife were killed while their three children were injured in Pakistani shelling in Poonch district today. Defence sources told AIR that in yet another incidence of ceasefire violation, Pakistan army resorted to mortar shelling and firing along Line of Control (LoC) in Gulpur sector this morning around 6 am targeting forward defence locations and civilian areas.
The shelling prompted an effective retaliation from the Indian troops and they gave a befitting reply. Intermittent exchanges were continuing when last reports came in.Pakistani forces have been using small, medium and automatic arms and heavy mortars in firing.
Pakistani shelling in civilain areas has once again triggered panic among the people living in the areas close to the bordrline.
Edit"Pakistan resorts to mortar shelling"

WB:INDIA AT VANGUARD AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE

World Bank has said, India is emerging as a front runner in the global fight against climate change. In a news report published yesterday World Bank said with a sweeping commitment to solar power, innovative solutions and energy efficiency initiatives to supply its people with 24×7 electricity by 2030, India is emerging as a front runner in the global fight against climate change.
Noting that Indian government is setting ambitious targets that include 160 gigawatts of wind and solar by 2022, the bank said it is an incentive for international firms to invest in India’s solar market.
Edit"WB:India at vanguard against climate Change"

G20: PM MODI HOLDS BILATERAL DISCUSSIONS WITH WORLD LEADERS

Prime Minister Narendra Modi held bilateral discussions with a number of leaders on the sidelines of the ongoing G-20 Summit in Hamburg, Germany today.
Mr Modi and President of the Republic of Korea Moon Jae-in expressed their commitment to further develop the special strategic partnership between the two countries.
For this, the two leaders agreed for working through programmes like Make in India, Digital India and Startup India. President Moon has accepted an Invitation extended by Mr Modi to visit India at an early date.
Mr Modi held bilateral discussions with his Italy counterpart Paolo Gentolini which focussed on promoting bilateral relations. An official release said the two leaders stressed the significance of promoting interaction between medium enterprises of the two countries for strengthening bilateral economic cooperation.
The Prime Minister of Italy appreciated Indian investments in his country, including in industrial sector. The two leaders also discussed ways and means to work together for providing sustainable solutions to prevent climate change and promote development in Africa.
Mr Modi also discussed bilateral matters with his Norwegian Counterpart Ms Erna Solberg. The two leaders agreed to strengthen economic relations. Mr Modi invited participation of Norwegian pension funds in the National Investment and Infrastructure Fund.
Meanwhhile, the G20 leaders deliberated upon partnership with Africa and matter relating migration and health at its working session.
Edit"G20: PM Modi holds bilateral discussions with world leaders"

CAG: 80% BORDER ROADS NOT READY & NOT FIT: COSTING RS.1.37CR PKM

04slid3
July08, 2017 (C) Ravinder Singh progressindia2015@gmail.com
Both Gadkari & Prabhu are together spending Rs.20,00,000 Cr to Rs.30,00,000 Cr final cost on completion but neglecting BORDER ROADS.

CAG has uncovered lapses in Border Road construction.

Cost per kilometer of Border Roads is Rs.1.37 Cr Per Kilometer – Gadkari & Prabhu spending Rs.20 Cr/km to Rs.50 Cr/km for Highways and Rs.20 Cr to Rs.500 Cr Per Kilometer for Railway Projects.
Ravinder Singh, Inventor & Consultant, INNOVATIVE TECHNOLOGIES AND PROJECTS
Y-77, Hauz Khas, ND -110016, India. Ph: 091- 9871056471, 9718280435, 9650421857
Ravinder Singh* is a WIPO awarded inventor specializing in Power, Transportation,
Smart Cities, Water, Energy Saving, Agriculture, Manufacturing, Technologies and Projects

Border roads not ready for war with China: CAG reportKALYAN BAROOAH
NEW DELHI, July 7 – Even as the armies of India and China are locked in an eyeball to eyeball stand-off in the Doklam area at the Sikkim-Bhutan-Tibet tri-junction, comes a report which states that India’s border roads are not ready for war with China.
The Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) has as early as in March submitted a report ‘Construction of Indo-China Border Roads by Border Roads Organisation (BRO)’ in the Parliament cautioning that border roads were anything but ready. The non-completion of works has a serious bearing on the operational capability of the armed forces in strategically sensitive areas, the CAG report said.
The report studies execution of works relating to 61 Indo-China border roads (ICBRs), which have been entrusted to the BRO to meet the requirement of the Army, ITBP and other users. Of these 61 ICBRs, 24 roads were selected to assess the effectiveness of planning and management of works, financial management, resource management, and quality and internal control mechanism.
The Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) headed by the Prime Minister had emphasized the time-bound completion of the Indo China border roads due to their strategic importance. As of March 2016, an expenditure of Rs.4,536 crore against an estimated cost of Rs.4,643 crore was incurred for these 61 ICBRs (total targeted road length of 3,409.29 km). However, only 36 per cent i.e. 22 roads having a length of 707.24 km had been completed.
On conduct of audit, only six roads were found completed by March 2016, while 17 other roads, on which an expenditure of Rs.1,797.28 crore had been incurred, were facing problems of substandard construction. Even the six roads having a total length 197 km, which have been completed at a cost of Rs.164 crore, were not fit for running of specialised vehicles and equipment such as Smerch and Pinaka rocket launchers, and Bofors field artillery due to various limitations like steep radiant, less width, inadequate turning radius and defective alignment, among others.
The annual works plans (AWPs) are neither prepared timely nor the physical targets achieved. The plans at various levels had not been framed realistically and there were critical gaps in implementing what had been planned. There were numerous instances of defective construction of roads on account of unsuitable design, steep gradient, defective alignment, turning radius problems, improper contract management, poor riding conditions, inadequate drainage facilities, non-connectivity of roads and abandonment of executed works.
This had not only resulted in delay in completion of strategic roads but also caused an infructuous expenditure of Rs.63.20 crore on account of realignment of roads. In certain cases expenditure was incurred in excess of the sanctioned amount without approval.
Moreover, deployment of General Reserve Engineering Force personnel was done in remote and hazardous working locations without adequate facilities. Users also expressed their dissatisfaction as the road works executed by the BRO did not adequately meet the requirement.
Users’ feedback indicated that there were issues like improper gradient, undulating surface, improper turning radius, minimum passing places, unsatisfactory riding comfort, etc., with 17 of the 24 roads selected for audit.
The CAG report recommended that reconnaissance, survey and soil classification should be carried out to facilitate the completion of roads in time. The department concerned should expeditiously implement the plan for adoption of newer technologies like Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) and high resolution space technology for road construction works, the CAG noted, suggesting that the Ministry of Defence should take up the issue of fund availability with the Ministry of Finance.
Edit"CAG: 80% Border Roads Not Ready & Not Fit: Costing Rs.1.37cr PKM"

10TH GLOBAL AGRICULTURE LEADERSHIP SUMMIT

logo (1).jpg
br-1.jpg
br-2.jpg
combined-brochure-2017.jpg
Dear All,

We are pleased to invite you to the 10th Global Agriculture Leadership Summit and Leadership Awards 2017 on 5 – 6 Sept at Taj Palace, New Delhi. The Summit is expected to have participation of several Union Ministers, Chief Ministers, Agriculture Ministers, Top Officials, National Experts, Industry CEOs, Farmer Leaders, Ambassadors, Foreign Dignitaries, Vice Chancellors, Media and Social Leaders. The list of eminent Speakers and Awardees of previous Summits is enclosed. Please find links below for details about the Global Summit and Leadership Awards function 2017.

