On
terrorism, they called for early conclusion of negotiations on the
Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism besides underlining
that there can be no justification for terrorist acts.
The Foreign Ministers of China and Russia reiterated their support for a
greater role for India in the United Nations and supported India's full
membership of Shanghai Cooperation Organisation.
In a video message to the 'Visit India Year 2015' event in Beijing. PM
Modi has said that India and China are bound by an unbreakable bond and
in his bilateral meeting with External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj.
Chinese President Xi Jinping extended invitation to PM to visit his home
province in China. India, Russia and China Foreign Ministers held
trilateral talks in Beijing and stressed upon the need to fight against
terrorism unitedly. China and Russia supported a larger role for India
in UN.
Meanwhile, in a departure from protocol, Chinese President Xi Jinping met Sushma Swaraj.
The Chinese President told Swaraj that both sides have taken solid steps to make new progress.
in bilateral ties besides implementing the agreements reached between
him and Prime Minister Narendra Modi in September during the Chinese
President's visit to India.
One such solid step taken was Sunday's exchange of notes on modalities
for opening the second route for the Kailash-Manasarovar Yatra in Tibet
via Sikkim by June, that will allow more Indians to undertake the
pilgrimage.
Xi had promised opening of the new route to PM Modi during his maiden visit to New Delhi last year.
Meanwhile, in a video message to the Visit India Year 2015 event being
held in Beijing...PM Modi said that India and China are bound by an
unbreakable bond...and advocated efforts for forging a better
understanding between the 2 countries.
Year 2016 is set to be celebrated in India as Visit China Year to boost
tourism and people-to-people contacts between the 2 countries.
On the economic co-operation front, China is India's largest trading partner in goods.
While both countries seek to increase investments. China is working on
establishing 2 industrial parks in 2 Indian states at an investment of
20 billion US dollars.
However, a high trade deficit with China and need for better access to
Indian companies in the Chinese market continue to be India's concerns.
In a positive indication for the future of Indo-US ties while responding
to Chinese state controlled media's wariness towards his recent India
visit US President Barack Obama has said that there is no reason for
Beijing to feel threatened by a good relationship between India and
United States.
While both sides have many points of convergences and divergences, India
and China have chosen to focus on a positive agenda for bilateral ties
and multilateral engagement.
(PT-03/02)
Bharat Rang Mahotsav: 17th NSD fest opens today
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 Updated on : 02-02-2015 01:28 PM
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The 17th edition of Bharat Rang Mahotsav, Asia's largest theatre festival, has started in the national capital on Sunday.
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With 12 participating countries, 82 productions in 23 languages and
performances by 125 groups, this year's Mahotsav is all poised to be a
colossal affair.
The inaugural act was the war play 'Ghazab Teri Adaa', the latest creation by the National School of Drama.
The festival was inaugurated by Minister of State, Ministry of Tourism
and Culture and Civil Aviation Mahesh Sharma, who while interacting with
presspersons, said that theatre is an art and life form and this is an
effort to dissolve international boundaries via the medium.
The inaugural ceremony was presided over by Chairman, NSD Society Ratan Thiyam.
The theme for this year's festival is 'Breaking Borders'.
12 countries, including UK, Germany, China, USA, Poland, Switzerland,
Sri Lanka and Bangladesh, are taking part in this 18-day long festival.
This year is the first time ever, that the festival will travel out of
the national capital to other Indian cities like Agartala, Jabalpur,
Aurangabad and Panaji.
(S.B 2.2)
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35th national Games: Haryana wrestlers dominate second day
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 Updated on : 03-02-2015 09:39 AM
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Haryana
wrestlers dominate the second day of games taking their State to the
top of the Tally with 11 Golds. Services SCB with 8 Golds at number 2
while Maharashtra with 7 golds stands 3rd in the Tally.
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ON day two of the national games, Minali Sethi of Orrisa won the gold
medal in the Women's 58kg weightlifting clean and jerk category. She
lifted a total of 192 kg. The second place was fetched by Haryana's
Harjeet Kaur who lifted a total of 191 kg. Sumanbala devi from manipur
completed the podium with a total of 184 kg.
In the men's 50 m pistol final, Indian ace shooter Jitu rai had to
settle for Bronze medal. PM Prakash won the gold medal fetching a total
of 189.5 points after 20 shots and Amanpreet Singh took the silver
medal
In the women's 10m air rifle event, Asian Championships Gold medalist
Pooja Ghatkar won the gold medal edging past Ayonika Pual in an
intense shoot off giving Maharastra a one -two on the podium. The bronze
medal was pocketed by Common Wealth Games gold medalist Apoorvi
Chandela from Rajasthan .
Maharastra also dominated the women's 10 m air rifle team event. The
state picked up gold medal. It was a splendid show by its team members
that included veteran Anjali Bhagwat, Ayonika PAul and Pooja Ghatkar .
Rajasthan meanwhile pocketed the silver medal while, Uttar Pradesh
completed the podium.
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Shekhar Sen appointed Chairman of Sangeet Natak Akademi
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 Updated on : 29-01-2015 05:31 PM
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Eminent singer, actor, theatre director, composer and lyricist Shekhar
Sen has been appointed as the Chairman of the Sangeet Natak Akademi
(SNA).
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According to an order issued by the Union Ministry of Culture,
Shekhar Sen has been appointed as Chairman of Sangeet Natak Akademi for a
term of 5 years with immediate effect.
Sen has done many research oriented musical programmes and has rendered
many significant Bhajan Albums since 1983 as singer, lyricist and
composer.
He is famous for his mono act musical plays "Tulsi"," Kabeer", "Vivekananda", "Sanmanti","Saahab"
and "Soordas" which have been highly acclaimed.
Shekhar Sen has received prestigious awards including Padma Shri and state level awards.
RBY@29/01
Marathi litterateur Nemade chosen for Jnanpith Award 2014
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 Updated on : 07-02-2015 10:08 AM
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The Jnanpith award for the year 2014 has been awarded to eminent Marathi Litterateur Bhalachandra Nemade.
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Born in 1938, Nemade occupies a unique place in Marathi literature.
His
hugely celebrated works for Kosala (Cocoon), 1963 to his recently
published great work 'Hindu', have earned him a reputation as a
self-aware, globally conscious and alert writer.
The announcement was made by the selection board chairman Namvar Singh.
Novelist, poet, critic, academic and a relentless advocate of the
literary movements and the leader of the post-sixties Little Magazine
Movement Nemade has inscribed his name prominently in the annals of
Indian literature.
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Rajat strikes twin gold in archery, SSCB continue domination
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 Updated on : 08-02-2015 10:07 PM
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Rajat
Chauhan stole the thunder from Abhishek Verma by bagging two gold
besides a silver as India's Asian Games gold-medal winning members of
the men's compound archery team squared off for two different outfits on
the eighth day of competitions in the 35th National Games in
Thiruvananthapuram on Sunday.
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19th National Arogya Mela begins in Raipur
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 Updated on : 06-02-2015 11:46 PM
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19th National Arogya Mela has been kicked off in Raipur on Friday.
Chhatisgarh Chief Minister Raman Singh inaugurated the event.
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Addressing the gathering Raman Sigh said that Ayurveda and other
traditional indian medical science to be brought under one roof to
enable people to have choice of their medication.
He said, state government has set up the Ayush Wing in all 15 government run hospital in the state.
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Dept of Post, Mahindras, Videocon join banking race
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 Updated on : 05-02-2015 03:55 PM
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Department
of Post, Tech Mahindra, Videocon Group and stock exchange NSE have
joined big corporates like Ambanis and Birlas to seek entry into banking
business through newly created niche category of Payments and Small
Finance Banks.
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NRI businessman M A Yusuff Ali's Lulu Group and microfinance company
Ujjivan Financial Services Private Ltd are also in the fray, as per the
list of 113 applicants released by RBI on Wednesday.
As many as 72 applications for Small Finance Banks and 41 applications for Payments Banks were received by the RBI.
The receipt of applications for licensing of small finance banks and payments banks closed on 2nd February.
Coastal Local Area Bank, Equitas Holding, Janalakshmi Financial
Services, Repco Micro Finance are among 72 have put in applications for
setting up of small finance bank.
As many as 12 individuals like ex-Fino Managing Director Manish Khera
and V Balakrishnan former CFO of Infosys have applied under Small
Finance Bank category.
Six applications for Payments Bank were submitted by individuals like
Kishore Biyani of Future Group, M G George Muthoot chairman of Muthoot
Group and Dilip S Shanghvi MD of Sun Pharma.
Small Finance Banks will primarily undertake basic banking activities of
acceptance of deposits and lending to unserved and under-served
sections including small business units, small and marginal farmers,
micro and small industries and unorganised sector entities.
Payments Banks would be allowed payments and remittance services through
various channels. However, such lenders, cannot issue credit cards or
undertake lending activities.
On Tuesday, RBI Governor Raghuram Rajan had said two external committees
would evaluate applications based on fit and proper criteria and other
parameters stated in the guidelines.
"As stated in the guidelines, two External Advisory Committees (EACs)
will evaluate the applications received for setting up of small finance
and payments banks and thereafter make their recommendations to the
Reserve Bank," he had said.
The EACs for small finance banks and payments banks will be chaired by
former RBI Deputy Governor Usha Thorat, and Nachiket Mor, Director,
Central Board of RBI, respectively.
To foray into banking business through payments banks route, Mukesh
Ambani-led Reliance Industries has managed a sort of coup by partnering
banking behemoth SBI, the only state-run entity in the fray.
Also, Sunil Mittal-promoted Bharti Airtel has tied up private sector lender Kotak Mahindra Bank for payments bank.
Those having applied for setting up small finance banks include
micro-lender SKS Microfinance, brokerage firm India Infoline, remittance
provider UAE Exchange and home loan provider Dewan Housing Finance.
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Decision on Roongta panel report on CPSEs in a month: Govt
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 Updated on : 05-02-2015 03:22 PM
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The
government is expected to take a decision within a month on Roongta
committee recommendations on bringing reforms in central public sector
enterprises (CPSEs).
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"The government is considering (the recommendations of) that report and
it is important also. We have not yet taken any decision," Minister of
Heavy Industries and Public Enterprises Anant Geete said in New Delhi on
Thursday.
He was speaking to reporters after inaugurating SCOPE's HR Summit in New Delhi.
Asked by when a decision is expected on that report, he said: "Within a month. I am studying that."
Former SAIL Chairman S K Roongta-headed panel had submitted its report during the UPA regime in November 2011.
It has suggested that the government should look at listing 50 state-owned companies in next five years.
It wants the government to draw up year-wise schedule for the listing of
CPSEs on a rolling basis for next five years. Already, about 50 PSUs,
including SAIL and CIL, are listed on the BSE.
The committee had given as many as 40 suggestions which include better
corporate governance, more autonomy to Boards of PSUs, better
utilisation of resources and transparency.
It had also suggested fixing tenures of the Chairman & Managing Director (CMD) of state-owned companies.
The report had said that in the absence of adequate succession plan in
many CPSEs, several competent executives don't get considered for these
positions.
Further, talking about Human Resource management, the Minister said HR
managers play an important role in a company's development.
On account of increasing competition from countries like China and South
Korea, HR professionals of PSUs need to enhance their role, he added.
BAFTA 2015: 'Boyhood', 'Grand Budapest Hotel' win big
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 Updated on : 09-02-2015 02:09 PM
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At
the BAFTA (British Academy of Film and Television Arts) 2015 held in
London on Sunday night, coming-of-age drama 'Boyhood' took home three of
the biggest awards, however, it was Wes Anderson's whimsical drama ‘The
Grand Budapest Hotel’ proved the star of the night, clinching five
trophies.
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The groundbreaking drama about growing up, ‘Boyhood’, which was shot
with the same actors over a staggering period of 12 years, bagged the
best film, and the best director for Richard Linklater, while Patricia
Arquette, 46, won the best supporting actress for her portrayal of a
doting divorced mother of two.
While collecting the BAFTA trophy, an emotional Arquette said from the
stage that Linklater had made an exceptional film, which had broken "the
rules of cinema... You made an ordinary story extraordinary."
She dedicated her award to the late filmmaker Tony Scott, who she called
“a man who changed my life because he really taught me how to listen to
myself as a girl and as an actress. Every single idea that I had, he'd
say: 'That's a brilliant idea, let's do it.' So I love you England for
giving us Tony Scott."
The award for the best actress in a leading role went to Julianne Moore
for her convincing portrayal of a woman battling Alzheimer's in 'Still
Alice'.
Accepting the award on the stage, an overwhelmed Moore thanked the
female members of her family, insisting that she felt compelled to
mention them during her first ever BAFTA speech - because they hail from
the UK.
Moore said, "Thank you for including me among these beautiful
performances both British Felicity, Rosamund and American Amy and Reese
I'm honoured to be honoured with you tonight. Film is a collaborative
medium, there's no way you can give a performance by yourself and the
thing I value most about my job is the creative partnership with
others.”
Eddie Redmayne secured the best actor award for his portrayal of Stephen
Hawking in 'The Theory of Everything', beating Benedict Cumberbatch
(The Imitation Game), Ralph Fiennes (Budapest), Jake Gyllenhaal
(Nightcrawler), Michael Keaton (Birdman) to the top slot.
