Tuesday, 5 December 2017

Amit Shah’s rallies cancelled South Gujarat and Saurashtra

Bad weather conditions due to Cyclon Ockhi have hampered the poll campaigning in Saurashtra and South Gujarat which will go to polls in the first phase on Saturday.
BJP state spokesperson Harshad Patel said, three public meetings of party president Amit Shah in Saurashtra region have been cancelled. The public rally was supposed to be held at Rajula, Mahuva and Shihor.
Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, Chief Minister Vijay Rupani, former Chief minister Anandiben Patel are scheduled to address rallies today.
Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi, BSP Chief Mayawati and Samajwadi Party leader Akhilesh Yadav are also slated to hold public meetings today.
Of the 182 constituencies, 89 in 19 districts of Kutch, Saurashtra and South Gujarat will go to polls in the first phase on Saturday. The Election Commission has barred political parties, candidates and other organizations from publishing advertisement in the print media on Friday and Saturday without its prior approval.
AIR correspondent reports, enforcement agencies are checking misuse of money, drugs, liquor in the run up to the polls.

Cyclone reach Maharashtra, Gujarat

A high alert has been issued in Gujarat and Maharashtra in view of Cyclone Ockhi. Sea conditions will remain rough to very rough along and off north Maharashtra and South Gujarat coasts till tomorrow.
Light rains which started yesterday evening continue to drench Mumbai and its suburbs. The city also experienced a drop of two degrees Celsius in temperatures. The vehicular movement in the city is normal.
According to officials, the train services of the Central Railway, the Western Railway are running smoothly, while trains on the Harbour corridor are running late by 5 to 10 minutes. The bus services of the BEST are also running smoothly.
MeT officials, though the centre of the cyclone is around 600 km from Mumbai but its cloud band has spread along the coastal areas. The IMD has said the intensity of rains will increase as the cyclone approaches. The state government has declared a holiday today for schools and colleges in Mumbai and adjoining districts due to “serious weather predictions” in view of Ockhi.
The disaster management unit of Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) issued an advisory against visiting beaches in view of the high tide alert.
In view of the warning about the Cyclone in Western Coastal areas of state including Western Railway’s Suburban section of Palghar District, Western Railway has fully geared up for all necessary precautions and suitable arrangements. Central Railways too has made elaborate arrangements.
Patrolling of the railway tracks has also been intensified over various rail sections. The Disaster Management Cell has been kept in readiness of any emergency with all necessary arrangements.

The CENTRIA Battery

Dear Sir/Ma’am
Greetings!
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Timing : 1PM
 
Venue  : Leela ambience convention hotel, Near Yamuna Sports Complex, New Delhi
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“Hard Kaur” is slated to release on 15th December!!

Women Oriented film “Hard Kaur” is slated to release on 15th December!!
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Based on the subject of Women Empowerment Hard Kaur is a Punjabi movie which not only targets Punjabi audience but general public also. Portraying the women-oriented theme, this movie is slated for the release of coming 15th December. Therefore, for the same, the entire cast of the movie along with very well known personalities of Bollywood and Punjabi industry were present in Delhi at Ethiopian Cultural Centre for the promotions.
While at the press conference held in Ethiopian Embassy, the Chief Guest of the event was Daler Mehendi, singer Kumar Sanu, Actor Akshay Anand and the CEO of PTC Rajie Shinde. Along with them, the leads of the film were also present, which includes the film stars powerhouse of talent and arguably the best female actor of Pollywood, Nirmal Rishi alongside Drishtii Grewal, Deana Uppal, Neet Kaur, Swati Bakshi.
While addressing the Media, the Director, Ajit R Rajpal, said, “Hard Kaur, is a unique example of the best of Punjabi cinema which will showcase the women empowerment at its best”. He further added about the gist of the movie as, “This is a story of a Kaur who is a School teacher from patiala travels every day in a Local Bus from “Daonkala to Rajpura Bypass” comes across  a Super Rich boy from Haryana and how her life changes in a Murder which takes place in a running bus, the innocent girl gets trapped and becomes helpless in front of the Power, how the other 4 Kaur’s of Punjab unite and saves the girl by bringing justice to her motivating millions of girls across the globe and making every Indian proud is the film Hard Kaur.”
Lead Actress, Deana Uppal also added, “I am super happy to work with such a content and concept and I am sure this movie will be loved by audiences across”.
Well, this film has Sikh girls from five different cities of Punjab who go through agony, but win over all through all the hardships by uniting. Hard Kaur is directed by Ajit Rajpal and is being presented by Delhiwood Studios Pvt. Ltd. The movie is based on the 5 “Kaur’s” of Punjab. 