We are also pleased to invite applications and nominations for various categories of Agriculture Leadership Awards 2017 from individuals and institutions. These are the apex agriculture awards in the country, presented for the leadership roles, and the organisers wish to maintain the strict standards in selecting the awardees. Applicants and sponsors may kindly refer to the past lists of Awardees. Applications highlighting key achievements in not more than two pages may kindly be sent by mail. Additional information if required will be sought separately. 

We are also pleased to announce the launch of 10th Agriculture Year Book 2017 on 5th Sept during the inauguration of the Summit. As in the previous years, the Year Book will contain 100 pages of articles and 100 pages of data and analysis on various subjects related to food, agriculture, horticulture, animal husbandry,  trade and agribusiness etc. for which we are seeking articles from eminent persons on their areas of expertise.

We look forward to your kind participation and support to the event.

With regards

NS Randhawa
Executive Director
Edit"10th Global Agriculture Leadership Summit"

MOMAGIC BAGS THE DIGITAL MARKETING MANDATE




MoMagic bags the Digital Marketing Mandate for Super Boxing League, across all platforms

New Delhi, India 7 July 2017: Boxing in India has for many years been one of the most popular sports and with the launch of Super Boxing League (SBL) with participation from top pugilists from India and abroad, the stage is set for some exciting ring action. Keeping up the momentum of the game and to promote the league, SBL partners with MoMagic, leading Online and Offline mobile digital marketing company for digital marketing across all the platforms for SBL Season One.
MoMagic works on data driven technology to help Brands, Ecommerce players and Business partners acquire Quality Users and drive Effective Revenue Growth. The Company has a unique 360-degree user-insight intelligent technology platform to understand and predict user behaviour with 24/7 constant optimization on user acquisition and boosting business revenue.
Speaking on the win, Arun Gupta, Founder and CEO MoMagic Group said  “One of the most notable trends that we are witnessing today is the digital revolution, which is having a significant impact on consumer behaviour and market structure. Today, Internet is becoming a key channel for gathering information, arriving at purchase decisions and transacting online with more and more consumers using the medium. SBL is an exciting brand to work on and with this collaboration we wish to provide best of our expertise to SBL for promoting the event on a targeted consumer base.”
The inaugural edition of the Super Boxing League (SBL) is all set to commence from the 7th of July 2017. The event will be held in New Delhi, India.
Speaking about the League and the collaboration with MoMagic, Bill Dosanjh, Founder and Promoter said, “Super Boxing league – world’s leading boxing league – in its inaugural season itself has attracted wide fan base in the country. Super Boxing League is all set to woo Indian audiences with the best of action in boxing and we plan to optimize our reach to a wide-across fan base – target audience with our strategic collaboration for Digital marketing across platforms with MoMagic.” He further added,“Recognizing the impact of digital era   as an opportunity, we wish to use an aggressive digital marketing strategy to promote the Super Boxing League through consumer driven platform provided by MoMagic.
Upended on key channels, MoMagic is equipped with an advantageous position to access massive user base and potentially to reach huge data pool in Asia powered by Big Data Technology towards AI Marketing Capability. MoMagic has become a KEY Online USER Acquisition Solution Expert drawing huge potential of growth and revenue generation for its partners and clients. Besides SBL, MoMagic has made a mark in the digital marketing segment with reputed clientele that includes names like Flipkart, MakeMytrip, Uber, OLX and Opera.
ABOUT Super Boxing League
This unique concept was born thanks to British businessman Bill Dosanjh, also the founder and promoter of successful Super Fight League held recently in New Delhi, India.
Super Boxing League with its tag line Hit Harder will also be promoted by none other than Olympic medalist and two time world champion boxer, Amir Khan. Scheduled to be staged from July 7 – Aug 12, 2017.
The franchise-based SBL is Bill Dosanjh’s yet another innovation after the Super Fight League. The Super Boxing league – world’s leading boxing league – in   its inaugural season has attracted wide fan base. Now the Super Boxing League is ready to woo Indian audiences with the best of action in boxing.
One of the features of the league will be its unique point scoring system which is being introduced for the first time in the history of professional boxing wherein a boxer can claim six points on winning a bout through knock-out.
The SBL will consist of 8 franchises. Each team will comprise of six players (five male boxers and one female boxer with six back up players per team). There will be competitions in six different weight categories with bouts of 4 rounds of 3 minutes each.
About MoMagic 

MoMagic Group, founded in 2011, with strategic investments by MediaTek (https://www.mediatek.com/) and Foxconn (http://www.foxconn.com/), has been consistently innovating-developing AI/Big Data Technology solutions and has the widest deployment of applications on Mobile platform ecosystem. Mo magic has  strong business presence in Asian Market along with Strategic tie-ups with multiple Mobile OEMs. It also has joint venture companies with Leading OEMs. Other than Mobile Brands and ecommerce players, MoMagic is strategic partner with leading Apps and Content Providers in Asian Market.
The Company started from the software differentiation business for Mobile Handset companies and has successfully transitioned to data-driven Online User Acquisition Marketing Platform with technological prowess. From being pioneers previously in Factory Preloads and Offline – and from Feature phones to smart phones in Asia. MoMagic has become a KEY Online USER Acquisition Solution Expert drawing huge potential of growth and revenue generation for its partners and clients.
Edit"MoMagic bags the Digital Marketing Mandate"

TRAI RS.8 LAKH CR MEGA SCAM RS.17,339 CR TAX LOSS FY18

Huawei_P9__1_
July09, 2017 (C) Ravinder Singh progressindia2015@gmail.com

Can you believe Quarterly Revenue of All Telcos including RJIO is just $6b which is same as $6b in Q3FY2009 or 8 years ago? [Most Equipment’s are imported in $]
Even as TELCOs debt more than doubled and finance by Banks including Refinancing or Debt Restructuring exceed Rs.5,00,000 Cr of Rs.8,00,000 Cr outstanding – Quarterly Adjusted Revenues are less than March2014 level.
With just 1.67% of Debt Monthly revenue– Telcos can’t serve debt. Government is losing Taxes also.
Q.Mar.17 Adjusted Revenue – Rs.40,831 Cr down from Q.Sep2016 figure of Rs.50,539 Cr – Q.Mar14 figure was Rs.41,016 Cr to below March2014 figures.

Even more Shocking DOT has estimated Tax Contribution of Telecom sector to CRASH 37% in financial year 2017-18 to Rs.29,534 Cr. This translates to Rs.17,339 Cr Loss of estimated Tax Contribution by Telecom sector in FY18.
DoT recently asked the finance ministry to cut revenue estimates from the debt-laden sector by 37% Rs.29,524 crore for the financial year to year ending March 2018.
Telecom sector is Totally Corrupted in 3 Years.