Redmayne, 33, dedicating the award to his own family, his professional
family, the cast and crew, and Hawkings, shared with the audience that
he was grateful to them "for reminding me of the great strength that
comes from the will to live a full and passionate life."
The biopic also won the best adapted screenplay award and one for outstanding British film.
'The Grand Budapest Hotel', which dominated the craft categories, won
best original music, makeup and hair, costume design, production design,
as well as best original screenplay for director Anderson who was
conspicuous by his absence.
Damien Chazelle- directed 'Whiplash', a film based on his experiences in
the Princeton High School Studio Band, bagged three awards, including
best editing, best sound and best supporting actor award for JK Simmons
as the tyrannical and unforgiving music teacher Terence Fletcher.
Thanking the director Damien Chazelle, his wife, children, and parents,
Simmons accepted his award saying, "The whole experience has been a gift
to me."
Satirical drama 'Birdman', which has gotten numerous nominations at the
impending Oscars, could manage just one award for best cinematography.
The winner of the best documentary was Laura Poitras' gripping
'Citizenfour', which documents Edward Snowden's efforts to expose the
scale of NSA post-9/11 spying.
It was both an expected win and the only award which there was no one to pick.
Other awards included outstanding British debut where writer Stephen
Beresford and producer David Livingstone won for their film 'Pride'.
'Interstellar' won best special visual effects, 'Ida' won best film not
in the English language, beating India's epistolary romance 'The
Lunchbox', and Jack O'Connell clinched the EE rising star award.
Seasoned awards observers believe the BAFTA results can have a real
impact on the Oscars, with voting for the latter open till February 17.
It was Stephen Fry's 10th year as the ceremony’s host who took care of
the entertainment quotient high by walking into the audience to get a
kiss from Michael Keaton and Edward Norton.
(SB 9.2)
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Anand trumps Baramidze in Grenke Chess
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 Updated on : 09-02-2015 04:03 PM
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Five-time
world champion Viswanathan Anand finally showed a streak of the old
form, scoring a regulation victory over David Baramidze of Germany in
the sixth and penultimate round of Grenke Chess Classic at Baden- Baden,
Germany, on Monday.
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Every city should draft vision document for next 10 yrs: Naidu
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 Updated on : 08-02-2015 05:44 PM
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Grants
for states and municipal corporations in the area of urban development
will depend on their rating and performance; Union Min Venkaiah Naidu
said even as he asked every city to prepare a vision document for the
coming 10 years based on what he termed was the 'PPPP' model.
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"Central funding will depend on the performance of state governments and
the municipal corporations. There has to be a rating for both the
states as well as the corporations. Who will give money without credit
worthiness?
"Every city should prepare a vision document for the next 10 years that
will envisage a comprehensive development plan. The plan should be
prepared after taking into consideration the suggestions of the people
of the city as the development is for them.
"We will need to adopt a new model of people-public- private-partnership
(PPPP) for making cities more sustainable and smarter," Naidu told a
gathering of 115 municipal commissioners at a consultative workshop on
urban governance in Mumbai on Saturday.
He said the states and local bodies should also have ratings on the
basis of sanitation, open land, greenery, and affordability, among
others.
States and civic bodies should be self-sustaining enough to take up development projects on their own, he added.
"If civic bodies need funds, they go to the state governments, which in
turn seek assistance from the Centre. But providing funds for all the
projects is not possible for the Centre. Therefore, we must be
self-sustainable enough to develop cities by leveraging their assets,"
Naidu said.
The minister said that levying taxes was no crime but not utilising the money thus collected was definitely one.
"The key to success is transparency through digitisation of records and
assets. If we do not harass the public, they will pay their taxes,"
Naidu said.
He also said that apart from the initiative for the development 100
smart cities envisioned by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, his ministry
was planning to rejuvenate 500 cities with a population of more than one
lakh.
"I will be holding a conclave of mayors of 500 cities across the country
with a population of more than one lakh. The idea is to rejuvenate
these cities. For implementing any idea, political backing is required.
They should be sensitised about the needs of the city," Naidu said.
Noting that the 'Swachh Bharat' campaign aimed to provide sanitation
facilities in all 4,041 statutory towns in the country over the next
five years, he said local icons, corporates and the public has to be
taken on board to ensure the success of the cleanliness mission.
Naidu also released the first installment of funds of about Rs 230 crore
under the Swachh Bharat mission for the western and central states --
Maharashtra, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Goa -- for the
building of individual and community toilets and for solid-waste
management.
While Maharashtra received Rs 135 crore, Gujarat got Rs 40.95 crore
followed by Chhattisgarh (Rs 30.79 crore), Madhya Pradesh (Rs 18.81
crore) and Goa (Rs 2.59 crore).
(DD-8.2)
Prasad launches free wifi service in Varanasi, promises IT park
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 Updated on : 09-02-2015 02:35 PM
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Telecom Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad on Sunday inaugurated BSNL's free
Wi-fi service in Varanasi and promised a project worth over Rs 100 crore
to boost Internet connectivity in the district.
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Besides, the Minister announced setting up the state's first IT park with support from the central government.
"Ravi Shankar Prasad, Minister of Communications and IT, inaugurated
Wi-fi hotspot zone created by BSNL at Dashashwamedh Ghat & Shitala
Ghats of Varanasi today," BSNL said in a statement on Sunday.
The company would be providing free Wi-fi services, for 30 minutes per
24 hours, that visitors can utilise in multiple sessions.
After the free usage limit of 30 minutes is exhausted, a customer can
continue using the service on a paid basis, for which subscription plans
are available in the denomination of Rs 20, Rs 30, Rs 50 and Rs 70 for
validity of 30 minutes, 60 minutes, 120 minutes and one day,
respectively.
BSNL has also planned to expand the coverage of Wi-fi facility to other
Ghats like Rajendra Prasad Ghat, Man Mandir Ghat, Tript Bhairvi Ghat,
Mir Ghat, Lalita Ghat and Manikarnika Ghat by the end of this month.
Prasad said BSNL will expand its mobile network in Varanasi further with
a total estimated cost of Rs 60 crore, the statement said.
This expansion involves conversion of existing mobile network to
IP-based network and addition of 64 new 2G and 3G mobile sites.
He also announced that under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's programme of
National Optical Fiber Network, 872 Gram Panchayats of Varanasi will
get connected with Optical fiber at a cost of Rs 58 crore.
The Minister promised setting up first IT park in the state at Varanasi under Software Technology Park of India (STPI).
Prasad also proposed to set up an Extension Centre of NIELIT (National
Institute of Electronics & Information Technology) Gorakhpur at
Varanasi with an estimated cost of Rs 5 crore which will offer 'Digital
Marketing' course for artisans and weavers here.
(DD-8.2)
Prez warns against deviation from Constitutional principles
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 Updated on : 11-02-2015 06:45 PM
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President Pranab Mukherjee has warned that any deviation from the
Constitutional principles and provisions would weaken the democratic
fabric of the country and jeopardize social, economic and political well
being of citizens.
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In his opening remark at the 46th Governors Conference in New Delhi on
Wednesday, the President said Constitution was the only guiding document
for providing framework for governance and asked governors to ensure
peace and communal harmony.
"Every Indian looks forward to the Constitution as the guarantor of
liberties, freedom and equality. Any deviation from the principles and
provisions embodied in the Constitution would weaken the democratic
fabric of the country and jeopardise the social, economic and political
well-being of our citizens," he said.
The President said the Governors and Lt. Governors have the primary
responsibility to ensure that the affairs of the states and Union
Territories are conducted strictly in accordance with the letter and
spirit of this hallowed document.
"Prevalence of peace and communal harmony must be ensured," he said at
the inauguration of the two-day conference which was attended by Prime
Minister Narendra Modi and other cabinet ministers.
Dwelling upon international relations, the President said India follows a
policy of maintaining peaceful relations with all countries and "all
disputes, relating to our border areas or otherwise, should be resolved
through peaceful means."
On the economic front, he said India is projected to have the largest
workforce in the world by 2025, with a surplus of 47 million workers
against a shortage of 56.5 million skilled workers in the world.
"This demographic dividend is a double-edged sword. If their huge
potential is tapped, they could become a powerful engine for growth. On
the other hand, if we fail to do so, it could create social tension," he
warned.
He said the youth could become creators, innovators, builders and leaders of the future if they get proper education.
"We must capitalise our advantage and enhance the employability of our
youth through skilling, re-skilling and up-skilling," he said.
The President said skill development is also important for the success
of the 'Make-in-India' campaign aimed at facilitating investment,
fostering innovation and making India a world-class manufacturing hub.
He expressed hope that the Ministry of Skill Development and
Entrepreneurship will evolve an appropriate skill development framework,
remove the demand-supply disconnect for skilled manpower, promote
Public-Private Partnerships and expand youth entrepreneurship education.
The President requested Governors and Lt Governors to use every
opportunity to promote these initiatives as well as to play a persuasive
role in the implementation of Jan Dhan Yojana.
Mukherjee said the development of North-East is a priority area where
much needs to be done for infrastructure development and to harness its
tourism potential.
"Ethnic violence in Assam needs to be countered effectively, especially
the sinister motives to drive a wedge between Bodo and non-Bodo
sections. The genuine aspirations of the Bodo people in terms of
development must be addressed expeditiously. Under no circumstances can
the spread of ethnic hatred be tolerated," he said.
Besides the Prime Minister, Governors and Lt Governors, the conference
saw participation of union Minister which included Rajnath Singh, Sushma
Swaraj and Arun Jaitley.
The President said over sixty percent of rural population does not have access to or use sanitation facilities.
"We must reverse this position by addressing problem areas like affordability and mindset through innovative solutions".
"To deliver benefits effectively, the States and Union Territories
should establish suitable administrative mechanisms to take Swachh
Bharat Mission down to every village or ward. The Governors and Lt.
Governors must use their persuasive skills and contribute to the
achievement of this laudable objective," he said.
Speaking on issues relating to Fifth Schedule of the Constitution, the
President called upon Governors and Lt. Governors to closely monitor
development programmes in these areas for effective targeting, with
special focus on quality of education and health.
He said Autonomous Councils/Autonomous District Councils (ADCs), set up
under the Sixth Schedule to the Constitution in Assam, Meghalaya,
Mizoram and Tripura, enjoy legislative, executive, financial and
judicial powers.
"Governors of these states have a pivotal role to play in the
administration of these areas. Village and municipal councils must be
set up and elections conducted for decentralisation of power," he said.
A statement from the President's press office said he was happy to learn
that the government is proposing to amend the Sixth Schedule to
strengthen the democratic process in these areas.
"There is also need to devolve more developmental funds to these areas.
Laws prevailing in them also need to be codified," he said.
The statement said the agenda for the two-day Conference of Governors
includes internal and external security with special focus on border
states, financial inclusion, employment generation and achieving the
goal of Swachh Bharat by 2019 on Mahatma Gandhi's 150th birth
anniversary.
(DD-11.2)
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Yemen crisis: British Embassy closed down, staff evacuated
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 Updated on : 11-02-2015 03:07 PM
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In
the face of the Arab world’s poorest country having been taken over by
Shiite rebels, the British government on Tuesday has officially declared
that they have closed down the British embassy in Yemen, and evacuated
all the diplomatic staff therefrom.
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The UK Minister for the Middle East, Tobias Ellwood, informed the press
that all embassy staff in Yemen's capital, Sanaa, left early this
morning.
The official statement has also called for all British nationals to "leave immediately."
The UK decision follows close on the heels of the US Embassy’s, as the
latter had downed the shutters on their embassy and recalled the staff
from Yemen shortly before.
It has been months now that Yemen has been in deeply troubled waters
with Shiite Houthi rebels virulently seizing the capital and taking
control.
However, US officials have said that the embassy closedown would not
affect their government’s counterterrorism endeavors against al-Qaida's
Yemen division, which it considers the terror outfit’s most detrimental
branch in the world.
(SB 11.2)
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Sports Min revises Rashtriya Khel Protsahan Puruskar plan
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 Updated on : 11-02-2015 08:09 PM
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Sports
Ministry has revised the scheme of Rashtriya Khel Protsahan Puruskar,
which was introduced to encourage involvement of corporates and sports
promotion boards in the development of sports in the country.
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According to the revised plan, Rashtriya Khel Protsahan Puruskar scheme,
which was introduced in 2009, will now be given in four categories:
Identification and nurturing of budding talent, Encouragement of sports
through Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), Employment of
sportspersons and sports welfare measures and Sports for Development.
"In the revised Scheme, eligibility criteria for all four categories
have been prescribed. As 'Training to promote rural sports, nationally
recognized sports, Paralympic sports and Olympic sports' have been
included in the Schedule VII of the Companies Act 2013," Sports Ministry
said in a release.
"The companies can now spend on promotion and development of sports from
the funds earmarked for Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), a
specific category for 'Encouragement of sports through Corporate Social
Responsibility' has been provided for in the revised Scheme.