Play based on Delhi’s First Woman Cab Driver appreciated by audience

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–        Play a part of the event “Think Aasra” organized by Mehar Charitable Society

–        Event organized with the purpose of raising funds for their new endeavour “Aasara”          

New Delhi: 4th December, 2017: Mehar Charitable Society, an NGO working on Women’s Issues, organized Think Aasra – a fund raising event at the India Islamic Cultural Centre, New Delhi, today. Collecting money and blessings for Aasra was the goal of the event, one which was highly successful. Screening of Hello Cab a theatrical performance which strengthens women confidence was an integral part of the Event.
The play was much appreciated by the august audience which included the Chief Guest, Shri Vijay Goel, honorable Minister of State for Statistics and Programme Implementation and distinguished Guests like Shri K. C. Tyagi (MP, Rajya Sabha), Shri  Udit Raj (MP, Lok Sabha), Smt. Barkha Shukla Singh (Ex. MLA & DCW Chairperson), Shri Sanjay Beniwal (Special Police Commissioner, Operations and Women Safety), Smt. Harita Mehta (Famous Lawyer & President, Mehar Charitable Society), Shri  Dependra Pathak (Special Police Commissioner, Traffic), Smt. Renu Maingi (Sai Prerna Trust) and Smt. Poonam Khanna (General Secretary, Mehar Charitable Society).

The play Hello Cab produced by New Delhi Performers, and based on the real story of an emancipated Muslim woman who goes on to become the first woman cab driver in Delhi was also enacted by Akanksha and directed by Basab Bhattacharya. The play helps women by bolstering their confidence, guiding them to fight against odds and create a better future for themselves and those around them.

Aasra would be a short stay home for women victims of domestic violence. Alongwith, providing shelter to such women, Aasra will also be empowering them with mental stability, skills development and helping them with employment opportunities. Apart from helping these women with Legal Services, Computer training, Personality Development and Spoken English classes will help the women at Aasra to strengthen their confidence and increase their employability opportunities. If that was not all, Mehar would also help these women with Beautician Courses, Tailoring Courses and open up their employability at an Herbal Cosmetic company and a Jewellery Designing House amongst others.

Mehar Charitable Society which organized the Event is a Non-Government Organization, registered in Delhi under the Societies Registration Act XXI, 1860. It runs Mahila Panchayat as well as the much successful Women’s Helpline – 181. Mehar believes that being part of the society, all of us who are of the privileged class are duty bound to further extend the compassion extended to us by the almighty towards those who are deprived of the basic necessities of life or are destitute.
Mehar has been formed with a vision to serve the humanity, or society at large to make this world a better place to live in for all. Fostering a society wherein women are empowered enough to lead decent life; all children are healthy, happier and enjoy their childhood rights, especially with right to education; and creating sustainable and humane society wherein all living being have access to resources and manage their livelihood.