What is So Scandalous is that AGR Rs.28,940 Cr in $ Terms Q3FY09 Was $6b, same as Rs.40,831 Cr or $6b for Q4FY17.
Ravinder Singh, Inventor & Consultant, INNOVATIVE TECHNOLOGIES AND PROJECTS
Y-77, Hauz Khas, ND -110016, India. Ph: 091- 9871056471, 9718280435, 9650421857
Ravinder Singh* is a WIPO awarded inventor specializing in Power, Transportation,
Smart Cities, Water, Energy Saving, Agriculture, Manufacturing, Technologies and Projects
Telecom Licence Fee Mopup Shrinks 9%
Trai says in March quarter AGR of sector fell 11%, reflecting rising financial stress
Licence fee collections from the telecom industry shrank by over 9% sequentially in the quarter ended March while adjusted gross revenue (AGR) of the sector fell 11%, the telecom regulator has said, reflecting rising financial stress of the industry.
The government collected Rs.3,361 crore in licence fee from telecom operators in the quarter ended March, down from Rs.3,698 crore in December quarter, Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (Trai) said in a report released on Wednesday. The AGR from telecom services has fallen by over 15% on-year, and 11% sequentially, to Rs.40,831 crore during the March quarter, while the monthly average revenue per user (ARPU) from GSM services dipped nearly 21% on-quarter to Rs.83, according the sector performance numbers issued by Trai.
Telcos pay roughly 8% of AGR as licence fee and another 3% as spectrum usage charges (SUC), which are the two key avenues of government earnings from the telecom industry. Access services contributed over 77% of the telecom industry AGR, Trai report said.
The fall in the financials reflect the brutal impact of Reliance Jio Infocomm’s entry.
Back in April, the telecom department (DoT) had flagged a sharp fall in licence fee collections in the fiscal fourth quarter ended March, citing the debilitating impact of Jio’s promotional free voice and data services. DoT recently asked the finance ministry to cut revenue estimates from the debt-laden sector by 37% Rs.29,524 crore for the financial year to year ending March 2018.
The Trai report comes at a time when an inter-ministerial panel is examining the financial stress in the sector that is reeling under a massive debt.
Banks have put total debt of the telecom services sector at around Rs.8 lakh crore, including loans from Indian banks, overseas borrowings, and annual instalments for spectrum bought in auctions over the past few years, and have, accordingly, raised concerns about default. To alleviate stress, incumbent telcos have sought lower licence fee as well as lower spectrum usage charges (SUC). They have also called for higher inter-connect charges (IUC) –which a telco pays to another on whose network a call terminates -besides setting a floor for voice rates.
Edit"TRAI Rs.8 Lakh Cr MEGA SCAM Rs.17,339 Cr Tax Loss FY18"

Article 0

$
0
0

CENTRE TO ISSUE SOVEREIGN GOLD BONDS 2017-18 – SERIES II

The Centre in consultation with the Reserve Bank of India, has decided to issue Sovereign Gold Bonds 2017-18 – Series II. Applications for the bond will be accepted from 10th to 14th of this month. The Bonds will be issued on 28th July and will be sold through banks, Stock Holding Corporation of India Limited, designated post offices and recognised stock exchanges National Stock Exchange of India Limited and Bombay Stock Exchange. The Bonds will be restricted for sale to resident Indian entities including individuals, HUFs, Trusts, Universities and Charitable Institutions.
The bonds will be denominated in multiples of grams of gold with a basic unit of 1 gram. The tenor of the bond will be for a period of 8 years with exit option from 5th year to be exercised on the interest payment dates. Price of bond will be fixed in Indian Rupees on the basis of simple average of closing price of gold of 999 purity published by the India Bullion and Jewellers Association Limited for the week preceding the subscription period.
The issue price of the Gold Bonds will be ` 50 per gram less than the nominal value. Payment for the Bonds will be through cash payment upto a maximum of 20 thousand rupees or demand draft or cheque or electronic banking. The investors will be compensated at a fixed rate of 2.50 per cent per annum payable semi-annually on the nominal value.
The bonds can be used as collateral for loans. The loan-to-value ratio is to be set equal to ordinary gold loan mandated by the Reserve Bank from time to time. The interest on Gold Bonds shall be taxable as per the provision of Income Tax Act, 1961.
The bonds will be tradable on stock exchanges within a fortnight of the issuance on a date as notified by the RBI and it will be eligible for Statutory Liquidity Ratio purposes.
Edit"Centre to issue Sovereign Gold Bonds 2017-18 – Series II"

ASIANATHLETICC :INDIA TOPS MEDAL TALLY

India_s_Anu_R_right__and_Jauna_Murmu_centre__in_action_during_the_Womens_400m_Hurdles_Heat_2_at_the__800805
India have topped the medal tally for first time in the history of Asian Athletics Championships. In a stunning show of dominance on the fourth and final day of competitions in Bhubaneshwar yesterday, India clinched five gold, 1 silver and 3 bronze. With that, the hosts ended the championships on top with a haul of 29 medals which included 12 gold, 5 silver and 12 bronze.
India’s earlier best came way back in the 1985 Jakarta edition where they had won 22 medals which included 10 gold, 5 silver, seven bronze. With their most successful campaign in the continental flagship event, India pushed China to second spot.
China ended this edition with a tally of 8 gold, 7 silver, 5 bronze. Kazakhstan finished third with 4 gold, 2 silver, 2 bronze while Iran ended on fourth with 4 gold and 1 bronze.
The host country, however, suffered a huge setback as their 800 metre runner Archana Adhav was disqualified, after being initially declared as the gold medal winner, for pushing Sri Lankan rival Nimali Waliwarsha Konda from behind near the finishing line. Sri Lanka won their protest and the gold medal was awarded to their athlete Konda.
Heptathlete Swapna Barman gave India the first gold of the day as she collected a total of 5942 points from the seven events. Japan’s Meg Hemphill was second, while another Indian Purnima Hembram was third in the event.
Lakhsmanan Govindan grabbed his second gold of the championships by winning the men’s 10,000 metre event in 29 minute and 55.87 seconds. His Indian compatriot Gopi Thonkanal won the silver winner. Lakhsmanan had already won a gold in the 5000 metre race on the opening day.
World junior record holder javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra clinched the gold with a final throw of 85.23 metres. Devinder Singh Kang came third in the event.
India fittingly wrapped up the championships by winning gold in the men’s and women’s 4×400 metre relay races to send the packed crowd to wild celebrations.
In men’s 800 metre race, India won a bronze through Jinson Johnson.
Edit"AsianAthleticC :India tops medal tally"

INDIA, US, JAPAN BEGIN MALABAR DRILLS

The three-nation Malabar Exercise being participated by the navies of India, the US and Japan has been launched this morning in a function on-board the Indian naval vessel INS Jalashwa in Chennai Port.
The Exercices will continue till 17th of this month. In a press meet this morning, the Flag Officer Commanding in Chief of India’s Eastern Naval Command Vice Admiral HCS Bhisht said the first four days would comprise shore based activities.
The at-sea drills are scheduled to be held from the 14th onwards for four days. In this edition, India’s aircraft carrier INS Vikramaditya participates for the first time.
Totally, 16 warships including the world’s largest aircraft carrier USS Nimitz, more than 95 aircraft and two submarines are joining the maritime drills.
The flag officers of the three participating nations have said the current edition is part of the ongoing exercise that is going on since 1992 and is not aimed at any any particular country.
They said, the drills are for increasing the interoperability in the highly strategic Indo Asia Pacific Region.
Edit"India, US, Japan begin Malabar drills"

EARTHQUAKE OF 5.9 MAGNITUDE ROCKS PHILIPPINE

Philippines, a 5(point)9-magnitude quake today rocked a central island still reeling from a deadly tremor last week.
The US Geological Survey (USGS) said the moderately strong quake struck Leyte island near Ormoc, a city of about 200,000
people at 9:41 am local time today. However, no damage or casualties reported said the USGS.
A 6.5 quake stuck the region on Thursday last week, killing two people and leaving 72 others injured.
Edit"Earthquake of 5.9 magnitude rocks Philippine"

