India pledges $2.5 mn assistance to Syria

Minister of State for External Affairs Shri E. Ahamed Thursday announced Government's pledge to donate US$ 2.5 million towards humanitarian assistance to the people of Syria. He was representing India at the ‘High-level International Humanitarian Pledging Conference for Syria'.

This assistance would be in the form of life saving drugs, food and other essential items required by the people of Syria. 

He claimed that India had already processed humanitarian assistance to Syria in the form of life saving drugs and fortified biscuits. 

Expressing support to the humanitarian needs of the Syrian people, Ahamed said, “Syria has, historically and in contemporary times, been an important country in the Middle East. Its role in the Middle East peace process and in the stability of the wider region is pivotal. Thus, prolonged instability or unrest in Syria will have serious ramifications for the region and beyond.”

He added that India had been closely following the developments in Syria. Syria continues to face acute crisis as the impasse has become explosive and could engulf the region.

India strongly expressed its concern on the steep escalation of violence and called upon all sides in Syria particularly the Syrian leadership to abjure violence and resolve all issues peacefully through discussions taking into account the aspirations of the people of Syria. He stressed on India’s position to prevent outside military intervention and that the peace process should be led by Syria itself. In this regard India supported the Geneva Communiqué which included the 6-Point Plan of Kofi Annan, and welcomed the appointment of Lakhdar Brahimi as the new Joint Special Envoy.

Expressing concerns about the hardships and sufferings of the people of Syria as a result of unabated violence in Syria, he said, “Thousands of people are being displaced internally and have also fled to neighbouring countries like Turkey, Jordan, and Lebanon. India welcomes and fully supports the initiative of UN to address the need of humanitarian assistance to the Syrian people.”

He reiterated “urgent peaceful negotiations with participation of all parties taking into account the legitimate aspirations of all Syrians” as the only acceptable way to resolve the internal crisis in Syria.

The Indian Coast Guard for “Maritime Safety and Security”

The Indian Coast Guard today celebrates its 36th Anniversary; the service has grown into a multi-faceted and vibrant force, maintaining round the clock vigil in the Maritime Zones of India, by deploying its multi-role ships and aircraft.

Services which began with a modest inventory of two frigates seconded from the Indian Navy and five boats from the Customs Department, today contols a force level of 77 ships and 56 aircraft. During the past year, 01 Pollution Control Vessel, 06 Inshore Patrol Vessels, 04 Air Cushion Vessels and 02 Interceptor Boats have been inducted. In addition to the establishment of a Regional Headquarter (NE) and activation of 08 CG Stations, activation / commissioning of 03 CG Stations have been planned in early 2013.

The Indian Coast Guard today is rapidly expanding, with a large number of state-of-the-art ships, boats and aircraft under construction at various shipyards/ Public Sector units (PSUs), and a Coast Guard Academy will be established in the near future. The Coast Guard organizational structure is expected have five Regional Headquarters, 12 District Headquarters, 42 Stations and 15 Air Units functioning all along the Indian coast.

On the manpower front, the service has initiated several measures to augment its manpower namely introduction of short service appointment (SSA) for women officers in General Duty and General Duty (CPL holders) branches, departmental promotions of outstanding Subordinate Officers and conduct of special recruitments drives.

An average of 20 ships and 8-10 aircraft are tasked daily, to keep the vast Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and coastline under constant surveillance. The ICG has also set up the Coastal Surveillance Network (CSN) that comprises of network of coastal surveillance radars and electro optic sensors at 46 remote sites, including 36 on the main land, 06 in Lakshadweep Islands and 04 in Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

Regular community interaction programmes, with an aim to sensitize the fishing community with the prevalent security situation and to develop them to be “eyes and ears” for intelligence gathering, are being conducted by Indian Coast Guard in the fishing villages all along the coast. In addition, during the past year, the Indian Coast Guard conducted 20 coastal security exercises and 21 coastal security operations.

Maritime Search and Rescue in the Indian Search and Rescue Region is undertaken by the Indian Coast Guard round the clock. Untiring efforts under difficult conditions have resulted in saving of 204 lives in the last year. A total of 30 medical evacuations at sea were also undertaken by the ICG during this period.

The Indian Coast Guard is today recognized at the international level as the leading Coast Guard in the region. Institutionalized visits as per Memorandum of Cooperation/Understanding are being conducted regularly. The 12th Indo-Japan Coast Guard High Level Meeting was held on 21-24 Jan 13 at Tokyo. Japan The 8th Heads of Asian Coast Guard Meeting was held at New Delhi on 01-04 Oct 2012, which was significant, since this meeting was held for the first time in India. In addition, Indo-Pak Joint Working Group Meeting was at New Delhi held on 11-14 Jul 12, for the first time.

