Dear Sir,

This is a polite request, we are looking forward to welcome you on 5th March for Seminar on CSR for Inclusive Growth at Delton Hall, IETE, Lodhi Road, New Delhi at 2PM as per the programme given below-

Programme:                  CSR FOR INCLUSIVE GROWTH
Date:                              5th March, 2012 – 2.00 PM to 5.00 PM
Venue:                            Delton Hall, IETE, Lodhi Road, New Delhi 
Agenda:
2.00 - 3.00 PM                 Networking Tea/Coffee
3.00 - 3.05 PM                 Welcome Address by Mr. NK Goyal and facilitating presentation of bouquets 
3.05 - 3.30 PM                Key Note Address by Mr. TKA Nair, Advisor to PM
3.30 - 3.40 PM                Participation from floor
3.40 - 3.50 PM                Chief Guest address by Hon’ble Sh. Ashwani  Kumar, Minister of State for 

                                        Planning and Science Technology(tbc)   
3.55 - 4.10 PM                Presentation by Mr. Bharat Wakhlu, Resident  Director, Tata Group
4.10 - 4.20 PM                Presentation by Prof. Dr. Sucha Singh Gill, Director General, Center for Research in 

                                        Rural and Industrial Development. 
4.20 - 4.40 PM                Presentation by Mr. Harinder Sikka, Director, Corporate Communications, Piramal 
4.40 - 4.50 PM                Participation from floor
4.50 - 5.00 PM                Vote of thanks and presentation of Mementos

5.00  - 5.30 PM               High Tea/Coffee

REGARDS

Join Seminar on CSR for Inclusive growth Keynote address by Sh. TKA Nair Advisor to PM 5th March 2PM Delton Hall IETE New Delhi
N K Goyal
President CMAI Association of India 

12th Assembly of ASOSAI begins

The 12th meeting of the Assembly of Asian Organisation of Supreme Audit Institutions (ASOSAI), a regional group of the International Organisation of Supreme Audit Institutions (INTOSAI), will be inaugurated by the Governor of Rajasthan, Shri Shiv Raj Patil at Jaipur tomorrow. Chief Minster of Rajasthan Shri Ashok Gehlot will release the Assembly logo. This will be addressed by C&AG of India Shri Vinod Rai, Chairman INTOSAI, Secretary General INTOSAI and Chairman ASOSAI.

The ASOSAI aims to promote understanding and cooperation among member institutions through exchange of ideas and experiences in the field of public audit. It encourages, promotes and undertakes publication of research papers and professional articles in auditing and related fields. Established in 1979 with 11 members, the ASOSAI has now grown to 45 SAIs.

Prior to this, the 4th three day meeting of INTOSAI-Donor Steering Committee concluded on 25th February 2012. This meeting assumed significance as the Comptroller and Auditor General of India was seen as a major supplier of capacity to the Supreme Audit Institutions which were looking for support in this area. The delegates to this meeting got a glimpse of the capacity building potential of Comptroller and Auditor General of India through a presentation on its training infrastructure and the various capacity building projects executed bilaterally by SAI India in developing SAIs.

