Earlier,
AB de Villiers played a captain's knock of 162 runs coming off 66
deliveries to help the Proteas post 408 for the loss of 5 wickets after
50 overs.
Jason Holder gave West Indies an early breakthrough getting Quinton de
Kock cheaply. Hashim Amla and Faf Du Plesis then stitched together 127
run partnership, the second highest for the Proteas in the World Cup.
Amla completed his 28th fifty off just 75 balls while, Du Plesis also
completed his 14th fifty.
Chris Gayle turned his arm to send back both the batsmen. AB de Villiers
and Rilee Rossouw exploited the batting powerplay collecting 72 runs.
Roussouw fell after scoring 61 runs as did David Miller but that did not
put speed breakers on the scoring.
AB de Villiers was just unstoppable as he hit the 2nd fastest hundred in
the world cup off just 52 deliveries. AB reached his 20th one day
hundred and cut loose. AB along with Farhaan Behardien shared a 80 run
stand for the 6th wicket that came off just 3.2 overs or 20 deliveries.
AB ended unbeaten on 162 runs coming off just 66 deliveries.
@BJ-27.02
Finance Minister to introduce Insurance Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2015 in LS today
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 Updated on : 03-03-2015 11:06 AM
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Finance Minister Arun Jaitley will introduce the Insurance Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2015 in Lok Sabha on Tuesday.
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It will amend the Insurance Act, 1938, General Insurance Business
(Nationalisation) Act, 1972 and the Insurance Regulatory and Development
Authority Act, 1999.
The Finance minister will also lay an explanatory Statement in Lok Sabha
showing reasons for immediate legislation by promulgation of the
Insurance Laws (Amendment) Ordinance, 2014.
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Federer stuns Djokovic to win Dubai Open
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 Updated on : 02-03-2015 02:20 PM
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Roger
Federer claimed the 84th title of his legendary career, kept his nose
in front in his personal rivalry with Novak Djokovic, and equalled his
best achievement at any tournament by winning the Dubai Open for the
seventh time on Saturday.
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The Grand Slam record-holder from Switzerland beat the world number one
from Serbia 6-4, 7-5 in a colourful success which took Federer's title
haul in Dubai equal to those of Halle and Wimbledon. It also put him
20-17 up against Djokovic.
Federer served superbly, his 12 aces taking his career total past 9,000,
something only three other players have done since 1991.
Even more noticable was his risk-taking, the frequency with which he
approached the net, and the commitment with which he attacked his ground
strokes.
The victory was a fine riposte to those who said after his third round
loss to Andreas Seppi in the Australian Open that his good days were now
behind him.
"People are often saying how old I am - but who knows how many years I
have left. I can still play with the best," the 33-year-old said
challengingly.
It required only one break of serve in the first set, in the eighth
game, to give Federer the thrust he needed to close out the first set.
And one break was enough in the second, coming in the eleventh game.
Djokovic nevertheless came very close to vital breakthroughs when he had
Federer at 15-40 in the third game of the first set, and again in the
eighth and tenth games of the second set.
The last two were both set points, and both were saved by aces. "I definitely won the big points tonight," said Federer.
"I am very happy with this - otherwise I don't think I would be here giving this interview.
"It's very special to be part of this match. We have played many, many
times, and this seventh title does mean a lot. I will always come back
here every single year."
Djokovic, who was thus denied the 50th title of his career and the
opportunity to overtake the 49 won by his coach Boris Becker, may
reflect on the seven chances to break serve altogether which got away.
The first offered Djokovic perhaps his best chance when he pushed
Federer back from the net with a decent lob, only for the maestro to
produce a nerveless, powerful and accurate smash.
The second was abruptly truncated with a fine first serve, and this seemed to inspire Federer.
The two break points at 3-4 in the second set were similarly dispatched
with an ace and a first service winner, and the two at 4-5 with even
more rapid aces.
Djokovic had a break point in the last game of the match too, but that was to break back.
Federer saved that with the greatest difficulty of any of them, with a
smash from a deep high lob which he could easily have missed.
But Federer was relaxed, pressure-free, and enormously buoyed by the noise of his many supporters here.
"Better than losing in the first round of the doubles," he said,
recalling his brief exploits with Swiss compatriot Michael Lammer.
"You work hard and travel a lot, and make sacrifices and hope it pays
off in big matches. It's been a wonderful week. After this you can't
wait for the next tournament to start."
Djokovic often played very well, and claimed he could not have done
more. He had to be pleased with what he had done, he reckoned, even if
it was the first time that he had lost in his five finals here.
But Djokovic did have one last laugh. "How come you had seven break
points and he had two - and you lost?" he was asked on court afterwards.
His answer caused the stadium to erupt. "I think I will get the same question a little later from Boris," he said.
(DD-2.3)
RBI cuts Repo rate by 25 basis points
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 Updated on : 04-03-2015 10:30 AM
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RBI today announced a surprise repo rate cut, the second in less than two months.
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Repo rate has been reduced by 25 basis points or 0.25 per cent to 7.5 per cent with immediate effect.
The repo rate cut comes days after Finance Minister Arun Jaitley's Union Budget announcement.
In his Budget, Jaitley had loosened the reins on public spending to
drive growth, but promised lower-than-expected borrowing despite raising
the fiscal deficit target.
Share markets welcome the move Sensex gain over 400 points. It is currently trade at 29937 level.
Nifty gained around 112 points and is trading at 9109 levels.
(AKS-04/03)
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Forbes Billionaires List: Bill Gates named world's richest person again
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 Updated on : 03-03-2015 01:15 PM
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Bill Gates has been declared the richest man in the world for the 16th
time by Forbes magazine's annual ranking of global billionaires.
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The Microsoft founder once again beat Mexican businessman Carlos Slim to the top spot.
Gates' net worth rose by just over $3 billion in the year to 13 February, to $79 billion.
Among Indians, Mukesh Ambani has retained his position as the richest
Indian for the eighth year in a row with a net worth of USD 21 billion.
(AKS-03/03)
Insurance Bill passed by Lok Sabha
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 Updated on : 04-03-2015 09:43 PM
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The
long-pending Insurance bill, a key economic reform legislation
providing for raising foreign investment cap to 49 percent, was
Wednesday passed by Lok Sabha with the government insisting that the
measure is crucial for expanding the penetration of insurance in the
country.
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The Insurance Laws (Amendment) Bill, which seeks to replace an
ordinance, also provides for imprisonment of up to 10 years for selling
policies without registration with the regulator IRDA.
The proposed legislation will also allow PSU general insurers to raise
funds from the capital market and provides for increased penalty to
deter multilevel marketing of insurance products.
The bill, one of the key reform legislations, has been pending since 2008.
Justifying the decision to raise the cap from 26 percent, Minister of
State for Finance Jayant Sinha said the country needs this as our
insurance penetration is low.
Sinha expressed hope that the Congress will cooperate with the govt in Rajya Sabha where it is in minority to pass the bill.
(DD-4.3)
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LS passes Coal Bill to replace Ordinance
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 Updated on : 04-03-2015 09:31 PM
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The
Coal Mines (Special Provisions) Bill, 2015 which provides for the
auction and allocation of coal mines through a bidding process has been
passed in the Lok Sabha on Wednesday.
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The Coal Mines (Special Provisions) Bill, 2015, would replace two
ordinances issued by the government -- the first on 21st October last
year and the other in December, after the apex court cancelled the
allocation of 204 blocks.
The Coal Mines (Special Provisions) Bill 2015 provides for allocation of
coal mines and vesting of the right, title and interest in and over the
land and mine infrastructure together with mining leases to successful
bidders and allots through a transparent bidding process.
Replying to a debate on the bill, Coal and Power Minister Piyush Goyal
said its passage would ensure transparent and honest process of
auctioning of coal blocks.
(DD-4.3)
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India submits 46 entries for UNESCO world heritage sites list
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 Updated on : 04-03-2015 10:01 PM
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India
has submitted a revised tentative list of 46 famous monuments/sites for
inclusion in the list of UNESCO's World Heritage Site, Rajya Sabha was
told.
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The list was submitted to the World Heritage Centre in April 2014 as per
UNESCO guidelines, Culture Minister Mahesh Sharma said in a written
reply on Wednesday.
Ancient Buddhist Site (Sarnath, Varanasi), Chilika Lake, Dholavira: A
Harappan City, Mountain Railways of India (Extension), Baha'i House of
Worship at New Delhi, Silk Road Sites in India, Sri Harimandir Sahib and
Mughal Gardens in Kashmir are some of the sites out of the total 46
sites which have been included in the list.
(DD-4.3)
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Govt launches public contest on suggestions for PMO mobile app
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 Updated on : 04-03-2015 07:59 PM
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The
government on Wednesday launched a contest for taking suggestions from
the public to develop a mobile application for the Prime Minister's
Office (PMO).
