CSE Report:High Trans fat cause of concern

31.03.2012 20:01:13 - by sagarmedia on March 31, 2012
A little knowledge is very dangerous so is High Trans fat cause of concern a report generated from Center for Science and Environment (CSE) is shocking facts.CSE lab offered its report to selective media could be cause of concern but the manner in which it explains the cause is too is concerned for media those who understands science with respect to chemistry and physics the former is material science and later is more or less experiential and more mathematical plus operation science.Trans fat is the common name for unsaturated fat with trans-isomer E-isome fatty acids. Term refers to the configuration of a double carbon-carbon bond, hydrogen-hydrogen bonds.Trans fats are sometimes monounsaturated or polyunsaturated, but never saturated. Trans fats are rare in living nature, but can occur in food production processes.Consumption of trans fats increases the risk of coronary heart disease by raising levels of LDL cholesterol and lowering levels of "good" HDL cholesterol.

(live-PR.com) - When any lab claims to put the facts before the media it needs to adhere to some important norms of the fact it is producing.One experiments each of the sample and to conclude with some ideation of hypothesis to law can never be formulated in science. The experiments are ought to be conducted under the observation of neutral media persons
in complete know of the two sciences and test being conducted not in solo or mono test but be conducted simultaneous with multiple formats like simple titration and computerized or in mechanized along with more labs tech taking up the cause and the results are to be compared and the operational,comparative study is made with consultation of not in a day but consultative days are fixed to come to a conclusions with practical study.WHO and national norms may or may not be the same as are different in category of palatable water.
Food poisoning is cause of concern not only with adulteration but because of people in business with ignorance and poor quality of chemicals,preservatives used without adding its supplement or complement to the food.The preparation and the consumption of the food too has its own vital role to play.

Report by CSE on trans fat on fast food needs more explanation and ought to be consumed with care as the snacks but not in daily routine as even the normal food of one dish daily too spoils health food needs to be consumed in variety with season and not sticking to one category of dish.We need more labs,NGO and other people coming forward along with CSE to make it comprehensive and holistic study rather than of one's own affirmative and but produce more voluble tenable prepositions.In spite of study shortcomings it needs to ne complimented for their solo effort.

Our body has millions of minute particles in form of cells,molecules,other chemicals and ions which are allotted various functions to keep our body toned up with process of converting the food into simpler physical particles to chemical particles with electrolysis,chemically, oxidization,hydration,to a gaseous state and then in atomic and inoic formation and the even to some the sunshine is cause of concern with ozone too playing its adverse role on the body with natural radioactive particles in the environment along with modern man made communication gadgets we are using contain all types of infra and ultra rays which needs to be studied in details.

Contact information:
Sagar Media Inc



Contact Person:
Naresh Kumar Sagar
Chairman
Phone: 9810974027

India, Brazil ink six pacts

India and Brazil have signed six pacts on Friday to enhance mutual cooperation in the areas of Science and Technology.

The agreements were for executive program on cultural exchange, Technical cooperation and bio technology. An MoU was also inked to provide scholarship to Brazilian students in India.

Earlier, visiting Brazilian President Dilma Rouseff held talks with Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh on important bilateral and multilateral issues.

Later addressing media Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh said that both countries will ensure more consultations on global issues including on UN reform.

Dr Singh also assured Brazilian President that will give its full support to the Rio+20 summit on the sustainable development.

Brazilian President said that bilateral trade between both the countries will reach 15 billion dollar in next three years, a jump of 50 percent from the existing trade.

Brazilian President Dilma Rouseff, who is on a state visit to India was given a ceremonial welcome at Rashtrapati Bhawan.

Earlier, she also visited Rajghat and paid tribute to father of the nation Mahatma Gandhi.

Combined Medical Services Examination, 2012

Combined Medical Services Examination, 2012

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) will hold  the Combined Medical Services Examination, 2012 on 17th June, 2012.  The examination will be held at various Centers across the country.             Candidates are required to apply only through online mode.  No other mode is allowed for submission of application.  For details regarding the Eligibility Conditions, Syllabus and Scheme of the examination, Centers of examination, Guidelines for filling up online application form etc., aspirants must refer to the Detailed Notice of the examination published in the Employment News/Rozgar Samachar dated  24th March, 2012  or the UPSC website  www.upsc.gov.in

Mar

31

"Dinners with Barack"

"Michelle Obama"

Add sender to Contacts

To:

Nksagar_1@yahoo.com

There's one thing I forgot to mention:

If you chip in to support the campaign before the big deadline tomorrow, you'll also be automatically entered to have dinner with my husband.

I had the chance to go to one of these "Dinners with Barack" just a few weeks back -- and trust me, you don't want to miss out on it.

Make a donation of $3 or whatever you can here:

https://donate.barackobama.com/Saturday-Dinner-Deadline

Thank you,

Michelle

Mar 31

Edit

Smriti wins seventh title:Hero Women’s Pro Tour

by sagarmedia on March 31, 2012

Mumbai, March 30: Smriti Mehra could afford to drop a lot of shots and still win by a big three-shot margin to win the 15^th and final leg of the Hero Women’s Professional Golf Tour on Friday. The veteran star shot 79, including a two bogeys and a double bogey in the last three holes, to finish the week at six-over 216.
Smriti was three clear of Nalini Singh Siwach (74), who overhauled a fast-approaching Neha Tripathi to finish second. Nalini totaled 219, while Neha (71) was third at 220.
 Shraddhanjali Singh (75) and Saaniya Sharma (77) were tied for fourth at 221. Nikki Ponappa (76) was sixth at 228 and was one of the two players to land an eagle on the final day. The other one was Neha, also on the par-5 fourth hole.
 Smriti, who began the day seven shots ahead of Saaniya, opened with six pars before finding a double bogey. She then had a triply on the par-4 ninth. On the back nine, she birdied the 10^th, but bogeyed the 11^th. Then followed four pars and a bogey on 16^th, a double on 17^th and another bogey on 18^th.
This was Smriti’s seventh title of the season from among 15 events and it also saw her finish the season on top of the Money List. Nalini Singh won three events and was second on the merit list.

POSCO Judgment of National Green Tribunal

by sagarmedia on March 31, 2012

On March 30, 2012, the National Green Tribunal held in Prafulla Samantra and Anr. vs Union of India and Ors. that the 31.1.2011 final order of the Environment Ministry – permitting the POSCO project to go ahead with certain conditions – should be suspended until a full review of the project can be undertaken (by specialists with fresh terms of reference). The NGT Bench consisted of Justice C.V. Ramulu, Judicial Member, and Dr. Devendra Kumar Agarwal, Expert Member.