"As non-governmental organizations are also doing a lot of work in
promotion and development of sports, a separate category 'Sports for
Development' has been provided for exclusively for NGOs to recognize
their contributions," the release added.
(DD-11.2)
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Railways earnings up by over 12 pc
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 Updated on : 11-02-2015 09:15 PM
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The total earnings of Indian Railways grew by 12.67 percent during the ten-month period between April 2014 and January 2015.
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The earnings registered during this period stood at Rs 1,28,928.28 crore
as against Rs 1,14,428.52 crore during the same period in the previous
year.
The total goods earnings during April-January period were Rs 87,291.87
crore compared to Rs 77,694.07 crore during the same period last year,
showing an increase of 12.35 percent, according to Railway Ministry
data.
The earnings from passengers during this period was Rs 35,309.81 cr
compared to Rs 30,723.44 cr during the same period last year,
registering a growth of 14.93 percent.
The earnings from others amounted to Rs 3,353.26 cr during the 10-month
period compared to Rs 3,179.49 cr during the same period last year,
registering an increase of 5.47 percent.
The total number of passengers during this period was 6,923.95 million
compared to 6,962.92 million during the same period last year, showing a
decrease of 0.56 percent.
(DD-11.2)
Individual investors' asset base up 32% to Rs 5.24 lakh cr
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 Updated on : 05-02-2015 03:07 PM
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Individual
investors have increased their assets base by 32 percent over the last
nine months of the current fiscal year (2014-15) to Rs 5.24 lakh crore.
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"Individual investors held Rs 5.24 lakh crore in mutual funds as of
December 2014, an increase of 31.68 per cent over March 2014," according
to data from the Association of Mutual Funds of India (AMFI).
These individuals' assets have mainly come from the top 15 locations and are primarily distributor driven.
"About 72 per cent of the assets of individual investors are from top 15 cities, brought in by distributors," AMFI said.
Together, all 45 mutual fund houses manage assets worth over Rs 11 lakh
crore. Industry insiders said the key contributing factors for increase
in individual investors' asset base was an uptick in sentiments and
expectations of an investor-friendly and reforms-oriented government
delivering on policy changes.
Most of the money was pumped in equity oriented schemes, which was supported by a sharp rally in stock markets.
The growth in assets base is in line with the BSE's benchmark Sensex
surging by 23 percent in the first nine months of the current financial
year.
Moreover, there are about 4.03 crore investor accounts, or folios, of which 99 percent is accounted by individual investors.
Folios are numbers designated to individual investor accounts though one investor can have multiple folios.
Of 4.03 crore folios, retail investors accounted for 3.86 crore folios,
followed by HNI accounts (13.22 lakh) and institutional investors (3.34
lakh).
Assets managed by the Indian mutual fund industry have grown from Rs
9.02 lakh crore in March last year to Rs 11.34 lakh crore in December
2014.
(DD-5.2)
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 Updated on : 13-02-2015 10:19 AM
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World
Radio Day marks the anniversary of the first broadcast by UN Radio in
1946, when it transmitted its first call sign: "This is the United
Nations calling the peoples of the world."
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World
Radio Day seeks to raise awareness about the importance of radio,
facilitate access to information through radio, and enhance networking
among broadcasters.
@BJ-13.02
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Cricket WC launched with quirky opening ceremony
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 Updated on : 13-02-2015 10:21 AM
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Extravagant
opening ceremony ahead of 2015 Cricket World Cup at Christchurch and
Melbourne, 14 nations to compete for the coveted trophy across 6 weeks
and 49 matches.
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Children
mingled with cricketing greats in "backyard" matches and Maori warriors
shared the stage with Morris dancers as the Cricket World Cup kicked
off on Thursday with a vibrant and quirky ceremony in Christchurch.
Thousands of fans crammed leafy Hagley Park to see the launch of the
first World Cup in New Zealand and Australia in 23 years, the formal
part began with a lone bagpiper and ended with booming fireworks
display, the biggest in the city's history.
(DPT – 12/2)
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Delhi CM designate Arvind Kejriwal meets PM Narendra Modi
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 Updated on : 13-02-2015 08:45 AM
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Delhi's
Chief Minister-designate Arvind Kejriwal met Prime Minister Narendra
Modi on Thursday and discussed a range of issues related to the national
capital including granting full statehood.
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Kejriwal,was accompanied by senior AAP leader Manish Sisodia.
The meeting lasted for around 20 minutes and the Prime Minister assured centre's full support to AAP government in Delhi.
Meanwhile, Arvind Kejriwal on Wednesday met President Pranab Mukherjee and thanked him for his blessings and guidance.
The President, in turn, gifted Kejriwal two books -- 'Constitution of India' and 'Thoughts and Reflections', authored by him.
Senior AAP leader Manish Sisodia termed it as a courtesy visit and said there was no special agenda.
"We met the President this time. We thanked him for his guidance and
blessings. When we had been demanding dissolution of the Delhi
Legislative Assembly, there was a lot of cooperation from him... He
expressed happiness and gifted Arvindji two books," Sisoda said.
Kejriwal also met Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh and raised the issue
of full statehood to the national capital, emphasising that it will
help in ensuring proper coordination among various agencies.
In the meeting, Kejriwal, accompanied by senior party leader Manish
Sisodia, underlined the need for constructive cooperation between the
Centre and the Delhi government and noted that political differences
should not come in way of taking the city forward.
Kejriwal also invited Singh to his oath-taking ceremony at the Ramlila Grounds on 14th February.
"We discussed the topic of statehood as many issues will find its way if
Delhi is granted full statehood. Both AAP and BJP had promised it in
their election manifestos.
"As there is a BJP government at the Centre with full majority and an
AAP government is being formed in Delhi, there should not be any problem
in fulfilling the promise. This will be the best thing for Delhi,"
Sisodia told reporters on Wednesday.
He said Kejriwal sought full cooperation from Singh in addressing various issues requiring intervention of the Centre.
"The Home Ministry and the Delhi government should act in tandem and
there should be constructive cooperation between the two," he said.
"Met Venkaiah Naidu ji and Rajnath ji -the two most important ministries
for Delhi govt. Invited them to oath ceremony," Kejriwal tweeted later.
Asked whether they raised the issue of bringing Delhi Police under the
city government, Sisodia said granting of statehood will address this
matter as well.
In its manifesto, AAP had promised to push for full statehood for Delhi if it came to power.
Earlier in the day, Kejriwal met Union Urban Development Minister
Venkaiah Naidu and discussed various issues with him including that of
unauthorised colonies in the city and full statehood.
He was accompanied by party leader Manish Sisodia. "We have discussed
four big issues with the minister. Firstly, the issues of the poor such
as compensation for them, we will need central government's help in
that. Secondly, the issue of unauthorised colonies on which the Centre
recently passed a resolution. So in order to take it forward help will
be needed from MCD, DDA and the Centre," Sisodia told reporters after
the meeting.
"We told him that for more schools, colleges, hospitals and
parking, a lot of land will be needed so whatever land is available with
DDA, we have requested for it. "And lastly the issue of full statehood.
We have been fully assured that without any political divide we will
get their support," he added.
(DD/BJ-12.2)
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Marathon Ukraine talks end with peace deal
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 Updated on : 13-02-2015 10:31 AM
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Leaders
of Russia, Ukraine, France and Germany on Thursday emerged from
marathon 16-hour talks to announce a comprehensive peace deal for
eastern Ukraine, but questions remained whether Ukraine and the
pro-Russian rebels have agreed on all of its terms.
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Russian President Vladimir Putin told reporters that the agreement
envisages a cease-fire that will be effective starting from the start of
the day Sunday (21000 GMT or 4 p.m. EST Saturday) as well as a special
status for the rebel regions, provisions on border controls and
humanitarian issues.
Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko, however, denied that there was any agreement about autonomy in eastern Ukraine.
More than 5,300 people have died since April in the fighting, which
continued to rage Thursday even as the four leaders were engaged in
talks.
Speaking to reporters after the exhausting talks, Putin said "it was not
the best night in my life but the morning, I think, it is good because
we have managed to agree on the main things despite all the difficulties
of the negotiations."
Putin added, however, that he and Poroshenko disagreed on assessing the
situation in a key flashpoint, the government- held town of Debaltseve,
which has been the focus of fierce fighting for weeks.
Putin's statement followed the talks brokered by German Chancellor
Angela Merkel and French President Francois Hollande, which dragged for
nearly 16 deep into a second day Thursday as the four leaders
desperately sought to resolve their differences.
Hollande said he and Merkel are committed to helping verify the
cease-fire process in Ukraine, along with the Russian and Ukrainian
leaders.
Speaking after the talks, Hollande said the announcement of a new cease-fire deal has come as a "relief to Europe."
A previous cease-fire agreed in September fell apart as Ukrainian
government forces and Russian-backed rebels both tried to gain more
ground.
"We came to an agreement, an agreement on a cease-fire and on a global
political settlement of the Ukrainian conflict," Hollande said.
"That global settlement will include all issues, from the cease-fire to
the control of the border, to decentralization, and, of course, the
pullback of heavy weapons and resuming economic relations."
He also praised Putin for applying "pressure as much as necessary on the separatists."
While the four leaders hailed the agreement, it became immediately clear
that Russia and Ukraine continued to disagree on how to end fighting
around Debaltseve, a key transport hub between the two main
rebel-controlled eastern cities.
(DD-12.2)
Anirban Lahiri wins maiden European Tour victory
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 Updated on : 08-02-2015 05:29 PM
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India's Anirban Lahiri claimed a maiden European Tour victory with a one-stroke victory at the Malaysian Open.
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The 27-year-old world number 73, a five-time winner on the Asian
Tour, birdied four of his first five holes in a 68 to finish on 16 under
par.
Overnight leader Bernd Wiesberger was second after dropping five shots in a 74 at the Kuala Lumpur Country Club.
Defending champion Lee Westwood double bogeyed the second en route to a 75 and a share of fifth, five shots adrift.
(AKS-08/02)
Spring bloom opened to public at Mughal Gardens
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 Updated on : 14-02-2015 01:42 PM
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The annual "Udyanotsav" at Rashtrapati Bhavan was opened by President Pranab Mukherjee on Friday.
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The Mughal Gardens will remain open for general public from 14th February till 15th March, between 9.30 am to 4 pm.
Members of the public will also be able to visit the Spiritual Garden,
Herbal Garden, Bonsai Garden and Bio-diversity Park within the Estate.
The Garden would be closed for maintenance every Monday.
Entry and exit for the general public will be from Gate No. 35 of the President's Estate.
(SU-14.2)
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India beat Pakistan by 76 runs
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 Updated on : 15-02-2015 05:32 PM
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Defending
champions India launched their Cricket World Cup campaign in style as
they produced a clinical performance to spank Pakistan by 76 runs,
maintaining their unbeaten record against the arch-rivals in the mega
event in Adelaide on Sunday.
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In
the high-voltage contest between the bitter rivals, India again emerged
victorious in a rather one-sided affair, thus maintaining their
magnificent record against Pakistan by winning the sixth consecutive
World Cup game since the rivalry started way back in 1992.
It was a commendable all-round effort by Mahendra Singh Dhonis men who
first posted a competitive total of 300/7 riding on Virat Kohlis 22nd
ODI hundred and then dismissed the opposition for 224 in 47 overs at the
Adelaide Oval to secure two points.
Mohammad Shami (4/35 ), Umesh Yadav (2/50), Mohit Sharma (2/35) and
Ravichandran Ashwin (1/41) were the pick of the Indian bowlers as they
kept taking wickets to put pressure on the Pakistani batsmen.
Captain Misba-ul Haq (76), Ahmed Shehzad (47) and Haris Sohail (36) were the notable contributors.
Mohit Sharma took the last wicket of Sohail Khan to bring about India's
moment of glory, sending the seizable Indian crowd at the stadium into a
frenzy while the players hugged each other to celebrate the triumph,
their first victory in Australia since landing here in November last
year.
Pakistan were well placed at 102 for two at one stage but a middle-order
collapse effected by the trio of Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja and Yadav
ended any hopes that Misbah ul Haq and his men harboured of bucking the
trend of losing to India in big-ticket ICC events.
Electing to bat, Virat Kohli marked his return to form with a crafty 107
while Shikhar Dhawan (73) and Suresh Raina (74) were the other notable
performers to steer India to a competitive total of 300 for seven in hot
conditions.
Kohli continued his love affair with the Adelaide Oval as his century
knock came off 126 balls with eight boundaries and he shared a 110-run
partnership with Raina for the third wicket.
India could have got a bigger score had it not been for some excellent death bowling by the Pakistani pace bowlers.
Their young fast bowler Sohail Khan (5/55) checked the Indian surge by bowling a tight line and length.
India wobbled in the last five overs, losing five wickets for only 27
runs which stopped them short of the projected score of 325.
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Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal allocates portfolios among ministers
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 Updated on : 15-02-2015 11:41 AM
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Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Saturday allocated portfolios among the Ministers.
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Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia will hold the charge of
Eduction, Finance, Planning and Revenue while Satyendar Jain will look
after Power, Health, Industries and PWD departments.