Sagar Media:Hema Malini IMA Brand Ambassador_Curb Female Foeticide

Sagar Media Inc:Hema Malini Take Pledge at IMA

IMA'c Curb Female Foeticide:Brand Ambassador Hema Malini

Modernization of Rail Reports Sam Petroda Part II

Sagar Media Inc:Modernization of Rail Reports Unveils

Clean Energy Options and Nuclear Safety

Following is the text of Speech of the Minister of State for Science & Technology, Shri Ashwani Kumar on the occasion of National Science Day: “Allow me at the outset to congratulate the organizers of this conference on the occasion of the National Science Day for selecting the topic of “Clean Energy Options and Nuclear Safety”, which is of contemporary relevance considering India’s development objectives and its international obligations for achieving the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) set by the United Nations (UN). The Fukushima tragedy calls our urgent attention to safety issues connected, in particular with civil nuclear energy. It is well established that there is a direct relationship between energy consumption and human development index. In India, our per capita consumption of electricity is almost one-fourth of the world average. Thus to achieve our long cherished goal of becoming a Developed nation we need to move forward for strengthening the energy infrastructure at a much higher pace while simultaneously addressing environmental issues. The growing appetite for energy in recent times has been constrained by a rapidly diminishing conventional sources such as Oil and Coal. Globally, nearly 70% of electricity is generated from fossil fuels and so it is in India, too. As a result, electricity accounts for about 40% of global energy-related Green House Gas emissions. And these emissions are expected to grow to 58% by 2030. According to GHG Emission 2007 Report of Ministry of Environment & Forests, India ranks 5th in aggregate GHG emissions in the world, behind USA, China, EU and Russia. However, the emissions of USA and China are almost 4 times that of India. Scientists believe that a temperature rise above 2-2.5 degrees due to the increasing GHG emissions risks serious consequences. The Inter-governmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has predicted that with rising temperatures, the frequency of heat waves, droughts, and heavy rainfall events will only increase. This, in turn, will adversely affect agriculture, forests, water resources, industry and also human health and settlements. Presently, of the total installed electricity generation capacity of just over 1.9 lakh Mega Watts in India, about 56% is met by Coal, 10% by Gas & Oil, 21% Hydro, 11% by Renewable Sources and less than 3% by Nuclear energy. In order to emerge as a global super power and strive for a sustained growth of above 9 percent through 2031, we may need to attain growth of primary energy supply by 3 to 4 times and electricity supply by 5 to 7 times of present consumption. However, energy security concerns will also be significant as over 90% liquid fossil fuel and up to 45% of coal requirements would need to be imported. One of the major challenges is to provide a large proportion of our country`s population with access to energy sources which are clean, convenient & affordable. Renewable sources including Solar, Wind, Biomass, etc. and Nuclear Energy which are clean & green energy options, have vast potential in meeting national demand and addressing the growing concerns about depleting oil reserves and harmful effects of Green House Gas emissions. The challenge before us is to make the renewable energy and nuclear energy technologies sustainable, convenient, efficient, safe and affordable. Though these sources may not completely replace fossil fuel even in the 21st century, we are determined to achieve self-sufficiency to the extent possible. We are blessed with a significant renewable energy resource base. Estimates indicate that a potential of over 200 Giga Watts (GW) electric power capacity exists from Wind Energy. Solar Energy, has the potential to generate around 50 Mega Watts per square km. of area. Small hydro and Biomass could further augment the capacity by 40 GW. India today stands among the top 5 countries of the world in terms of renewable energy capacity. We have an installed base of over 23 GW, which is over 11% of total power generation capacity and contributes over 6 per cent to the electricity mix. National Action Plan on Climate Change mandates increasing share of renewable power in the electricity mix to 15% by the year 2020. While the impact of renewable energy from the perspectives of energy security & environmental sustainability is well appreciated, what is often overlooked is its capacity to usher in energy access for the most disadvantaged people. However, most renewable energy sources including wind and solar power are variable and may not always be available for dispatch when needed. The integrated energy policy of the country recognizes that nuclear energy is capable of providing long-term energy security and is based upon judicious utilization of the nuclear resource profile of the country. We now have 20 nuclear power reactors in the country with an installed capacity of 4780 MW of electricity. As the major source of electricity generation in the country at present is Coal, the role of nuclear power is to supplement the base load generation from coal fired power plants at locations away from coalmines and, in the long term, to utilize the abundant Thorium resources to generate electricity of over 650,000 Tonnes which is more than one-fourth of the total deposit of Thorium in the world. Comparatively we have barely 1% of the world Uranium deposits which is currently being put to effective use. It is also estimated that Thorium can generate (through uranium-233 producible from it) 8 times the amount of energy per unit mass compared to (natural) Uranium. The Fukushima accident has shaken given rise to safety concerns in respect of nuclear power plants when exposed to an external event of a very high magnitude. We are now facing a new challenge to restore this confidence even though there has been no casualty due to radiation exposure though the loss of life in Japan exceeded 20,000 due to earthquake and tsunami. Following the Fukushima tragedy, which falls in seismic zone 4 and 5, Government of India has mooted a comprehensive review of the safety standards of all our nuclear power installations which are as such located in Zone 2 expect the one at Narora which is in zone 3. The results of the safety reviews that were mandated by the Government have been made public and several recommendations have already been implemented. A roadmap has been prepared for implementing rest of the recommendations. It has also been decided to invite missions of International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) namely Operational Safety Review Team (OSART) and Integrated Regulatory Review Service (IRRS) for peer review of safety of our nuclear power plants and of the regulatory system respectively. A Bill to confer statutory status to the regulatory authority has also been introduced in the Parliament. In India, a systematic approach using well-defined principles is followed in the design of nuclear power plants. While making provisions for the required safety features, Nuclear Power Plants are constructed in accordance with the highest quality standards. Commissioning of the systems is carried out to test and demonstrate adequacy of each system and the plant as a whole by actual performance tests to meet the design intent before commencing the operation of the plant. Operation of the plant is carried out as per defined and approved procedures in the technical specifications that are thoroughly reviewed and approved by Atomic Energy Regulatory Board. The regulatory framework in India is indeed robust. All these measures are for ensuring safe operation of the plants, safety of occupational workers, members of public and protection of environment. With sound design, trained and experienced operating staff and safety conscious approach to operation, the possibility of any accident is remote. However, to meet any unlikely situation of an accident, well thought-out formal emergency preparedness plans are in place. All nuclear power plant sites in our country are self-sufficient in the management of radioactive waste. Adequate facilities have been provided for handling, treatment, storage and disposal of nuclear wastes generated at these sites. Management of radioactive wastes is carried out in conformity with regulatory guidelines based on internationally accepted principles. Undoubtedly, for transition to a highly efficient economy, utilizing renewable & nuclear energy is essential. Shifting to a sustainable energy system based on such options will require replacing a complex, entrenched energy system with innovative policy instruments. Various kinds of fiscal incentives, capital subsidies, generation based incentives, preferential tariffs, etc. are some of the measures. India has already put a cess of Rs.50 per tonne of coal consumption and from the proceeds has created a National Clean Energy Fund to support clean energy development. Research and development in nuclear & renewable energy is another major area of action. Larger scale applications of new energy systems would depend on how rapidly the costs decline and efficiencies increase. It, in a way, leads to creation of national energy innovation system that involves prominent research and academic institutions as well as industry. “