The Indian Coast Guard has been rapidly expanding and is witnessing all around development, in both capacity and capability. The theme of the Indian Coast Guard for the year 2013 is focused on ‘Maritime Safety and Security’ reflecting the commitment and resolve of the service.

BJP attacks Mayawati brother

BJP today targeted Mayawati brother Anand Kumar for his alleged role in acquiring wealth disproportionate to his known sources of income. 

The party accused kumar of receiving Rs. 757 crores in the five years from 2007-2012 when Ms. Mayawati was the Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh.

BJP claimed to have had submitted reports to the authorities during assembly elections in 2011 about Anand Kumar’s 76 companies and his fraudulent acquisition of money through these companies.

Kumar is believed to have unfairly and illegally exploited his relation with the Chief Minister.

National party alleged that Kumar’s companies had unexplained cash induction and he earned huge profits through sale of undisclosed and unidentified properties and sale of shares at premium rates of tinsel worth companies.

BJP raised questions as to how he got huge dividend payments on investments as low as one lakh.

Party also accused Bhartiya Samaj Party’s chief Mayawati of double speak during the debate in parliament on FDI in multi brand.

BJP demanded an enquiry into allegations on companies which are incorporated all over the country.

It also demanded Finance Ministry to issue notices to these companies and also Companies Affairs Ministry to search and seal documents of these companies.

Khurshid to visit Germany and Belgium, 28-31 Jan

The External Affairs Minister, Shri Salman Khurshid, is going to pay an official visit to Germany from 28-29 January 2013 and to Belgium on 30-31 January 2013.

During his visit to Germany, External Affairs Minister will hold bilateral discussions with German Foreign Minister, Dr. Guido Westerwelle and would call on the Chancellor of Germany, Mrs. Angela Merkel. He will also be meeting Dr. AnnetteSchavan, Minister of Education and Research and Mr. Klaus Wowereit, Mayor of Berlin.
India and Germany are celebrating 60 years of diplomatic relations.

During his visit to Belgium, External Affairs Minister will have bilateral discussions with the Belgian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Mr. Didier Reynders and with European Union's High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and the Vice President of the European Commission, Baroness Catherine Ashton.

Discussions will focus on bilateral relations as well as regional and international issues of mutual interest.

India and the European Union are bound by strong and friendly ties. India was amongst the first countries to establish diplomatic relations with the European Economic Community. Today, EU is one of our largest trading partners, and an important source of technology and home to a large and influential Indian Diaspora. Both sides endeavour to develop common approaches to address new and emerging challenges.

Germany, strategic partner of India since the year 2000, enjoys long-standing friendly relations based on common values of democracy, respect for fundamental rights and mutual trust.

India and Belgium share warm and friendly diplomatic relations, established in 1948. Bilateral relations are strengthened by regular interactions at high levels.

DAMANI -- shine on

December 16. An ordinary day. Wheels turned, horns blared and people lived yet another day. Celebrations for the upcoming Christmas day was being planned and of course the Mayans prophecy in December 2012 as end of the world was a lively debated topic.

In Delhi a young medical student and her friend watched the 'Life of Pi', window shopped in a mall and decided to head home. At the bus stop they waited. It was night time. Finally a bus pulled in. And, then the world came to a horrendous halt. A young woman's life was brutally ripped apart by 6 dastardly rapists and then thrown out on the road. Minutes agonizingly ticked by. Damini as she was later called by candle vigil holders, activists, newspapers and world over, suffered her ordeal and later in Singapore drew her last breath.

Actors, writers, poets expressed their anguish, penning lines in Damini's name. The call for justice was echoed around the world. The incident impacted strongly. Male students are still showing solidarity and making their voices heard on the pitiable plight of Indian women who live their lives in the ominous shadow of misogyny and harassment. Rapes are reported every 25 minutes in Delhi, every 1.3 minutes on an average in India. Of course, this figure does not include the unreported ones which are way too many.

Well known film celebrities, social workers, news reporters and authors have analyzed the topic underpinning the social and economic causes. Some brave young male students recently wore skirts to demonstrate their support for the Indian women protesting against the rampant rape culture. In New York the Indian community expressed support for reform. World over individuals are raising awareness on the issue of women empowerment and hoping for transformation to occur via new laws in the Indian society.

