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January 16, 2018, 12:43 am
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4.4 M quake hits Athens

ON  BY NARESH SAGARLEAVE A COMMENTEDIT
A moderate but shallow 4 point 4-magnitude quake jolted Athens today.
The national observatory and experts said the quake had a depth of just five kilometres and an epicentre 24 kilometres northeast of the Greek capital.
It was followed by weaker aftershocks.
The earthquake was felt across the capital and as far as Lamia and Corinth. There was no immediate report of damage or injuries.
Greece and Turkey sit on significant fault lines and have been regularly hit by earthquakes in recent years.

Romanian PM Mihai Tudose resigns

ON  BY NARESH SAGARLEAVE A COMMENTEDIT
Romania’s left-wing Prime Minister Mihai Tudose resigned today after losing the backing of his party due to internal power struggles, barely seven months after his predecessor suffered the same fate.
He handed in his resignation after senior members of the ruling Social Democrats (PSD) voted to withdraw their support at a leadership meeting.
The move heralds fresh turmoil for Romania, one of the European Union’s poorest countries, and comes on the eve of a historic visit by Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.
It is the second time in a year that the PSD has torpedoed its own government.
Tudose’s resignation will have to be signed off by centre-right President Klaus Iohannis.
He also needs to approve the PSD’s new Prime ministerial nominee, to be chosen at a party meeting tomorrow.

Germany to increase elite unit

ON  BY NARESH SAGARLEAVE A COMMENTEDIT
Germany’s elite paramilitary unit will be increased by a third, and a second base will be opened due to increased terrorism threats, AP reported. In addition to the GSG-9’s base near Bonn in western Germany, another base, likely in Berlin, will be added, according to the unit’s head, Jerome Fuchs. The GSG-9 unit was created in response to German security services’ failure to prevent the massacre of Israeli athletes at the 1972 Summer Olympics in Munich. The actual number of the unit’s members is not public, but is estimated currently at 400.

ChinNuke submarines in East China Sea

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Japan accuses China of sending nuclear-powered submarines to disputed isles>
Tokyo has said that a Chinese naval submarine spotted in waters off flashpoint islands in the East China Sea was one of its new nuclear-powered attack vessels, AFP reported on Monday. The statement comes on the same day that China announced that three of its“coastguard vessels conducted a patrol in territorial waters off the Diaoyu Islands,”Beijing’s name for contested isles called Senkaku in Japan. Japanese Defense Minister Itsunori Onodera said on Monday that the submarine has been determined to be “China’s Shang-Class nuclear-powered attack submarine,” which he said can be equipped with long-range cruise missiles. “The submarine’s underwater passing through our country’s contiguous waters is an act that unilaterally increases tension,” he added. Beijing has not confirmed whether it had sent a submarine.

UN WTO: Spain to replace US as 2nd tourism destination

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Spain is expected to replace the US as the world’s second biggest tourism destination, while France has retained the top spot, the UN World Tourism Organization said on Monday.
Spain could take second position with some 82 million visitors last year, AFP quoted UNWTO Dhief Zurab Pololikashvili as saying. John Kester, head of tourism trends at the UN agency, said that “everything indicates” that France would retain its top spot in 2017, which was a good year for the industry as the number of global tourists leapt 7 percent compared to 2016, the largest increase in seven years.

Turkish president hosts Qatari Emir

ON  BY NARESH SAGARLEAVE A COMMENTEDIT
Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani held talks in Turkey on Monday with his chief ally, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, as tensions again surged between the emirate and its regional foes, AFP reports.
The talks were announced only hours in advance and took place at Erdogan’s presidential palace in Ankara, according to the Turkish presidency. Erdogan has been a major supporter of Doha in the crisis that has left Qatar diplomatically and economically isolated.
On June 5 last year, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates, and Egypt cut ties with Qatar. The latest meeting between the leaders of Turkey and Qatar came as the UAE accused Qatar of “intercepting” two Emirati passenger planes en route to Bahrain.
ON  BY NARESH SAGARLEAVE A COMMENTEDIT
Arbaaz Khan starring ‘Nirdosh’ will bring Back Gripping Entertainers!

   Nirdosh starring Arbaaz Khan, Manjari Fadnis, Ashmit Patel, Maheck Chahal and Mukul Dev is the talk of the town since the entire cast was witnessed in Delhi. Arbaaz Khan along with the cast interacted with media and revealed the details of his upcoming flick. Nirdosh is Bollywood’s first suspect thriller and it promises to be one of the most entertaining films so far.
As per the details revealed by the cast, Nirdosh is a story of Gautam Grover (Ashmit Patel) and his wife Shinaya Grover (Manjari Fadnis) who live in Mumbai and has a picture-perfect family. Gautam is shocked when Mumbai police arrest his wife Shinaya on a murder charge. Court grants remand of three days for Shinaya. A strict officer in crime branch- Inspector Lokhande (Arbaaz Khan) is given the charge of the case. During police interrogation, Arbaaz’s character investigates and unfolds the truth.
Producer Pradeep Rangwani is all excited about his first Bollywood venture and he is sure that the movie will bring back the age of edge-of-the-seat entertainers in Bollywood that will hold the audience’s attention until the end.
Well, for teh same, Director Pradeep Rangwani says “There are lots of twists and turns in the story. All the characters seem to have layers as the story moves ahead. Every character has a different story to tell which keeps the guessing game on. ”
The film is produced by UV films and directed by Pradeep Rangwani and Subroto Paul, slated to release worldwide on 19th January 2018.

Army : 7 Pak soldiers killed

ON  BY NARESH SAGARLEAVE A COMMENTEDIT
As India celebrates its 70th Army Day, reports coming say that the Indian Army has carried out “retaliatory action” against Pakistan killing 7 soldiers and injuring 4 others in forward areas along the Line of Control in Jammu and Kashmir’s Poonch district. Details awaited on this story.
Just this morning, security forces foiled an infiltration bid near the Line of Control in Uri sector of Jammu and Kashmir, killing five Jaish-e-Mohammad militants. A defence spokesman said that five militants were killed.Earlier, Director General of Police S P Vaid said four JeM militants were killed at Dulanja in Uri sector in a joint operation by the Army, police and other security forces.
Army chief General Bipin Rawat said today that the Pakistan Army has been continuously trying to help terrorists sneak into India along the LoC in J&K. “We are using our might to teach them a lesson.  We will keep effectively retaliating to any provocative action by Pakistan. If we are forced, then we may resort to ‘other action’ by stepping up military offensive. We will not let anti-India activities succeed at any cost,” General Rawat said.
He also called out China saying disputes along the Line of Actual Control in the northern border (China) are continuing and transgressions are taking place. “We are working to stop them,” he said. Rediff

PM Netanyahu in India

ON  BY NARESH SAGARLEAVE A COMMENTEDIT
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Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, along with his wife Sara, were granted a ceremonial reception at the Rashtrapati Bhawan ahead of his delegation level talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
PM Netanyahu was given a ceremonial reception at Rashtrapati Bhavan this morning. Prime Minister Narendra Modi was among those present during the ceremony. Talking to reporters after the ceremony, Israel Prime Minister said, his visit to New Delhi is the dawn of a new era in the friendship between India and Israel.
PM Mr Netanyahu said it began with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s historic visit to Israel that created tremendous enthusiasm. Mr Netanyahu said it continues with his visit to India. He added that the flourishing partnership can bring prosperity, peace and progress for the people of both the countries.
Later, PM Mr Netanyahu laid a wreath at Mahatma Gandhi’s Samadhi at Raj Ghat. It is the first visit of Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu to India. He yesterday arrived on a six-day visit. India, Israel likely to sign 8 MoUs today.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is holding delegation-level talks with his Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu in New Delhi. During the talks, both the leaders will discuss host of issues including defence cooperation, trade, innovation, counter terrorism, agriculture and water harvesting. Several MoUs are expected to be signed in different areas after the talks. Mr Netanyahu will also call on President Ram Nath Kovind in the evening.


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January 17, 2018, 11:22 pm
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IBMA, in the SME sector face closure, GST at 18%

ON  BY NARESH SAGARLEAVE A COMMENTEDIT
Why 18% GST on Biscuits when noodle GST rate is 12%.
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Media interaction with the association of Indian Biscuits Manufacturers’ Association, Mr. B P Agarwal, President, (IBMA) told that , “Biscuits are common product of consumption from a rickshaw puller to a low-wage laborer in search of hygiene, energy, nutrition at a low cost.
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Similar food products are subject to LOWER GST RATES, such as Sweets (5%), Processed Dry fruits (5%), Tea(5%), Juice, Namkeen, Jam/Jelly, Noodles, Pasta, Tomato Ketch-up (all 12%) but to utter surpise GST at 18% is imposed on Biscuit.
We urge the government to review their decision of imposing 18 % GST on Biscuit industry. There is urgent need to bring down the GST rate to 12% to avoid stagnation in growth of the industry” He further added that at the Proce level of Rs.5/- today the biscuit packet contains 50 grammes by weight , but if GST is not brought down to 5% , they may be forced to reduce this weight to 35 or 40 gms.
Biscuit manufacturers, especially in the SME sector, are hard hit because of unjustified imposition of Goods & Services Tax (GST) at a very high rate of 18%. The growth in the industry has started to stagnate since the imposition of the 18% GST and there is urgent need to bring down GST rate to 12%.
Biscuit is a mass consumption food product, hygienically processed and consumers of biscuit belong predominantly to the poorer segment but biscuits have been mistakenly understood to be a premium product, preferred for the consumption by the affluent society, whereas biscuit has been placed in the higher tax slab denying level playing field for biscuits in contrary  to  similar products.
Mr. Anoop Bector, MD of Cremica Biscuits was not present but send a note saying that “Biscuit is made of agricultural products like wheat, vegetable oil, sugar and milk and higher production of biscuit would benefit larger number of farmers.
Mr Shekhar Agrawal present made it known that Biscuit is highly Labour intensive, and stagnation in growth in production would adversely affect the industry which is estimated to provide employment to about 7.5 lakh workforce directly and more than 30 lakh persons indirectly in marketing, retail network, transport etc”.
All the people expressed that in case of any Natural calamity or Disaster the first consignment which is airlifted to the affected areas is packets of Biscuits and also it is in the World food programme and as such it is not a luxury but a essential food and basic necessity for the masses.
“Biscuit industry is subjected to escalation in cost of inputs/ingredients due to higher cost of transportation, fuel, packaging, wages etc.”added Mr. Pankaj Agarwal, CEO of Bonn Biscuits.
Swami Ramdev who was speaking to Sagar Media inc  Senior Correspondent , SAgrawal during the  launch of Patanjali Online expressed that GST needs to reviewed for lot of daily use items and also he was categorical in mentioning the Biscuit Industry which is under strain and the Government needs to may be have two slabs of taxes for biscuits of premium and ordinary category.
Concluding the Interaction it was proposed  that certain category of biscuit is like salt and even the Government may think of abolishing the tax structure applicable as this is a healthy food even being served to patients in the Hospitals and case of emergencies all over the country.
IBMA has informed that they have submitted detailed representation to the Hon’ble Prime Minister Mr. Narendra Modi, Union Finance Minister Mr. Arun Jaitley, Union Minister for Food Processing Industries Miss Harsimran Kaur Badal and also to the Finance Ministers of all states, who are members of the GST Council.
IBMA has also sought intervention and support from Members of Parliament from various political parties for favorable consideration of levy of GST at lower slab of 12%.
“Lowering the rate of GST on Biscuit would result in higher production and would not affect revenue to the Central and State Governments,” was the opinion expressed in a note by Mr. Deepak Bherwani, Director, Krown Biscuits.
The media meet of IBMA was attended by various medias and biscuits manufacturers in large number and showed keen interest on the ready made food of biscuits for all purposes.

ELECTION COMMISSION PRESS CONFERENCE

ON  BY NARESH SAGARLEAVE A COMMENTEDIT
MEDIA ADVISORY FOR ELECTION COMMISSION PRESS CONFERENCE

The Election Commission shall address a Press Conference to announce Election Schedule to Legislative Assemblies of Meghalaya, Tripura & Nagaland  at 12 Noon today, 18th January ,2018 at Nirvachan Sadan, New Delhi.
Please follow following instructions
  1. Correspondents
  • Entry to the 4th Floor Press Conference Hall /venue shall be strictly on the basis of special entry passes, which shall be available from Special Desks set up in front lawn of Nirvachan Sadan from 10.30  AM onwardstoday.
  • Only one special pass will be issued per media organizationon a first-come, first-served basis on production of PIB Card.
  1.  First , PIB Accredited media persons will be issued “Special Entry Pass”       
                          and
  1.   afterwards based on the availability of seats‘Special Entry Pass” will be issued to Non-PIB Accredited media persons based on Identity card of Media Organisation.
  • As the number of entry passes are limited, you are advised to collect the same expeditiously on a first-come, first-served basison production of PIB Card.
  1. Still Photographers & Audio-Visual Camerapersons
Entry to the Press Conference Hall on 4thFloor is restricted to the following agencies:
  • Still Photographers: Photo Division, PTI, & UNI,
  • AV Camerapersons: Doordarshan & ANI
  • (C)     LIVE VISUALS / RAW FEED
  • Live visuals/ Raw Feed of the press conference shall also be available at Media Centre at Ground Floor via a pool signal.News channels who wish to access the same, may authorize their Reporter/ Correspondent to collect entry passes for their technical staff, from Special Desks set up in front lawn of Nirvachan Sadan between 10.30AM and 11.50 AM today. Up to 2 passes only, per channel, shall be issued on production of PIB Card or Identity card of Media Organisation.
Such technical Staff/s will be allowed access to Media centre at Ground Floor for smooth reception of pool signal.
Rajesh

Mumbai Maharathi pulls out of PWL

ON  BY NARESH SAGARLEAVE A COMMENTEDIT
In a reaction to unethical act by the organisers of the PWL, led by Sunil Yash Kalra, the CEO of ProSportify, the team owners of Mumbai Maharathi have decided to withdraw from the 3rd edition of the PWL with immediate effect, according to a release issued by the team today
 While the team management has taken in its stride several instances of mismanagement and operational glitches by the league organisers, they reacted strongly to the incident that occurred at the toss between Mumbai Maharathi and their opponents. After Sakshi Malik won the toss, she oped to block the wrestler in the 74 kg category, but was prevented to so so by the organisers in a clear violation of the rules. Sakshi then had no option but to block a wrestler in another weight category and the 74 kg category proved vital in the final outcome of the match, with Mumbai Maharathi losing the tie 3-4 to Veer Maratha.
According to the rules, one weight  category cannot be blocked for consecutive matches and for a total of 2 out of the 5 league matches. Mumbai Maharathi had blocked the 74 kg category in their first encounter and now sought to do so in their third encounter, adhering to the rules, but the league organisers stepped in to twist the rules and thwart Mumbai Maharathi.
 Mumbai Maharathi are the 6th owners who have walked out of the league in 3 years.
.
Regards
Anuja Sharma
8860228778

56 billion animals are subjected to unbearable conditions

ON  BY NARESH SAGARLEAVE A COMMENTEDIT
Danny Auron – Avaaz <avaaz@avaaz.org>
To nksagar_1@yahoo.com <nksagar_1@yahoo.com>
Thursday, 18 January, 2018 1:21 AM
PLEDGE NOW
56 billion animals are subjected to unbearable conditions and slaughtered every year to feed our meat addiction. There’s one simple thing we can do together today: eat less meat. Join the global pledge and together let’s help end this cruelty:
PLEDGE NOW
Dear friends,
56 BILLION animals are crammed into filthy, windowless cages and slaughtered every year to feed our meat addiction.
It’s truly horrible, and it may take years to shut down these factory farms, but there’s one thing we can all do today that could accelerate their end: eat less meat.
Avaaz is 46-million-strong and global. If we each pledge to go meat-free just one day a week, even if we are already vegetarian or vegan, then invite our friends, celebrities, and companies to join, we could help build the largest global pledge ever!
Let’s send a signal to industrial meat producers that the tide is turning.
What we eat shouldn’t be dictated by governments or vigilantes but free choice. And we have the choice to say no to such levels of planet-killing meat consumption! Livestock contributes more to global warming than all cars, planes, and buses worldwide, and 75% of all our agricultural land is devoted to crops for livestock feed. It’s gotten out of hand!
We don’t all have to become vegetarian overnight, but experts say cutting back on meat is the single best thing we can do to stop planetary catastrophe.
Momentum is already building, but if we supercharge a global pledge now, our movement from India, to Brazil, to the United States has unique potential to spark a worldwide trend to radically reduce demand for meat, and eventually shut down these revolting farms. Let’s each pledge one small step today:
Many said we could never stop our fossil fuel addiction, but when enough of us together started changing our habits, and demanding our governments took action, the needle moved. Let’s come together again to stop this cruelty and save our planet, together.
With love and hope for 2018,
Danny, Allison, Marigona, Nataliya, Lisa and the entire Avaaz team

WOMEN ENTREPRENEURS & EXECUTIVES DELEGATION TO USA

ON  BY NARESH SAGARLEAVE A COMMENTEDIT
Feb 19-23, 2018 : Washington D.C., Pittsburgh/Boston & Silicon Valley, CA
Building on the success of the eight edition of the Global Entrepreneurship Summit (GES) 2017 held first time in India in the city of Hyderabad from Nov 28 -30, 2017, FICCI is building a delegation of technology led women entrepreneurs to the United States of America in February 2017.
The GES was the largest entrepreneurial conference attended by over 1200 entrepreneurs from across the world that was jointly organised by NITI Aayog and the Government of the United States of America. The Summit was inaugurated by Hon’ble Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi in the presence of Ms. Ivanka Trump, Advisor to President Trump who was leading the US delegation.
On the sidelines of the GES 2017, the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) jointly with NITI Aayog organized seven Road to GES events in Chennai, New Delhi, Bengaluru, Mumbai, Bhubaneshwar, Chandigarh and Hyderabad which brought together over 1500 entrepreneurs and key stakeholders from the innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem. Over 50 percent participation in each of these programs was from women entrepreneurs.
To keep the momentum on by strengthening the ecosystem that nurtures and fosters entrepreneurship, FICCI is partnering with leading institutions and universities in the US to design a one week programme especially for women entrepreneurs from India. As a part of this delegation, FICCI will be organising immersion boot camps, B2B Meetings, visit to iconic companies and interaction with US investors. The visit will culminate with a cultural evening.
We invite women entrepreneurs & executives from across the country from diverse sectors including but not limited to pharmaceuticals, healthcare, biotechnology, energy, media, financial technologies, information technology, cyber security, water, artificial intelligence, virtual reality, robotics, e-commerce,etc. to join the delegation.
To defray a part of the expenses incurred in connection with organizing the visit, a delegation fee of INR 50,000/- ( + GST @ 18%) is being charged per delegate. The travel & accommodation cost has to be taken care of by the delegate themselves.
For any further details & registration, your office may please feel free to get in touch with my colleague Mr Amit Tyagi, Additional Director, FICCIamit.tyagi@ficci.com. Last date of registration is 24th Jan 2018.
Looking forward to your response at the earliest.
With best regards,
Nirankar Saxena
Deputy Secretary General
FICCI

68th Senior National Championship for Men and Women begins today

ON  BY NARESH SAGARLEAVE A COMMENTEDIT
68th Senior National Championship for Men and Women begins today at JLN Stadium, Chennai 
Chennai 17th January 2018: The 68th Senior National Championship for Men and Women has started at the JLN Stadium, Chennai. 57 teams from all over India are participating which includes 31 Men’s teams and 26 Women’s teams. All the scores from Day 1 morning matches are below:




CategoryLevelGroupWinning TeamWinning Team PtsLosing TeamLosing Team PtsQaurteWise PtsWinning Team Top ScorersLosing Team top Scorers
Women1BRajasthan89Telangana6126-16,17-17,28-11,18-17A.S. Thampi 27pts, P. Divya 18pts, M. GayathriNisha Sharma 31pts
Women1BIndian Railways89Delhi3932-07,16-08,18-09,23-15S. Menon 15pts, Navaneetha 16ptsPratima Singh 16pts
Men2FMaharashtra65Bihar4109-13,15-24, 10-19,07-09Rohit Kumar 13 pts, Sanjeev Kumar 12ptsAmit Gahlot 19pts, Rakesh 09pts
Men1BPunjab76Gujarat6522-12,10-10,20-27,24-16Gurvinder Singh Gill 22pts, Satnam Singh 17pts, Rajveer Singh 14ptsHarpal 17pts, M. Kasirajan 15 pts
Men1AUttrakhand85Odisha6221-11, 27-16,21-17,16-18Mohit Bhandari 20pts, Murali Krishna 17pts, Arjun Singh 15ptsSuman Sahoo 19pts, Ashok Kumar Nayak 12pts
Men2DA.P76J&K7525-17, 21-15,18-19,12-24T. Tammu Sandeep 20pts, J. Tharun Kumar 19ptsRanbir Singh 18, Iqbal 19pts
Men2DPudducherry22Telangana5413-25,5-22,2-5,2-2Sri Ganesh Patil 15pts, Prudhvi Reddy 8pts
Men2CChhatissgarh49Goa3212-06,10-05,08-10,19-11Pratham Singh 15pts, Krishna Pandy 10ptsFlobert 14pts, Dilano 12pts
Men2FU.P88West Bengal7615-10,17-17,21-23,00-12Sagar Joshi 28pts, Arshdeep Singh 16ptsM. vivek 29pts, Vishal kumar 29pts

Veere Di Wedding to release June 1st 2018 !

ON  BY NARESH SAGARLEAVE A COMMENTEDIT


Veere Di Wedding starring Kareena Kapoor Khan, Sonam Kapoor, Swara Bhaskar and Shikha Talsania is all set to hit theatre screens on the 1st June 2018.
There has been massive anticipation surrounding the film ever since it’s announcement, as two power producers Ekta Kapoor and Rhea Kapoor came together ,to present audiences with a fun ride that explores the spirit of the modern day Indian woman.
With the posters of Veere Di Wedding piquing the audiences’ curiosity even further, the wait is finally over as the wedding of the season will now release on the first Friday of June this year.
Says producer Ekta Kapoor, ” This is definitely going to be a wedding to remember . We are happy to announce that Veere Di Wedding will release on the 1st June 2018″.
Adds producer Rhea Kapoor, ” We are hoping that Veere Di Wedding will usher in a new phase in the Hindi film industry. Nothing like this has been attempted before and we hope it’s a fun ride for the audience”.
Directed by Shashank Ghosh and written by Mehul Suri and Nidhi Mehra,  the film stars Kareena Kapoor Khan, Sonam Kapoor, Swara Bhaskar and Shikha Talsania.


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January 18, 2018, 1:35 am
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Virat Kohli named ICC world cricketer of the year

ON  BY NARESH SAGARLEAVE A COMMENTEDIT
Indian captain Virat Kohli has been named the world cricketer of the year at the ICC annual awards announced in Dubai today. Kohli reclaimed the award he first won in 2012. This is the second time in succession that an Indian has won the overall cricketer of the year award. Spinner Ravichandran Ashwin had claimed the honour last year.
Kohli also bagged the top honour for ODI players. This is the first instance since 2013 that the ODI Cricketer of the Year award has been won by a non-South African. Quinton de Kock received the accolade for 2016, with AB de Villiers winning it in 2014 and 2015.
Kohli was also named captain of the ICC Test and ODI teams of the year.
In the qualification period from 21st September, 2016 to the end of last year, Kohli amassed 2,203 Test runs at an average of 77.80 including eight centuries. In ODIs, he scored 1,818 runs including seven centuries at an average of 82.63. In Twenty-20s, Kohli made 299 runs at a strike rate of 153.
Australian captain Steve Smith claimed the Test Player of the Year honour. He had scored 1,875 runs in 16 matches at an average of 78.12, with eight hundreds and five 50s.

UNSC to step up pressure on Pakistan

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Pakistan is accused of supporting the Taliban and various militant groups in Afghanistan.US Ambassador to the United Nations, Nikki Haley has said, the UN Security Council should step up pressure on Pakistan to change its behaviour.
Briefing reporters after returning from a UN Security
Council visit to Afghanistan, she said, the Afghan government has asked the 15-member powerful wing of the world body to step up pressure on Pakistan. She said, the Afghan government is starting to see the Taliban concede.
The Kabul visit of UN Security Council members came ahead of the Kabul Process meeting next month where the Afghan government is expected to present its strategy for reaching a settlement with the armed opposition.

India’s exports surge

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India’s exports grew by 12.36% in December 2017 to 27.3% 03 billion US dollars on account of strong performance by sectors like engineering goods and petroleum products.
According to data released by Ministry of Commerce and Industry, exports have been on a positive trajectory since August 2016 to December 2017 with a dip of 1.1 % in the month of October last year.
Exports of engineering goods as well as petroleum products showed an increase of over 25% in December.

Benjamin:Come to Israel, Invest in Israel

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Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said today India and Israel are the oldest cultures on earth and both are democracies.
Both the countries share love for freedom and are a match made in Heaven. Talking at the India-Israeli Business Summit in Mumbai today which was attended by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis besides business leaders of both countries, he said Indo-Israel partnership is reaching unprecedented heights.
Netanyahu further said that an efficient and direct flight route with India. The ability to have this contact is very important for innovation and progress .
He assured that Indian Businessmen will be received in Israel with unbelievable warmth and tremendous respect.
He ended his address with Come to Israel, Invest in Israel and Israel will come here as well. Speaking at the power breakfast with the top corporate honchos, Israeli Prime Minister said the future belongs to those who innovate and therefore it is crucial that business leaders of both countries meet.
The business leaders, who were present at the breakfast included, Ajay Piramal, Rahul Bajaj, Adi Godrej, Harsh Goenka, Anand Mahindra, and Chanda KochharNetanyahu wraps up his six-day India visit today.
Other engagements of Mr Netanyahu today include, dedicating memorial at Nariman house and the ‘Shalom Bollywood’ programme for film personalities.

SC strikes down ban on release ‘Padmaavat’

ON  BY NARESH SAGARLEAVE A COMMENTEDIT
Supreme Court has cleared the decks for the all-India release of controversial movie ‘Padmaavat’ on the 25th of this month.
A bench, headed by Chief Justice Dipak Misra, today stayed the orders issued by Rajasthan and Gujarat governments prohibiting the release of the film, also restraining any other state from issuing any such notifications and orders. The bench observed that the states are obliged to maintain law and order.
The producers had approached the apex court challenging the notification and orders issued by the states prohibiting the film’s release.
Senior advocates Harish Salve and Mukul Rohatgi, representing producers of the movie, told the bench that states have no power to issue such notifications when the Central Board of Film Certification has given a certificate of release.The bench posted the matter for further hearing in March.

India successfully test-fires Agni-5

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India successfully test-fired indigenously developed long-range surface-to-surface ballistic missile, Agni-5, off the Odisha coast today. The state-of-the-art missile, developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation DRDO, was test fired successfully from the Abdul Kalam Wheeler Island at 9:54 AM. The three-stage solid propellant Agni-5 missile has a strike range of over 5,000 kilometres and can carry a nuclear warhead of more than one tonne. Defence sources said the missile covered 4,900 kilometres in 20 minutes in today’s launch.
AIR correspondent reports that the missile is about 17 metres long, 2 metres wide and has a launch weight of around 50 tonnes.Today’s test is the fifth developmental trial of the long-range missile, carried out by the Strategic Forces Command of Indian Army to check its operational readiness. Unlike other missiles of Agni series, the latest one ‘Agni-5’ is the most advanced having new technologies incorporated with it in terms of navigation and guidance, warhead and engine.
The missile can hit most northern parts of China and other parts of Asia, Europe and Africa. Defence sources said after some few more trials, Agni-5 will be inducted into the Services. Once this missile is inducted into Services, India will join the super exclusive club of countries with Inter-Continental Ballistic Missiles alongside the US, Russia, China, France and the UK. The last test of the missile was conducted from the same test range on December 26, 2016.

Viorica Dancila,PM elect Romanian

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Romanian President Klaus Iohannis appointed Social Democrat nominee, European lawmaker Viorica Dancila, as prime minister on Wednesday and handed her a mandate to form a new government.
Dancila will become the first woman prime minister in the history of the Eastern European country.
Iohannis made the decision after consultations earlier Wednesday with parliamentary parties when main opposition parties had neither concrete proposals for the prime minister’s position, nor a political understanding between them.
“Having weighed all arguments, taking into account the concrete situation in Parliament, I have decided to give the Social Democratic Party (PSD) one more chance,” said the president, stressing that now the Social Democrats must show a strong performance, as “Romanians have great expectations, I have great expectations as well.”
The president called on those involved in forming the government to get moving so that the entire procedure can be completed by Feb. 1.

CEC dates on NE states election

ON  BY NARESH SAGARLEAVE A COMMENTEDIT
Tripura votes on Feb 18, Meghalaya, Nagaland on Feb 27; results on March 3, 2018.
Chief Election Commissioner AK Joti said, in Tripura, the polling will take place on the 18th of next month, while Meghalaya and Nagaland will go to polls on 27th February.The counting of votes for all the three states will be held on 3rd March.
Gazette notification for the poll in Tripura will be issued on the 24th of this month. For polls in Meghalaya and Nagaland, the notification will be issued on 31st January.
Mr Joti said, VVPATs will be used with EVMs during the polling in the three states. He said, the expenditure ceiling for candidates in the polls will be 20 lakh rupees.
Replying to media query on electoral bonds, Mr Joti said, it is a step in right direction as there will be a digital trail of donations made.
With the announcement of the schedule, the model code of conduct has come into force. Meghalaya, Nagaland and Tripura have 60 Assembly seats each.
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Ambassador of Japan to speak on “India & Japan: Towards A Higher Stage”

ON  BY NARESH SAGARLEAVE A COMMENTEDIT

Ananta  Aspen Center

Ambassador of Japan to speak on “India & Japan: Towards A Higher Stage”

Presents the Ambassador Series
with

H.E. Mr. Kenji Hiramatsu, Ambassador of Japan to India
on
“India & Japan: Towards A Higher Stage”
supported by
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EVENT DETAILS
DATE Tuesday, February 6, 2018TIME 6:00 PM  – 7:15 PM (Registration: 05:00 PM )LOCATION WWF Auditorium, 172-B, Lodhi Estate, New Delhi- 110003   SPEAKER H.E. Mr. Kenji Hiramatsu, Ambassador of Japan to IndiaCHAIR Mr. B J Panda, Member of Parliament, Lok Sabha
ABOUT THE EVENT 
Japan and India share a “Special Strategic and Global Partnership”. The relations between the two countries are of immense importance to each other and the world. A resurgent Japan and a transforming India could potentially reshape the Asian Strategic landscape. Japan is a partner to India whether it is building industrial corridors in India or becoming the formal partner of the Malabar Exercise. Both the countries have witnessed significant deepening of bilateral relations in the past three years and a growing convergence in the political, economic and strategic interests. At one level, this is based on the firm foundation of common values and traditions and on an emerging consensus on contemporary issues of peace, security and development.
This session will focus on the potential of India and Japan for working together to elevate their partnership to a higher stage and advance common strategic objectives at a time when the global community is faced with new challenges.

Please respond by clicking one of the buttons below
H.E. Mr. Kenji Hiramatsu, Ambassador of Japan to India
Ambassador Hiramatsu was appointed as Ambassador of Japan to India in November 2015 and to Bhutan in February last year. Prior to his appointment as Ambassador of Japan to India, he served as Deputy Vice-Minister for Foreign Policy from 2012 to 2015, where he was responsible for overall foreign policy making in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. In this capacity, he played a central role in Japan’s new landmark legislation for peace and security. He was one of the authors of the first National Security Strategy in 2014. He was also responsible for a whole range of issues related to the United Nations including the reform of the UN Security Council.
Ambassador Hiramatsu also served as Director-General for Global Issues from 2011 to 2012 and was engaged in several important multilateral negotiations. He was a Prime Minister’s special envoy for climate change negotiations and contributed to establishing a new climate change framework. After joining the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in 1979, Ambassador Hiramatsu has dealt with a wide range of issues, which include national security, multilateral trade negotiations and global agenda such as development, climate change, health and women’s empowerment. He took important positions such as Deputy Director-General for Economic Affairs, Executive Assistant to the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Director for Northeast Asia Division, where he was instrumental in realizing the historic visit of Prime Minister Koizumi to North Korea. His overseas postings include Paris and London. Ambassador Hiramatsu graduated from Kyoto University. He is married and has three daughters.  CHAIR Mr. B J Panda, Member of Parliament, Lok Sabha
Baijayant ‘Jay’ Panda is currently serving in his 4th term in the Parliament of India. He was elected to his second term (2014 – 2019) in the Lok Sabha (House of the People) from Kendrapara Constituency, Odisha. Earlier, Jay Panda had been elected to the Lok Sabha in May 2009 as well as twice earlier to the Rajya Sabha (parliament’s other house, the Council of States) in 2000 and 2006, also from the State of Odisha.  He is one of the founding members of the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) party, whose Founder President is Naveen Patnaik, currently serving in his fourth term as Chief Minister of Odisha.Jay Panda represents the new face of Indian politicians, several of whom have been educated abroad and have had alternate careers before choosing to serve the nation through politics.  He graduated from the Michigan Technological University and, with a background in Engineering and Management, worked in the corporate sector before joining politics.  He assisted the late Biju Patnaik and subsequently Naveen Patnaik, who founded the Biju Janata Dal party, which has found strong acceptance from the people of Odisha and has been repeatedly voted back in elections. Jay Panda had helped to form the erstwhile Young Parliamentarians Forum (YPF) and was its Convener. He has also been associated with the India-USA Forum of Parliamentarians from its founding in 2001 and is currently its Chairman.  He was awarded the “Bharat Asmita National Award” for best parliamentary practices by the Hon’ble Chief Justice of India in 2008.  Since its inception in 2007, Jay Panda has been associated with the Citizens’ Alliance Against Malnutrition, an advocacy group including many parliamentarians across parties, Bollywood actors, other celebrities, civil society activists and non-governmental organizations.  The Citizens’ Alliance has undertaken numerous initiatives to battle child malnutrition in India, including field visits to rural districts in several states, continual engagement with media organizations to highlight the issue, repeated interactions with the Prime Minister, Leader of Opposition, Chief Ministers and other political leaders to raise the priority given to this critical issue. In his earlier corporate career, Jay Panda was active in industry organizations like the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) and the International Chromium Development Association.  In the past he has also been associated with the Govt. of Odisha’s Industrial Advisory Committee and been a Director on the Industrial Promotion & Investment Corporation of Odisha (IPICOL).  As a parliamentarian, he has been a member of many important committees like the Parliamentary Standing Committees on Finance, Home, Energy and Urban Development. In Parliament and public life, Jay Panda passionately espouses the cause of his home state Odisha as well as other national issues close to his heart, such as economic development, education and information technology.  He frequently participates in national television discussions and writes op-ed pieces in newspapers.  He holds a Private Pilot’s License for aircraft and helicopters and enjoys adventure sports like skydiving and bungee jumping. Currently, he is a member of the Department-related Parliamentary Standing Committee on Home Affairs as well as the Consultative Committee for the Ministry of Finance and Corporate Affairs.
Having trouble with the link? Simply copy and paste the entire address listed below into your web browser
http://www.cvent.com/d/obGRfAPOy0-L5-0Mc6jSbw/njf0/P1/1Q?​

INVITATION FOR COVERAGE

ON  BY NARESH SAGARLEAVE A COMMENTEDIT
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(“National Conference on Improving Accessibility”)
Dear Sir/Madam,
You are requested to cover the following event:-
Event
Shri Thaawarchand Gehlot, Minister of Social Justice & Empowerment will inaugurate “National Conference on Improving Accessibility” being organized by Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (Divyangjan). On this occasion he will inaugurate first 100 accessible websites of State Governments under Accessible India Campaign.
Ministers of State for SJ&E Shri Krishan Pal Gurjar and Vijay Sampla will be present.
Date
19th January, 2018 (Friday)
Time
10.00 AM

Venue
Hall No. 6, Vigyan Bhawan, Maulana Azad Road, New Delhi 110001

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Dear Sir/Madam,

Event
Union Minister of Electronics & IT and Law & Justice, Shri Ravi Shankar Prasad to launch “Cyber Surakshit Bharat”.
Date
Friday, 19 January, 2018
Time
10.30 AM
Venue
Hotel The Grand Vasant Kunj, Nelson Mandela Road, New Delhi
22310520_10213868218681216_8850419759303384074_n
Dear Sir/Madam,

The Union Minister for Finance and Corporate Affairs, Shri Arun Jaitley will launch National Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Data Portal and Corporate Data Portal to bring transparency, accountability and understanding among the stakeholders, as per thefollowing schedule:

Date:               January 19, 2018 (Friday)
Time:              10.00 a.m.
Venue:            Pravasi Bhartiya Kendra, 15-A, Dr. Rizal Marg,
Chanakyapuri, New Delhi-110021.
Leaders-2017
: INVITATION

Function:
Announcement on Smart Cities and Commencement of the Liveability Index program by Shri Hardeep S. Puri, Minister of State (I/C) for Housing & Urban Affairs
Date:
19/01/2018 (Friday)
Time:
3.00 p.m.
Venue:
Conference Hall, New Media Centre, 7E Raisina Road, , New Delhi
INVITATION

Dear Sir/Madam,

You are cordially invited to cover the following event:



Event
Director, IB Shri Rajiv Jain to be the chief guest at 13thRaising Day function of the NDRF

Date

January 19, 2018 (Friday)

Time

11:45 AM


Venue

Vigyan Bhawan, Plenary Hall, New Delhi
दिल्ली के सभी व्यापारी भाई आज MCD द्वारा हो रही सीलिंग से त्रस्त हैं,सीलिंग के कारण साउथ एक्सटेंशन की पूरी मार्किट बन्द रहे गई ।
इसलिए MCD द्वारा हो रही दुकानों की सीलिंग/ट्रेड लाइसेंस के खिलाफ व्यापारियों का विशाल पैदल मार्च एवं विरोध प्रदर्शन
दिनांक 19/1/18 शुक्रवार
सुबह 11.30 बजे से
साउथ एक्सटेंशन मार्किट
रिंग रोड
नई दिल्ली
से शुरू होगा इसलिए आप सबसे प्रार्थना है कि इस विरोध प्रदर्शन के कार्येक्रम में अधिक से अधिक संख्या में उपस्थित होकर व्यापारियों की एकजुटता का प्रदर्शन करें

निवेदक :
साउथ एक्सटेंशन मार्किट ट्रेडर्स एसोसिएशन

India Road Safety Awards

ON  BY NARESH SAGARLEAVE A COMMENTEDIT
Maruti Suziki India Road Safety Mission conclave and Awards in partnership with TIMES NOW was held at Hyatt Regency Hotel, New Delhi.
 India Road Safety Mission: Times now Conclave Panel discussion Eco system for Road safety. Maruti Suzuki presenter said, As per the international road safety fora, regional road council was an essential part of  mandate. We Activated Road safety council in Region and MP wanted to be the Chairman and as per protocol was the head. NHAI was asked to be part of council monthly to hold regular monthly meeting. Purpose to coordinate was to lead agency to move forward with various stake holder Engineers department, Transport ministry, HRD for safety and therefore talk to 29 states 7 UT to be part of  saftey councils as per the regions. The requirement of fund was also an essential subject for which corpse need to debated,collected, spent and held in its totality.
In Conclave, Indian Roads difficulties and deficiencies were discussed. International Road Federation Indian chapters and various experts from road research institute spread across the country  participated.These institute are with mandates of innovation in design, safety of roads. Furthermore, roads materials, to be used in fly over, grade separators. roads lighting, civic facilities, software’s to be best on National Highway, or other main roads for comfort of masses, to reduce the time of waiting on roads  with update plans and participation.
Conclave was attended by Central, State, officials, Media’s, NGOs and  many institutes participation were  visible such as CRRI, IRF, Intel network etc.
Training of Drivers  an important topic on which Maruti speakers explained their performance.
Pedestrian track Cycle Track, two wheelers, light vehicle and movement of buses, plying of trucks & safety were discussed.
Wearing of helmets,use of safety belts while driving Importance was explained through visual and lecture.
Awareness of Road Safety mission was illustrated as an important aspect with its regular novel advertisement subject found attention in their visual,lectures.
Mr Nitin Gadkari, Union Minister of NHAI transport,Shipping Ganga Rivers rejuvenation gave the awards to Mayors of North Delhi, Ms Preety Agarwal, Dy Mayor of Mumbai, Mayor of Raipur alongwith COO, Raipur, Mr Gaurav Mishra , Mayor of Kolkatta and DCP Traffic , Chennai , Ms Shanmuga Priya, for her novel social participantion in North Chennai.
The Chief Guest Mr Nitin Gadkari in his address spoke the tiring difficulties of commutters on roads with humongous fleets of cars in Delhi NCR. Minister said the sturdy public transport is on my agenda and is working on various connecting Ring Road and other means of road navigation.Electric buses, mass rapid transport etc.
With pride Minister said,we are building roads, highway with target of 28 Km per day and complete 200,000 Km highway projects. Road accidents deaths are brutal and seat belt use reduce brutality to half.
Times Network, Sr VP ,Mr Hemant Arora was also present alongwith Mr Rahul Bharti from Maruti Suzuki. Mr Pasricha, EX-DGP, Maharashtra was among the other awardees. earlier in the day.
Joint  CP , Traffic, Delhi Police, Mr Deependra Pathak talked about how Artificial Intelligence is being used by Delhi  Police.
Log on to www.indiaroadsafetymission.com and also take the pledge , #PEHNIKYA. . Wear seatbelts and always stay SAFE.