Gopal Rai has been given the responsibility of Transport, Labour and
Employment departments and Sandeep Kumar will hold the portfolios of
Women and Child Development, Social Welfare and SC and ST departments.
Food, Civil Supply and Environment and Forest departments are with Asim
Ahmed Khan while Jitender Singh Tomar has been given the charge of Law
and Justice, Home, and Tourism.
Announcing the portfolios, Manish Sisodia said that Chief Minister
Arvind Kejriwal will not keep any department under his charge.
He said Mr. Kejriwal will oversee the work of different departments and supervise their work.
Manish Sisodia said the chief Minister will also connect directly to the people of Delhi to solve their problems.
When asked about the priorities of the government, he said 70 point
agenda which consists of cheap electricity and water, corruption-free
governance and providing proper health care to the people are all focus
areas of the new regime.
All the Ministers have assumed charge of their departments.
(ST-14/02)
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Modi addresses farmers' rally in Baramati
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 Updated on : 15-02-2015 11:35 AM
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PM
Narendra Modi praised NCP leader Sharad Pawar at a farmers' conclave at
the Krishi Vigyan Kendra, a Central government undertaking, where he
inaugurated a Centre for Excellence for Vegetables and thanked him for
inviting him to Baramati.
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Mindful of presence of a large media contingent at the event, Modi
said, "Today is a special day for the media. They would keenly observe
what I said earlier (during the polls) and what I say today. This is the
beauty of democracy".
"Democracy works on two tracks. The first is of 'vivad' (debate) and
second is 'samvad' (communication). We are in different political
parties with different agenda, but for us country is above party and
statesmanship is above politics," he said.
"But, in our country, the meeting of two leaders makes big news. The
communication (between leaders) should never stop and in this those in
power have a greater responsibility," Modi said.
Pawar, too, sought to clarify that their appearance together was for
development and that political motives should not be attributed.
(ST-14/02)
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Nepal constitution to be promulgated even if no consensus
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 Updated on : 13-02-2015 05:43 PM
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Nepal
government would promulgate a new constitution through a two-third
majority even if a political consensus is not achieved on contentious
issues in the draft document, Deputy Prime Minister Prakash Man Singh
said on Friday.
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Singh said the government is showing flexibility to draft the constitution through consensus among political parties.
But if consensus could not be achieved on contentious issues, the new
constitution would be promulgated through two-third majority as per the
provisions of the Interim Constitution, he said.
The Nepali Congress general secretary stressed that a lack of consensus
would not become an excuse for not drafting the constitution.
Nepal's ruling and opposition parties have sharp divisions over key
issues to be included in the new Constitution such as the federal
structure and the forms of governance.
Opposition parties led by UCPN-Maoist demand an ethnic identity-based
federal structure in the new Constitution, which was initially supposed
to be promulgated by January 22.
Communist Party of Nepal (Unified MarxistLeninist) chairman K P Sharma
Oli has, however, said his party is committed towards forging a
consensus among political parties.
"We want to draft a constitution through consensus or agreement among
political parties and the new constitution should be promulgated taking
into account peace and stability as well as national unity and
integrity," said Oli.
He said Nepal is a multi-ethnic and multi-cultural country and the new
constitution should maintain harmony among different cultures and ethnic
groups.
The constitution should be drafted at the earliest so that Nepal could
move forward on the path of economic prosperity and development, Oli
said at a programme organised by the World Federation of Trade Union in
Kathmandu.
Top leaders of ruling parties, Nepali Congress and CPN-UML have been
trying to persuade the 19-party opposition alliance to break the logjam
on the constitution drafting process.
(ST-13/02)
G20 pledges to improve business environment, check tax evasion
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 Updated on : 15-02-2015 11:07 AM
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Committing to resist protectionism, the G20 nations have pledged to
improve business environment to promote growth and strengthen
transparency to prevent cross border tax evasion.
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The G20 Ministers also expressed concern over terrorist activities and
called upon the member nations to expeditiously comply with
international norms concerning exchange of information and freezing of
terrorist assets.
The communique issued at the end of the two-day meeting of G20 Finance
Ministers and central bank governors late last night also underlined the
need for IMF quota reforms to give greater representation to emerging
economies.
India was represented by Minister of State for Finance Jayant Sinha and RBI Governor Raghuram Rajan at the meeting.
Observing that global economic recovery continues to remain uneven, the
communique said "we are determined to overcome these challenges and ...
achieve our objective of strong, sustainable and balanced growth, and
create jobs and foster inclusiveness."
Taking note of the sharp decline in oil prices, the communique said it
will provide some boost to global growth with varying implications
across economy.
"The outlook for oil prices remains uncertain. We will continue to
closely monitor developments in commodity markets and their impact on
the global economy," it added.
The falling prices, it said, would also enable some countries to
reassess their fiscal policies and reduce "inefficient fossil fuel
subsidies in favour of investment and better targeted transfers".
The communique also called for addressing the issues concerning volatile
financial flows. "We will cooperate to manage spillovers arising from
our domestic policies. We will stick to our previous exchange rate
commitments and will resist protectionism".
The member nations committed to boost investment in their countries via
concrete and ambitious investment strategies that will also support
"our" collective growth objective.
"These strategies will include a set of policy measures that further
improves the business environment and facilitates financial
intermediation," it said.
Expressing disappointment over delay in IMF quota reforms, the
communique said "We reaffirm that their earliest implementation remains
our highest priority for the Fund. We continue to urge the United States
to ratify the 2010 reforms as soon as possible".
Emerging counties, like India, China, Brazil and Russia have been asking
for increased voting rights in IMF, which would reflect their growing
share in the world economy.
Quota reform, if implemented, will increase India's voting share from
current 2.44 per cent to 2.75 per cent, following which the country will
become the eighth largest quota holder at the IMF, up from 11th
position.
@BJ-12.02
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Energy conservation is the need of the hour: PM
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 Updated on : 15-02-2015 01:45 PM
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Prime
Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said government is emphasizing on
renewable energy to lighten the homes of the poor and bring change in
their lives.
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Inaugurating the first Renewable Energy Global Investors Meet
(RE-Invest) in New Delhi on Sunday, Modi called for collaboration
between the 50 nations with abundant solar power to develop
technological solutions.
Stating that the role of energy in development was very important, he
said, "We want to increase speed and at the same time scale new heights
of development and one of the sectors is energy."
Drawing from his experience as the Chief Minister of Gujarat when solar
panels were installed above water canals to not just generate
electricity but also to cut water evaporation by 40 percent, Modi said
solar energy can be used to power irrigation pumps and increase crop
productivity through micro irrigation.
"We are focussing on renewable energy not for laurels but to lighten
homes of the poor and bring a change in their lives," he said.
"We have ponds, can we think of solar panels on top of these ponds? We need to think of innovative ideas."
He said the cost of electricity from solar photovoltaic cells has come
down from Rs 20 per unit to Rs 7.50 and research and innovation can help
bring it down further.
Hybrid power generation involving solar and wind energy should be
encouraged as it will help save on transmission and power evacuation
infrastructure cost, he said.
Modi also called for developing domestic manufacturing of renewable energy equipment to create jobs.
Conserving energy, he said, is the need of the hour. "The more energy we
save, the more we can save the next generations. Energy can be savior
of generations."
Over 2500 delegates including exhibitors from 45 countries will be attending the three day event.
The meet aims at evolving innovative financial models for funding and to
ensure the partnership of states and the Centre in harnessing renewable
energy.
It will also showcase the Government of India’s commitment to the
development and scaling up of renewable energy to meet the national
energy requirement in a socially, economically and ecologically
sustainable manner.
It will also be a platform to attract large scale investments for solar
and wind power generation in India in short, medium and long-term.
Reinvest 2015 will include several sessions headed by senior
representatives from the renewable energy industry, equipment
manufacturers, global financial institutions, Public Sector Enterprises,
regulatory authorities, Central and state governments, research
institutions and academia.
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Govt announces bidders of Schedule 2 coal mines
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 Updated on : 15-02-2015 11:24 AM
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The
coal ministry has shortlisted 134 applications out of the 176
preliminary bids received for the coal blocks on offer in the first
batch.
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Coal Secretary Anil Swarup told reporters in New Delhi on Thursday that
the ministry will go ahead with the auction of mines as per schedule.
The Supreme Court had in September 2014 cancelled allotment of 204 mines
since 1993, terming the allotment as "arbitrary and illegal".
(DD-12.2)
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Retail inflation rises to 5.11% in Jan
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 Updated on : 15-02-2015 11:22 AM
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Retail
inflation moved up to 5.11 percent in January month-on-month, measured
on a new base year 2012, mainly due to dearer food items including
fruits and vegetables.
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In December, retail inflation based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI)
was at 4.28 percent (recalculated with new base year). The CPI inflation
in December was 5 percent with 2010 as base year.
The Central Statistics Office (CSO) has revised the base year to 2012 from 2010 for computing the consumer price index.
After releasing the new series on Thursday, Chief Statistician T C A
Anant told reporters that "inflation in 2014-15 will be lower than the
2013-14 level".
He further said that besides changes in weight of items and groups, "we
have shifted to geometric mean for computing inflation from arithmetic
mean used in previous series."
Food inflation in January was 6.13 percent due to costlier fruits, vegetable and cereals.
The rate of price rise in egg contracted by 0.24 percent in January,
while the same shot up to 9.38 percent in milk and related products.
The government also released Consumer Food Price Index (CFPI) which stood at 6.06 percent on annual basis.
Industrial prod growth slows to 1.7% in Dec
Industrial production growth rate slowed to 1.7 percent in December last
year on sequential basis mainly due to a contraction in the mining and
quarrying sector.
The growth in factory output, as measured by the Index of Industrial
Production (IIP), in the month under review was, however, higher as
compared to December, 2013 when it expanded by 0.1 percent.
The November IIP has been revised upwards to 3.9 percent from 3.8
percent. For the April-December period of 2014-15, IIP is 2.1 percent as
against 0.1 percent in same period of the last fiscal.
As per government data released on Thursday, manufacturing output, which
constitutes over 75 percent to the index, grew by 2.1 percent in
December compared to a dip of 1.1 percent in the same month a year ago.
For April-December period, the sector saw an output growth of 1.2
percent, compared to a contraction 0.4 percent in the year-ago period.
Output in the mining sector contracted by 3.2 percent in December,
compared to a growth of 2.6 percent in the same month last year.
During the April-December period, the output has grown by 1.7 percent compared to a contraction of 1.5 percent year-on-year.
The production of capital goods, a barometer of demand, grew by 4.1
percent in December as against a contraction of 2.5 percent in same
month of last year.
During the April-December period, capital goods output grew by 4.8 percent as against a dip of 0.4 percent.
Thirteen out of the 22 industry groups in the manufacturing sector have
shown positive growth during the month of December 2014 year-on-year.
India, Lanka ink civil nuclear pact, agree to expand def ties
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 Updated on : 17-02-2015 10:32 AM
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Taking the ties to a new level, India and Sri Lanka on Monday inked a
civil nuclear pact besides deciding to expand defence and security
cooperation.
|
This was announced after the talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi
and Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena during which both the
leaders expressed commitment to find a solution to the emotive fishermen
issue by adopting a constructive and humanitarian approach.
"The bilateral agreement on civil nuclear cooperation is yet another
demonstration of our mutual trust. This is the first such agreement Sri
Lanka has signed. It opens new avenues for cooperation, including in
areas like agriculture and healthcare," Modi said in a joint press
interaction with Sirisena in New Delhi on Monday.
Sirisena, who arrived in Delhi on Sunday, has chosen India for his first foreign trip after assuming charge of the country.
He had dethroned Mahinda Rajapaksa from his 10-year rule after a bitter Presidential poll.
The nuclear pact would facilitate cooperation in the transfer and
exchange of knowledge and expertise, sharing of resources, capacity
building and training of personnel in peaceful uses of nuclear energy,
including use of radioisotopes, nuclear safety, radiation safety and
nuclear security.
The two countries also signed three other pacts, including cooperation in the field of agriculture.
Another MoU was signed to enable Sri Lanka to participate in the Nalanda University Project.
The Prime Minister said he and the Sri Lankan leader also agreed to expand the defence and security cooperation.
"We welcomed the progress in our maritime security cooperation, including in the trilateral format with the Maldives," he said.
Modi said he believed that destinies of both the countries are
"inter-linked" and that "our security and prosperity are indivisible".
Modi said they had excellent discussions on bilateral relations and
international issues and added that India was honoured that Sirisena had
chosen the country for his first overseas destination after assuming
charge.
On the fishermen issue, Modi said he and the President attached the highest importance to it.
"It affects livelihoods on both sides. We agreed that there must be a constructive and humanitarian approach to the issue.
"We will encourage the fishermen's associations on both sides to meet
again soon. They should find a solution that can be taken forward by
both governments," he said.
The Sri Lankan President expressed happiness over the outcome of the
talks and said the friendship between the two countries was not only
important to each other but was significant for the region as well.
"I really appreciate Prime Minister Modi's efforts (to improve ties).
Relations between the two countries will be strengthened further," he
said.
Modi also thanked Sirisena for inviting him to visit Sri Lanka and said
he was "eagerly looking forward to visiting the country in March".