Clarity & Regulatory Stability in Telecom Sector : Kapil Sibal

Government Committed to Clarity & Regulatory Stability in Telecom Sector : Kapil Sibal Union Minister of Communications & IT Shri Kapil Sibal says the present crisis being faced by India’s telecom sector is also a moment of opportunity as Government stands committed to providing clarity & regulatory stability to the industry.

Delivering a keynote address at the ongoing telecom sector GSMA Leadership Summit 2012 in Barcelona, Spain, Shri Sibal said long-term measures such as National Telecom Policy, National IT Policy and National Electronic & Manufacturing Policy will delineate the telecom sector from uncertainties, paving way for long term investments. He said India plans to move towards technology neutral Unified License , delinked from Spectrum, in order to exploit the benefits of convergence. Shri Sibal said India is aiming at a One Nation--- One License, Mobile Number Portability, Free Roaming regime, across services and service areas. Further, an entity can hold maximum 25% of the allotted spectrum. He said the rules have been liberalized allowing M&A between two firms together controlling 35% of market share, which can go up to 60% market share, on case to case basis.

Mr Sibal said all key stake holders--- industry, regulator and the political class--- need to work together to benefit consumers, empower poor and restore viability of industry.

Pointing out that no business can afford to ignore India’s 400 million strong upto-14 years youngsters ---more than population of USA or Europe--- who are born and brought up in ICT age , the Minister said India is already networking its 800 Universities and 24000 Colleges through Optical Fibre Cable to empower its youth. Mr Sibal pointed out that although rural teledensity has risen from 1.73% to 37.48% over the last 5 years, a large unsaturated rural market consisting of 2/3rd of the country’s population remains untapped by Telecom operators. While European markets have reached saturation with consumers demanding superior quality of products and service, Indian consumer market is far more diverse and multi-layered, comprising of not only the price sensitive,semi-literate poor class but also the rich intellectual class, which demands high quality of products and services.

Shipping Ministry Signs MoU with Ennore Port Limited

Shipping Ministry Signs MoU with Ennore Port Limited A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) setting out the performance targets for 2012-13 for Ennore Port was signed between the Ministry of Shipping and Ennore Port Limited (EPL) in New Delhi today. Shri K.Mohandas, Secretary, Ministry of Shipping and Shri S. Velumani, Chairman and Managing Director, EPL signed the MoU.

Ennore Port Limited, a Mini-Ratna Category-I PSU has the distinction of being the only corporate port under Ministry of Shipping. Functioning on a Landlord Model, the Port has developed bulk handling terminals like Coal, Iron Ore and Liquid cargo on BOT basis through PPP. The Port has been emerging as a major centre for export of Automobiles.

MoU for 2012-13 has enhanced physical and financial targets for the company. The cargo throughput target has been set at 16 Million Tonnes and gross sales have been put at Rs.210 crores for Excellent Grade. Department of Public Enterprises, Government of India has issued guidelines with respect to Corporate Social Responsibility, Sustainable Development, Research & Development and Human Resource Management. Ennore Port has incorporated all these guidelines in its MoU parameters. The MoU targets of the Company were finalized by Ennore Port on 16th February 2012 after discussion with High Level Task Force of DPE consisting of eminent persons. The MoU Task Force assessed the current year performance of the Company for fixing performance targets in respect of various financial and physical parameters.

Having a paid up equity of Rs.300 Crores, against the authorized capital of Rs.500 Crores, Ennore Port has been consistently a profit making company and has paid a dividend of Rs.7.41 crores to the Government of India and Rs.3.71 crores to Chennai Port Trust, who are its shareholders, for the year 2010-11.

EPL has been signing MoU with the Government since 2006-07. Performance of the Company vis-a-vis MoU target has been graded ‘Excellent’ by the Government of India since 2007-08 continuously. EPL has also won the Prime Minister’s Excellence Certificate for excellence in the achievement of MoU targets for the years 2007-08, 2008-09 and 2009-10.

Dr. D. Purandeswari Launches Portal for Implementation of NSIGSE

Dr. D. Purandeswari, Minister of State for Human Resource Development launched a web portal for implementation of the National Scheme of Incentive to Girls for Secondary Education (NSIGSE) here today. Also present were Smt. Anshu Vaish, Secretary, Department of School Education & Literacy and Shri A.K. Gupta Executive Director, Canara Bank.