Karnataka Men and Women dominate Day 2

ON  BY NARESH SAGARLEAVE A COMMENTEDIT

Karnataka Men and Women dominate Day 2 defeating  defending Champions Uttarakhand Men and Kerala Women in very close matches at the 68th Senior National Basketball Championship


Chennai, 18th January 2018:  Day two of the 68th National Basketball Championship for Men and Women saw some fast and furious action in the first half. The morning of day two, saw the Maharashtra Women’s team and Women’s team from Indian Railways competing against each other for the first match of day two with the Indian Railways Women’s team securing a comfortable over Rajasthan.

The final score at the end of four quarters was Maharashtra 48 and Indian Railways 98.

The first Men’s match of the day saw Maharashtra taken on West Bengal with the West Bengal team being victorious. The final score was 49-54.

The next Men’s game saw Uttar Pradesh take Madhya Pradesh with the men from Uttar Pradesh being victorious. The final score was 67-57.

The next Men’s game saw Chhattisgarh take on Sikkim with Chhattisgarh securing a comfortable victory over Sikkim. The score at end of all quarters was 45-19.

The next Men’s game saw Kerala take on Rajasthan where Rajasthan secured the victory over Kerala. The final score at the end of all four quarters was 72-87.

The next Men’s game saw Karnataka take on Uttarakhand. This was a nail biting game where Karnataka beat Uttarakhand by just two points. The final score was 85-83.

The following Men’s game saw Maharashtra taken on West Bengal. West Bengal beat Maharashtra in a close game where the final score was 49-54.

The next Men’s game saw Andhra Pradesh taken on Delhi where Delhi beat Andhra Pradesh in an exciting game. The final score was 50-68.

The following Women’s match pitted Gujarat against Uttar Pradesh. Uttar Pradesh secured a comfortable victory over their rivals. The final score was 30-59.

The next game saw the men from Arunachal take on the men from Mizoram. This low scoring game saw the men from Mizoram come out on top, with the final score being 28-56.

The next game saw Goa take on the Services team, where the Services team demolished their opponents. The final score was 26-87.


The following Men’s game saw Chhattisgarh take on Sikkim where Chhattisgarh dominated their opponents. The final score at the end of four quarters was 45-19.

The second half of day two of the 68th National Basketball Championship for Men and Women continued to see fast and furious action.

This men’s game saw Assam take on Bihar. A close game which saw Assam beat Bihar. The final score at the end of the four quarters was 64-56.

The following men’s game saw Jharkhand take on Tripura. This low scoring game saw Jharkhand beat Tripura. The final score was 33-14

The next game was the Karnataka women’s team take on the Kerala women’s team. A close game from the very beginning made it to extra time. The women from Karnataka were victorious at the end. The final score at the end of this high pressure was 70-67.
Quarter wise score – (10-18), (12-15), (27-12), (12-16), (09-06)


The following women’s game was Delhi taking on Telangana where Delhi secured a comfortable victory over their opponents. The final score was 85-43.
Quarter wise score – (28-10), (14-09), (18-10), (25-14)


The next women’s game saw the hosts Tamilnadu take on Chhattisgarh. A close game from the very start they teams were tied at 77-77 at the end of the four quarters. The extra time saw both the teams put up a fight to the finish where Chhattisgarh team won. The final score was 93 – 85.
Quarter wise score – (10-23)), (14-19), (21-15), (32-20) and (06-16)

All the scores from Day 2 matches are below:
CategoryLevelGroupWinning TeamWinning Team PtsLosing TeamLosing Team PtsQaurteWise PtsWinning Team Top ScorersLosing Team top Scorers
Women1BIndian Railways98Maharashtra4714-27,7-25,10-26,16-20Anitha 16pts, Rajapriya 13ptsMukda 10pts, Shireen 9pts
Men2FWest Bengal54Maharashtra4910-12,07-17,16-12,16-13Bhrigendra 19pts, Arshdeep Singh 12ptsAmit Gehlot 14pts, Rakesh 13pts
Men2DDelhi68A.P5012-10,12-17,12-18,14-23Yadav 15pts, Akshay 11ptsT. Manu 12pts
Women2CU.P59Gujarat304-17,6-20,12-15,8-7Vaishnavi 28ptsNidhi 6pts, Dharti 6pts
Men2FU.P67M.P5714-12,21-20,18-09,14-16Pulkit 15pts, Vishal 14ptsPrakash 27pts
Men1EMizoram56Arunachal Pradesh2814-14,16-05,16-05,12-04Moses 12ptsSagar 15pts
Men2CServices87Goa2602-24,04-22,09-20,11-21Joginder 15pts, Issac 12ptsAaron 11pts
Men2CChhatissgarh45Sikkim1919-04,10-2,8-10,8-3Ashish 7ptsAnkit 12pts
Men1ARajasthan87Kerela7211-29,21-16,18-24,22-18Vinod 39pts, Sharad 15ptsGineeb 17pts, Eudric 15pts
Men1BKarnataka85Uttrakhand8317-24,26-11,18-16,24-32Arvind 34ptsYadwinder 33pts
Men1BIndian Railways88Haryana7721-19,23-28,19-20,14-21Akash 17pts, Palpreet 16ptsVikas 29pts, Rahul 20pts
Men2FAssam64Bihar5622-12,12-13,15-12,15-19Birender 20pts, Ajay 19ptsSanjeev 22pts, Dheeraj 10pts
Men2EJharkhand33Tripura1419-00,12-05,00-02,02-07Sukdeep 7ptsAtul 8pts
Women1AKarnataka70Kerela6710-18,12-15,27-12,12-16,09-06Bhandavya 27pts, Priyanka 22ptsJeena 37pts
Women1BDelhi85Telangana4328-10,14-09,18-10,25-14Pratima 20pts, Raspreet 17ptsManasa 14pts
Women2FAssam52Jharkhand2814-06,17-14,16-06,05-02Anju 10ptsUsha 11pts
Men2DTelangana70J&K5718-08,14-21,18-11,20-17Visu 31ptsInderjeet Singh 26pts
Women2FBihar54Odisha3708-08,15-06,09-12,22-11Priyanka 23pts, Kiran 18ptsLipramayee 20pts
Women2DGoa33Uttrakhand1905-04,08-06,12-01,08-08Rachel 18ptsRidha 8pts
Women2CPunjab71Haryana4410-16,20-11,19-10,22-07Samriti 21pts, Rajandeep 19ptsBharti 24pts
Women2EA.P43J&K2814-05,07-06,13-08,09-09Padmavati 10ptsPeaul 25pts
Women1AChhatissgarh93T.N8323-10,19-14,15-21,20-32,16-06Anju 28pts, Seema 20ptsSri Vidhya 16pts
Men1BT.N102Gujarat6321-15,25-11,29-21,27-16P. Jeevanandam 20ptsVinay 20pts
Men2CSikkim62Goa7520-21,12-26,16-14,14-14Vassily 14ptsAnkit 25pts
Women2DWest Bengal56H.P2913-02,22-08,09-12,12-07Salma 11ptsAlka 10pts
Men2EArunachal Pradesh28Tripura2209-05,09-05,04-04,06-08Sagar 7ptsShivang 8pts
Men2FWest Bengal59M.P6717-18,02-11,17-18,23-20Prakash 30pts, Laxman 11ptsArshdeep 16pts, Dheeraj 12pts
Women2EChandigarh45Pudducherry2710-08,20-6,6-7.9-6Nisha 11ptsPriya 10pts

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. More information at www.basketballfederationindia.org

Unique anthology on legendary Singer Mohammed Rafi released

ON  BY NARESH SAGARLEAVE A COMMENTEDIT
New Delhi, January 18,
A bilingual book on legendary singer Mohammed Rafi
“The World of Rafi / Rafi Ki Dunia” was released recently in a function
organised at India Islamic Cultural Centre in New Delhi.
On this occasion, music lovers were present in large numbers besides well
known personalities from different fields were present. Many singers from
Mumbai, Amritsar and Delhi paid musical tributes to Mohammad Rafi Sahab. The
function was organised by Golden Greats.
Releasing the book, film producer and music promoter Amarjit Singh Kohli,
said that Mohammad Rafi remains till today the most versatile of all the
singers who could sing any type of song. Such versatile geniuses are born
in a millennium. Every singer has some idol and Rafi has perhaps the
biggest following amongst budding singers. He said that Vinod Viplav has
been doing marvellous job and he had earlier penned the legendary singer’s
first biography titled ‘Meri Awaz Suno,’
Music Organiser and presenter Mr. Kaushik Kothari said that probably
because of the miraculous blend of all the singing qualities that he
possessed with that humility and godliness that he conveyed and expressed
silently and so naturally during his lifetime. A man of few words, he was a
great human being and a singer that made him the greatest legend of all
time. This new book, edited by Vinod Viplav tells the different shades of
his personalities and his fan followings

United Nations begins the Urban Journalism Academy on World Urban Forum 9

ON  BY NARESH SAGARLEAVE A COMMENTEDIT
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United Nations begins the Urban Journalism Academy on World Urban Forum 9
Academy facilitates understanding of cities as centres of sustainability and inclusiveness

18 January 2018, New Delhi:United Nations commenced the first Urban Journalism Academy in New Delhi today with broad participation from more than 40 media professionals from across India. The academy shines a light on issues that are key to urban spaces today in light of rapid urbanization and ever limited resources.

The academy is a two-day precursor to the World Urban Forum 9 (WUF 9) to be held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia from 7-13 February 2018 and focuses on “Cities 2030, Cities for All: Implementing the New Urban Agenda”.

In the spotlight is the New Urban Agenda (NUA), adopted at the Habitat III in Ecuador in 2016. It provides the critical course to the holistic cities of the future that are inclusive and sustainable and assimilate the Sustainable Development Goals.

The first day of the academy saw introductions to the WUF 9 and the New Urban Agenda. Mr. Rajiv Ranjan Mishra, additional secretary, Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs underlined the initiatives taken by the government towards achieving SDGs and alignment to the NUA.

Keeping with the theme of the WUF 9, some of the issues deliberated on were housing as the most critical element in cities that can be the stimulus for economic development and poverty eradication.

With rapid urbanization, the massive anthropogenic pressures on the climate are evident. Hence the afternoon session saw climate action, environmental sustainability and resilience as a key session. The concluding session on day one focused on urban development, management and policy and the key enablers of urban prosperity.

The second and concluding day of the academy will see sessions on innovative governance, urban economy and municipal finance. The valedictory session will sum up the academy with the Minister (Independent Charge), Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, Hardeep Singh Puri providing the Indian government perspective on its urban agenda and its commitment to SDGs and the Paris Climate Agreement.

For all and latest information on the Urban Journalism Academy please visit:http://www.unic.org.in/ or contact:
Hitesh Vaidya, UN Habitat, 9810712377,hitesh.vaidya@un.org
Shachi Chaturvedi, UN Information Centre, 9818750007,shachi.chaturvedi@un.org


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

Messe Muenchen India announces partnership with IPCA

ON  BY NARESH SAGARLEAVE A COMMENTEDIT
Messe Muenchen India announces partnership with Indian Printed Circuits Association 
•    Messe Muenchen India and IPCA will jointly organize IPCA Expo with electronica India and productronica India
•    Messe Muenchen India and ELCINA will organize in partnership the 3rd annual edition of India PCB Tech conference
•    electronica India and productronica India bring the entire value chain of electronics
New Delhi, 17 January 2018: Messe Muenchen India (MM India) and Indian Printed Circuits Association (IPCA) entered into an agreement to jointly organize IPCA Expo and co-locate the show with electronica India and productronica India, which are scheduled from September 26–28, 2018 at the Bangalore International Exhibition Centre (BIEC), Bengaluru. The initiative is intensely supported by the Electronics Industries Association of India (ELCINA). This alliance will bring together the state-of-the-art manufacturing technologies for manufacturing PCBs as well as the latest trends in PCBs from across the world.
Exhibition for PCB industry: IPCA Expo
IPCA is a non-profit organization serving the interest of its members for promotion of technology and business and have been organizing IPCA Expo annually to showcase the best of PCB technologies with the participation from national and international companies. This co-location will allow the PCB technology suppliers exhibiting at IPCA Expo to reach out to the vast portfolio of buyers of electronica India and productronica India. Also member companies of the World Electronic Circuits Council (WECC) will hugely benefit from this opportunity as it will enable them to enter the electronics market of India.
Delighted with this collaboration, Mr. Kushal Patel, President of IPCA asserted: “IPCA is the leading association that focuses on printed circuit board manufacturing in India. With this collaboration, we now offer a unique platform and a comprehensive show for the stakeholders of the electronics industry in our very own Silicon Valley of India–Bengaluru.”
Conference for PCB industry: India PCB Tech conference
IPCA Expo will showcase products, solutions and technologies related to PCBs and electronics manufacturing. On the other hand, the India PCB Tech conference will highlight the key trends and opportunities for the PCB industry in India. Running in its 3rd annual edition, the India PCB Tech conference is jointly organized by ELCINA and Messe Muenchen India and strongly supported by IPCA.
Mr. Rajoo Goel, Secretary General of ELCINA quoted:“The initiative to co-locate IPCA Expo and the India PCB Tech conference with electronica India and productronica India is a welcome move for the PCB and electronics industry as it will bring the entire electronics value chain under one roof and offer greater value to all industry stakeholders.”
Mr. Bhupinder Singh, Chief Executive Officer, Messe Muenchen India highlighted: “We are delighted with our cooperation with IPCA. This partnership combines both: Messe Muenchen India’s expertise in bringing the world’s leading electronic components and production technology suppliers to electronica India and productronica India and IPCA’s strength to deliver high standard support for world-class manufacturing solutions for the PCB industry.”
And Mr. Singh added: “Our collaboration will facilitate the Indian PCB manufacturing companies to source the best manufacturing technologies from across the world. Together with IPCA and ELCINA, we are organizing the largest and most value-driven edition of electronica India and productronica India in Bengaluru. We extend our gratitude to our partner associations and expect the upcoming edition to prove valuable for the industry.”
electronica India and productronica India will take place from September 26–28, 2018 at the Bangalore International Exhibition Centre, in Bengaluru to showcase the entire value chain of electronics technologies. Visit electronica-india.comandproductronica-india.com to know more about the trade fairs.
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Article 2

January 21, 2018, 10:35 pm
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We Walk our Talk

Compendium for the period 13th – 20th January 2018

During the last week, PHD Research Bureau, the research arm of PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry focussed on various issues and challenges pertaining to the economic and business environment in the country.  PHD Research Bureau disseminated information to members of PHD Chamber & other stakeholders on various issues such as Readiness for the Future of Production Report 2018,CPI Inflation, IIP, WPI Inflation, Direct Tax Collections, growth in foreign tourist arrivals, draft directions on hedging of commodity price risk and freight risk in overseas markets released by RBI etc., apart from information on lead macroeconomic and socio-economic indicators.

India and World Economy
·         India ranks 30th out of 100 economies on Readiness for the Future of Production Assessment Results-- World Economic Forum’s report on Readiness for the Future of Production Report 2018 analyses development of modern industrial strategies and urges collaborative action. India has been ranked at 30th position on a global manufacturing index — below China’s 5th place but above other BRICS peers, Brazil, Russia and South Africa.
·         MoUs, Agreements signed during the visit of Prime Minister of Israel to India-- Hon’ble Prime Minister Mr. Benjamin Netanyahu’s visit to India from 14 to 19 January 2018 closes a momentous twenty fifth anniversary year of India-Israel relationship and its growing partnership. The summit level meetings between the Republic of India and the State of Israel that commenced with Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s historic visit to Israel from 4 to 6 July 2017, have further strengthened the bonds between the two governments and peoples and have consolidated the foundation for their Strategic Partnership.
·         December 2017 CPI inflation grows at 5.2%-- The all India general CPI inflation (Combined) for December 2017 grows at 5.2% as compared to 4.9% in November 2017. The inflation rates for rural and urban areas for December 2017 are 5.27% and 5.09% respectively, as compared to 4.8% and 4.9% respectively, for November 2017. Rate of inflation during December 2017 for sugar and confectionery stands at 6.21%, pan and tobacco at 7.76%, cereals and products at 2.57%, milk and products at 4.37%, egg at 9.48%, spices at (-)2.21 %, pulses and products at (-)23.47% etc.
·         November 2017 IIP stands at 8.4%-- Growth in industry output, as measured in terms of IIP, for the month of November 2017 stands at 8.4 % as compared to 1.9% in October 2017. The growth in the three sectors mining, manufacturing and electricity in November 2017 stands at 1.1%, 10.2% and 3.9% respectively over November 2016.
·         Rabi Crops Sowing declined by 0.9% in 2017-18 as compared to the area sown during 2016-17-- As per preliminary reports received from the States, the total area sown under Rabi crops as on 12th January 2018 stands at 609.51 lakh hectares as compared to 615.09 lakh hectare this time in 2017. Wheat has been sown/transplanted in 295.53 lakh hectares, rice in 20.57 lakh hectares, pulses in 160.91 lakh hectares, coarse cereals in 53.88 lakh hectares and area sown under oilseeds is 78.62 lakh hectares.
·         December 2017 WPI inflation stands at 3.6%-- The WPI inflation grows at 3.6% in December 2017 as compared to 3.9% in November 2017, 3.7% in October 2017, 3.14% in September 2017, 3.24% in August 2017, and 1.88% in July 2017. The decline in WPI inflation in the month of December 2017 is attributed to fall in the prices of food articles (4.72%), eggs, meat & fish (1.67%), minerals (7.47%), LPG (21.14%) and petrol (8.80%).
·         India registers significant decline in under five child mortality rate, Rate of decline has doubled over last year --  As per the recently released SRS Bulletin 2017 for the Year 2016, India has registered a significant decline in under-five child mortality. According to the bulletin, under-five child mortality (U5MR) of India showed an impressive decline by 9%, a 4 points decline from 43 per 1000 in 2015 to 39 in 2016. The rate of decline has doubled over the last year.
·         Ministry of Water Resources signs MoU with Bihar and Jharkhand for completion of North Koel Reservoir Project-- A Memorandum of Understanding has been signed between Ministry of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation, Government of India, State of Bihar and State of Jharkhand for completion of balance works of North Koel reservoir project at an estimated cost of Rs. 1622.27 crore.
Finance
·         RBI releases draft directions on hedging of commodity price risk and freight risk in overseas markets -- The Reserve Bank of India has released draft directions on hedging of commodity price risk and freight risk in overseas markets. As per the Statement on Developmental and Regulatory Policies dated December 6, 2017, the report of the Working Group on Hedging of Commodity Price Risk by Residents (Chairman: Shri Chandan Sinha) had been placed in the public domain for feedback and revised directions were to be issued by January 15, 2018. Considering the large number and wide variety of comments received by RBI, it has now been decided to place the draft directions in the public domain for seeking comments by RBI.
·         Interest rates for Small Savings Schemes for Q4 FY2018-- On the basis of the decision of the Government, interest rates for small savings schemes are to be notified on quarterly basis. The Government of India, had vide their Office Memorandum (OM) No.F.No.01/04/2016–NS dated December 27, 2017 advised the rate of interest on various small savings schemes for the fourth quarter of the financial year 2017-18 starting 1st January 2018 and ending 31st March 2018 , on the basis of the interest compounding/ payment built-in in the schemes.
·         Hon'ble Finance Minister launched the country's First Agri-commodity Options Contracts in Guar Seed-- The Union Finance Minister, Shri Arun Jaitley launched the country’s first agri-commodity options in Guar Seed on the occasion of Makar Sankranti in New Delhi. He said that National Commodity and Derivatives Exchange Limited (NCDEX) Agri-options are an important tool which will contribute to the Prime Minister’s vision of doubling the farmers’ incomes by 2022. The Finance Minister said that the Guar seed is a major contributor to revenue generation, hence making it a suitable commodity to start with for Options.
Taxation
·         Reporting of U.S. Tax Identification Numbers (TINs) for pre-existing accounts by Financial Institutions-- India and USA have signed the Inter-Governmental Agreement (IGA) under FATCA in 2015. To enhance the effectiveness of information exchange and transparency, both the sides committed to establish, by January 1, 2017, rules requiring their Reporting Financial Institutions (RFIs) to obtain the Tax Identity Number (TIN) of each reportable person having a reportable account as of June 30, 2014 (pre-existing account).The Income-tax Rules, accordingly, provide for reporting of U.S. TIN from the year 2017 onwards in respect of any pre-existing account.
·         Sharp increase in prosecutions of tax evaders by Income Tax Department-- Due to the decisive and focused action taken by the Department against tax evaders, the number of defaulters convicted by the courts has also registered a sharp increase during the current fiscal. 48 persons were convicted for various offences during the current year(upto the end of November, 2017) as compared to 13 convictions for the corresponding period in the immediately preceding year, marking an increase of 269%.
·         Direct Tax Collections grows by 18.7% uptil January 2018-- There has been consistent and significant improvement in the position of Direct Tax collections during the current fiscal across all parameters. The growth rate of Total Gross DT Collections has improved from 10.0% in Q1, to 10.3% in Q2, to 12.6% in Q3 and to 13.5% as on 15th January, 2018. Similarly, the growth rate of Total Net DT Collections has climbed up from 14.8% in Q1, to 15.8% in Q2, to 18.2% in Q3 and to 18.7% as on 15th January, 2018.
·         GST Council recommends changes in GST-- The Hon’ble Union Finance Minister Shri Arun Jaitley Chaired the 25th Meeting of the GST Council in New Delhi yesterday. The Council has recommended certain changes in Goods and Services Tax (GST)/ Integrated Goods and Services Tax (IGST) rate and clarifications in respect of GST rate on Goods specified below as per discussions in the 25thGST Council Meeting held yesterday. These decisions of the GST Council are being communicated for general information, and will be given effect to through Gazette notifications / circulars which only shall have the force of law. It is proposed to issue notification giving effect to the recommendations of the Council on 25th January, 2018 to be effective from 00 HRS on 25th January, 2018.
·         Policy changes and GST rate changes on services recommended by the 25th GST Council Meeting-- The Hon’ble Union Finance Minister, Shri Arun Jaitley Chaired the 25th Meeting of the GST Council in New Delhi yesterday. The Council has recommended many relief measures regarding GST rates on goods and services covering many sectors and commodities. The Council has also recommended issuance of certain clarifications on issues relating to GST rates and taxability of certain goods and services. It is proposed to issue notifications giving effect to these recommendations of the Council on 25th January, 2018.
Trade
·         Foreign Tourist Arrivals grows by 15.2% in December 2017-- The number of FTAs in December, 2017 was 11.76 lakh as compared to FTAs of 10.21 lakh in December, 2016 and 9.13 lakh in December, 2015. The growth rate in FTAs in December, 2017 over December, 2016 was 15.2%, compared to 11.9% in December, 2016 over December, 2015. FTAs in the year 2017 were 101.77 lakh with a growth of 15.6% over 2016, compared to FTAs of 88.04 lakh with a growth of 9.7% is 2016 over 2015.
·         Merchandize exports and imports grew by 12.36% and 21.12% during December 2017, respectively-- India’s merchandize exports have exhibited high positive growth of 12.36% in December 2017 to value at USD 27.03 billion compared to USD 24.05 billion during December 2016. On the other hand, India’s merchandize imports witnessed expansion, growing by 21.12% to value at USD 41.91 billion in December 2017 compared to USD 34.62 billion during same period previous year.

 Our Voice
IIP at 8.4% encouraging, growth is becoming visible- as the teething problem of GST have been almost over, the growth in industry has come with a strong rebound and we look forward the growth to become more strong in the coming quarters. All the use based segments have grown in a good trajectory such as consumer non-durables have shown an enormous 23% growth followed by a good growth of 13.5% in the infrastructure/construction goods whereas the growth in the capital goods at 9.4% is inspiring and indicative of a revival of investment cycle in the times to come. The dynamic reforms undertaken by the Government are becoming visible with fruitful results and we look forward to a new set up of economic reforms from the Government to improve further the ease of doing business, consolidation of the labour laws in a single uniform code across the country.
 Economy so far
·         India’s growth momentum gathered pace in December, says Morgan Stanley -  Economic indicators like PMIs, vehicle sales and steel demand suggest that growth momentum in India has gathered pace in December, says a report. However, prices are also on an uptrend with retail inflation likely to have firmed up further to 5.4 per cent in December owing to a lower base of comparison, according to the report by Morgan Stanley.
·         US envoy pitches for FTA with India -  India can seize the opportunity to provide "alternative investment hub" for the American companies which are downgrading their operations in China, US Ambassador Mr. Kenneth Juster stated while he pitched for bilateral FTA as the next big-ticket item.
·         Income Tax Department steps-up actions under Prohibition of Benami Property Transactions Act-Due to intensive efforts undertaken by the Income Tax Department, provisional attachment has been made in more than 900 cases of properties under the Prohibition of Benami Property Transactions Act (the ‘Benami Act’), which came into force w.e.f 1st November, 2016.  These attachments include plots of land, flats, shops, jewellery, vehicles, deposits in bank accounts, fixed deposits etc. The value of properties under attachment is more than Rs. 3,500 crore including immovable properties of more than Rs. 2,900 crore.
·         ISRO satellite launch LIVE: PSLV C40, Cartosat-2 take off from Sriharikota in 100th mission - In a pathbreaking feat, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) launched its 100th satellite on 12th January 2018. PSLV C40 was launched along with 31 others in a single mission, from the spaceport of Sriharikota, about 110 km from Chennai.
·         Revival of Indian economy; RBI data shows expansion in credit growth for first time in 14 months - For the first time in 14 months, the industrial sector saw an expansion in credit growth in November 2017 over the same period the previous year. Reserve Bank of India has released the data which shows gross bank credit expanded 8.3 per cent in November, and credit off-take by the industry by 1%.
·         India a top borrower from AIIB in 2017 - India has emerged as a top borrower from the China-sponsored Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) with $1.5 billion worth of loans last year and USD three billion more in the pipeline. India’s Ambassador Shri Gautam Bambawale met Mr. AIIB President Jin Liqun in Beijing and held in-depth talks on deepening India’s engagements with the bank.
·         India needs more inclusive, active social policies, says economist Mr. Jean Dreze - Noted development economist Mr. Jean Dreze has pitched for more inclusive and active social policies in India, saying even a high rate of economic growth has failed to improve the quality of life of a large section of people in the country. Mr. Dreze also expressed concern over widespread underemployment and stagnating wages, which according to him, reflected ‘lopsidedness of economic growth in India.
·         Commerce Ministry working on new support measures for next foreign trade policy - The commerce ministry is working on new schemes for the next foreign trade policy (FTP), to be released in 2019-20, with a view to boost exports, a senior government official said. The ministry has asked all the commodity boards and the concerned ministries to identify those “support” structures, which are compliant to global trade rules.
·         Doing business rankings based on hard data: World Bank - World Bank’s chief economist Mr. Paul Romer stated that the organisation changed the methodology of its ‘doing business’ rankings in ways that were unfair and misleading, and the organisation will recalculate the rankings for at least the past four years.the World Bank has said ranking indicators and methodology are designed with no single country in mind and rankings are based on “hard data”.
·         India to post average GDP growth of 7.3 per cent over 2020-22, says report - The Indian economy is expected to witness an average GDP growth of 7.3 per cent over 2020-22, says a Morgan Stanley research report. According to the global financial services major, the structural growth story in India remains strong from a medium term perspective.
·         Government will launch a clean air campaign for two-weeks in delhi next month - Union Minister for Environment, Forest & Climate Change, Dr. Harsh Vardhan stated that starting from February 10, the Union Government will launch a joint campaign for two weeks, with Delhi Government, NDMC, CPCB and other municipal agencies, for clean air in Delhi. The campaign seeks to sensitise ground-level functionaries and general public to enforce the habit of environmental protection.
·         Government is committed to advancing the Universal Health Coverage in the country- Shri J P Nadda, Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare expressed happiness over the just released SRS bulletin (2016) as India registered a significant decline in under-five child mortality. According to the bulletin, under-five child mortality (U5MR) of India showed an impressive decline by 9%, a 4 points decline from 43 per 1000 in 2015 to 39 in 2016.
·         India reclaiming place as growth leader, says IMF – Mr. David Lipton, Deputy Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) stated that right now, the sun is shining on the global economy and capital-intensive investment and consumer demand are rising. India is reclaiming its place as a growth leader after a short slowdown. With strong consumption and investment, rising exports, and steady capital inflows, the outlook for Asian region remains bright, he added.
·         Trade deficit hits 3-year high -  Merchandise export growth slowed sequentially to 12.4% in December, while imports jumped 21.1% during the month, aided by a spike in crude oil prices and a favourable base.  Imports, in absolute terms, touched a three-year high of $41.9 billion in December, while exports touched $27 billion, driving up trade deficit to $14.9 billion, again a three-year peak.
·         West Bengal, Kerala, Odisha opt out of Centre’s aspirational districts scheme - Three opposition ruled states --West Bengal, Kerala and Odisha -- have opted out of the Centre's Transformation of Aspirational Districts scheme, thus reducing the total number of districts under the programme to 102 from 115.
·         India’s growing workforce at risk from robots, could lead to major social issues, says UBS -  Robots will eat into any economic boost India receives from its young population and markets aren’t pricing in these risks, says UBS Group AG. Stocks have been hitting fresh highs and while UBS predicts growth and jobs will increase over the next five years, it cautions that immediate risks are to the downside. A global shift toward automation could be a significant negative, leaving many underemployed or without a job.
·         Single GST form likely for service providers -  Service providers such as telcos, banks, insurers and airlines may need to file just one centralised form in respect of the goods and services tax (GST), which will substantially ease the compliance burden on service providers with a multi-state footprint. The GST Council is expected to consider on January 18 significant relaxation in the law and procedures, including a centralised registration facility to make compliance easier
·         Government cuts additional borrowing target from Rs 50,000 crore to Rs 20,000 crore for this fiscal - Government has reassessed additional borrowing requirements taking note of revenue receipts and expenditure pattern. Requirement of additional borrowing is being reduced from Rs 50,000 crore to Rs 20,000 crore stated  Shri Subhash Chandra Garg, Secretary Department of Economic Affairs, Finance Ministry.
·         Big move by government, over 50 lakh houses to be built under Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana - With an aim to address agriculture distress, the Modi government is building over 51 lakh permanent houses under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Gramin (PMAY-G). It has been learnt that of the 51 lakh houses slated for construction under the scheme in 2017-18, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Rajasthan — eight lakh, 4.5 lakh and four lakh — account for more than 30 per cent of the houses to be built.
·         5.5 million jobs created in FY18 - New data derived from Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) accounts suggest that, contrary to the jobless-growth narrative, India created at least 5.5 million jobs in the formal sector in FY18, on top of around 4.5 million in FY17 — that is, not only are the number of jobs created many times greater than that put out by organisations such as the Labour Bureau, even the growth is significantly higher than that suggested by them.The analysis, by Pulak Ghosh of IIM Bangalore and Soumya Kanti Ghosh of State Bank of India. The data are at variance with not just headline GDP data, it doesn’t jell with consumption or investment data either.
·         January-March business optimism index hits 14-quarter high, says Dun and Bradstreet report - The Dun & Bradstreet Composite Business Optimism Index stood at 91.0 during January-March 2018, an increase of 18.6 per cent as compared to October-December 2017. Business optimism has surged during the quarter ended March 2018 and is at its highest across the past 14 quarters.
·         Survey says more Indian consumers opting for fingerprints, face recognition for financial transaction - A survey conducted on 500 respondents by Visa says that as much as 99% consumers of a survey are personally interested in using at least one biometric method to verify their identity, and an equal percentage of the respondents are interested in using at least one biometric method to make payments.
·         Digital transactions pass 1 billion mark in December, 2017 - The rise in digital transactions by December 2017 which is 11 percent higher at 1.06 billion than compared to 957 million last year. The total transactions stand at Rs 125.53 lakh crore, 20 percent higher than Rs 104 lakh crore last year in value terms according to the data released by  National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI).
·         Make in India in defence sector: Centre simplifies procedure to attract greater participation - In an effort to further boost ‘Make in India’ in the sector, the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) has cleared a simplified ‘Make-II’ (Make in India) procedure which will enable greater participation of industry in acquisition of defence equipment. The amended ‘Make in India’ procedure reduces the total time from in-principle approval to placing of order by 50 % and the estimated time to finish the whole process has come down to 69 from 103 weeks.
Markets so far
          Indicators
Yearly
Monthly
Daily
2015
2016
2017
Oct 17
Nov 17
Dec 17
   (16-01-2018)
   (17-01-2018)
   (18-01-2018)
BSE SENSEX
26118
26,626
34,056.83
33,213.13
33,149.35
34,056.83
34,771.05
35,081.82
35,260.29
GOLD (10 GRMS)
24994
29419.95
28966.08
29,333
29,236
28786.95
30,056
30,094
29,891
CRUDE OIL (1 BBL)
2,431
2,924.63
3,317.11
3,516
3,690
3715.10
4,085
4,063
4,093
EXCHANGE RATE (INR/USD)
64.15
67.21
65.11
64.74
64.46
64.24
64.02
63.89
63.86
Source: PHD Research Bureau, complied from BSE, MCX and Bloomberg
Unemployment and Consumer Sentiments Indices
          Indicators
12-01-2018
18-01-2018
India
Urban
Rural
India
Urban
Rural
Unemployment Rate
4.99
5.91
4.52
5.20
6.04
4.77
Consumer Sentiments
96.48
91.03
99.64
95.60
90.53
98.54
Source: PHD Research Bureau, complied from BSE
Newsletters
    PHD Research Bureau, has released newsletter pertaining to a broad view of developments in Indian states.
·         State Development Monitor for the month of December 2017
              
Comprehensive Research Studies / Papers
PHD Research Bureau has released comprehensive research studies pertaining to India – China Trade Relationship.
·         India - China Trade Relationship_The Trade Giants of Past, Present and Future -- The report assesses how the trade relationship between the two giants of Asia, and the world, has progressed at a tremendous pace. The report has made an attempt to appraise the trade structure and dynamics, trade intensity, intra-industry trade, concentration level of exports and imports among others. In addition, tariff and non-tariff barriers are also briefly analyzed for India and China.






 PHD Research Bureau Subscription Opportunities
·         PHD Research Bureau Subscription Opportunities: PHD Research Bureau; the research arm of the PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry was constituted in 2010 with the objective to review the economic situation and policy developments at sub-national, national and international levels and comment on them in order to update the members from time to time, to present suitable memoranda to the Government as and when required, to prepare State Profiles and to conduct thematic research studies on various socio-economic and business developments. Subscribers of PHD Research Bureau would receive daily updates on various international, national and sub-national business and economic developments, monthly newsletters related to international, national and sub-national economy, forex markets and trade and investments, analytical information on various developments, etc.

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Article 1

January 21, 2018, 10:38 pm
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Press invite VIF,NMML

ON  BY NARESH SAGARLEAVE A COMMENTEDIT
Invitation for Vimarsha on Sister Nivedita’s thought on nationalism, nationhood, education and its relevance in contemporary times by Pravrajika Divyanandaprana, Wednesday, 24 January 2018 at 4:30pm
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NMML invitation for the panel discussion _The 21st Century: Geo-politics, Democracy and Peace _23 January 2018_5.00pm
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 Rajasthan, MP move SC to re-impose ban on Padmaavat:  

ON  BY NARESH SAGARLEAVE A COMMENTEDIT

Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh today moved the Supreme Court seeking recall of its January 18 order by which controversial Bollywood movie Padmaavat was allowed to be released in theatres across India on January 25.
A bench comprising Chief Justice Dipak Misra and Justices A M Khanwilkar and D Y Chandrachud agreed to hear tomorrow the interim applications of both the states seeking a modification of the apex court order allowing exhibition of the movie.
The states claimed that section 6 of the Cinematograph Act empowers them to stop exhibition of any controversial movie on the grounds of possible violation of law and order.
Senior advocate Harish Salve, appearing for Viacom 18, the producers of the Deepika Padukone-starrer, opposed urgent hearing on any such interim applications.
The court, however, agreed to hear the applications tomorrow.
The Supreme Court had on January 25 paved the way for the nationwide release of Padmaavat by staying the ban on its screening in Gujarat and Rajasthan.
The apex court also restrained other states from issuing any such notification or order banning the screening of the movie.
The film, starring Deepika Padukone, Shahid Kapoor and Ranveer Singh in lead roles, is based on the saga of the historic battle of 13th century between Maharaja Ratan Singh and his army of Mewar and Sultan Alauddin Khilji of Delhi.
The Haryana and Madhya Pradesh governments have not issued any formal order but had stated that they would not allow the exhibition of the film.Maintaining that states were under a constitutional obligation to maintain law and order, the apex court had said that this duty also includes providing police protection to persons who are involved in the film, its exhibition and the audience watching it.
Inputs rediff

DIRECTORATE GENERAL NCC HORSE SHOW

ON  BY NARESH SAGARLEAVE A COMMENTEDIT
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 New Delhi 20 Jan 2018NCC DEMONSTRATES SCINTILLATING HORSEMAN SHIP 1. The Annual Horse Show by the NCC riders taking part in the Republic Day Camp 2018was on display at the Cariappa Parade Ground, Delhi Cantt today. The cadets undergotraining in Remount and Veterinary (R&V) units throughout the year to achieve a high degreeof proficiency in Equestrian skills. At the Republic Day Camp, National level Inter-DirectorateNCC Equestrian competitions are held; the culmination of the entire exercise manifests in aHorse show. The best Horse riders, both boys and girls cadets put up nail biting display ofTent Pegging and Show Jumping. 2. Lt Gen SK Dua, UYSM, SM, VSM, CISC, the Chief Guest, gave away the trophies andprizes to the much deserving winners. In his address, the Chief Guest appreciated theexcellent riding skills and horsemanship talents of the NCC cadets. Equestrian Training andHorsemanship skills provide an opportunity for adventure to NCC Cadets in the Country. Hestated that horse riding develops the qualities of courage, steadfastness and disciplinebesides inculcating sportsmanship amongst the youth, which is paramount for personalitydevelopment.3. The cadets who bagged awards in horse riding of this year were :-(a) Best Rider (Boys).Winner – Under Officer Vikas, Delhi DirectorateRunners Up – Under Officer Suresh Chand, Rajasthan Directorate(b) Best Rider Girls.Winner – Cpl K Lokeshwari, AP DirectorateRunners Up – C

Karnataka Women dominate Tamil Nadu

ON  BY NARESH SAGARLEAVE A COMMENTEDIT
Karnataka Women dominate Tamil Nadu to remain undefeated in the league stage of the 68th Senior National Championship 

Chennai, 21st January 2018:  Day 4 of the 68th National Basketball Championship for Men and Women continued to see some fast and furious action.