The tribunal has observed that, “A close scrutiny of the entire scheme … reveals that a project of this magnitude particularly in partnership with a foreign country has been dealt with casually, without there being any comprehensive scientific data regarding the possible environmental impacts. No meticulous scientific study was made on each and every aspect of the matter leaving lingering and threatening environmental and ecological doubts un-answered.” (para 7, page 22)

It has also seriously questioned the appointment of Ms. Meena Gupta as the chairperson of the review committee which was set up by the MoEF in 2010. The judgement states that Ms. Gupta’s appointment was “definitely hit by personal / official / departmental bias, in other words, she supported the decision made by her earlier. This is in gross violation of principles of natural justice.” (para 6.9 page 22)

Key Directions of the Green Tribunal

The Tribunal has directed a “fresh review of the Project” (para 8.1) that has to look at the problems noted in this judgment as well as the majority and minority reports of the earlier Enquiry Committee (see list of dates), etc. In particular it has to look at:

Land and infrastructure: The clearance was given for a 4 million tonnes per annum (MTPA) steel plant, but the land, water etc. were allocated for a 12 MTPA project (which has been POSCO’s stated plan). The judgment directs MoEF to “consider optimizing the total land requirement for 4 MTPA steel plant proportionately.”(para 8.5) Moreover, the impacts of other infrastructure for the plant have not been assessed at all, even though they were planned for a 12 MTPA plant.

Issues that should have been done now, but which MoEF left for future studies: On several points highlighted by the review committee, the MoEF just said future studies should be done and ignored the issue. The Tribunal finds this deeply unsatisfactory, and notes the following among other issues:

Water: The Tribunal said that “We are all aware that … the drinking water is becoming scarce commodity and at every level precaution needs to be taken for protecting the drinking water supply to human habitation and preventing from utilizing such water for industrial use … alternative water source for the present project, like creating/ constructing a small barrage or augmenting any other existing source at the cost of project proponent to avoid the utilizing the water meant for Cuttack city… could be examined.” (para 7.4, page 29)

Pollution: The plant’s discharge was also left for future study by MoEF. The Tribunal says this is a “serious environmental concern.” (para 7.4, page 30)

Impact on surrounding wetlands and mangroves, as well as cyclone risk: This was left for vague future studies without any time frame or modus operandi. In addition, the Ministry has to frame a policy to ensure large projects are assessed in full for a single clearance (rather than being allowed to get piecemeal clearances for each component, as in this case) and for their full capacity at the start (paras 8.7,8.9). It also has to do a strategic assessment of the ports in Orissa. (para 8.8)

POSCO and the government sought to argue that the case cannot be filed as the original clearances were given in 2007 (and, incidentally, will expire in May/July this year). The Tribunal held that the 2011 order can still be looked at even if the 2007 ones cannot be; it therefore directed review and suspension of the 2011 order.

POSCO and/or the government can appeal this decision in the Supreme Court. Meanwhile, MoEF has to constitute a review committee of subject specialists (para 8.3), define timelines for compliance with conditions (para 8.4), establish a committee for monitoring compliance with these conditions (para 8.4). No work can start on the project until the review process is over.

The case was argued by Sr. Adv. Raj Punjwani, Adv. Ritwick Dutta and Adv. Rahul Choudhary for the petitioners.

Key Events

• June 2005: POSCO, Orissa government sign MoU for 12 million tonne steel plant, private port and captive iron ore mines. Protests begin in steel plant area and area is cordoned off by peaceful protesters.
• May 2007: Environmental clearance for port granted by Environment Ministry, then under A. Raja.
• July 2007: Environmental clearance for plant granted by Environment Ministry, then under PM. Secretary is Meena Gupta. Protests continue in the face of violent attacks and numerous arrests.
• December 2009: Forest clearance granted for taking over forest land by Environment Ministry, then under Jairam Ramesh.
• August 2010: Forest clearance suspended following complaints of violations of law, and Enquiry Committee constituted under Meena Gupta.
• October 2010: Three member majority of enquiry committee gives report saying environmental and forest clearances illegal. Meena Gupta dissents, holds clearances legal but recommends additional study and time to ensure compliance.
• January 31, 2011: Environment Ministry disregards both majority and minority reports, upholds environment and forest clearances, while prescribing some additional conditions (mostly consisting of additional studies to be done in future).
• June 2011: Prafulla Samantray challenges final order in National Green Tribunal.
• March 31, 2012: Green Tribunal judgment.

For further information:

Prafulla Samantray, activist and petitioner in this case, 09437259005

Prashant Paikray, POSCO Pratirodh Sangram Samiti, 09437571547

Kanchi Kohli, activist, 9811903112, kanchikohli@gmail.com

Shankar Gopalakrishnan, Campaign for Survival and Dignity, 9873657844, shankargopal@myfastmail.com

Hottest Career Options For Indian Freshers

By SiliconIndia  Wednesday, 28 March 2012,

Bangalore: If you are a fresher and is wondering that, which are the career options you must opt, to achieve success, then you should definitely know that the job market in India is growing with time as in today every sector creates a new field of opportunities for Indian professionals. One should definitely know that in order to earn a good salary for a comfortable and a great living there are various career options available in India for Fresher’s which they should opt according to their own interest and preferences in order to fulfill their ambition.  We list down some of the upcoming hottest career options for freshers in India apart from Medical, engineering and management.

1. Fashion: Are you a creative person who loves designing? If yes, then you should definitely opt for a career in fashion as the recent job market demands for professionals in this field for the various industries. You can also choose to specialize in the number of options that the field of fashion designing offers like accessories, footwear or clothing, apparels for men, kids or women, interior designing, merchandising and many more. It is reported that the demand of skilled and talented professionals in this world will highly be in demand in the forthcoming years because there will be more fashion designer jobs in the market.

2. Media and Entertainment: The Media and entertainment industry in India is one of the fastest growing industries, where the jobs are flourishing. Therefore there is a great demand of professionals like radio jockey, news reporter, anchor, cameraman, editor, musician, video technologist, media planner, soundman, public relation officer etc. One can opt for any career options in the media and entertainment industry according to his/her taste and preferences. You can also earn big bucks in this industry as some of the careers in this sector are high profile which is also sure to give you lots of public attention. 