ShashiKapoor to be consigned to flames

: Last rites ceremony of veteran actor  being performed at Santacruz crematorium.
Veteran actor Shashi Kapoor the grace of Indian film industry has left for eternal journey and his relative friends and fans are at Santacruz crematorium for his mortal remains to be consigned to flames. He has been ill from last four to five years suffering from kidney ailments.
Shashi  wife, an English actress Jennifer Kendal, died in 1984, National award winner thrice and 2014 Dadasaheb Phalke Award, is survived by his three children, Sanjana, Kunal and Karan.
Many film personalities has tweeted in mark of respect to the departed soul.
PM  Modi tweets run
Shashi Kapoor’s versatility could be seen in his movies as well as in theatre, which he promoted with great passion. His brilliant acting will be remembered for generations to come. Saddened by his demise. Condolences to his family and admirers.
A legend has passed away. Shashi Kapoor will remain in our hearts forever. My condolences to his loved ones and all his fans.
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PM Modi and Shri Rahul Gandhi Congress President tweets  are the best tributes to the legend, Suave, Adonis, vibrantly charming  star of Bollywood  remains in hearts of millions of fans across globe.
In 2011, he was honoured with the Padma Bhushan by the Government of India for his contributions to Art-Cinema,  in year 2015 Shashi Kapoor was awarded the 2014 Dadasaheb Phalke Award, making him the third member of his family to receive the highest award in Indian Cinema after Prithviraj Kapoor and Raj Kapoor.
Actor was admitted for a reported chest infection at Kokilaben Hospital, Mumbai on 3 December 2017, died on 4 December 2017 due to prolonged liver cirrhosis.
 Shashi Kapoor made his debut as a leading man in the 1961 film Dharmputra and went on to appear in 116 Hindi films, including 61 films as the solo lead hero and 55 multi star-cast films, 21 films as supporting actor and special appearances in 7 films. He was a very popular actor in Bollywood during the 60’s, 70’s and until the mid-80’s.
Shashi Kapoor  was the first Indian actor to work extensively in Hollywood films and British films along with his presence in Bollywood simultaneously .
An internationally acclaimed actor  for starring in British and American films, notably Merchant Ivory productions run by Ismail Merchant and James Ivory, such as The Householder (1963), Shakespeare Wallah (1965) (opposite his sister-in-law Felicity Kendal), Bombay Talkie (1970) and Heat and Dust (1982) in which he co-starred with his wife Jennifer Kendal, The Deceivers (1988) and Side Streets (1998). He also starred in other British and American films such as Pretty Polly (“A Matter Of Innocence” (1967)) opposite Hayley Mills,  Siddhartha (1972), Sammy and Rosie Get Laid (1987), and Muhafiz(1994). James Ivory directed Kapoor in the first Merchant Ivory production The Householder, then in Shakespeare-Wallah, Bombay Talkie and Heat and Dust while Ismail Merchant directed him in In Custody (1993).

Verhofstadt says no Brexit deal yet

Britain and the EU have yet to strike a deal on an initial Brexit divorce package, the European Parliament’s Brexit coordinator Guy Verhofstadt said on Monday. The announcement came after Verhofstadt met with the EU’s negotiator Michel Barnier. Verhofstadt put the chances of a deal when British Prime Minister Theresa May visits Brussels later in the day at 50-50. He said the Parliament was still pressing for more from London on guarantees for the rights of EU citizens in Britain, Reuters reported.

France, Germany say Iran ‘must reverse’ ballistic missile program

France and Germany agree that Iran must reverse its ballistic missile program, Reuters quoted the French foreign minister as saying on Monday. “We also have the same view on the necessity for Iran to go back on its ballistic missile program and its hegemonic temptations” across the Middle East, Jean-Yves Le Drian said at a news conference alongside his German counterpart Sigmar Gabriel. Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesman earlier on Monday said Paris should know that Iran’s missile program is not an issue that can be negotiated.

German coalition formative talks in week

Germany’s SPD leader Martin Schulz said on Monday that talks with Chancellor Angela Merkel’s conservatives about forming a government could start next week. However, the party members should give the go-ahead at the SPD congress later this week. “We’ll explore whether and how the formation of a government is possible in Germany,” Schulz said, according to Reuters. The SPD leadership has agreed to recommend to its members to enter talks with the conservatives, Schulz said.