The Centrally Sponsored Scheme ‘National Scheme of Incentive to Girls for Secondary Education” was launched in May 2008 with the objective to establish an enabling environment to reduce the drop-outs and to promote the enrolment of girl child belonging mainly to SC/ST communities in secondary schools. As per the scheme, a sum of Rs. 3,000 is deposited in the name of eligible girls as fixed deposit, who are entitled to withdraw it along with interest threon reaching 18 years of age and after passing out in 10th class examination. The scheme covers (i) all girls belonging to SC/ST communities , who pass class VIII and (ii) all girls who pass VII examination from Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalayas (irrespective of whether they belong to SC/ST) and enroll in class IX in Government, Government –aided and local Body schools. 100% funds are provided by the Central Government for the Scheme. Canara bank is the implementing agency for the scheme.

Sanctions covering 843026 girls from 26 states/UTs have so far been issued since launch of the scheme in May 2008 involving an expenditure of Rs. 252.90 crore. Approximately 105000 beneficiary girls have become eligible to receive the maturity amount and are being paid the incentive amount subject to fulfilling the conditions.

The Canara Bank has developed a web based portal to implement the scheme. The portal will facilitate on line submission of data of the beneficiaries and on line disbursement of the amount on the day of the maturity into their accounts directly after certification by the State Nodal Officer on line that the beneficiary is 18 years old and passed class X examination.

With the operationalization of the web portal, the proposals under the scheme will be submitted by the State Governments on line. This will eliminate the possibility of feeding incorrect data and bank account numbers which was the major cause for delay in the processing of the proposals and ensure error free entry of data and timely release of funds. The on-line system will also ensure total transparency and quicker disbursement of benefits to the beneficiary girls and on time submission of proposals by the State Governments.

Expert Group for Modernisation of Indian

 The Expert Group for Modernisation of Indian Railways, constituted by the Ministry of Railways under the Chairmanship of Shri Sam Pitroada, Advisor to the Prime Minister, presented its report to the Minister of Railways, Shri Dinesh Trivedi, at a function, here today. The purpose of the Expert Group was to recommend ways and means to modernize Indian Railways to meet the challenges of economic growth, the aspirations of the common man, the needs of changing technology and the expanding market while at the same time ensuring adequate focus on addressing social and strategic requirements of the country in consonance with Indian Railways’ national aspirations. Present on the occasion among others were the Minister of State for Railways, Shri Bharatsinh Solanki, Chairman, Railway Board, Shri Vinay Mittal, Board Members and some of the members of the Expert Group. Addressing a gathering on the occasion, Shri Trivedi complemented all members of the Expert Group, especially Shri Pitroda for their invaluable contribution.

The other eminent members of the Expert Group, were Shri Deepak Parekh, Chairman, HDFC Bank, Shri M.S. Verma, former Chairman, State Bank of India, Shri  G. Raghuram, Professor, IIM, Ahmedabad, Dr. Rajiv Lall, MD, IDFC, Shri Vinayak Chatterjee, Chairman, Feedback, Infrastructure Services Limited and Shri Ranjan Jain, Adviser (Infrastructure), Railway Board.

Shri Sam Pitroda made a presentation on the modernisation of Indian Railways through video conferencing from Chicago.

Some of the major recommendations of this Report are as follow:

·         Modernisation of 19,000 kms. of existing tracks.

·         Strengthening of 11,250 bridges to sustain higher load at higher speed.

·         Eliminating all level crossings.

·         Implementation of Automatic Block Signalling on A and B routes.

·         Deployment of on board train protection system with cab signalling on all other routes

·         Introduction of GSM based mobile train control communication system on A, B and C routes.

·         Introduction of new generation locomotives – electric locomotive of 9000 and 12,000 HP and High horse power diesel locomotives of 5,500 HP.

·         Introduction of high speed potential LHB coaches with 160/200 kmph.

·         Introduction of train sets for high speed inter-city travel.

·         Introduction of heavy haul freight bogies.

·         Installation of green toilets on all passenger trains.

·         Modernisation of 100 major stations.

·         Development of 34 multi modal logistics.

·         To set up real time Information System.

·         Provision of internet access at 342 railway stations (58 A1 class and 284 at A class)

·         Development of PPP models and policies in various areas of Railways to attract private investment to augment core capabilities such as stations and terminals, high speed railway lines, elevated rail corridor, private freight terminals, leasing of wagons, loco and coach manufacturing, captive power generation and renewable energy projects.

·         Development of substantial indigenous capabilities to be a global leader, namely in State-of-the-art railway technologies and railway components and equipment for global markets.

·         Establish Indian Institute of Railway Research with Centres of Excellence, develop Indian Standards, critical vendors and protocols fro Railways.

·         The Implementation of ‘Mission Mode’ approach for all 15 focus areas, namely, track and bridges, signalling, rolling stock, stations and terminals PPPs. Land, dedicated freight corridors High Speed Trains, review of existing and proposed projects, ICT, indigenous development, safety, funding, human resource and organisation.

·         Construction of Eastern and Western freight corridors.

·         Construction of North-South, East-West, East-Coast and Southern Dedicated Freight Corridors covering 6,200 kilometres in next ten years.