Preet Singh, a young independent artist (New Delhi) who is an underrated lyricist, music composer and a vocalist protested by doing what he knows best: released a music single 'daMANi...A Tribute. Intro lines of this song are penned by Sanjay Grover and the verses by Preet. Through music he created a powerful but needed message that behind every man's success is a woman. But behind a woman and especially an Indian woman, such as Damani, there are men thirsting for her downfall. And, brutal one at that.

Preet deliberately uses the word Damani instead of Damini. The word 'man' juxtaposed between 'da' and 'ini' eloquently underlines the stifling role of the man in a society like India's. Specifically the misogynistic Indian man who becomes an obstruction in a woman's way of life, freedom and success.

Will this song enable the harbinger of change that is required in the Indian society? Time will tell. But, if everyone reflects and becomes a channel to fight for the women who have been raped or brutalized in any form, then there's light.

On December 16, the young woman whose name was Jyoti meaning 'light' faded away. Initiatives, action, strength -- call it different ways but turning inward and becoming a strong source in enabling change will ensure that Jyoti's last moments are not forgotten.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_VY6XJCdcV8

King and Queen of Bhutan arrive in India

On an invitation by the Peresident of India, The King and Queen of Bhutan, Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck and Ashi Jetsun Pema have arrived in India today. They are on a State Visit to India from 23-30 January 2013. They are invited to be the Chief Guest for the Republic Day celebrations of 2013. 

While in India, the King of Bhutan will meet with the President of India- Pranab Mukherjee, The Vice President of India - Hamid Ansari, Prime Minister - Manmohan Singh, Chairperson of the UPA - Sonia Gandhi, Finance Minister - P Chidambaram, External Affairs Minister - Salman Khurshid, Home Minister - Sushil Kumar Shinde, and Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha - Sushma Swaraj, National Security Advisor - Shiv Shankar Menon and Foreign Secretary - Ranjan Mathai will be calling on the King of Bhutan.

“The unique and special relations between India and Bhutan are characterized by everlasting friendship, deep understanding and mutual trust. The visit of HM the King of Bhutan will contribute to further strengthening and expanding the close bilateral relations between our two countries,” said press release issued by Ministry of Home Affairs.

Mid-year economic analysis forecasts GDP growth at 5.7 % for 2012-12

Mid-year economic analysis tabled in Parliament on Monday estimated GDP growth at 5.7 to 5.9 percent for the fiscal year 2012-13 as against earlier estimated projection of 7.6 per cent. 5.7 percent GDP growth for fiscal year 2012-12 implies close to 6 percent growth rate in the second half of fiscal year against 5.4 per cent in the first half. The mid-year economic analysis is the second quarterly review.

Moderate inflation is expected to help recover GDP growth in the second half of the current year.

Report forecast stable growth and gradual recovery indicative of already stabilizing and picking up growth.

Report highlighted slower growth rate of economy at 5.4 percent, year on year, in the first half of the current fiscal year that hit all the major sectors of the economy, including agriculture, industry and services. Economy grew at an average rate of 8 percent in the last decade. Agriculture sector slowed down on account of deficient rainfall in the current year resulting in slowdown of some segments of the services sector tied to agriculture and industry.

“There is an upturn in the Business Expectations Index for the October-December quarter, the PMI index has moved up in November, there is buoyancy in capital markets, there are improved internal accruals in the corporate sector, and there is some pick up in manufacturing, as reflected by 8.2 per cent growth in IIP in October 2012 vis-à-vis October 2011,” said report.

The report said the Government is continuously monitoring the fiscal situation and it announced the roadmap for fiscal consolidation that aims at containing the fiscal deficit at 5.3 per cent of GDP in the current year and reducing it to 4.8 per cent in the year 2013-14. It aims to further reduce it by 0.6 percentage points each year in the next three years i.e. from 4.2 per cent in 2014-15 to 3 per cent in 2016-17. In order to contain the rising subsidy burden, Government raised diesel prices and capped subsidised LPG cylinders to consumers and placed great emphasis on expenditure cuts, and realisation of budgeted revenues.

Report attributed negative growth of merchandise exports and imports from the third quarter of 2011-12 to slowdown in the global and the domestic economy. While the former affected the exports, latter resulted in the slowdown of imports. The trade deficit in April-October 2012 was US $ 110 billion as against US $ 106.8 for April-October 2011. The large trade deficit is attributed primarily to slow growth in export markets, the inelastic nature of imports, and rising prices of crude oil and gold. The higher trade deficit led to large current account deficit that stood at 4.2 per cent of GDP in 2011-12 notwithstanding an increase in the surplus on net invisibles account. The current account deficit is expected to be around 3.7 per cent in the current financial year. 