"We are at a moment of an unprecedented opportunity to take our
bilateral relations to a new level. His visit today has set us firmly in
that direction," the Prime Minister said while congratulating Sirisena
for his historic victory in the recent elections in the island nation.
On the fishermen issue, Modi said fishermen's associations on both sides
will be encouraged to meet again soon while noting that they should
find a solution that can be taken forward by both governments.
Modi said India was Sri Lanka's closest neighbour and friend and the
goodwill and support of the people of India will always be with it.
"We also share a broad range of interests - economic development for our
countries; peace and prosperity in South Asia; maritime security in the
region," he said.
On the economic engagement, Modi said both the countries are committed
to unlock the vast potential of the economic cooperation.
"We are pleased to be Sri Lanka's largest trading partner. I know that
India enjoys a huge trade surplus. I expressed my support for a more
balanced growth in trade in both directions," he said.
The Prime Minister said he had conveyed to Sirisena India's readiness to
promote greater flow of Indian investments and tourists into Sri Lanka.
"We also intend to further improve air and sea connectivity between India and Sri Lanka," he said.
Modi said they discussed expansion of cooperation in energy sector, both
conventional and renewable, and that Commerce Secretaries of both the
countries will meet soon to review trade ties.
Talking about the Indian assisted projects for internally- displaced
persons in Sri Lanka, Modi said they have made excellent progress.
"This includes the Housing Project, under which more than 27,000 houses
have already been constructed. The President and I expressed
satisfaction with the progress.
"I assured President Sirisena of India's commitment to its development
partnership with Sri Lanka. This will continue to cover a broad range of
areas, including infrastructure," he said.
Referring to a pact on cultural cooperation, Modi said that like
cricket, culture provides a strong bond between the two countries.
"Sri Lankan nationals visit the National Museum in New Delhi in large
numbers to pay homage to the Kapilavastu relics. We have decided to
reduce the fees for them," he said.
(DD-16.2)
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Croatia's first female President sworn in
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 Updated on : 16-02-2015 11:16 AM
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Croatia's
first female president Kolinda Grabar-Kitarovic pledged to help
kickstart the country's ailing economy as she was sworn into office
today.
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The
46-year-old conservative former foreign minister and NATO official
narrowly defeated her left-wing predecessor Ivo Josipovic in an election
run-off in January.
"I will be a top economic diplomat of our country," she said in her
inaugural speech, vowing to do her utmost "to make Croatia a wealthy
nation".
"Almost two years of (EU) membership, I would like us all to eventually
start to live the life of a European Union member," Grabar-Kitarovic
said at the open-air ceremony in the old quarter of Zagreb.
Hopes that EU membership would boost the economy of the small Adriatic nation of 4.2 million have faded.
The Croatian economy, hit by a six-year recession, remains among the weakest in the 28-nation bloc.
Unemployment is almost 20 per cent and the government forecasts a meagre 0.5 per cent growth this year.
Today's ceremony was attended by hundreds of Croatians and top local
officials as well as presidents of several regional nations and,
notably, Serbian Prime Minister Aleksandar Vucic.
His presence hinted at an easing of tensions between the former foes.
Relations between Belgrade and Zagreb have gradually improved since
Croatia's 1990s independence war, during which it fought against
Belgrade-backed rebel Serbs.
"We talked about all our issues... we will resolve them," Vucic told reporters after meeting the new president.
In her inaugural speech, Grabar-Kitarovic, a leading member of the main
opposition HDZ party until becoming president, called for national unity
to overcome the economic crisis.
"We are facing a moment that requires a broad national consensus over
key issues. There is neither space nor time for divisions," she said.
Grabar-Kitarovic added that Croatia would continue to support bids by
other Balkan countries to join the EU and NATO as that was in the
country's "strategic interest".
"I want countries of southeastern Europe to become members of the
European family and for us to offer them a hand of cooperation."
Grabar-Kitarovic is the fourth to hold the largely ceremonial role in
the former Yugoslav republic since its independence in 1991.
She was European affairs and foreign minister from 2003 to 2008 and then
served as Croatia's ambassador to the US until 2011 when she was named
NATO's assistant secretary general.
Her election was seen as a major boost for HDZ ahead of parliamentary
elections due late this year, and in which the party is likely to make
significant gains.
The current centre-left rulers face major public discontent largely over their failure to revive the economy
(ST-16/02)
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Yuvraj sold for record Rs 16 crore in IPL 8 auction
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 Updated on : 17-02-2015 10:20 AM
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Flamboyant
all-rounder Yuvraj Singh today emerged as the costliest cricketer in
the IPL 8 players' auction, bought for a record Rs 16 crore (USD 2.57
million approx) by Delhi Daredevils in Bangalore.
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Yuvraj, who carried a base price of Rs 2 crore, was sold for the
highest ever price in IPL history after a fierce tug of war for his
services between Delhi Daredevils and Royal Challengers Bangalore, who
bought him last year for Rs 14 crore, at a glitzy auction at a city
hotel in Bangalore.
However, it was quite a surprise to see Yuvraj going past his last
year's price as he has been out of the Indian team for some time.
Initially, there was a four-way bidding among Rajasthan Royals, Royal
Challengers, Kings XI Punjab and Delhi Daredevils to buy India's 2011
World Cup hero in the auction conducted by Richard Madley.
But once the bidding reached Rs 7 crore, RR and KXIP quit, leaving DD and RCB in the fray.
Delhi Daredevils, who have the largest purse of Rs 39.75 crore among all
the eight franchises taking part in the auction, also bought Sri Lankan
captain and all-rounder Angelo Mathews for Rs 7.5 crore, the third
highest price in the first two rounds of auction.
RCB, who lost to DD in their bid to get Yuvraj and Mathews, bought
wicketkeeper batsman Dinesh Karthik for Rs 10.5 crore, the second
highest price, even though it was Rs 1.5 crore lower than the amount he
was bought for by DD last year.
Surprisingly, former England captain Kevin Pietersen, who was bought for
Rs 9 crore last year by DD, could get just Rs 2 crore as he was sold to
Sunrisers Hyderabad at the base price.
Other players sold in the auction were India Test opener Murali Vijay
for Rs 3 crore (to KXIP), leg-spinner Amit Mishra (Rs 3.5 crore by DD),
Aaron Finch (Rs 3.2 crore by Mumbai Indians), Eoin Morgan (Rs 1.5 crore
by SRH) and Kane Williamson (Rs 60 lakh by SRH).
Sri Lankans Mahela Jayawardene and Kumar Sangakkara and South African
Hashim Amla went unsold in the first two rounds for marquee players
which was attended by Nita Ambani, Ricky Ponting, Anil Kumble, V V S
Laxman, Muttiah Muralitharan, Rahul Dravid, Gary Kirsten, Stephen
Fleming, Vijay Mallya and Preity Zinta among others.
(ST-16/02)
Asia's biggest air show 'Aero India' begins
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 Updated on : 18-02-2015 10:04 AM
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Asia's premier air show, "Aero India", will start in Bengaluru on
Wednesday with global armament majors eyeing to align with the 'Make in
India' campaign of the government.
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With metal birds having already landed and prepped up, the Air Force
Station at Yelahanka in the IT city - Bengaluru is all set to host the
10th edition of the biennial five-day international edition of the
aerospace and aviation exhibition to be inaugurated by Prime Minister
Narendra Modi.
PM Modi will be the second Prime Minister to inaugurate the event after H D Deve Gowda in 1996.
Over 300 foreign firms along with 54 ministerial and other high-level
delegations from several countries will be taking part in this year's
event, said to be the largest ever air show to be hosted so far in
India.
The US with 64 companies will have the largest presence at the show in
which 33 other countries are taking part, with an aim to become a part
of the multi-billion dollar Indian defence market.
Behind the US is France with 58 companies, UK 48, Russia 41, Israel 25 and Germany 17, the organisers said.
Seven of the 11 foreign military aircraft on display will be American -
two F-15C Eagles, two F-16C Fighting Falcons, one Boeing KC-135 tanker,
one C-17 Globemaster III and a P-8A Poseidon maritime surveillance
aircraft.
Three Rafale fighters of French giant Dassault- shortlisted for acquisition by the IAF - will fly aerobatics displays.
Negotiations over the deal for 126 aircraft are facing rough weather with efforts underway to resolve it.
India's Light Combat Aircraft "Tejas" will be participating in the
formation flight display, Defence Research and Development Organisation
officials said.
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Get a glimpse of tribal culture at 'Vanaj'
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 Updated on : 18-02-2015 09:53 AM
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With an aim to bridge the gaps of social divide and promote tribal
culture, a National Tribal Festival- 'Vanaj' is being held in New Delhi.
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Around 900 participants from across the country are bringing forth their
culture to the people, in the event organised by the Ministry of Tribal
Affairs.
This is the first tribal festival featuring folk and tribal artists from
Assam, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh, Jharkhand, Kerala,
Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Nagaland, Odisha, Rajasthan, Sikkim, Tamil
Nadu and West Bengal.
The purpose of the festival is to uplift the quality of tribal lives and
provide an opportunity to Delhites to enjoy and appreciate the rich
tribal culture and heritage of the country.
While this would help advertise our diversity, it also helps in national integration.
The festival is also intended to conserve and promote the distinctive
cultures by providing them a national platform amongst other things.
The festival in its maiden edition is showcasing the rich diversity of
tribal culture, art, painting, music, dance, tribal medicine, tribal
food, and a special attraction- tribal cuisine.
The event is being held at three venues in the city — the Indira Gandhi
National Centre for the Arts, Baba Kharak Singh Marg and Central Park in
Connaught Place.
Cultural performances are held every evening between 5 p.m. and 7 p.m., and seminars, exhibitions from 11 a.m. and 7 p.m.
Besides tribal cuisine, a tribal market has been recreated at the Indira
Gandhi National Centre for the Arts, where visitors will be able to
purchase rural crafts, herbs and medicines.
The festival is on till February 18.
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NTPC to invest USD 10 bn in renewable energy
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 Updated on : 17-02-2015 02:14 PM
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Country's
largest power producer NTPC (National Thermal Power Corporation) is set
to invest close to USD 10 billion for making good on green energy
projects in the next five years as part of government's plans to promote
clean electricity generation.
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The public sector power generator is committed to setting up renewable
power projects of 10,000 MW capacity in the country over the course of
next five years, an official statement revealed on Tuesday.
Energy generation of 10,000 MW capacity will call for an investment of nearly Rs 60,000 crore (approximately USD 10 billion).
Building one megawatt of solar capacity requires on an average Rs 6 crore.
The company said in an official statement that it will add 10,000 MW to
its existing capacity of 43,143 MW through the planned solar projects.
NTPC currently has 110 MW of renewable power projects which have thus
far generated 100 million units of electricity during in the current
fiscal year.
It recently signed a term loan agreement of Rs 10,000 crore and Rs 2,000
crore, respectively, with state-run SBI and the Bank of Baroda, for
partially funding its capital expenditure.
The statement also shared that it has already floated Notice Inviting
Tender for four solar projects of 250 MW each in Andhra Pradesh, Madhya
Pradesh, Telangana and Rajasthan and one 500 MW project in Andhra
Pradesh.
Also, the first 250 MW Solar project in Anantapur, Andhra Pradesh is expected to be awarded by the end of next month.
"Availability of land and PPA arrangement are being explored in other
states like Chhattisgarh, Uttar Pradesh, Puducherry, Gujarat etc," it
concluded.
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Investors pump in Rs 2 lakh crore in MF schemes during Apr-Jan
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 Updated on : 17-02-2015 03:20 PM
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Total investments in mutual fund schemes in the first 10 months of the
current fiscal rose to nearly Rs 2 lakh crore on the back of inflows in
equity funds.
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This was higher than Rs 1.6 lakh crore invested in the same period last fiscal.
As per the latest data available with the Securities and Exchange Board
of India (SEBI), investors have put in Rs 1,94,820 crore in various
mutual fund schemes.
Most of the money is being invested in liquid or money fund as well as and equity mutual fund schemes.
A staggering Rs 1.14 lakh crore have been infused in liquid or 'money
market' schemes and another Rs 56,000 crore pumped in equity schemes.
"Since early 2014, equity market sentiment took a turn for the better
and we have noticed significant interest from FIIs on the back of
expectations from the new government at the Centre. This has led to
equity markets adopting a bullish tone," HSBC Global Asset Management
India CEO Puneet Chaddha said.
"The growth in equity markets has been noticed by retail investors and
since May 2014, we have seen month-on-month positive net sales in equity
mutual funds," he added.
The addition in equity schemes is in line with BSE's benchmark Sensex
surging by 30 percent in the ten months of the current financial year.
This significant level of funds mobilisation has also led to increase in
the total assets under management of MFs that surged to Rs 11.81 lakh
crore as on 31st January 2015 from Rs 9.03 lakh crore in the year-ago
period.
MF is an investment vehicle that pools funds from many investors for
investing in securities such as stocks, bonds, money market instruments
and similar assets.