·         Construction of a High Speed railway line between Ahmedabad and Mumbai with Speed of 300 kmph.

·         To offer graduate programme in Railway technology at IITs and Railway management at IIMs. Also review and restructure of existing training institutions.

·         Re-organising Railway Board along business discipline and reflect Chairman as CEO.

·         Empowering Zonal Railways in investment decision making along with accountability for return on capital, transport output, safety, and profitability.

·         Revamping of accounting systems on business lines and create profit/cost centres.

·         Appointing  a ‘PPP Ombudsman’ to resole disputes.

·         To constitute a Railways Tariff Regulatory Authority to provide a level playing field.

·         Sources of total funding of Rs. 822,671 crore in the next five years will be Rs. 250,000 crore from Gross Budgetary Support, Rs. 201,805 crore from Internal generation, Rs. 101,000 crore from leasing/borrowings, Rs. 229,024 crore from PPPs Rs. 24,000 crore from dividend rebate and Rs. 16,842 crore from Road Safety Fund.

The Report of the Expert Group is available on Indian Railways’ official website i.e. www.indianrailways.gov.in

DoNER Ministry has Sanctioned 162 Projects of about Rs. 1800 Crore in Arunachal Pradesh The Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER) and Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs, Shri Paban Singh Ghatowar has said that his Ministry has sanctioned 162 projects for an amount of about Rs. 1800 crore to Arunachal Pradesh since its inception. Addressing on the occasion of celebration of completion of 25 years of the statehood of Arunachal Pradesh on 20th February, 2012 in Itanagar, he said that the State has completed 53 projects. He informed that the state is the highest recipient of fund from North Eastern Council at Rs 90 crore, which is more than 20 % of the total fund provided to all states.

The Minister expressed his gratitude to the Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh for his special attention for the states of North Eastern Region. He said that Arunachal Pradesh has made rapid strides in so far as strengthening the political and administrative set up is concerned. It is popularly known as the land of rising sun and is home of more than 25 tribes and 110 sub-tribes. Situated in the far east of the country, it is the largest state in North–East in terms of area which is 83,743 sq. kms area. Its strategic importance is further highlighted by the fact that it has a long international border with Bhutan to the West (160 km), China to the North and North-East (1,080 km) and Myanmar to the East (440 km).

Shri Paban Sing Ghatowar observed that mega infrastructure development projects announced as a part of Prime Ministers Package on 31st January 2008 will change the face of the State in the years to come. Projects like Trans-Arunachal highway, Railway line to Itanagar, operationalization of Advanced Landing Grounds, Secretariat Building, Assembly Building, Border Village illumination program, road connectivity to remote Villages, 4-lane highway to Itanagar etc. will take the state on a new trajectory of development.

Shri Ghatowar also highlighted the connect between his Ministry and its role in the development of the state. He remarked that he had visited the state recently and reviewed some of the projects implemented by the state and was impressed by the progress made by the state in implementing the NLCPR and NEC funds. The Minister reiterated his fullest support to the state in its endeavour to implement developmental projects and schemes aimed at bringing overall prosperity to the state.

Pasha to head of the Strategic Plans Division

Lieutenant General Ahmed Shuja Pasha, who has been the Director General (DG) of the Inter Services Intelligence (ISI) agency for the last three-and-a-half years, will reportedly be transferred to the Strategic Plans Division (SPD) as its head.Pasha was handed a one-year extension as chief of the premier spy agency last March. However, following his alleged role in the Memogate scandal, it was being reported that Pasha will not be given another extension.

According to sources quoted by DawnNews, the government is keeping mum on ths issue for now. “Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani will take the final decision after his one-on-one meeting with the President Asif Ali Zardari,” sources told DawnNews.In what may come as a surprising development, the government may appoint a non-military official or a retired military officer as the new chief of the ISI.

Meanwhile, another source close to Pasha disclosed that the DG ISI did not want an extension, particularly after the bitter memogate episode, which had reportedly distanced him from the prime minister.
At least four senior military officers, including the Corps Commander Lahore Lieutenant General Rashid, Corps Commander Karachi Lieutenant General Zaheer-ul-Islam, Deputy Director General ISI Major General Asfandyar Pataudi and the incumbent DG Military Intelligence Major General Noshad Kayani are also being considered for the slot to be vacated by Pasha.

 US Ambassador to Pakistan Cameron Munter said last week that his country’s ties with Pakistan could be affected by Pasha’s retirement.If Pasha is appointed the head of the Strategic Plans Division, he will replace Lieutenant General (retired) Khalid Qidwai, who has been heading this organisation for the last 12 years.
Sources claim that the government believes Pasha’s appointment as DG PSD will “help the future of Pak-US nuclear and strategic engagement.”

Hideout of Osama demolished

Pakistani security on Sunday demolishing the compound in the garrison town of Abbottabad,hideout of Osama bin Laden who was killed in a US raid last May. Demolition began late Saturday, continued overnight and bulldozers were busy as dawn broke in Abbottabad’s suburban Bilal Town neighborhood. Witnesses said troops blocked access to the compound, brought in heavy machinery and barred journalists from taking pictures or coming close to the site.