The first women’s match of the day saw West Bengal take on Chandigarh. It was a match which saw West Bengal secure a comfortable victory against Chandigarh. The final score was 90-62. The top scorer for West Bengal was their captain Salma Devi (jersey no 13) with 24 points.
Quarter wise score – (25-12), (22-15), (19-20), (24-12)

The next women’s game saw Uttar Pradesh taken on Assam. A fairly even contest saw Uttar Pradesh come away with the victory. The final score was 75-57. The top scorer for Uttar Pradesh was Vaishnavi Yadav (jersey no 14) with 22 points.
Quarter wise score – (23-14), (12-09), (17-18), (23-18)

The following men’s game saw Kerala take on Odisha which saw Kerala secure a comfortable victory over their opponents. The final score was 84-66. The top scorer for Kerala were Ginee B Benny (jersey no 14) and Sreerag Nair (jersey no 9) both with 18 points.

The next women’s game saw Delhi take on Rajasthan. The women from managed to secure a comfortable victory against Rajasthan. The total score is 78-37.  The top scorer for Delhi was their captain Raspreet Sindhu (jersey no 6) with 14 points.
Quarter wise score – (29-10), (22-04), (20-11), (07-12)

The following women’s game saw defending champions Kerala take on Madhya Pradesh where Kerala picked up yet another easy victory over their opponents. The final score was 62-34. Jeena P S (jersey no 13) was the top scorer for Kerala with 25 points.
Quarter wise score – (23-17), (22-07), (10-04), (07-06)



The next men’s game saw Gujarat taking on Haryana. Gujarat came out on top with a comfortable win over Haryana. The final score was 94-65. The top scorer for Gujarat was Kasi Ranjan (jersey no. 99) with a total of 26 points.
Quarter wise score – (25-20), (11-18), (27-16), (31—11)

The following women’s match Telangana take on Maharashtra. The women from Maharashtra secured a comfortable victory over their opponents. The final score was 35-76. The top scorer from Maharashtra was Suzanne Pinto (jersey no 99) with 15 points.
Quarter wise score – (12-18), (02-14), (17-27), (04-17)

The next men’s game saw Uttarakhand take on Rajasthan. Uttarakhand secured the victory over Rajasthan. The final score was 77-55.
Quarter wise score – (22-15), (13-11), (25-10), (17-19)

The following womens game saw the hosts Tamilnadu take on an in form Karnataka in a cracker of a contest. Despite tremendous effort from the host side team Karnataka came away with the victory. The total score at the end of all four quarters was 67-83. The top scorer for Karnataka was their team captain Bandhawaya H M (jersey no 7) with 30 points and the top scorer for Tamilnadu was Vandana Arya (jersey no 7) with 12 points.
Day 5 scores:
Game TypeCategoryLevelGroupWinning TeamWinning Team PtsLosing TeamLosing Team PtsQaurteWise PtsWinning Team Top ScorersLosing Team top Scorers
Qualification2to1WomenWest Bengal90Chandigarh6225-15,22-15,19-20,21-12Salma Devi 30pts, Sakshi Sharma 23ptsNisha 19pts
Qualification2to1WomenU.P75Assam5923-14,12-09,17-18,23-18Vaishnavi 23pts, Preeti 19ptsJonali 15pts
LeagueMen1AKerala84Odisha6623-18,19-17,27-12,15-19Gineeb 23pts, Sreerag 21ptsSuman 17pts, Ashok 17pts
LeagueWomen1BDelhi78Rajasthan3729-10,22-04,20-11,07-12Raspreet 17pts, Pratima 13ptskamlesh 16pts
LeagueWomen1AKerala62M.P3423-17,22-07,10-04,07-06Jeena 25pts, Aneesha 14Nima 11pts
Qualification2to1MenServices100Maharashtra6925-13,29-15,30-22,16-19Nikhil 23pts, Jairam 19ptsAaron 25pts
RankingMen2ChhatissgarhMizoramWalkover
Qualification2to1MenDelhi73Chandigarh7522-08,08-17,12-21,21-29Ravi 24pts, jatin 18ptsSachin 20pts
RankingMen2Jharkhand79H.P7321-13,14-10,14-22,30-28Rohit 20pts, Ravikant 16ptsLakshay 20pts, Ashwani 17pts
LeagueMen1BGujarat94Haryana6525-20,11-18,27-16,31-11Kasi 26pts, Vivek 14ptsDeepak 20pts
LeagueMen1AUttrakhand77Rajasthan5522-15,13-11,25-10,17-19Yadwinder 24pts, Arjun 13ptsSaurabh 16pts, Vinod 11pts
LeagueWomen1BTelangana35Maharashtra7612-18,02-14,17-27,04-17Suzanne 15pts, Karina 12ptsManasa 19pts
LeagueWomen1AT.N67Karnataka8314-18,21-18,14-30,18-17Bhandavya 30pts, Sanjana,Roshini,Priyanka 12ptsVandana 12pts, Srividhya 10pts
RankingWomen2A.P59Haryana3413-14,11-07,19-08,10-05Jyothi 10ptsBharti 13pts, Meenu 10pts
RankingWomen2Goa31Bihar4204-12,10-06,10-09,07-15Priyanka 15ptsRhea 6pts
RankingWomen2Odisha64H.P4512-09,15-08,22-13,15-05Lipramayee 40ptsAlka 15pts
RankingWomen2PunjabPudducherryPunjab win(Walkover)
RankingMen2A.P.75U.P6214-11,16-10,22-17,23-22Kumar 22pts, Naveen 21ptsVivek 15pts, Pulkit 11pts
RankingMen2Assam85Telangana9324-17,23-14,20-27,18-35visu 38pts, Sri Ganesh 17ptsAjay 24pts, Birender 18pts
Qualification2to1WomenWest Bengal62U.P6813-18,10-15,24-13,15-22Vaishnavi 47ptsSalma 31pts
Qualification2to1MenServices103Chandigarh8230-27,23-23,31-12,19-20Narender 20ptsRavi 26pts
LeagueMen1BPunjab81Indian Railways8817-22,20-17,23-24,21-25Gagandeep 26pts, Himanshu 17ptsSatnam 23pts, Jagdeep 15pts
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. More information at www.basketballfederationindia.org

Media Invite

ON  BY NARESH SAGARLEAVE A COMMENTEDIT
Naresh Kumar Sagar:
PRESS PREVIEW OF TABLEAUX – REPUBLIC DAY 2018

Dear Sir/Madam
You are cordially invited to the following event:-

Function : Press preview of tableaux participating in Republic Day Parade- 2018.

Date : Monday, January 22, 2018.
Time : 1430 hrs
Venue : Rashtriya Rangshala Camp, Parade Ground, Near APS Colony, Delhi Cantt.

Note: Transport for the venue will leave from Gate No. 3, Shastri Bhawan, New Delhi at 1330 hrs.
[1/22, 09:33] Naresh Kumar Sagar: MEDIA INVITE
ASEAN-India Business and Investment Meet and Expo
Promoting Mutual Trade & Investment for Shared Prosperity
22-23 January 2018: The Ashok Hotel, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi, India
4:00 p.m. Inaugural Session on 22nd January
Dear Friend,
As part of the commemorative initiatives being organised to mark the 25th anniversary of the ASEAN – India Dialogue Partnership, the Ministry of Commerce & Industry (MoCI) & Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) in collaboration with the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) is organizing the ASEAN – India Business and Investment Meet and Expo with the theme “Promoting Mutual Trade & Investment for Shared Prosperity” from 22-23 January 2018 at The Ashok Hotel in New Delhi.
Following key dignitaries would address the event:
Monday, 22nd January (DAY – 1)
Shri Suresh Prabhu, Minister of Commerce and Industry, Govt of India : Inaugural Session (4:00 – 6:00 p.m.)
Gen. (Dr.) (Retd.) V K Singh, Minister of State for External Affairs : Inaugural Session (4:00 – 6:00 p.m.)
Smt Rita Teaotia, Commerce Secretary, Ministry of Commerce & Industry : Inaugural Session (4:00 – 6:00 p.m.)
Tuesday, 23rd January (DAY-2)
Shri Ravi Shankar Prasad, Minister of Electronics & Information Technology : 10:00 – 11:00 a.m.
Shri C R Chaudhary, Minister of State for Commerce and Industry : 11:15 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.
Smt Harsimrat Kaur Badal, Minister of Food Processing Industries : 12:30 p.m. – 01:30 p.m.
Shri Arun Jaitley, Minister of Finance & Corporate Affairs : Valedictory Session (04:30 – 05:30 p.m.)
I am writing to cordially invite you at the event on 22nd and 23rd
Naresh Kumar Sagar: *Press Invite*
Minister Vijay Goel will lead hunders of social workers for a dharna against Kejriwal govt. on Bawana Fire incident.
Today 22nd Jan, 11.30AM Chandni Chowk, Gauri Shankar Mandir opposite Red Fort
Pls cover
[1/22, 09:33] Naresh Kumar Sagar: दिनांक 22-01-18, को प्रातः 10:30 am ईडीएमसी/EDMC पड़पड़गजंगंज पूर्वी दिल्ली नगर निगम (मुख्यालय ) के सभागार में LED light का उद्घाटन Dr. हर्षवर्धन जी केंद्रीय मंत्री भारत सरकार एवं श्याम जाजू जी राष्ट्रीय उपाध्यक्ष भारतीय जनता पार्टी के द्वारा किया जाएगा और आपकी उपस्थिति अनिवार्य है।—-राजेन्द्र रस्तोगी महापौर कार्यालय
Naresh Kumar Sagar: Viscera Events & Model Management
Cordially invites you
“Audition Announcement of ARCHERZ MRS. India in Noida on 2nd April 2018”
Inaugural Address By :
Tushar Dhaliwal & Archana Tomar (Organisers)
Date: 22nd January 2018
Time: 4:00pm to 5:00pm
Venue: Goldenglory Motion Pictures Pvt. Ltd. C-96, Sector-2, Noida (Near SBI Bank Sector-15, Metro Station)
Special Guests :
1. Jagriti Bahari (Mrs. India Universe Globe 2017)
2. Vivek Mishra ( Big-Boss Contestant
3. Shanker Samey (Bollywood Singer)
4. Rita Gangwani ( Personality Development Mentor)
5. Dr. Varun Katyal (skin specialist)
6. Manish Luthra ( Cmd of Goldenglory)
Thanks & Regards :
Amit Kumar
Naresh Kumar Sagar:
आपको जान कर प्रसन्ता हॉगी की लिबरल पार्टी ऑफ़ इंडिया 21 जनुअरी 2.30 pm को सॉफ्ट (वेब साइट व् लोगो } लांच हो रही है.
आप सभी लोगो को आमंत्रण दिया जाता है
हेड ऑफिस : 6 /12 सर्यपरिये विहार नियर हौज़ खास मेट्रो स्टेशन.
8588844407
आपके सहयोगी
आनंद प्रसाद
सुमन मलहोत्रा
गुंजन कुमार
रमेश गुप्ता
बी.क भारत वासी
सिराज साहिल
असरार खान
ON  BY NARESH SAGARLEAVE A COMMENTEDIT
Budget Expectations from Blockchain and Cryptocurrency Committee
Given the growth in the number of participants in Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies, trading volumes, and rupees traded, it is time that the Government makes its stand known. Even if a detailed policy framework is not possible at this stage, an indication of the Government’s mind will help in the robust growth of one of the fastest growing sectors of Fintech.
The exponential growth in cryptocurrency prices have led to several individual players making profits. While tax advisors are providing clients with their view on whether this constitutes a business income (or loss) or a capital gain (or loss), a word of clarification will help tax-payers and could also increase tax collections.
Mining of Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies presents a unique “Make in India” opportunity that can boost self-employment. In addition, Government support in this area will encourage import-substitution of mining hardware.
Despite its vast population and technical capabilities, India accounts for less than 1% of global cryptocurrency activity. Forward-looking policy framework will help India strive to assume a leadership position in cryptocurrencies.

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January 22, 2018, 4:04 am
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Rohingya, fled to Bangladesh back to Burma.

ON  BY NARESH SAGARLEAVE A COMMENTEDIT
View this email in your browser
Dear friend
Burma and Bangladesh are planning to send tens of thousands of Rohingya who fled to Bangladesh back to Burma.
Rohingya in Bangladesh haven’t been consulted about the deal, but most say they don’t want to return until it’s safe.
Rohingya won’t be allowed to return to their villages, which have been destroyed. Instead they are being sent to giant prison camps. Rohingya put there will not be allowed to live elsewhere or travel freely.
They will live in constant fear with no rights.
Stop Rohingya being sent to giant prison camps in Burma
The government of Burma hasn’t changed any of the laws and policies which discriminate against the Rohingya, and cannot guarantee that the military won’t attack them again when they return.
The government of Burma doesn’t have the resources to build and maintain these prison camps, they can only do it with international support. Incredibly, the governments of Japan and India are providing that support. The Japanese government has pledged $3m and the Indian government has pledged money and offered to construct buildings in the camps. The Burmese government says 80 people will be forced to live in each building.
Tell the Indian and Japanese government not to support Rohingya repatriation until Rohingya agree to return voluntarily and their rights are guaranteed, including citizenship rights.
Thank you so much for your support.
Mark Farmaner
Burma Campaign UK
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January 25, 2018, 1:59 am
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The Last Days of Mahatma Gandhi: Manoj Jha

ON  BY NARESH SAGARLEAVE A COMMENTEDIT
Monday, 29 January 2018 at 6 pm 
Anhad Baat Cheet in collaboration with Oxford Bookstore
invites you to
A talk
(Remembering Mahatma Gandhi
On the eve of 70 year of his Martyrdom)
titled
The Last Days of Mahatma Gandhi
by
Manoj K Jha
Manoj K. Jha is a Professor at Department of Social Work, University of Delhi. His research interests revolve around methodological and conceptual issues of social protest movements, minorities and marginalised communities. He is also a visiting faculty to School of Planning and Architecture, Delhi.
YOU ARE WELCOME
Oxford Bookstore 
N 81, Connaught Place, New Delhi – 110 001
RSVP: Manash – 9953970829
rsvp.oxforddel@apeejaygroup.co m
www.oxfordbookstore.com

CAIT COMMUNICATION TO PM URGING HIS INTERVENTION ON SEALING

ON  BY NARESH SAGARLEAVE A COMMENTEDIT
 In a communication sent to Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi today, the Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT) sought his intervention in the matter of sealing of business establishments in Delhi.
The CAIT has urged the Prime Minister to bring a suitable Ordinance for giving protection to  traders from sealing. The CAIT has further suggested that since multiple issues are involved in this matter, a Special Task Force may be constituted under the Chairmanship of Lt. Governor of Delhi and comprising of senior officials of Ministry of Urban Development, Government of India and Delhi Government, MCD, DDA & other concerned Agencies and Representatives of Trade, to make a study of the multiple issues and their solution thereof within a time bound period.
In its communication to the Prime Minister, the CAIT said that the traders of Delhi are bing harrased & victimised on account of sealing under the guise of the order of Hon’ble Supreme Court by sidelining the fundamental provisions of The Municipal Corporation Act,1957 and the Monitoring Committee while exceeding its jurisdiction is working in a dictatorial manner giving no opportunity of hearing.
While listing out the issues, the CAIT said that the Monitoring Committee was set up by the Supreme Court to look into Commercial Establishments in Residential Premises but the said Monitoring Committee is exceeding its jurisdiction and passing orders of sealing in anywhere and everywhere at Delhi.The orders passed by the Monitoring Committee are general in nature and no specific charge is levelled against any establishments though misuse differs from building to building.
It is highly regretted that traders are deprived of taking shelter of the basic fundamental provisions of MCD Act,1957 which provide Right to have Show Cause Notice, Opportunity of personal hearing and put defence, Right to make an appeal to Appellate Tribunal and lastly the Right to make an Appeal to Administrator of Delhi i.e.Lt. Governor of GNCTD, Delhi.
The CAIT further said that there are many areas and markets in Delhi which were declared Commercial by MCD, DDA & other Agencies and as such levy of conversion charge do not apply but the Monitoring Committee is insisting of payment of Conversion Charges under the threat of sealing.Many areas are termed as Local Shopping Centres where plots were given by taking commercial rates and as such same premise of levy of conversion charge do not apply on them but again they are being forced to pay conversion charges under threat of sealing.There are many areas which are known as Commercial Markets even before the time of Mughal era and those areas are also being considered for sealing.
The sealing of business establishments in Delhi will certainly wreck the economy of national capital and will disturb the centuries old distributive character of trade of Delhi-added CAIT.
It is a matter of concern that the Monitoring Committee is acting in a most dictatorial way and has become an Administrative Authority on its own but unconstitutional and the officials of MCD and other Agencies do not muster enough courage to inform the Committee about their boundation as per explicit provisions of MCD Act and thereby conducting sealing and other activities by sidelining their own governing Act, the MCD Act,1957.Even the genuine explanation and documents of the traders are not being considered at all and no one is listening to the woes of trading community. The CAIT has sought an appointment with the Prime Minister.

India Sinks to Rank 177 of 180 in Environmental Index 2018

ON  BY NARESH SAGARLEAVE A COMMENTEDIT
January24, 2018 (C) Ravinder Singh progressindia2015@gmail.com
As per UNFCCC Country Data India contributed 6.16% of GHG Emissions in 2012 for 2% of World GDP. In last 5 years thermal power – mainly Coal Fired plants generation increased by36.7%, petroleum consumption increased by 31%. Share of Thermal Power generation has actually gone up from 82% to 85% in Five Years. [2012-2017].
Coal/Lignite Based power generation in FY2016-17 is 945 BU in India when EU 28 Countries together produced 791 BU [2015]. Contribution of Coal Based power generation in India contributed 85% of electricity – EU 28 only 24%.
EU Produced 968 BU [2015] of Renewable Energy which includes [371 BU] Large Hydro – India to produce 182 BU from Renewables [60 BU] and Large Hydro [122 BU] FY2016-17.
EU Produced 857 BU of Nuclear Power – India likely to produce 38 BU only FY2016-17.
EU also produced cleaner 530 BU of Gas based power. India 49 BU only FY2016-17.
EU Produces 2355 BU Clean Power– Three Times Consumed in India.
At Present [Dec.2017] India’s GHG Emissions are 8% for 3% of World GDP.
Description
Dec2012
Dec2017
5 Yr Growth
Installed Cap MW
210,951
330,860
56.8%
Thermal Cap MW
140,976
218,959
55.3%
Apr-Dec Gen BU &
683.75
902.95
32.0%
Thermal Gen BU
561.88
767.95
36.7%
http://unfccc.int/files/national_reports/annex_i_natcom/submitted_natcom/application/pdf/459381_european_union-nc7-br3-1-nc7_br3_combined_version.pdf
EU – Trends in the consumption of different energy carriers within the total have changed significantly in the period 1990 to 2015, with a decrease of 40 % in the consumption of carbon-intensive coal and lignite, and of 11 % in the consumption of oil. Meanwhile there has been anincrease of over 20 % in the consumption of gas, which, in comparison to other fossil fuels, produces less greenhouse gas emissions. Renewables have seen the most marked increase with consumption increasing by over 190 % from 1990 levels. Consumption of energy generated fromnuclear power increased by 6 %.The share of renewable energy sources has increased to 13 % of gross final energy consumption. Figure 2-19). Electricity production from renewables has almost tripled in that period and now accounts for 30 % of generation compared to 13 % in 1990. The proportion produced by nuclear has slightly increased and was 31 % of total electricity production in 2015.
http://newsroom.uat.unfccc.int/media/420472/country-brief-india.pdf –  https://epi.envirocenter.yale.edu/downloads/epi2018policymakerssummaryv01.pdf
India had not planned for CLEAN ENERGY – 36.7% growth in Coal-Thermal Power generation has Landed in a 177 Rank out of 180.
Ravinder Singh, Inventor & Consultant, INNOVATIVE TECHNOLOGIES AND PROJECTS
Y-77, Hauz Khas, ND -110016, India. Ph: 091- 8826415770, 9871056471, 9650421857

New programmes of DST and SERB for young scientists and researchers 

ON  BY NARESH SAGARLEAVE A COMMENTEDIT
Union Minister for Science & Technology, Dr. Harsh Vardhan today announced four schemes to promote young scientists and researchers in the country. The scheme primarily aims at early recognition and reward to young talent in the field of science.  “The schemes focus on youth to empower, recognize and motivate them,” Dr Harsh Vardhan said, while announcing the new schemes.
The Minister said that in a bid to tap the potential of trained faculty in Universities, colleges and private academic institutions, 500 teachers will be assisted under the Teacher Associateship for Research Excellence (TARE) scheme. It will connect them to leading public funded institutions like IIT, IISc or national institutions like CSIR, preferably nearer to their place of work to pursue research. They will be paid Rs. 5 lakh yearly, and a monthly out-of-pocket expense of Rs. 5,000. This will be in addition to the salary from their existing employer.
The second scheme – Overseas Visiting Doctoral Fellowship offers support to 100 PhD scholars for training in universities/laboratories abroad upto 12 months during their doctoral research. They would be given a monthly fellowship equivalent to US $ 2000, one-time contingency allowance of Rs. 60,000/- to cover travel and visa fee.
The Distinguished Investigator Award offers a maximum of 100 fellowships to principal investigators of SERB/DST projects.  “This one-time career award will be judged on the basis of a completed project,” said Dr Harsh Vardhan. “This is aimed at giving early recognition and reward to young scientists, he added.”
The selected 100 researchers will be given a monthly fellowship of Rs. 15,000/- for three years and an optional research grant, based on peer review of the project proposal submitted.
A scheme to encourage science writing seeks to tap the potential of over 20,000 PhD scholars in science to popularise and communicate their research outcome. Augmenting Writing Skills for Articulating Research, AWSAR carries a monetary incentive of Rs. 10,000/- each for 100 best entries in a year and a Certificate of Appreciation, besides getting the story published. Three leading stories from the selected 100 would be awarded Rs. 1 lakh, Rs. 50,000/- and Rs. 25,000/- respectively.
Dr. Harsh Vardhan said that these schemes will be notified and applications invited from across the country on February 1.
Teacher Associateship for Research Excellence (TARE) Scheme of SERB, DST aims to tap the latent potential of faculty working in state universities, colleges and private academic institutions who are well trained but have difficulty in pursuing their research due to varied reasons including lack of facilities, funding and guidance. This scheme facilitates mobility of such faculty members to carryout research in well-established public funded institution such as IITs, IISc, IISERS and other National Institutions (NITs, CSIR, ICAR, ICMR labs, etc) and Central Universities located preferably nearer to the institution where the faculty member is working. Up to 500 TAs will be supported under this scheme.
Overseas Visiting Doctoral Fellowship of SERB has been instituted for enhancing the international mobility of Indian research students which has the potential to create a talented pool of globally trained manpower.  The scheme provides an opportunity for research students to gain exposure and access to top class research facilities in academia and labs across the world. This scheme offers opportunities for up to 100 PhD students admitted in the Indian institutions for gaining exposure and training in overseas universities / institutions of repute and areas of importance to country for period up to 12 months during their doctoral research. The selected fellows will be paid a monthly fellowship amount equivalent to US $ 2000, one-time Contingency / Preparatory allowances of Rs. 60,000/- to cover visa fee, airport transfer charges, medical insurance etc.
SERB Distinguished Investigator Award (DIA) has been initiated to recognize and reward Principal Investigators (PIs) of SERB/DST projects who have performed remarkably well. The scheme aims not only to reward the best PIs of completed projects but also to motivate the ongoing PIs to perform exceedingly well. This positive reinforcement strategy would effectively improve the productivity of the research undertaken and the overall efficiency of the research ecosystem. DIA is a one-time career award devised to specifically cater to the younger scientists who have not received any other prestigious awards or fellowships. The award carries a fellowship of Rs. 15,000/- p.m. and an optional research grant for three years, based on peer review of the project proposal submitted.
AWSAR (Augmenting Writing Skills for Articulating Research) of National Council of Science and Technology Communication (NCSTC), DST has been initiated to encourage, empower and endow popular science writing through newspapers, magazines, blogs, social media, etc. by young PhD Scholars and Post-Doctoral Fellows during the course of their higher studies and research pursuits. As over 20,000 youth are awarded PhD in S&T every year in India, the scheme aims to tap this tremendous potential to popularize & communicate science and also to inculcate scientific temperament in the masses. AWSAR carries monetary incentive of Rs.10,000/- each for 100 best entries from PhD scholars in a year along with a Certificate of Appreciation besides getting the story published/projected in mass media. In addition, three leading stories from the selected hundred would also be awarded cash prize of Rs.1,00,000/-, Rs.50,000/- and Rs.25,000/- respectively. Further, twenty entries would be selected from articles submitted exclusively by Post-Doctoral Fellows relating to their line of Research for monetary incentive of Rs.10,000/- each and the most outstanding story to be given a cash prize of Rs.1,00,000/-.

UDAN Phase-II: 325 routes awarded;

ON  BY NARESH SAGARLEAVE A COMMENTEDIT
UDAN Phase-II: 325 routes awarded; 40% for North East, hills
Union Ministry of Civil Aviation has awarded 325 air routes under the second phase of government’s flagship UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam naagrik) regional regional connectivity scheme. Around 40% or 129 of 325 air routes were awarded to newly created category of ‘priority areas’ that include Jammu and Kashmir. Northeastern and hill states, Andaman and Nicobar Islands and Lakshadweep Islands.
The routes under phase-II were awarded to 15 airlines and helicopter operators after bidding process. These include major domestic airlines such as SpiceJet, IndiGo, Jet Airways and Air India subsidiary Alliance Air and four helicopter operators — Heligo Charters, Heritage Aviation, Pawan Hans, and Skyone Airways Airports to be connected under phase-II: Total 78 airports i.e. 36 served airports, 13 underserved airports and 29 unserved airports  will be connected. In addition, 31 helipads/ heliports will be connected through Helicopters in priority areas.
These proposed routes will get VGF estimated at Rs. 487 crores per annum for fixed wing operations and Rs. 130 crores for Helicopter operations  per annum in the Priority areas. The government provides VGF or subsidy for 50% of seats set aside for being offered at discounted rates by airlines and all seats up to 13 passenger seats for helicopters.

An important court ruling in Pennsylvania

ON  BY NARESH SAGARLEAVE A COMMENTEDIT
Join us.
This week there was an important court ruling in Pennsylvania that gives us an even better chance of taking back the House this year, Naresh.
The Pennsylvania Supreme Court ruled that Republicans unconstitutionally gerrymandered the state’s congressional map — a blow to Republican attempts to rig the system for their own candidates, and a victory for Democratic efforts to fight back.
Now under court order, Pennsylvania districts will be drawn more fairly — putting more seats in play this November. Plus, Democrat Austin Davis won yesterday’s special election in Pennsylvania’s 35th state House district by a 48-point margin. That’s 23 points more than the Democrats’ margin of victory in 2016!
With 24 seats to flip to take back the House this year, every single seat will make a difference.Let’s keep it up.

Hungarian Folk Days in India series,

ON  BY NARESH SAGARLEAVE A COMMENTEDIT
Dear All,
In continuation with the Hungarian Folk Days in India series, we present to you a Hungarian folk music concert by MUZSIKAS on Tuesday, 30th January at 6:30 pm at the IIC Auditorium. Seating on first come first served basis. Please be seated by 6:15 pm.

​
With kind regards,
—————————— —–
HARLEEN AHLUWALIA

NSIC sign MoU SME Corp Malaysia

ON  BY NARESH SAGARLEAVE A COMMENTEDIT
NSIC sign MoU with SME Corp (Malaysia) on 25th Jan 2018 at 9.00am at Grand Ball Room, Leela palace hotel, Chanakyapuri,New Delhi.Shri Giriraj Singh Honble Minister of MSME, Government of India and Shri Mustapa Mohammed , Minister of International Trade and Industry, Government of Malaysia  preside on this ocassion..

Press Invitation

ON  BY NARESH SAGARLEAVE A COMMENTEDIT
Press invitation
for International level sports event
India’s double Dutch challenge 2018
Place : Kamani Auditorium, Copernicus Marg, New Delhi
Date : 25 january, 2018, Timing : 2 p.m. to 6 p.m
Contact:
Manish Tiwari
9013524156
[1/25, 09:43] ‪+91 98100 77948‬: Media Invitation
Press Conference on All India Radio Tableau on Republic Day
Fielden Hall, (1st floor), Akashvani Bhawan, Parliament Street, New Delhi
 
Director General, All India Radio Shri F. Sheheryar will address the Press Conference in Fielden Hall, (1st floor) Akashvani Bhawan regarding Tableau of All India Radio for the Republic Day pageant 2018 and also the launch of the theme song of ‘EK BHARAT SHRESHTH BHARAT’.
Note: The entry will be from Gate No 3
All Print & Electronic Media are cordially invited to cover the event.

Aircraft NAL-SARAS PT1N designed and developed by CSIR-NAL

ON  BY NARESH SAGARLEAVE A COMMENTEDIT

Aircraft SARAS PT1N (14 seater) designed and developed by CSIR-NAL, a front-line aerospace research laboratory, has successfully made its maiden flight on 24.01.2018. The flight was commanded by Wg Cdr U P Singh, Gp Capt R V Panicker and Gp Capt K P Bhat from IAF-Aircraft and Systems Testing Establishment (ASTE).
The flight was piloted by Wg Cdr B Panicker, U P Singh and Group Capt K P Bhat; pilots Aircraft and Systems Testing Establishment (ASTE)  twin-engine aircraft would be used for coastal surveillance as well as training young cadets on transport flying.
The aircraft took off at about 11 AM from HAL airport and flew for about 40 minutes at the maximum height of 8500 ft at the speed of 145 knots. The chase aircraft (KIRAN) was piloted by Gp Capt Badrish and telemetry was commanded by Gp Capt Naraynen, Wg Cdr Pandey and Wg Cdr R Sridhar (Retd). All the system parameters are found normal. It was a text book flight. CSIR-NAL sources said that this was the culmination of the efforts of team CSIR-NAL, IAF-ASTE, CEMILAC and DGAQA.
The primary objective is to evaluate the system performance in about 20 flights and the data collected from this shall be used to freeze the design of production version aircraft. The production version aircraft will be of 19 seat capacity and will undergo civil / military certification.
The flight was monitored by Shri Jitendra J Jadhav, Director, CSIR-NAL, Air Marshal Upkarjit Singh, Director, IAF-PMT & Chairman, FRRB, Air Vice Marshal Sandeep Singh, Commandant, ASTE, Shri P Jayapal, Chief Executive CEMILAC and Shri V L Raja, ADG-AQA.
The NAL Saras  is the first Indian multi-purpose civilian aircraft in the light transport aircraft category as designed by the National Aerospace Laboratories (NAL).The Saras (PT-1N) plane made its maiden flight of 40 minutes on 24 January, 2018.

Dhaka Open:Ankur Chadha occupies tied fourth

ON  BY NARESH SAGARLEAVE A COMMENTEDIT
Ankur Chadha occupies tied fourth in round one of City Bank American Express Dhaka Open. 
Bangladeshis dominate leaderboard as Shakhawat leads at 67 
Dhaka, January 24, 2018: Gurgaon-based Ankur Chadha fared the best among the Indians in round one of the inaugural City Bank American Express Dhaka Open, a US$ 60,000 event, being played at the Kurmitola Golf Club in Dhaka.
While day one of the event tri-sanctioned by the Asian Development Tour (ADT), Professional Golf Tour of India (PGTI) and Bangladesh Professional Golfers Association (BPGA) was dominated by local favourites Shakhawat Sohel (67) and Md Siddikur Rahman (68) of Bangladesh who were placed first and second respectively, Ankur Chadha ended the day in tied fourth after returning a two-under-70.
The 23-year-old Chadha, playing only his third season as a professional, made a slow start as he was two-over through 11 holes. Ankur, who finished inside the top-60 on the PGTI last year, then had a late flourish with four birdies on the last six holes.
Chadha sank a giant 50-footer for birdie on the 13th and also landed his approach to within three feet for birdie on the 17th.
Ankur said, “I had a strong finish today with those four birdies between the 13thand the 18th. One needs to be patient here and try to keep the ball in play. This course cannot be overpowered. You cannot look for too many birdies here instead you have to play percentage golf.
“I finished 60th on the PGTI last year but I still feel my game was better as compared to my rookie season in 2016 when I finished 59th. I was playing with more confidence in 2017 and felt more at home on the pro circuit. Hopefully, I can capitalize on this good start over the next three days.”

The trio of Rahul Bajaj, Arjun Prasad and Shankar Das were placed tied seventh with scores of one-under-71 thus making it four Indians in the top-10 on day one.

India’s 3 lakh villages ODF

ON  BY NARESH SAGARLEAVE A COMMENTEDIT

India’s 3 lakh villages and 300 districts & 10 States/UTs declared ODF.

6 crore toilets built under Swachh Bharat

The Swachh Bharat Mission is the largest behavior change programme in the world. Through mobilization of rural communities, the SBM (Gramin) has truly turned into a jan andolan, a people’s movement. As per a progress update shared in the Capital today, over 6 crore toilets have been built across rural India under the Mission. Two independent surveys by the Quality Council of India in 2017, and National Sample Survey Organization in 2016, have pegged the usage of these toilets at 91% and 95% respectively. As an outcome, over 3 lakh villages and 300 districts have been declared Open Defecation Free (ODF), across ten States and Union Territories, namely, Sikkim, Himachal Pradesh, Kerala, Haryana, Uttarakhand, Gujarat, Arunachal Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Chandigarh and Daman & Diu.
The progress update was shared by the Secretary, Ministry of Drinking Water and Sanitation, Shri Parameswaran Iyer today during a technical briefing given to the national media in New Delhi.
Terming this a “Sanitation Revolution in Rural India”, Shri Iyer said that 15 States/UTs are expected to be declared ODF by March 2018, and with this accelerating progress, the Mission is on track to achieve an ODF India by October 2019. He also shared some studies done by international agencies that estimate the health and economic impact of sanitation on a rural family. UNICEF estimates that the lack of sanitation is responsible for the deaths of over 100,000 children in India annually. A Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation study estimates that households in ODF villages in India have significantly better health indicators.
Another UNICEF study estimates that a household in an ODF village in India saves Rs.50,000 every year by way of disease treatment costs averted, saving of livelihood by not falling ill, etc. At the macro level, a 2007 World Bank study estimated that lack of sanitation costs India over 6% of our GDP.Shri Iyer announced that the Ministry of Drinking Water and Sanitation will be launching a mass media campaign to promote the twin pit toilet soon. A twin pit toilet is a toilet model that is economical, safe, easy to clean, eco-friendly, and is effectively a self-contained waste treatment plant that does not harm the ground water beneath the toilet.
Speaking on the issue of solid and liquid waste, he said that there was a paradigm shift underway in the way the Mission looks at this issue. He said that the Mission is moving from seeing it as a Solid Liquid Waste Management issue to seeing it as Solid and Liquid Resource Management, because waste is a resource that can be tapped and converted to wealth and energy.
Speaking on the issue of drinking water in rural India, he said that there have been a number of initiatives to reform the National Rural Drinking Water Programme. He enumerated several steps to improve the speed and quality of implementation of the Programme, especially targeting arsenic and fluoride-affected habitations.
Shri Iyer also shared some stories of champions of Swachh Bharat from the field, including women, children, differently abled and senior citizens, who have contributed immensely to the sanitation mission through their dedication to cleanliness. These champions have gone beyond their call of duty to make Swachh Bharat a true jan andolan.
Swachh Bharat on Social Media:
Swachh Bharat blog:sbmgramin.wordpress.com

Adv HC Mumbai Mrs Dipti Srivatsan Kale

ON  BY NARESH SAGARLEAVE A COMMENTEDIT
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Balgangadhar Tilak’s great grandson tortures women to suppress rape,victim turns to media after miscarriage of justice.
Disheartened from system,rape victim turns to media to send culprit Rohit Tilak behind bars.
A woman is misled,raped,tortured and attack with acid for raising a voice while the perpetrator roam the streets without arrest, destroying evidence and threatening the victim.
Balgangadhar Tilak’s great grandson tortures woman to suppress rape, victim turns to media after miscarriage of justice to spell fate of her case.

# Disheartened from system, rape victim turns to media to send culprit Rohit Tilak behind bars with petition file to -SC.
# A woman is misled, raped, tortured and attacked with acid for raising a voice while the perpetrator roams the streets without arrest, destroying evidence and threatening the victim the state of her case in peril.
# In a gross miscarriage of justice, great grandson of Balgangadhar Tilak has been allowed to roam free despite serious rape allegations against him.
Rohit Tilak has been accused of misleading a woman by claiming that he was unmarried, forcing himself on her and extorting money through black mail. On July 17, he was booked under sections 376 (rape), 377 (unnatural sex), 323 (voluntarily causing hurt) 504, 506 (criminal intimidation) 507 (criminal intimidation by anonymous communication), but was granted interim anticipatory bail on July 20.
The victim said that the Pune court allowed the anticipatory bail on the grounds of allegations against the complainant without submission of any prove for the same.
In addition, the victim was attacked by acid and asked to withdraw the case, so additional FIR has been filed for the acid attack.
Judge Mrs. Lata Yenkar, who was presiding over the case, forced the victim to make her identity public in front of at least 1000 men accompanying Mr Tilak to the court.
“The total disregard of every law, every procedure and total trashing of the basic fundamental and human rights of the victim by the judge Mrs. Lata Yenkar ought to be addressed and whether this gross miscarriage of justice and open violation of the basic right to life and dignity of a woman victim should be accepted due to this failure of our system to deliver justice or to protect our women,” the victim’s lawyer said in an open letter.
In an appeal to media to help her end the violation of a rape victims’ rights, in only this case but as a common practice, the victim’s lawyer Dipti Srivatsan Kale asked, “Every woman in this country has a right to life and a right to dignity and if this is the way that we treat the women who approach the courts for justice in a rape case, what would be recourse open to such victims.”
The lawyer claimed that Judge Yenkar mistreated the victim in court of law by shouting at her, refusing her an in-camera hearing and forcing her to reveal her identity despite clear laws against it. The judge also disallowed the victim’s lawyers to admit recordings of abusive calls made by Mr Tilak.
It is also pertinent to note that the husband of Judge Mrs. Lata Yenkar, also a judge and was suspended under anti-corruption enquiry and is now in practice and accessible.
The victim had filed a transfer application with the District Judge but that too was summarily dismissed. After Judge Yenkar retired from her duty, the victim moved the Bombay High Court seeking cancellation of Mr Tilak’s anticipatory bail but the court has kept the matter pending for four months despite repeated requests highlighting urgency of the matter.
Meanwhile, the victim and the witnesses continue to be threatened by Mr Tilak and his wife with forcibly recorded pornographic videos and images and abusive calls.
The victim has approached every forum under the law for justice and yet she was insulted and threatened in every way with no justice.
‘With much anguish and despair’ and 20 years of experience as Bombay High Court lawyer, ‘I ask the question, if women are raped and common citizens killed with no one accountable whether the institution of justice survives’, the lawyer asked in the open letter.
“As a lawyer and an officer of the court, I raise this question what can be done to correct the state of evil that has afflicted our law and order and judiciary,” she questioned.
The victim has appraoched the high court, the PMO, the ministry for law and judiciary, the national womans commissioner, the CJI and the CMO before approaching the Supreme Court to invoke the writ jurisdiction for violation of her fundamental rights
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January 26, 2018, 4:35 am
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India is committed to improving ease of doing business:

ON  BY NARESH SAGARLEAVE A COMMENTEDIT
Housing and Urban Affairs Minister Hardeep Singh Puri today said India is committed to improving ease of doing business. Addressing the 42nd Joint Meeting of India- Japan Business Cooperation Committee in New Delhi, Mr Puri said, India offers opportunities to Japan in the fields like Make In India, Digital India, Skill India and Smart City Project.
He said, during the last three years, the government has taken a lot of initiatives to improve economic growth, investors confidence and business sentiments in the country. He said, India is the most liberal FDI regime in the world and during 2016-17, the country received foreign direct investment inflow to the tune of 60 billion dollars.