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The application, which will be developed in association with Google, is likely to be out in two months.
The contest aims to seek suggestions from the public regarding the structure and content of the application.
"The whole Mygov programme is designed to have citizen engagement at the
widest level. If we engage people, then we get various new
suggestions," Communications and IT Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad said
while launching the contest in New Delhi on Wednesday.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi had launched the website MyGov.in to
provide a platform to citizens to share their views and opinions on
important issues such as clean Ganga or skill development.
(DD-4.3)
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PM stresses upon comprehensive development of all regions
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 Updated on : 04-03-2015 05:27 PM
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Prime Minister Narendra Modi while replying to the Motion of Thanks on
the President's Address in the Rajya Sabha appealed to the opposition
to work together for the benefit of the country.
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The PM said threats do not work in a democracy and further called
upon Rajya Sabha members to rise above politics and focus on the issues
faced by the states they represent.
The PM said that his government has undertaken a number of initiatives for the welfare of the poor and the downtrodden.
Countering Congress party's repeated allegations of re-packaging UPA
schemes, PM Narendra Modi said major programmes of UPA were inspired by
the vision provided by Atal Behari Vajpayee.
The Prime Minister dispelled all doubts being raised over the Land
Acquisition Amendment Bill saying its not anti-farmer and is meant only
to improve the existing law.
In his trademark style, the PM also responded to all the questions being
raised over his govt's functioning which left the Opposition speechless
over its charge of the Modi govt being only pro-rich and anti-poor.
The Prime Minister also got the front foot in attacking the
Opposition on record when it was in power at the Centre.He put the
UPA govt's of two-terms in the dock over the issue of failing to put
together an SIT to bring back black money stashed abroad.
The Prime Minister also used humour as well as facts & figures as
tools to disarm the Opposition and make his case that his 9-month-old
govt has done better on many fronts than the previous govt did in its
last year.
He even pointed out that the BJP has been coming to power
on its own or with partners in North-Eastern states as well as Jammu &
Kashmir and the Opposition needs to be connected with changing ground
realities.
@BJ-03.03
Veteran journalist Vinod Mehta passes away
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 Updated on : 08-03-2015 01:33 PM
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Veteran journalist and author Vinod Mehta passed away on Sunday after a prolonged illness. He was 73.
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The founder-Editor of 'Outlook' magazine breathed his last at All India
Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in New Delhi where he was
admitted. He died of multi-organ failure, AIIMS spokesperson said.
Born in Rawalpindi (now in Pakistan) in 1942, Mehta was known for his bold journalism.
He was the Editor-in-Chief of 'Outlook' magazine till February 2012.
Prior to his stint with 'Outlook', he had successfully launched 'The Pioneer' newspaper in Delhi nearly three decades back.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi condoled his death.
"Frank & direct in his opinions, Vinod Mehta will be remembered as a
fine journalist & writer. Condolences to his family on his demise,"
Modi tweeted on Sunday.
(DD-8.3)
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Saina Nehwal loses to Carolina Marin
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 Updated on : 08-03-2015 08:25 PM
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London Olympic bronze medallist Saina Nehwal lost to world champion Caroline Marin 21-16, 14-21, 7- 21 in Birmingham.
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The
World No. 3 Indian, who reached the semifinals of the event in 2010 and
2013, defeated the unseeded Sun 21-13 21-13 in a match that lasted for
50 minutes at the Barclaycard Arena.
Saina is now just one step away from joining Indian legends Prakash
Padukone (1980) and P Gopichand (2001) who have bagged the prestigious
title in the past.
The girl from Hyderabad, who will turn 25 in 10 days, will face reigning
world champion Carolina Marin, seeded sixth, of Spain, who defeated
Chinese Taipei's Tai Tzu Ying 21-18 21-11 in another semifinal clash
tomorrow.
Saina has a 3-0 record against the Spaniard.
After disposing her nemesis Yihan Wang of China, third seed Saina was
faced with the task of taming the towering Sun, ranked World No. 18, who
had seen off the likes of Nichaon Jindapon, Li Xuerui and Ratnachok
Intanon over the last three days.
The Indian had come into the match with a 1-1 record against Sun, who
had defeated her during the 2013 China Open but all that didn't matter
as Saina stamped her authority with her wide repertoire of stroke.
Saina, who had beaten Sun at the Australian Open in June last year,
lagged 0-2 behind early on as Sun showed her intent to move to 4-1.
A couple of quick points and Sun led 6-1, but Saina soon drew her rival
in long drawn battle of rallies, as she scripted her recovery to move to
8-10 before the Chinese surged ahead into the break with a slender
11-10 lead.
After the interval, Saina changed her tactics and was soon rewarded with a couple points as she stretched her lead to 16-12.
The Indian soon made it 19-13. An unforced error from Sun gave Saina the
advantage of seven game points and the Hyderabadi sealed it when the
Chinese hit the shuttle hard and long.
In the second game, Sun once again opened up a narrow 3-2 lead but Saina
kept drawing her to the net, where she looked comfortable.
(ST-08/03)
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Spectrum auction fetches govt Rs 77000 cr
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 Updated on : 07-03-2015 01:50 PM
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The
Government has garnered bids worth around Rs 77,000 crore at the end of
three days of spectrum auction as telecom operators continued to bid
aggressively.
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The DoT added the auction of spectrum in 2100 MHz, 1800 MHz, 900 MHz and
800 MHz Bands recommenced and 6 rounds of bidding were completed.
Till now, 17 rounds of bidding has taken place in three days.
The government is expecting to raise over Rs 82,000 crore from the
auction, but the final amount is expected to go much higher if bids
continue at such an aggressive pace.
(DD-7.3)
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Innovation key to progress and prosperity: President
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 Updated on : 08-03-2015 11:34 AM
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President
Pranab Mukherjee on Saturday asked bright minds in the country to
create smart solutions to alleviate poverty, create employment and make
society happier.
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While acknowledging that India had the potential to be at the
forefront of innovation, the President said "the encouraging steps in
this direction notwithstanding, our country lags behind many others."
"India is ranked 76th in the Global Innovation Index 2014, much below
China which is at the 29th position. Even Russia, at the 49th place and
Brazil at 61, performed better than us," he said after inaugurating a
week-long 'Festival of Innovations' at Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi.
The President, while talking to some of the chosen bright minds here,
called upon the innovators to "continue generating ingenious solutions
to overcome poverty, create employment and make the society healthier,
happier and harmonious."
He said innovation is the "key to progress and prosperity."
(ST-07/03)
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Free 3-day nationwide health camps for women
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 Updated on : 08-03-2015 12:09 PM
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In
a major initiative towards ensuring better health for women of the
country, a three-day special nationwide campaign is being launched by
the Union Health and Family Welfare Ministry from 8th to 10th March.
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Union health and Family Welfare Minister J P Nadda said that special
health check-up camps will be held at the District Hospitals,
Sub-district Hospitals and Community Health Centers on the three days.
These will offer free of charge health check-up to all women, including pregnant women across the country.
Antenatal and postnatal care services will also be provided and Mother and Child Protection (MCP) cards will be issued to women.
(IM- 06.03)
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RBI eases norms for home loans
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 Updated on : 06-03-2015 09:53 AM
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Giving a boost to affordable housing, the RBI on Thursday eased the
norms for home loans for up to 10 lakh rupees by allowing banks to
include stamp duty and registration charges to the cost of a unit. These
charges form around 15 per cent of the cost of the house and place a
burden on borrowers.
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As
per the current practice, banks do not include stamp duty, registration
and other documentation charges in the cost of housing property.
The RBI also said that in cases of projects sponsored by government,
statutory authorities, banks may disburse the loans as per the payment
stages prescribed by such authorities, even where payments sought from
house buyers are not linked to the stages of construction.
(IM- 06.03)
India, Seychelles sign 4 pacts including hydro-graphic survey
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 Updated on : 12-03-2015 08:41 PM
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Cementing its strategic partnership with Seychelles, India on Wednesday
signed four agreements with the Indian Ocean island nation to boost
security and maritime partnership.
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Prime Minister Narendra Modi, said Seychelles "is a vital partner in our Indian Ocean neighbourhood".
Terming the visit to Seychelles as productive, Prime Minister Narendra
Modi has said that the relationship between India and Seychelles is
marked by a spirit of respect and equality and enormous goodwill and
warmth.
India and Seychelles today signed various agreements in the fields of
military, maritime, hydrographic survey and air services advancing
economic and maritime cooperation between both the countries.
Pointing out that Seychelles is a leader in advancing the concept of
Blue Economy, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said that the Ocean
Economy is indispensable to meeting future challenges.