Phalke award winner filmmaker D. Rama Naidu passes away
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 Updated on : 19-02-2015 12:10 AM
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Multilingual filmmaker D Rama Naidu, who made memorable films like
'Ramudu-Bheemudu', 'Srikrishna Tulabharam' and 'Premnagar', died in
Hyderabad on Wednesday following protracted illness.
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The 78 year old Dada Saheb Phalke Award-winner was unwell for some.
He had a brief stint in politics when he won the Lok Sabha seat in 1999 on a Telugu Desham ticket.
(AKS-18/02)
Budget Session of Parliament Begins Today
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 Updated on : 23-02-2015 08:08 AM
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The
Budget Session of Parliament will begin today. President Pranab
Mukherjee will address the joint sitting of both the Houses in the
Central Hall of Parliament. The three-month-long session will be held in
two phases and will have 33 working days in all.
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Rail Budget will be presented on 26th of February and Economic Survey on
27th. Parliament will have a special sitting on Saturday, February
28th, a holiday, for Finance Minister Arun Jaitley to present the
General Budget.
The legislative agenda of the session comprises of introduction,
consideration and passing of seven new bills by both the Houses.
These bills include the Finance Bill, 2015, and bills replacing six
ordinances, consideration and passing of three bills pending in the Lok
Sabha and seven in the Rajya Sabha and introduction of ten new
bills...The budget session will conclude on 8th May.
(PD-23/02)
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PM shares his thoughts with students in " Mann Ki Baat" today
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 Updated on : 23-02-2015 09:54 AM
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Prime Minister Narendra Modi shares his thoughts on exam stress in his
radio programme " Mann Ki Baat" on Sunday at 8 pm on All India Radio.
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The Prime Minister addressed students appearing for Boards and other competitive examinations.
He had earlier invited students, parents and teachers to share their experiences and suggestions.
The PM has been addressing issues relating to the common man in this radio programme, which began in October last year.
The Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has exhorted students to remain
stress-free during exams and not to take them as a matter of life and
death.
In his address to the nation on the new edition of Mann Ki Baat
programme on All India Radio on Sunday evening, Narendra Modi said
examination is an opportunity and not a burden.
Modi suggested that schools should hold Exam Utsavs with satires,
cartoons and debates on the subject of examination itself. He said by
doing so, nervousness of students will disappear.
The Prime Minister also had a word of caution for parents. He requested
parents not to compare their children with others, as doing so causes
stress among children.
Citing the example of athlete Sergei Bubka, who has beaten his own
record 35 times, the Prime Minister said one should compete with oneself
and not measure success with other's achievements.
Asking students to be 'warriors' and not 'worriers', he said, students should not doubt their abilities.
Modi said students should know their potential to scale greater heights.
He asked students not to be superstitious, but determined and focused.
Saying that there is no substitute for hard work, the Prime Minister
said 'mehnat rang layegi'. The Prime Minister said students should have
faith in their knowldege.
Modi asked students to keep testing themselves on their progress on a day-to-day basis to scale new heights.
The Prime Minister was all praise for girls when he said that even
during the course of examinations, girl students help their mother in
household work while excelling in their studies. The Prime Minister
said, students should focus on the present.
(ST-22/02)
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India beat South Africa by 130 runs
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 Updated on : 22-02-2015 05:59 PM
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India defeated South Africa by 130 runs in their Group B Cricket World Cup match at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on Sunday.
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India
now appear set for a berth in the quarterfinals after their two
comprehensive wins over Pakistan and South Africa which places them on
top of Group B.
They have yet to play the only other team of substance, the West Indies,
with the remainder of the group being made up of Ireland, Zimbabwe and
UAE.
Dhawan's career-best 137 propelled India to a comfortable 307 for seven
today before the bowlers performed brilliantly to bundle out the Proteas
for 177 in 40.2 overs in what turned out to be a rather lopsided
contest at the packed Melbourne Cricket Ground.
This was India's maiden World Cup win against South Africa after having lost the clashes in 1992, 1999 and 2011.
With two wins from as many matches, India now have a very good chance of qualifying for the quarterfinals as group leaders.
It was yet another commendable show by the Indians, who came into the
tournament with a string of poor results in the tri-series preceding the
mega-event.
Mohit Sharma (2/31 in 7 overs), Ravichandran Ashwin (3/41 in 10 overs)
and Mohammed Shami (2/30 in 8 overs) kept the opposition batsmen under
tight leash for better part of the innings.
The bowling unit fired in unison as South Africa never recovered once
skipper AB de Villiers (30) fell short of his crease with Mohit's
accurate throw on top of the stumps sending the destructive player back
in the pavilion.
De Villiers and Du Plessis were going strong at one stage adding 68 runs
for the third wicket as South Africa reached 108 for two before the
skipper got run-out.
Du Plessis (55) tried his best to stem the rot but once he mistimed a
pull-shot off Mohit to Dhawan at covers, it was just a mere formality
for the 'Men In Blue', who hardly put a foot wrong in front of the
86,786 crowd of which at least 75,000 were Indian supporters.
With Sachin Tendulkar cheering them from the stands, it was an electric
atmosphere at the MCG as Dhoni's men cantered home in style.
The Indian dressing room erupted in joy and the players hugged each
other after last man standing Imran Tahir was trapped LBW by Ravindra
Jadeja.
(ST-22/02)
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Abducted Indian priest freed in Afghanistan after 8 months
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 Updated on : 23-02-2015 08:52 AM
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Eight months after his abduction in Afghanistan, Indian priest Father Alexis Prem Kumar has reached India safely.
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After
reaching the country the priest thanked the govt and the prime
minister.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has expressed happiness at the release of
Jesuit priest, Father Alexis Prem Kumar from captivity in Afghanistan.
Father Alexis, who hails from Tamil Nadu, had been abducted by Taliban in Afghanistan's Herat in June last year.
He was working with an international NGO in the field of education at the time of his abduction.
(PD-23/02)
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Delhi Assembly session begins today
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 Updated on : 23-02-2015 08:28 AM
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The two-day session of the newly-formed Delhi assembly begins on Monday.
The newly-elected MLAs will be administered oath besides election of
the Speaker of the assembly.
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The Aam Aadmi Party won 67 of the 70 seats of the Delhi assembly
while BJP won three. Lieutenant Governor Najeeb Jung will address the
house on the second day of the session to provide a glimpse of the
policies of the new government.
The AAP government will look to initiate discussions on its poll
promises, including women's safety, cheaper electricity and free wi-fi..
(PD-23/02)
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Govt making active use of radio, social media: Rathore
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 Updated on : 21-02-2015 12:50 PM
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Union
Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting Rajyavardhan Singh
Rathore on Friday said his ministry was making active use of radio and
social media.
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"To the large population, radio nearly became defunct but now it has
been rejuvenated with FM transmission. A new social media wing has been
created to be able to use the power of social media to the maximum so
that people get to know about their government," Rathore, who was in
Chennai to inaugurate the transmission of All India Radio, Vividh
Bharati in FM 100.5 MHz, said on Friday.
This year's republic day parade was not only broadcast on Doordarshan live but also live streamed on YouTube, he said.
"The Finance Minister's first interview after presenting this year's
budget would be made live again not only on Doordarshan but also in the
social media," he said.
On the status of Digital Radio Mondiale, he said the government was planning to set up 36 DRM transmitters by July this year.
On Vividh Bharathi, which would be available in FM and also in MW 383.1
Mtrs, Rathore said, "we promise the people of Chennai that in 11 months'
time we will enhance the capability of the transmitter to reach out to
farther areas."
"In two and a half years time, we will be able to cover 65 per cent of
the country with FM broadcast from the present 45 per cent," he said.
Rathore also said, "The Government was committed to development of the
country and each of the policies like Jan Dhan Yojana, Make In India,
focus on strengthening the grass roots and making the foundation of the
country more stronger."
"It might take time but results will show and once results show, the
entire country, economy and people, will be able to elevate it to a
higher level from where we are right now," the Minister said.
(DD-20.2)
Former Maldivian President arrested on terrorism charges
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 Updated on : 22-02-2015 08:03 PM
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Mohamed
Nasheed, the former Maldivian President and opposition leader, was
arrested on Sunday under anti-terrorism laws for allegedly ordering the
arrest a senior judge in 2012 that triggered violence in the Indian
Ocean island
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Nasheed, 47, was arrested around 2:45pm, his Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) Chairperson Ali Waheed tweeted.
The country's first democratically elected leader was arrested on
terrorism charges over the controversial detention of Criminal Court
Judge Abdulla Mohamed in January 2012.
The arrest warrant issued by the Criminal Court states that the former president might abscond from the trial.
The first hearing of the case is scheduled for tomorrow. Nasheed took
refuge at the Indian High Commission in Male to avoid being arrested in
connection with the same case in February 2013.
According to the office of the former president, Nasheed has been transferred to Dhoonidhoo prison.
MDP Chairperson Ali Waheed has also been taken into police custody, Minivan News reported.
Nasheed became the country's first democratically elected leader in 2008.
He claims he was forced to quit in February 2012 after soldiers and
police mutinied and overran his party's headquarters in the capital
Male.
However his successor, Mohamed Waheed, who had been serving as
vice-president, said that Nasheed left of his own accord following
protests triggered by Nasheed's order to arrest the judge.
He lost the controversial November 2013 presidential election to Yameen,
the half-brother of former strongman Maumoon Abdul Gayoom.
The MDP asked the Maldives Prosecutor General and President Yaameen Abdul Gayoom to immediately release Nasheed.
It said that Nasheed had never absconded from Court, nor have taken the
opportunity to flee or go into hiding, during numerous opportunities he
had in the past few weeks to travel abroad.
Nasheed had expressly informed the judiciary and Prosecutor General that
he does not have any intention to abscond from Court or avoid charges
being brought against him, it said.
The MDP said Nasheed was arrested on "previously unheard terrorism charges".
(ST-22/02)
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US plans to withdraw all its troops from Afghanistan by 2016
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 Updated on : 22-02-2015 04:43 PM
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US Defence Secretary Ashton Carter has said America is planning to
withdraw virtually all its troops from Afghanistan by the end of 2016.
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The U.S. Defense Secretary made the comment in a news conference in Kabul with Afghan President Ashraf Ghani.
(AKS-22/02)
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FM appeals bank employee unions to call off proposed strike
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 Updated on : 22-02-2015 10:17 AM
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Finance Minister Arun Jaitley has appealed to bank employee unions to
call off their proposed four-day nationwide strike from 25th of this
month as talks are on for a revision of wages of employees.
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The Finance Minister said banks are already in negotiations with
their unions and associations for wage settlement and "the bipartite
negotiations in a cordial manner is the only available tool for
settlement".
(AKS-22/02)
EPFO online helpdesk for inoperative accounts
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 Updated on : 19-02-2015 10:06 AM
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Employees Provident Fund sets up online Help Desk to trace holders of
over 8 crore Inoperative accounts which have accumulated Rs. 27,000
crore in them as efforts are being made to reconcile all these accounts
within a year.
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With a balance of Rs 27,000 crore lying in inoperative PF accounts,
retirement fund body ‘Employees Provident Fund Organisation' or the
EPFO on Wednesday set up an on-line help desk for subscribers to trace
such accounts and seek final settlement.
There are about 8.15 crore inoperative provident fund accounts.
Inaugurating the on line help desk, Minister of State for Labour and
Employment Bandaru Dattatreya said, it would encourage the members to
seek quick settlement of their accounts.
The new scheme, which would significantly streamline the process, would be launched in a month or so.
The inoperative accounts are those accounts wherein the contribution has not been received for 36 months.
EPFO had stopped payment of interest to such accounts from April 1,2011.
(MM – 19/02)
ICC World Cup: Gayle hits first double ton in World Cup as WI post big win
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 Updated on : 24-02-2015 09:38 PM
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Chris
Gayle bludgeoned his way into the history books by becoming the first
player to score a double century in the cricket World Cup as the West
Indies rode on his record-equalling 16 sixes to notch up a massive
73-run win via D/L method against Zimbabwe, in
Canberra on Tuesday.
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Gayle, who became the only non-Indian batsman after Sachin Tendulkar,
Virender Sehwag and Rohit Sharma to score a double ton, smashed 215 off
just 147 balls with the help of a staggering 16 sixes and 10 fours to
help West Indies amass 373 for two after electing to bat first.
The destructive batsman was also involved in a record 372-run
second-wicket partnership with centurion Marlon Samuels (133) before
West Indies bowled out the Africans for 289 in 44.3 overs during their
revised chase of 363 in 48 overs post a brief spell of rain.
Former South Africa opener Gary Kirsten held the previous individual
record with a score of 188 against the same opponents at the 1996
edition in Rawalpindi, while the legendary retired Indian duo of
Tendulkar and Rahul Dravid held the partnership record, which they
scripted against New Zealand in 1999.
Gayle thus became the only player in world cricket to hit a triple
hundred in Tests, double hundred in ODIs and a hundred in Twenty20
Internationals.
This was Gayle's first century since June 2013, the ton coming off 105
balls after the two-time winners opted to bat at the Manuka Oval. He
reached his double ton in 138 balls, hitting Tendai Chatara for a
boundary.