3. Hospitality: Remember that the travel, tourism and hotel sectors in India are in constant need of trained professionals. Hence you can select a number of career options that this field offers which includes management trainee, customer relation executive, marketing/sales executive, catering officer, chefs, flight kitchen, housekeeping management, kitchen management, fast food chains and related industries. You can also chase for a career in the national and international airlines.

4. Law: Throughout the world the legal profession is considered to be the most adventurous as well as exciting career. If you wish to opt for a career in this sector, then you should definitely know that it is one of the most growing and a rewarding profession. You can select to specialize in the various options that the field provides like law, civil law, international law, labor law, patent law, tax law, and criminal law.

5. Government Services:  If you prefer to work in the field that guarantees maximum job security then you should definitely opt for a career in the government sector, which is the most secured career. One can earn good pay packages and enjoy life with the number of facilities the government job provides like medical facility, government accommodation etc. The government sector offers career options for every kind of qualifications be it in the field’s science commerce or arts. One needs to clear the tests that are a part of the recruitment process in order to bag a job in this sector. Government offices and organizations, ministries, parliament, rural development sector and public sector have various job openings which you can opt for.

Fonterra charted over 100 projects in S America,Africa,China,Asean,MiddleEast

With demand of milk outstripping supply among aspiring middle classes in China, Asia and Latin America, the Fonterra company has formulated a strategy to invest overseas to expand its footprint. Sharing details of its "Group Strategy Refresh", which aims to grow volumes and value by focusing more tightly on emerging markets and products that meet growing consumer demand for dairy nutrition, Spierings said.

"Strong economic and population growth in emerging markets is driving a situation where global demand for milk is forecast to grow by more than 100 billion litres by 2020, with New Zealand expected to contribute only 5 billion litres of additional supply by that date," he said.

Stressing on raising volumes to protect its position as the world's leading dairy exporter, the company has charted over 100 projects - many of which are already underway. World's largest dairy exporter Fonterra Cooperative Group Ltd. is planning overseas expansion to focus more strongly on fast growing markets in China, ASEAN, Latin America, Middle East and Africa. Fonterra already has established businesses in these regions, so it is a case of really building on these and driving growth with greater intensity, Fonterra chief executive Theo Spierings said Thursday releasing the interim results.

Spierings said global dairy prices remained relatively strong despite a recent slide as more milk production by rivals reached markets.

Iraq annual Arab summit

U.S. State Department spokesman Mark Toner congratulated Iraq on the summit.

"From what we've seen, (it was) a success. They did talk about Syria and voiced their very strong support for Kofi Annan's efforts," he said. "All indications are that it has gone well and that Iraq should be proud of what it's been able to accomplish in recent years. And we believe the hosting of this summit is indicative of its positive role in the region and among the community of nations."

Iraq summit opened with  ten heads of state from the Arab League's 22 members attended, with the rest sending lower-level officials. Notable  the absences of the rulers of Saudi Arabia, Qatar and most other Gulf countries, as well Morocco and Jordan  all of them headed by Sunni monarchs who deeply distrust the close ties between Baghdad's Shiite-dominated government and their top regional rival, Iran.
 Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki addressing  to the gathering, urged restraint, saying Baghdad opposes any military intervention and citing his country's years of turmoil as an example of what happens when outside forces get involved in national struggles. U.S. forces left Iraq just over 100 days ago after nearly nine years of war and occupation."Iraq is afraid of the attempts to militarize the Arab uprisings, because this will deviate them from the right course and push toward the wrong position," al-Maliki said. "Dialogue between the government and the opposition is the right option to solve the crisis."

Iraq's hosting of the annual summit for the first time since 1990 was touted by Baghdad officials as a victory in their efforts to show the country is moving toward stability after years of sectarian fighting that almost tipped the nation into civil war. Thousands of security forces cleared the streets and locked down the capital in one of the quietest weeks in years, although officials said two Katyusha rockets hit near the fortified Green Zone where the summit was held just as diplomats convened. No casualties were reported.

  Egypt and Yemen two countries whose rulers fell last year did not attend, a sign  of their continuing domestic troubles.First session was dominated by the uprising in Syria, where the U.N. says more than 9,000 people have been killed in the regime's yearlong crackdown on its political opponents. The regime has sent tanks and troops into Syrian cities and towns, saying the country was under attack from the armed groups.

Assad has accepted a peace plan put forward by U.N.-Arab League envoy Kofi Annan, which calls for a cease-fire. But the Syrian opposition and many Arab governments are skeptical Assad will implement it, believing he is just playing for time. Assad said Thursday that armed rebels must also commit to a cease-fire.

The summit's final resolution called on Assad's regime to "immediately implement" Annan's proposals. It also said Arab leaders fully support the "legitimate aspirations of the Syrian people to democracy and freedom and their right to determine their future." Media agencies

Union Govt withdraws Gou Maans (Beef) Exports

New Delhi, March 29, 2012
In 12th Planning Commission of Union Govt recommendations, it was proposed
that the ban on Gou Maans (Beef) Exports be lifted. Right now there has
been a ban on both imports & exports of Gou Maans. Gou Maans Exports
encouragement by the Union Govt would have surely got more & more Cows
butchered. Sadhu-Sants, VHP, other Hindu Organizations & Hindus in Bharat
opposed it totally. In VHP’s nation-wide campaign the demand was made not
to allow such a brutal proposal to go through. Govt has issued a press note
on March 16, 2012 that there would not be Gou Maans – Beef – exports.

This has become a habit of the Govt to make decisions hurting Hindus & only
when Hindus take to streets, to withdraw them. From Rameshwaram Ram Sethu
to Amarnath & from Law against superstition in Maharashtra – there are many
such examples. Instead of keeping on hurting the majority to appease
minority, Union Govt & all state Govts must care for majority sentiments &
well-being for the betterment of Bharat.

Therefore, we demand that the Union Govt passes the bill of the law banning
Gou Hatya (Cow Slaughter) TOTALLY. The final draft for this Bill is getting
ready & we will be sending it to the Union Govt in a short while to be
passed in a specific time line. Those who are interested in suggesting
significant points can send their suggestions to contacthhl@gmail.com

We also demand that the states that yet do not have law against cow
slaughter, must pass the law immediately. The states those have the law
must implement it strictly as despite the law, in many states cows are
still being captured illegally, transported in trucks & butchered. Gou
Rakshaks who try to stop the trucks or stop cows being butchered are sent
to jail and even killed but the butchers are not punished! We demand that
no cow / cow progeny be killed in Bharat anywhere by anyone.