Prime Minister Modi also added that both India and Mauritius have agreed
to establish a Joint Working Group to expand cooperation on the blue
economy.
Prime Minister Modi thanked President Michel for his Government's
consistent support to India in international forums including the
endorsement for India's permanent membership of the United Nations
Security Council.
Expressing concerns on climate change, Prime Minister Modi called for
global efforts, especially from the developed world, on climate change.
PRIME MINISTER UNVEILS COASTAL SURVEILLANCE RADAR SYSTEM
Prime Minister Narendra Modi unveiled a Coastal Surveillance Radar
System in Seychelles. The operationalising of the system marks an
important step in the maritime security cooperation between the two
countries.
The Prime Minister showed keen interest in learning the working of the
system and also made inquiries from the coast guard about it.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also promised to provide another Dornier aircraft to Seychelles.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is in seychelles on the first leg of his
three nation visit. He was accorded a civic reception at the Palais De
Sports where he addressed a large gathering of enthusiastic people who
cheered for him.
Chants of Modi...Modi echoed as the people greeted him. This was his only public engagement in Seychelles.
He reached out to the Indian diaspora in Seychelles, announcing that
India will grant Visa on arrival to citizens of Seychelles.
Talking about the Make in India, Prime Minister Narender Modi invited
Businessmen from Seychelles to come to India and make whatever they are
making in their country.
He also talked about giving focus to skill development so that Indian youth can become entrepreneurs and job creators.
Prime Minsiter Narender Modi emphasized on the fact that Global Warming
is equally dangerous as Terrorism and these problems needs to be
addressed with utmost importance.
He said that the world must come together and talk about climate change as we discuss terror.
Prime Minister Narender Modi also stressed on India's focus on Solar and Wind Energy.
Earlier, Prime Minister Narendra Modi was accorded a Ceremonial
reception in the State House in Victoria the capital of Seychelles.
He also wrote in the visitor's diary, expressing his gratitude to the
people of Seychelles for making him feel one of his own.
He wrote that India considers Seychelles not only as a maritime neighbour but also as a trusted friend and a strategic partner.
He met President James Michel in a one on one before the Delegation
level talks. This is PM Modi's first leg of his three-nation tour.
He is the first Indian Prime Minister to travel to Seychelles in 33
years. Bolstering defence and maritime security cooperation is high on
the agenda of Prime Minister Modi's visit.
(AKS-11/03)
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Law Comm submits report to govt
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 Updated on : 12-03-2015 10:38 PM
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The Law Commission of India on Thursday submitted its report on electoral reforms to the Union Law Ministry.
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In its second report on electoral reforms that is the second one in a
year, the commission has recommended restricting a candidate to contest
from one constituency and making the appointment of the CEC and the two
ECs through a collegium.
The Commission has also recommended banning Independents from contesting polls besides rejecting the idea of compulsory voting.
The commission has stressed on regulating and restricting government
sponsored advertisements six months prior to the date of expiry of the
House "to maintain the purity of elections."
On the issue of electoral finances, it said election expenses incurred
or authorised by candidates or their election agents, currently extends
from the date of nomination to the date of declaration of results.
This period should be extended to apply from the date of notification of the polls to the date of declaration of results.
The Commission said the Companies Act should be amended to require
passing of the resolution authorising the contribution from the
company's funds to a political party at the company's Annual General
Meeting instead of its Board of Directors.
The Commission said the disqualification of a candidate for its failure
to lodge an account of election expenses and contributions reports
should be extended from the current three year period upto a five year
period, so that a defaulting candidate may become ineligible to contest
at least the next elections.
RECOMMENDATIONS ON ELECTORAL EFORMS
- Restrict candidates to contest from one constituency only
- Appoint CEC and two ECs through a collegium
- Ban Independents from contesting polls
- Commission rejects the idea of compulsory voting
- Regulating government sponsored ads six months prior to date of expiry of the House
- Period for calculating election expenses of candidates should be
extended to apply from the date of notification to date of results
- Amend Companies Act to require AGM resolution for contribution from the company's funds to a political party
(DD-12.3)
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Karnataka clinch eighth Ranji title
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 Updated on : 12-03-2015 11:12 PM
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Defending
champions Karnataka clinched their eighth Ranji Trophy title as they
thrashed their southern opponents Tamil Nadu by an innings and 217 runs
on the last day of the Ranji Trophy cricket tournament final at the
Wankhede stadium in Mumbai on Thursday.
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The R Vinay Kumar-led side always had the upper hand in the five-day
encounter after bundling out Tamil Nadu for 134 in the first innings and
then amassing 762 runs courtesy a triple century by middle-order
batsman Karun Nair (338).
Chasing an imposing 628, Tamil Nadu were shot out for 411 in 107.5 overs in the final session of the fifth day's play.
Starting the day on 113 for three, Tamil Nadu saw resilient centuries
from Vijay Shankar (103) and Dinesh Karthik (120) but the writing was on
the wall after their departure.
Leg-spinner Shreyas Gopal (4-126) wrecked the Tamil Nadu batting order with his four scalps.
Skipper R Vinay Kumar, who became the joint leading wicket taker this
season, ended with two wickets, along with Sreenath Aravind.
But the real hero for Karnataka was the 23-year-old Nair, who deservedly
got the man-of the-match award for his maiden triple ton in first-class
cricket.
The innings also saw centuries from Lokesh Rahul (188) and R Vinay Kumar
(105 not out) as Karnataka did enough to bat just once.
For Tamil Nadu, wicketkeeper-batsman Karthik notched up his 23rd first
class century and his 112-ball knock laced with 21 fours and a six,
while Shankar made a fluent 103 (164b, 18x4).
Earlier, overnight batsman Baba Aparajith (68) and Vijay Shankar looked poised for a big score, as they batted sensibly.
Tamil Nadu however lost Aparajith in the 21st over of the day thanks to a
brilliant catch from wicketkeeper Robin Uthappa behind the stumps to
get rid off him.
The 20-year old added 32 runs to his overnight score of 36 and his 227
minutes at the crease produced 11 fours. He forged a 112-run stand with
Vijay Shankar for the fourth wicket.
His departure brought Karthik to the crease, who set an aggressive tone
to the Tamil Nadu innings only witness a sorry end to a brave campaign.
Karthik, who hadn't scored a single run in the first 20 balls he faced, unleashed a flurry of boundaries.
The 29-year old had just three singles to his credit when he notched up
his half-century. His run-a-ball 53 comprised 11 fours and a six.
The seasoned cricketer, who missed out in the first innings due to a
poor umpiring decision, struck three boundaries in the 68th over off
Sharath.
Shankar, despite playing the second fiddle, struck a few shots of his own to usher his century.
The 24-year old who had shared a century stand with Aparajith for the
fourth wicket, combined with Karthik to add 115 runs for the fifth
wicket.
With Tamil Nadu proceeding, well, Karnataka skipper R Vinay Kumar took
the new ball in the 81st over which provided the much-needed
breakthrough for the holders.
Shankar miscued a pull shot and Vinay Kumar pouched the ball off his own bowling.
R Prasanna (8) too didn't last much as he was caught at second slip off H S Sharath in the 88th over.
Tamil Nadu were 378/6 at tea, trailing behind Karnataka's first innings lead of 628 by 250 runs.
They lost Karthik in the first ball off the second over after the tea, diminishing the hopes of avoiding an innings defeat.
Karthik, who had escaped a caught behind due to a no-ball from Sreenath
Aravind in the 91st over, played an inside-out shot and was caught at
deep cover by Aravind off Gopal.
Aswin Crist was stumped off Gopal two overs later, with Tamil Nadu reeling at 379/8.
Malolan Rangarajan hung around sometime playing a couple of strokes to
delay the inevitable but was caught at slips off Aravind. His 77-ball 33
yielded six fours.
Prasanth Parameswaran, who was injured on the third day while fielding, did not come into bat.
Karnataka got a cash prize of Rs 2 crore while the runners-up Tamil Nadu received a cash prize of Rs 1 crore.
Brief scores:
Tamil Nadu 134 and 411/9 (Dinesh Karthik 120, Vijay Shankar 103,
Aparajith 68; Shreyas Gopal 4-126, Vinay Kumar 2-43, Sreentah Aravind
2-52)
Karnataka (1st innings) 762 all out (Karun Nair 328, Lokesh Rahul 188,
Vinay Kumar 105 not out; Laxmipathy Balaji 3-120, Malolan Rangarajan
3-183).
(DD-12.3)
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Allocation of IAS, IPS, IFS officers to T'gana, AP finalised
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|
 Updated on : 11-03-2015 07:55 PM
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The
allocation of IAS, IPS and IFS officers for the newly-formed state of
Telangana and residuary Andhra Pradesh has been finalised by the Centre.