While his first hundred was a workmanlike effort, the second was Gayle
at his devastating best, getting there off a mere 33 balls.
Such was the onslaught that West Indies smashed the hapless Zimbabwe
bowlers for 195 runs in the last 13 overs, 152 of them coming in the
final 10.
Gayle fell short of the highest number of sixes by only one, tying it with Rohit and South African captain AB de Villiers.
Gayle was ably supported by Samuels, who scored 133 off 156 balls with the help of 11 fours and three sixes.
Gayle's effort was also the highest ever individual score by a West
Indian batsman, bettering Vivian Richards' 189 against England way back
in 1984.
The total gave West Indies a perfect platform to post their second win
in the tournament and inch closer to a quarterfinal berth, after
starting their campaign with a shock defeat against Ireland.
@BJ- 24.02
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UN Security Council: India urges for reforms
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 Updated on : 24-02-2015 12:05 PM
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India
has urged the United Nations to reform the UN Security Council this
year, arguing that the most powerful body of the UN itself is
representative of an undemocratic chokehold of a few over it, courtesy
of a wartime alliance that exists no more.
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In his address to an open meeting of the UN Security Council on
Maintenance of International Peace and Security on Monday, the Indian
Ambassador to the UN Ashoke Kumar Mukerji said, "It is ironical that
calls for democracy and the rule of law are being made in a Council that
itself embodies the undemocratic stranglehold of the privileges of a
few, forged by a wartime alliance that no longer exists."
"The logic of democracy and the anguished faces of human suffering
across the world call for urgent action to reform the Council. We must
do so this year if we are to learn the right lessons from history," he
added.
Not a member yet, India however, being the world's largest democratic
country, and a top economic and world power, is a rightful claimant to a
permanent seat in the UN Security Council.
Significantly, almost all the veto-wielding members of the UN Security
Council- the United States, Britain, France, Russia and China- have
supported India's place in this most powerful wing of the UN.
Mukerji also pointed that the Security Council has taken the lead in
referring to the purposes and principles of the Charter while attempting
to maintain international peace and security.
"It is a matter of concern for us, who are not privileged to sit
permanently in the Council that the Council's invocation of these
purposes and principles appear selective, to suit the national interests
of powerful member states," he asserted.
"The Council's decisions on issues not directly linked with maintaining
international peace and security cannot encroach upon the jurisdiction
of the General Assembly, where all of us are equally represented,"
concluded Mukherji.
Bank strike called off; unions, IBA agree on wage hike
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 Updated on : 24-02-2015 10:28 AM
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PSU
bank unions have called off their proposed 4-day strike that was to
begin this Wednesday following agreement with IBA on wage hike.
|
Public sector bank employee unions had few days ago threatened to go on a
four-day nation-wide strike beginning 25th February to press for their
wage-related demands.
After that Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley had appealed to bank
employee unions to call off their proposed strike as talks were being
held for their wage revision.
The Indian Banks Association held a number of rounds of talks with
leaders of bank unions which continued till Monday after which the
Unions have relented.
|
Major study: Smoking thins brain’s walls
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|
 Updated on : 11-02-2015 04:45 PM
|
|
A
latest major study has pointed that aside from its many damages,
long-term smoking can also cause thinning of the outer layer of the
brain involved in critical cognitive functions such as memory and
language.
|
The findings also suggest that if the butt is kicked, at least part of the brain cortex's thickness can be restored.
The study involved 244 male and 260 female subjects - five times the
scale of any previous similar research conducted on smoking and its
impact on cortical thickness.
The subjects observed had an average age of 73, and were current smokers, ex-smokers and non-smokers.
All of the said subjects were previously examined as children in 1947, as part of the Scottish Mental Survey.
Health data gathered during recent personal interviews with the
subjects, and also analysed data from MRI scans were used by researchers
in establishing the current state of the subjects' brain cortices.
The study's lead author Dr Sherif Karama, assistant professor of
psychiatry at McGill University said, "We found that current and
ex-smokers had, at age 73, many areas of thinner brain cortex than those
that never smoked. Subjects who stopped smoking seem to partially
recover their cortical thickness for each year without smoking."
However, the apparent recovery process is slow, and incomplete.
Although advancing age thins the cortex, the study found that smoking appears to accelerate the thinning process.
As per Karama, also psychiatrist at the Douglas Mental Health University
Institute and an affiliate of the Montreal Neurological Institute,
cortical thinning appears to persist for many years even after smoking
is quit.
Swine flu: WHO 'carefully watching' situation in India
|
|
 Updated on : 24-02-2015 07:34 PM
|
|
World
Health Organisation (WHO) is "carefully watching" the swine flu
situation in India with close to 15,000 people having come down with the
disease so far this year even though it said that there are "no signs"
yet of the makings of a large outbreak of the H1N1 virus.
|
A senior WHO official said the seasonal influenza was quite normal at
this time of the year and that its India office was closely working with
the Indian government for dealing with the disease.
"We are working with the government on this to watch what is
panning out in India. So far, there are no signs of the makings of a
large outbreak. But we are watching carefully," WHO Assistant Director
General Flavia Bustreo told reporters.
She said that in the wake of the Ebola outbreak in West Africa
last year, "a lesson has been learnt that one can never be too careful
and too cautious when there are epidemics that are appearing in
countries". She also urged the media to report "responsibly" on swine
flu and said that it should not "fuel" panic as was done when the Ebola
crisis started.
Health Minister JP Nadda on Tuesday said that from January 1
till February 22, the number of cases reported by the states was 14,673
while the toll from swine flu has reached 841 in the country. He said
that the number of cases reported in 2009 were 27,236 while, in 2010,
there were 20,604 swine flu cases in India. The number of deaths in 2009
were 981 and 1,763 in 2010.
The number of cases and the toll from the disease in just two
months this year is, therefore, being seen as a matter of concern.
Government data said that while 937 cases were reported in
2014, 218 had died from the disease. In 2013, 5,253 people were affected
while 699 people lost their lives to the virus. In 2012, there were 405
casualties out of 5,044 cases reported.
"The situation is being closely monitored by us and all
necessary assistance is being provided to the states. Adequate stocks of
medicine, masks and PPE are available. No efforts will be spared for
effectively dealing with the situation," Nadda said.
Union Rail budget to be presented today
|
|
 Updated on : 26-02-2015 10:32 AM
|
|
The
NDA Government's first full-fledged Railway Budget 2015-16 will be
presented in the Parliament on Thursday, and there will be huge
expectations from it.
|
Prime Minister, Narendra Modi has regularly emphasised on
modernization of railways and how important the national transporter is
for the country.
Prime Minister, Narendra Modi said “The budget is expected to layout a
clear road map for modernising the railways in terms of passenger
amenities like improving sanitation, installing CCTVs in coaches, WiFi
accessibility and e-catering.”
And everyone will be looking for one major cue that if the rail minister will go for fare hike or not.
But for that, one has to wait for the rail budget.
Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu is also likely to present a White Paper
in Parliament on finances and projects in the ailing national
transporter.
This year’s rail budget involved people's participation.
In Jan 2015, the Indian Railways invited suggestions from the public for forthcoming Railway Budget.
The citizens can login on the website of Ministry of Railways,
www.indianrailways.gov.in and submit suggestions online on varied
railway subjects.
|
Cabinet nod to BRICS bank for contingency fund, dev projects
|
|
 Updated on : 25-02-2015 09:43 PM
|
|
Union
Cabinet on Wednesday cleared the creation of the proposed 5-nation
BRICS bank that will mobilise resources for infrastructure projects and
provide short-term liquidity to emerging economies in case of payment
crisis.
|
The proposal was approved at the Cabinet meeting, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday.
The setting up of the New Development Bank (NDB) and BRICS Contingent
Reserve Arrangement (CRA) is for mobilising resources for infrastructure
projects and providing short-term liquidity support to emerging
economies in case of Balance of Payment crisis, said an official
statement.
India will hold the Presidency of the USD 100-billion NDB for the first
six years. The Bank will be based in Shanghai, China’s financial hub.
"The establishment of the Bank will help India and other signatory
countries to raise and avail resources for their infrastructure and
sustainable development projects," said the statement released after the
Cabinet meeting.
The BRICS CRA will help India and other signatory nations to forestall
short-term liquidity pressures, provide mutual support and further
strengthen financial stability.
"It would also contribute to strengthening the global financial safety
net and complement existing international arrangements (from IMF) as an
additional line of defence," the statement said.
The governance structure and decision making in the Bank will be
equitable unlike the existing multilateral development banks, it added.
The NDB would reflect the close relations among BRICS countries -
Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa, while providing a
powerful instrument for increasing their economic cooperation, it said.
The Bank will begin operations only after all the member countries deposit their instruments of ratification with Brazil.
BRICS CRA, the statement said, will ensure a backup safety net which
will allow India to go ahead with its necessary and bold policy
decisions without being concerned about the international economic
development.
The NDB to be established by BRICS countries will make available
additional resources thereby recycling the savings accumulated in
emerging countries which are presently being locked up in Treasury bonds
having much lower returns, it added.
The BRICS CRA is expected to serve the needs of India's emerging economy
in boosting access to additional foreign exchange reserves, should such
situation arise, the statement said.
So far, IMF support is the primary safety net that is available to India in case any BOP crisis situation arises.
Heads of the 5-nation BRICS group decided last year to create a
development bank as well as a reserve fund to finance infrastructure
projects and to head off future economic crises.
Infrastructure financing in India has been done from two public sources: government and multilateral development banks.
These have been supplemented by private sector contributions through Public-Private Partnership projects.
However, in the context of fiscal consolidation, declining resources of
existing MDBs and risk-averse private sector, the NDB to be established
by BRICS countries will make available additional resources, the
statement said.
(DD-25.2)
|
14th Fin Comm makes highest ever increase in tax revenue sharing between Centre, States
|
|
 Updated on : 26-02-2015 09:13 AM
|
|
Keeping its promise to give more financial autonomy to states, the
Centre on Tuesday accepted the recommendations of the 14th Finance
Commission, paving the way for a record 10 percent increase in states'
share in the Union tax revenues.
|
The states will have more financial resources than they did in the past
and greater flexibility to use them as per their priorities.
The recommendations have also facilitated more powers to the states as to how the money meant for them will be spent.
Commenting on the recommendations of the finance commission, Finance
Minister Arun Jaitley said that States must gradually become
self-sufficient and the entire system of discretionary payments must
end.
The Finance minister said that additional grants will be given to revenue deficit states.
PM writes to CMs about accepting recommendations of Finance Commission
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday wrote to Chief Ministers of all
states informing them about the Centre's decision to accept the 14th
Finance Commission's recommendations.
He said that the states have the flexibility to use resources disbursed by the Centre.
He also assured them that Centre's support in key areas like poverty
elimination, employment, education, & health, among others, will
continue.
The commission recommended increase in the share of states in the
centre's tax revenue from the current 32% to 42%-the single largest
increase ever recommended. The recommendations have also facilitated
more powers to the states as to how the money meant for them will be
spent.
Commenting on the recommendations of the finance commission, Finance
Minister Arun Jaitley said that States must gradually become
self-sufficient and the entire system of discretionary payments must
end.
Finance minister said additional grants will be given to revenue deficit
states. As per the increased devolution, the states will get Rs 3.48
lakh crore in 2014-15 and Rs 5.26 lakh crore in 2015-16.
Besides sharing of tax revenues, the commission has also laid
down the principles for giving out grant-in-aid to states and other
local bodies for five-year period beginning April 1, 2015.
The Commission has also made recommendations to deal with issues
including goods and services tax, fiscal environment and fiscal
consolidation roadmap, pricing of public utilities, public sector
enterprises and public expenditure management.
The finance commission is a body set up under Article 280 of the
Constitution, primarily to recommend measures and methods on how
revenues, need to be distributed the Centre and states.
The 14th finance commission had submitted its report to the President in
December, specifying a new set of formulae for distribution of tax
revenues and grants between states and the Centre.
@BJ/ PD-24.02
|
14th Fin Comm makes highest ever increase in tax revenue sharing between Centre, States
|
|
Updated on : 26-02-2015 09:13 AM
|
|
Keeping its promise to give more financial autonomy to states, the
Centre on Tuesday accepted the recommendations of the 14th Finance
Commission, paving the way for a record 10 percent increase in states'
share in the Union tax revenues.
|
The states will have more financial resources than they did in the past
and greater flexibility to use them as per their priorities.
The recommendations have also facilitated more powers to the states as to how the money meant for them will be spent.
Commenting on the recommendations of the finance commission, Finance
Minister Arun Jaitley said that States must gradually become
self-sufficient and the entire system of discretionary payments must
end.
The Finance minister said that additional grants will be given to revenue deficit states.
PM writes to CMs about accepting recommendations of Finance Commission
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday wrote to Chief Ministers of all
states informing them about the Centre's decision to accept the 14th
Finance Commission's recommendations.
He said that the states have the flexibility to use resources disbursed by the Centre.
He also assured them that Centre's support in key areas like poverty
elimination, employment, education, & health, among others, will
continue.