The compound has been under the security forces’ control since bin Laden was killed by US Navy SEALs in a covert helicopter operation without Islamabad’s knowledge.
The al-Qaeda leader lived in the compound for several years with his three wives and nine children including his grandchildren.The Americans buried him at sea, determined no grave should become a memorial to mastermind of the September 11 attacks on New York and Washington, but his home became an object of fascination.
The compound attracted hundreds of visitors daily soon after bin Laden’s death and at the time officials feared his final hiding place could become a shrine or a tourist spot unless the military destroyed it.
But there has been no official comment on why the demolition is being carried out.Reports Dawn

Posted 28 minutes ago by Nksagar

INDO-KOREAN TRADE MEET

INDO-KOREAN TRADE MEET (buyer seller meeting) between Indian companies and Korean suppliers listed below.

The objective of the one to one meet is to enable Korean manufacturers to locate distributors/ importers / retailers and hence develop a mutually beneficial business relationship. Please note that on account of the trade agreement (CEPA) between India and South Korea the custom duties on various products from Korea have been reduced.

SCHEDULE

Date: 27th March  2012

Venue: The Sahara Star Hotel (Near Domestic  Airport), Mumbai

&

Date: 29th March  2012

Venue: Crowne Plaza Okhla Hotel, New Delhi

The list of Korean suppliers attending are:

	Company Name	Products	Website
1	Daedong Pack	First layer films, such as Al-Foil, liquid, powder and stick pouches, zipper bags, etc.	www.daedongpack.com
2	E-RUN LIFT	ELEVATOR & WHEELCHAIR LIFT	www.erunlift.com
3	BANDO CO.,LTD	Hanger rack	www.livingstar.com
4	SK.LED	LED MODULE
5	Hunin Electronics	LED Lighting, Electronic LED Lighting Controller, LED	www.digilite.co.kr
6	VANOTECH CO., LTD.	Bathroom Accessories(towel bar,paper holder,soap dish holder,tumbler holder,robe hook,utility shelf etc.)	www.vanotech.co.kr
7	ABATON CO., LTD.	Far Infrared Ray Sauna & Massage Bed	www.abaton.co.kr
8	Lee Fabric	bedclothes(pillow,blanket,curtain,bedding clothes)	www.vanessahome.com
9	kangnamcosmetic	Cosmetics
10	Thinkwing.Co.Ltd	Massage Chair, Flexi-hand air massager	www.thinkwing.kr

To Register Free of Charge to meet one or more of these Korean Companies, please fill the below form and send it back to us at the earliest -

·            Name of Company:

·            Contact Person:

·            Address:

·            Telephone:

·            Mobile:

·            Fax:

·            Email:

·            Website:

·            Company Business Line:  

·            Time of Attending (anytime between 10 am - 5 pm):

·            Korean Company You Want to Meet (please choose from the list above):

Looking forward to receiving your registration. See you at the Meet!

Best Regards,

Shubhangi Gurav
Team Event

Gyeonggi Business Center, Mumbai

(Regional Office of the Gyeonggi Provincial - Govt of Korea)
411,Sagar Tech Plaza 'A' Wing,Nr. Saki Naka Jn., A.K.Rd.,
Andheri(E), Mumbai - 400 072( India)

Ph:+91 22 61437400 / Direct - 91 22  61437408

Fax:+91 22 61437410

 

Submission of report by the expert group on Modernization of Indian Railways

EVENT : Submission of report to the Union Railway Minister Sh. Dinesh Trivedi by the expert group on “Modernization of Indian Railways” chaired by Sh. Sam Pitroda (Adviser to Prime Minister). Ministers of State for the Railways, Chairman Railway Board, Board members and members of the expert group to be present on the occasion. DATE : 27th February,2012 (Monday) TIME : 3.30 P.M. VENUE : Conference Hall ,2nd Floor, Rail Bhawan, New Delhi

National Science Day Lecture

Event: National Science Day Lecture to be delivered by Dr. Baldev Raj, Director, Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research (IGCAR), Kalpakkam, Tamil Nadu. Date: 28.02.2012 (Tuesday) Time: 10.00 A.M. Venue: Dogra Hall, IIT Delhi, New Delhi

National Tourism Awards 2010-2011

EVENT	:	President Smt. Pratibha Devisingh Patil to be the chief guest at the National Tourism Awards 2010-2011 Presention ceremony. Shri Subodh Kant Sahai Tourim Minister will preside over the function and Shri Sultan Ahmed Minister of State for Tourism will be the Guest of Honour.
DATE	:	February 29,2012 (Wednesday)
TIME	:	1115 hrs.
VENUE	:	Plenary  Hall, Vigyan Bhawan,  New Delhi.