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A total of 133 officers of Indian Administrative Service (IAS) have been
allocated Telangana cadre, whereas 161 have been given Andhra Pradesh
cadre, a gazette notification issued by the Centre said.
As many as 95 officers of Indian Police Service (IPS) have been given Telangana cadre and 116 have got Andhra Pradesh.
Similarly, 58 officers of Indian Forest Service (IFS) have got Telangana and 69 AP cadre, it said.
The allocation of the three all India services officers is based upon
the recommendations of a six-member committee led by former Central
Vigilance Commissioner Pratyush Sinha.
Earlier, Andhra Pradesh had a total authorised strength of 376 IAS, 258 IPS and 149 IFS officers.
The Ministries of Personnel, Home and Environment have issued a list
mentioning the names, batch and cadre for IAS, IPS and IFS officers,
respectively.
Telangana, the country's 29th state, came into existence on 2nd June
last year and started functioning from that day. It was bifurcated from
Andhra Pradesh.
(DD-8.3)
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SC gives life term to six killers of S Manjunath
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 Updated on : 12-03-2015 08:47 PM
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The
Supreme Court on Wednesday sentenced to life imprisonment six men held
guilty of killing Indian Oil Corporation sales manager S Manjunath, who
had exposed corruption and oil adulteration racket in Lakhimpur Kheri
district of Uttar Pradesh.
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A bench of Justices Ranjan Gogoi and N V Ramana trashed the appeals
filed by the convicts against the 2009 verdict of the Allahabad High
Court, which had convicted the six men and acquitted two others in case
of killing Manjunath.
Manjunath was a graduate from IIM-Lucknow who was 27-year-when he was murdered on 19th November 2005.
He was shot dead when he reached the petrol pump, owned by prime accused
Pawan Kumar alias Monu Mittal, to collect samples of adulterated petrol
allegedly being sold from his outlet.
According to the prosecution, Manjunath had threatened to cancel the
licence of Mittal's petrol pump for selling adulterated fuel, which
formed the motive for the accused to kill him.
(DD-11.3)
India bright spot in global economy, will clock 7.2% growth: IMF
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 Updated on : 16-03-2015 09:25 PM
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Terming
India a bright spot in the "cloudy" global economy, IMF Managing
Director Christine Lagarde said the country will clock 7.2 percent
growth in the current fiscal and its GDP will exceed combined total of
Japan and Germany by 2019.
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"In this cloudy global horizon, India is a bright spot. Recent policy
reforms and improved business confidence have provided a booster shot to
economic activity," she said while speaking at a function at Sri Ram
College in New Delhi on Monday.
On introduction of new series of national accounts with base year
2011-12, she said, "Using India's new GDP series, the IMF expects growth
to pick up to 7.2 per cent this fiscal year and accelerate further to
7.5 per cent next year - making India the fastest growing large economy
in the world."
The IMF chief further said, "Indeed, a brighter future is being forged
right before your eyes. By 2019, the economy will more than double in
size compared to 2009."
When adjusting for differences in purchasing prices between economies,
India's GDP will exceed that of Japan and Germany combined, she said
adding it will also exceed the combined output of the three next largest
emerging market economies - Russia, Brazil, and Indonesia.
Lagarde further said, "Just as many countries around the world are
grappling with low growth, India has been marching in the opposite
direction."
India's growth rate this year is expected to exceed that of China, she
said, adding the country will also become the most populous in the world
by 2030.
The IMF chief believes that the conditions are ripe for India to reap
the demographic dividend and become a key engine for global growth as it
(the country) is on the verge of a new chapter, filled with immense
promise.
On world economy, she said, "More than six years after the global
financial crisis, the recovery remains too slow, too brittle, and too
lopsided. We have pared down our forecasts of global growth since last
October, despite the boost from cheaper oil and stronger US growth.
" While the global economy is expected to grow by 3.5 per cent this
year, and 3.7 per cent next year, this is still below what could have
been expected after such a crisis, she added.
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Arun Jaitely inaugurates 5th Nat Community Radio Sammelan
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 Updated on : 16-03-2015 05:31 PM
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Union
Information and Broadcasting Minister Arun Jaitley on Monday
inaugurated the 5th National Community Radio Sammelan in New Delhi.
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The sammelan will bring together community radio operators, policy
makers, ministries and other stakeholders for exchange of ideas and
cross learning.
The sessions will highlight the vision of the community radio movement
in the country besides setting the agenda on the development discourse
at the local level.
Jaitley also presented the National Community Radio Awards.
MOS, I&B Col. Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore, Secretary, I&B Bimal Julka were also present on the occasion.
(DD-16.3)
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Indian eves beat Poland 3-1 in HWL R2 final
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 Updated on : 16-03-2015 12:41 PM
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Putting
up a dominating show, India scored in three of the four quarters to
outplay Poland 3-1 in the final and clinch the FIH World Hockey League
Round 2 at Major Dhyan Chan stadium in New Delhi on Sunday.
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Vandana Kataria (15th minute) had put India ahead by scoring a field goal in the dying minute of the opening quarter.
The Polish girls struck back immediately at the start of the second
period as Oriana Walasek struck level in the 17th minute by converting a
penalty corner.
The third period remained goalless for long before Rani put the hosts ahead again with her field goal in the 44th minute.
India skipper Ritu Rani then celebrated her 200th International
appearance by finding the net in the 59th minute to seal the title for
her side.
Meanwhile in the placings matches, Malaysia overpowered Thailand 3-0 to
seal third place, Russia thrashed Kazakhstan 9-0 to secure fifth spot
and Ghana outwitted Singapore 2-1 to avoid the wooden spoon.
(DD-16.3)
PM visits exhibition on World War-I
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 Updated on : 16-03-2015 03:29 PM
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PM
Narendra Modi on Sunday visited the exhibition on the First World War
in New Delhi and paid tributes to the Indian soldiers martyred in the
war fought between 1914 to 1918.
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The exhibition is commemorating 100 years of the Great War. 1.5 million
Indian soldiers had participated in the First World War as part of the
allied troops.
The army is remembering the bravery, courage and sacrifice of 74,000
Indian soldiers who were martyred in the war that was fought on several
fronts in Europe, Middle East, Africa and the Far East.
The Prime Minister visited the live replica trenches; spoke to the
descendants of the martyrs at the Manekshaw Centre in New Delhi.
He was also given a view of the weapons captured, the war diaries of the martyrs.
(DD-15.3)
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Brazil's Rousseff pledges talks after mass protests
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 Updated on : 17-03-2015 09:17 AM
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Brazilian
President Dilma Rousseff pledged to hold talks with her growing number
of critics and said her embattled government needed to show humility, a
day after massive protests erupted across the country.
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Rousseff was narrowly re-elected less than six months ago in a bitterly
fought runoff but is already facing pressure to quit over a snowballing
USD 3.8 billion graft scandal at state oil firm Petrobras which has
dragged in her ruling coalition and seen calls for her to be impeached.
Her mounting woes include a badly faltering economy and on Sunday
protests against her took place in major towns and cities across Brazil,
laying bare the scale of public discontent.
Rousseff suffered a fresh blow on Monday when a senior member of her
ruling Workers' Party (PT) became one of the most high-profile public
figures accused of corruption in the murky Petrobras graft case, which
stretched back to a period when Rousseff chaired the company board.
In a closely watched speech in Brasilia, Rousseff said her under pressure government had to open "dialogue" with society.
She urged the country Monday to unite and told parties across the
political spectrum to pay attention to the rising anger on the streets,
including agreeing a package of "wide-ranging political reform" which
she intends to unveil in the crucial next few days.
Rousseff, a former guerrilla leader imprisoned and tortured under the
1964-1985 military dictatorship, added she was "committed to governing
for 200 million Brazilians, those who voted for me and those who did
not."
Referring to the protest marches that drew more than a million onto the
streets, she said: "Yesterday, when I saw hundreds of thousands of
civilians demonstrating I could not help but think how it had been worth
fighting for this freedom (from dictatorship)."
(DD-17.3)
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MF equity folio count up by 20 lakh during Apr-Feb
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 Updated on : 16-03-2015 03:41 PM
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Equity
mutual funds witnessed an addition of 20 lakh investor accounts or
folios during the April-February period of the current fiscal (2014-15)
on account of a sharp rally in stock markets.
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Folios are numbers designated to individual investor accounts, though one investor can have multiple folios.
As per latest data on investor accounts with 45 fund houses, the number
of equity folios rose to 3.14 crore last month, from 2.94 crore during
the full fiscal 2013-14, a gain of 20 lakh folios.
April saw the first rise in folio count in more than four years. Prior
to that, the equity mutual fund (MF) sector had seen a continuous
closure of folios since March 2009 after the market crashed in late 2008
due to the global financial crisis.