Nation celebrates 69th Republic Day

ON  BY NARESH SAGARLEAVE A COMMENTEDIT
Nation is celebrating its 69th Republic Day today. The main function was organized at Rajpath in the national capital where President Ram Nath Kovind took the salute of the parade.
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Under the custom to host a leader of a foreign country as the chief guest at the parade, this year, in a first, leaders of 10 ASEAN countries were the Chief Guests.
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Earlier, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the three service chiefs paid tributes to soldiers at the Amar Jawan Jyoti at India Gate by laying wreaths.
President Ram Nath Kovind before parade begins awarded India’s highest peacetime military decoration Ashok Chakra posthumously to Indian Air Force Garud commando Corporal Jyoti Prakash Nirala, who laid down his life after gunning down two terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir.
The award was received by Corporal Nirala’s wife Sushmanand and his mother Malti Devi at the majestic Rajpath.
Corporal Nirala was attached to a Rashtriya Rifles battalion under the aegis of ‘Op Rakshak’ in Jammu and Kashmir. On November 18 last year, an offensive was launched in Chanderger village of Bandipora district based on specific intelligence. The Garud detachment covertly approached the target house where the terrorists were hiding and laid a close quarter ambush.
Nirala succumbed to fatal gunshot wounds.The gunfight resulted in the killing of six terrorists. Corporal Nirala exhibited most conspicuous gallantry in fighting with terrorists and made supreme sacrifice.Last year November, Nirala had single-handedly shot down two terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir during an anti-terror operation and made supreme sacrifice.
The parade started with flag bearer contingent bearing the ASEAN and 10 ASEAN countries’ flags. Marching contingents from Army, Navy, Air Force, Paramilitary Forces BSF, SSB, ITBP, Delhi Police, NCC and NSS participated in the parade.
India’s strategic defence weaponry was also displayed during the celebrations. Tableaux of fourteen States and nine Central Ministries participated in the parade presenting the varied historical, art and cultural heritage of India. For the first time, All India Radio was part of the parade, showcasing its journey of more than eight decades in the domain of public service, promotion and preservation of socio-cultural and linguistic heritage. Punjab Tableaux depicted the grandeur of Sangat and Pangat in a creative and comprehensive manner and Maharashtra displayed the Coronation of Chhatrapati Shivaji.
Traditional masks of Assam featured in state’s tableau while Kettukazhcha of Kerala drew the attention. Buddhist heritage place Sanchi and Monastery Kye Gompa also featured in tableaux. Income Tax Department Tableaux showed the collective support of people to the clean money drive. Eighteen children awarded with National Bravery Award also participated in the parade. A newly-raised all-woman bikers contingent of the Border Security Force made its debut on Rajpath.
The 27-member BSF women daredevils received cheers as they showcase their stunts and acrobatics on their Bullet motorcycles. At the end, there was a spectacular flypast by the Indian Air Force. The flypast commenced with the ‘Rudra’ formation comprising three ALH, followed by the ‘Hercules’ formation comprising three C-130J Super Hercules aircraft.
The flypast concluded with Sukhoi fighter jet carrying out a ‘Vertical Charlie’ manoeuvre over the saluting dais.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has thanked leaders of ASEAN nations for participating in the Republic Day celebrations. In a series of tweets after the annual event, Mr Modi said, their presence with people of India is an unprecedented gesture of goodwill from ASEAN nations.
The Prime Minister said, he had the privilege to host the ASEAN leaders yesterday for the Commemorative Summit to mark 25 years of ASEAN -India partnership. Mr Modi said, this is no ordinary event and it is a historic milestone in a remarkable journey that has brought India and ASEAN to a deepening partnership of great promise for their 1.9 billion people, about one-fourth of humankind. He said, India- ASEAN partnership may be just 25 years old, but India’s ties with South-east Asia stretch back more than two millennia.
The Prime Minister said, forged in peace and friendship, religion and culture, art and commerce, language and literature, these enduring links are now present in every facet of the magnificent diversity of India and South-east Asia, providing a unique envelope of comfort and familiarity between the people.
Saying that INDIA-ASEAN trade and investment flows have multiplied several times, Mr Modi reiterated that ASEAN and India have immense opportunities to chart a steady course through the uncertain and turbulence times to a stable and peaceful future for the region and the world. He said, India and ASEAN have advanced the broad-based partnership through 30 mechanisms and with each ASEAN member, India have growing diplomatic, economic and security partnership. He said, ASEAN and India will work together to keep their seas safe and secure.

Rahul Gandhi on 6th row seat at R-Day parade

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The oldest party in the country Congress, its President  Shri Rahul Gandhi not spotted in front row, every onlooker on TV was utterly surprised to find the leader enjoy Republic Day parade  at 6th row.  Protocol is not  followed by the organizers  is matter of disbelief so the Congress Chief  middle  row need explanation.
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Congress president Rahul Gandhi today attended the Republic Day Parade and took the designated seat in the sixth row, prompting an angry reaction from his party that accused the government of setting aside tradition and indulging in “cheap politics”.
Gandhi was seated in the sixth row, along with Leader of Opposition in the Rajya Sabha Ghulam Nabi Azad.
Congress communications in-charge Randeep Surjewala said the Modi government’s “cheap politics” was at display today when it broke tradition and denied Gandhi a front-row seat.
Congress sources said the party presidents, including Sonia Gandhi who handed over the party reins to Rahul Gandhi in December last year, had always been seated in the front row at the Republic Day Parade.
“The Modi government’s cheap politics is for all to see. The Congress president was deliberately made to sit in the sixth row, after initially assigning him a fourth-row seat, at the Republic Day celebrations by the arrogant rulers, who set aside all past traditions. For us the celebration of the Constitution is foremost,” Surjewala tweeted in Hindi.

Panel Discussion on ‘The role of the transport sector in Delhi’s air quality

ON  BY NARESH SAGARLEAVE A COMMENTEDIT
Feb
1
Public debate over the quality of Delhi’s air reliably spikes every winter, along with the readings from air quality monitors. However, public discussion tends to rapidly taper off, even as the air quality remains consistently bad.
The Initiative on Climate, Energy and Environment (ICEE) at the Centre for Policy Research (CPR) is organising a seminar series – Clearing the Air? Seminar Series on Delhi’s Air Pollution – to promote sustained and informed public understanding around the data, impacts, sources and policy challenges involved in clearing Delhi’s air. While we will focus on the Delhi context, the series will also reflect the fact that the problem extends far beyond Delhi. The seminar series will present the work of experts in a range of areas, to help promote informed public discussion about what changes are needed, what is possible, and how to get it done. Clearing the air in terms of knowledge and public information, we hope, will make a small contribution toward actually clearing Delhi’s air.
ICEE invites you to the fourth event in this series.
Panel Discussion on ‘The role of the transport sector in Delhi’s air quality: key drivers and opportunities for intervention’ 
Panellists: Amit Bhatt, Parthaa Bosu, Sumit Sharma
Moderator: Mukta Naik
Thursday, 1 February 2018, 4:00 p.m.
Conference Hall, Centre for Policy Research
Image Source
The seminar series began with a talk on air pollutants in Indian cities and the gaps in our knowledge about them, followed by two events on health impacts of air pollution. We now turn to specific sources of air pollution, and we begin with transport. Vehicular pollution has been a significant contributor to Delhi’s air pollution, accounting for up to a fourth of PM 2.5 emissions. Delhi has the largest vehicular population of any city in India, with over a crore registered vehicles. More than 90% of these are private vehicles, and this number has steadily grown over the years. However, regulatory interventions towards promoting cleaner fuel and phasing out old vehicles, as well as legal measures to cap or decrease the number of vehicles have primarily focused on public transit vehicles. The panel will deliberate on key technical and policy drivers for reduction and management of emissions from the transport sector, including the source composition of air pollution from transport, potential gains from changes in fuel standards and fuel types, and issues related to public transport and modal shares.
About the Speaker: 
Amit Bhatt is the Director of Integrated Urban Transport at WRI India. He is based in Delhi and provides vision and leadership to all transport initiatives across WRI in India and neighbouring countries. Amit has over 17 years’ experience in the field of transport planning, non-motorised transportation, road safety, capacity building, street design and urban development. He has a Bachelor’s degree in Architecture, Master’s degrees in Transport and Economics, and a diploma in Transport Economics and Management.
Parthaa Bosu is the lead consultant on air pollution with Environment Defence Fund, based in the United States. He was previously with the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM), working on in-use vehicle emissions, and has also served as the India Director and South Asia Liaison of the UN Partnership, Clean Air Asia. Parthaa was a part of the working-group on non-motorized transport promotion at the Ministry of Urban Development, and structured the Green Freight India Working Group, which works on reducing emissions from freight and also making it more efficient. He is currently trying to nurture dialogues on rising air pollution and congestion in cities, and recently helped design the Chennai Freight Partnership with IIT Madras and the Madras Chambers.
Sumit Sharma is a Fellow and Associate Director of the Earth Science and Climate Change group of TERI. He has worked on a number of projects related to air quality management which involves air quality monitoring, emission inventorisation, air quality modeling (dispersion and receptor), and drafting air quality management plans. He has carried out a source apportionment study for the city of Bangalore, involving air quality modeling exercises and developing scenarios for air quality improvement. He also has been working on regional scale ozone pollution, and conducting workshops and training programs for sensitization of various stakeholders on air quality improvement.
The panel will be moderated by Mukta Naik, Senior Researcher, CPR.

“Industry-Media Interactions”

ON  BY NARESH SAGARLEAVE A COMMENTEDIT
Description: Description: Description: cid:image003.png@01D1AB96.586911E0

01st February 2018, Hotel Lalit, New Delhi

Greetings From ASSOCHAM,

ASSOCHAM is organizing an “Industry-Media Interactions” of leading industrialists to obtain their reactions on Budget Proposals for 2017-18 by the Hon’ble Finance Minister, Shri Arun Jaitley on 01st February 2018 (10.30 am) at Hotel The Lalit, New Delhi. In this regard, We would like to invite you as a delegate to attend the Industry Media Interaction schedule to be held on 01st February 2018.

Your participation would add immense value to the content of the conference.

A line of confirmation will be highly appreciated.

We look forward for your kind confirmation.


Sincerely,

Kushagra Joshi
The Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India
Banking & Financial Services,
5, Sardar Patel Marg, Chanakyapuri,
New Delhi – 110021
Mob:+91-8447365357
Phone: +91- 11- 46550624
Fax: +91- 11- 46536481/82

Driverless buses hit the streets in Stockholm

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Minibus with the text 'Åk med' (app 'Come along') on the side.
Man on a bus, looking into the camera.
1 av 2
The self-driving bus in Kista. Credit: Ulla Engberg/Sveriges Radio
For the first time in Scandinavia, a self-driving bus will mix with other traffic along a public road in Kista, northern Stockholm.
The electric bus will take up to 11 passengers and will reach a maximum speed of 20 kilometres per hour, on a 1,5 kilometre straight road between Victoria Tower and Kista Centrum in Stockholm’s own silicon valley.
The pilot project will try out out the technology over the next six months on normal road conditions on weekdays from 7 am to 6 pm.
Already at the end of the summer, in a new residential area in Barkarby northern Stockholm, self-driving buses are supposed to be part of the normal public transport route.
“If that is successful, I would say that in just a few years, this will be a very common part of Stockholm transport system,” says Kristoffer Tamsons, Stockholm’s regional transport commissioner, and chairman of Stockholm transport.
Radio Sweden went for a test drive, and spoke to some of the people involved in the project.

“On the Trail of the Black”.

ON  BY NARESH SAGARLEAVE A COMMENTEDIT
On behalf of Dr. Bibek
Debroy (Chairman, Economic Advisory Council to the Prime
Minister of India), I am writing to invite you to attend the
launch of our book titled “On the Trail of the
Black”. This book has been published by Rupa and is a
compilation of essays written by senior officials and young
professionals of NITI Aayog. The book focuses
on corruption and black
money across sectors such as health, education,
land, electoral financing, benami properties, demonetization
etc. and proposes actionable strategies to counter the
same.
Shri Rajnath Singh,
Hon’ble Home Minister of India will release the
book and a panel discussion will follow the release. Details
of the  event are below:
a) Date: 27th January
2018 (Saturday),
b) Time: Starts 11:00 am.
c) Venue: Constitution Club of India (CCI)
d) Panel Members: Shri Amitabh Kant (CEO, NITI Aayog), Shri
Shakti Sinha (Director, NMML), Shri Ashwani Mahajan
(Swadeshi Jagran Manch), Shri Dhiraj Nayyar (OSD, NITI
Aayog) and Ms. Bhavana Kohli. Dr. Bibek Debroy will moderate
the panel.
Please consider this
email as an invitation for the book release. The event is
open for all. We hope that you would take out time or send
your representatives for the same. The invitation creative
containing the details of the venue and time schedules is
also enclosed for easy reference. Look forward to receiving
you. Pls send in a line of
confirmation.

INVITATION FOR COVERAGE

ON  BY NARESH SAGARLEAVE A COMMENTEDIT
INVITATION FOR COVERAGE
Dear Sir/Madam,
You are requested to cover the following event:-
Event
Smt. Rashmi Verma, Secretary, Ministry of Tourism will inaugurate “Bharat Parv” being organized by the Government of India from 26thto 31st January, 2018 as part of the Republic Day 2018 celebrations.
Date
26th January, 2018 (Friday)
Time
5.00 PM

Venue
Red Fort (Lal Quila) lawns, Delhi-110006

: INVITATION

Dear Sir/Madam,

You are cordially invited to cover the following event-

Event : Jammu & Kashmir Student Exchange Programme – Closing ceremony.(500 J&K students visited Delhi from 18thJanuary, 2018 to 26th January, 2018)
Union Minister for Human Resource Development Shri Prakash Javadekar will be the Chief Guest for the function.
Dr. Satya Pal Singh, Minister of State for HRD, Department of Higher Education, and Shri Upendra Kushwaha , Minister of State for HRD, Department of School Education and Literacy will also be present on the occasion.
Date : January 26th, 2018 (Friday)
Time : 02.00 PM
Venue : National Bal Bhawan, Kotla Road, New Delhi-110002
BJP National President, Shri Amit Shah will hoist the National Flag tom (Friday) 26 January at 8:30AM at 11, Ashok Road. Photo Opportunity only.

Seminar on Made in India

ON  BY NARESH SAGARLEAVE A COMMENTEDIT
Pl Join Mumbai 4th Feb Sh Suresh Prabhu, Min Commerce & Ind Make in India & inaugration of Centre for Integrated Development &Research supported by Bhartiya Viklash Parishad
Prof. NK Goyal – Chairman Emeritus TEMA & President CMAI <president_cmai@cmai.asia>
To nksagar_1@yahoo.com
Thursday, 25 January, 2018 11:24 AM
Click to view full HTML
Dear Sir,
 
I request you to please join as our VIP Guest with Hon’ble Shri Suresh Prabhu, Minister of Commerce and Industries at Mumbai on 4th Feb at 230 PM for Seminar on Make in India and  inauguration of Centre for Integrated Development &Research supported by Bhartiya Vikash Parishad (http://www.bvpindia.com/) at  Central Auditorium, Welingkar Institute of Management, Matunga, Mumbai and please join High Tea at 530 PM.
 
Please find invitation card at www.cmai.asia for your kind perusal.
 
Looking to welcome you personally.
Regards
Prof N K Goyal
President CMAI Association of India, Chairman Emeritus TEMA 
Member Governing Council Telecom Equipment & Services Export Promotion Council, Govt. of India
Vice Chairman, ITU APT India, Adviser Gujarat Technological University
Chairman India Trade Promotion Services, Dubai UAE,  
Director NFL National Fertilizers Ltd, Govt. of India
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January 27, 2018, 6:37 am
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Erdogan threatens to expand Syria offensive despite criticism

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Protest in London against Turkish offensive in Afrin. US and Turkey  argued over the status and future of Syria’s Kurds. Ankara has repeatedly slammed Washington for delivering military supplies to Kurds in Syria.
US told Ankara it will not deliver any more weapons to the Syrian Kurdish PYD/YPG fighters, Turkish media report. The news comes as the Turkish operation ‘Olive Branch’ in northern Syria has entered its eighth day. On Saturday Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said that Washington should immediately withdraw from northern Syria’s Manbij region, located some 100 km from Afrin. Speaking to reporters, the top official said that the US should take steps to end its support of the Syrian Kurdish YPG militia.
Turkish Presidential Spokesman Ibrahim Kalin and US National Security Adviser H.R. McMaster held a phone call on Friday evening, Anadolu news agency said. McMaster confirmed that Washington would no longer provide weapons to fighters of the Kurdish People’s Protection units (YPG) and the Democratic Union Party (PYD).

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan today threatened to expand Turkey’s offensive in Syria against a Kurdish militia, despite rising concern and calls for restraint from the US and other Western allies.
In the seventh day of the operation against the Syrian
Kurdish People’s Protection Units (YPG) militia, Erdogan vowed
to “clean up” the Syrian city of Manbij.
The United States has raised concerns over the deadly offensive, and analysts say direct military conflict between the two NATO powers is possible since the US has a military presence in Manbij. While the YPG is still working closely with Washington against the Islamic State extremist group in Syria, Ankara views the YPG as a terror organisation allied to the outlawed Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) inside Turkey.
The PKK is blacklisted by Ankara and its Western allies as a terror outfit.

Tokyo ‘disputed islands’ museum

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China has said it is “strongly dissatisfied” with the opening of a museum in Tokyo devoted to disputed islands, AFP reported. The museum, run by the Japanese government, opened on Thursday. It displays documents and photographs defending Japan’s claims to two sets of islands that China and South Korea also see as their own. Japan has a longstanding dispute with China over uninhabited islands in the East China Sea. They are administered by Japan, where they are known as Senkaku, but also claimed by China, which calls them Diaoyu. The Japanese foreign minister is preparing to visit Beijing this weekend. Tokyo also claims islands in the Sea of Japan that are controlled by South Korea. Seoul immediately demanded the closure of the museum as it denounced Japan’s “unjustifiable claims” to its “inherent territory” on Friday.

Czech citizens go for Prez poll

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Czech citizens go poll until 2pm on Saturday to cast their votes as polls opened on Friday for the run-off in the presidential election. The incumbent Milos Zeman is facing challenger Jiri Drahos, the former head of the Czech Academy of Sciences.
Zeman, 73, is favored to win another five-year term, but polls suggest it could be a tight race, AP said. In 2013 Zeman, then a former left-leaning prime minister, became president after defeating former conservative Foreign Minister Karel Schwarzenberg in the second round of the election. Zeman, seen as a Russia-friendly politician, was one of the few European leaders to endorse Donald Trump’s bid for the White House.
He flew the EU flag at Prague Castle, but also proposed a referendum on the country’s membership in the bloc. Drahos links the country’s future to its EU and NATO memberships.

US designates six individuals as global terrorists

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US has slapped sanctions on four Taliban and two Haqqani network leaders for terrorist activities and said Pakistan must work with the US to deny the terror groups safe haven on its soil and target their funding. All six have been designated as global terrorists by the US Department of Treasury.
The four Taliban leaders include Abdul Samad Sani, Abdul Qadeer Basir, Abdul Baseer, Hafiz Mohammed Popalzai, and Maulawi Inayatullah, while Haqqani network leaders as Faqir Muhammad and Gula Khan Hamidi.
All property and interests in property of these persons subject to US jurisdiction are blocked, and the US citizens are prohibited from engaging in transactions with them.
Under Secretary for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence, Sigal Mandelker said the Trump administration is targeting six individuals related to the Taliban or Haqqani Network who have been involved in attacks on coalition troops, smuggling of individuals or financing these terrorist groups.
He said the action supports the President Donald Trump’s South Asia Strategy by disrupting terrorist organisations and publically exposing individuals who facilitate their activities.

Aung San Suu Kyi calls on President Kovind

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State Counsellor of Myanmar Aung San Suu Kyi called on President Ram Nath Kovind at Rashtrapati Bhavan today. During the conversation, the President said, Myanmar occupies the highest priority for India under its ‘Neighbourhood First’ and ‘Act East’ policies.
He assured India’s continued support to Myanmar in its peace process, and efforts towards national reconciliation and economic and social development. The President said, India-Myanmar relationship will get a boost if strong political and cultural bonds are supported by commerce.
He said, bilateral trade of just over 2 billion dollar is not reflective of close ties and there is immense scope for cooperation in sectors such as power, renewable energy, hydrocarbons and health.
He said, India had a longstanding relationship with her and her family and Rashtrapati Bhavan and the Mughal Gardens also have a special connection with her. The President presented her bush roses from the Long Garden of Rashtrapati Bhavan.

India, Cambodia ink four MoU

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India and Cambodia today inked four pacts, including one to improve cooperation in prevention, investigation of crimes and legal assistance in criminal matters and a Line of Credit to fund Cambodia’s Stung Sva Hab water resources development project for 37 million dollar.
The pacts were signed after delegation-level talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Cambodian counterpart Hun Sen in New Delhi.
Speaking on the occasion, Mr Modi said, the two countries are committed to take their relationship at a newer level. He said, India is eager to take forward its relationship with Cambodia in the fields of economy, culture, trade and people to people contacts.
The Prime Minister said, the roots of cultural and historical relationship are deep and there is a possibility to take it further.
He said, in the last two decades, Cambodia has registered 7 per cent economic growth annually while India is also one of the fastest growing economy in the world. Mr Modi said, there is a scope of further expanding trade ties between the two nations.
The Cambodian Prime Minister said, his country has benefited from India’s Act East policy. He invited Indian businessmen to invest in his country.
Earlier in the day, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj called on the visiting dignitary. Both leaders discussed issues of mutual interest related to development partnership, trade and investment, HRD and people-to-people contacts.
Mr Hun Sen was given a ceremonial reception at the Rashtrapati Bhavan in the morning. Mr Modi was among those present during the ceremony. The Cambodian Prime Minister also laid wreath at Mahatma Gandhi’s Samadhi. Mr Hun Sen is on a state visit to India. He attended the India-ASEAN Commemorative summit in New Delhi on Thursday and also attended the Republic Day Parade yesterday along with other ASEAN leaders.

Death toll of Kabul blast hundred,158 injured.

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The explosive device was hidden in an ambulance and detonated at a police checkpoint in the Afghan capital, Reuters reported citing unnamed officials.The blast ignited close to the building which formerly housed Afghanistan’s Interior Ministry. An eyewitness told the news outlet the blast was caused by a car bomb, which detonated near the gates of the former ministry building.Nearly hundred people were killed and 151 injured by an explosion in a central district of Kabul, close to where several embassies and government buildings are located, local media report citing officials.Taliban has claimed credit for the blast, according to Pajhwok. It comes just a week after a deadly attack on the Intercontinental Hotel in the city, likewise claimed by the Taliban.
Shocked at news of the terrorist attack in Kabul. Our thoughts are with the bereaved families and with those injured. India stands shoulder-to-shoulder with the people and government of Afghanistan in the fight against the forces of terror and evil #PresidentKovind
India has strongly condemned the terrorist attack in Kabul today calling it barbaric and dastardly. In a statement, the External Affairs Ministry said, there can be no justification for such reprehensible attacks and the perpetrators and their supporters should be brought to justice.It said, India stands in solidarity with the government and the people of Afghanistan at this difficult times of mindless violence and terror imposed on them.
It also conveyed its heartfelt condolences to the next of kins of victims of the terror attack and prayed for speedy recovery of those injured and offered all possible assistance, including for treatment of injured.

30th African Union (AU) summit in Ethiopia

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UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said the global development would not have success if Africa fails to take advantage of its youth dividend.
“The international community will not find peace and security if Africa is not able to manage not only its conflicts, but above all, to make prevention and find a solution to its conflicts,” he said.
Guterres also praised African countries for their handling of migration issues, saying that “I have always seen African countries open their doors to refugees and migrants. This is a lesson that other parts of the world should understand.”
Affirming UN’s commitment to support Africa, Guterres said the partnership between the UN and the AU is “the most important partnership.”
“Cooperation with the African Union is really a fundamental strategic element for the United Nations to be able to fulfill its mandate,” he said.
Peace and security, development, and human rights are said to be some of the common areas of interest for the UN and the AU to strengthen their partnership.
The two organizations signed an agreement on Saturday to strengthen development in Africa, it was noted. According to Moussa Faki Mahamat, AU Commission Chairperson, AU’s flagship Agenda 2063 and the global 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development (SDG) can go hand-in-hand towards the continent’s development.
The targets of the SDG mainly focus the economic, social and environmental aspects of development.

MHA Shri Rajnath Singh released the book,” On the Trail of the Black”.

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Sagar Media Inc: MHA Shri Rajnath  Singh thanks Authors and belessed them and appreciated the  book “On the Trail of the Black”. He said have not read complete book  but gone through some pages, this book deal corruption in many sectors. Corruption mitigate development, income disparity cause civil unrest. Digital,  Transparency, procedures policy are the keys to mitigate corruption in prevailing system.
MHA Sri Rajnath Singh said, Our PM is more concerned about corruption which dilute corruption.SIT formed in first cabinet meet, health sector need corruption free.. This is an  important step of government reduced generic medicines and paid attention to other vaccinations available  for infants.
Government is making an efforts in the Tax collection that too  is imp to reduce corruption .We all need fight corruption.  Minister further said Education can bring change, we need in society ideal personalities and  with procedure reforms like DBT MENREGA is made Easy with Aadhar . Society need awareness. Niti Ayog Policy makers we approve. Inspiration personality need to be galvanized. There must be more respect for value based actions rather than money making acts.
Dr Advani Mahajan said, Don’t agree that we do not need of Lokpal, crypto currency surge in Demonetization, conflict of interest ,FSSAI Nexus MNC , 350 consultant paid by MNC shunted out, corruption need to eye nodal point of Nexus, over invoices and under invoice government fails all cases as the system lack experts in this field.
Mr Amitabh address In government tenure of forty years I have better experience many laws knots together making loop holes and destroy the systems. From couple of years  digital online, make easy one page to three page law process, Institutions  need strength Medical commission medical council, UGC  need restructure, tech need to be used. DBT Aadhar benefiring tens of  cr beneficiaries thus  break bureaucratic nexus.
CEO Niti Ayog said Government procurement where corruption dwell,  E procurement GEM is best  and bid and auction with transparency makes the scenario better for economy. In new institution India need simple easy procedures, intelligence and other Alternative intelligence to take over.
Director NMML, Mr Shakti Sinha briefing on book Launch,” On the Trail of the Black”.
Many things need to be done. internal deptt inquiry,  balancing act of CVC, CBI, other  institution, law process more important to solve laws etc. No one wants to break law  with bold initiatives a step to  mitigate corruption.

Siddikur Rahman reigns supreme : Dhaka Open

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Siddikur Rahman reigns supreme on home turf with four-shot victory at City Bank American Express Dhaka Open. 
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Dhaka, January 27, 2018: Bangladesh’s Md Siddikur Rahman lived up to the expectations of the home crowd as he recorded a four-shot victory at the inaugural City Bank American Express Dhaka Open, a US$ 60,000 event, played at his home course, the Kurmitola Golf Club. Siddikur fired a final round of two-under-70 to end the week with a total of 14-under-274.
Sweden’s Malcolm Kokocinski (67) finished a distant second at 10-under-278 at the event tri-sanctioned by the Asian Development Tour (ADT), Professional Golf Tour of India (PGTI) and Bangladesh Professional Golfers Association (BPGA).
Siddikur Rahman (68-66-70-70), the overnight leader by two shots, put up a consistent display on the final day making four birdies and two bogeys. The 33-year-old was in no mood to yield an inch to his rivals from the very start as was evident from his three birdies over the first 10 holes.
Rahman, who was in the lead since round two, did suffer a couple of setbacks with bogeys on the 11th and 13th but was solid through the final stretch thanks to a birdie and  four pars on the last five holes that saw him sail home with a comfortable margin.
It was Siddikur’s fourth international win and second triumph on the ADT. Siddikur had also won his first event on the ADT, the 2011 Grameenphone Bangladesh Masters, at the same venue, the Kurmitola Golf Club.
Siddikur, a two-time Asian Tour winner, said, “I was really hungry for a win this week. I’m delighted that I could live up to the expectations of the fans here in Bangladesh.
“My putting form was back today as I sank some long putts including a 15-footer on the ninth and a 35-footer on the 10th. Those two putts really lifted my confidence. I had a great week with the putter and made a lot of long putts except for the third round.
“This win is a huge boost for me ahead of the long Asian Tour season. I’ll look to build on the gains from this victory.”
Malcolm Kokocinski (70-70-71-67) posted the day’s best score of five-under-67 to rise from overnight tied third to second place. The Swede registered six birdies and a bogey on Saturday. He enjoyed a run of four straight birdies from the 11th to the 14th.
India’s Shankar Das (73) finished third at nine-under-279 while Bangladesh’s Akbar Hossain (70) was a further two strokes back in fourth.
India’s Shamim Khan took fifth place at six-under-282.

4th National Conference on Physical Education & Sports Sciences (NCPESS-2018)

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4th National Conference on Physical Education & Sports Sciences
Respected Sir/Mdm, greetings from PEFI
 
Happy to share that Physical Education Foundation of India (Under the Aegis of Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports) is organizing 4th National Conference on Physical Education & Sports (NPESS2018) in New Delhi from 09-10 February 2018.
 
Online Registration is available on:
 
http://pefindia.org/Conference 2018/index.html
 
Last date of Online Registration is 31st January 2018.
 
Conference Event page:
 
https://www.facebook.com/event s/1928442730756805/
 
For More Information, Please Contact:
 
Mr. Tarun Kumar – 9910147545
 
…for Healthy India
Dr. Piyush Jain
National Secretary
Physical Education Foundation of India (PEFI)
Cell – 9212799477

No Sikh Regiment in Jan 26 parade undermining Sikh sacrifices: S. Sarna

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NEW DELHI, Jan 26 Excluding the proud Sikh Regiment from the annual Jan 26 parade for a second year in a row isn’t a coincidence but a calculated move to undermine the Sikh sacrifices in the freedom movement and on the battlefield in independent India, SADD chief Paramjit Singh Sarna has observed.
Never before the present BJP government, whom the Badals extend unconditional support, has the Sikh-regiment been ever sidelined in India’s display of its might tothe world outside.“The Sikh soldiers marching on the Rajpath have been a proud symbol of bravery and sacri’ce. But not anylonger under the present dispensation,” said S. Sarna.The Cellular Jail in the Andamans stands as ahistoric reminder of the scale of the Sikh role in freedom movement. “Most of the prisoners condemned to Kala Pani by the British were Sikhs.
Their names are still written all over the plaques inside the Cellular Jail,” the SADD chief noted. “But it’s insulting that the Sikh Regiment has now been pulled out of the Republic Day parade when the Sikh soldiers from across the three services have an unmatched record of bravery in India’s wars with the neighbors and also in dangerous troubled zones.”
S. Sarna wondered why the Badals, especially union minister Harsimrat Badal, has not been able to ensure the Sikh Regiment was given its due place in the parade.

Trump proposes US citizenship plan

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US President Donald Trump’s administration has unveiled a sweeping new immigration plan to Congress that offers 1.8 million young unauthorized immigrants known as “Dreamers” a path to citizenship over 10-12 years.
In a comprehensive reform that will be formally presented next week, Trump also asked Congress Thursday to eliminate the popular “green card lottery” program and severely restrict family immigration, steps analysts say could cut in half the more than one million foreign-born people moving to the country annually.
And in the name of halting illegal immigration, he has also demanded Congress budget $25 billion for a “trust fund” for constructing a wall on the US-Mexico border — a major plank of Trump’s White House campaign.
“The Department of Homeland Security must have the tools to deter illegal immigrants; the ability to remove individuals who illegally enter the United States, and the vital authorities necessary to protect national security,” a senior White House official told journalists.
The White House’s offer of a path to citizenship for the Dreamers was much wider than expected. Earlier it had suggested it was only open to granting citizenship to the 690,000 young immigrants registered under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program.
But in exchange, Trump was asking Congress to make future legal immigration more difficult — and to shore up the Homeland Security Department’s toolbox and funding to crack down on the overall population of unauthorized immigrants, estimated at some 11 million, including Dreamers.
That could make the plan difficult to get past Democrats, no matter how strong they want the Dreamers reform.
“There is no public policy justification for cutting legal immigration in half. None,” said Democratic Senator Brian Schatz on Twitter.The plan represents a sharp shift in US immigration policies.
Trump promised during his 2016 presidential campaign a tough crackdown on illegal immigration but has extended this to narrowing the doors for legal immigrants and refugees.
The end of the lottery system — which was introduced in 1990 to diversify the origins of new immigrants — was expected and has support from some Democrats. Trump has argued the program has allowed people into the country who have supported Islamic extremists.
“This program is riddled with fraud and abuse and does not serve the national interest,” the White House said in a summary Thursday.
Trump however at least momentarily undermined his push against the lottery when, in immigration bill negotiations with lawmakers in early January, he complained about immigrants from what he reportedly dubbed “shithole” nations like Haiti, El Salvador and countries in Africa, sparking widespread outrage.
Trump has also argued for ending “chain” migration, the practice of allowing the extended family members of people who already have US citizenship to immigrate.
Thursday’s proposal said that to “protect the nuclear family,” family immigration would be only permitted for spouses and minor children.
The White House plan immediately provoked the ire of Democrats, who made clear they would likely fight to water down the changes in negotiations in coming weeks.
Senator Bill Nelson, a Democrat from Florida, said a bill calling for a big crackdown on undocumented immigrants and new restrictions on legal entry for relatives might be a hard sell.
“If you start putting in all of these highly charged toxic issues, it’s just not going to work,” said Nelson.
Pro-immigration groups said the proposal would reduce overall immigration by half and was aimed at bringing more Caucasians into the country.
“$25 billion as ransom for Dreamers with cuts to legal immigration and increases to deportations doesn’t pass the laugh test,” said Democratic Representative Luis Gutierrez.
“The White House released a hateful, xenophobic immigration proposal that would slash legal immigration to levels not seen since the racial quotas of the 1920s,” said Lorella Praeli, director of immigration policy at the American Civil Liberties Union.
But Republican leaders in Congress voiced solid support: Senate majority leader Mitch McConnell said the White House proposal was a “framework” for crafting a final immigration deal.
Republican Senator Tom Cotton, a hardline conservative, called Trump’s framework “generous and humane, while also being responsible.”
However, some conservatives were angered by the sweeping offer to Dreamers, which they say constitutes an amnesty that rewards law-breakers and sets a bad precedent for other undocumented immigrants.
“Any proposal that expands the amnesty-eligible population risks opening Pandora’s box,” said Michael Needham, chief executive of the right-wing lobby Heritage Action.
“That should be a non-starter,” he said.
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SADD condemns Sirsa’s sectarian statement

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SADD condemns Sirsa’s sectarian statement, asks Badals if they sanctioned it
NEW DELHI, Jan 29 — MLA Manjinder Singh Sirsa’s statement on Tipu Sultan is aimed at turning two minorities against each other and is part of dangerous sectarian politics perpetrated in the country by bigger forces, SADD chief Paramjit Singh Sarna has declared.
Sirsa, who is historically and religiously completely illiterate, was heard referring to 1970 as a period for Tipu Sultan to have written some letters when the Mysore king had died long back in 1799.“Illiterate Sirsa was clearly parroting what was dictated to him by Nagpur. If he was a true Sikh, he would have no business whatsoever raising a non-issue ofTipu Sultan’s portraits in the Delhi assembly into a Sikh versus Muslim matter. But he did it brazenly at the behest of communal forces,” S. Sarna noted.He asked the Badals if they had issued a prior sanction to Sirsa to raise completely uncalled-for objections over the Mysore ruler’s posters. “If he did what hedid came after Badals’ approval, then the father-son duo must now hang their heads in shame,” the SADD president thundered.
S. Sarna recalled how Sirsa smiled sheepishly standing beside Sadhvi Jyoti when she made a disgusting comment at an election rally few years ago.“Uneducated Sirsa, who’s raised on drug and extortion money, has become Nagpur’s agent in the turban to drive their divisive agenda forward.
His every public statement, every gesture is dictated by the anti-minority, anti-Muslim Sangh Parivar that treats even the Sikhs as menial bodyguards of the Hindus,” S.Sarna observed. He’s a shame on the Sikh community, the SADD president said. “The Sikhs have no truck with brokers and middlemen of communalism. Given Sirsa’s statement, we don’t know if the Badals qualify to be called Sikhs any longer.
Kulwinder Singh Mattoo
Advocate

West Bengal stretch of Prime Minister Urja Ganga Pipeline Project begins

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GAIL commences construction work for the West Bengal stretch of Prime Minister Urja Ganga Pipeline Project.
New Delhi, 29th January, 2018: GAIL (India) Limited has started pipeline construction work in the state of West Bengal for providing gas supply to Matix Fertilizers, Durgapur. This project is being executed as a part of ‘Pradhan Mantri Urja Ganga’ pipeline project i.e. Jagdishpur-Haldia & Bokaro-Dhamra Natural Gas Pipeline (JHBDPL) project and is being executed on a fast track basis. A total of 555 Km long pipeline with an approved cost of approximately Rs. 2700 crore in West Bengal will pass through eight districts like Puruliya, Bankura, Burdwan, Nadia, Hooghly, Howrah, East Medinapur and 24 North Paragana. Further project activities for execution of pipeline in the state of West Bengal upto Haldia and City Gas Distribution in Kolkata are also expected to commence shortly.
The prestigious 2655 Km long JHBDPL project was inaugurated by Hon’ble Prime Minister of India in July’2015. The project is progressing in full swing. The pipeline will pass through the states of Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, West Bengal and Odisha.
The project is being executed in a phased manner. Phase I consists of pipeline network from Phulpur – Dobhi with spurlines to Varanasi, Gorakhpur, Patna and Barauni (755 Km) and is scheduled to be completed by Dec ‘18. Phase II of the project beyond Dobhi (Gaya) towards Durgapur Haldia & Bokaro – Ranchi and Angul – Dhamra (1900 Km) is scheduled to be completed progressively by Dec’20.
The project will usher Industrial development in Eastern part of India by supplying environmentally clean Natural Gas to Fertilizer & Power plant, Refineries, Steel plants and other Industries. Further, the arrival of the Pradhan Mantri Urja Ganga will provide direct and indirect employment to thousands of people.
The project will also provide clean energy to households and transportation in the cities en-route the pipeline. The City gas Network laying activity in Varanasi, Bhubaneswar, Ranchi and Cuttack has already commenced and activities in other cities namely Patna and Jamshedpur will start by next month. The pilot project in  Bhubaneshwar for providing PNG & CNG has already been inaugurated in October 2017 & December 2017 respectively, by Hon’ble Minister of Petroleum & Natural Gas and Skill Development & Entrepreneurship.

Nine dead in Mexico shooting

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Mexican authorities investigating killing of  nine men at a house in Monterrey, said Sunday small local drug-trafficking groups appeared to be involved but not major drug cartels.
The men were watching a football match on television on Saturday when armed attackers burst into the house, herded women into the bathroom and then opened fire on the men, the attorney general of the state of Nuevo Leon, Bernardo Gonzalez, said.
Seven men were killed on the spot and two others died of their wounds after being taken to local hospitals, he said.
Gonzalez said drugs were found in the house, and the attack appeared to involve local drug traffickers. But in an interview on local television, he insisted, “This is an isolated incident. It has nothing to do with a dispute between cartels in our state.”
Monterrey, an important industrial centre in northern Mexico, has been shaken by drug violence in recent years, stemming from a conflict between the Gulf and Zeta cartels.Omar Trevino, the Zeta leader known as Z-42 and considered one of Mexico´s most ruthless drug bosses, was arrested in 2015 in a posh Monterrey suburb.

Israel seek Polish clarification

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Israel seek Polish clarification, on Nazi death camps.
Israel summoned a top Polish diplomat today to express concerns over legislation Warsaw was advancing regarding the Holocaust and the definition of Nazi death camps. Poland’s rightwing-dominated Parliament adopted legislation on Friday setting a maximum three-year jail term for anyone who accuses the Polish nation or state of complicity with Nazi crimes, or who refers to Nazi German death camps as being Polish.
The measure, intended to apply to both Poles and foreigners, must still pass the Senate before being signed by the President. The Foreign Ministry said the charge d’affaires for Poland’s embassy in Israel, Piotr Kozlowski, was summoned to for a “clarification” with senior officials. A statement of the said, Israel’s opposition to the wording of the bill was expressed to him. The timing of the bill — the eve of International Holocaust Remembrance Day — was particularly surprising and unfortunate.
Late on Saturday, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu accused Poland of seeking to deny history with the bill. Polish officials routinely request corrections when global media or politicians describe as “Polish” former death camps such as Auschwitz set up by Nazi Germany in occupied Poland.