Posted 1 minute ago by Press Conference-Sagar31News

Union Finance Minister’s Speech at Concluding Function of ESIC Diamond Jubilee Please find below the text of the Speech of the Union Finance Minister Shri Pranab Mukherjee at the Concluding Function of Diamond Jubilee Celebrations of Employees’ State Insurance Corporation (ESIC) in Vigyan Bhawan today:

I am very happy to be here with you today on the concluding function of the Diamond Jubilee celebrations of Employees’ State Insurance Corporation. I congratulate the organization for this proud milestone.

The Employees’ State Insurance Act, 1948 was the first major legislation in independent India for providing comprehensive Social Security to the workers in the organized sector. The first Prime Minister of India, Pandit Jawahar Lal Nehru inaugurated the ESI Scheme by becoming its first insured Person on February, 24th 1952. Since then, you have come a long way and have covered more than 6 crore beneficiaries with matchless cash benefits and full medical care with no limit on individual expenditure.

I am told that the Corporation had only 21 Dispensaries with no ESI Hospital in 1952. Today you have expanded to 1496 Dispensaries/AYUSH Units and 146 ESI Hospitals. The ESI Scheme is being implemented in 790 centres in the country and Rs.2124 crore was spent on medical care and about Rs 500 crore disbursed as cash benefits during 2010-11. This speaks of your progress as an organization in the service of the nation.

The book titled “ESIC – The Sparkling Diamond” which has been released today, is an account of the work, the commitments and the endeavors off ESIC to reach out to its stakeholders during the Diamond Jubilee Year. I must congratulate Shri Mallikarjun Kharge ji for providing the vision and leadership. I would also like to congratulate the Officers and the Staff of ESIC in implementing these commitments and working tirelessly to make their celebrations of Diamond Jubilee Year, meaningful and fruitful for the insured persons and their family members.

India is passing through an unprecedented phase of demographic changes. The ongoing demographic changes are likely to contribute to a substantially increased labour force in the country. According to census projection report the proportion of population in the working age group between 15-59 years is likely to increase from approximately 58 per cent in 2001 to more than 64 per cent by 2021. In absolute numbers, there will be approximately 63.5 million new entrants to the working age group of 15-59 years between 2011 and 2016. Further, the bulk of this increase in population is likely to take place in relatively younger age group of 20-35 years. This trend would make India one of the youngest nations in the world. In 2020, the average Indian will be only 29 years old, compared to 37 in China and the US, 45 in West Europe. This ‘demographic dividend’ provides India great opportunities, but at the same time it also poses a great challenge. We will realize this demographic dividend if our population is healthy, educated and appropriately skilled.

The government is keen to upgrade the delivery services in the health, education, skill development and employment sectors so that the disadvantaged sections of society are well equipped to benefit from the growth process. Today our expenditure on social services as per cent of GDP has gone up from 5.6 per cent in 2006-07 to 7.3 per cent in 2010-11. Similarly, expenditure on education and health has gone up 2.7 per cent and 1.25 per cent respectively in 2006-07 to 3.3 per cent and 1.4 per cent, respectively in 2010-11.

The Government has been implementing several programmes to address the development gaps in social attainments. There is the Mahatma Gandhi NREGA and Swarnajayanti Gram Swarozgar Yojana both intended to provide wage and self-employment respectively in the rural areas. Rajiv Gandhi National Drinking Water Mission to ensure drinking water security in rural areas. Backward Regions Grant Fund for development of infrastructure in identified backward areas. The National Rural Health Mission to provide health care services, and the Rashtriya Swasthya Bima Yojana to provide health insurance. Similarly Indria Awas Yojana to provide dwelling units to the shelter less in rural areas and Jawahar Lal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission to improve urban infrastructure. The Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana to provide all weather rural road connectivity. Sarv Siksha Abhiyan(SSY) to provide elementary education to all children in the 6-14 age group supported by Mid-Day Meal programme and the recently launched programme for vocational education at the school level. Besides National Skill Development Corporation set up as part of the three tier Skill Development Mission has been mandated to achieve the target of skilled workforce of 150 million persons by 2022. These programmes are making a positive impact on the quality of life of the poor and the marginalized of our society.

The Government has also expanded the coverage of social security schemes to provide a minimum level of social protection to workers in the unorganized sector. The Aam Admi Bima Yojana has provided insurance coverage to nearly 2 crore persons in the country till January 2012. Under the Janashree Bima Yojana more than 2 crore lives have been covered during 2010-11. Similarly, more than 2.5 crore smart cards have been issued under the Rashtriya Swasthya Bima Yojana. We have set up a National Social Security Fund with initial allocation of Rs.1000 crore to support schemes for weavers, toddy tappers, rickshaw pullars, bidi workers, etc.