Furore in both houses over Telangana, Setusamudram

Furore in Parliament propelled the adjournement on Thursday as members belonging to various parties created uproar over issues like Telangana statehood, Setusamudram project, Cauvery Water dispute and drought-like situation in Karnataka.As soon as the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha met for the day, Congress, BJP, TRS, TDP and Shiv Sena members raised these issues forcefully.

The Lok Sabha was adjourned till noon and the Rajya Sabha for 15 minutes and then till noon.

Soon after an obituary reference in the Lok Sabha, members from different parties walked into the Well to raise their demands.

TRS and some Congress members from Andhra Pradesh held placards and raised slogans demanding formation of Telangana state.

Some members also raised the Setusamudram issue and demanded that the project be implemented.

BJP members from Karnataka held placards demanding "Justice for Karnataka in Cauvery river Water Dispute". They, however, stood outside the Well and raised slogans. The party is pressing for a relief package for the drought-like conditions in the state.

BJP had given a notice for suspension of the Question Hour on the issue.
Earlier, these MPs staged a protest before Mahatma Gandhi statue outside Parliament House.

Shiv Sena members, along with some BJP MPs from Maharashtra, demanded that the Rs 2,606 crore package for Vidarbha be implemented.

Similar scenes were witnessed in the Rajya Sabha which was adjourned twice during Question Hour.

When the House met for the day, DMK members were on their feet displaying banners that read: "Implement Setusamudram Project".

M Venkaiah Naidu (BJP) said Setusamudram should be declared a national heritage.

Chairman Hamid Ansari asked members not to display banner and resume their places so that Question Hour can be taken up.

As Gundu Sudha Rani (TDP) started moving towards the Well with a banner in support of Telengana, Ansari adjourned the House for 15 minutes.

When the House reassembled, similar scenes were witnessed and the Chair adjourned it till noon.

SC gives time to Centre to decide on nat monument status for Ram Setu

SC gives time to Centre to decide on nat monument status for Ram Setu

The Centre was granted more time by the Supreme Court to decide whether the mythological Ram Setu could be declared a national monument.

Appearing before a bench headed by Justice H L Dattu on Thursday, Additional Solicitor General (ASG) Haren Raval submitted that consultation was needed on the issue with the competent authority and sought more time to file an affidavit on it.

"Take a decision whether or not to", the bench said, while granting the government two weeks time to take a decision. The bench then posted the matter for further hearing on 19^th April.

The bench was hearing a petition filed by Janata Party President Subramanian Swamy seeking the court's direction to declare Ram Setu a national monument.

Earlier, the bench had on 27^th March directed the government to file an affidavit regarding its decision within two days.

"If you say you don't want to file counter affidavit, we can go ahead with the arguments in the case," the bench had said.

The case relating to Ram Setu came under judicial scrutiny after a batch of petitions were filed in the apex court challenging the ambitious Sethusamudram project, which was alleged to cause damage to the mythological bridge.

Sethusamudram project is aimed at constructing a shorter navigational route around India's southern tip by breaching the mythological Ram Setu, said to have been built by Lord Rama's army of monkeys and bears to the demon king Ravana's kingdom Lanka.

As per the Sethusamudram project, the shipping channel is proposed to be 30 metres wide, 12 metres deep and 167 kms long.

India for avoiding political disruptions that hit trade flow

India for avoiding political disruptions that hit trade flow

India has pitched for avoiding political disruptions that create volatilities in global energy markets affecting trade flow as the BRICS Summit began in New Delhi to discuss ways to enhance intra-BRICS trade and review the situation in the region. Addressing the fourth BRICS Summit, Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh also said that the grouping has agreed to examine in "greater detail" a proposal to set up a South-South Development bank, funded and managed by BRICS and other developing countries. He also urged member countries to speak in one voice on key issues such as UNSC reforms. The Summit is being attended by Brazilian president Dilma Roussef, Chinese president Hu Jintao, South African president Jacob Zuma and Russian president Dmitry Medvedev besides Singh. The BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa) represent over 40 per cent of the world's population and the leaders of the five countries discussed ways to enhance intra-BRICS trade and review the situation in the region. "We must avoid political disruptions that create volatilities in global energy markets and affect trade flow... We must ensure policy coordination to revive economic growth," he said. On UNSC reforms, Dr. Singh suggested that BRICS countries should speak in one voice on issues such as reforms of the international body. He also said in their restricted session, the grouping also discussed the ongoing turmoil in West Asia and agreed to work together for a peaceful resolution of the crisis. Touching upon the issue of terrorism, Dr. Singh said the countries should enhance cooperation against terrorism and other developing threats such as piracy, particularly emanating from Somalia. Emphasising that the global situation presents a mixed picture, Dr. Singh said responses to these challenges by different countries may be different, "but there is much common interest that binds us together". "We are all affected by the global economic slowdown, the volatility in food and energy prices, the challenge of reconciling growth with environmental objectives, the political uncertainty in West Asia and the rise of terrorism and extremism." “Our responses to these challenges may be different, but there is much common interest that binds us together," he said. He cited ten specific issues which he believed concerned all the member countries including creating jobs, energy and food security, revival of global growth, breathing life to Doha round of trade negotitions and facilitation of funds for infrastructure development. Commenting on India's need to generate 8-10 million jobs every year in the next decade, Dr. Singh said India would like to learn from the experiences of other BRICS countries on how they are dealing with these problems. He also sought "room to cooperate internationally" on issues like energy, food and water security, saying "it is clear that constraints such as the availability of energy and food for countries that account for more than 40% of the world population can impede the entire story." "Water is another critical area of scarcity which needs much greater attention than it has received thus far. We have much to learn from each other in how to handle these problems, and there is also room to cooperate internationally," Dr. Singh said. He also urged the member countries as members of G-20 that they must together ensure that appropriate solutions are found to help Europe help itself and to ensure policy coordination that can revive global growth. "As large and diverse economies, we should make a special effort to find ways to exploit intra-BRICS complementarities. We should promote greater interaction amongst our business communities. Issues such as easier business visas must be prioritised. As large trading countries, BRICS have a strong interest in removing barriers to trade and investment flows and avoiding protectionist measures," Dr. Singh said. "To revive global demand and growth, developing countries need access to capital, particularly for infrastructure development. We must address the important issue of expanding the capital base of the World Bank and other Multilateral Development Banks to enable these institutions to perform their appropriate role in financing infrastructure development," Dr. Singh said. Seeking improvement in global governance, the Prime Minister said BRICS should speak with one voice on important issues such as the reform of the UN Security Council. "BRICS countries must also work together to address deficiencies in global governance. Institutions of global political and economic governance created more than six decades ago have not kept pace with the changing world. While some progress has been made in international financial institutions, there is lack of movement on the political side," Dr. Singh said. He emphasised on the need to reduce energy intensity of GDP by promoting energy efficiency and developing clean energy sources. This calls for greater investments in research and development, sharing of best practices, and encouraging transfer of technology, he said. The BRICS nations had during their last summit in Sanya in China signed a framework agreement to enable them to grant credit in local currencies. Though the BRICS countries have sharply varying political systems, they share some common geopolitical, economic and trading interests. BRICS has no fixed agenda, but on certain issues like reform of the United Nations; greater representation in Bretton Woods institutions; managing global financial crisis and boosting intra-BRICS trade and cooperation, they mostly have common positions. BRICS account for 26 per cent of the world's landmass and 42 per cent of the global population, including India and China, two of the world's most populous countries. It accounts for 40 per cent of global GDP (USD 18.486 trillion) and its proportion is rapidly increasing. The first BRICS Summit was held in Yekaterinburg, Russia (2009), followed by Brasilia (2010) and Sanya, China (2011).