HM ASSURES SIKKIM CM

West Bengal Govt being requested to ensure that road link to Sikkim remains open
The Union Home Minister Shri Rajnath Singh spoke to the Sikkim Chief Minister Shri Pawan Kumar Chamling regarding the security situation in Sikkim and areas neighbouring West Bengal.
In a telephonic conversation, Shri Pawan Kumar Chamling has apprised Union Home Minister that Sikkim is facing an acute shortage of supplies specially essential commodities such as medicines, baby milk powder, vegetables and petrol/diesel due to closure of the national highway, the critical road link to Sikkim.
The Home Minister assured him that the Centre will ensure the safety & security of NH 10 and do everything possible to save people of the state from any misery and ensure essential supplies to the State of Sikkim.
Shri Rajnath Singh has asked the Union Home Secretary Shri Rajiv Mehrishi to coordinate with West Bengal administration and ensure the safety, security and smooth traffic on NH 10. The West Bengal Govt is being requested to ensure that the road link to Sikkim remains open.
Edit"HM assures Sikkim CM"

PRESS CONFERENCE OF LATEST FILM   ‘SHAB’

PRESS INVITATION

Anticlock Films cordially invites you to attend the Press Conference & to share with you the uniqueness of their latest film

SHAB’

To be addressed by:
  • Sanjay Suri (Producer)
  • Onir (Director)
  • Ashish Bisht (Actor)
  • Arpita Chatterjee (Force Fame)


Time: 1:30 pm
Date: 10th July 2017 (Monday)
Venue: FLYP @MTV Café, N57, CP
Edit"Press Conference of latest film   ‘SHAB’"

AAP MAHARASHTRA NEWS


9 July 2017

Vinod Tawde Gifts Government School to BJP President
In an amazing act of generosity Maharashtra Education Minister Vinod Tawde has gifted a government school that was built recently under the now defunct “Model School” scheme to BJP State President Raosaheb Danve’s Moreshwar Shikshan Prasarak Mandal. There seems to be a competition between BJP Ministers to gift Danve – recently Pankaja Munde gifted a THR supply contract to one Moreshwar Mahila Bachat Gat which appears to be a front run by Raosaheb Danve and he has even received a payment of Rs.500,000 from this Sanstha. Model Schools were made by utilising funds from the centre and state governments but the scheme was abandoned halfway. Jalna district received the biggest chunk – 7 schools. After the scheme was abandoned – one of the schools was completed and handed over to Danve where he now runs his private “Marathwada Residential School” which has admitted 325 students this year, and there are rumours of large sums of donations. The Aam Aadmi Party demands to know:
Ø  Why was the scheme abandoned?
Ø  Under which law are government schools handed over to private bodies?
Ø  On what basis was Raosaheb Danve gifted the school?
AAP condemns this blatant nepotism and corruption by the BJP.
For details Contact: Kailash Phulari 7020947570

Shivsena MP Anandrao Adsul Beats AAP Leader & Ex Army Officer
AP Amravati team took an appointment to meet Health Minister Deepak Sawant during his visit to Amravati, in order to draw his attention to the increasing deaths of children due to malnutrition in Melghat. However, when AAP raised the issue, Shivsena MP Arun Adsul told his Shivsena goondas to attack AAP volunteers. They were thrashed in the presence of the Minister, MP, 2 MLAs, police and media! Pictures show MP Adsul holding the collar of AAP Leader Retd Lt Cmdr Alim Patel. It is really tragic that under Devendra Fadnavis’  watch Maharashtra police has been reduced to bystander and accomplice of Gangsters. AAP condemns this hooliganism and AAP teams held protests against this attack in many districts. AAP will deliver letters to the CM and DGP demanding the arrest of MP Adsul on 10 July.
For details Contact: Alim Patel 8551839440

Kalyan APMC Scam
With the blessing of Minister Subhash Deshmukh, there seems to be a scam underway at the Flower Market in Kalyan APMC. The present APMC Committee has a number of corruption complaints against it, and has also outlived its tenure but it has been allowed to continue its nefarious activities by the Marketing Minister whose department has failed to act on complaints. The current flower market was made functional only in 2003 and the vendors have signed a 20 year lease. However, the APMC Committee and KDMC, have passed decision to make an unnecessary new market in order to make money in the construction contract as well as the resale of otlas (vending spaces). They cheated the flower market vendors by making them sign attendance for a meeting, and then passed off the attendance as consent to rebuild the market. The vendors say that the structural audit declaring the structure unsafe is fake, they say that there is no need for a new market at all. If at all there has to be a new market, the current vendors who have signed 20 year leases should first get a guaranty on affidavit  that their lease will continue unaffected. AAP Leader Preeti Sharma Menon tried to meet Additional Municipal Commissioner Sanjay Gharat but he arrogantly refused to look into the issue. It is alleged by the vendors that he is the person behind this whole scam. Preeti Menon also called Minister Deshmukh who assured that he would call back, but has failed to call or answer calls. AAP will support the vendors and will protest against any demolition or attempts made to cheat the flower vendors.
For Details Contact Neeta Sukhtankar 9833429972 or Kailash Bhapale 9769589170

When a Chief Minister lies to his citizens
The Aam Aadmi Party and every citizen of Mumbai strongly disagree with the Maharashtra CM’s declaration of Mumbai as Open Defecation Free City based on a ‘Swachchata Certificate’ given by the quality council of India as part of the Swachch Bharat mission. No one in Mumbai, who travels in a local train, and that is over 7 million people every day, can reach their destination without witnessing open defecation! Such is the scale of the problem! To claim that Mumbai is ‘Open Defecation Free’ is a blatant lie and a cruel joke on Mumbai’s poor and inhabitants of slums – who are 60% of Mumbai’s population. Open defecation isn’t a problem merely of building adequate toilets outside of residential and commercial localities, but the fact is that most of Mumbai’s slums don’t even have basic toilets in their homes. The toilet to people ratio is extremely poor in most slums. This doesn’t even take into account dysfunctional toilets due to chokes, lack of water supply and other infra issues. That results into open defecation alongside the railway tracks, sewers, beaches and open spaces, robbing the aam aadmi of dignity and exposing her to unhygienic conditions.
We share the ‘perplexity’ of organisations like Right to Pee who have called out the CM’s claim as false and has demanded details of statistics and the process to be made public. AAP volunteers fanned the city yesterday and posted photos and videso of open defecation that totally exposes the CM’s false claims. This is characteristic of the BJP to make tall claims while doing very little, while the problem at hand is far from being solved.
Sincerely
Preeti Sharma Menon
Edit"AAP Maharashtra News"