Yemen PM accuses separatists take over of Aden

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Yemen’s Prime Minister Ahmed bin Dagher has accused separatist forces backed by UAE of staging a coup in the city of Aden after they took over government headquarters. He also called on the Saudi-led military coalition to intervene, stressing that UAE was the decision-maker in the city.
Clashes broke out yesterday between the army of President Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadi, who is supported by Saudi Arabia, and UAE-backed forces seeking separation from the country’s north.
Reports BBC, at least 10 people have died and dozens of people are reported injured. The development further complicates an already dire situation in Yemen, where millions need aid.

UK May faces fresh challenge on Brexit

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British Prime Minister Theresa May faces new challenges to her flagship Brexit law through parliament after lawmakers demanded changes only a day before parliament’s upper house begins to debate the legislation. The House of Lords Constitution Committee said in a report published today that the legislation to end Britain’s European Union membership has fundamental flaws, including ministerial powers it considers too sweeping.
The Lords committee expressed concern that the government will use the Brexit process to reshape EU laws without proper parliamentary scrutiny as they move into British law. It urged the government to reach agreement about which powers currently held in Brussels will return to Britain’s central government and which will be devolved to Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. The legislation was cleared by the House of Commons this month and will come before the upper house- House of Lords tomorrow.

Japan and France meet for defense cooperation.

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Japan and France have agreed to boost defense cooperation.
Japanese Defense Minister Itsunori Onodera met with his French counterpart Florence Parly in Tokyo on Saturday. Onodera said France, with its vast exclusive economic zone in the Pacific region, is Japan’s special partner. Two ministers agreed to boost bilateral cooperation to promote a free and open Indo-Pacific region.
Ministers  confirmed that North Korea’s nuclear and missile development poses a grave and imminent threat to the international community and have agreed to use all possible measures to step up pressure against the North to a maximum level.
Both ministers agree  to conduct joint military drills on land and at sea.
Onodera and Parly then inspected a Japanese Self-Defense Force unit in charge of PAC3 interceptor missiles deployed in the Defense Ministry compound.
Onodera later told reporters that they also spoke in the meeting about China’s maritime activities in the South China Sea.

ASSOCHAM INDUSTRY-MEDIA INTERACTION ON UNION BUDGET 2018-19

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To
– Managing Committee Members
– Patron Members
– Promoter Chambers
– Corporate Associates
– Associated Chambers
– Ordinary Members
ASSOCHAM INDUSTRY-MEDIA INTERACTION ON UNION BUDGET 2018-19 
Thursday, 1 February 2018 
Hotel: The Shangri-La, New Delhi

On the occasion of presentation of Union Budget by the Hon’ble Finance Minister, Shri Arun Jaitley ji on Thursday, 1st February 2018. ASSOCHAM would be organizing a budget viewing session at Hotel Shangri-La, New Delhi at 10.00 a.m. on Thursday.
The TV channels which will cover the Industry interaction comprise: 
  • CNBC Awaaz
  • ZEE Business
  • Bloomberg UTV
  • Headlines Today, AAJ TAK
  • NewsX
  • News Nation
  • News 24
  • ABP News
  • DD News
  • Sahara News
  • India News
  • Live India
  • ANI
In view of your acceptance in media as well stature of your industry, may I call upon you to kindly participate in the event at 10.00 a.m. on February 1, 2018 at Hotel The Shangri-La, New Delhi.  The Interaction will be followed by Lunch. 
I hope my request will be favourably considered. 
We look forward for your kind cooperation. 
With warm regards,

Yours sincerely,
D.S. Rawat
Secretary General
—————————— ———————–
The Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India
ASSOCHAM Corporate Office
5, Sardar Patel Marg, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi – 110 021
Tel: 011-46550555 Fax: 23017008/9 

M6.6 – southwest of Africa

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Preliminary Earthquake Report
Magnitude6.6
Date-Time
  • 28 Jan 2018 16:03:04 UTC
  • 28 Jan 2018 16:03:04 near epicenter
  • 28 Jan 2018 20:03:04 standard time in your timezone
Location53.050S 9.645E
Depth10 km
Distances
  • 2204.9 km (1367.0 mi) SSW of Hermanus, South Africa
  • 2215.7 km (1373.7 mi) SSW of Bredasdorp, South Africa
  • 2223.8 km (1378.7 mi) SSW of Retreat, South Africa
  • 2227.4 km (1381.0 mi) SSW of Grabouw, South Africa
  • 2236.3 km (1386.5 mi) SSW of Cape Town, South Africa
Location UncertaintyHorizontal:

” Safe Spaces”

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“Safe Spaces” Offer Psychosocial Support to Rohingya Women

Cox’s Bazar – “The reason we have the mirror is that after everything that has happened to them, many of the women cannot bear to look at themselves,” says Lufta Bokshi, a psychosocial support officer who is helping Rohingya women refugees in Bangladesh come to terms with life after fleeing deadly violence and rape in Myanmar.
“We encourage them to look in the mirror so they can see they are still beautiful and that life can still be beautiful too,” she says.
At this new women’s safe space created by IOM, the UN Migration Agency, for Rohingya women in one of Cox’s Bazar’s vast refugee camps, a lot of work has gone into making things beautiful with the most basic of materials.
Outside, a sunflower is already showing its face in the newly planted garden. Inside, colourful hand-made paper flowers adorn the walls.
Despite the clamour and the chaos outside – where life in the camp is noisy and hard and holds many dangers – inside the security of the high bamboo fence that protects this space, a feeling of calm and safety reigns.
Only women are allowed to enter. Even the guard, who sits in a little bamboo cabin at the entrance, is female. And for those who come here, that matters so much.
IOM has recently opened four such spaces, with another four more planned and set to become operational in coming weeks.
“The spaces play a vital role in ensuring women and adolescent girls have somewhere they feel safe to express themselves, access important information, develop social networks, and strengthen their  resilience to find positive ways to cope in the future,” said Megan Denise Smith, an IOM operations officer in Cox’s Bazar specializing in cases of gender-based violence (GBV).
More than 688,000 Rohingya refugees have fled to Bangladesh from Myanmar since a major upsurge in violence in Myanmar’s North Rakhine State in August 2017.
While women at the centre say they feel safer here than they did in Myanmar, the violence and loss that they and their families experienced in Myanmar are experiences that remain with them in Bangladesh. The space to discuss their worries past and present helps them to develop coping mechanisms.

“When we share our worries with our sisters here, we feel much better. I feel happy because we can learn things from each other,” says Asama*, a young mother who attends the centre.
“In Myanmar we weren’t used to this. We never got a chance to get together to gossip, because the [authorities] thought that when we got together in a group we were organizing something against them.”
When women in the camps mention “family problems” they may be referring to normal ups and downs in relationships. But Mostafizur Rahman, an IOM psychologist, explains that usually they mean that they are trying to cope with the loss of one or more relatives in the violence they fled.
Raysuana, a participant in a focus group about what kind of support women attending the centres need, scores her relationship with close family and other relatives as 2 out of a possible 5. She says she doesn’t have any immediate family left. They all died in Myanmar.
The opportunity to discuss feelings out loud in a secure and supportive environment is crucial, according to staff and the women who attend the spaces. In Rohingya traditional society, women are rarely afforded the opportunity to speak up publicly. Here, they say, they can talk “fruitfully”, free from the “dominance of men”.
“When I stay in my own house, I worry more. But in the safe space I can be with other people who are similar to me and we can share our emotions,” says Fatima, another focus group participant.
At the IOM safe spaces women receive individual and group counselling. There are also craft materials, board games and television, where they can watch films and other programmes to help them build up their confidence and resilience.
“I can’t sleep at night for thinking about all the different things we can do (to help) these women,” says Bokshi, whose local organization PULSE is an IOM partner at the safe spaces.
Women and girls in the camps need psychosocial support not just to deal with the violence and traumatic experiences of the past, but also the current difficulties that they now face. The everyday challenges of surviving in a place surrounded by hundreds of thousands of strangers; coping with a life lived under tarpaulins, reliant on food aid just to survive; and the increased risk of gender-based violence that comes with life in a refugee camp.
Women and adolescent girls who visit the safe spaces also learn about the dangers of human trafficking. This is a very real risk in the camps, where traffickers can lure vulnerable adults and children with promises of good jobs and a better life, but in reality deal in slavery, forced labour, sexual exploitation and other abuses.
There is no single solution to finding ways to offer support to women in the refugee camps. While stories of violence, rape and loss are all too common, each person’s experience and response is unique.
But the IOM safe spaces offer a place for women to come together and find their strengths as individuals and through shared experiences.
The mirror is not just used in psychosocial support sessions. “When the women come in here, they are able to take off their head scarves away from the view of men. They can use the mirror to apply face cream or put on some make up. Little things. But things that give them a chance to feel normal,” says Bokshi.
During the past week, IOM responded to 159 protection/gender-based violence (GBV) cases. Since the start of the current crisis in August 2017, IOM has identified 15,151 extremely vulnerable individuals. Some 447 GBV cases have been assisted through IOM’s case management. Another 4,153 individuals have received psychosocial first aid and 24 victims of trafficking have been identified and assisted.
(*Some names have been changed for protection reasons.)
For more information please contact Fiona MacGregor at IOM Cox’s Bazar. Email: fmacgregor@iom.int, Tel. +8801733335221

CEA operations ?

ON  BY NARESH SAGARLEAVE A COMMENTEDIT
CEA Operated As Commission Agents $250b Junk Investment   
January27, 2018 (C) Ravinder Singh progressindia2015@gmail.com
This following Shocking discovery was made while investigating reports of India slipping to 177 Rank out of 180 in Environmental Index. Since CEA doesn’t give Capital Expenditure & Performance report I had to rely on data of Capacity Additions in 4 years.
In fight against Corruption things have worsened, when things could have improved substantially. Just as I was writing this BRPL Power Supply was tripped and Switched on 4 Times. A 1000 KVA Transformer was Switched On & Off as UNSKILLED Labor of BRPL was repairing a Temporary SINGLE PHASE Connection of building under construction.
$250b CEA JUNK GRADE POWER INVESTMENTS IN 4 YEARS
Here in the CEA data generation growth in 4 Years is only 24.7%since 2014, 241 BU
and Consumption Growth just 180 BU which is average power demand of only 27,511 MW – Consumer Requirement 20,500 MW, Peak Demand growth 30,937 MW in 4 Years.
Description
3/2014
3/2015
3/2016
3/2017
12/2017
3/2018*
4 Yrs
Cost Rs. Lakh Cr
Capacity Add MW
17,825
22,566
23,977
14,210
4,765
9,094
69,874
5,00,000
Peak Demand MW
129,815
141,460
148,463
156,934
160,752
160,752
28.3%
EHT Trans Lines Km
16,748
22,101
28,114
26,300
16,236
20,760
97,275
1,50,000
EHT Transform MVA
57,330
65,554
62,849
81,816
63,765
85,536
271,269
3,50,000
Generation BU
967
1,048
1,108
1,160
903
1,206
24.7%
*Expected based on April-Dec2017 Trend.
CEA and Ministry of Power Spent Rs.10,00,000 Cr to Supply Average Growth in Consumer Consumption of only 20,500 MW. Railways & Coal Ministry also Invested say Rs.2,00,000 Cr, States spend Rs.1,50,000 Cr on HT & LT Distribution Infra, their Loses Rs.2,50,000 Cr. = Rs.16,00,000 Cr.
Ø Alternate CLEAN Option 1.  India could have 100,000 MW Multipurpose Hydro Power producting 400 BU of Power, Storage of 200 BCM, Canals + T&D Lines.
Ø Alternate CLEAN Option 2.  India could have installed 4,00,000 MW of Solar Rooftops or Solar Farms producing 600 BU of Clean Power Annually.
Ø Alternate CLEAN Option 3.  India could have installed 60,000 MW of ‘Mitsubishi Advanced Nuclear Reactors’ in Coastal zones.

Ø Alternate CLEAN Option 4.  This Inventor Led ‘ENERGY EFFICIENCY’ Program – Cost Rs.16,000 Cr as Consultancy – Rs.84,000 Cr Invest – saving 200 BU of Power + Rs.15,00,000 Cr for Industry/Food Processing Farm to Fork Program.
Ø OUTCOME – INDIA RANKED AMONG TOP 30 CLEANEST COUNTRIES
Ø  ADD $TRILLION TO GDP GROWTH – HEALTHY HUNGER FREE INDIA
Ravinder Singh, Inventor & Consultant, INNOVATIVE TECHNOLOGIES AND PROJECTS
Y-77, Hauz Khas, ND -110016, India. Ph: 091- 8826415770, 9871056471, 9650421857

Delhi Traders Bandh

ON  BY NARESH SAGARLEAVE A COMMENTEDIT
Exif_JPEG_420
Exif_JPEG_420
28th  January, 2018
TRADERS 48 HOURS DELHI TRADE BANDH IS GETTING MOMENTUM
ALL MARKETS ACROSS DELHI WILL REMAIN CLOSED
The resentment and anguish of the traders of Delhi against ongoing sealing is increasing day by day leading to a call of 48 hours Delhi Trade Bandh on forthcoming 2nd & 3rd February by the Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT). Support to Trade Bandh is began pouring in as the Delhi Hindustani Mercantile Association has declared to shut down Chandni Chowk market during the Trade Bandh and on the other side the North Delhi Traders Federation has also declared its support and entire North Delhi will remain closed. Closed to the heels the Ashok Vihar Vyapar Mandal and South Extension Market Association has also declared to remain closed. It is expected that during next two days, most of the markets in Delhi will officially declare their support.All wholesale, retail & commercial markets in Delhi shall remain closed for 48 hours.
CAIT Secretary General Mr. Praveen Khandelwal said that decision of Delhi Trade Bandh was taken yesterday at a meeting of Delhi Traders attended by representatives of about 500 leading Trade Associations from all corners of Delhi. The traders are agitated as they feel that under the guise of stopping misuse of buildings they are being targeted in a most arbitrary manner without giving any opportunity of placing their defence.What to say of defence, they are even not being informed of the offence committed by them and just a single line order to seal their business establishments has become the order of the day. It is pity that in a Country where terrorist like Qasab is given enough opportunity to place his defence, the traders of Delhi are being denied the right of show cause notice and opportunity of hearing as also making appeal to Appellate Tribunal & Administrator of Delhi.
Mr. Khandelwal informed that the first plan of the City was drawn in the year 1865 & 1866 by Lala Hardeo Das & Tika Ram under the superintendence of Mr. E.J.Martin, Executive Engineer which also contains several areas as Commercial and later on commercial activities keep increasing and were declared as Commercial or Mixed Land Use by the Authorities. But no one is bothered to study these areas and more interested in sealing of commercial establishments.
Not only Indian Jurisprudence but even Principle of Natural Justice lay great emphasis on following the due process of law before taking any punitive action. But in the matter of sealing the traders are mercilessly being deprived of these rights though the provisions of Delhi Municipal Corporation Act are explicit and clear.In case of misuse of building the Commissioner under Section 466A & 467 is duty bound to first make a complaint with the Municipal Magistrate within six months from the date when such misuse is came to his knowledge .Any complaint made after six months is liable to be rejected and no action can be taken.The facts of existence of offence can be borrowed from MCD record itself as under Section 124 MCD has to maintain a Municipal Assessment Book which contains details of user of all properties in Delhi.The MCD is under obligation to issue a Show Cause Notice under Section 343(1) with sufficient time to be given to reply.Even after the order of Commissioner to take punitive action, the person under Section 347B (O) (i) can make first appeal to Appellate Tribunal and then to Administrator of Delhi i.e. Lt. Governor. It is more interesting to note that so far Commissioner under Section 419 has not prohibited any area for commercial use. All these rights are snatched and the sealing is being done in a most anarchic manner leading to gross violation of MCD Act.
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ADB and Centre sign 250 mn dollar loan agreement

ON  BY NARESH SAGARLEAVE A COMMENTEDIT
Asian Development Bank and the Centre have signed a 250 million dollar loan to finance the construction of over 6,200 kilometres all-weather rural roads in Assam, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha and West Bengal under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY).
The program is aimed at improving rural connectivity, facilitating safer and more efficient access to livelihood and socio-economic opportunities for rural communities through improvements to about 12 thousand kilometres Rural Roads across the 5 States.
Joint Secretary (Multilateral Institutions) in Department of Economic Affairs Sameer Kumar Khare signed the loan agreement on behalf of Government of India. Speaking on the occasion, Mr Khare said, the ADB-funded investment program will provide continued assistance to the PMGSY and support the Government’s long-term goal for rural development.
He said, the programme is likely to have a transformative impact in terms of rural economy and will also bring in greater efficiency in terms of access and connectivity for the rural people in the five States.

Indian Navy launches 3rd Scorpene class submarine Karanj

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Indian Navy today launched the third Scorpene class submarine Karanj. Navy chief Admiral Sunil Lanba’s wife Reena Lanba launched the submarine, which has been constructed by shipbuilder Mazagon Dock Limited (MDL) in Mumbai.
Speaking on the occasion, Admiral Lanba said the submarine will undergo rigorous tests for the next one year before it is commissioned. a total six submarines are going to be built at the MDL. The submarines are being built in collaboration with French shipbuilding major Naval Group.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has last month commissioned the first of the six Scorpene-class submarine Kalvari into the Indian Navy and said its induction was a big step in the country’s defence preparedness.Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman had then said that submarine building is a sophisticated and exacting craft which very few countries possess in their industrial capacity.

PM Modi to launch first Khelo India School Games

ON  BY NARESH SAGARLEAVE A COMMENTEDIT
PM Modi to launch first Khelo India School Games in New Delhi; Govt plans to develop sports infrastructure in universities
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will launch the first Khelo India School Games at Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium in New Delhi today.
The games will continue until 8th of next month. Khelo India is expected to help scout young talent from the schools in various disciplines and groom them as future sports champions. AIR correspondent reports that the country’s brightest talent in the under-17 age group will compete in the Games.
The games will be held in 16 disciplines at five venues. The disciplines include Athletics, Badminton, Basketball, Boxing, Football, Hockey, Kabaddi, Shooting, Swimming, Weightlifting and Wrestling. The games will highlight India’s young sporting talent and showcase India’s sports potential. 199 gold medals, 199 silver medals and 275 bronze medals are at stake in these Games.
The Khelo India programme has been introduced to revive the sports culture in the country at the grass-roots level by building a strong framework for all sports played in the country.
Talented players identified in priority sports disciplines at various levels by a High-Powered Committee will be provided annual financial assistance of five lakh per annum for eight years.
The Government is planning to develop sports infrastructure in the universities so that they become Centre for excellence in Sports.
Sports Minister Col Rajyavardhan Rathore said Government will also develop sports infrastructure in one school each in 150 districts. He said, sports is state subject and the Centre is setting standards for states to follow.
Col Rathore expressed hope that Khelo India college games will be held next year. He said the Centre will bring a Sports Code which will ensure transparency. Col Rathore said, his Ministry has recommended to the Central Advisory Board of Education to include physical education as a subject in the school curriculum.

Theresa May visiting China

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UK PM  Theresa May visiting  the central Chinese city of Wuhan Wednesday on the UK’s trade probabilities outside of the European Union. PM begins her three-day visit to the country, education programmes with China including deals worth some £550m to the economy. Assured nation to raise human rights and Hong Kong’s political situation with China’s leaders this week.
PM is accompanied by  50 British business leaders, May’s visit  focus on exploring  new global trade links ahead of the UK’s divorce from the European Union, slated for March 2019.

Dear N.K ,The Africa Rail 2018 conference

ON  BY NARESH SAGARLEAVE A COMMENTEDIT
nksagar_1@yahoo.com
31 Jan. at 1:32 pm
Dear N.K ,
The Africa Rail 2018 conference is almost full, the continent’s largest and most established railway conference, is taking place on the 12-13 June 2018 and it’s bringing the buyers to you! With only 15 slots remaining this is your chance to put your company in front of Africa’s leading rail operators, end users and government.
We have the pleasure in confirming buyers from the following 18 countries:
  • Kenya – Managing Director, Kenya Railways Corporation
  • Burkina Faso – Director of Cabinet, Ministry of Transports
  • Swaziland – Director of Engineering, Swaziland Railway
  • Uganda – Managing Director, Uganda Railways Corporation
  • Morocco – Head of Telecoms Engineering Services, ONCF
  • Nigeria –  Managing Director, Nigerian Railways Corporation
  • Ethiopia – Former CEO, Ethiopian Railway Corporation
  • Ghana – Deputy Minister, Ministry of Railways Development
  • Burundi – Minister, Ministry of Transport, Public Works and Equipment
  • Namibia – Deputy Minister, Ministry of Works and Transport
  • DRC – Director General, SNCC
  • Zambia – Government Inspector of Railway, Ministry of Transport and Communications
  • Tunisia- Chief Transport Engineer, AfDB
  • Zimbabwe – Board Chairman, National Railways of Zimbabwe
  • Cameroon –  Director of Transport, Camrail
  • Egypt – Advisor to the Minister of Transport and Logistics, Ministry of Transport
  • Chad – Director of Urbanism and Head of Urban Transport, Ministry of Transport
  • South Africa – Digital Specialist Communication and Marketing, Gautrain
If you want to meet with key operators from across these countries and many more then you need to sponsor / exhibit at Africa Rail 2018! Download the exhibitor brochure here >
Call me now on +27 11 516 4075 to secure business development opportunities using this unrivalled platform!
Kind Regards
Athena Maharaj
T| + 27 11 516 4075
C| + 27 72 509 9240

Summary:Election Expenses of MLAs from the Himachal Pradesh Assembly 2017 Elections

ON  BY NARESH SAGARLEAVE A COMMENTEDIT
Summary and Highlights of Election Expenses of MLAs from the Himachal Pradesh Assembly 2017 Elections                 
  1. Less than 50% of the Limit:  Out of 68 MLAs analysed, 25(37%)  MLAs have declared election expenses of less than 50% of the expense limit of Rs. 28 lakhs in their constituency.
  2. Average Election Expenses: Based on the election expense declarations of 68 MLAs from Himachal Pradesh Assembly, the average amount of money spent by them in the elections is  Rs 15.26 lakhs, which is  55% of the expense limit.
                                                          Inline image 8
​​
​​
Inline image 2
Figure: Party-wise Average Election Expenses (Rs. in lakhs)
Inline image 9
Figure: Break Down of Elections Expenses Incurred by MLAs
  
3.   Top 3 MLAs with highest Election Expenses: The details of top 3 MLAs who have declared the highest election expenses are given below:
S.No.
Name
District
Constituency
Party
Expense Limit(Rs.)
Total expenses incurred/ authorized (Rs.)
% of limit reached
1
KISHORI LAL
KULLU
ANNI
BJP
28,00,000
28 Lacs+
25,83,669
25 Lacs+
92%
2
RAJIV SAIZAL
SOLAN
KASAULI
BJP
28,00,000
28 Lacs+
24,58,389
24 Lacs+
88%
3
SH. HIRA LAL
MANDI
KARSOG
BJP
28,00,000
28 Lacs+
22,95,220
22 Lacs+
82%
Table: Top 3 MLAs with highest election expenditure

  1. MLAs with lowest Election Expenses:   The details of top 3 MLAs who have declared lowest election expenses are given below:
S.No.
Name
District
Constituency
Party
Expense Limit
Total expenses incurred/ authorized (Rs.)
% of limit reached
1
MOHAN LAL BRAKTA
SHIMLA
ROHRU
INC
28,00,000
28 Lacs+
3,88,657
3 Lacs+
14%
2
ANIRUDH SINGH
SHIMLA
KASUMPTI
INC
28,00,000
28 Lacs+
6,48,950
6 Lacs+
23%
3
NARINDER THAKUR
HAMIRPUR
HAMIRPUR
BJP
28,00,000
28 Lacs+
7,10,735
7 Lacs+
25%
Table: 3 MLAs with lowest election expenditure
5.   Break Down of Sources of Funds Raised by MLAs
Inline image 4
Figure: Percentage Break-down of  Funds Raised by MLAs
​​
Summary and Highlights of Election Expenses of MLAs from the Gujarat Assembly 2017 Elections
                 
  1. Less than 50% of the Limit:  Out of 182 MLAs analysed, 54(30%)  MLAs have declared election expenses of less than 50% of the expense limit 
    of Rs. 28 lakhs
     in their constituency.
  2. Average Election Expenses: Based on the election expense declarations of 182 MLAs from Gujarat Assembly, the average amount of money spent by them in the elections is  Rs 16.45 lakhs, which is  59% of the expense limit.

Inline image 5
Figure: Party-wise Average Election Expenses (Rs. in lakhs)

                   Inline image 6                              
Figure: Break Down of Elections Expenses Incurred by MLAs

3. MLAs who have exceeded the Election Expenditure Limit:  There are two MLAs who have exceeded  the expense limit. Rajendrasinh Ranjitsinh Chavda (BJP) from Himatnagar has exceeded the expense limit by Rs. 5, 78,309. Dindor Kuberbhai Manusukhbhai(BJP) from Santrampur constituency has exceeded the expense limit by Rs.95,766.The details of these two MLAs are given below: 
 
​​
S.No.
Name
District
Constituency
Party
Expenditure incurred/authorized by MLA
Expense Limit(Rs.)
Total expenses  incurred/ authorized (Rs.)
Excess Expenditure Incurred (Rs.)
% of limit reached
MLA/his election agent     (Rs.)
By Political Party (Rs.)
Any other association/body of persons/  individual (Rs.)
1
RAJENDRASINH RANJITSINH CHAVDA
SABARKANTHA
HIMATNAGAR
BJP
22,38,900
11,04,709
34,700
2800000                  28 Lacs+
*33,78,309                  33 Lacs+
578309                5 Lacs+
121%
2
DINDOR KUBERBHAI MANSUKHBHAI
MAHISAGAR
SANTRAMPUR (ST)
BJP
23,76,746
5,19,020
0
2800000                  28 Lacs+
2895766                    28 Lacs+
95766                95 Thou+
103%
​​
                                                                                                         Table:  MLAs who have exceededthe election expenditure limit
* The MLA has provided the total expenditure incurred as Rs.1, 46,755 in his affidavit. However, when we calculate the expenditure incurred by MLA/his agent; by political party and by any other association, body of persons/individual, it totals up to Rs. 33, 78,309
  1. MLAs with lowest Election Expenses:   The details of top 3 MLAs who have declared lowest election expenses are given below:
S.No.
Name
District
Constituency
Party
Expenditure incurred/authorized by MLA
Expense Limit(Rs.)
Total expenses
incurred/ authorized (Rs.)
% of limit reached
MLA/his
electionagent(Rs.)
By Political Party (Rs.)
Any other association/
body of persons/
individual(Rs.)
1
RATANSINH MAGANSINH RATHOD
MAHISAGAR
LUNAWADA
IND
3,00,568
0
0
28,00,000
28 Lacs+
3,00,568
3 Lacs+
11%
2
THAKOR BHARATJI SONAJI
MAHESANA
BECHARAJI
INC
3,81,719
0
0
28,00,000
28 Lacs+
3,81,719
3 Lacs+
14%
3
JIGNESHKUMAR NATVARLAL MEVANI
BANASKANTHA
VADGAM (SC)
IND
5,20,553
0
0
28,00,000
28 Lacs+
5,20,553
5 Lacs+
19%
Table: MLAs with lowest election expenditure
5.   Break Down of Sources of Funds Raised by MLAs
Inline image 7
Figure: Percentage Break-down of  Funds Raised by MLAs
Contact: 
​
Media and Journalist Helpline

+91 80103 94248
Email: adr@adrindia.org
Dr. O.P. Bhuraita
       
State Coordinator
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+91-8894164165
opbhuraita@rediffmail.com
Ms. PanktiJog
State Coordinator
Gujarat Election Watch 

+91-9909006791
jogpankti@gmail.com

Maj.Gen. Anil Verma (Retd)
Head – ADR & NEW
011 4165 4200,
+91 88264 79910
adr@adrIndia.org,
anilverma@adrindia.org
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IIM Ahmedabad (Retd.)
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+91 99996 20944
jchhokar@gmail.com

Prof Trilochan Sastry
IIM Bangalore
Founder Member- ADR & NEW
+91 94483 53285
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—
Association for Democratic Reforms
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(Near Gulmohar Commercial Complex)
Gautam Nagar
New Delhi-110 049

Quake M6.1 – Hindu Kush region, Afghanistan

ON  BY NARESH SAGARLEAVE A COMMENTEDIT

2018-01-31 07:07:00 (M6.1) Hindu Kush region, Afghanistan 36.5 70.8 (3fa06).

Quake epicenter was near Afghanistan’s Jarm, which was hit by a devastating 7.5 magnitude quake in October 2015 that triggered landslides and flattened buildings, killing more than 380 people across the region.
Preliminary Earthquake Report
Magnitude6.1
Date-Time
  • 31 Jan 2018 07:07:00 UTC
  • 31 Jan 2018 11:07:00 near epicenter
  • 31 Jan 2018 11:07:00 standard time in your timezone
Location36.543N 70.816E
Depth191 km
Distances
  • 3.2 km (2.0 mi) NE of Ghurayd Gharamē, Afghanistan
  • 35.7 km (22.1 mi) S of Jurm, Afghanistan
  • 66.1 km (41.0 mi) WSW of Ashkāsham, Afghanistan
  • 67.0 km (41.5 mi) SSE of Fayzabad, Afghanistan
  • 74.1 km (46.0 mi) WSW of Ishqoshim, Tajikistan
Location UncertaintyHorizontal: 4.8 km; Vertical 5.5 km

Dear Mr. Sagar, Budget 2017 big bets: Arun Jaitley must make it:

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Sagar Media inc
Dear Mr. Sagar
Budget 2017 big bets: Arun Jaitley must make it attractive for private sector to invest in infrastructure, housing
Budget 2017 is expected to be a ‘big’ budget. With GST on the anvil and demonetisation already undertaken, the ground has been laid for the government to announce some big-bang measures for promoting investment and lifting the economy to a…
Rajiv Kumar and Palakh Jain
New Delhi | Published: January 26, The Financial Express
pi
According to a PwC report, India will require investment to the tune of trillion over the next seven years to meet its infrastructure and housing demand, of which approximately 70-80% of the demand will come from housing. (Reuters)
Budget 2017 is expected to be a ‘big’ budget. With GST on the anvil and demonetisation already undertaken, the ground has been laid for the government to announce some big-bang measures for promoting investment and lifting the…
View original post 788 more words

PGTI Cochin Masters

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PGTI Cochin Masters –

PGTI Cochin Masters presented by CIAL Golf Club returns for its fifth edition

Ø Prize purse of Rs. 40 lakh


Ø Leading names in the field include Shamim Khan, Mukesh Kumar, Mithun Perera, Udayan Mane, Honey Baisoya, Anura Rohana, Shankar Das, Feroz Ali Mollah



Kochi, January 30, 2018: The Professional Golf Tour of India (PGTI) will stage the fifth edition of the PGTI Cochin Masters presented by CIAL Golf Club from January 31 – February 3, 2018, at the CIAL Golf Club in Kochi. The second tournament of the season carries a prize purse of Rs. 40 lakh. The Pro-Am event will be played on February 4, 2018.

The tournament features leading Indian names such as former champions Mukesh Kumar (defending champion) and Feroz Ali Mollah, Shamim Khan (2017 PGTI Order of Merit champion), Udayan Mane, Honey Baisoya and Shankar Das, to name a few.

The field will also feature prominent names from overseas such as Anura Rohana (Sri Lanka), Mithun Perera (Sri Lanka), N Thangaraja (Sri Lanka), K Prabagaran (Sri Lanka), Md Zamal Hossain Mollah (Bangladesh), Kunal Bhasin (Australia), Albie Hanekom (South Africa) and Arthur Horne (Swaziland). The one local name in the field is that of Madesh Krishna.

Mr. V. J. Kurian, Managing Director, Cochin International Airport Limited, said, “The PGTI Cochin Masters series has grown as one of the major events in the national golf circuit. CIAL’s golf course has evolved itself to pose exciting challenges to the players. The fairways and greens have matured now. I hope that the fifth edition of the PGTI Cochin Masters series will be a great success.”

Mr. A. M. Shabeer, Executive Director, CIAL, said, “This is the first time that CIAL hosts the event in winter. This brings in favourable weather conditions for the players. At the same time, the course is designed to pose more formidable challenges. All the previous seasons could produce unexpected champions. I expect a thrilling event ahead.”

Mr. Uttam Singh Mundy, CEO, PGTI, said, “Over the past five years, the PGTI Cochin Masters presented by CIAL Golf Club has grown into one of the premier professional events in southern India. The tournament has been a stepping stone for promising Indian talent such as Shubhankar Sharma who won his maiden title at the inaugural event in 2014. He has since gone on to win on the European Tour. We now look forward to the fifth edition of the tournament which will witness a strong field teeing it up in top-class course conditions.”

The CIAL Golf Club (CGC) has been developed on 130 acres of rolling greens. CGC is designed to play to a length of over 7430 yards and is the only 18-hole golf course in Kerala. CGC is an eco-friendly all weather golf course that is comparable to the best. It is the first course in the country to offer an island green on the 18th hole for a very exciting and challenging round of golf.

Quality of Delhi’s air

ON  BY NARESH SAGARLEAVE A COMMENTEDIT
Feb
1
Public debate over the quality of Delhi’s air reliably spikes every winter, along with the readings from air quality monitors. However, public discussion tends to rapidly taper off, even as the air quality remains consistently bad.
The Initiative on Climate, Energy and Environment (ICEE) at the Centre for Policy Research (CPR) is organising a seminar series – Clearing the Air? Seminar Series on Delhi’s Air Pollution – to promote sustained and informed public understanding around the data, impacts, sources and policy challenges involved in clearing Delhi’s air. While we will focus on the Delhi context, the series will also reflect the fact that the problem extends far beyond Delhi. The seminar series will present the work of experts in a range of areas, to help promote informed public discussion about what changes are needed, what is possible, and how to get it done. Clearing the air in terms of knowledge and public information, we hope, will make a small contribution toward actually clearing Delhi’s air.
ICEE invites you to the fourth event in this series.
Panel Discussion on ‘The role of the transport sector in Delhi’s air quality: key drivers and opportunities for intervention’ 
Panellists: Amit Bhatt, Parthaa Bosu, Sumit Sharma
Moderator: Mukta Naik
Thursday, 1 February 2018, 4:00 p.m.
Conference Hall, Centre for Policy Research
Image Source
The seminar series began with a talk on air pollutants in Indian cities and the gaps in our knowledge about them, followed by two events on health impacts of air pollution. We now turn to specific sources of air pollution, and we begin with transport. Vehicular pollution has been a significant contributor to Delhi’s air pollution, accounting for up to a fourth of PM 2.5 emissions. Delhi has the largest vehicular population of any city in India, with over a crore registered vehicles. More than 90% of these are private vehicles, and this number has steadily grown over the years. However, regulatory interventions towards promoting cleaner fuel and phasing out old vehicles, as well as legal measures to cap or decrease the number of vehicles have primarily focused on public transit vehicles. The panel will deliberate on key technical and policy drivers for reduction and management of emissions from the transport sector, including the source composition of air pollution from transport, potential gains from changes in fuel standards and fuel types, and issues related to public transport and modal shares.
About the Panellists: 
Amit Bhatt is the Director of Integrated Urban Transport at WRI India. He is based in Delhi and provides vision and leadership to all transport initiatives across WRI in India and neighbouring countries. Amit has over 17 years’ experience in the field of transport planning, non-motorised transportation, road safety, capacity building, street design and urban development. He has a Bachelor’s degree in Architecture, Master’s degrees in Transport and Economics, and a diploma in Transport Economics and Management.
Parthaa Bosu is the lead consultant on air pollution with Environment Defence Fund, based in the United States. He was previously with the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM), working on in-use vehicle emissions, and has also served as the India Director and South Asia Liaison of the UN Partnership, Clean Air Asia. Parthaa was a part of the working-group on non-motorized transport promotion at the Ministry of Urban Development, and structured the Green Freight India Working Group, which works on reducing emissions from freight and also making it more efficient. He is currently trying to nurture dialogues on rising air pollution and congestion in cities, and recently helped design the Chennai Freight Partnership with IIT Madras and the Madras Chambers.
Sumit Sharma is a Fellow and Associate Director of the Earth Science and Climate Change group of TERI. He has worked on a number of projects related to air quality management which involves air quality monitoring, emission inventorisation, air quality modeling (dispersion and receptor), and drafting air quality management plans. He has carried out a source apportionment study for the city of Bangalore, involving air quality modeling exercises and developing scenarios for air quality improvement. He also has been working on regional scale ozone pollution, and conducting workshops and training programs for sensitization of various stakeholders on air quality improvement.
The panel will be moderated by Mukta Naik, Senior Researcher, CPR.

MASSIVE SUPPORT TO  48 HOURS DELHI TRADE BANDH CALLED BY CAIT

ON  BY NARESH SAGARLEAVE A COMMENTEDIT
​In protest against ongoing sealing of commercial establishments in Delhi, the Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT) has called for a 48 hours Delhi Trade Bandh on 2nd & 3rd February when the entire trade of Delhi shall remain closed and no business activity will take place.
The Bandh is getting spontaneous and tremendous response from Market Associations all over Delhi. In a major development prominent markets of Delhi including ​Connaught Place, Chandni Chowk, Karol Bagh, Sadar Bazar,Kamla Nagar, Chawri Bazar, Khan Market, South Extension, Greater Kailash, Defence Colony, Green Park and all other Markets of South Delhi, Rajouri Garden, Tilak Nagar, Uttam Nagar, Kirti Nagar and other markets of West Delhi, Karol Bagh, Ashok Vihar, Model Town, Shalimar Bagh, Pitampura, Rohini and other markets of North Delhi, Paharganj, Krishna Nagar, Vikas Marg, Laxmi Nagar, Shahdara, Loni Road, Mayur Vihar and other markets of trans yamuna area today declared their support & participation in 48 Hours Delhi Trade Bandh on 2-3 February .Other markets of Delhi are also gearing themselves to participate in Trade Bandh.
CAIT Secretary General Mr. Praveen Khandelwal said that it is expected that more than 7 lakh traders from more than 2000 markets of Delhi shall keep their shutters closed to lodge their strong protest against sealing of business establishments in Delhi.The traders are demanding the Central Government to come in action and immediately bring a Bill in the Parliament to protect entire trade and traders of Delhi from the clutches of sealing as also de-sealing of the establishments already sealed.
The traders lamented that sealing issue is being politicised by few politicians and we strongly condemn them. We are fighting the battle of our survival and livelihood and they are more interested in engagement of politics on our head and shoulder which is not acceptable to us. If they can’t bring relief then they should desist themselves in playing their politics.

———–

ASI challenges

ON  BY NARESH SAGARLEAVE A COMMENTEDIT
The Nehru Memorial Museum and Library
cordially invites you to a Public Lecture

on

“Challenging Conservation of Temples in Chambal Valley”
by
 Shri K.K. Muhammad

 Project Archaeological Director,Aga Khan Trust for Culture
at 03.00 pm on Friday,  02 February 2018
in the Seminar Room, Library Building
Nehru Memorial Museum and Library
Teen Murti House, New Delhi-110011

All are welcome.