Lahiri leads by one after a tough opening day at Panasonic Open

By sagarmedia on March 29, 2012 | Leave a Comment | Edit

Defending champion and Panasonic’s Brand Ambassador Anirban Lahiri
overcame all the challenges that the Delhi Golf Club presented by
getting off to a great start on the opening day in rather tough
conditions in the Panasonic Open India 2012. Bringing home the only
card under 70 with a three-under 69, Lahiri was one clear of a group
of seven players tied for second at 70 at the Delhi Golf Club on
Thursday.
It was a fine day for the local contingent, as four other Indians,
Shankar Das, Ashok Kumar, Sanjay Kumar and Digvijay Singh shot 70
each, and three other Indians SSP Chowrasia, Jyoti Randhawa and Om
Prakash Chouhan carded 71 each. There were a total of 14 Indians in
top 25, who were even par or better.
Lahiri knocked in five birdies, three of them from close to 20 feet,
and had just two bogeys, both times missing short par putts. There
were two other birdie misses from less than eight feet.
Das, sixth at the SAIL-SBI Open last month at the same venue, could
also have gone under 70 as he stood at three-under 16 holes, but he
made missed a short par putt on eighth and ended at 70.
Randhawa, starting on the tenth, had a birdie on 11th, but three
successive bogeys from 15th to 17th saw him turn in two-over. Then
after the turn, Randhawa was a changed player. Coming to terms with
the windy conditions, he found birdies on third, fifth and seventh and
with no more bogeys, he was under-par at 71, which in the morning
session was a fine score on such a day.
Towards the end of the evening, Sanjay Kumar, who had a bogey-bogey
start also finished at 70 with three birdies on the back nine.
Chowrasia, starting from the back nine, had two birdies on either side
of the course and three bogeys for his 71. “I had a birdie on 11th and
then a give-in on par-5 14th, where I hit my third shot to two feet
and then had good birdies on first and sixth. That bogey on 18th was a
bit disappointing, but overall it was a good score on a difficult
day.”
Trying to avoid the traffic restrictions on account of the BRIC Summit
in the capital, Lahiri, who had an afternoon tee-off, arrived at the
club early in the morning. “When I came in the morning, the conditions
were okay, but it was much harder playing in the afternoon. I remember
going for a bite and came back out and the conditions were entirely
different. It was tough. Peter (Karmis) and Pariya (Junhasavasdikul)
were playing good but it only took one shot to turn things around,” he
said.
“When the conditions are like these you don’t have options. You can
only hit one shot especially if the winds are blowing 30 or 40
kilometres per hour. It was all about execution and not much about
strategy. The conditions dictated your strategy. Given the wind, you
had to hit your shots low and try not to fight the wind as much as
possible.”
He added, “I hit a lot of good golf shots. To be quite fair, I missed
a couple of shots on the front nine and made a lot of putts on the
back so that even things out. If anything, I would have liked to
finish the last hole with a birdie. I hit a perfect tee shot but hit
my approach shot short of the green.  I was very lucky on the 16th
hole. I could have gone seven or eight feet past the hole. I’m happy I
caught a break here and there.”
Manav Jaini, one of the local DGC lads, had the steadiest round with
18 pars in his 72, while Chiragh Kumar, who was a runner-up at the
Indian Open at this venue pulled out midway because of ankle injury.
Another one pulling out due to a shoulder injury was Adam Blyth. Also
Suffering in tough conditions on the opening was Rikard Karlberg (76),
who has twice won at the DGC, as also DGC veteran Ali Sher (77) and
Thaworn Wiratchant (74), all of whom have tasted wins at the DGC.

Chilean President Sebastian Pinera calls on Japan to join TPP

 

Chilean President Sebastian Pinera has emphasized the benefits of Japan’s full participation in the Trans-Pacific Partnership free trade deal.The visiting president spoke to NHK in Tokyo. Chile is one of the 4 countries that first proposed the TPP.
Pinera said Japan’s participation not only has great significance for itself, but also for all countries involved in the TPP. The President said it is better for Japan to get involved before members agree on a framework because it can discuss and negotiate the outline of the trade deal’s structure.
Pinera also said it’s uncertain whether the 9 countries currently in the negotiations can reach a broad agreement to strike a deal this year.He said that differences remain in areas such as intellectual property and service trade.

Arab league summit to open in Baghdad 

By sagarmedia on March 28, 2012 | Leave a Comment | Edit

First Arab League Summit in Iraq in for more than 2 decades opens in Baghdad on Thursday.The summit gives the nation, devastated by two wars, the chance to show it is stable and rebuilding, following the full withdrawal of US forces in December.
But that stability does not come easily. Some 100,000 security troops are deployed in Baghdad, effectively blockading the capital to protect it against extremists.
Iraq has seen a string of terrorist incidents ahead of its first league summit in 22 years. More than 40 people died in a series of car bombs last week alone.
Violent crackdowns on civilians and rebel forces by the Syrian government of President Bashar al-Assad is expected to dominate the summit’s agenda.
The Arab League foreign ministers meeting in Baghdad on Wednesday has also highlighted differences within the group.
Libya, which toppled the government of late leader Muammar Qadhafi last year, is demanding that the league harshly deal with the Assad regime.
But Syria’s neighbor Iraq has refused further intervention.
All eyes will be on the Arab league leaders to see if they can pull together and overcome their differences.