Since March 2009, the sector has seen a closure of 1.5 crore folios. The
investor base reached its peak of 4.11 crore in March 2009, while it
was 3.77 crore in March 2008.
Industry experts said a strong rally in equity markets and the
consequent rise in investors' interest led to a sharp increase in retail
folios.
Since early 2014, equity market sentiment took a positive turn, which generated significant interest from overseas investors.
This was mainly on account of expectations from the new government at
the Centre, leading to stock markets adopting a bullish tone.
"Besides, 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," an expert said.
Interestingly, folio count has been increasing especially in the
country's smaller towns -- known as beyond-15 cities (B15) with total
number of retail folios in such cities recently overtaking the number of
folios from T-15 (top 15) cities for the first time, he added.
The addition in equity folios is in line with BSE's benchmark Sensex surging by 31 percent in the period under review.
Moreover, mutual funds industry reported net inflows of over Rs 61,000
crore in equity funds in April-February period, which helped the
industry grow its folio count.
Overall, industry's retail folios surged to 4.2 crore at February-end 2015, from 4.05 crore at end of March.
(DD-16.3)
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Industrial production grows 2.6 pc in Jan
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 Updated on : 16-03-2015 03:38 PM
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Industrial
production grew 2.6 percent in January mainly on account of improvement
in manufacturing activity and better offtake of capital goods.
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The growth in factory output, as measured by the Index of Industrial Production (IIP), was 1.1 percent in January 2014.
For the April-January period of 2014-15, IIP grew 2.5 percent as against
a meagre rise of 0.1 percent in same period of the last fiscal as per
the data released by Central Statistics Office (CSO) on Thursday.
Meanwhile, the December IIP has been revised upwards to 3.23 percent
from the provisional estimates of 1.7 percent released last month.
As per government data released Thursday, manufacturing output, which
constitutes over 75 percent to the index, grew by 3.3 percent in January
compared to a meagre growth of 0.3 percent in the same month a year
ago.
For April-January period, the sector saw an output growth of 1.7
percent, compared to a contraction of 0.3 percent in the year-ago
period.
The production of capital goods, a barometer of demand, grew by 12.8
percent in January as against a contraction of 3.9 percent in same month
of last year.
During the April-January period, capital goods output grew by 5.7 percent as against a dip of 0.8 percent.
Fourteen out of the 22 industry groups in the manufacturing sector have
shown positive growth during the month of January year-on-year.
(DD-12.3)
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Exports dip 15% in February
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 Updated on : 16-03-2015 10:17 AM
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In
a sharp decline, India's exports contracted last month by over 15
percent to USD 21.54 billion, while imports also fell by as much leaving
a lower trade deficit of USD 6.84 billion.
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With imports slowing down, mainly on account of lower crude oil prices,
the trade deficit declined to USD 6.84 billion. The deficit, which
reflects higher imports than exports, was USD 8.32 billion in January.
The merchandise exports were USD 25.35 billion in February 2014, according to the Commerce Ministry data released on Friday.
Cumulative value of exports during April-February 2014-15 was USD 286.58
billion, as against USD 284.07 billion, up 0.88 percent, over the same
period last year.
Imports during February were valued at USD 28.39 billion, while it was
USD 33.66 billion in the year-ago month, down 15.65 percent.
"The trade deficit for April-February, 2014-15 was estimated at USD
125.22 billion which was higher than the deficit of USD 124.84 billion
during April-February, 2013-14," the ministry said.
Oil imports during February were valued at USD 6.101 billion, 55.49
percent lower than USD 13.706 billion in the year-ago period.
Oil imports during April-February, 2014-15 totalled USD 130.84 billion, down 12.24 percent year-on-year.
The Commerce Ministry data further said that services exports (receipts)
during January, were valued at USD 14.250 billion and imports
(payments) totalled USD 7.78 billion, leaving a trade surplus (net
exports) of USD 6.46 billion in January.
(DD-13.3)
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ICC World Cup: Top teams gear up for knock-outs
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 Updated on : 15-03-2015 07:48 PM
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With
top teams making the quarterfinal line-up, the knockout stage will
begin when South Africa take on 1996 champions Sri Lanka on Wednesday at
the Sydney Cricket Ground.
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Sri Lanka, who have had an excellent run in the final few matches of the
league stage, ended third in pool A with opener Kumar Sangakkara
leading the run-scorers chart after hitting a record four consecutive
ODI hundreds - a first in the 50-over format.
South Africa on the other hand have had a bumpy ride in the league
stages after losses to India and Pakistan but skipper AB de Villers has
led by example after scoring 417 runs in six matches.
The defending champions India seem to have the simplest test against
Bangladesh as the Asian rivals lock horns at the MCG, here on Thursday.
The Men in Blue look to have it easy against the Tigers but skipper
Mahendra Singh Dhoni has warned the side of any slackness against the
so-called minnows, who have been instrumental in knocking England out of
the tournament.
India will also remember their league stage exit in the 2007 edition
when they bowed out after losing to Bangladesh to avoid a potential
banana slip this time around.
Come Friday, four-time champions Australia lock horns with an
unpredictable Pakistan, 1992 champions, in what is pitted to be the most
promising game of the last-eight stage.
In the final quarters clash, co-hosts and contenders new Zealand will be
up against West Indies, who just sneaked into the knockouts but can
always be a potential threat due their unpredictable nature on play.
The Kiwis, who boast of reaching six Word Cup semi finals, will once
again be looking to get past the Caribbean side and then cross the
final-four hurdle this time around to live up to the favourites tag.
But just as the big guns will battle to get closer to the coveted title,
England will be licking their wounds after making an early exit from
the quadrennial event but cricket as they say is a game of glorious
uncertainties.
A reserve day has been scheduled for each of the seven knock-out matches.
If a quarter-final or semi-final is tied, abandoned or if the match is a
no-result, then the team that finished in the higher position in the
pool stage shall progress.
(DD-15.3)
Maldives: Nasheed sentenced to 13 yrs jail
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 Updated on : 15-03-2015 08:44 PM
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In
Maldives, former President Mohammed Nasheed has been sentenced to 13
years in prison after he was found guilty of ordering the arrest of a
judge while in office.
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Nasheed was cleared of the charges last month, but was re-arrested and charged under Anti-Terrorism laws.
Friday's ruling came four days after Nasheed's lawyers quit in protest
against what they called a biased trial aimed at destroying his
political career.
The jail term will effectively prevent Nasheed running for president at the 2018 elections.
Nasheed, however, remained defiant and through his office urged
supporters to take to the streets and continue the protests they have
been holding since his incarceration on 22nd February.
(MM – 14/03)
Solar Impulse-2 to reach Varanasi as part of its round-the-world trip
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 Updated on : 18-03-2015 01:01 PM
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People
of Varanasi will get a glimpse of world's only solar-powered aircraft
on Wednesday after it took off from Ahmedabad as part of its
round-the-world trip.
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The
'Solar Impulse-2', as it is called, is a purely solar-powered aircraft,
and had landed in Ahmedabad on March 10 after beginning its journey
from Abu Dhabi a day before.
It was supposed to fly to Varanasi on Sunday morning but it was delayed by three days due to bad weather.
From Varanasi, the globe-trotting SI-2 is scheduled to fly to Mandalay in Myanmar.
@BJ-18.03
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Govt orders installation of GPS in all cabs plying in Delhi
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 Updated on : 17-03-2015 11:09 AM
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In
order to ensure women safety, Delhi government has ordered all taxi
operators to install GPS in their vehicles, failing which fitness
certificate will not be issued to them.
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According to a senior official, the government's decision will be
enforced on all types of taxis, including Radio taxis and
black-and-yellow cabs, plying in different parts of the national
capital.
The government has also made it clear that taxi operators will not be
issued fitness certificates unless they get Global Positioning System
(GPS) installed in their vehicles.
"We want to ensure women safety in all public taxis due to which we have
directed all operators, including of black-and-yellow cabs, to first
install GPS in their vehicles," the official said, adding, the transport
department will issue the fitness certificate to taxi operators only
after checking installation of GPS.
"GPS will not only ensure women safety in taxis but it also will help police in case of untoward incident," he said.
There are more than 15,000 cabs, including black-and-yellow taxis and Delhi-NCR taxis, plying across the capital.
(DD-15.3)
Coal mine auction: Govt rejects bids of Jindal Steel, Balco
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 Updated on : 21-03-2015 11:42 AM
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The
government has rejected the bids of Jindal Steel and Power Ltd (JSPL)
and Balco, amid speculation of cartelisation during the auction of coal
blocks held recently.
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The government was re-examining the bids for nine recently auctioned
coal blocks, including those where Jindal Steel & Power (JSPL) and
Balco emerged top bidders.