—
Centre for Contemporary Studies
NMML

Conference on Hi-Tech manufacturing & Robotics

ON  BY NARESH SAGARLEAVE A COMMENTEDIT
Naresh Kumar Sagar
https://www.facebook.com/nksagar
 
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Sagar Media Inc: Mr Jagannath V have Ks of robots employed in industries human robots work in unified way.Robots do inspect pelletisation in high  application inspection on Smart phones.Fanuc
  
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Sagar Media Inc: Mr Naresh Kantoor : Talk on human collaboration work on sensitive and stops in case of foreign material work with Smart phones Industrial robot need structure,caging, 300 watt light in weight 10kg to 3Kg can be deployed easily.
  1. Sagar Media Inc: Conference on Application of High-tech manufacturing &  Ravi Agarwal Chair Mr PV Sivaram,Robotics is to efficient the human do more .Mr Naresh Kantoor. Automation not costly.
  2.  
    More
    Sagar Media Inc: Conference on High-tech manufacturing & Robotics taking manufacturing to next level, Pradeep Tiwari ED&CEO UNOMinda Edu to change skill changing applied Technology to act , employment on evolution new work force is on anvil.
The Myanmar News
The Myanmar News
@TheMyanmarNews
Russia dismisses US concerns over Myanmar fighter jet sale
Russia dismisses US concerns over Myanmar fighter jet sale
atimes.com
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Narendra Modi
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We bow to all those martyrs who have sacrificed themselves in service of our nation. We will always remember their courage as well as dedication towards the nation.
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Naresh Kumar Sagar
@Nksagar·
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Sagar Media Inc: Indian Union Budget 2018-19devolve Startup, Innovation,R&D,Digital,Health, Nutrition,Sanitation,Education, Social Security esp Pension. Rural Agri demand, Air Road Marine water Transportation, R chief vectors.
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Sagar Media Inc: Brexit UK no say in EU affairs. Capetown clamped water ration.FMArun set growth target to 7to 7.5℅, 2018-19.Crypto currency heaven fraudsters black money. German reset Migrant as EU scheme Greece,Italy.Abe & Trump calculus SCSea.Putin, Benjamin calculusglobal
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Taiwan protests China’s new air routes over Strait #nhk_world_news
Taiwan protests China’s new air routes over Strait- News – NHK WORLD – English
nhk.or.jp

On International Day Of Commemoration “Mesage of UNSG Antonio Guterres” In Memory of the Victims of the Holocaust

ON  BY NARESH SAGARLEAVE A COMMENTEDIT
Today we remember the six million Jewish men,women and children who perished in the Holocaust.Countless others also lost their lives as cruelty convulsed the World.
yet decades since the Second World War ,we see the persistence of anti-Semitism and an increase in other forms of prejudice.
Neo-Nazis and while supremacy groups are among the main purveyors of extreme hatred.
And too often, vile views are moving from the margins to the mainstreams of societies and politics.
We must stand together against the normalization of hate.
Whenever and wherever humanity’s  values are abandoned,we are all at risk.
All of us have a responsibility to quickly,clearly and decisively resist racism and violence.
Through education and understanding, we can build a future of dignity,human rights and peaceful coexistence for all.

↧

Article 0

February 2, 2018, 12:42 am
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May tossed 9 bn pounds in China deals

ON  BY NARESH SAGARLEAVE A COMMENTEDIT
Chinese President Xi Jinping and British Prime Minister Theresa May have agreed to hold a joint trade and investment review. This would be the first step towards an ambitious future trade agreement after Brexit, May’s office said on Thursday. “The PM said that, once Britain leaves the EU, we will be free to strike our own trade deals,” according to the statement. Xi and May agreed in Beijing to hold more talks on China’s Belt and Road infrastructure initiative. Xi said China’s markets would be further opened to the UK, including in sectors such as beef, dairy and other agricultural goods, Reuters reported.
 
British Prime Minister Theresa May left China on Friday with deals worth more than 9.3 billion pounds ($13.26 billion), at the end of a three-trade trade mission where President Xi Jinping pledged to upgrade their “golden era” in relations.
 
Britain is trying to reinvent the chief  global trading nation after a 2016 referendum decision to leave the European Union.China, the world’s second-largest economy, is on the list of countries that Britain wants to sign a FTA soon.
 
Speaking at a business summit in China’s commercial capital Shanghai, May said Britain was keen to help bring Xi’s vision for globalisation and a more open Chinese economy to life.“Meanwhile, the UK is preparing to leave the European Union. We’re seizing the opportunity to become an ever-more outward-looking Global Britain, deepening our trade relations with nations around the world – including China,” she said.
 
Chinese investment is helping Britain develop infrastructure and create jobs, with some 50,000 British businesses importing goods from China and more than 10,000 sell their goods to China, she added.
 
“We’ve agreed on moves to bring more of the UK’s internationally renowned food and drink to China, to open up the market to some of Britain’s world-class financial services providers,” May said.
 
The 9.3 billion pounds in deals will create over 2,500 jobs across the United Kingdom, the British government said.
 
Britain’s financial services firms alone secured deals worth more than 1 billion pounds and market access, that would lead to 890 jobs, it said, without giving details.
 
China sees Britain as an important ally in its call for more open global markets, despite widespread concerns in the foreign business community about the difficulty of operating in China, and both countries refer to a “golden era” in relations.
 
Xi told May the two countries should “add new meaning into the bilateral ties so as to forge an enhanced version of the ‘Golden Era’,” according to state-run media.
 
China appreciative of Britain’s enthusiasm for the China-backed Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank and Xi’s Belt and Road initiative to build a new Silk Road.
 
On Friday, edition of the People’s Daily said Britain had shown “intelligence and pragmatism” in supporting Belt and Road.
 
“It is a model for other Western nations,” it said.
 
But Brexit has unnerved Beijing, concerned about losing an important voice supporting free trade in the European Union and what it may mean for market access to Europe for Chinese firms which have invested in Britain.
 
Chinese Premier Li Keqiang told May on Wednesday that China’s relations with Britain will remain unchanged through Brexit.

Alibaba net profit soars

ON  BY NARESH SAGARLEAVE A COMMENTEDIT
Chinese e-commerce giant Alibaba Thursday posted a 35 percent surge in net profit in the third quarter, fuelled by a record-breaking sales bonanza during its annual Singles Day shopping festival.
The company said profit jumped to 24.1 billion yuan ($3.7 billion) between October and December, compared to 17.9 billion yuan in the same quarter in 2016.
Alibaba runs an annual promotion on November 11 that draws the country’s growing consumer class which can buy an array of products at the click of a button on their smartphones.
Last year’s event recorded 168.2 billion yuan ($25.9 billion) in payments, a 39 percent increase from the 2016 festival.
Rivals such as JD.com had also reported brisk business on November 11.
“Alibaba had another great quarter driven by the continued strength of the Chinese consumer and the wide and innovative range of services we provide for merchants and consumers,” Alibaba chief executive Daniel Zhang said in an earnings report.
“We are excited by the continued momentum in new retail, which came to life during another record-breaking 11.11 Global Shopping Festival,” Zhang said.
Alibaba, which has made billionaire founder Jack Ma one of China’s richest men and a global e-commerce icon, has been on a roll, regularly beating revenue estimates.
The New York-listed company said revenue jumped 56 percent to 83 billion yuan ($12.76 billion) in the quarter.
The shopping platform also continued to attract new customers to its platform, the key to maintaining its dominance in China, where trends and shopping preferences can shift quickly.
The number of active consumers on its retail marketplaces reached a new high of 515 million, the company said, an increase of 27 million from the 12-month period ended September 30, 2017.
Also on Thursday, Alibaba announced it would formally take a stake in its affiliated business unit, Ant Financial which operates the massively popular Ali Pay mobile payment application and credit scoring unit Sesame Credit, among other financial services businesses.
Alibaba said it would take a 33 percent stake in Ant Financial, controlled by Alibaba founder Jack Ma, which had been held as a separate company but part of the Alibaba Group.
Alibaba said it would acquire newly issued shares from Ant Financial in exchange for certain intellectual property rights held by Alibaba but connected to Ant Financial.
The step is a sign that Ant Financial is on a path to its own public listing soon, with Alibaba’s equity stake likely to resolve some lingering legal issues.
In 2016, Ant Financial raised $4.5 billion at a roughly $60 billion valuation.

Tumbles digital currency bitcoin

ON  BY NARESH SAGARLEAVE A COMMENTEDIT
Tumble tumbling down digital currency bitcoin dropped nearly 14 percent on Friday, losing over half of its value since January, representing more than $72 billion. The cryptocurrency was trading at $8,473 as of 8:00am GMT, according to CoinMarketCap data. Bitcoin has now lost over 55 percent since hitting a record price of $20,000 in mid-December.The decline followed reports on increased regulation in India and potential price manipulation at a major exchange. India’s Finance Ministry declared on Thursday that cryptocurrencies are illegal in the country and the government fully intends to stamp out their use.
Facebook’s announcement that it would ban all ads for cryptocurrencies and ICO’s, as well as reports that two major exchanges, Bitfinex and Tether, had been investigated by the US regulators, also helped to spook the cryptocurrency market this week.
Facebook further says it is banning all ads related to cryptocurrencies in an effort to fight scams. Global social media giant said it is barring ads for “financial products and services that are frequently associated with misleading or deceptive promotional practices, such as binary options, initial coin offerings and cryptocurrency.”
Initial coin offerings or ICOs are a way for companies to raise funds by selling investors cryptographic assets. Fraud is common in the world of red hot digital currencies such as bitcoin.This week, for instance, the US Securities and Exchange Commission shut down an initial coin offering by a Texas company called AriseBank.
AriseBank was accused of relying on celebrity endorsers such as boxer Evander Holyfield and social media to cheat investors out of $600 million of its goal of $1 billion for a currency it called “AriseCoin.”
In a blog post announcing the news, Facebook product management director Rob Leathern hinted that Facebook may modify the new policy at some point to allow bona fide crypto-related businesses to advertise again.
“We want people to continue to discover and learn about new products and services through Facebook ads without fear of scams or deception,” Leathern wrote. “That said, there are many companies who are advertising binary options, ICOs and cryptocurrencies that are not currently operating in good faith.”
“This policy is intentionally broad while we work to better detect deceptive and misleading advertising practices, and enforcement will begin to ramp up across our platforms including Facebook, Audience Network and Instagram. We will revisit this policy and how we enforce it as our signals improve,” he added.
“Lots of news regarding regulation is causing the market to panic,” a quantitative developer and data scientist at Cypher Capital, Nick Kirk, told CNBC.
All the leading cryptocurrencies except two were trading lower on Friday.
Ethereum was the only major coin to finish January on a positive note. The second-largest cryptocurrency saw gains of 45 percent during 2018’s first month, compared to a loss of 25 percent for bitcoin, and respective declines of 45 percent and 35 percent for ripple and bitcoin cash.
“The state of cryptocurrency is incredibly strong,” Andy Bromberg, CEO of CoinList, an ICO hosting platform, told Business Insider. “Looking far beyond the prices, we’re seeing an increasing number of high-quality projects in the space, with experienced teams, impressive early technological breakthroughs, and rigorous legal structuring.”
Kirk, ethereum will outperform bitcoin “by a country mile.”
“We think the war between bitcoin and bitcoin cash is having a negative effect on bitcoin sentiment,” he said.

IGNCA:PROGRAMME SCHEDULE FOR FEBRUARY, 2018

ON  BY NARESH SAGARLEAVE A COMMENTEDIT
इन्दिरा गाँधी राष्ट्रीय कला केन्द्र (आईजीएऩसीए), नई दिल्ली
INDIRA GANDHI NATIONAL CENTRE FOR THE ARTS (IGNCA), New Delhi
PROGRAMME SCHEDULE FOR FEBRUARY, 2018
____________________________________________________________________________________
Please visit Web Portal of Begum Akhtar at http://ignca.nic.in/begum_akhtar/index.html
and
National Cultural Audiovisual Archives (NCAA) Project at http://ncaa.gov.in/repository
——————————————————————————————————————————————–
Date : Ist February, 2018
Event : Sufi Qawwali by Yusuf Khan Nizami in collaboration with Lady Shri Ram College
For Women, University of Delhi, New Delhi.
Venue : LSR Auditorium, Lajpat Nagar, New Delhi – 110024
TIme : 11.30am onwards

Contact No. : 011-23388155/ 011-26434459
——————————————————————————————————————————————–
Date:   3rd – 4th February
Event : International Conference on DEMITRIOS GALANOS AND HIS LEGACY: Indo-Greek
scholarship 1790-2018.​
Venue : IGNCA Auditorium, C.V. Mess Janpath, New Delhi.
Time :   9.00 am – 5.00 pm​.
Date: 4th February, 2018
Event : Music Concert by Greek musicians.
Venue : India International Centre, Lodhi Road, New Delhi.
Time : 6.00 pm onwards
Contact No. : 011-23388063
​Date: 8th – 10th February 2018
Event : International Conference on DEMITRIOS GALANOS AND HIS LEGACY: Indo-Greek
scholarship 1790-2018.​
Venue : Dr. K. N. Udupa Hall, IMS, BHU, Varanasi.
Time :   9.00 am – 5.00 pm​.
Date: 10th February, 2018
Event : Music Concert by Greek musicians.
Venue : Pandit Omkarnath Thakur Hall, BHU, Varanasi.
Time : 3.00 pm
Contact No. : 0542-2570169, 2570238.
——————————————————————————————————————————————–
Date : 4th February, 2018
Event : Fourth Concert in the series `bhairav se bhairavi tak’ presenting meditative morning
ragas in collaboration with Antarnaad.

`bhairav se bhairavi tak’ series has been conceived and curated by Saloni Gandhi.
Padmabhushan Pandit Rajan & Pandit Sajan Misra will be accompanied by Pandit Kumar Bose
(Tabla) and Pandit Dharmnath Mishra (Harmonium).

Venue : IGNCA Lily Pond Lawns, 11, Mansingh Road, New Delhi
Time ; 10am onwards.


Contact No.: 011-23388155

——————————————————————————————————————————————–
Date : 4th -18th February, 2018
Event : First  International Kala Mela in collaboration with  Lalit Kala Akademi

Inauguration on 4th February, 2018 at 5.00pm at IGNCA lawns, Janpath, New Delhi.

Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu, Hon’ble Vice President of India will inaugurate the Kala Mela in the gracious presence of Dr. Mahesh Sharma, Hon’ble Minister of Culture  and Shri C.S. Krishna Setty, Administrator, Lalit Kala Akademi.

The inauguration will be followed by Folk Dance by Karunadasa Olaboduwa Dance Troupe, Srilanka and `SARGAM’ Kathak Recital by Pandit Harish Gangani’s Team, India.

Venue : IGNCA Lawns, Janpath, New Delhi.


Contact No. : 9999668367
——————————————————————————————————————————————-Date : 11th February, 2018
Event : The seventh  Chapter of Sanskriti Samvaad Shrinkhla (Cultural dialogue series) will
have a symposium on famous Hindi litterateur Krishna Bihari Mishra.

Venue: Bhartiya Bhasha Parishad, 36 A, Shakespeare Road,  Kolkata, West Bengal – 700017
Time : 11.00am onwards


Contact No. ; 9716950275
——————————————————————————————————————————————–
Date : 13th February 2017
Event : Ninth Prof. Nirmal Kumar Bose Memorial Lecture on “First Citizens: The Tribal People
at Crossroads” by Prof. Nadeem Hasnain (Senior Fellow, Indian Council of Social Science Research, Former Prof. & Head, Department of Anthropology, Lucknow University, India).
Venue : Lecture Hall, Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts, 11 Mansingh Road, N. Delhi -1.
Time : 4.00 pm

Contact No. : 011-23388016
——————————————————————————————————————————————
Date : 18th February, 2018
Event : Celebrations of Muthuswamy Dikshitar Anniversary in collaboration with
Shanmukhananda Sabha
Venue : IGNCA Auditorium, C.V. Mess, janpath, New Delhi

Contact No. :  9717019444
—————————————————————————————————————————————–
Date :             21st  & 22nd  February, 2018
Event :            : Seminar on “The Great Vaggeykars of Classical Music” In collaboration with Kumud
 Diwan Foundation of Classical Music and Dance.
Venue :            IGNCA Auditorium, CV Mess, Janpath, New Delhi
Speakers   :  Pt. Satyasheel Deshpande, Vidushi Shruti Sadolikar, Pt. Suhas Vyas,
       Ustad Mashkoor Ali Khan, Shri Shounak Abhisheki, Vidushi Shubra
       Guha, Ustad Raja Miyan and Vidushi Sulochana Brahaspati


Contact No. : 011-23388155
————————————————————————————————————————————————–
Date : 23rd February, 2018
Event : Concert by Ms. Sonia Shirsat Fadista under Sanjari- a monthly folk music concert
Series.
This is the fourth concert in this series.  Sanjari was launched on the 30th Foundation Day of IGNCA on 19th November, 2017.

Venue ; IGNCA Auditorium, C.V. Mess, Janpath, New Delhi
Time : 6.30pm

Contact No. : 011-23388155
——————————————————————————————————————————————–
Date             : 24th & 25th  February, 2018
Event            : Talks in in collaboration with India City Walks for the story-telling sessions
Theme One   : Eight Cities of Delhi
Theme Two : Mughal Art
Venue           : IGNCA Auditorium, CV Mess, Janpath, New Delhi
Time             : 4 PM to 5 PM
——————————————————————————————————————————————–
FILM CIRCLE SCREENING –  2nd & 4th Friday of every month

Date: 9th February, 2018
Event : Film screening of The Man who Dwarfed the Mountains
       (A National Award winning PSBT Documentary)
       Director: Ruchi Srivastava and Sumit Khanna
       Duration : 59 minutes

Venue : IGNCA Auditorium, Media Centre, 3 Dr. R. P. Road, N. Delhi
Time:         5.00 p.m onwards

Contact No.  :   011-23388815

Date: 23rd February, 2018
Event Film screening of  Pandvani
       Director : Manohar Aashi
        Duration: 58 minutes

Venue : IGNCA Auditorium, Media Centre, 3 Dr. R. P. Road, N. Delhi
Time:         5.00 p.m onwards

Contact No.  :   011-23388815

—————————————————————————————————————————-
IGNCA has reactivated its twitter handle @igncakd. Please interact with us actively

Respect Your Elders—Plants!

ON  BY NARESH SAGARLEAVE A COMMENTEDIT
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Respect Your Elders—Plants!
I had a very unique opportunity this week to join a group of entrepreneurs, chefs, scientists, advocates, writers, policymakers (including the very inspiring President of Mauritius, Ameenah Gurib), and other food and agriculture experts to attend a luncheon at Clarence House in London, England, with His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales, who serves as the Patron of the Crop Trust.
The Crop Trust is an organization I have long admired, and they may be best known for the so-called Doomsday Seed Vault in Svalbard, halfway between Norway and the North Pole, which holds the largest collection of the world’s crop diversity. The collection is, needless to say, priceless, and it provides a global safety net in case of catastrophe. But the group is also doing a number of important activities to raise awareness and inspire action—including encouraging financial investment to create an endowment—to protect and preserve seeds both in seed banks and in farmers’ fields across the globe.
It’s no secret that Prince Charles has a long-standing interest in food and agriculture. His gardens at Highgrove are a monument to sustainable agriculture practices and the rich agricultural diversity of England. As a Patron of the Crop Trust, His Royal Highness is using his platform to push world leaders—and world eaters—to respect, honor, value, and most importantly protect the world’s agricultural diversity.
He says, “now, we have the world’s farmers to thank for the rich variety of foods we eat. Over many millennia they have developed, grown, and guarded the diversity of domesticated plants and animals. Every major crop now has hundreds, perhaps thousands, of different varieties, each with unique characteristics. But that very diversity is disappearing fast, as so many of you know, as changing agricultural practices sweep away what are seen as ‘old’ and ‘inefficient’ varieties, including so-called ‘orphan crops’ that were once collected from the wild rather than being planted and grown. And at the same time, the wild relatives of our crop species, which provide new and vital resources for future breeding, are left to decline unnoticed and undervalued.”
His words underscore why the Crop Trust—and the many organizations with whom they work—is so important. While thousands of gene banks exist across the world—in places as diverse as the seed collections I saw at the Africa Rice Center in Senegal a few weeks ago to collections supported by the Kew Royal Botanical Gardens in Colombia, sub-Saharan Africa, and elsewhere—the world’s global genetic diversity is at risk. Climate change and the growth of often unsustainable industrial agricultural practices, as well as urbanization, land use changes, and a host of other challenges, are threatening agricultural diversity.
It’s time, as I heard one colleague at the luncheon proclaim, to respect our elders. Plants have been on Earth for more than 380 million years, much longer than Homo sapiens or our ancestors. They keep us fed, clothed, and sheltered, and there’s no doubt that they make life more delicious. They need our protection, and they need it now.
As you know, Food Tank rarely asks our members and readers to donate. And it’s even rarer for us to ask you to give to another organization. But I want to encourage all of you to visit the Crop Trust’s website and donate as little as US$10 to support this vitally important mission.
As His Royal Highness says, “What we eat, and in what quantities, can be the difference between life and death. It can keep us healthy, or ruin us. And we can produce this food in harmony with the environment that sustains every aspect of our lives, or place our own survival in peril by undermining it.” Let’s head those words and take action for the world’s crops and farmers today!
Sincerely,
Danielle Nierenberg
Read more
Cultivating the Next Generation of Young Food Leaders
Purchase Here!
Seattle, Washington
March 17, 2018
Growing Food Policy
Purchase Here!

Exploring the Paradox of Hunger and Obesity
Purchase Here!
In West Africa, “Customers prefer the local guinea fowl”
In West Africa, the red goat of Maradi and guinea fowl are improving the lives of family farmers, stimulating local economies, and making better nutrition more accessible.
Read Here!
The U.N. General Assembly passed a resolution aiming to ignite international efforts to support family farmers and their roles in developing hunger and poverty solutions.
Read Here!
Antanitis: “Farming is a lifestyle that is very similar to the military”
Antanitis is a farmer, healthcare professional, and veteran with a passion for helping others and providing opportunities within organic agriculture.
Read Here!
ICRISAT’s goals are to improve food availability and rural livelihoods in drought-prone areas by combining crop commodity research with natural resource management practices. Bergvinson leads its strategic development and is an expert in international agriculture research for development.
Read Here!
Join the Discussion • Become a Food Tank Member Today #FoodTank
Food Tank The Think Tank For Food
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Syed Saqib Ahmed soars to the top

ON  BY NARESH SAGARLEAVE A COMMENTEDIT
Syed Saqib Ahmed soars to the top on the back of a hole-in-one, leads by four.
Syed_Saqib_Ahmed.JPG
Kochi, February 1, 2018: Bengaluru’s Syed Saqib Ahmed hardly put a foot wrong during his second round of six-under-66 that helped him soar to the top of the leaderboard at the PGTI Cochin Masters presented by CIAL Golf Club. Saqib, whose round on Thursday featured a hole-in-one, totaled nine-under-135 at the halfway stage to lead by a massive four shots. 
First round leader Amardip Sinh Malik of Noida dropped to second place after his round of even-par-72 took his total to five-under-139 at the Rs. 40 lakh event.
The cut was declared at five-over-149 on an extremely windy day. Fifty-three professionals made the cut.
Twenty-three-year-old Syed Saqib Ahmed (69-66) climbed from overnight tied third to the top as he fired the best round of the tournament so far that was punctuated by a hole-in-one on the 14th, five birdies and a bogey.
Saqib, who had a top-10 on the PGTI last year and finished 53rdon the Order of Merit, began well on Thursday, leaving himself a tap-in birdie on the second where he nearly chipped-in. His only blemish of the round came on the fourth but he more than made up with a chip-in birdie on the next.
Ahmed then raced away into the lead with three long putts on the ninth, 11th and 12th. But the highlight of his round came on the 14th where he made a hole-in-one after his shot landed an inch beyond the hole and spun back into the cup. He did miss a couple of short birdie putts thereafter but that did not stop him from taking the lead in a tournament for the first time in his three-year-long professional career.
A confident Saqib said, “I’m really pleased about today’s effort. It’s great to lead an event for the first time in my professional career. Everything just felt right today. I was in a good frame of mind from the very start and that translated into a great score.
“There was also less pressure as I was playing alongside my good friend Divyanshu Bajaj. We even played the practice round together here. We enjoy each other’s company and that just eased the pressure for me as it felt like just another round of golf.
“The hole-in-one was special as I saw the ball roll in. I was actually between clubs there and I guess the decision to play the nine-iron just paid off. I’m glad that Divyanshu was also there when it happened.
“I didn’t come to this event with any expectations so I have no fixed goals in mind for the next two days as well. I didn’t have a great 2017 so I’m just looking to turn the tide this year.”
Amardip Sinh Malik (67-72) had a mixed day with six birdies and an equal number of bogeys. He made a long eagle conversion on the second and chipped-in for birdie on the eighth but also found the hazard on a couple of occasions.
Kolkata’s Shankar Das and Chandigarh’s Abhijit Singh Chadha were tied for third at four-under-140.
Defending champion Mukesh Kumar (77-73) of Mhow missed the cut by one shot as his two-day total read six-over-150.

We won!! Largest ivory market shut down!

ON  BY NARESH SAGARLEAVE A COMMENTEDIT
Dear friends,The world’s largest ivory market just banned ivory!!And our movement was at the centre of the fight!
Hong Kong’s ivory market is gigantic — responsible for the deaths of tens of thousands of elephants. With these amazing creatures careening towards extinction, Avaazers launched a massive petition, sent thousands of messages to Hong Kong legislators, got many engaged directly with our campaign, and built a media storm right before the vote — legislators even held up our campaign ads during the debate!
And yesterday, we won!!! Here’s how it happened…
Hong Kong petition delivery
The 1.1 million-strong call for an ivory ban is delivered to Hong Kong’s lawmakers ahead of the vote
First, over a million of us joined our petition calling for an ivory ban. Almost immediately after launching, a key legislator got in touch to talk to Avaaz about the campaign — we definitely got their attention!
Then, last week, we got an urgent email from campaigners in Hong Kong that the government was calling a vote on the ivory ban in just five days. So, we swung into action:
  • We plastered Hong Kong’s social media with a video from our friends at WildAid Hong Kong featuring Chinese superstar Li Bing Bing, showing the heartbreaking impact of the ivory trade.
  • Next, we created a beautiful ad to run in Hong Kong’s biggest newspaper on the day of the vote, telling legislators that the future of elephants was in their hands.
Avaaz advert in the Oriental Daily News
The Avaaz ad in the Oriental Daily News telling Hong Kong lawmakers that the elephants’ future is in their hands
  • Then thousands of us sent messages to lawmakers calling on them to support the ban.
  • And as the legislators went in to vote, Avaazers joined a colourful protest organised by fellow campaigners.
Petition Delivery
“Having the support of over a million people all over the world made a big impact when it came down to the vote. Thank you Avaazers!”
– Alex Hofford, WildAid Hong Kong
  • Finally, in the debate before the vote, one of the main legislators championing the ban held up a giant printed version of our ad for everyone to see, showing them the whole world was watching!
Petition Delivery
“It was a huge boost to be able to deliver a million voices into the debate before we voted for the ivory ban. The world stood with us, and it made a difference.”
– Hong Kong lawmaker Hon Elizabeth Quat
In the end, we won the vote by a landslide!Hong Kong Ivory Vote CountMedia worldwide have hailed this ‘historic’ vote — the biggest ivory market in the world will now start shutting down its ivory trade!Ivory+MediaLike many Avaaz campaigns, we didn’t do this alone. This incredible result was only possible after years of campaigning by WildAid and others, and thanks to a dedicated group of legislators in Hong Kong who made sure the vote happened.
Today, thanks to all of us, the poachers and traders are fuming, and our majestic elephant friends have been given a lifeline. I’m full of joy, for the planet, but also selfishly, for my own family. I’ve just become a dad, and now I have hope that my new baby will grow up to have the spectacular experience of seeing elephants in the wild.
With gratitude and pride at what we have achieved together,
Bert and the Avaaz team
P.S. We’ve won in Hong Kong — but there are still markets open in Europe that we need to close. Click here and add your name to that campaign too!

The City of Waste

ON  BY NARESH SAGARLEAVE A COMMENTEDIT

Dear friends,
 
We have the pleasure to invite you to the opening of the Photography exhibition
The City of Waste
presented by
 BI Sign
 
 Tuesday February 13th, 2018 (6pm – 8.30pm)
 
India Habitat Center, Central Open Court, New Delhi
 
Inline images 1
 
6 pm – Walkthrough with photographers and researchers
Bénédicte Florin, Pascal Garret, Shankare Gowda and Rémi de Bercegol
 
&
 7 pm – Discussion Panel with artists, activists and researchers
Venue : Amaltas Auditorium, India Habitat Center
 
Speakers :
Ravi Agarwal, founder of Toxic link and artist
 Bénedicte Florin, researcher and photographer
Pascal Garret, researcher and photographer 
Chitra Mukherjee, Chintan Association
Asim Waqif, artist
 
 Moderated by Christine Ithurbide & Rémi de Bercegol  
 
With the presence of Jai Prakash Chaudhury from Safai Sena and Bhushan Ratwaya 
from the PVC market association
 
– – –
FULL PROGRAMME HERE ATTACHED –  EVENTS ARE FREE & OPEN TO ALL
“The City of Waste” is an artistic and scientific initiative on urban waste, recycler and innovation 
with multiples events in New Delhi & Kochi 

DELHI TRADERS 48 HOURS TRADE BANDH BEGAN AGAINST SEALING

ON  BY NARESH SAGARLEAVE A COMMENTEDIT
2nd  February, 2018
7 LAKH BUSINESSES & 2500 MARKETS ARE CLOSED TODAY
CAIT DEMANDS SPECIAL TASK FORCE UNDER DELHI LG FOR PLANNED DEVELOPMENT​
The commercial activities in Country’s capital is standstill today with the beginning of a 48 hours Delhi Trade Bandh call given by the Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT) against arbitrary sealing of business establishments in Delhi. More than 7 lakh commercial establishments and more than 2500 markets across Delhi are participating in Delhi Trade Bandh.
All wholesale and commercial markets across Delhi are ke​pt​ their shutters closed today In protest against continuous sealing in Delhi in utter violation of statutory provisions of The Municipal Corporation of Delhi Act,1957. To demonstrate their anguish & resentment , the traders ​took out​ protest march in about 500 markets of Delhi and held demonstration at about 100 different places across Delhi demanding immediate stoppage of sealing and de-sealing of properties already sealed.
It is estimated that during the day long Bandh there will be a business loss worth Rs. 1800 crore thereby causing a loss of revenue to the tune of about Rs.150 crore to the Government. Beside  working hours of more than 20 lakh people engaged in Delhi trade have gone waste.
Mr. Praveen Khandelwal, Secretary General of CAIT said that  there are multiple Authorities working in Delhi with lack of coordination resulting into hampering of systematic planned development. It is demanded that to ensure timely planned development of Master Plan, the Union Government should constitute a Special Task Force under Chairmanship of Delhi LG & comprising of senior officials of Urban Development Department of both Central & Delhi Government, DDA, MCD & Delhi Police beside having representatives from trade.
Mr. Khandelwal further said that​ the traders are demanding the Government to bring an Amnesty Scheme to maintain status quo as on 31.12.2017 and no penal action should be taken against any trader but offences may be compounded by introducing a compounding policy and in future the law and its implementation should be made more strict and offenders be given exemplary punishment. They have further demanded that Delhi Government should immediately notify 351 Roads as commercial or mix land use pending  with it since last many years.​There should not be any sealing or penal action in Special Area till the time is redevelopment plan is drafted and put to action.​
He further said that the MCD should develop sufficient parking space as it has already taken thousands of crores of rupees as parking charges from the traders.Uniform FAR upto 400 should be given to authorise additional construction. Commercial use of Basements in all areas should be allowed. The Local Shopping Centres were given on commercial rates and therefore no  conversion charge should be levied on them. The conversion charges should be levied maximum  upto 10 years with no penalty or interest up till now.
All major wholesale and retail markets of Delhi including During 48 hours Trade Bandh prominent markets which will remain closed includes ​Connaught Place, Chandni Chowk, Karol Bagh, Sadar Bazar, Kashmiri Gate, Bhagirath Place, Lajpat Rai Market, Khari Baoli, Naya Bazar, Kamla Nagar, Chawri Bazar, Nai Sarak,Khan Market, South Extension, Greater Kailash, Lajpat Nagar, Defence Colony, Green Park and all other Markets of South Delhi, Rajouri Garden, Tilak Nagar, Uttam Nagar, Kirti Nagar and other markets of West Delhi, Ashok Vihar, Model Town, Shalimar Bagh, Pitampura, Rohini and other markets of North Delhi, Paharganj, Krishna Nagar, Vikas Marg, Laxmi Nagar, Jagatpuri, Shahdara, Loni Road, Mayur Vihar and other markets of trans yamuna area remained​ completely close today.

Indian Startups bag 3 Awards at Global Cleantech Forum

ON  BY NARESH SAGARLEAVE A COMMENTEDIT

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2 FEBRUARY 2018
INDIAN STARTUPS BAG 3 AWARDS AT GLOBAL CLEANTECH FORUM
Clean technology innovators and entrepreneurs from India, Morocco, Pakistan, South Africa, Thailand and Turkey were honoured on 30 January at the 2018 GCIP Global Week and Cleantech Open Global Forum in Los Angeles, USA.
The Global Cleantech Innovation Programme (GCIP) award winners joined top entrepreneurs from around the world to celebrate the progress, achievements and successes of clean technology innovation in addressing global environmental and sustainability challenges.
This year’s Global Cleantech Innovation Award winner, Saathi Eco Innovations of Ahmedabad, India, has developed a technology to produce 100% biodegradable and compostable sanitary pads made from waste banana tree fiber. The pads use no water in the production process, and are projected to reduce 1,011 MT of CO2 emissions and 1,323 MT of plastic waste annually. Saathi Eco Innovations also contributes to women’s empowerment in India, where only one in six women have access to sanitary pads constraining their ability to work and attend school during menstruation, by providing low-cost decomposable sanitary pads and hygiene and health awareness campaigns.
The Global Runner-Up award went to TOM-CASAVA of Thailand, which manufactures activated carbon products from cassava stump. Projected to reduce 42,000 T of CO2 by avoiding the open burning of cassava stumps, the product will also contribute to the local economy by providing an extra source of income for cassava farmers and employment opportunities throughout the activated carbon a value chain.

Indian innovators also won in the Global Categories for ‘Renewable Energy’ by NavAlt Solar & Electric Boats, based in Cochin which has developed India’s first solar ferry that has completed 12 months in Kerala, and carried over 500,000 passengers, covering 20,000 km without a drop of diesel. Aspartika Biotech, based in Bengaluru which won the Global Category Award for ‘Waste Beneficiation’ from India uses discarded silkworm pupa to produce Omega-3 fatty acids for enriching poultry feed. Delphisonic and Biolive from Turkey, and GROW from Thailand were the other winners in this category.
To recognize and celebrate the successes of GCIP alumni companies, the GCIP Alumni Leader 2018 awards were also announced as a sign of appreciation to champions of GCIP who have achieved considerable economic growth and environmental impact. Mr. Hari Rao of Agnisumukh, Bangaluru, received a special mention for his dedication as a startup and for his contribution to the GCIP programme in India. Mr. Rao along with alumni from other countries will act as honorary GCIP ambassadors in 2018 at national and global levels.
GCIP is a joint initiative of the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), and is conducted in partnership with the Cleantech Open (CTO), a Los Angeles Cleantech Incubator programme. Each startup involved receives training, mentoring, and promotion, and is put in contact with potential investors, customers and partners through participation in the programme.

Addressing the Forum on behalf of UNIDO, Director General, LI Yong, thanked the entrepreneurs and innovators “for the transformative impact that your innovations are having, and for their contribution to the 2030 Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals relating to clean energy and to green industry, innovation and infrastructure.

***
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RAJIV CHANDRAN
National Information Officer

The Budget Verdict.2nd Feb,Hyatt N Delhi

ON  BY NARESH SAGARLEAVE A COMMENTEDIT
2nd February 2018 at Hyatt Regency, New Delhi, 5:30 PM
Dear Sir / Madam,
CNBC-TV18, India’s premier business news channel, has always led with the most comprehensive coverage of the Union Budget over the years. As this annual exercise is just a few weeks away, we are excited to announce the third edition of The Budget Verdict.
We take great pleasure in inviting you to attend the event, which will be held on Friday, 2nd February 2018 at Hyatt Regency, New Delhi, 5:30 PM onwards.
In the last two years, the Budget Verdict has benefited from the insights offered by top bureaucrats, leading economists, key opinion-makers and industry leaders. Some of them include Railway Minister Piyush Goel, Minister of State for Aviation Jayant Sinha, Niti Aayog CEO Amitabh Kant, Bajaj Group Chairman Rahul Bajaj, and former India Head of HSBC Naina Lal Kidwai.
CNBC-TV18 Mint Budget Verdict will have by far the biggest media play leveraging media assets of Network18 and HT Media. This guarantees an unprecedented audience reach encompassing diverse audiences across television, print and digital assets of the two groups.
The event will be featured LIVE on Network18 platforms, India’s largest News network reaching out to 65 Cr viewers. ‘CNBC-TV18 Mint Budget Verdict’ will be webcast LIVE on livemint.com & CNBC-TV18’s Facebook Page. Social media amplification would help integrate influencers outside of the venue to join the deliberations.
We would like to request you to send us your confirmation for attending the event.
To block your seat, please reply us with a YES with your contact details (Full Name/Company Name/Mobile Number)
For any queries, please reach us on 9167997767 or email at uma@en-quo.com
Regards
Uma Nair
Response Team
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Lara-Lappa Budget – 900 Jetliners vs 700 Locos

ON  BY NARESH SAGARLEAVE A COMMENTEDIT
February02, 2018 (C) Ravinder Singh progressindia2015@gmail.com

There is general perception that this government works for Rich & Super Rich – this was evident when budget speech disclosed when for Rich Class 900 Jetliners are to be inducted by private airlines and 90 airports to be built to cost Rs.6,00,000 Crores – to sustain 18% growth in aviation sector to be SUCKED UP FROM BANKS NO NEED OF BUDGET but Indian Railways Mainline throughput is ZERO in four years – IR is to Induct 700 Locos worth Rs.5,000 Cr for Rest of 1.3b Indians mostly as replacement for aging Diesel or Electric Locos.
http://dgca.nic.in/reports/Traffic-ind.htm,
Air Traffic Doubled in 4 Years – 614 Lakh 2013 to 117 Lakh in 2017
http://www.indiabudget.gov.in/ub2018-19/bs/bs.pdf
No Budget Allocation Growth in all major sectors in this year’s.
Tax Receipts Growth UPA 20% in 2 Yrs, NDA – 27% in 3 Yrs
ACTUAL TAX Receipts in Rs. Crores
http://www.indiabudget.gov.in/ub2018-19/rec/ar.pdf – http://www.indiabudget.gov.in/budget2017-2018/ub2017-18/rec/ar.pdf – http://www.indiabudget.gov.in/budget2015-2016/ub2015-16/rec/ar.pdf , http://www.indiabudget.gov.in/budget2013-2014/ub2013-14/rec/ar.pdf
Description
2011-12
2013-14
2014-15
2015-16
2016-17
Corporation Tax
3,22,816
3,946,78
4,28,925
4,53,228
4,84,924
Income Tax
1,70,342
2,428,57
2,65,733
2,87,637
3,64,604
Customs
1,49,327
1,720,85
1,88,016
2,10,338
2,25,370
Excise
1,45,607
1,701,98
1,89,952
2,88,073
3,82,094
Service Tax
97,508
1,547,78
1,67,969
2,11,414
2,54,499
Gross Revenue
13,04,365
15,59,447
15,85,921
17,74,434
19,84,089
http://www.indiabudget.gov.in/budget2015-2016/ub2015-16/bag/bag11.pdf  – http://www.indiabudget.gov.in/ub2018-19/bag/bag1.pdf –
Actual Total Expenditure growth in three years 2014-17 was from Rs.15,59,447 Cr to Rs.19,75,194 Cr. is 26.7%.
Most Important sectors are UNDERPERFORMING –

1.  Agriculture, 2. MSMEs, 3. Railways, 4. R&D Patent, 5. Industry
Exports, 6. Education, 7. Healthcare, 8. Irrigation & Multipurpose Dams, 9. Solar PV – 13,000 MW out of 1,00,000 MW 2021 target in four years, 10. Food Processing.  
Most projects were Unviable – Waste of Public Money – i.e. Rs.16,00,000 Cr Invested in Power Sector Produced Average 20,00,000 MW – Energy Efficiency Neglected.
Ravinder Singh, Inventor & Consultant, INNOVATIVE TECHNOLOGIES AND PROJECTS
Y-77, Hauz Khas, ND -110016, India. Ph: 091- 8826415770, 9871056471, 9650421857
Ravinder Singh* is a WIPO awarded inventor specializing in Power, Transportation,
Smart Cities, Water, Energy Saving, Agriculture, Manufacturing, Technologies and Projects

GREAT SUCCESS FOR 48 HOURS DELHI TRADE BANDH AGAINST SEALING.