DHS secretary nominee, votes to end debate

On Monday, the Senate voted 59-33 to invoke cloture and end the debate on the confirmation of Kirstjen Nielsen as the new Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). President Donald Trump formally nominated Nielsen to lead the agency in October, but her confirmation was delayed in November after Senate Homeland Security Committee members presented her with nearly 200 follow-up questions. Senator Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska) said Democrats were causing a “big problem” by delaying confirmations of “very, very qualified” nominees. Nielsen, who previously served as White House Chief of Staff John Kelly’s top aide at DHS, will be replacing Acting Secretary Elaine Duke, who held the position since Kelly was appointed to the White House in July.

Russia lists 9 media outlets as foreign agents

Nine media outlets have been registered as foreign agents by Russia’s Justice Ministry, in accordance with a recently passed law. The law comes in response to the US Congress’s moves towards RT America.
On Tuesday, Voice of America and Radio Free Europe / Radio Liberty, including its regional branch Radio Azatliq, along with six other outlets were recognized as foreign agents, according to the website of Russia’s Ministry of Justice.
The list also includes the Kavkaz.Realii, Krym Realii and Sibir Realii websites, the Current Time TV channel – a joint project of Voice of America and Radio Free Europe / Radio Liberty – the Radio Liberty-owned factograph.info website and IdelRealii project.

India,Germany signs G to G Umbrella Agreement and other agreements

India and Germany signs Government to Government Umbrella Agreement and other agreements

 
The Government to Government Umbrella Agreement between the Government of India and the Government of the Federal Republic of Germany concerning Financial Cooperation in 2016 (II) under the Indo-German Development Cooperation was signed today to formalize an amount up to Euro 200 million for the Financial Cooperation in form of loan for the project ‘Climate Friendly Urban Mobility III’ and Euro 11 million Accompanying measures in form of grant for four projects.

 The Agreement was signed by Mr. H.E. Dr. Martin Ney, Ambassador on behalf of the Federal Republic of Germany.   Shri S. Selvakumar, Joint Secretary, Department of Economic Affairs, Ministry of Finance signed the Agreement on behalf of the Government of India.  The Part I of the Agreement had already been signed in May, 2017.

In addition to the above, the following Loan Agreements were signed between Department of Economic Affairs with  KfW, Germany under the Indo-German Bilateral Development Cooperation :-

 (a)   Loan Agreement for the project “ Community based sustainable Forest Management – Component I Manipur” was signed with KfW, Germany for a loan of Euro  15 million.  The broad objectives of the Project are restoration of degraded forests in upper watersheds, reclamation of abandoned shifting cultivation areas, biodiversity conservation, water resources conservation and livelihood improvement of forest dependent rural tribal people in the project area.

(b)  Loan Agreement for the project “Madhya Pradesh Urban Sanitation and Environment Programme” for Euro 50 million Reduced Interest Loan and Euro 2.5 million grant. The broad objective of the Project is to improve facilities for water supply, sanitation and sewerage treatment plant in selected towns of Madhya Pradesh, improve solid and liquid waste management and disposal systems, improvement of surface drainage systems for flood mitigation in selected towns of Madhya Pradesh.

(c)  Loan Agreement for the project “Sustainable Urban Infrastructure Development Odisha – Phase II for EUR 55 Million Reduced Interest Loan with EUR 2 Million as Grant.  The basic objective of the project is to improve Urban Infrastructure by linking them with Government priority. The broad objective of the Project is to improve the urban infrastructure of Odisha and to provide better quality of life to the people.

(d)  Loan Agreement for the project “Green Energy Corridor – Intra-State Transmission System in Maharashtrafor EUR 12 million Reduced Interest loan. The broad objective of this project is to put in place a transmission system for evacuating renewable energy.