Article 0

$
0
0

MOVIE: LIPSTICK UNDER MY BURKHA

Lipstick under My Burkha: a specimen of the pulsating spirit of rebellion women

The movie Lipstick under My Burkha, produced by Prakash Jha and directed by Alankrita Shrivastava is a call for gender equality from our so called society. But what will happen when women protest and fight for what they want? Well, this question can best be answered through the movie Lipstick under My Burkha.
Ekta Kapoor on being asked about the reactions and censor said, “The fight is much bigger. Censor board just stops the film but the ideology we are talking about is to be combat at various levels by various women. I am sure that it is entertaining enough that everyone can go to the theaters and have a blast. So it’s not about the censor board but the subtle biased behavior that we encounter every day.” She further added, “The movie is so amazing that I feel that 11 awards is just a start and it will be a pity if women of our country, who this movie is based on don’t get to watch it. And take all men along because they need to watch it more.”
Prakash Jha on being asked about the film said, “People say nothing will be changed even after we make such films because men are like that only and we can’t change them but at least we can talk and make them realize that what they are doing is wrong, and we should not stop banging the doors of the society and keep talking about such issues.” On being asked about the title he said, “Burkha is a symbol of restrictions and lipstick is an urge to be free. So burkha is our society and lipstick is the dream and aspiration of women.”
Ratna Pathak without being diplomatic said, “I know there are things that we don’t openly talk about like generation gap, depression, etc. Because of this I think there is an uneven development in our society. Some people are still stuck in the struggle of acceptance. It’s not easy when you are financially dependent and have no real say in day to day matters and are not really welcomed wholeheartedly in the society and there are a lot of girls who face such things including me but I Neva got stopped because of it.” Adding on to it she said, “I think India is in a definite need of sex education and this film can help a lot in it.”
Konkona Sen on being asked about the uniqueness of film said, “I think this film will pass with flying colors as it is an exception. I feel things do not change instantly and takes time but slowly I am hoping to see some. Ideologically it is revolutionary. Not because of the sexual content or it being so explicit that we have never seen it before but because we have never seen it from this side and perspective. We know things cannot happen overnight. We have waited a long time and we can wait for some more.”
Through the medium of these four lovable and quirky women, the film calls for your attention to shut the stereotypical mind-set. Featured by Balaji Motion Pictures the movie is slated to release on 21 July 2017.
Edit"Movie: Lipstick under My Burkha"

SAGAR MEDIA INC

0
Online
Edit"Sagar Media Inc"

INDUSTRIAL INVESTMENT & EMPLOYMENT PROMOTION POLICY OF UTTAR PRADESH 2017

 
The Industrial Investment & Employment Promotion Policy of Uttar Pradesh 2017 is set to inherent the strengths of the state while developing new ones and tackling its underlying weaknesses considering the economic dynamics. The policy will aim to create a framework to stabilize and make existing industries more competitive as well as attract new international and national investments in the industrial sector.
v The aims of the policy are –
1. Create a framework for industrial growth that empowers people and create jobs, thus leading to a ripple effect in the economy.
2. Create a roadmap in the State for improving its ability to attract and facilitate business.
3. Provide a reference point for intra-governmental and public-private coordination of policies, laws and principles of economic development.
4. Stimulate institutional learning that comprises state-industry interactions.
v Vision of the Policy –
The vision of the Industrial Investment & Employment Promotion Policy of Uttar Pradesh 2017 is to establish Uttar Pradesh as a national and international competitive investment destination, thereby generating employment and igniting sustainable, inclusive and balanced economic growth of the state.
v Mission of the policy-
1. Increase capital investments in the state
2. Provide quality infrastructure for industries to flourish
3. Promote ease of doing business to create business friendly environment
4. Generate maximum direct and indirect employment and self-employment opportunities for both skilled and unskilled workforce Skill the workforce of the state to ensure employability and empowerment.
5. Provide pro-active support to micro, small and medium enterprises.
6. Promote the spirit of innovation and incentivize entrepreneurship among youth.
7. Ensure balanced, sustainable and inclusive economic development.
8. Ensure effective implementation of the policy.
v Ease of doing business –
This policy is aims at creating business friendly environment in the State by ensuring simplification of procedures, timely clearances benchmarked with the best and responsive facilitation services.
1. Simplification of procedures
2. Time bound clearances
3. Single Window Clearance
4. Ease for Commercial activities in the state
5. Industrial Security
6. State Investment Promotion Board (SIPB)
v Make in Uttar Pradesh –
As a strategy to usher industrial growth in Uttar Pradesh and capitalize on the positive global sentiments generated by the progress of Make in India campaign, the Government of Uttar Pradesh will embrace this landmark initiative and strive to implement it in letter and spirit by launching a comprehensive program of ‘Make in UP’. In lines with the ‘Make in India ’ program, the ‘Make in UP’ program will adopt a strategy that inspires, empowers and enables in equal measure in making UP a manufacturing hub of India .
Achieving this goal, Government of Uttar Pradesh will implement the following –
1. Creation of a dedicated Make in Uttar Pradesh Department.
2. The Make in UP Department will identify and create industry and sector specific State Investment and Manufacturing Zones (SIMZ) with an aim to spur manufacturing, generate employment, raise living standards and meet national & international trends of sustained growth. Industrial Investment and Employment Promotion Policy of Uttar Pradesh 2017.
3. To boost the entire manufacturing value chain in the identified zones, the Government will ensure necessary timely interventions in consultation with all stakeholders in addition to the fiscal and non-fiscal measures mentioned in this policy.
v Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) –
With the highest number of MSME units in the country, Uttar Pradesh today is a leading exporter of MSME products in categories like handicrafts, engineering goods, carpets, readymade garments, leather products etc.
The policy intends to provide the following facilities and incentives for the holistic development of MSMEs in the state:
1. Improving flow of capital and credit for MSMEs
2. Capacity building
3. Quality and Standards
4. Industrial Infrastructure and Common Facility Centers
5. Marketing
6. Good Governance
Edit"Industrial Investment & Employment Promotion Policy of Uttar Pradesh 2017"

M6.6 – AUCKLAND ISLANDS, NEW ZEALAND REGION

Preliminary Earthquake Report
Magnitude6.6
Date-Time
  • 11 Jul 2017 07:00:01 UTC
  • 11 Jul 2017 07:00:01 near epicenter
  • 11 Jul 2017 11:00:01 standard time in your timezone
Location49.546S 164.031E
Depth10 km
Distances
  • 458.2 km (284.1 mi) SW of Bluff, New Zealand
  • 475.6 km (294.9 mi) SW of Invercargill, New Zealand
  • 530.7 km (329.0 mi) SW of Gore, New Zealand
  • 611.9 km (379.4 mi) SW of Queenstown, New Zealand
Edit"M6.6 – Auckland Islands, New Zealand region"