ON  BY NARESH SAGARLEAVE A COMMENTEDIT
CAIT SENT 12 POINT CHARTER TO HARDEEP PURI
MARKETS TO OPEN TOMMORROW IN DELHI
The 48 hours long Delhi Trade Bandh called by the Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT) enters into second day today as all major wholesale and retail markets of Delhi observed a complete Trade Bandh. The markets wore a deserted look and no business activity took place in any of the markets of Delhi.
About 100 trade leaders from all States joined by hundreds of traders from Delhi took out a Protest March from Red Fort to Town Hall, Chandni Chowk and later sat on a Dharna demanding justice for Delhi traders on sealing issue. Protest Marches, Candle March, Demonstrations were held in various markets across Delhi.
” The 48 hours Delhi Trade Bandh was spontaneous and successful and amply reflected the amount of anguish and resentment of the traders over arbitrary sealing being conducted by the Monitoring Committee in a most dictatorial manner keeping aside the law book of MCD Act,1957″-said Mr. Praveen Khandelwal, Secretary General of the Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT) while claiming the great success of Delhi Trade Bandh.
Though appreciating the proposals mooted by DDA for amending the Master Plan to bring relief to traders from sealing, the CAIT has sent a 12 point Traders Charter to Mr. Hardeep Puri, Union Minister for Urban Development urging him to take necessary steps to mitigate the problems of the traders on account of sealing.
The 12 Point Charter includes keeping status quo in special area till the time redevelopment plan of special area is prepared & implemented, the LSC declared in 1998 should be charged the rates prevailing in that year, the plot size in LSC should be increased from 175 meter to 250 meter. While regularising & enhancing the FAR, the condition of parking availability should be withdrawn, three colonies Greater Kailash, Green Park & South Extension developed by DLF should be enlisted on the list of Rehabilitation Colonies developed by DLF, Commercial use of basement should be allowed uniformly in any street, the limit of paying conversion charges should be fixed for 10 years.
Interest & penalty should be waived for the persons who have not yet paid conversion charges for any reason and henceforth  penalty & interest may be levied for future defaulters, a new survey of roads which have not been surveyed so far should be conducted and notify them as commercial or mixed land use, the warehouses or godowns made on agriculture land or in non conforming areas should be allowed to conduct any type of business activity, the negative trade should be allowed to operate till the time such trade are shifted.​ Condition of obtaining no objection from fire department for usage of basement should be abolished.​
With successful 48 hours Delhi Trade Bandh, the CAIT has declared that Markets will open tomorrow  except those markets who observe Sunday as Weekly holiday.

Joshua Wong, Nathan Law, and Alex Chow honoured to nominated Noble

ON  BY NARESH SAGARLEAVE A COMMENTEDIT
 Hong Kong activists Joshua Wong, Nathan Law, and Alex Chow said Friday they were honoured to be nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize by a group of US lawmakers at a time when the city’s freedoms are “under serious attack by China”.
A bipartisan group of four senators and eight members of the House announced Thursday that they had nominated the activists “in recognition of their peaceful efforts to bring political reform and self-determination to Hong Kong.”
Wong, Law, and Chow — who shot to prominence as leaders of the 2014 pro-democracy Umbrella Movement — said they were honoured by the nomination, but warned that Beijing was targeting the freedoms enjoyed by residents of Hong Kong as a semi-autonomous part of China.
The city’s administration — handpicked by Beijing — has “criminalised people for their speech, deprived people of their right to stand in elections, ousted elected lawmakers and punished dissenters by jailing them,” the activists said in a statement.
“At this critical juncture, we need to join hands with the international community and together defend Hong Kong as a bridgehead for democratic movements.”
Hong Kong has been governed under a “one country, two systems” deal since 1997 when Britain handed the territory back to China, and its residents have rights unseen on the mainland, including freedom of speech.
But there are growing concerns that these liberties are being eroded. Wong, Law and Chow said Friday the system is “under serious attack by China”.
Officials at the foreign ministry in Beijing did not respond to requests for comment on Friday.
Tens of thousands of protesters paralysed parts of Hong Kong during the Umbrella Movement, demanding fully free elections for the city’s leader.
The rallies failed to win concessions and since then, Wong and other leading activists have been charged over their involvement.

India clinch ICC U-19 Champions World Cup

ON  BY NARESH SAGARLEAVE A COMMENTEDIT
India beat Australia by 8 wickets to win the ICC Under-19 World Cup in  Mount Maunganui, New Zealand, on Saturday.India clinched the world cup for the 4th time.
Shubhman Gill declared  the Man of the Series, Befittingly, Manjot Kalra is the Man of the Match for his solid century.
BCCI announces prize money for India U19 team. Rahul Dravid, Head Coach India U19 to be awarded with Rs 50 lakh, team members and support staff to get Rs 20 Lakh each #U19WorldCupFinal.
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Manjot Karla magnificent ton lead India to their record 4th Under-19 World Cup title after the bowlers had restricted the Aussies to 217 all out inside 48 overs. Manoj Kalra’s knock of 101 runs off 102 balls was best to get the Man of the Match. Kalra scoring freely, India won by eight wickets as they chased down Australia´s 216 all out with more than 11 overs to spare.
Manoj Kalra, score included eight fours and three sixes, and he was well supported by wicket-keeper Harvik Desai, who was 47 not out when he finished the match with a boundary.Duo put on 89 for the third wicket, while Prithvi Shaw scored 29 at the top of the innings and Shubman Gill added 31.
“I really can´t express what I´m feeling now,” said captain Prithvi Shaw.
Man of the match Kalra,  felt the wicket was ideal for batting. “I enjoyed it a lot. The conditions were good. Not a difficult wicket, it was flat and good to bat on,” he said.
Australia´s innings, ended in the 48th over, strikers to ball ,score hails  by Jonathan Merlo´s 76 after it fell apart despite a promising start.
Jack Edwards (28) and Max Bryant (14) batted at a run a ball through the first five overs.
But once both were dismissed by Ishan Porel, the steam went out of the Australian innings.
Merlo and Param Uppal (34) put on 75 for the fourth wicket but it took more than 17 overs, and there was little resistance from the following batsmen.
Porel finished with two for 30 while left-arm spinner Shiva Singh was instrumental in slowing the Australian run rate with two for 36.

GAIL fast-tracks work to feed gas to Pradhan Mantri Urja Ganga pipeline

ON  BY NARESH SAGARLEAVE A COMMENTEDIT
GAIL places order of Rs. 440 crore for 350 km Vijaipur (UP) – Auraiya (MP) spurline
Rs. 3500 crore Capex for City Gas Distribution in FY 2018-19 by GAIL Group companies to fulfill Hon’ble PM’s target of 1 crore PNG connections by 2020
New Delhi,2nd February, 2018: GAIL (India) Limited has placed order of Rs. 440 crore for laying of approx. 350 Kms of pipeline from Vijaipur (in the state of Madhya Pradesh) to Auraiya (in the state of  Uttar Pradesh). This is a part of the spurline of approx. 665 km length from Vijaipur to Phulpur (in the state of Uttar Pradesh) to the existing HVJ-DVPL upgradation pipeline system.  The pipeline laying contracts for 315 km stretch from Auraiya to Phulpur was earlier awarded during November 2016.
The  Vijaipur to Phulpur pipeline shall provide the gas feed to the ongoing prestigious 2655 Km long Jagdispur-Haldia-Bokaro-Dhamra pipeline (JHBDPL) project of GAIL, also known as the ‘Pradhan Mantri Urja Ganga’ project, inaugurated by Hon’ble Prime Minister of India in July 2015. The JHBDPL will pass through the state of Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, West Bengal and Odisha, and the project is progressing in full swing which will usher Industrial development in East India by supplying environmentally clean Natural Gas to Fertilizer & Power plant, Refineries, Steel plants, City Gas Distribution and other Industries.
Shri B. C. Tripathi, CMD, GAIL (India) Ltd. said that “ GAIL has awarded  contracts of  Rs. 5400 crore in the current fiscal year which includes Rs 3500 crore for procurement of pipeline and Rs. 1900 crore for laying of pipes. GAIL has awarded till date contracts worth Rs. 7500 crore for ongoing pipeline projects of around 4000 kms in south and eastern India. The two major ongoing projects i.e. Kochi-Kottanad-Mangalore project in Kerala and Karnataka state and JGBDPL projects are progressing well.”
Shri Tripathi emphasized that “GAIL is committed to complete both the projects well within scheduled time and cost. The two projects will form a vital part of National Gas Grid and also provide huge employment opportunities. The pipe line will provide impetuous to economic development in the area.”
Shri Tripathi outlayed GAIL group’s plan for CGD sector by stating that “GAIL along with its subsidiaries and JV’s are fully geared up to fulfill Hon’ble Prime Minister’s target of 1 crore PNG connections by 2020. Capex in the current fiscal year has increased by more than 50% in the CGD sector. In the current financial year 2017-18  GAIL along with its subsidiaries and JV’s have issued Orders of Rs. 2200 crore for various city gas projects across the country. ”
He further added that “All the Group companies have made detail plan for expansion of City gas infrastructure in coming years. Accordingly, the Boards of respective companies have approved Capex of Rs. 3500 crore for FY 2018-19. The outlay will be increased after PNGRB’s IX & X bidding round for 142 new cities. The focus on CGD sector will help in curbing pollution by providing clean fuel to households, transportation sector, small industries and commercial establishment.”
Think Digital, Be Digital

Blockchain and Cryptocurrency Committee of IAMAI

ON  BY NARESH SAGARLEAVE A COMMENTEDIT
Blockchain and Cryptocurrency Committee of IAMAI on references to ‘Cryptocurrency’ by the Finance Minister of India
National, February 2, 2018: Blockchain and Cryptocurrency Committee of IAMAI on references to ‘Cryptocurrency’ by the Finance Minister of India. The Blockchain and Cryptocurrency Committee (BACC) of the Internet and Mobile Association of India (IAMAI) is happy that the Finance Minister has recognized the importance and popularity of cryptocurrency, and has chosen to talk about it on budget day. As far as the exact content of what he said, we are neutral-to-positive about it. However, we are pained to see his words being misinterpreted and misreported. Hence we are issuing this clarification, as well as our position.
Mr. Arun Jaitley, Finance Minister of India said, ‘The Government does not consider cryptocurrencies legal tender or coin and will take all measures to eliminate use of these crypto-assets in financing illegitimate activities or as part of the payment system.’
Looking closely that means:
(i) Cryptocurrencies are not legal tender or coin
(ii) The Government will take all measures to eliminate use of these crypto-assets in financing illegitimate activities
(iii) The Government will take all measures to eliminate use of these crypto-assets as part of the payment system
Here is what we understand, and where we stand on all of these:
(i) During question hour in Rajya Sabha on Jan 2, 2018, the Finance Minister had made the exact same point, where he stated that, ‘bitcoins or such cryptocurrencies are not legal tender’. This has been the position taken by almost all Governments around the world, and we regard this statement quite neutrally. It is our understanding that only currency notes and coins are legal tender. That doesn’t make any comment on the ‘illegality’ of other assets. It must be emphasized that gold, stocks, bonds, and other such assets are also not ‘legal tender’. To extrapolate that to mean that such assets are ‘illegal’ is irresponsible.
(ii) Every citizen and business in this country should play their role in eliminating financing of illegitimate activities, regardless of whether such financing is done using legal tender, cryptocurrency, gold, or any other medium. We welcome this move by the Government, and want to wholeheartedly support the Government in this move. Our members already maintain a no-compromise approach to KYC (know your customer) and AML (anti money laundering) processes. We encourage the Government to work with our members, as we are committed to detect, report, and eliminate suspicious transactions in pretty much the same way as other institutions do. This will also generate confidence in our banking partners.
(iii) We understand the Government’s position in wanting to eliminate the use of crypto-assets as part of the payment system. Since we are committed to support every regulation that the Government brings in, we will work with the Government to help it achieve its stated objective.
When a platform as significant as the Union Budget speech mentions cryptocurrencies, it is clear that the sector is coming of age. We welcome this positive development, and see it as an important milestone in the journey to policy-clarity and consumer-education.
Contact Person: Ajeet Khurana, Head, Blockchain and Cryptocurrency Committee (BACC) of IAMAI
About Blockchain and Cryptocurrency Committee of IAMAI
The Blockchain and Cryptocurrency Committee of India (BACC) is formed under the Internet and Mobile Association of India (IAMAI). Most of the leading cryptocurrency exchanges are members of the BACC. It is an advocate of digital financial innovation and works with different stakeholders in the Government and industry bodies. BACC is organizing itself as a Self-Regulated Organization (SRO) and promotes best practices in transparency, customer education and protection.

“India-China Economic Relations: Then to Now”_Tuesday, 06 February 2018

ON  BY NARESH SAGARLEAVE A COMMENTEDIT

“India-China Economic Relations: Then to Now”_Tuesday, 06 February 2018

The Nehru Memorial Museum and Library
cordially invites you to a Seminar
on
“India-China Economic Relations:
Then to Now”
by
Dr. Sriparna Pathak
Don Bosco University, Guwahati
at 03.00 pm on Tuesday,  06 February 2018
in the Seminar Room, Library Building
Nehru Memorial Museum and Library
Teen Murti House, New Delhi-110011
All are welcome.

CRISIL & SIDBI invite you to the launch of CriSidEx

ON  BY NARESH SAGARLEAVE A COMMENTEDIT
Invitation” CRISIL & SIDBI
CRISIL & SIDBI invite you to the launch of CriSidEx, India’s first MSE sentiment index, by Shri Arun Jaitley, Hon’ble Finance Minister
CriSidEx is a unique lag-and-lead indicator that offers actionable feedback because it captures the MSE business environment across two quarters (the past, or ‘survey quarter’, and the ‘next quarter’), will gauge sentiment across operating parameters and sectors, and flag potential headwinds.
Date: Saturday, February 3, 2018
Time: 10:30 am onwards
Venue: Diwan-I-Am, The Taj Mahal Hotel, 1 Man Singh Road, New Delhi
Programme schedule
10:30 am
Registration
11:00 am
Welcome
11:02 am
Genesis of CriSidEx
Shri Mohammad Mustafa,CMD, SIDBI
11:07 am
CRISIL: Committed to MSEs in India
Smt. Ashu Suyash, MD & CEO, CRISIL
11:12 am
Special address
Shri Arun Kumar Panda, Secretary, Ministry of MSME
11:17 am
Special address
Shri Rajiv Kumar, Secretary, Department of Financial Services, Ministry of Finance
11:22 am
Launch of CriSidEx
Shri Arun Jaitley, Hon’ble Finance Minister
11:26 am
CriSidEx: Findings and Methodology
Shri R Vasudevan, Senior Director, CRISIL SME Ratings
11:32 am
Keynote address
Shri Arun Jaitley, Hon’ble Finance Minister
11:42 am
Vote of thanks
Shri Manoj Mittal, DMD, SIDBI
11:45 am
Lunch

Syed Saqib Ahmed maintains four-shot lead.CIAL

ON  BY NARESH SAGARLEAVE A COMMENTEDIT
Syed Saqib Ahmed maintains four-shot lead to stay frontrunner, stares at maiden title.
Abhijit Singh Chadha in second place.
Kochi, February 2, 2018: Bengaluru lad Syed Saqib Ahmed has done all the hard work for three days to get within striking distance of his maiden title at the PGTI Cochin Masters presented by CIAL Golf Club. The final round of the tournament will now be a test of the 23-year-old’s mental fortitude and finishing skills as he looks to drive home a four-shot advantage.

Saqib produced a rollercoaster one-under-71 on Friday to maintain his four-shot lead at 10-under-206 at the Rs. 40 lakh event.
Chandigarh’s Abhijit Singh Chadha (70), the only player besides Saqib to have posted three sub-par rounds in the week so far, rose from overnight tied third to second place at six-under-210. Abhijit’s good friend and roommate for the week, Amardip Sinh Malik (72) of Noida, will join him in the leader group on Saturday as the latter slipped one spot to third at five-under-211 in round three.
Syed Saqib Ahmed (69-66-71) looked in control for the most part of his round having made five birdies at the cost of just two bogeys on the first 12 holes. He found the hazard on the fourth and missed an up and down on the fifth to drop consecutive bogeys. But those errors were neutralized by his two 20-feet birdie conversions on the second and 12th along with three more holes where he gained shots.
Saqib, who had won multiple titles on the junior and amateur circuits before turning professional in 2015, then had a slump towards the end of his round as he bogeyed the 14th and 18th, the latter courtesy a three-putt. He thus closed the day with a modest 71.
Ahmed, India’s top junior golfer back in 2010, said, “I may be leading going into the final round of a professional event for the first time but I have been in this position before as a junior and amateur on a number of occasions. It’s now about staying calm and thinking about the occasions when I closed out matches at the junior and amateur level successfully.
“Today the birdie on 12th that moved me to three-under got me in a really good position, but the two three-putts on the last three holes, one for par and the other for bogey, were quite disappointing.

“The plan to take one shot at a time and not get too ahead of myself has worked for me till now. In round four, if I can just stick to that plan, I think I can do what I’ve come here to do. I’ve been working on the mental side of my game and hopefully that should bear fruit come the final round,” added Saqib, who had earlier produced a hole-in-one in round two.

Abhijit Singh Chadha (69-71-70) raced to three-under for the day on the front-nine as a result of two long birdie conversions and an exceptional chip that set up a tap-in birdie on the ninth. Chadha, a two-time winner on the PGTI, then found the hazard to drop a shot on the 11th. Thereafter Abhijit made pars all the way till the end to submit a card of 70.

Noida’s Amardip Sinh Malik, the first round leader, shot a second straight 72 to occupy third place, five behind the current leader.

Chandigarh’s Sujjan Singh signed the day’s best score of 68 to move into joint fourth along with Gaurav Pratap Singh (69) of Noida and Gurugram-based Ankur Chadha (69) at four-under-212.

Delhi’s Shamim Khan, the reigning PGTI Order of Merit champion, was placed tied 13th with a total of even-par-216.

MEDIA INVITATION “ROTARY UTSAV 2018”

ON  BY NARESH SAGARLEAVE A COMMENTEDIT
MEDIA INVITATION    PICTURE N KRAFT 
On behalf of
Rotary International District 3141’s Annual District Conference (DISCON) 
Cordially seek your gracious presence at 
“ROTARY UTSAV 2018”
Day 1- 3rd February, 2018, Programmes  – 
1)  12:10 to 12:35 – Dr Muffazal Lakdawala, who operated upon the world’s heaviest woman, Eman Ahmad from Egypt, will speak on Bariatric surgery and Case Study of Eman
2)  2:10 to 3.00 pm- Banker and Social Activist Amruta Devendra Fadnavis, Member of Parliament Supriya Sule, Advocate Abha Singh, Group President of YES Bank Namita Vikas, Brand Consultant & Designer Nisha Jamvwal will discuss about Women Empowerment: Climb to an Undisclosed Destination
3)  3:00 pm – 3:30 pm    Shri Shatrughan Sinha,  Member of Parliament, Film Star will speak on Can Actors be true politicians?: Challenges and Advantages
4)  3:40 to 4:00 – Dr Niranjan Hiranandani, National President of NAREDCO (National Real Estate Development Council) on “Myths and facts of the latest Housing Policies”
5)  4:00 to 4:25 – Vikram Sakhuja- Group CEO of Madison and President of The Advertising Club on “Crystal Gazing: How we will consume  media in future”
6)  4:30- 5:00 pm- Himesh Reshammiya, who is being awarded for excellence in music will speak on “I dreamt, I believed, I succeeded’ and sing a few songs

About – A carefully crafted conference where Central and State Ministers, Corporate Honchos, Consul Generals, Bureaucrats, Enforcement Officers, Sportsmen, Bankers, Film Stars, Spiritual Leaders and Achievers in various fields will invigorate, inspire and educate them either through Keynote/ Special Addresses or through theme-specific panel discussions.

We seek the pleasure of your presence
Date & Time:-  3rd February, 2018 on Saturday at 1:30PM

Venue- J.W. Marriott, next to Terminal 2, Sahar, Andheri (East).

Quake 6 M Pacific Antarctica Ridge

ON  BY NARESH SAGARLEAVE A COMMENTEDIT
USGS ENS <ens@ens.usgs.gov>
To Nksagar_1@yahoo.com
Friday, 2 February, 2018 12:03 PM
Click to view full HTML

M6.0 – PACIFIC-ANTARCTIC RIDGE

Preliminary Earthquake Report
Magnitude6.0
Date-Time
  • 2 Feb 2018 11:37:53 UTC
  • 1 Feb 2018 23:37:53 near epicenter
  • 2 Feb 2018 15:37:53 standard time in your timezone
Location65.811S 175.635W
Depth10 km
Distances
  • 4966 km (3086 miles) S (180 degrees) of NUKU’ALOFA, Tonga
Location UncertaintyHorizontal: 11.5 km; Vertical 1.9 km

Valuing Waste or Wasting value? 

ON  BY NARESH SAGARLEAVE A COMMENTEDIT
Feb
12
The CPR Scaling City Institutions for Sanitation (SCI-FI) programme and Agence Française de Développement (AFD) are pleased to invite you to a seminar on
Valuing Waste or Wasting value?
Rethinking waste processing in fast growing middle-income cities
Presentations by Irène Salenson, Rémi de Bercegol, Swati Singh Sambyal, and a representative of the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs
Monday, 12 February 2018, 2:30 p.m.
Conference Hall, Centre for Policy Research
Image: Rémi de Bercegol
Waste management was often neglected in urban policies, until waste became a major issue in the world’s urbanization. There is now an acknowledged need to control the socio-environmental impacts of waste flows, since they may generate various kinds of pollution and environmental injustice. Moreover, waste management became a strategic tool for urban marketing since it helps to strengthen the attractiveness of the “best practices”’ cities.
Scarcity of natural resources combined with recent growth in plastic and electronic waste generation led to the illusion that municipal waste has a potential high economic value, some even saying that gold is hidden within our garbage bins and landfills. Indeed, raw material can be extracted from disposed goods and waste can be burnt in order to produce energy. But these solutions require segregation and processing which are not costless. On the other hand, even the conventional waste management systems generate significant costs.
This workshop proposes to think out of the box about waste recovery. A main goal is not to lose the valuable part of garbage, by supporting reuse and recycling, but another important objective is to assess the economic, social and environmental costs of the various waste processing options.
Irène Salenson (AFD) will present the results of a research programme comparing six cities in Latin America, Africa and Asia (ORVA2D 2014-2017). Rémi de Bercegol (CNRS) will focus on the case study of Delhi and the policy of waste-to-energy. Swati Singh Sambyal (CSE)will present alternative options for waste management such as decentralized processing. A representative of the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs will present the results of the Swachh Bharat mission and the implementation of the new Solid Waste Management Rules.
Further to the event, you are cordially invited to a cocktail in AFD’s garden:
19A Rajdoot Marg, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi 110021.
Kindly RSVP at afdnewdelhi@afd.fr
Reading: Informal Recycling vs municipal Waste Service in Asian cities: Opposition or Integration?
Authors: Rémi de Bercegol, Jérémie Cave, Arch Nguyen Thai Huyen
Coordinator: Irène Salenson, AFD – Research Paper n°64
This is a seminar organised by CPR (SCI-FI) and Agence Française de Développement (AFD-Delhi/AFD-Paris). It is the first event of ‘the City of Waste’, a cycle of events organized in Delhi and Kochi within the framework of Bonjour India. Find out more about  ‘the City of Waste’ here.

Naresh be Onward Together

ON  BY NARESH SAGARLEAVE A COMMENTEDIT
Onward Together!
Naresh —
Last year, in the midst of our disappointment and concern for the future of our country, this team banded together to prove that we were knocked down, but not knocked out. You marched, formed new organizations like the ones that Onward Together supports, attended town halls, and signed up to run for office in numbers we’ve never seen before.
In less than a year, Onward Together has supported more than ten groups and organizations doing absolutely incredible work to protect our democracy by advocating for voting rights, helping young people get involved in activism and running for office, and more.
In 2018, we’re taking the next step by expanding our mentorship program and holding our first Onward Together members event. Make sure you’re on the list — add your name right now.
Join now
Thank you — this means a lot to me,
Hillary

‘Fidelito’ commits suicide

ON  BY NARESH SAGARLEAVE A COMMENTEDIT
The eldest son of late Cuban revolutionary leader Fidel Castro, Fidel Castro Diaz-Balart, committed suicide on Thursday aged 68 after being treated for months for depression, Cuban state-run media reported.His death came just over a year after that of his father on Nov. 26, 2016, aged 90.
Castro Diaz-Balart, nick name “Fidelito” because of how much he looked like his father, been hospitalized for depression and then continued treatment as an outpatient.
“Castro Diaz-Balart, cared by group of doctors for several months due to a state of profound depression, committed suicide this morning,” Cubadebate website said.
Fidelito was born in 1949 out of his father’s brief marriage to Mirta Diaz-Balart before he went on to topple a U.S.-backed dictator and build a communist-run state on the doorstep of the United States during the Cold War.
A nuclear physicist,studied in the former Soviet Union, Castro Diaz-Balart had been working as a scientific counsellor to the Cuban Council of State and Vice-president of the Cuban Academy of Sciences at the time of his death.
From 1980 to 1992, he was head of Cuba’s national nuclear program and spearheaded the development of a nuclear plant on the Caribbean’s largest island until his father fired him.
Cuba halted its plant plans that same year because of a lack of funding after the collapse of Cuba’s trade and aid ties with the ex-Soviet bloc and Castro Diaz-Balart largely disappeared from public view, appearing at the occasional scientific conference.

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 REQUEST FOR PARTICIPATION – India-Viet Nam Business Forum

ON  BY NARESH SAGARLEAVE A COMMENTEDIT
assocham_logo.jpg

To
– Managing Committee Members
– Patron Members
– Promoter Chambers
– Corporate Associates
– Associated Chambers
– Ordinary Members

REQUEST FOR PARTICIPATION
 India-Viet Nam Business Forum
In Honour of 
H.E. Tran Dai Quang
President of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam
Saturday, 3 March, 2018

Dear Sir/Madam,
We are happy to inform you that, in association with Ministry of External Affairs ASSOCHAM  is Co-Organizing a Business Summit on the visit of  His Excellency Tran Dai Quang, President of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam .This high powered business delegation comprises of 100 officials and Business delegates from Vietnam.
The Programme details are as follows:
Day/Date:   Saturday, 3 March, 2018
Time:       1:30 PM (Registration) (Followed by Hi-Tea)
Venue:     Durbar Hall, Taj Diplomatic Enclave, Sardar Patel Marg, New Delhi.
India-Vietnam relations have been exceptionally friendly and cordial since their foundations. Bilateral trade between India and Vietnam has seen continuous growth over the past many years. India is now among the top ten trading partners of Vietnam, total trade between the two countries during April–Nov of fiscal year 2016-2017 was US$ 6244.92 million. The two sides agreed to set the target of bilateral trade at USD 15 billion by 2020.
The upcoming event is expected to further expand the cordial and cooperative relationship between India & Vietnam and build on the strong ties of friendship and trust between the two.
In view of the importance of this visit, we request you to kindly consider participate in the event. 
Please send us your confirmation for participation to:
Mr. Abhishek Kumar
Executive- International Affairs, ASSOCHAM
E: abhishek.kumar@assocham.com
T: 011-46550555,Ext-632  M: +91-7011074028 
Since the time is short, we look forward to your confirmation latest by 28th February, 2018
Please Note:
• Invitation Card is non-transferable.
• Please bring the Invitation Card and Envelope with you.
• Guest identification liable to be cross checked even after passing through metal detection.
• Please do not bring any weapon, briefcase, handbag, attache, camera, radio, transistor, tape recorder, remote car keys, binocular etc, or any other electronic item with you. These will not be permitted inside the venue. Organizers and the venue staff will not be responsible for any such belongings.
• Eatables and water will not be allowed inside the venue.
• Please be seated before 2.30 P.M.
• Please carry original photo ID issued by the Government (Driving License / Pan Card / Voter Card / Passport). No other photo ID card shall be entertained.
In case you are also requested to sponsor the event, please free feel to let us know.
With Kind Regards,
Yours Sincerely,
Deepti Pant
DIRECTOR
HEAD – International Affairs
The Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India (ASSOCHAM)
“The Knowledge Chamber: Serving the Nation since 1920”
5, Sardar Patel Marg, Chanakya Puri, New Delhi-110021
T: +91-11-46550550 F: 23017008/9
W: www.assocham.com
E: international@assocham.com

Interaction with H.E. Iztok Mirošic, Deputy Minister Slovenia

ON  BY NARESH SAGARLEAVE A COMMENTEDIT
Interaction with
H.E. Iztok Mirošic, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Republic of Slovenia
6 March 2018: CII Headquarters, New Delhi

Mr Iztok Mirošic, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Republic of Slovenia, will be leading a Slovenian business delegation to New Delhi from 5-6 March 2018. The delegation will have a special focus on Construction & Engineering, Automobile Components and ICT.

During their visit, Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), in cooperation with the Embassy of Slovenia, is organising an Interactive session on 06 March 2018 from 1430 – 1545 hrs at the CII Headquarters, The Mantosh Sondhi Centre, 23, Institutional Area, Lodi Road, New Delhi.

Run Adam named Title Sponsor for 22nd Federation Cup

ON  BY NARESH SAGARLEAVE A COMMENTEDIT
New Delhi, 28th February, 2018: Athletics Federation of India announces association with Run Adam, a sporting talent app with a vision to help realise the dreams of athletes as sponsor for the 22nd Federation cup Sr. National Athletic Championships 2018 will be held from 5th to 8th March 2018 at NIS-NS, Patiala. This competition will serve as the final qualification trials for the 21st Commonwealth Games to be held at Gold Coast, Australia from 4th to 15th April 2018.
The announcement was made in the presence of Ms. Anju Bobby George (Olympian) and Neeraj Chopra (U20 IAAF World Champion, Javelin Throw).
Speaking about the association with Run Adam Mr. C.K. Valson, AFI Secretary said “India is abundant with sporting talent, associating with Run Adam who shares our vision to promote sporting talents will position India, a sporting giant in the international arena. This 22nd Federation cup which will be held from 5th to 8th March will set the tone for 21st Commonwealth Games to be held in Australia. Our association will be an important milestone in Indian sporting history.  I welcome Run Adam for establishing such sporting eco system which encourages athletes for the preparation in international events”.
Speaking on the association with Athletic Federation of India Mr. K. Yeragaselvan, CEO and MD of Run Adam, an avid sports enthusiast himself said “It gives us immense pleasure in associating with Athletics Federation of India in this 22nd Federation Cup Sr. National Athletic Championships 2018. Since it will serve as the final qualification trials for the 21st Commonwealth Games to be held in Australia it will be a dream for every athlete to represent our country in the international arena. Run Adam’s Vision is to bring the country’s sporting ecosystem under one umbrella to help solve the biggest challenges facing sporting talent”. Run Adam also sponsored Indian Grand Prix-1, the season opener of AFI, which was held yesterday at NS-NIS Patiala.

Events to be conducted at Run Adam 22nd Federation Cup Sr. National Championships- Patiala:

Men – 100m, 200m 400m, 800m, 1500m, 5000m, 10000m, 110mH, 400mH, 3000m SC, Long Jump, High Jump, Triple Jump, Pole Vault, Shot Put, Discus Throw, Hammer Throw, Javelin Throw, Decathlon

Women -100m, 200m 400m, 800m, 1500m, 5000m, 10000m, 100mH, 400mH, 3000m SC, Long Jump, High Jump, Triple Jump, Pole Vault, Shot Put, Discus Throw, Hammer Throw, Javelin Throw, Heptathlon


About Run Adam
Run Adam is an analytics-based sporting platform that empowers promising athletes, hand-holding them through every stage of their career. A 360-degree marketplace for sporting talent, Run Adam connects athletes to the sports ecosystem that can help them perform and excel. For more information, please visit www.runadam.com.

 IBO Association presentation about the scam, Loot continues

ON  BY NARESH SAGARLEAVE A COMMENTEDIT
Researchers Views further
 Indian Bank Officers Association gave presentation about the Banking Scams.
Indian Banks were FIRMLY Controlling Private Companies up to 1996 – Promoters equity directly could be 12% when RIL took over L&T and PSU Banks around 25% – plus there were Independent Directors and Government Appointed Directors. GSPC, NIRAV like Scam was impossible.
NDA-I & II Promoted TRADING IDEAS than INDUSTRY & FARMERS – Making $Billions Without Any Or Little VALUE ADDITION. Forwarding TRADING in Stocks -Commodities – PSU Banks Supported Such Speculative Activities On GOI-RBI Directions. Forwarding Trading in Food Commodities is 20-30 Times than Farmers Sales at APMC. 
In Diamond & Gold Trade Value Addition on average is 2% but Banks Provided 100% to 500% LONG TERM Loans That too Without Collateral. 
Ø 600m FARMERS Income Could Have DOUBLED or TRIPLED If They Shall Get even 15 month Crop Loans – Storing & Processing by Farmers. 
Ø Farmers add 80% Value, 200% After Storing & Processing Not Supported.
RIL alone Operated 500 Companies from its Corporate Head Office. DOING ONLY ‘FAKE’ FINANCIAL TRANSACTIONS.
ESSAR take Priority Loans With INCENTIVES for REFINERY but diverted money for TELECOM – JV – ESSAR-HUTCH which was valued @ $21b.
 Ministers Goyal, Gadkari & Prabhu Take Up UNVIABLE PROJECTS WITHOUT PROJECT REPORTS that may not be ready in 20-30 years – all PSU Bank Funded.
RBI Governor who as Director of GSPC – couldn’t see Rs.23,000 Cr Scam, No insist on ADHAAR LINK of Promoters of Companies.
 Nirav Modi & Mehul Chowksi Scams –
1.   There Was No Collateral against Rs.21,000 Cr worth BANK ROBBERY,
2.   No FACTORY Production – FAKE TRANSACTIONS – Zero Value Addition.
3.   No I.Tax was paid or Even Project Report made by Nirav Modi & Chowksi.
4.   No JOBS Created. Just lllegal Enrichment. 
5.   Money Transferred to Foreign Accounts – impossible to bring back.
6.   Banks were ROBBED.
Nothing of above Happened in case of Simbhaoli Sugar which is 85 Years old company [Founded 1933] Crushing 2.1 million tones of Sugarcane, reported Rs.881 Cr Turnover. Simbhaoli Sugar supported 1,50,000 Farmers-Labor since 1933. Merely diverting MONEY from one Account of Company to another is not a FRAUD-Scam.



 January 2018 India fiscal deficit stands at 113.7 % of actuals to BEs

ON  BY NARESH SAGARLEAVE A COMMENTEDIT

The gross fiscal deficit of the Central government stands at 113.7% of the actuals to budget estimates (BEs) at the end of January 2018 as compared to 105.6% of the actuals to budget estimates in the corresponding period of the previous year. The primary deficit was registered at 409.8% of the actuals to budget estimates at the end of January 2018 as compared to 382.0% of the actuals to budget estimates during corresponding period of the previous year.
Differentials in use of fiscal deficit space at the end of January 2018 vis-à-vis January 2017 (in%)
Source: PHD Research Bureau, compiled from Government of India accounts, Government of India
Note: The Fiscal deficit data pertains to the end of the respective month * indicates data at the end of respective financial year and are % of actuals to revised estimates
The revenue receipts at the end of January 2018 of the central government stands at 72.8% of the actuals to budget estimates as compared with 70.9% of the actuals to budget estimates at the end of January 2017.

                 Fiscal position for January 2018 vis-à-vis January 2017
Month
% of Actuals to Budget EstimatesFY2018*
% of Actuals to Budget Estimates FY2017*
% of Actuals to Budget Estimates FY2016*
% of Actuals to Budget Estimates FY2015*
April
37.6
25.7
23
21.4
May
68.3
42.9
37.5
45.3
June
80.8
61.1
51.6
56.1
July
92.4
73.7
69.3
61.2
August
96.1
76.4
66.5
74.9
September
91.3
83.9
68.1
82.6
October
96.1
79.3
74
89.6
November
112
85.8
87
98.9
December
113.6
93.9
87.9
100.2
January
113.7
105.7
95.8
107.0
February
113.4
107.1
117.5
March
100.1
99.5
99.6
Note: * Data pertains to the end of the respective month. *indicates data at the end of respective financial year and are % of actuals to revised estimates
The government’s market borrowing stands at 103% of the actuals to budget estimates at the end of January 2018 as compared with 114% of the actuals to budget estimates at the end of January 2017. The domestic financing stands at 112% of the actuals to budget estimates at the end of January 2018 as compared to 107% of the actuals to budget estimates at the end of January 2017. The external financing of the government stands at 486% of the actuals to budget estimates at the end of January 2018 as against 55% of the actuals to budget estimates at the end of January 2017. The total financing of the central government stands at 114 % of the actuals to budget estimates at the end of January 2018 as against 106% of the actuals to budget estimates at the end of January 2017.

  Sources of financing the deficit                                                                                  (%)
  Note: Data pertains to the end of January 2018 vis-à-vis January 2017

January 2018 India core infra stands at 6.7%

ON  BY NARESH SAGARLEAVE A COMMENTEDIT
The core infrastructure stands at 6.7% in January 2018 as against 4.2% in December 2017. The combined Index of Eight Core Industries stands at 133.1 in January, 2018, which was 6.65% higher as compared to the index of January 2017. Cement and Refinery products growth stands at 20.7% and 11% respectively in the month of January 2018.
Table 1: Sector wise trend in monthly production  (% growth)
Sector
Weight
Jan 18
Dec 17
Crude Oil
8.98
-3.2
-2.1
Natural Gas
6.88
-1.0
1.2
Petroleum Refinery Products
28.04
11
6.6
Coal
10.33
3
-0.1
Fertilizer
2.63
-1.6
3
Electricity
19.85
8.2
4.4
Cement
5.37
20.7
18.8
Steel
17.92
3.7
2.5
Overall
100
6.7
4.2

Major recruitment scam erupts

ON  BY NARESH SAGARLEAVE A COMMENTEDIT

Naresh Kumar Sagar’s Tweets

You Retweeted
Prashant Bhushan
Prashant Bhushan
@pbhushan1·
After Vyapam, a major recruitment scam erupts with State Selection Commission recruitments for Centre. #sscscam. These scams which cheat our youth of govt jobs are leading to unprecedented unrest & anger among our youth. But BJP only pushes divisive issues
Ghanti Bajao: Youth of the country raise their voice against ‘mass…
http://www.youtube.com
Naresh Kumar Sagar
Naresh Kumar Sagar
@Nksagar·
Sagar Media Inc: PM Modi tweets His meet with His Majestic King Abdullah II of Jordan at Presidential house and conference. Last rites of Bollywood actresses SriDevi was performed, Ks of fans, film fraternity presence to pay tribute to departed soul. Yemen & Syria war, UN inert.
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March 1, 2018, 1:26 am
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Tata Boeing Aerospace inaugurates its state-of-the-art

ON  BY NARESH SAGARLEAVE A COMMENTEDIT
thumbnail
Apache fuselage facility

·         Hyderabad facility will be sole producer of AH-64 Apache helicopter fuselages globally
·         Delivery of the first fuselage expected in 2018
·         Partnership reaffirms commitment to ‘Make in India’

HYDERABAD/NEW DELHI, March 1, 2018 – Tata Boeing Aerospace Limited (TBAL), a joint venture between Boeing [NYSE: BA] and Tata Advanced Systems Ltd. (TASL) today inaugurated its state-of-the-art facility in Hyderabad. Spread over 14,000-square meters and employing 350 highly skilled workers, the facility will be the sole global producer of fuselages for AH-64 Apache helicopter delivered by Boeing to its global customers including the U.S. Army. The facility will also produce secondary structures and vertical spar boxes of this multi-role combat helicopter. The delivery of the first fuselage is expected in 2018.

“I congratulate Tata and Boeing for taking this bold step towards Make in India and making this substantial investment in the defence space,” said Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman, Honourable Minister of Defence, Government of India. “The manufacturing of advanced defence platforms and being integrated with the complex global supply chain will help our aerospace industry acquire technology, build local capability, provide employment and become a global exporter.”

TBAL, Boeing’s first equity joint venture in India, is the result of a 2015 partnership agreement with TASL. Construction of the manufacturing facility began in 2016 and was completed on schedule. In addition, Boeing and TASL have worked closely to develop a pool of highly skilled aerospace talent through skill development initiatives.