Cubans gather for Pope’s Mass in Havana

Cubans gather for Pope’s Mass in Havana

Pope Benedict the 16th spoke before hundreds of thousands of Cubans in an open-air Mass held in the capital Havana on Wednesday.
The Pope’s Mass came on the final day of his 3-day visit, which was the first papal visit to the country in 14 years.
Among the crowd were around 300 exiled Cubans living in the southern US city of Miami, who were given special permission to return to attend the service.
In his sermon, the Pope praised the improvements made in Cuba where religious activities had been banned until 1992. But he called on the Cuban government to do more to strengthen the role of the Church in the country.
After the Mass, Pope Benedict met with revolutionary leader and former President Fidel Castro for about 30 minutes.
Details of their talks have not been made public. But local media say they discussed what Cuba and the Catholic Church can do together for w
Pope Benedict XVI has criticised the 50-year-old US trade embargo imposed on Cuba, as he ends a visit to the island.
The Pope called for greater rights in Cuba, saying he wanted a society in which no-one was denied basic freedoms.
This aim was not helped by economic measures which “unfairly burden” Cuba’s people, he said.
Earlier, Pope Benedict met Cuba’s revolutionary leader and former president, Fidel Castro, and celebrated Mass in front of vast crowds in Havana.Reports BBC

Chilean Prez Pinera calls on Japan to join TPP

Chilean President Sebastian Pinera calls on Japan to join TPP

Chilean President Sebastian Pinera has emphasized the benefits of Japan's full participation in the Trans-Pacific Partnership free trade deal.The visiting president spoke to NHK in Tokyo. Chile is one of the 4 countries that first proposed the TPP.

Pinera said Japan's participation not only has great significance for itself, but also for all countries involved in the TPP. The President said it is better for Japan to get involved before members agree on a framework because it can discuss and negotiate the outline of the trade deal's structure.

Pinera also said it's uncertain whether the 9 countries currently in the negotiations can reach a broad agreement to strike a deal this year.He said that differences remain in areas such as intellectual property and service trade.

EU to send election observers to Myanmar

The European Union is sending 5 observers to Myanmar's parliamentary by-elections next month following an invitation from the country's government.

The by-elections for both chambers of parliament and regional assemblies will take place on April 1st. Pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi is among the candidates.

Myanmar has already promised to accept observers from the United States and ASEAN member countries. The EU observers will join them.

The EU regards the by-elections as the first opportunity to fundamentally review the policies towards the country. EU Foreign Ministers are expected to meet on April 23rd and likely to start discussing the lifting of economic sanctions on the country, which have been in place for nearly 3 decades.

Syria accepts Annan's six-point proposal

Syria accepts Annan's six-point proposal to end violence

Syria has accepted joint UN- Arab League envoy Kofi Annan's six-point peace proposal to end the violence, a move which the former UN chief described as an "important initial step" to begin an inclusive process of political dialogue in the country hit by deadly protests.

"The Syrian government has written to the Joint Special Envoy Kofi Annan accepting his six point plan, endorsed by the United Nations Security Council," Annan's spokesman Ahmad Fawzi said in a statement.
Annan in turn has written to President Bashar Al-Assad urging the Syrian government to put its commitments into immediate effect.
Annan "views this as an important initial step that could bring an end to the violence and the bloodshed, provide aid to the suffering, and create an environment conducive to a political dialogue that would fulfil the legitimate aspirations of the Syrian people," his spokesman added.
Last week, the UN Security Council had supported Annan's six-point proposal, which he had submitted during his visit to Damascus earlier this month, and had called on both Syria's government and opposition to immediately implement it.
The proposal seeks to stop the violence and the killing, give access to humanitarian agencies, release detainees, and start an inclusive political dialogue to address the legitimate aspirations and concerns of the Syrian people.
Annan has stressed that implementation of the proposal will be key, not only for the Syrian people who are caught in the middle of the crisis, but also for the region and the international community.
"As the Syrian government acts on its commitments, Annan will move urgently to work with all parties to secure implementation of the plan at all levels," the spokesman said

. No compromise on country’s Defence preparedness and integrity:

Antony  Army Chief Gen V K Singh's letter to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on the state of affairs in the service rocked the Rajya Sabha with opposition members forcing two adjournments during the Question Hour.  Defence Minister A K Antony then said, "Regarding the letter of the Army Chief to the Prime Minister, which he (Army Chief) said is a top secret letter, I am aware of the letter. It should not have come out, government will respond to it appropriately."  Even as the Defence Minister A K Antony told Rajya Sabha that government will take appropriate action in the matter, members demanded action against the person who leaked the Army Chief letter to the Prime Minister.  Accepting that there are gaps in the capability of the armed forces, the Defence Ministry has said that it will take cognizance of the concerns expressed by Army Chief General V K Singh and will address those issues.  Talking to reporters on the sidelines of a function in New Delhi, Minister of State for Defence M M Pallam Raju said the acquisition policy is also being changed to ensure faster procurement of the needs expressed by the forces.  "Definitely gaps are there and government is serious in addressing them as quickly as possible. We are fine tuning the acquisition process to speed up the process and government has been very responsive to the needs of the armed forces," Raju said.  To a question on acquisition of defence equipments and systems, he said, "There are gaps in the capability and we are trying to bridge them by speeding up the acquisition process and by making it transparent, because in the past it has resulted in the cancellation of tenders."  The government has banned four foreign and two Indian companies by blacklisting them from trading in India for next ten years due to their involvement in corruption.  In a written reply in the Rajya Sabha on Wednesday, the Defence Minister A K Antony said that the blacklisted firms were found to have indulged in illegal gratification for securing contracts or trying to secure contracts.  Assuring members, Antony said, "Government is committed to do all that is necessary for the security of the nation. Government will do everything possible to ensure that our defence forces become the best fighting forces in the world."  He said if there is any violation, actions like blacklisting and cancellation of contracts are taken.  Antony said the government will not leave any room for anybody to makes compromise over integrity and transparency and will take strong action against whoever is responsible.  "We will protect every inch of our motherland," he said