Lack of accountability risks jeopardizing progress, says UNESCO

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New Delhi, 4 December – On the 4 th December 2017,UNESCO New Delhi hosted the National Launch of UNESCO’s 2017/8 Global Education Monitoring (GEM) Report:Accountability in education: meeting our commitments, followed by a Panel discussion. Mr.Shigeru Aoyagi, Director and UNESCO Representative gave the welcome address and Mr. Shailendra Sigdel UIS Statistical Advisor moderated the Panel discussion, while Ms Satoko Yano, Chief of Education, shared the highlights of the GEM report findings. The imminent panelists included Ms Avani Kapur, Director, Accountability Initiative, Centre for Policy Research and Dr Shamika Ravi ofBrookings India. The media Q&A session was moderated by Mr Rajiv Chandran, UNIC Officer-in-Charge.
The event was attended by over 100 participants, which included experts, academicians, researchers, teachers, media, NGOs, as also other UNESCO partners working in the field of education.
UNESCO’s 2017/8 Global Education Monitoring (GEM) Report highlights the
responsibility of all education stakeholders primarily government to provide universal quality education and stresses that accountability is indispensable in achieving the goal of Sustainable Development on Education. The Report, warns that disproportionate blame on any one actor for systemic educational problems can have serious negative side effects, widening inequality and damaging learning.
“With millions of children still not going to school,and many not achieving minimum proficiency levels at school, indicates that education systems are not on track,” says Mr Shigeru Aoyagi, Director and UNESCO Representative. “The 2017/18 GEM Report shows the entire array of approaches to accountability in education and provides clear evidence on those accountability tools that are working and those that are not.
Accountability in education: meeting our commitments the second in the GEM Report  series, which monitors progress towards the internationally agreed Sustainable Development Goal for Education (SDG4), looks at the different ways people and institutions can be held accountable for reaching that goal, including regulations, testing, monitoring, audits, media scrutiny, and grass root movements.
“Education is a shared responsibility between us all– governments, schools, teachers, parents and private actors,” said former UNESCO Director-General Irina Bokova. “Accountability for these responsibilities defines the way teachers teach, students learn, and governments act. It must be designed with care and with the principles of equity, inclusion and quality in mind.”
Whereas transparency would help identify problems, only one in six governments publish annual education monitoring reports globally.

Community Approaches to Sanitation

Dec
12
The Accountability Initiative (AI) and Scaling City Institutions for India: Sanitation (SCIFI) are pleased to invite you for a conference on
Community Approaches to Sanitation
Tuesday, 12 December 2017, 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Tamarind Hall, Habitat World, India Habitat Centre
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This conference will be a unique opportunity to understand challenges and best practices in India’s WASH sector. Prominent academics, policy researchers, and practitioners will be sharing their insights as part of the event.
It attempts to bring decades of experience in sanitation policy and implementation around one table, to share learnings and provide recommendations on the issue of safe sanitation, including but not limited to the role of the Swachh Bharat Mission.
CPR also aims to build a network of researchers, to share and cross learn from the immensely valuable body of sanitation research in India and around the world.
For queries or to confirm your participation, kindly mail Devashish Deshpande at: ddeshpande@accountabilityindia.org.

Accountability Initiative (AI) at the Centre for Policy Research (CPR) advances transparent governance in India, and accountable policy implementation which can serve people’s needs. AI identifies and analyses the reasons that work against efficient public services delivery in India. AI provides the evidence to policymakers and implementers to enable decision making that is responsive to the ground reality.
Scaling City Institutions For India: Sanitation (SCI-FI: Sanitation) is a research programme at the CPR on inclusive and sustainable urban sanitation. The programme seeks to understand the reasons for poor sanitation, and to examine how these might be related to technology and service delivery models, institutions, governance and financial issues, and socio-economic dimensions. It also seeks to support national, state and city authorities develop policies and programmes for intervention with the goal of increasing access to safe and sustainable sanitation in urban areas.

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