“TBAL is just the beginning of Boeing’s future journey of partnership with India,” said Pratyush Kumar, President, Boeing India. He further added, “As we progress, we see this as a major step towards future opportunities to pursue the co-development of integrated systems in aerospace and defence. Our partnership with Indian industry fulfils the goals of the ‘Make in India’ initiative and results in mutual growth and productivity growth for both India and Boeing.”

“Tata is a significant player in the global aerospace market focused on leveraging opportunities in global markets and reducing India’s reliance on imports in defence related requirements, 60% of which is met through imports. With the streamlining of the export regulation process under the Strategy for Defence Exports (SDE) of the Government of India, and with established capabilities and demonstrated deliveries, we are poised to emerge as a supplier of choice for global OEMs,” said Mr. Banmali Agrawala, President, Infrastructure, Defence and Aerospace, Tata Sons. 

Sukaran Singh, MD and CEO, Tata Advanced Systems said, “The inauguration of the TBAL facility marks an important milestone in our collaborative engineering journey with Boeing. As India focuses on indigenous manufacturing in the defence market, this partnership is testimony to Tata Group’s commitment to develop global high-end technology in defence manufacturing, making India more self-reliant.”
TASL, the strategic Aerospace and Defence arm of the Tata Group, is a key player in the global aerospace and defence market. With established capabilities throughout the aerospace value chain from design to full aircraft assembly, it is a premier manufacturing partner for global original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) as well as the Government of India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation.
More than 2,300 Boeing-made Apache helicopters are operated by customers around the world since the aircraft entered production. The United States Army Apache fleet alone has accumulated more than 4.3 million flight hours, including more than 1.2 million in combat, as of January 2018. The helicopter has been fielded or selected for acquisition by the armed forces of 16 countries, including India.

Boeing is expanding its engagement with India’s Ministry of Defence to deliver advanced capabilities and readiness to the Indian military. The company has developed a competitive supplier base in-country that is integrated into Boeing’s global supply chain. The Indian Ministry of Defence finalised an order with Boeing for 22 AH-64E Apache helicopters in September 2015, deliveries for which are scheduled to begin in 2019.

More Misery for Rohingyas

ON  BY NARESH SAGARLEAVE A COMMENTEDIT
Half a million Rohingya refugees crammed into over 30 makeshift camps in Cox’s Bazar in southeast Bangladesh face a critical situation as the cyclone and monsoon season begins in a few weeks’ time.
The United Nations and international and local NGOs, along with the Bangladeshi government, have issued emergency calls to safeguard the population, especially those who are most vulnerable.
Already burdened with the world’s largest refugee crisis, the host country and its partners remain concerned at the slow pace of action on the ground, although preparations are already underway.
The biggest threat is the terrible conditions in the camps, most of which are frail shelters made up of bamboo sticks and plastic tarpaulins unlikely to stand up to gusting winds and heavy downpours.
In mid-January, Edouard Beigbeder, UNICEF Country Representative in Bangladesh, sent out a press statement saying, “As we get closer to the cyclone and monsoon seasons, what is already a dire humanitarian situation risks becoming a catastrophe. Hundreds of thousands of children are already living in horrific conditions, and they will face an even greater risk of disease, flooding, landslides and further displacement,”
“Unsafe water, inadequate sanitation and poor hygiene conditions can lead to cholera outbreaks and to Hepatitis E, a deadly disease for pregnant women and their babies, while standing water pools can attract malaria-carrying mosquitoes,” he added. “Keeping children safe from disease must be an absolute priority.”

Railways No Innovation, Mismanaged, To Be BANKRUPT Soon

ON  BY NARESH SAGARLEAVE A COMMENTEDIT
March01, 2018 (C) Ravinder Singh progressindia2015@gmail.com
‘Papa Fail Mat Hona’ – daughters of Ashwani Lohani said to him when he took over as Railway Board Chairman. Unfortunately Papa Had Failed Railways over 38 years. Railways Operational Performance is negative. My concerns about his Weird Ideas are –

Ø Indian Railways is lifeline of Poor – who are Totally Neglected – for Rich there are Luxury Trains, Bullet Train, Airlines, Cars & Expressways, UBER H-H Services etc.
Ø IR Fares are already Uncompetitive but for Discounts for Children and Sr Citizens. VOLVO services had increased 4 Fold in 4 yrs.
Ø In case Petroleum Products are brought under GST – price of Diesel is reduced to Rs.35-40/L – Few shall travel by Trains, National Permit Buses & Goods Transport by road to be Cheaper in most regions. >> BANKRUPT RAILWAYS.
Ø Fast Electric Vehicles Being Introduced shall DISRUPT railway operations.

Ø Railways are not INTERCONNECTED to PUBLIC TRANSPORT – Access to Railway Stations & Railway Platforms is IMPOSSIBLE by any standard.

Ø IT IS MOST WEIRD to BUILD MULTISTORY COMMERCIAL SPACES AROUND INACCESSIBLE RAILWAY STATIONS.

Ø Railways to build New Stations in Easy to Access locations, all over India.

Ø Expansion Projects are MOSTLY UNVIABLE, Bullet Train, Fitting New Toilets in Worn Out Coaches, 100% Conversion of Signal with 20 Yr Old Technology WEIRD When UBER serve over 2,00,000 Taxis in Delhi alone to around 10,000 Railway Locos.  

Ø Railways is ZERO in R&D – instead of IMPROVING Locos, Buys IMPORTED High Cost Locos, Double Decker Coaches not introduced, many ore Innovations Missing.

I started writing regularly since 1980 – that year I reported CSIR-NRDC are engaged in Bogus Research, Weird Ganga-Cauvery Link, Multi-Purpose Dams, Weird Idea of Gauge Conversion and Axle Counters, Scheduling of Trains, Power, Wagon Unloading.
https://indiarailinfo.com/search/dli-old-delhi-junction-to-ju-jodhpur-junction/349/0/126
In 1980 I petitioned to PM about the WEIRD Idea of Gauge Conversion– I wanted Doubling of Meter Gauge lines instead – so than even Stream Engine services could operate Express Trains at over 80 kmph speed – 100kmph Shatabdis. Trains average 50-60kmph on Delhi-Jodhpur section. There are too many halts because Single Line carry traffic in both directions – Not due to commercial reasons.  

1980 – IIT Delhi proposed AXLE Counter as technology to WARN AGAINST DETATCHMENT OF TRAINS Particularly Goods Trains. Within minutes Invented BETTER TECHNOLOGIES – Give Speed of Train to have passed to next train on same track.

Ravinder Singh, Inventor & Consultant, INNOVATIVE TECHNOLOGIES AND PROJECTS

5th India Maize Summit 2018

ON  BY NARESH SAGARLEAVE A COMMENTEDIT
March 23rd , 2018 – FICCI, Federation House, New Delhi
I take pleasure in informing you that FICCI is organizing the 5th  edition of India Maize Summit  on March 23rd , 2018  (Friday) at FICCI, Federation House, New Delhi. FICCI has been organizing India Maize Summit since 2013 and after the success of last four editions, FICCI has now declared this as an Annual event. The 5th  edition of India Maize Summit aims at providing a common platform to all stakeholders to outline the opportunities in maize and deliberate on actions that are required at the policy and operational level to unleash the potential of Maize.
The Summit will deliberate upon:
(a) Enhancing productivity– to be in global race.
(b) Encouraging alternate uses of maize– maximizing value by diversification.
(c) Mechanization and Post-harvest management– imperative to raise farmers’ income.
(d) Assured markets and price risk minimization– win –win game.
(e) Maize for starch and feed industry– matching the market demand.
In view of the significance of the subject, I am writing to request  you to kindly join us for  the 5th India Maize Summit 2018 (Friday)  and make it a success. In case you are pre occupied, you may like to depute a senior representative to participate in the summit. Please find attached the Summit brochure and Registration form for your reference.Request you to kindly send us the filled in registration form at apoorva.mishra@ficci.c om .
I look forward to your participation in making this event a huge success.

Japan’s banks face a quiet crisis

ON  BY NARESH SAGARLEAVE A COMMENTEDIT

Shrinking to survive: Japan’s banks face a quiet crisis

Thousands of positions at risk as online upstarts threaten bloated megabanks
MITSURU OBE, Nikkei staff writer
New college recruits gather for an orientation session at Sumitomo Mitsui Banking’s Tokyo headquarters in 2016. (Photo by Yuichiro Takagi)
TOKYO — “Welcome to our bank!” chime the three uniformed clerks as customers enter Mizuho Bank’s branch in Tokyo’s Tanashi neighborhood.
The friendly, highly experienced clerks stand ready to help customers fill in the various forms required to open an account, make a large withdrawal, transfer funds or take out a loan. Even in the digital age, such tasks can require plenty of time-consuming paperwork. To confirm their identity, customers are also required to present a hanko, or personal seal.
Once the forms are filled out, the customers take a paper ticket and wait for their number to be called by one of the handful of tellers sitting behind the counter, who handle simple requests on the spot. More complicated jobs are handed over for processing by a dozen or so other clerks sitting behind them.
These days, however, most customers walk straight past the three clerks at the entrance and toward the bank of eight ATMs or three machines for updating passbook records. Many customers never make it into the branch at all, choosing instead to do their banking online.
But despite the popularity of internet banking, the retail bank experience in Japan appears little changed from a decade or two ago. Personal attention to the customer and a thick, sturdy passbook are still regarded as hallmarks of quality in Japan’s banks, even if there is less demand for such service.
Branches of Japan’s megabanks are a ubiquitous sight in Tokyo. (Photo by Ken Kobayashi)
There are signs this is beginning to change, however. The country’s three biggest banks have announced plans to close branches, eliminate thousands of positions and introduce more automation — radical steps in an industry where employees expect to have jobs for life. But critics warn they are still not moving quickly enough to prepare for the next wave of digital disruption heading their way. One senior executive says Japan’s banks are experiencing a “quiet crisis.”
Raymond Spencer, senior vice president at Moody’s Investors Service in Japan, says retail banks need to be run more like convenience stores. “Banking is not a complex business, particularly for retail. So there is a lot of competition and it has become a commodity,” he said.
The banks’ short business hours, typically from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on weekdays, are an anachronism in the digital age, he says. “Why are branches open when nobody can visit them?”
At Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi UFJ, the nation’s largest bank, the number of customers who visit its brick-and-mortar branches has dropped 40% in the past decade, while the number of internet banking users has risen 40% in the last five years.
The mismatch is becoming difficult to overlook for an industry bearing the twin burdens of low growth and low interest rates. With a shrinking population, the fall in customer numbers is only expected to accelerate. Yet the number of bank branches in Japan has changed little in the past 10 years, at around 13,500. With each branch typically staffed by about 30 clerks, shrinking or eliminating them will mean cutting a lot of positions.
asia.nikkei.com

 REQUEST FOR PARTICIPATION – India-Viet Nam Business Forum

ON  BY NARESH SAGARLEAVE A COMMENTEDIT
assocham_logo.jpg

To
– Managing Committee Members
– Patron Members
– Promoter Chambers
– Corporate Associates
– Associated Chambers
– Ordinary Members

REQUEST FOR PARTICIPATION
 India-Viet Nam Business Forum
In Honour of 
H.E. Tran Dai Quang
President of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam
Saturday, 3 March, 2018

Dear Sir/Madam,
We are happy to inform you that, in association with Ministry of External Affairs ASSOCHAM  is Co-Organizing a Business Summit on the visit of  His Excellency Tran Dai Quang, President of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam .This high powered business delegation comprises of 100 officials and Business delegates from Vietnam.
The Programme details are as follows:
Day/Date:   Saturday, 3 March, 2018
Time:       1:30 PM (Registration) (Followed by Hi-Tea)
Venue:     Durbar Hall, Taj Diplomatic Enclave, Sardar Patel Marg, New Delhi.
India-Vietnam relations have been exceptionally friendly and cordial since their foundations. Bilateral trade between India and Vietnam has seen continuous growth over the past many years. India is now among the top ten trading partners of Vietnam, total trade between the two countries during April–Nov of fiscal year 2016-2017 was US$ 6244.92 million. The two sides agreed to set the target of bilateral trade at USD 15 billion by 2020.
The upcoming event is expected to further expand the cordial and cooperative relationship between India & Vietnam and build on the strong ties of friendship and trust between the two.
In view of the importance of this visit, we request you to kindly consider participate in the event. 
Please send us your confirmation for participation to:
Mr. Abhishek Kumar
Executive- International Affairs, ASSOCHAM
E: abhishek.kumar@assocham.com
T: 011-46550555,Ext-632  M: +91-7011074028 
Since the time is short, we look forward to your confirmation latest by 28th February, 2018
Please Note:
• Invitation Card is non-transferable.
• Please bring the Invitation Card and Envelope with you.
• Guest identification liable to be cross checked even after passing through metal detection.
• Please do not bring any weapon, briefcase, handbag, attache, camera, radio, transistor, tape recorder, remote car keys, binocular etc, or any other electronic item with you. These will not be permitted inside the venue. Organizers and the venue staff will not be responsible for any such belongings.
• Eatables and water will not be allowed inside the venue.
• Please be seated before 2.30 P.M.
• Please carry original photo ID issued by the Government (Driving License / Pan Card / Voter Card / Passport). No other photo ID card shall be entertained.
In case you are also requested to sponsor the event, please free feel to let us know.
With Kind Regards,
Yours Sincerely,
Deepti Pant
DIRECTOR
HEAD – International Affairs
The Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India (ASSOCHAM)
“The Knowledge Chamber: Serving the Nation since 1920”
5, Sardar Patel Marg, Chanakya Puri, New Delhi-110021
T: +91-11-46550550 F: 23017008/9
W: www.assocham.com
E: international@assocham.com

Interaction with H.E. Iztok Mirošic, Deputy Minister Slovenia

ON  BY NARESH SAGARLEAVE A COMMENTEDIT
Interaction with
H.E. Iztok Mirošic, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Republic of Slovenia
6 March 2018: CII Headquarters, New Delhi

Mr Iztok Mirošic, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Republic of Slovenia, will be leading a Slovenian business delegation to New Delhi from 5-6 March 2018. The delegation will have a special focus on Construction & Engineering, Automobile Components and ICT.

During their visit, Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), in cooperation with the Embassy of Slovenia, is organising an Interactive session on 06 March 2018 from 1430 – 1545 hrs at the CII Headquarters, The Mantosh Sondhi Centre, 23, Institutional Area, Lodi Road, New Delhi.
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March 1, 2018, 1:29 am
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March 1, 2018, 1:30 am
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Tata Boeing Aerospace inaugurates its state-of-the-art

ON  BY NARESH SAGARLEAVE A COMMENTEDIT
thumbnail
Apache fuselage facility

·         Hyderabad facility will be sole producer of AH-64 Apache helicopter fuselages globally
·         Delivery of the first fuselage expected in 2018
·         Partnership reaffirms commitment to ‘Make in India’

HYDERABAD/NEW DELHI, March 1, 2018 – Tata Boeing Aerospace Limited (TBAL), a joint venture between Boeing [NYSE: BA] and Tata Advanced Systems Ltd. (TASL) today inaugurated its state-of-the-art facility in Hyderabad. Spread over 14,000-square meters and employing 350 highly skilled workers, the facility will be the sole global producer of fuselages for AH-64 Apache helicopter delivered by Boeing to its global customers including the U.S. Army. The facility will also produce secondary structures and vertical spar boxes of this multi-role combat helicopter. The delivery of the first fuselage is expected in 2018.

“I congratulate Tata and Boeing for taking this bold step towards Make in India and making this substantial investment in the defence space,” said Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman, Honourable Minister of Defence, Government of India. “The manufacturing of advanced defence platforms and being integrated with the complex global supply chain will help our aerospace industry acquire technology, build local capability, provide employment and become a global exporter.”

TBAL, Boeing’s first equity joint venture in India, is the result of a 2015 partnership agreement with TASL. Construction of the manufacturing facility began in 2016 and was completed on schedule. In addition, Boeing and TASL have worked closely to develop a pool of highly skilled aerospace talent through skill development initiatives.

“TBAL is just the beginning of Boeing’s future journey of partnership with India,” said Pratyush Kumar, President, Boeing India. He further added, “As we progress, we see this as a major step towards future opportunities to pursue the co-development of integrated systems in aerospace and defence. Our partnership with Indian industry fulfils the goals of the ‘Make in India’ initiative and results in mutual growth and productivity growth for both India and Boeing.”

“Tata is a significant player in the global aerospace market focused on leveraging opportunities in global markets and reducing India’s reliance on imports in defence related requirements, 60% of which is met through imports. With the streamlining of the export regulation process under the Strategy for Defence Exports (SDE) of the Government of India, and with established capabilities and demonstrated deliveries, we are poised to emerge as a supplier of choice for global OEMs,” said Mr. Banmali Agrawala, President, Infrastructure, Defence and Aerospace, Tata Sons. 

Sukaran Singh, MD and CEO, Tata Advanced Systems said, “The inauguration of the TBAL facility marks an important milestone in our collaborative engineering journey with Boeing. As India focuses on indigenous manufacturing in the defence market, this partnership is testimony to Tata Group’s commitment to develop global high-end technology in defence manufacturing, making India more self-reliant.”
TASL, the strategic Aerospace and Defence arm of the Tata Group, is a key player in the global aerospace and defence market. With established capabilities throughout the aerospace value chain from design to full aircraft assembly, it is a premier manufacturing partner for global original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) as well as the Government of India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation.
More than 2,300 Boeing-made Apache helicopters are operated by customers around the world since the aircraft entered production. The United States Army Apache fleet alone has accumulated more than 4.3 million flight hours, including more than 1.2 million in combat, as of January 2018. The helicopter has been fielded or selected for acquisition by the armed forces of 16 countries, including India.

Boeing is expanding its engagement with India’s Ministry of Defence to deliver advanced capabilities and readiness to the Indian military. The company has developed a competitive supplier base in-country that is integrated into Boeing’s global supply chain. The Indian Ministry of Defence finalised an order with Boeing for 22 AH-64E Apache helicopters in September 2015, deliveries for which are scheduled to begin in 2019.

More Misery for Rohingyas

ON  BY NARESH SAGARLEAVE A COMMENTEDIT
Half a million Rohingya refugees crammed into over 30 makeshift camps in Cox’s Bazar in southeast Bangladesh face a critical situation as the cyclone and monsoon season begins in a few weeks’ time.
The United Nations and international and local NGOs, along with the Bangladeshi government, have issued emergency calls to safeguard the population, especially those who are most vulnerable.
Already burdened with the world’s largest refugee crisis, the host country and its partners remain concerned at the slow pace of action on the ground, although preparations are already underway.
The biggest threat is the terrible conditions in the camps, most of which are frail shelters made up of bamboo sticks and plastic tarpaulins unlikely to stand up to gusting winds and heavy downpours.
In mid-January, Edouard Beigbeder, UNICEF Country Representative in Bangladesh, sent out a press statement saying, “As we get closer to the cyclone and monsoon seasons, what is already a dire humanitarian situation risks becoming a catastrophe. Hundreds of thousands of children are already living in horrific conditions, and they will face an even greater risk of disease, flooding, landslides and further displacement,”
“Unsafe water, inadequate sanitation and poor hygiene conditions can lead to cholera outbreaks and to Hepatitis E, a deadly disease for pregnant women and their babies, while standing water pools can attract malaria-carrying mosquitoes,” he added. “Keeping children safe from disease must be an absolute priority.”

Railways No Innovation, Mismanaged, To Be BANKRUPT Soon

ON  BY NARESH SAGARLEAVE A COMMENTEDIT
March01, 2018 (C) Ravinder Singh progressindia2015@gmail.com
‘Papa Fail Mat Hona’ – daughters of Ashwani Lohani said to him when he took over as Railway Board Chairman. Unfortunately Papa Had Failed Railways over 38 years. Railways Operational Performance is negative. My concerns about his Weird Ideas are –

Ø Indian Railways is lifeline of Poor – who are Totally Neglected – for Rich there are Luxury Trains, Bullet Train, Airlines, Cars & Expressways, UBER H-H Services etc.
Ø IR Fares are already Uncompetitive but for Discounts for Children and Sr Citizens. VOLVO services had increased 4 Fold in 4 yrs.
Ø In case Petroleum Products are brought under GST – price of Diesel is reduced to Rs.35-40/L – Few shall travel by Trains, National Permit Buses & Goods Transport by road to be Cheaper in most regions. >> BANKRUPT RAILWAYS.
Ø Fast Electric Vehicles Being Introduced shall DISRUPT railway operations.

Ø Railways are not INTERCONNECTED to PUBLIC TRANSPORT – Access to Railway Stations & Railway Platforms is IMPOSSIBLE by any standard.

Ø IT IS MOST WEIRD to BUILD MULTISTORY COMMERCIAL SPACES AROUND INACCESSIBLE RAILWAY STATIONS.

Ø Railways to build New Stations in Easy to Access locations, all over India.

Ø Expansion Projects are MOSTLY UNVIABLE, Bullet Train, Fitting New Toilets in Worn Out Coaches, 100% Conversion of Signal with 20 Yr Old Technology WEIRD When UBER serve over 2,00,000 Taxis in Delhi alone to around 10,000 Railway Locos.  

Ø Railways is ZERO in R&D – instead of IMPROVING Locos, Buys IMPORTED High Cost Locos, Double Decker Coaches not introduced, many ore Innovations Missing.

I started writing regularly since 1980 – that year I reported CSIR-NRDC are engaged in Bogus Research, Weird Ganga-Cauvery Link, Multi-Purpose Dams, Weird Idea of Gauge Conversion and Axle Counters, Scheduling of Trains, Power, Wagon Unloading.
https://indiarailinfo.com/search/dli-old-delhi-junction-to-ju-jodhpur-junction/349/0/126
In 1980 I petitioned to PM about the WEIRD Idea of Gauge Conversion– I wanted Doubling of Meter Gauge lines instead – so than even Stream Engine services could operate Express Trains at over 80 kmph speed – 100kmph Shatabdis. Trains average 50-60kmph on Delhi-Jodhpur section. There are too many halts because Single Line carry traffic in both directions – Not due to commercial reasons.  

1980 – IIT Delhi proposed AXLE Counter as technology to WARN AGAINST DETATCHMENT OF TRAINS Particularly Goods Trains. Within minutes Invented BETTER TECHNOLOGIES – Give Speed of Train to have passed to next train on same track.

Ravinder Singh, Inventor & Consultant, INNOVATIVE TECHNOLOGIES AND PROJECTS
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March 4, 2018, 10:05 pm
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March 4, 2018, 10:48 pm
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China warns Taiwan

ON  BY NARESH SAGARLEAVE A COMMENTEDIT
China said on Monday that it would never tolerate any separatist schemes for self-ruled Taiwan and would safeguard China’s territorial integrity with the aim of“reunification” with an island it considers its sacred territory.
Premier Li Keqiang issued the warning in a speech at the opening of the annual session of China’s parliament, his stern words coming amid mounting Chinese anger over a US bill that seeks to raise official contacts between Washington and Taipei.
On Friday, China said Taiwan would only get burnt if it sought to rely on foreigners, adding to the warnings from state media about the risk of war.
The US legislation, which only needs President Donald Trump’s signature to become law, says it should be US policy to allow officials at all levels to travel to Taiwan to meet their counterparts, permit high-level Taiwan officials to enter the United States “under respectful conditions” and meet US officials.
In his address to the largely rubber-stamp assembly, Li said China would promote the peaceful growth of relations across the Taiwan Strait and “advance China’s peaceful reunification”.
“We will remain firm in safeguarding China’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and will never tolerate any separatist schemes or activities for Taiwan independence,” Li said, to applause from the 3,000-odd legislators at the Great Hall of the People.
“As fellow Chinese living on both sides of the Taiwan Strait, we share a bond of kinship. As long as we go with the tide of history and work together for our nation’s greater good, we will together create the future — a beautiful future of national rejuvenation.”
Taiwan’s China policy-making Mainland Affairs Council said it could not immediately comment.
Democratic Taiwan has shown no interest in being run by mainland China.

Best actress Oscar goes to ‘Three Billboards’ star Frances McDormand

ON  BY NARESH SAGARLEAVE A COMMENTEDIT
The OSCARS, 2018: 90 the Academy award Best Actor goes to Gary Oldman for Darkest hour. Best Actress Frances McDonald Guillermo del Toro wins best director award for ‘The Shape of Water.Nolan’s Dunkirk win 3 Oscars.Sam Rockwell and Allison Janney win support.
Frances McDormand goes eclectic on Sunday for her the Oscar for best actress for her role as a rage-filled woman seeking answers over her daughter’s murder in Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri.
“I’m hyperventilating a little bit. If I fall over pick me up cause I’ve got some things to say,” she said. “I want to thank Martin McDonagh look what you did. We are a bunch of hooligans and anarchists but we do clean up nice.”
McDormand, who won her second Oscar after her performance in Fargo placed her statuette on the stage and dedicated the prize to all female nominees, across categories.
“If I may be so honoured to have all the female nominees stand with me in this room tonight. The film-makers the producers the directors, the writers, the cinematographers, the songwirters, the designers,” she said as many women in the audience got to their feet.
She bested Saoirse Ronan (Lady Bird), Margot Robbie (I, Tonya), Sally Hawkins (The Shape of Water) and Meryl Streep (The Post).
Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri also won the award for best supporting actor, which went to Sam Rockwell for his acclaimed turn as a racist, violent police officer in the film.

RBI releases Priority Sector Lending

ON  BY NARESH SAGARLEAVE A COMMENTEDIT

RBI releases Priority Sector Lending-Targets and Classification

This is in reference to the revised priority sector guidelines issued to banks vide FIDD.CO.Plan.BC.54/04.09.01/2014-15 circular dated April 23, 2015 by RBI. It was stipulated therein under Para (II) (i) that the sub-targets for lending to small and marginal farmers and micro enterprises shall be made applicable for foreign banks with 20 branches and above, post 2018 after a review in 2017.
Accordingly, after undertaking a review of the priority sector lending profile of the above banks and to create a level-playing field within banks, it has been decided by RBI that the sub-target of 8 percent of Adjusted Net Bank Credit (ANBC) or Credit Equivalent Amount of Off-Balance Sheet Exposure (CEOBE), whichever is higher, shall become applicable for the foreign banks with 20 branches and above, for lending to the small and marginal farmers from FY 2018-19. Further, the sub-target of 7.50 percent of ANBC or CEOBE, whichever is higher, for bank lending to the Micro Enterprises shall also become applicable for the foreign banks with 20 branches and above from FY 2018-19.
Additionally, in the light of feedback received from various stakeholders and in line with the increasing importance of services sector in our economy, it has been decided by RBI to remove the currently applicable loan limits of Rs 5 crore and Rs 10 crore per borrower to Micro/ Small and Medium Enterprises (Services) respectively, for classification under priority sector. Accordingly, all bank loans to MSMEs, engaged in providing or rendering of services as defined in terms of investment in equipment under MSMED Act, 2006, shall qualify under priority sector without any credit cap.

Quake of M6.0 – NEW GUINEA, PAPUA NEW GUINEA

ON  BY NARESH SAGARLEAVE A COMMENTEDIT
Nearly 67 people were killed by a major earthquake that devastated Papua New Guinea’s remote highlands last week, the Red Cross said Monday, with thousands homeless and without food and clean water.
Terrified locals in the Southern Highlands, Western, Enga and Hela provinces have also had to deal with strong aftershocks, including two 6.0-magnitude tremors early Monday.
Compounding the fallout was an announcement Monday that the impoverished country’s biggest-ever development — the PNG LNG project operated by US energy giant ExxonMobil — will be offline for up to eight weeks as the quake-hit facilities undergo repairs.
National Disaster Centre and disaster management teams on Friday is 67,” the PNG country head of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies Udaya Regmi told AFP from the capital Port Moresby.
“Around 143,000 people are affected and 17,000 people have been generally displaced because their homes are either fully or partially damaged and not in a condition to live in.”
Regmi added that water and sanitation were major concerns for local communities, with relief workers unable to get bigger trucks carrying food through to some areas because of damage to roads by landslides.
Relief efforts are slowly being ramped up, with millions of dollars in aid pledged by the government, ExxonMobil and the Australian energy producers, Oil Search and Santos, involved in the gas project.
The Australian and New Zealand defence forces have began delivering aid, while the China Red Cross and Beijing have pledged financial assistance, according to the PNG Post-Courier.
Oil Search managing director Peter Botten, who travelled to the Highlands to survey the damage, said the impact “has been enormous, with many deaths in the region as well as the destruction of houses, schools, roads and bridges”.
“Many communities are without basic necessities, such as food, clean water, shelter and medical support.”
Prime Minister Peter O’Neill said last week the shutdown of the gas plant would have a “huge impact” on the economy, which is heavily dependent on its natural resources.
ExxonMobil PNG managing director Andrew Barry said production at the US$19 billion project would be restored as quickly as possible, adding that it was an “unprecedented event for the country” and the firm.
Preliminary Earthquake Report
Magnitude6.0
Date-Time
  • 4 Mar 2018 14:33:22 UTC
  • 5 Mar 2018 00:33:22 near epicenter
  • 4 Mar 2018 18:33:22 standard time in your timezone
Location6.063S 142.733E
Depth16 km
Distances
  • 151 km (94 miles) ENE (68 degrees) of Lake Murray, New Guinea, PNG
  • 170 km (106 miles) W (261 degrees) of Mount Hagen, New Guinea, PNG
  • 269 km (167 miles) E (88 degrees) of Tanahmerah, Irian Jaya, Indonesia
  • 453 km (281 miles) SSE (150 degrees) of Jayapura, Irian Jaya, Indonesia
  • 621 km (386 miles) NW (307 degrees) of PORT MORESBY, Papua New Guinea

Shubhankar Sharma posts creditable tied ninth at WGC –Mexico Championship  

ON  BY NARESH SAGARLEAVE A COMMENTEDIT
Shubhankar Sharma posts creditable tied ninth at WGC – Mexico Championship

Twenty-one-year-old climbs nine places to 66 in world ranking after posting top-10 at first PGA Tour and WGC appearance

March 5, 2018: Twenty-one-year-old Indian sensation Shubhankar Sharma, playing his first PGA Tour and WGC event at the US$ 10 million WGC – Mexico Championship in Mexico City, posted a creditable tied ninth finish.
With his top-10 finish at the event that featured an elite field of 64 and the who’s who of international golf, the European Tour and Asian Tour Order of Merit leader has now moved up from 75 to 66 in the world rankings.
Shubhankar (65-66-69-74), a two-time European Tour winner, became the talk of the golfing world after emerging as the solo leader after 36 and 54 holes.
Sharma led by two shots going into the final round with the chasing pack consisting of the world’s best such as Major winners Phil Mickelson, Sergio Garcia, Dustin Johnson and Justin Thomas.
At the start of round four, the Chandigarh lad was on the cusp of creating history as he looked to conquer uncharted territory by achieving the biggest win by an Indian golfer in terms of prize money earned (US$ 1,660,000), stature of the event (only second to the Majors) and world ranking points earned.
However, as the putts didn’t roll in for him on the final day, Shubhankar posted a three-over-74 to end the week in tied ninth with a total score of 10-under-274. He made four bogeys on the last six holes.
American star Phil Mickelson (66), playing alongside Shubhankar in the leader group, went on to win the tournament after defeating compatriot Justin Thomas (64) in a playoff. Mickelson and Thomas were tied at the top with totals of 16-under-268 after the regulation 72 holes.
Shubhankar now returns home to India for this week’s Indian Open, a tournament co-sanctioned by the European and Asian Tours.

Mithun Perera wins Chennai Open 2018,

ON  BY NARESH SAGARLEAVE A COMMENTEDIT
Mithun Perera ends winless streak at Chennai Open 2018, posts tenacious 70 to come through; Climbs to second on PGTI Order of Merit 
Digvijay Singh cards day’s best 62 to finish joint second with Mukesh Kumar 
Chennai, March 4, 2018: Sri Lankan Mithun Perera ended a four-year winless streak with his hard-earned one-shot victory at the Rs. 30 lakh Chennai Open 2018 Golf Championship at the Madras Gymkhana Club Golf Annexe in Guindy on Sunday.
Perera, the overnight leader by three shots, came up with a tenacious even-par-70 in the final round to sign off with a winning total of 14-under-266.
Gurgaon-based Digvijay Singh posted the day’s best score, a scorching eight-under-62, to finish joint runner-up at 13-under-267 along with Mukesh Kumar (66) of Mhow, the winner of the last edition of the Chennai Open.
Mithun Perera (68-63-65-70) had an unexpectedly quiet final day as he managed only two birdies and two bogeys. But the 31-year-old came through after his closest rival, good friend and compatriot N Thangaraja’s (61-70-68-69) challenge faded away on the back-nine.
There was a four-shot swing against Mithun and in favour of Thanga over the first five holes that gave the latter a one-shot lead. But Perera played some solid golf that kept him on course even as Thanga made a bunch of errors to drop four shots from the 14th to the 16th. Mithun was back in the lead from the 15th onwards and saw it home despite a bogey on the 17th.
Perera, who bagged his sixth title on the PGTI, said, “I was really hungry to win and break my victory drought. This means a lot for me. My family has supported me throughout my lean phase and so have my sponsors. I thank them all for backing me through all these years.
“I had a shaky start today. But I played my normal game even after Thanga went in the lead. I kept in touch with the lead with a long birdie conversion on the ninth and a tap-in birdie on the 12th. I then got a little lucky when Thanga opened the door for me with that poor second shot on the 14th that rolled into the bunker and led to a bogey for him.
“Thereafter, my confidence was sky-high as I knew Thanga had literally given away the match after having a firm hold on it. I then just had one blemish on the 17th but kept my nerve to come through at the end.
“The week’s been fantastic as far as my hitting is concerned. I’ve been accurate off the tee and with the approaches. I’ve also kept the errors out having dropped just three bogeys all week. It’s a huge confidence-booster going ahead. I must add that I really enjoyed the conditions here at the MGC in Chennai as they were quite similar to my home town Colombo,” added Mithun, who took home a cheque of Rs. 4,84,950 and thus climbed from 21st position to second place on the PGTI Order of Merit.
Digvijay Singh (70-66-69-62) returned a sublime 62, the best score of the day, to climb 11 places from overnight tied 13th to tied second. Digvijay, a former Asian Tour winner, put together an eagle and seven birdies at the cost of a bogey.
Joining Digvijay in tied second was Mukesh Kumar (66-66-69-66), who had won at the MGC on the last three occasions. Mukesh worked his way up from overnight tied fourth after making an eagle, four birdies and two bogeys on Sunday at one of his favourite venues.
N Thangaraja, who was overnight second, finished in fourth at 12-under-268 despite his heroics on the front-nine on Sunday. Thanga was four-under on the front-nine in round four and looking good for the title. But he had a disastrous back-nine where he shot a three-over and lost out to fellow Sri Lankan Mithun Perera who was also his room partner for the week.
Chennai-based rookie Shivnaren Srinivasan fired a final round of 76 to finish tied 45th at seven-over-287.

INDIAN COAST GUARD RESCUES SEVERELY INJURED SRI LANKAN FISHERMAN

ON  BY NARESH SAGARLEAVE A COMMENTEDIT
  • INDIAN COAST GUARD RESCUES SEVERELY INJUREDSRI
    LANKAN FISHERMAN FROM SRILANKAN FISHING BOATGEETH
    BABA III
    A request from Maritime Rescue Co-ordination Centre, Colombo
    was received on 27 Feb 18 at the Maritime Rescue Coordination
    Centre, Mumbai for assistance of an injured fisherman onboard
    Srilankan fishing vessel which was fishing at 100 Nautical Mile west of
    Suheli Par Island.
    The boat bearing registration number IMUL-A-0507-CHW had
    left Sri Lanka on 14 Feb 18 with 5 crew for carrying out fishing. One of
    the crew Shri Malwatta Pathirannehalage Sunil Shantha aged about
    47 years had suffered deep cut injury on his neck.
    Further, MRCC Colombo intimated that the patient is stable and
    fishing boat was heading towards Colombo , Further, evacuation of
    the patient is being planned by Sri Lankan Naval Ship on 28 Feb 18.
    On 01 Mar 18, at about 10 AM the Director General Operations
    of Sri Lanka Navy intimated that condition of the injured fisherman
    was not stable and the fishing boat was 98 Nautical Mile from
    Chenyakara light house.
    Indian Coast Guard Ship Samar which was on a separate
    operational mission in the Lakshadweep area and was approximately
    174 Nautical Mile away from the fishing vessel was diverted to reach
    the Sri Lankan fishing vessel at the earliest to render medical aid.
    Indian Coast Guard Ship Samar located the Sri Lankan fishing
    vessel at 9 PM on 01 Mar 18 and the medical team onboard Coast
    Guard ship administered necessary first aid to the injured fisherman.
    The injury was a 8 CM long and 1.5 CM deep cut at back of head.
  • Considering the critically of the injured fisherman, he was taken
    onboard Coast Guard ship Samar and stitching/ scalp suturing of the
    wound under local anesthesia was undertaken by the Medical Officer.
    The patient is presently stable and is under observation.
    ICGS Samar alongwith the patient is being taken to Kochi for
    further treatment. The ship is likely to reach Kochi by AM 03 Mar 18.
    MRCC, Colombo has been informed to take further necessary
    administrative arrangement

Voting On general election in Italy

ON  BY NARESH SAGARLEAVE A COMMENTEDIT
On Sunday, Italians will vote to elect deputies to both houses of the country’s parliament for the first time since 2013. In an unusual arrangement, both the 320-seat Senate and the 650-seat Chamber of Deputies possess identical powers and are voted in using two different versions of proportional representation.
Italy goes to polls today for the general election , Total of 630 seats in the Chamber of Deputies are up on electoral battle. Voters will also choose 315 members of the Senate. General elections are held every 5 years.
The Nation has three main forces are vying to form the next government.
The center-left bloc is anchored by the ruling Democratic Party, which is led by pro-EU former Prime Minister Matteo Renzi.
The center-right bloc includes former Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi’s Forza Italia party. The 81-year-old politician is calling for major tax cuts and tighter immigration controls.
The anti-establishment 5-Star Movement, led by Luigi Di Maio, is skeptical about the EU.
An EU-skeptic government could become an additional destabilizing factor for the bloc after Britain’s decision to leave it.
The latest polls suggest that the center-right is leading the race. But analysts say none of the blocs is likely to win a majority on its own. They say a hung Parliament could lead to a period of uncertainty over negotiations to form a coalition government.
Five-Star Movement has said it will not enter any coalition and it is unlikely to get an overall majority, meaning the government could be formed by the Center-Right Coalition, which is in a position to attain 38 percent of the vote. It comprises Forza Italia (15-17 percent) led by 81-year-old former prime minister Silvio Berlusconi, who remains barred from taking office until next year, and Lega Nord (14-15 percent), an anti-immigrant populist party.
Former PM and the Democratic Party leader Matteo Renzi has already cast his ballot. Among the first politicians to vote was also President Sergio Mattarella.

Swede minister pleads for refugee resettlement

ON  BY NARESH SAGARLEAVE A COMMENTEDIT
Simonetta Sommaruga
Meeting of European leaders regarding refugee resettlement, Swiss Justice Minister Simonetta Sommaruga said “now is the time” to reform the asylum system across the continent. European Union interior ministers met on Thursday in Sofia, Bulgaria to re-visit the couple of imperative issue of resettling thousands of refugees from conflict-torn parts of Africa and the Middle East.
Since Non-EU member Switzerland was invited to participate because it is part of the so-called Dublin agreement governing asylum policy across Europe. Sommaruga said after Thursday’s meeting that the refugee situation in Europe had stabilised, with lower numbers of asylum seekers overall. She sees “willingness among many European countries to take the step” of overhauling the system and coming up with a long-term resettlement plan. But she admitted it won’t be easy.
Heads of state of EU countries previously gave their interior ministers a deadline of the end of 2018 to reach an agreement on reforming the Dublin system.
Among the questions currently on the table are whether each country should receive a required number of asylum seekers to resettle. Austrian Interior Minister Herbert Kickl spoke out against the idea, as did the representative from Slovakia. German Interior Minister Thomas de Maizière supports the idea, as does Switzerland’s Sommaruga.
The EU Commission also stands behind the idea of a refugee resettlement quota for each country, but the divisive nature of the proposal means it may ultimately hang on decisions made by EU countries’ heads of state at a summit planned for June.
swissinfo.ch
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