DISPOSSESSION WITHOUT DEVELOPMENT: LAND GRABS IN NEOLIBERAL INDIA

Jul
19
CPR Land Rights Initiative is pleased to invite you to a talk on
Dispossession Without Development: Land Grabs in Neoliberal India
Michael Levien
Wednesday, 19 July 2017, 3:00 to 4:30 p.m.
Conference Room, Centre for Policy Research
Image Source
Since the mid-2000s, so-called “land wars” have proliferated across the Indian countryside. At the center of these protests have been privately developed Special Economic Zones (SEZs). In this talk, based on my forthcoming book, I draw on my ethnographic study of Rajasthani villages dispossessed for one of North India’s largest SEZs to address three major questions: how has land dispossession changed with the shift from state-led development to neoliberalism in India? What are the consequences of this change for dispossessed farmers? And what are the implications of this change for our understanding of India’s land wars? I argue, first, that SEZs were the culmination of a post-1991 shift from a developmentalist regime of dispossession driven by public sector industry and infrastructure to a neoliberal one driven by private land speculation and non-industrial growth. The growth facilitated by this regime, I argue, largely marginalizes rural labor, concentrates investment in elite enclaves and has little to offer farmers—except higher land prices. While land speculation interacts with the legacy of failed land reforms to generate highly unequal and exclusionary growth, it can nevertheless be politically effective at dividing farmers and diffusing “land wars.” This helps to explain both the contentiousness of land dispossession in contemporary India—and why the future of India’s “land wars” rests on the (questionable) ability of state governments to substitute one-time payouts for inclusive growth. Based on these findings, I offer a reconstruction of existing theories of the relationship between dispossession and capitalism.
Dr Michael Levien is assistant professor of sociology at Johns Hopkins University. He received his PhD in sociology from the University of California, Berkeley in 2013. His research falls within the fields of development sociology, political sociology, agrarian political economy and social theory, with a geographic focus on India. His book Dispossession Without Development: Land Grabs in Neoliberal India is forthcoming from Oxford University Press. His articles on land acquisition and SEZs in India have appeared in World Development, Politics and Society, Economic and Political Weekly, Development and Change, Journal of Peasant Studies, and Journal of Agrarian Change. In 2014, he was a visiting professor at the Institute of Economic Growth, Delhi.
Edit"Dispossession Without Development: Land Grabs in Neoliberal India"

“INFOCOM 2017” WITH THEME “THE DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION”

“INFOCOM 2017”
with theme
The Digital Transformation”

Friday 14th July 2017
(0900hrs onwards as per agenda given below)

Chief Guest
Shri Nitin Gadkari
Honourable Minister for Road Transport & Highways and Shipping, GoI

The Lalit
Barakhamba Avenue | Connaught Place
New Delhi

Greetings from Federation of Indian Micro and Small & Medium Enterprises (FISME)!
You would be happy to know that the 16th edition of INFOCOM – one of the largest forums of ICT and user industries, is being organized in Delhi by ABP group. (ABP- media conglomerate having The Telegraph, Anandabazar Patrika, Fortune India, ABP News, etc). 
FISME- national body of over 700 SME associations, is the SME partner in organizing INFOCOM facilitating participation of MSMEs. 
The daylong conference will bring together a vibrant range of topics that promote business-technology-leadership convergence. In addition to participation of key Ministers from Union & State Governments & Senior Government officials there would be Industry stalwarts like Mr P.K. Singh, Chairman, Steel Authority of India; Mr Rohan Verma, Director, MapmyIndia; technology leaders and so on.
Edit"“INFOCOM 2017” with theme “The Digital Transformation”"

Article 0

$
0
0

AMY JACKSON TO PRODUCE A SHORT FILM FOR ANIMAL WELFARE!

Amy_Jackson_Beauty_2
Be it raising her voice against cruelty towards animals or raising funds through an NGO for the betterment of animals, Amy Jackson has always supported animal welfare.
Taking the noble cause to the next level, the gorgeous actress has now decided to co-produce and feature in short film with her friend creating awareness about cruelty to animals and how to prevent it.
The actress will soon be meeting the government officials in India for the documentary’s sponsorship and plans to send the documentary to several film festivals.
Amy says, “I am producing a short movie with my friend in London (UK). We’ve shot half of it. This cause is close to my heart and I am always up for animal welfare. I’m a public personality, and raising awareness is only a small contribution towards animal welfare. I have also applied to a few festivals and have approached the Indian government for help with this. A lot of ground work is required and I am doing it.”
“There is a need to stop cruelty against animals and love them — not abuse them. A lot of people are cruel to animals and I want to tell them that it’s fine if you can’t do anything for them, but don’t hurt them either,” she adds.
Edit"Amy Jackson to produce a short film for animal welfare!"

FALCONS TTC TO TAKE ON RP-SG MAVERICKS

Ultimate Table Tennis
Falcons TTC to take on RP-SG Mavericks in the opening match of CEAT Ultimate Table Tennis 
~While both teams are equally poised with experience and youth in their ranks, RP-SG Mavericks will find local support, thanks to home-grown hero Sharath Kamal ~ 
~ Former World Champion Grandmaster Viswanathan Anand will grace the opening day’s proceedings ~  

Chennai, 12 July 2017: The anticipation to witness India’s first ever professional table tennis league ends as the inaugural edition of CEAT Ultimate Table Tennis is ready to roll on Thursday, July 13, at the Nehru Indoor Stadium in Chennai. The opening day will be graced by the Grandmaster Viswanathan Anand, India’s chess maestro, who will be present to watch the Falcons TTC lock horns with RP-SG Mavericks in what promises to be a nail-biting face-off. 

While the Falcons TTC boasts of World No.13 among women Wu Yang in their line-up apart from Indian trail blazers in Sanil Shetty, Arjun Ghosh, Sutirtha Mukherjee and Priyadarshini Das and foreign recruits Lee Ho Ching, Par Gerell and Liam Pitchford, team RP-SG Mavericks will be heavily backed by Chennai audience as it features home-grown hero Sharath Kamal Achanta. The team under the tutelage of Sachin Shetty and German Peter Engel features Birdie Boro, Archana Kamath and Amrutha Pushpak as part of Indian contingent while  Apolonia Tiago, Stefan Fegerl, Sabine Winter and Sofia Polconova form their foreign line-up. 

Both teams are equally poised in terms of experience and youth but what will set them apart is their planning and strategizing to use different combinations that will prove vital in determining the winner of the inaugural match. “The team has gelled well over the past few days and we are eager to start the league. Personally, I am very excited as I have not played in front of my home crowd for more than a decade. The format is quite fast-paced and interesting and we obviously look forward to start on a winning note,” expressed Sharath Kamal. 

The format is short and exciting where each team will play nine matches in a Tie with each match comprising 3 Games. Consequently, each Tie shall comprise 27 Games. Each game shall have players competing to score 11 points first, meaning if scores are level at 10-all then the 11th point will be a Golden Point and shall decide the winner. Whichever individual/pair scores 11 points and is termed as the winner of each Game shall receive one point towards the Team’s total for each such game that is won. The winning team in a Tie shall be decided by the number of total games won i.e. total points won in the relevant Tie. The Team that wins 14 or more Games out of the 27 Games shall be the Winner of that respective Tie.
“The lead up to the Ultimate Table Tennis has been a very enriching experience as most of us have got to interact with our idols in the sport and even play a couple of practice matches here in Chennai. We are all set for the first match and I can assure you it will be top class entertainment and action,” stated Sanil Shetty of Falcons TTC. 

UTT is India’s newest franchise-based professional sports league which will see 24 foreign players and 24 Indian players (both men and women) playing for six different franchises.  While Chennai will host the first leg of India’s first ever professional Table Tennis League at Nehru Indoor Stadium from July 13-20, the second leg will be played in Delhi at Thyagraj Sports Complex between July 21-25. The last and the final leg of the league will be held in Mumbai starting July 26 until 30 with the Semi Finals and Final of the CEAT Ultimate Table Tennis to be played in Mumbai city at the NSCI. 

The matches will be shown live from 7:30 PM on Star Sports Select 2 HD, Star Sports Select 2 and will be live streamed on Hotstar and JioTV.