8 Air India unions threaten to go on strike from April 2

   A  fresh trouble for crisis-ridden Air India, 8 unions representing a large chunk of the over 28,000 staff, today threatened to go on strike from Monday to protest delay in salary payments and sought Prime Minister's immediate intervention to resolve the situation.  As the management called the agitating employees for talks tomorrow, Civil Aviation Minister Ajit Singh tried to soothe ruffled feathers of the protesters saying the government has "stood by them" before and would continue to do so.  The eight major unions, representing a cross-section of staffers ranging from pilots, engineers to ground staff, wrote to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, saying they would implement 'No pay no work' policy from April 2 as the management was "withholding" their "legitimate wages".  Reacting to the threat, the Civil Aviation Minister said "let's hope they will realise that the government is doing all it can. The government has already intervened".  "The Financial Restructuring Plan (FRP) has been cleared by the Group of Ministers. A (cabinet) note has been moved. The Prime Minister was away for 2-3 days. So CCEA (Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs) has to be convened," Singh said, adding even the employees realise that "they are better off than employees of other airlines".  The agitators have alleged that they have not been paid salaries and allowances for over past three months.  "We will no longer be able to bear this agony which has been thrust upon us for no fault of ours. Therefore, we reiterate that if the management continues to withhold our legitimate wages, we will not be able to discharge our duties from April 2".  The memorandum to the Prime Minister was signed by representatives of the Indian Pilots Guild, Air India Officers Association, Air India Engineers Association, Air India Employees Union, Air India Cabin Crew Association, Air India Aircraft Engineers Association, All India Service Engineers Association and Air Corporation Employees Union.  The unions have been called for reconciliation by the top Air India management, including CMD Rohit Nandan, tomorrow, following which they are likely to meet Civil Aviation Secretary Nasim Zaidi.  The decision to go ahead with their protest action came after the unions failed to secure any "firm proposal" on clearance of their dues at a meeting with the management in Mumbai today, the third such engagement in a week.  Earlier the management had promised a staggered schedule for payment of their dues -one instalment of salary and one of productivity-linked incentive (PLI) by this month-end, another instalment each of salary and PLI by April end and the remaining portion in May, by when Air India expected to get funds through the equity infusion of Rs 4,000 crore announced in this budget.  The unions also contended that "a significant number of employees come from humble backgrounds and modest means. While some have availed of education loans, others have financial commitments towards their families. Due to non-payment of our wages for an extended time period, we are unable meet our financial responsibilities," the union leaders said.  Air India faces a whopping Rs 67,000 crore debt and has reported a loss of close to Rs 6,900 crore this fiscal.

Philippines’ AirAsia launches first flights to Davao and Kalibo

 

 

CLARK, PAMPANGA, 28 March 2012 —Philippines’ AirAsia began serving the Filipino people today, launching its maiden flights from Clark to the popular tourism destinations of Kalibo (Boracay) in the Visayas and Davao in Mindanao.

 

The twin launches took place today at the Clark International Airport and was witnessed by Department of Transportation and Communications Secretary Mar Roxas II and other government officials.

 

The first Philippines AirAsia flight, PQ7001, left for Kalibo at 7 a.m.  Onboard were 143 guests, including 18 children with hearing impairment and Down Syndrome, who flew for the first time accompanied by their parents and teachers for on educational trip to Kalibo.

 

“Philippines’ AirAsia maiden flights are pioneering routes - our Clark to Davao and Clark to Kalibo flights will make air travel for Northern and Central Luzon passengers more convenient and comfortable.  They can even be spared from the traffic of EDSA and the long queues of NAIA,” AirAsia Inc. CEO Maan Hontiveros said at the send-off ceremonies in the Pre-Departure Lounge of Clark International Airport.

 

Aside from Roxas, among those who attended the twin launches were AirAsia Group CEO Tony Fernandes, AirAsia Deputy Group CEO Kamarudin Meranun, AirAsia X CEO Azran Osman-Rani, President Director of AirAsia Indonesia Dharmadi, AirAsia Inc. Chairman Antonio Cojuangco, AirAsia Inc. Vice Chairman Michael Romero, AirAsia Regional Head of Commercial Kathleen Tan, Clark International Airport Corporation President Victor Jose Luciano, Davao Mayor Sara Duterte, airport officials and representatives from Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines and Civil Aeronautics Board.

 

Duterte and Luciano joined the other passengers on the first flight to Davao that left Clark at 10:10 a.m. and arrived in Davao at noon.

 

“The prospect of Philippines AirAsia starting its flights is truly exciting. Philippines is a robust and growing market. We are here because we are confident of its growth. With our pioneering flights and with the options we offer, millions of Southeast Asians will finally be able to easily access the Philippines from various parts of the Asean region,” AirAsia Group CEO Tony Fernandes said.

For her part, Hontiveros said: "Today is a source of national pride for us, Filipinos, as we send off our all-Filipino crew and start our pioneering flights that will improve domestic air connectivity. We picked Davao, because it is an important gateway to Mindanao, and Kalibo, because of Boracay, which is an international popular tourist spot. Today is just the start for AirAsia revolutionizing air travel in Philippines.”

 

Philippines’ AirAsia Inc., which has an initial investment of P468 million, currently has two brand new Airbus A320s for its daily flights from Clark to Francisco Bangoy International Airport in Davao and its twice daily flights from Clark to Kalibo International Airport.  It has ordered two more aircraft to be delivered within the year. It also hopes to tap into the underserved Northern and Central Luzon market and provide Metro Manila passengers a viable low fare flying alternative.         

 

“Beyond servicing the needs of Northern and Central Luzon passengers and pioneering the new routes, we are here to revolutionize domestic and international air travel,” Hontiveros said. “Our brand of air travel will be characterized by transparency, efficiency and high value service.”

 

AirAsia Inc. is a Filipino Low Cost Carrier (LCC) established to serve the Philippines’ regional and domestic air travel market. For inquiry and to receive real-time updates on latest promotions, interact via facebook.com/AirAsiaPhilippines and twitter.com/AirAsiaPh.

 

ABOUT  AIRASIA INC.

 

As part of its commitment to develop tourism and transportation outside Metro Manila, AirAsia Inc. set up its hub in Clark, Pampanga in 2011. In the same year, Filipinos welcomed the airline’s brand new Airbus A320s operated by an all-Filipino crew, signifying greater opportunities for travel, leisure and tourism industries in the country. 

 

AirAsia Inc. is registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission in March last year to engage primarily in the business of air transportation in the Philippines and abroad for passenger and cargo.