"Government takes decision on bids for 9 coal blocks," Coal Secretary Anil Swarup said in a tweet on Friday.
(DD-21.3)
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Rajendra Singh gets Stockholm Water Prize
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 Updated on : 22-03-2015 06:54 PM
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Eminent water activist Rajendra Singh has been conferred the prestigious
Stockholm Water Prize this year for his innovative water restoration
efforts and extraordinary courage in his efforts to empower communities
in Indian villages.
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Based in Alwar district of Rajasthan, Rajendra Singh is widely popular as the 'Water Man'.
He was working with the state governments of Maharashtra and Karnataka,
and has also forwarded some suggestions to the Central government for
solving the problems of floods as well as drought.
He said that the award was an honour and recognition to the traditional
knowledge and techniques of water conservation of India, and governments
should utilise such techniques to address problems of depleting ground
water levels and floods.
(AKS-22/03)
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Sania-Martina wins Indian Wells Open
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 Updated on : 22-03-2015 01:12 PM
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Sania Mirza and Martina Hingis have lifted the women's doubles trophy of the Indian Wells Open tennis tournament at California.
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In the title clash late Saturday night, the top seeded Indo-Swiss team
sailed past the Russian pair of Ekaterina Makarova and Elena Vesnina in
straight sets, 6-3, 6-4.
It was Sania's 24th career title, and the second doubles trophy this year.
(DD-22.3)
NZealand beat West Indies to enter World Cup semis
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 Updated on : 22-03-2015 12:46 PM
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Martin
Guptill bludgeoned his way to the record books with the highest
individual World Cup knock as New Zealand rode on the opener's
swashbuckling unbeaten 237 to crush West Indies by 143 runs and sail
into the semifinals at Wellington on Saturday.
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Batting first in the fourth quarterfinal game, New Zealand notched up an
imposing 393 for six, then bowled out West Indies for 250 in 30.3 overs
to set up a blockbuster last-four clash with an in-form South Africa at
Auckland on March 24.
For the record, this was heaviest defeat suffered by any team in terms of runs in the knockout rounds of World Cup.
Guptill scored his runs off 163 balls, becoming the first New Zealander
to post a double century in ODIs and the fifth in the world. He was
unbeaten when the innings ended.
As he smacked Andre Russell to get to the coveted landmark, Chris Gayle,
the only other double centurion in World Cup, came and congratulated
Guptill at the Westpac stadium.
Reaching his 100 off 111, the last 52 balls brought Guptill a staggering 137 runs.
He smashed 24 fours and 11 sixes after New Zealand captain Brendon McCullum opted to bat.
Such was Guptill's onslaught that the hosts reached from 300 to 350 in
just 16 balls. The batsman got to his double ton off 152 balls with the
help of 21 fours and eight sixes.
Earlier luck was on Guptill's side as Marlon Samuels couldn't hold on to
a low chance at short-leg in the third ball of the innings bowled by
Jerome Taylor. He was on 4 at that time.
There was, however, no looking back after that reprieve as Guptill
anchored the innings with the others playing around him with a mix of
caution and aggression.
While skipper Brendon McCullum, the dangerman in the Kiwi line-up,
perished early, Guptill held the innings together and added 62 runs for
the second wicket with Kane Williamson (33).
After getting his eye in, Williamson was lured into going for a false
shot by Andre Russell's slower delivery, bringing in Taylor to the
crease.
While the West Indies captain Jason Holder tried different bowling
options, the two experienced Kiwi batsmen looked at ease milking runs
during a third-wicket partnership that yielded the Black Caps 143 runs
in 22.3 overs.
After getting to his seventh ODI century with a single to long-on,
Guptill upped the ante and smashed the West Indies to all parts of the
ground.
The 28-year-old launched into Darren Sammy for a massive six to start
the onslaught, collected two fours and a six off Taylor, and kept
finding the ropes against the likes of Holder and Suleiman Benn to reach
his 150 off 135 balls.
What set Guptill's knock apart in the age of slam bang hitting was that
he scored his runs playing orthodox cricketing shots, and that at a good
rate.
Just before that, Taylor (42) was run out owing to a misunderstanding,
but the batsman did not seem to mind with Guptill in such fine fettle.
Taylor found the fence two times during his 61-ball knock.
Meanwhile, Guptill smashed 27 runs in the 45th over bowled by Holder,
clobbering the medium pacer for three sixes and a boundary.
The first of the three maximums helped him go past Glenn Turner as the
highest scorer in World Cup match by a New Zealander. Turner had scored
171 against East Africa in the inaugural edition of the tournament in
1975.
Guptill then picked up 18 off Russell to propel New Zealand to 328 for
four. The last over went for 20 with Guptill hitting two more sixes and a
four. Before that, Taylor seventh and the innings' 49th over gave New
Zealand 16 runs.
Of all the West Indies bowlers, Russell was the worst sufferer conceding
96 runs in 10 overs, while Holder went for 76 in eight and Taylor 71 in
three.
The West Indies were never in the chase and kept losing wickets at
regular intervals to gift away the game rather tamely to the home team
that looks determined to go all the way this time around.
It needed a miracle from the big-hitting Chris Gayle, who blazed his way
to 33-ball 61 with the help of eight sixes and two fours, but that was
far from enough.
Holder blasted 42 off 26 balls with five fours and two sixes before
becoming the last man to get out, sparking off wild celebrations among
the Kiwi players and in the stands.
The visiting side maintained a rollicking run-rate but failed to survive long enough to make a match of it.
Interestingly, the West Indies have hit more sixes - 16 - during their
failed chase that was scuttled with almost 20 overs remaining.
New Zealand had managed to strike 15 sixes, including 11 from Guptill's blade, during their entire innings.
(DD-21.3)
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62nd National Film awards announced
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 Updated on : 25-03-2015 10:09 AM
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The
62nd National Film Awards 2014 were announced on Tuesday by the
Chairpersons of the three juries on Feature Films, Non Feature Films and
Best Writing on Cinema.
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Kangana Ranaut won the best actress award for her powerful performance
in "Queen" where Bollywood movies "Haider" and "Mary Kom" bagged key
honours while Chaitanya Tamhane's "Court" was named the best feature
film.
The Vikas Bahl-directed coming-of-age film was also named the best Hindi feature film.
Vijay was declared the best actor for his poignant portrayal of a woman
trapped in a man's body in Kannada film "Nanu Avanalla Avalu" (I am not a
he, but she).
"Court", which focuses on the flaws in the Indian judicial system, has
been winning critical acclaim nationally and internationally.
The award is expected to give a major boost to the movie ahead of its theatrical release on 17th April.
Shahid Kapoor-starrer "Haider", a Kashmir-set modern adaptation of Shakespeare's Hamlet, won five honours.
Its director Vishal Bhardwaj was named the best music director but lost
out the best director award to Bengali filmmaker Srijit Mukherji
('Chotushkone').
The Feature Film Central panel was headed by P. Bharathiraja a legend in Tamil cinema and National Film Award winner.
The Central panel comprised of 11 members including Chairman, the Non
Feature jury was headed by Kamal Swarup and comprised of 7 members
including the Chairman.
The jury on Best Writing on Cinema was headed by Govind Kumar (Madhan) and comprised of 3 members including Chairperson.
Actor-filmmaker Shashi Kapoor has been chosen for the prestigious Dada
Saheb Phalke award, the highest official recognition for film
personalities in the country.
Shashi Kapoor had starred in over 100 Hindi films and is best known for
his powerful portrayals in hits like "Namak Halaal", "Deewar" and
"Kabhie Kabhie".
He will be the 46th Dada Saheb Phalke Award winner.
A five member jury unanimously recommended his name to the government.
The 77-year-old actor is the third from his family to get the award,
after father Prithvi Raj Kapoor and elder brother Raj Kapoor.
(DD-24.3)
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New Zealand script history by making maiden WC final
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|
 Updated on : 25-03-2015 10:10 AM
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New
Zealand on Tuesday scripted history by making their maiden cricket
World Cup final appearance with a stunning four-wicket win in a
nerve-wracking last-four clash against the formidable South Africa,
finally shedding the tag of perennial under-achievers in the mega event.
|
Chasing a stiff target of 298 runs in 43 overs under the Duckworth/Lewis
rule in the rain-curtailed game, New Zealand crossed the line when
Grant Elliot (84) smashed Dale Steyn over long-on for a six with just
one ball to spare in a thrilling showdown at Auckland on Tuesday.
Needing 12 to win off six balls, Vettori found the fence to bring the
equation down to five from two balls, before Elliot hit the winning runs
as the Eden Park broke into wild celebrations.
The result meant the perennial choker's tag would continue to haunt
South Africa and they would once again look for soul searching.