Photo caption:
Sharath Kamal of RP-SG Mavericks during a training session
Liam Pitchford and Sanil Shetty of Falcons TTC during a training session
-ENDS-

About Ultimate Table Tennis:India’s newest franchise sports league Ultimate Table Tennis (UTT) is set for its inaugural season in July 2017 to promote and enhance the sport of table tennis in the country. After the positive impact of India Open 2017, held in New Delhi in February 2017, Ultimate Table Tennis aims to take the sport of table tennis to greater heights. UTT is owned and developed by 11Even Sports Private Limited (ESPL), a Mumbai based company exclusively formed for the promotion and development of the game of Table Tennis in India. UTT will strive to be a world-class league that inspires the youth, entertains and engages fans, drives development at grassroots level and delivers value to all stakeholders.
Edit"Falcons TTC to take on RP-SG Mavericks"

INDIA TO HOST NEXT EDITION OF THEATRE OLYMPICS

_LtoR__Shri_Ratan_Thiyam__Chairperson__NSD_Society__Dr._Mahesh_Sharma__Hon___ble_Union_Minister_of_S_992760
INDIA TO HOST NEXT EDITION OF THEATRE OLYMPICS
 ‘THE BIGGEST THEATRE CELEBRATION OF THE WORLD’
The theme of the 8th Theatre Olympics will be ‘Flag of Friendship’

TO BE ORGANISED BY
NATIONAL SCHOOL OF DRAMA
MINISTRY OF CULTURE, GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

  • 8th edition of the greatest carnival of theatre in the world to take place in India for the first time ever from February 17 – April 08, 2018
  • To take place simultaneously in various cities across the country
  • 500 plays700 ambience performances from across the world
  • Allied activities like exhibitions, seminars, symposia, interactive discussions and workshops with well-known academicians, authors, actors, designers and directors
  • Leading luminaries of world theatre to take part

New Delhi (India), 12th July 2017: In a development that puts India firmly among the top nations in the world theatre map, the country is all set to host the next edition of the prestigious Theatre Olympics. Established in 1993, the Theatre Olympics is the foremost international theatre festival, presenting the finest productions of well-known theatre practitioners from around the world.

The Theatre Olympics, being held in India for the first time, is being organised by National School of Drama, under the aegis of Ministry of Culture, Government of India. The country’s tryst with the biggest celebration of theatre in the world will take place from February 17 till April 08, 2018 and will be held in 15 cities across India.

The announcement was made today by Dr. Mahesh Sharma, Hon’ble Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Tourism & Culture, Govt. of India, along with Shri Ratan Thiyam, Chairperson, NSD Society & Prof. Waman Kendre, Director, National School of Drama.

It was also announced that the inaugural ceremony of the Theatre Olympics will take place in New Delhi, in a gala function with performances by hundreds of artistes while the closing ceremony will take place in Mumbai.

The Theatre Olympics 2018 will be the 8th edition of the event and will feature maximum number of Indian & International theatre groups, invitee eminent theatre personalities along with their performances.

In addition, there will be ambience performances with allied activities like exhibitions, seminars, symposia, interactive discussions and workshops with well-known academicians, authors, actors, designers and directors.

Dr. Mahesh SharmaHon’ble Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Tourism & Culture, Govt. of India, said, “I strongly believe that the 8th Theatre Olympics will make its mark in India’s rich cultural history and will prove to be a milestone. Cultural Ministry, Govt of India is committed to support this grand initiative. We will request Hon’ble Prime Minister of India to inaugurate the 8th Theatre Olympics in New Delhi and Hon’ble President of India to be a part of the concluding ceremony in Mumbai  ”

Talking about the Theatre Olympics, Shri Ratan Thiyam, Chairperson, NSD Society said, “It is a great feeling of joy and happiness that the prestigious event of Theatre Olympics is taking place in India, a country which is proud of its innovation and heritage and it will provide a valuable platform to showcase significant productions of groups from India and abroad.  India is proud of its ancient tradition and cultural heritage.”

“We live in a changing world with a new cultural landscape where the technological fanfare has already penetrated in all spheres of our life, making us more intoxicating day by day with limitless external comfort and new discoveries.  We also require a compatible ambience, peace and happiness and art provide us the expression of experience of the world and aspirations of the human spirit.

In this changing world and challenging journey, I sincerely feel that theatre serves as a confluence of river of modernity, the past, present and future where very important issues, complex, aesthetics and philosophical challenges are negotiated.”-Shri Thiyam further added.

Speaking on NSD playing host and organising the Theatre Olympics, Prof. Waman Kendre, Director, National School of Drama said, “This is for the first time, as a country India is trying to showcase and exchange theatre in front of the world. When it comes to theatre, it doesn’t get any bigger than the Theatre Olympics, and it is indeed a proud moment for National School of Drama that it has got the opportunity to organise this prestigious event. NSD is all geared up to play the perfect host as India will be the cynosure of the theatre world and we will leave no stone unturned to ensure that the Theatre Olympics in India is a grand success.”

The Theatre Olympics was established in 1993 in Delphi, Greece, as the first international theatre festival. With the tagline ‘Crossing Millennia’, this is an initiative to connect the cultural past with the present and future, bringing the richness and diversity of theatre heritage to the experiments and research of contemporary theatre.

The first country to host the Theatre Olympics was Greece in 1995. Japan hosted the second edition in Shizuoka in 1999, followed by Russia in 2001. In 2006 the Olympics were held in Istanbul, Turkey and four years later, in 2010 in Seoul, South Korea. China hosted them in Beijing in 2014 and in 2016 the 7th Theatre Olympics were held in Wroclaw, Poland. India is all set to join this illustrious list as it plays host to the 8thedition of this global event.
#  #  #​

For further query, please contact:
Anuj Kumar Boruah / Ayonava Bagchi / Shakti Raj Vidyarthi
Young Monk Communications
Edit"INDIA TO HOST NEXT EDITION OF THEATRE OLYMPICS"

EU:DEPT BIOTECH, GOI, JOINS THE INTERNATIONAL INITIATIVE TO TACKLE ANTIMICROBIAL RESISTANCE.

The European Union is pleased to announce that the Department of Biotechnology, Government of India, joins the international initiative to tackle Antimicrobial Resistance
Joint Programming Initiative on Antimicrobial Resistance (JPIAMR)

On 29 June 2017, India, South Africa and Egypt were accepted as new members of the European Joint Programming Initiative on Antimicrobial Resistance (JPIAMR). This global forum aiming at curbing the resistance to antibiotics counts now 26 member countries of which 20 from Europe and 6 from outside Europe: Argentina, Canada, Egypt, Japan, India and South Africa.

Congratulations to the Department of Biotechnology (DBT) of India for becoming member of JPIAMR: it means that India’s “National Action Plan on Antimicrobial Resistance” was considered well established and includes serious efforts on research and innovation all contributing to improve the capacity on Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) in the coming years. Through this Platform, increased opportunities on international R&I collaboration on AMR will be offered, which in turn will help further strengthening India’s R&I capacity on AMR.

What is a Joint Programming Initiative (JPI)?
JPI is an initiative launched by the European Union aiming at addressing a given problem through cross-border cooperation of research funding. The issues to be addressed are of such a nature that a single Member State cannot address it alone. Concentration of efforts is required as well as alignment of national programmes. In doing so, a critical mass is being created and duplication of research funding is avoided.

JPIs have their own governance structures; the member countries are on geometry variable basis depending on interest in a given field and R&I capacity. The JPI member countries establish a joint Strategic Research Agenda together. Currently 11 Joint Programming Initiatives (JPIs) have been launched (notably on Food Security, Agriculture & Climate Change; Cultural Heritage & Global Change; Urban Europe; Water Challenges for a Changing World).