 

AirAsia Inc. is a 60-40 joint venture between Filipino investors Antonio O. Cojuangco, Michael L. Romero and Marianne “Maan” B. Hontiveros, and Malaysia’s AirAsia International Ltd., a wholly-owned subsidiary of AirAsia Berhad, which has won SkyTrax’s best low cost airline for three consecutive years. (Skytrax is the world’s largest airline and airport review site.)

Gary Player to receive PGA TOUR’s Lifetime Achievement Award

PONTE VEDRA BEACH, Fla., March 28, 2012: World Golf Hall of Fame member Gary Player, considered by many to be the greatest international golfer of all time, has been named the 10^th recipient of the PGA TOUR’s Lifetime Achievement Award.  The winner of nine major championships, the modern Grand Slam and 165 tournament titles around the world, including 24 on the PGA TOUR and 19 on the Champions Tour, Player will be honored on May 9 at THE PLAYERS Championship in Ponte Vedra Beach, Fla. 

Created in 1996, the Lifetime Achievement Award honors individuals who have made an outstanding contribution to the TOUR over an extended period of time through their actions on and off the course.  Player joins a distinguished list of past Lifetime Achievement Award recipients: Gene Sarazen; Byron Nelson; Arnold Palmer; Sam Snead; Jack Burke Jr.; Pete Dye; Deane Beman; Jack Nicklaus; and President George H.W. Bush.  

“This is a great honor,” said Player.  “Golf has allowed me to live a truly blessed life, and I have tried my best to give something back to the sport.  Being recognized with true gentlemen of the sport like Gene Sarazen, Byron Nelson and Jack Nicklaus is humbling, and I will continue to help promote and support this wonderful game until the day I die.

“When I first arrived in America, I was not sure how I would be received as a foreign-born player, but the PGA TOUR and the American fans were absolutely fantastic and made me feel like one of their own.  It is difficult to put into words what that meant to me and my family, and I will always be thankful for the love and support I have received from this great country.”

“As one of the most accomplished – not to mention most-traveled – players in all of sports, Gary Player’s love of golf and his desire to use his talents to help everyone he comes in contact with make him most deserving of the PGA TOUR’s Lifetime Achievement Award,” said PGA TOUR Commissioner Tim Finchem.  “You would be hard pressed to find an aspect of the game or corner of the world that hasn’t been influenced by Gary and his positive attitude over the past 50-plus years.  He epitomizes the phrase ‘lifetime achievement,’ and it will be an honor to recognize him for all of his accomplishments at THE PLAYERS in May.” 

Player was born Nov. 1, 1935, in Johannesburg, South Africa, the third of three children to Harry and Muriel Player. His father was a captain in a gold mine. His mother was a well-educated woman who died of cancer when Gary was 8. Player wrote that her loss “has been a means for me, as it were, to settle some unfathomable debt.”

He chose to try to pay it back as a golfer, although he didn’t take up the game until he was 14. He turned professional four years later, in 1953, and quickly won several times in Africa, Europe and Australia. He came to the United States in 1957, and upon seeing how far the game’s best professionals hit the ball, the 5-foot-7, 160-pound Player intensified his exercise regimen, weakened his strong grip, which encouraged a hook, and set about learning how to carry the ball farther.

The next year, he won the Kentucky Derby Open and finished second at the U.S. Open.  From there, Player was off – in his trademark all-black outfits (inspired by one of his favorite American TV characters, Paladin, from the show “Have Gun Will Travel”); fit and trim physique (from a weight-lifting program and vegetarian diet that were both 30 years ahead of their time); and bunker game (considered one of the greatest ever developed).  He won the 1959 British Open at Muirfield for his first major, made the 1961 Masters his second and the 1962 PGA at Aronimink his third. At the 1965 U.S. Open at Bellerive, Player defeated Kel Nagle in an 18-hole playoff to complete the modern Grand Slam by age 29. 

His other majors included the 1972 PGA Championship, the 1968 and 1974 British Opens and the 1974 and 1978 Masters. The last is perhaps Player’s proudest victory. He began the final round seven strokes out of the lead. But at age 42, he birdied seven of the final 10 holes to shoot 64 and win by a stroke.

As an international ambassador to the game, Player has spent more than three years of his life in airplanes and traveled more than 15 million miles. In each year from 1955 to 1982, Player won at least one sanctioned international tournament, an unequalled 27-year streak. He won the World Match Play title five times, the Australian Open seven times and the South African Open 13 times. In winning the 1974 Brazilian Open, he shot the only 59 ever in a national open.

Player is a renowned golf course architect with more than 300 design projects located throughout the world, including The Links at Fancourt in South Africa, the site of The Presidents Cup 2003.  Player served as International Team captain at that event, as well as in 2005 and 2007. 

Founded in 1984, The Player Foundation built the Blair Athol Schools in Johannesburg, South Africa, which has educational facilities for more than 500 students from kindergarten through grade eight.  The foundation, which has raised more than $50 million in its time, has expanded efforts in all corners of the globe, raising funds for impoverished children through four Gary Player Invitational events – in Europe, China, the United States and South Africa. 

Player was inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame in 1974.  He was awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Law from the University of St. Andrews in 1995 and was named South African Sportsman of the Century in 2000.  He earned the Laureus Lifetime Achievement Award in 2003 for his dedication to charity and the Order of Ikhamanga (in gold) by President Nelson Mandela of South Africa for excellence in golf and contribution to non-racial sport in his home country.  In 2006, the PGA TOUR honored Player with the Payne Stewart Award, in recognition of philanthropic achievements and the exemplary manner in which he has conducted himself on and off the golf course.

About PGA TOUR

The PGA TOUR is the world’s premier membership organization for touring professional golfers, co-sanctioning nearly 100 tournaments on the PGA TOUR, Champions Tour and Nationwide Tour.

            The PGA TOUR’s mission is to entertain and inspire its fans, deliver substantial value to its partners, create outlets for volunteers to give back, generate significant charitable and economic impact in communities in which it plays, and provide financial opportunities for TOUR players.

            PGA TOUR tournaments are broadcast to approximately 715 million households in 225 countries and territories in 29 languages. Virtually all tournaments are organized as non-profit organizations in order to maximize charitable giving. In 2011, tournaments on the three Tours generated more than $118 million for local charitable organizations, bringing the TOUR’s all-time total of charitable contributions to more than $1.7 billion.