The commission recommended increase in the share of states in the
centre's tax revenue from the current 32% to 42%-the single largest
increase ever recommended. The recommendations have also facilitated
more powers to the states as to how the money meant for them will be
spent.
Commenting on the recommendations of the finance commission, Finance
Minister Arun Jaitley said that States must gradually become
self-sufficient and the entire system of discretionary payments must
end.
Finance minister said additional grants will be given to revenue deficit
states. As per the increased devolution, the states will get Rs 3.48
lakh crore in 2014-15 and Rs 5.26 lakh crore in 2015-16.
Besides sharing of tax revenues, the commission has also laid
down the principles for giving out grant-in-aid to states and other
local bodies for five-year period beginning April 1, 2015.
The Commission has also made recommendations to deal with issues
including goods and services tax, fiscal environment and fiscal
consolidation roadmap, pricing of public utilities, public sector
enterprises and public expenditure management.
The finance commission is a body set up under Article 280 of the
Constitution, primarily to recommend measures and methods on how
revenues, need to be distributed the Centre and states.
The 14th finance commission had submitted its report to the President in
December, specifying a new set of formulae for distribution of tax
revenues and grants between states and the Centre.
@BJ/ PD-24.02
Niti Aayog will focus on decentralisation of planning process: Arvind Panagariya
|
|
 Updated on : 25-02-2015 10:56 AM
|
|
In his first TV interview since assuming charge as Niti Aayog's Vice
Chairman, Arvind Panagariya told DD News that Niti Aayog will focus on
decentralisation of planning process.
|
Panagariya also said that the New planning body will focus on
strategic planning to meet objectives of government's flagship schemes.
He stressed that Niti Aayog will act as a link between Centre and states to promote co-operative and competitive federalism.
He also hailed the recommendations of the 14th Finance Commission to
give full freedom to states to decide how to spend their financial
resources allocated to them by the Centre.
(AKS-25/02)
|
Economic Survey to be tabled in Parliament
|
|
 Updated on : 27-02-2015 09:31 AM
|
|
Union
Finance Minister Arun Jaitley will present the Economic Survey
2014-2015 in the Parliament today. The Economic Survey will be presented
around 12 noon.
|
The
Economic Survey reviews the developments in the Indian economy over the
previous 12 months, summarizes the performance on major development
programmes and highlights the policy initiatives of the government and
the prospects of the economy in the short to medium term.
The document is presented to both the Houses of Parliament.
The Economic Survey, 2013-14 was presented in June last year.
|
PM hails Rail Budget as forward looking, futuristic & passenger centric budget
|
|
 Updated on : 26-02-2015 08:32 PM
|
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Prime Minister Narendra Modi has hailed the Rail Budget as a forward
looking, futuristic & passenger centric budget that has a definite
plan to achieve the goals spelt out in it.
|
He added that this is a watershed moment for the Railways, marking a
paradigm shift from discussing coaches & trains to comprehensive
railway reform with a concrete vision for technology upgradation &
modernisation of the Railways.
He also said that the Rail Budget stands out for its focus on the common
man, putting speed, scale, service & safety, all on one track.
|
No hike in train passenger fares
|
|
 Updated on : 26-02-2015 03:35 PM
|
|
Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu spared passengers from any hike in fares
but made changes in freight rates to rake in more money while ruling out
privatisation.
|
Presenting the first full-fledged Rail Budget of the Modi government for
2015-16 on Thursday, he made adjustments in freight rates that exempted
salt but would hike rates on carriage of cement, coal and coke, iron or
steel and petroleum products.
The Budget also revised the commodity classification and distance slabs
for carriage of commodities that can raise freight rates upto 10 percent
in some of the items.
The Minister did not project any figures that will accrue out of the
adjustment in freight rates to be effective from April 1 this year.
"I have not increased passenger fares. We are directing our efforts to
make travel on Indian railways a happy experience with a mix of various
initiatives," he said as he laid out 11 major thrust areas of railways
in the coming financial year.
He did not announce any new trains, saying on the ground that a review
was on about the capacity to add more trains which will be announced
after the review is over.
Against the backdrop of talk of privatisation of railways, the Minister
said Railways will continue to be a precious national asset and people
of India will own railways always.
In the hour-long speech, Prabhu unveiled the thrust areas as the
national carrier to become the prime mover of economy again, resource
mobilisation for higher investments, decongestion of heavy routes and
speeding up of trains, passenger amenities and safety.
Outlining the budget estimates for the coming year, he proposed a plan
outlay of Rs 1,00,011 crore, an increase of 52 percent over revised
estimate of 2014-15.
Passenger earnings growth has been pegged at 16.7 percent and earnings target budgeted at Rs 50,175 crore.
Goods earnings is accordingly proposed at Rs 1,21,423 crore, which
includes rationalisation of rates, commodity classification and distance
slabs.
Other coaching and sundries are projected at Rs 4612 crore and Rs 7318
crore. Gross traffic receipts are estimated at Rs 1,83,578 crore, a
growth of 15.3 percent.
Prabhu said over the next five years, Railways envisage an investment of
Rs 8.5 lakh crore for which a broad indicative investment plan has been
prepared.
"But the scale of investment needs is such that it will require us to
seek multiple sources of funding. We will tap other sources of finance.
Multilateral development banks and pension funds have expressed keen
interest in financing new investments.
"They seek sources of predictable and recurring revenue, which we can
provide through the issuance of long debt instruments to fund
revenue-generating railway projects," the Minister said.
The 11 thrust areas include cleanliness, new toilets covering 650 new
stations, bio-toilets, national fashion technology to design bed linen,
online disposal of bed rolls, and 24x7 helpline number for security
related complaints.
An 'Operation five minutes' will be introduced for issuing unreserved
tickets besides other initiatives like hot buttons, coin vending
machines and concessional e-tickets for differently-abled passengers.
E-catering will be launched for select meals from an array of choices,
ordering food through IRCTC websites at the time of booking tickets and
integrating best food chains into the project.
The Rail Minister set four goals to transform the national transporter over the next five years.
These include delivery of a sustained and measurable improvement in
customer experience and to make rail a safer means of travel.
It also includes expansion of railways' capacity substantially and
modernise infrastructure (increasing daily passenger carrying capacity
from 21 million to 30 million; increase track length by 20 percent from
1,14,000 kms to 1,38,000 kms; growth of annual freight carrying capacity
from 1 billion to 1.5 billion tonnes).
Making the railways financially self-sustainable is also one of the
goals. For this, large surpluses are to be generated from operations,
not only to service the debt needed to fund capacity expansion, but also
to invest on an ongoing basis to replace depreciating assets, Prabhu
said.
Giving details of investments segment-wise, he earmarked Rs 1,99,320
crore for network decogestion, including DFC and electrification.
Rs 1,93,000 crore were earmarked for network expansion, Rs 39000 crore
for national projects (North Eastern and Kashmir connectivity projects)
and Rs 1,27,000 for safety (track renewal, bridge works, road
overbridge, road underbridge, and signalling and telecom).
Rs 5000 crore was allocated for information technology/ research, Rs
1,02,000 crore for rolling stock (locomotives, coaches, wagons
production and maintenance), Rs 12,500 crore for passenger amenities, Rs
65,000 crore for high speed rail and elevated corridor, Rs 1,00,000
crore for station redevelopment and logistic parks.
Prabhu also announced a number of new passenger-friendly initiatives
like 'Operation 5-minute' so that ticketless passengers get regular
tickets within five minutes of entering station.
Other steps include making railway helpline number 138 operational 24x7,
toll-free number 182 for security-related complaints and CCTVs in
select trains for women safety.
SMS alert service is to be introduced to inform passengers about train
arrival/departure, while wi-fi facility would be introduced at 400
railway stations.
Rail-cum-road ticket is to be extended to many stations and more trains
are proposed to be added under scheme for ordering food while booking
tickets.
More general class coaches are to be added in identified trains and more
air-conditioned EMU services would be introduced on Mumbai suburban
section.
Tickets can now be booked 120 days ahead of travel date, instead of 60 days now, to tackle tout menace.
Projects worth Rs 96,182 crore to be undertaken to expand capacity of 9,420 km rail lines.
Feasibility report of high speed train between Mumbai and Ahmedabad is expected by middle of this year, the Minister said.
Four dedicated freight corridors are to be completed this year, while 6,608 kms of track are to be electrified, he said.
Wagon-making scheme is to be reviewed to make it easier for private investment, he said.
Speed on nine corridors is to be increased from 110-130 to 160-200 kms per hour respectively, Prabhu said.
A 5-year corporate safety plan is to be ready in three months to identify annual quantifiable targets.
Following are the highlights of the Railway Budget 2015-16:
* No hike in passenger fares
* No new trains announced
* Freight rate for cement, coal, others hiked by up to 10%
* Investment of Rs 8.50 lakh cr envisaged in 5 five years
* Buttons, coin vending machines for railway tickets
* e-catering to select meals from an array of choices
* 24X7 helpline for passenger security problems
* Surveillance cameras in suburban coaches for woman safety
* More General class coaches to be added
* SMS alert service for passengers to be expanded
* On-board entertainment on select Shatabdi trains
* Hike daily passenger carrying capacity from 21mn to 30mn
* 200 more stations to come under Adarsh Station scheme
* Wi-Fi connectivity at B category stations
* A new department to keep stations, trains clean
* Operating ratio to improve to 88.5% in 2015-16
* Speed in 9 railway corridors to be increased from 110
kmph and 130 kmph to 160 and 200 kmph
* Collision Avoidance System to be installed on select
routes
* Proposed 77 new projects covering 9,400 km of doubling
works.
(DD-26.2)
budget 2015
Here are sector-wise highlights
 Taxation
| 1 |
Abolition of Wealth Tax. |
| 2 |
Additional 2% surcharge for the super rich with income of over Rs. 1 crore. |
| 3 |
Rate of corporate tax to be reduced to 25% over next four years.
|
| 4 |
Total exemption of up to Rs. 4,44,200 can be achieved. |
| 5 |
100% exemption for contribution to Swachch Bharat, apart from CSR.
|
| 6 |
Service tax increased to14 per cent.
|
 Infrastructure
| 1 |
Rs. 70,000 crores to Infrastructure sector. |
| 2 |
Tax-free bonds for projects in rail road and irrigation |
| 3 |
PPP model for infrastructure development to be revitalised and govt. to bear majority of the risk.
|
| 4 |
Atal Innovation Mission to be established to draw on expertise of
entrepreneurs, and researchers to foster scientific innovations;
allocation of Rs. 150 crore. |
| 5 |
Govt. proposes to set up 5 ultra mega power projects, each of 4000MW.
|
 Education
| 1 |
AIIMS in Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab, Tamil Nadu, Himachal Pradesh, Bihar and Assam. |
| 2 |
IIT in Karnataka; Indian Institute of Mines in Dhanbad to be upgraded to IIT. |
| 3 |
PG institute of Horticulture in Armtisar.
|
| 4 |
Kerala to have University of Disability Studies
|
| 5 |
Centre of film production, animation and gaming to come up in Arunachal Pradesh.
|
| 6 |
IIM for Jammu and Kashmir and Andhra Pradesh.
|
 Welfare schemes
| 1 |
50,000 toilets constructed under Swachh Bharath Abhiyan. |
| 2 |
Two other programmes to be introduced- GST & JAM Trinity. GST will be implemented by April 2016. |
| 3 |
MUDRA bank will refinance micro finance orgs. to encourage first generation SC/ST entrepreneurs.
|
| 4 |
Housing for all by 2020.
|
| 5 |
Upgradation 80,000 secondary schools.
|
| 6 |
DBT will be further be expanded from 1 crore to 10.3 crore.
|
| 7 |
For the Atal Pension Yojna, govt. will contribute 50% of the premium limited to Rs. 1000 a year.
|
| 8 |
New scheme for physical aids and assisted living devices for people aged over 80 .
|
| 9 |
Govt to use Rs. 9000 crore unclaimed funds in PPF/EPF for Senior Citizens Fund.
|
| 10 |
Rs. 5,000 crore additional allocation for MGNREGA.
|
| 11 |
Govt. to create universal social security system for all Indians.
|
 Agriculture
Rs. 25,000 c
Rural Infrastructure Development Bank |
Rs. 5,300 cr
Micro Irrigation Programme |
Rs. 8.5 lakh cr
Targeted for farmer credit |
 Defence
Rs. 2,46,726 cr
allocated for defence
(an increase of 9.87 per cent over last year) |
| Focus on Make in India for quick manufacturing of Defence equipment. |
 Renewable energy
Rs. 75 cr
electric cars production |
2022: 100K MW
Solar power |
60K MW
Wind power |
10K MW
Bio Mass |
5K MW
Small Hydro |
 Tourism
| Develpoment
schemes for churches and convents in old Goa; Hampi, Elephanta caves,
Forests of Rajasthan, Leh palace, Varanasi , Jallianwala Bagh, Qutb
Shahi tombs at Hyderabad to be under the new toursim scheme. |
| Visa on Arrival for 150 countries |
|
|
|
Updated on : 26-02-2015 09:32 AM
The total earnings of Indian Railways grew by 12.67 percent during the ten-month period between April 2014 and January 2015.
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