The EU is offering financial support to these initiatives through the EU Research and Innovation Framework Programme ‘Horizon 2020’ (2014-2020).

Why a JPI on AMR?
Antibacterial resistance is a multifaceted problem needing vast and versatile solutions. No individual sector or nation has the capacity to independently handle this major societal challenge. Therefore, to collectively address antibacterial resistance at a national level and to increase the current impact of public research through more effective, efficient, and aligned investment, the JPIAMR was established in 2011 and by June 2017 it brings together 26 member countries. The secretariat is hosted by the Swedish Research Council in Stockholm, Sweden.

The JPIAMR launched its strategic research agenda in April, 2014, outlining the member states’ common vision to tackle antibacterial resistance. The strategic research agenda identifies six priority topics (therapeutics, diagnostics, surveillance, transmission, environment, and interventions). The JPIAMR has also organised joint calls for proposals on AMR as well as information sharing among the Members on AMR and convening of various experts’ meetings.
The collaborative platform is by now internationally recognized: JPIAMR interacts with stakeholders such as the World Health Organisation (WHO), the ASEAN countries, G7 and the G20. The JPIAMR coordinates research priorities and calls with the EC and pharmaceutical industry. At the G7 in Elmau (Germany) in 2015, the health ministers agreed on joint efforts to combat AMR and in 2016, AMR was treated as one of the top priorities for global health at the G7 at the Ise-Shima Summit.

The Future – Global Collaboration Creates Transformative Changes 
The mission for JPIAMR for the years 2020-2025 is stated as: To join forces across nations by leading the alignment, coordination, and support to Antimicrobial Resistance One Health collaborative research and global policy activities”.

JPI AMR and India
India recognizes the importance of strengthening global capacity to counter infectious disease threats and is working across sectors to address antimicrobial resistance (AMR).

DBT will participate in the next board meeting of the JPIAMR to be held on 10-11 October 2017 in Stockholm (Sweden) where DBT will give the overview of its activities and funding for research on AMR. It is expected that DBT will further contribute to this initiative, through various activities, such as participating in joint calls and joint mapping efforts for the coming year
Edit"EU:Dept Biotech, GOI, joins the international initiative to tackle Antimicrobial Resistance."

INDIANS CRICKETING

Jadeja, Ashwin remain on top of ICC Test bowlers’ rankings
India’s spin duo of Ravindra Jadeja and Ravichandran Ashwin continue to remain at the top two positions in the ICC Test bowlers’ rankings released in Dubai today. Jadeja is heading the table with 898 points, while Ashwin is placed at the second spot with 865 points. However, none of the other Indian bowlers figure in the top-10 list. In the all-rounders chart, Jadeja remains static at second place, while Ashwin is holding on to the third spot.
As far as Indian batsmen are concerned, Cheteshwar Pujara remains at the fourth position, and Virat Kohli is static at the fifth place. K L Rahul climbed up a place to ninth spot in the batting table, which is continued to be headed by Australia’s Steve Smith.
Meanwhile, England’s Moeen Ali has received a rankings boost in both batsmen’s and bowlers’ list. Ali was declared the player of the match at the Lord’s Test yesterday. He helped England beat South Africa by 211 runs to go 1-0 up in the four-match series.
In the batting chart, Ali has gained three places and is now just outside the top 20, at 21st place, while in the bowling table, he has broken into the top-20 and is in 19th position by rising nine places.
WWC : Indiaeve  to take on Australia today
Indian women will be keen to take a step towards securing a semifinal spot when they take on Australia in the ICC Women’s World Cup, in Bristol today. The match will statrt at 3 pm.
India were on a rampaging run beating England, West Indies, Pakistan and Sri Lanka before South Africa disturbed their momentum with a massive 115-run win. Similarly Australia’s four-match unbeaten run was stopped by England in the previous game and they would also look to get back to winning ways.
Both teams have eight points but with better run rate Australia is second in points table while India is on third spot. Neither of the teams have yet qualified for the semi-finals. England eves are on top in table tally.
Ravi Shastri to be head coach of Indian cricket team
BCCI named Ravi Shastri as the new chief coach of the Indian cricket team till ICC World Cup 2019. Former fast bowler Zaheer Khan has also appointed as bowling coach for a period of two years.
Former Indian Captain Rahul Dravid has appointed as batting consultant for specific overseas tours. Virat Kohli-led Indian cricket team has been without a head coach after Anil Kumble resigned from the post after the ICC  Champions Trophy 2017.
Edit"Indians Cricketing"

SERGEY LAVROV THREATENED COUNTER ACTIONS AGAINST US

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has threatened counter actions against the United States over the lingering dispute centering on a pair of Russian diplomatic compounds that the United States seized last year.
A month after Donald Trump’s election victory, President Barack Obama seized the Cold War-era recreational estates and expelled 35 Russian officials. Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin discussed the issue at the Group of 20 summit in Germany last week.
After meetings at European Union headquarters today, Lavrov said Moscow was still hopeful that the US, as a proponent of the rule of law, will finally respect the international obligations. He said if this is not the case, if Washington decides not to solve this issue, we will have to take counter actions. Lavrov refused to elaborate.
Edit"Sergey Lavrov threatened counter actions against US"

GR OF MINISTER APPROVED A DRAFT NATIONAL POLICY FOR WOMEN

A Group of Ministers, headed by External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj, approved a draft national policy for women proposing free education for girls from poor families and a health card for all women.
The draft National Policy for Women, 2017, also moots that a woman accused of a non-heinous crime, who has remained an under-trial for one-third of her jail time, should be given bail. The policy document will now be sent to the Cabinet for its nod.
Edit"Gr of Minister approved a draft national policy for women"

Article 3

$
0
0

CAG TO AUDIT NOIDA, GR NOIDA, YAMUNA EXPRESSWAY AUTHORITIES

UP government has ordered Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) audit of three industrial development authorities which are facing allegations of irregularities and corruption.
In the latest decision, the state government ordered CAG auditing for Noida, Greater Noida and Yamuna Expressway industrial development authorities, UP Industrial Development Department Principal Secretary Alok Sinha said.
The Noida Authority had earlier opposed CAG auditing, saying it is an autonomous body. Apart from carrying out checks on procedures, utilisation of funds and progress of projects, the CAG audit may also scrutinise the terms of contracts, agencies and contractors to whom the projects have been awarded, they said.
Allegations have been levelled that the three authorities had made large-scale land allotments to builders and other allottees at throwaway prices in the past 10 years. The state government recently had given a nod to the audit of the Ghaziabad Development Authority by the CAG.
Industrial Development Minister Satish Mahana said, that to highlight corruption in the previous government in UP it is necessary that the CAG should audit all the development authorities.
Edit"CAG to audit Noida, Gr Noida, Yamuna Expressway authorities"

CIA DIRECTOR SAYS RUSSIA CLEARLY MEDDLED 2016 ELECTION,

Trump CIA Dir Pompeo: WikiLeaks “recruits spies” “rewards people who steal secrets” and subverts western democracy
CIA Director Mike Pompeo tells attendees at the Intelligence and National Security Alliance (INSA) dinner that Russia clearly meddled in the 2016 election, but says…
C-SPAN.ORG
Edit"CIA Director Says Russia Clearly Meddled 2016 Election,"
Viewing all 3329 articles
Browse latest View live