Report put foreign exchange reserves at US $ 295.3 billion at the end of October 2012, as against US $ 294.4 billion at the end of March 2012. External debt increased by nearly US $ 40 billion between end of March 2010-11 and end of March 2011-12. External debt was US $ 349.5 billion at the end of June 2012.

Mamata launches campaign for panchayat elections

West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee today launched her campaign for the upcoming panchayat elections in the state from Purulia.

She is on a three-day tour to the Maoist- infested Jangalmahal and addressed a public gathering at Hutmora under Purulia district today.

Banerjee assured the gathering at Hutmura of more loans, roads construction and employment, and requested for additional six months to provide more benefits to people.

She circuitously asked people not to support CPIM which still controls Purulia zilla parishad and appealed for votes to bring Trinomial Congress to power. She promised government’s support to those who fight terrorism.

At the same time, Banerjee attacked the UPA government of depriving central assistance to the state.

"The Centre wants us to die of hunger but as long as we are in power in the state, we will not let that happen. We may be poor, but not beggars," she said.

"We know how to get back our rights," she added.

Trinamool supremo promised to assist farmers with tractors and agriculture inputs even if her government failed to secure financial assistance from central government.

Given price hike in diesel, she promised to make available electricity for irrigation.

"We will build our own resources to sustain our agriculture," she held.

She claimed her government achieved many things in the last one and a half years despite severe fund constraint.

"I challenge the opposition to charge me with defamation if I have given any false promise to the people," said firebrand leader.

She also accused a section of the media of maligning her government and urged the people not to give credence to false reports against the government.

Gujarat BJP releases manifesto for assembly poll

Gujarat BJP today released the party manifesto for the 2012 Gujarat State Assembly Elections. Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi, Leader of the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha Shri Arun Jaitley, Gujarat BJP President Shri RC Faldu and BJP National Vice President Shri Purushottam Rupala were present at the occasion.

Describing manifesto as a blue print for the next 5 years, Modi said it’s not just mere promises but a strong commitment towards development.

Considering the emergence of neo middle class, Modi said the manifesto is designed to take special care of the class.

“Sankalp Patra (manifesto) not only talk about youth development but also youth led development,” he added.

The Chief Minister stated that the Sankalp Patra gives importance to Skill, Scale and Speed.

Manifesto promises to develop comprehensive approach for promotion and development of sports in Gujarat.

It focuses on providing state wide Wi-Fi network, women development, agriculture, smoother milk production process and increase in land under irrigation.

It also pledges to set up Lake and Wetland Authority.

Manifesto encourages youth education by undertaking that State Government will become guarantor for youngsters who seek loans to start new initiatives.

Sony launches new Hybrid Ultrabook PC - VAIO Duo 11

 Sony India today launched the next generation of Hybrid Ultrabook PC- VAIO Duo 11; the PC that turns into a smart, intuitive touchscreen tablet.

With its premium Surf Slide design, VAI Duo 11 PC switches smoothly between Tablet to PC modes.

Powered by latest generation Intel Core processor, Vaio Duo may be used as tablet to browse web or fully featured PC by sliding out the keyboard.

VAI Duo 11 allows user to make notes, sketch diagrams or ring key points on presentation by touching and scribbling on screen. Smart text recognition allows users to quickly convert handwritten notes to text for easy archiving and searches.

VAI Duo 11 is complemented with ports and interfaces including Bluetooth Smart Ready, USB 3.0, USB Sleep Charge to charge USB charging devices like mobiles or music players on the go; even when the PC power is off, HDMI, Ethernet and VGA video ports..

VAI Duo 11 unique headphone comes with Digital noise cancelling feature. 

Sony provides three new apps to be downloaded for free - The ‘Music’ application, The ‘Album’ 

application and combination of these two applications which allow users to ‘throw’ or stream personal photos, video and music content to enjoy on DLNA compatible large screen TV and audio systems.

Optional accessories include a screen protection cover and carrying case that protects VAI Duo 11.

VAI Duo 11 hybrid Ultrabook PC will be available in India across Sony Centers, VAIO flagship stores and other major electronic and IT stores.

Model	Colour	Price	Availability
SVD11213CNB	Gun Metal	Rs. 89,990	End of Dec’12