Since the inaugural edition in 1975, New Zealand have reached the
semifinals of the showpiece event six times, but failed to clear the
penultimate hurdle on all the occasions.
However, they looked determined to script history today and despite
being set a daunting target, the Kiwis never gave up and were spurred on
by a vociferous home crowd.
Earlier, David Miller had blazed his way to a 18-ball 49 as the Proteas set a difficult target.
Opting to bat, South Africa notched up 281 for five, but the target was
revised under the Duckworth/Lewis method after seven overs each were
deducted per side following a two-hour rain interruption.
Skipper AB de Villiers made an unbeaten 65 off 45 balls, while Faf du
Plessis top-scored with a 107-ball 82, but it was Miller's innings that
gave Proteas the much-needed impetuous towards the end.
In reply, the New Zealanders were off to a flying start with skipper
Brendon McCullum going hammer and tongs at the South African pacers,
especially Steyn.
Such was his onslaught against Steyn that the South African pace
spearhead was clobbered for 25 runs as New Zealand raced to 71 for no
loss in five overs.
McCullum's two sixes and three fours against Steyn was followed by a
maiden over by Imran Tahir, and it worked in the Proteas' favour as the
pressure created by the leg-spinner saw McCullum throwing away his
wicket.
His manic fifty contained eight boundaries and four sixes. The
belligerent 26-ball 59 set the tone for what turned out to be a historic
chase.
Elliott and Corey Anderson (58) played smartly, mixing caution with
aggression, and it was their 103-run partnership for the fifth wicket
that kept the Black Caps in the game after McCullum's dismissal.
@DD/NZ/MM -24/03
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Foundation stone of Apparel and Garment Making Centre in Manipur
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 Updated on : 25-03-2015 10:32 AM
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Minister
of State for Textiles Santosh Kumar Gangwar and Chief Minister of
Manipur, Ibobi Singh laid the foundation stone for an Apparel &
Garment Making Centre at Imphal.
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As
part of Modi Government's scheme of establishing such Centres in all
North Eastern States, Union Textiles Minister Santosh Gangwar will lay
foundation stone of the 3rd Center in Sikkim on Wednesday.
The Prime Minister had announced that an Apparel and Garment Making Centre shall be constructed in all North Eastern states.
@BJ-25.03
India’s IRNSS – 1D satellite to be launched on March 28
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 Updated on : 24-03-2015 11:32 AM
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The launch of India's fourth navigation satellite IRNSS-1D that was
deferred earlier in the month of March after an anomaly was found in one
of the telemetry transmitters of the spacecraft has now been scheduled
for March 28.
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ISRO is planning to launch to put in place the Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System.
IRNSS 1D is the fourth in the series of seven satellites.
While four satellites would be sufficient to start operations of the
system, the remaining three satellites would make it more accurate and
efficient.
The launch was deferred after an anomaly was found in one of the telemetry transmitters of the spacecraft.
The launch would put in place India's own navigation system on par with the Global Positioning System of the US.
(MM – 24/03)
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PM says transparency of his govt's policies has already started bringing in lakhs of crores of rupees into eco
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 Updated on : 24-03-2015 07:14 PM
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Prime
Minister Narendra Modi on Monday said transparency of his government's
policies has already started bringing in lakhs of crores of rupees into
the economy.
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Addressing a public meeting in Hussainiwala on Monday, near Firozpur in
Punjab, the Prime Minister outlined various steps being undertaken by
the Centre for the agriculture sector and welfare of farmers.
He said the government has prepared a pension scheme for farmers who are above 60 years of age.
The Prime Minister also spoke on the Pardhanmantri Krishi Sinchaee Yojna, Soil Health Card and Swachh Bharat Abhiyan.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also assured that the government is committed to providing employment to the children of farmers.
He appealed to farmers not to be mislead on the Land Acquisition bill.
He reiterated the government's commitment to provide help to farmers who
have lost their crops to the recent unseasonal rainfall and hailstorm.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said that all outstanding issues with Pakistan can be resolved through bilateral dialogue.
He underlined it on Pakistan's National Day on Monday while greeting Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif in a letter.
The Prime Minister in a tweet, said ..." he was of firm belief that all
outstanding issues with Islamabad can be resolved through bilateral
dialogue in an atmosphere free from terror and violence."
The external affairs Minister has clearly said that there is no role of third party in dialouge between India and Pakistan.
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India to grow at 7.8% in 2015-16; surpass China: ADB
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 Updated on : 24-03-2015 10:08 PM
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India
is all set to overtake China's growth rate by clocking 7.8 pc GDP in
2015-16 and 8.2 pc during the following fiscal on the back of structural
reforms and govt's pro-investment attitude, Asian Development Bank
said.
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"India is expected to grow faster than China in the next few years," ADB
Chief Economist Shang-Jin Wei said on Tuesday while releasing the
bank's annual publication Asian Development Outlook, 2015.
Indian government's pro-investment attitude, improvement in the fiscal
as well as current account deficit situation, and some forward movement
on resolving structural bottlenecks have helped improve the business
climate, making India attractive again to both domestic and foreign
investors, he added.
ADB expects India's growth to accelerate to 7.8 percent in 2015-16 and further to 8.2 percent in 2016-17.
In case of China, the GDP is expected to decelerate to 7.2 percent in
2015 and 7 percent a year after. In the current fiscal, both the
economies are expected to clock a 7.4 percent growth rate.
The Indian government however, expects the growth rate to accelerate from 7.4 percent to 8-8.5 percent in 2015-16.
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has projected a growth rate of 7.5 percent for next fiscal.
India, the ADB report said, would drive the economic growth of Emerging
Asian economies, as Asia's largest economy China will continue its
moderate deceleration in 2015 and 2016 as the government proceeds with
its structural reform agenda and fixed asset investment slows.
Shang, however, cautioned that although India's economic prospects look promising, "there are still many challenges".
As regards inflation, the ADB said inflation in 2015-16 at 5 percent, but may rise to 5.5 percent in 2016-17.
"We expect little bit monetary easing (of interest rates by the RBI)... A
benign inflation outlook would serve to help monetary policy support
growth," ADB Senior Economics Officer, Abhijit Sen Gupta said.
Strong growth outlook is contingent on further acceleration in
investment activity, ADB said, adding that the prospects look promising.
When asked about the new base year of 2011-12 adopted by the Central
Statistical Organisation (CSO) for computing national income, Sen Gupta
said: "We are still trying to understand what the new GDP numbers mean".
Praising India's 'Make In India' campaign to boost domestic
manufacturing, Shang said: "Indian government's programme is even more
striking (in comparison to China)".
As regards the external sector, he said: "India is in a stronger
position today than what it used to be. Government is making effort to
increase FDIto deal with financial instability."
ADB said government measures, including accelerating environment
clearances for infrastructure projects, easing the land acquisition
hurdles, coal mines auctioning, and easing of labour laws compliance
would help boost growth.
"FDI inflows are likely to increase on better growth prospects,
liberalised ceilings, and the government's focus on improving the ease
of doing business and other enabling policies under the Make in India
programme," Sen Gupta said.
The ADB said that India's most pressing policy challenges is to promote cities as engines of economic growth and jobs.
"To fully reap the benefits of urbanisation, the government must make
further efforts to coordinate urban and industry planning to attract
industries into cities, and provide the necessary supporting
infrastructure," it said.
As regards the new monetary policy framework, under which the RBI's
primary objective would be to target inflation, the ADB said it would
help in restraining inflation and improve the coordination between
monetary and fiscal policy.
The current account deficit in 2015-16 is expected to be equal to 1.1 percent of GDP, he added.
(DD-24.3)
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NHSRC to boost health technology in India: WHO
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 Updated on : 24-03-2015 06:05 PM
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The
ambitious 'Make in India' campaign of PM Narendra Modi throws up
opportunities for growth of domestic medical devices industry, which is
not only underinvested but heavily import-oriented at present, the World
Health Organisation (WHO) has said.
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"There is a need for appropriate and applicable health care technology
in India. Our medical devices industry is underinvested and heavily
import-driven at present.
"But with the current 'Make in India' campaign, there is a huge
opportunity for growth and expansion of the medical device industry.
This would highly improve the access of essential medical devices and
health care technology to patients in India," WHO Representative to
India, Nata Menabde, was quoted as saying in a Health Ministry statement
on Saturday.
She said this during an event to formally announce the commencement of
National Health Systems Resource Centre (NHSRC), as the WHO
collaborating centre for Priority Medical Devices and Health Technology
Policy.
This was announced by the WHO Country office for India in collaboration with the Health Ministry and NHSRC on Friday.
This is the first WHO collaborating centre in South East Asia Region, the Health Ministry statement said.