With development and benefits accruing from all these initiatives, the expectations of the people on the quality and availability of public services is improving. ESIC is also addressing this challenge. I am told that in order to serve an ever increasing numbers of ESI beneficiaries, the Corporation started a massive IT Roll Out programme named ‘Project Panchdeep’. With completion of digitization of the operations of ESIC, the stakeholders find the procedures have become hassle free. It has created transparency for the beneficiaries and has also enabled the doctors & the medical administrators for analyzing the trends related to sickness, diseases pattern, occupational health of workforce etc. I understand that the ESI Corporation has entered in the field of medical education. This will help the Corporation in upgrading the health care delivery system of ESI Scheme and creating medical human resources for its own hospitals & dispensaries. Finally, I would also like to mention impressive performance of the ESIC initiative on providing unemployment allowance through a scheme named ‘Rajiv Gandhi Shramik Kalyan Yojna’.

Let me conclude by congratulating you all on the milestone that you have attained. I am sure that the ESIC will climb to newer heights of success to and greater satisfaction to the beneficiaries. I wish you the very best in the times ahead.

Representatives of Non –EU Members of International Civil Aviation Organisation Meet in Moscow

Joint Declaration Urge EU to Work Constructively on a Multilateral Approach to Address International Civil Aviation Emissions

            The representatives from Armenia, Argentina, Azerbaijan, Republic of Belarus, Brazil, Cameroon, China, Cuba, Chili, India, Japan, Republic of Korea, Mexico, Malaysia, Nigeria, Paraguay, Russian Federation, Saudi Arabia, Seychelles, Singapore, South Africa, Uganda and United States of America of International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) met in Moscow on February 21 and 22, 2012 and reaffirmed the importance of the role of the ICAO in addressing international civil aviation emissions, including pursuant to the request from the parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).

            The countries gathered in Moscow reiterated the importance of Kyoto Protocol to its Parties as well as importance of Chicago Convention and the need to ensure full compliance with its provisions.

            Ch. Ajit Singh, the Minister of Civil Aviation met with Ms. Connie Hedegaard, Commissioner for Climate Policy of EU earlier in February, in which the Minister reiterated that the European Union Emission Trading System (EU-ETS) violates the principles of the Chicago Convention and is also against the bilateral Air Services Agreement between India and EU Member States. Later during the meeting of the President, European Union with the Prime Minister of India in Delhi, Ch. Ajit Singh, Civil Aviation Minister reiterated the stand of India regarding EU-ETS scheme. The Minister mentioned that the EU-ETS scheme infringes upon the sovereignty of states outside the European Union and violets the principles of the common but differentiated responsibilities (CBDR) under the UNFCCC wherein developing countries are not subjected to an emissions cap.

He also apprised the EU President that the de-minimus provision under the scheme is notional. Accepting EU-ETS in the civil aviation sector means starting of a trend for similar action in other sectors, which would have greater implications for Indian Economy. The Minister also confirmed that India would not be in a position to alter its stand and that EU must consider to withdraw the Scheme.

            The member stressed that the unilateral inclusion of international civil aviation in the EU-ETS has constituted an obstacle to the progress of ICAO’s work underway to address international civil aviation emission.

             Underlining the lack of an adequate response from EU to the ICAO Council’s Decision C-DEC 194/2 including the lack of a constructive dialogue to address the concerns of the non-EU States expressed in that decision and elsewhere and considering that the inclusion of international civil aviation in the EU-ETS leads to serious market distortions and unfair competition, the meet decided to adopt joint declaration as a clear manifestation of their unanimous position that the EU and its Member States must cease application of the Directive 2008/101/EC to airlines/aircraft operators registered in third States.

            The Moscow Joint Declaration urged the Member States to consider taking actions/measures such as:-

1.      Filing an application under Article 84 of the Chicago Convention for resolution of the dispute according to the ICAO Rules for the Settlement of Differences (Doc 7782/2);

2.      Using existing or new State legislation, regulations or other legal mechanism to prohibit airlines/aircraft operators of the State from participating in the EU-ETC;

3.      Holding meetings with the EU carriers and/or aviation-related enterprises in their respective States and apprise them about the concerns arising out of the EU-ETS and the possibility of reciprocal measures that could be adopted by the State, which may adversely affect those airlines and/or entities.

4.      Mandating EU carriers to submit flight details and other data;

5.      Assessing whether the EU-ETS is consistent with the WTO Agreements and taking appropriate action;

6.      Reviewing Bilateral Air Service Agreement, including Open Skies with individual EU Member States, and reconsidering the implementation or negotiation of the ‘Horizontal Agreement’ with the EU;

7.      Suspending current and future discussions and/or negotiations to enhance operating rights for EU airlines/aircraft operators;

8.      Imposing additional levies/charges on EU carriers/aircraft operators as a form of countermeasure;

9.      Any other actions/measures.

            Members also strongly urged EU to work constructively forthwith in ICAO on a multilateral approach to address international civil aviation emissions. Member countries stressed the need to exchange information on the measures adopted and to be adopted, particularly to ensure better coordination, by each non-EU Member State after this meeting in future. The members decided to continue their intensified common efforts to make progress at ICAO to address international civil aviation emissions and they requested the Russian Federation to communicate this Joint Declaration to the EU and its Member States on their behalf and invite any other State to associate itself with this Joint Declaration and, in this connection request the Russian Federation to extend invitation.