Menabde also handed over the designation of WHO collaborating centre commencement at NHSRC to Health secretary B P Sharma.
Noting that prioritising medical devices and health technology in the
country is an important agenda item, Sharma said that it is critical to
have the specifications in place for the medical devices and equipments
that are already procured and used in the system.
"There is also need for dedicated medical devices testing laboratories
to ensure the safety and efficacy of these devices," he said.
The division of healthcare technology and innovation at NHSRC has been
working in the area of health technologies and related policy interface.
Its works includes framing of technical specifications for technologies
procured under National Health Mission, best practices for technology
life-cycle management and maintenance, secretariat for assessment and
uptake of innovations into public health systems among others, the
statement said.
(DD-22.3)
Telecom Minister gives away Web Ratna Awards
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 Updated on : 26-03-2015 09:36 AM
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Telecom Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad gave away the Web Ratna Awards to various departments in New Delhi on Wednesday.
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The Awards have played a pivotal role in promoting use of world wide
web platform as an effective tool for e-governance whereas at the same
time it has also encouraged numerous departments to take up and
replicate innovations.
Since inception in 2009, the awards have seen two editions, one in 2010 and the other in 2012.
Prominent winners of the awards include Indian Railways, India
Post, Gujarat Tourism, Department of Economic Affairs, All India Radio
and DRDO.
Communications and IT Ministry's National Informatics Centre
will felicitate government departments that have done exemplary work and
made innovations in e-governance initiatives on web-based platform or
Internet.
@BJ-25.03
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India and Qatar sign 6 agreements to strengthen bilateral ties
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 Updated on : 25-03-2015 09:44 PM
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India and Qatar have signed 6 agreements to strengthen bilateral ties following delegation level talks.
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The pacts include agreement on Transfer of Sentenced Persons.Under this
agreement, Indian prisoners convicted in Qatar can be brought to India
to serve the remaining part of their sentence. Similarly Qatari Citizens
convicted in India can be sent to his home country to serve their
sentence. This agreement would enable the sentenced persons to be near
their families and would help in the process of their social
rehabilitation.
The second MoU pertains to cooperation in the field of
Information and Communication Technology.The pact would provide enhanced
business opportunities for Indian IT industry in Qatar.
Qatar has embarked on an ambitious programme for overall
development as part of their Qatar 2030 vision and has created a
dedicated Ministry of Information and Communication Technology for
capacity building in ICT.
The third MoU was signed between Ministry of Earth sciences and
Qatar Meteorological Department for Scientific and Technical cooperation
Qatar Meteorological Department under the Civil Aviation Authority,
Qatar.
The scientific collaboration between India and Qatar will be
beneficial to improve atmospheric & Oceanic capacity in both the
countries.
The fourth MoU was inked between Diplomatic Institute of Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Qatar and Foreign Service Institute, MEA.
This MoU would help in exchange of trainees, students, faculty
members and experts between India and Qatar to enhance their skills and
improve the training programme in both the countries.
The fifth MoU pertains to cooperation in the field of Radio and
Television... This MoU is aimed at encouraging regular exchange of radio
and TV programmes and material between Prasar Bharati of India and
Qatar Media Cooperation.
The final pact was signed for mutual Cooperation and Exchange of News.
The agreement between Qatari News Agency and United News Agency
would enhance and develop bilateral cooperation in the field of exchange
of English-language news on daily basis and free of charge.
@BJ-25.03
PM launches PRAGATI: a multi-purpose, multi-modal platform
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 Updated on : 25-03-2015 07:55 PM
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PM
Narendra Modi on Wednesday launched his ambitious multi-purpose and
multi-modal platform PRAGATI (Pro-Active Governance and Timely
Implementation) in New Delhi.
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PRAGATI is a unique integrating and interactive platform. The platform
is aimed at addressing common man’s grievances, and simultaneously
monitoring and reviewing important programmes and projects of the
Government of India as well as projects flagged by state governments.
Speaking on the occasion, the Prime Minister said the whole world is now observing India keenly.
It is imperative that governance in India becomes more efficient and
responsive. He said the PRAGATI platform was a step in this direction.
During the first PRAGATI interaction on Wednesday, the Prime Minister
discussed issues relating to unseasonal rain and relief to farmers,
public grievances, project implementation, Swachh Bharat.
The interaction lasted for two hours.
The programme will be tied together by technology, with information on
projects being available at a click. The Pragati sessions will take
place every fourth Wednesday.
(DD-25.3)
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US announces easing of process to obtain L-1B visas
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 Updated on : 25-03-2015 04:28 PM
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Boost
for Indian IT professionals as US President Barack Obama has announced
an easing of the process to obtain L-1B work visas for corporate
executives.
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This move could end the large scale harassment of IT professionals
from India and make it easier for Indian companies to bring employees to
the States.
In an address to Select USA summit Obama argued that such a move would attract larger foreign direct investment to the US.
Large scale decline of L-1 visas was a major hindrance in Indian companies investing in the US.
The American President said this move will prove more attractive to
businesses. He said this will also help bring about a comprehensive
immigration reform package.
@NZ-24/03
Gulf states to answer Yemen president's call for protection
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 Updated on : 26-03-2015 10:14 AM
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Five
Gulf states on Wednesday said that they will protect Yemen's embattled
President Abedrabbo Mansour Hadi against Shiite rebels that have closed
in on the city of Aden, where he took refuge after fleeing the capital
Sanaa.
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Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain and the UAE said they "have decided
to answer the call of President Hadi to protect Yemen and his people
from the aggression of the (Shiite) Huthi militia".
The statement came as Saudi Arabia's ambassador in Washington said the
kingdom has launched a military operation against the rebels.
"The operation is to defend the legitimate government," Adel al-Jubeir told reporters in Washington.
The statement from Riyadh included all members of the Gulf Cooperation Council except Oman.
Yemen has been gripped by growing turmoil since the Shiite Huthi rebels launched a power takeover in Sanaa in February.
The strife has raised fears Yemen could be torn apart by a proxy war
between Shiite Iran, accused of backing the rebels, and Sunni-ruled
Saudi Arabia, which supports Hadi.
Yemen's acting foreign minister Riyad Yassin had warned that the fall of
Aden would mean the "start of civil war" as he drummed up Arab military
support for Hadi, who was taken to a safe haven "within Aden" as the
rebels closed in.
(DD-26.3)
World leaders bid farewell to Singapore's founding father Lee Kuan Yew; PM attends ceremony
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 Updated on : 30-03-2015 12:10 PM
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World leaders gathered in Singapore on Sunday to bid farewell to country's founding father Lee Kuan Yew.
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Global leaders including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Australian
Premier Tony Abbott, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, Indonesian
President Joko Widodo, former US President Bill Clinton and UK House of
Commons leader William Hague attended the ceremony of Lee Kuan Yew.
Defence sirens were blown throughout Singapore's housing estates for a
minute of silence to pay respects as the last post was played on by a
military bugler.
The Singapore Armed Forces, which was established by Lee, gave the
highest honour to the leader with a 21-gun salute, a fly-past by the air
force planes and sail-past by naval boats.
A 21-gun salute is normally reserved for sitting heads of state but an exception was made for Lee.
PM offers his condolences over passing of Lee
Prime Minister Narendra Modi today lauded Singapore's founder and first
premier Lee Kuan Yew as a "global thinker" and said India deeply valued
his friendship and his support for its economic progress.
In his message in the condolence book, at the funeral of the Lee Kuan
Yew, the Prime Minister said The passing of Lee Kuan Yew, is not the
passing of an individual, but indeed, of an era.
He was a torchbearer of hope, not just for Singapore, but for all of
Asia. He will continue to inspire eternally. On behalf of all Indians, I
pay homage to him.
India observes mourning
In India, a day long national mourning is being observed across the
nation as mark of respect to the late former Prime Minister of Singapore
Lee Kuan Yew. National flags were half-mast and public functions were
cancelled.
(AKS-29/03)
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Milestone for Indian doctors
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 Updated on : 31-03-2015 10:05 PM
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Heart
surgeries have been performed on young children throughout the world,
but doctors in a Delhi hospital have performed heart operation on a baby
child 18 hours of being born.
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Mayank was born in Mathura and within minutes of his birth was declared
to have severe breathing difficulty, TAPVC, a critical heart condition,
which stops the normal flow of blood from lungs to the heart. The local
doctors unable to treat the baby advised the family to rush the child
to a multi-super specialty hospital in Delhi.
The challenge was immense but the doctors at Fortis Escorts Heart
Institute accepted it and performed an extremely difficult surgery.
Mayank is leading a normal life now. Doctors believe that because of new
techniques available , many children with heart defects can be saved if
they get medical treatment on time. A simple procedure of fetal echo
can help in detecting the problem well in time.
@BJ-31.03
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