Libyan Prime Minister Ali Zeidan kidnapped
10102013
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Libyan Prime Minister Ali Zeidan was kidnapped from his Tripoli hotel at dawn on Thursday by an armed group and taken to an unknown location, the government and sources said.
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“The head of the transitional government, Ali Zeidan, was taken to an unknown destination for unknown reasons by a group” of men believed to be former rebels, the government said in a brief statement on its website.
A source in the Prime Minister’s office said Zeidan had been kidnapped from Tripoli’s Corinthia hotel, where he resides.
The abduction comes five days after US commandos seized senior Al-Qaeda figure Abu Anas al-Libi — indicted for the twin 1998 bombings of US embassies in east Africa — off the streets of Tripoli and whisked him away to a warship.
The government said it suspected two groups of ex-rebels, the chamber of revolutionaries and the brigade for the fight against crime, which in principle fall under the defence and interior ministries, of being behind the kidnapping.
The cabinet and the General National Congress, Libya’s top political authority, were dealing with the situation the statement said, while calling on citizens to remain calm.
Saturday’s raid by US commandos in Tripoli has embarrassed and put the Libyan government under pressure from its critics — in particular some former rebel groups in the 2011 revolt that ousted and killed Dictator Muammar Gaddafi.
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Updated on : 10-10-2013 12:07 PMEdit : Edit
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Collective temper needed to take on global eco challenges: PM
10102013
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Calling for cooperation among Asia Pacific countries to tackle the global economic uncertainty, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said the vast growth potential of India and these nations can be realised only by inculcating a “collective temper”.
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Addressing the 8th East Asia Summit in Brunei, Dr. Singh said the meeting is taking place at a time “when the need for collective action, cooperation and collaboration in the Asia Pacific region has never been felt more acutely.”
“Global economic uncertainty and political turmoil in other parts of the world have impacted countries in our region equally. “In addition, this vast region faces challenges arising not only from its diversity, but also from differences. Clearly, the potential of unprecedented prosperity for our peoples can be realised only by inculcating a cooperative temper,” the Prime Minister said.
“The East Asia Summit is a forum that is, in my view, ideally placed to help us realise our common goals for advancing security and prosperity in a cooperative framework,” he added.
The EAS is a forum for cooperation among the ten ASEAN (Association of South East Asian Nations) nations and its partner countries Australia, China, India, Japan, South Korea, New Zealand, Russia and the US.
The ten ASEAN comprise Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, Lao PDR, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam.
The Prime Minister told the Summit that the implementation of an earlier commitment for ASEAN Connectivity requires a sense of greater urgency and “building of physical infrastructure needs to go hand-in-hand with creation of soft infrastructure along the connectivity corridors.
“India welcomes dialogue and cooperation with like-minded countries on innovative means of financing these infrastructure requirements. We welcome Brunei Darussalams initiative to hold a meeting between the ASEAN Connectivity Coordinating Committee and the East Asia Summit later this year,” he added.
Dr.Singh further said the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP, launched in Phnom Penh last year, has provided a roadmap for regional economic integration.
He said this can reinforce growth and accelerate development across the region, besides enhancing mutual stakes in regional stability and security. India remains fully engaged in and committed to the RCEP process, he added.
“We must supplement this effort with cooperation on the challenges of energy, food, health and human resource development. We, therefore, welcome the adoption of the Declaration of the 8th East Asia Summit on Food Security,” he said.
“We support Australia and Vietnam as co-Chairs of the launch of the Asia-Pacific Leaders Malaria Alliance. We are happy to co-chair with Australia the Task Force on Access to Quality Medicines to combat malaria. We have also proposed a new initiative for cooperation among East Asia Summit members in trauma care and nursing,” Dr. Singh added.
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh met his Australian counterpart Tony Abbot on Thursday morning on the sidelines of the India-ASEAN summit in Brunei.
The two leaders discussed issues of nuclear deal and regional importance. Dr Singh will later meet leaders of East Asian nations.
Manmohan Singh reached Brunei on Wednesday evening to deepen ties with East and South East Asian nations.
Dr. Singh was given a red carpet reception at Brunei International Airport in the capital Bandar Seri Bagawan.
Prime Minister and his Wife Gursharan Kaur joined heads of ASEAN NATION and East Asian countries during the dinner hosted by the Sultan of Brunei. It was followed by a cultural program.
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Updated on : 10-10-2013 11:36 AMEdit : Edit
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Media Coverage to General election to State ssemblies u/s Section 126 of RP Act, 1951.
10102013
General election to State Legislative Assemblies of Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Mizoram and NCT of Delhi 2013 – Media Coverage during the period referred to in Section 126 of RP Act, 1951.
Section 126 of the Representation of the People, 1951, prohibits displaying any election matter by means, inter alia, of television or similar apparatus, during the period of 48 hours before the hour fixed for conclusion of poll in a constituency. The relevant portions of the said Section 126 are re-produced below: -
(126. Prohibition of public meeting during period of forty-eight hours ending with hour fixed for conclusion of poll-
(1)No person shall –
(a) ………………….
(b) Display to the public any election matter by means of cinematograph, television or other similar apparatus;
(c) …………………….
In any polling area during the period of forty-eight hours ending with the hour fixed for the conclusion of the poll for any election in the polling area.
(2) Any person who contravenes the provisions of sub-section (1) shall be punishable with imprisonment for a term which may extend to two years, or with fine, or with both.
(3) In this Section, the expression “election mater” means any matter intended or calculated to influence or affect the result of an election.)
2. During elections, there are sometimes allegations of violation of the provisions of the above Section 126 of the Representation of the People Act, 1951 by TV channels in the telecast of their panel discussions/debates and other news and current affairs programmes. The Commission has clarified in the past that the said Section 126 prohibits displaying any election matter by means, inter alia, of television or similar apparatus, during the period of 48 hours ending with the hour fixed for conclusion of poll in a constituency. “Election matter” has been defined in that Section as any matter intended or calculated to influence or affect the result of an election. Violation of the aforesaid provisions of Section 126 is punishable with imprisonmentupto a period of two years, or with fine or both.
3. In this connection, attention is also invited to Section 126A of the R.P. Act 1951, which prohibits conduct of Exit poll and dissemination of their results during the period mentioned therein, in the hour fixed for commencement of polls in the first phase and half hour after the time fixed for close of poll for the last phase in all the States.
4. The Commission once again reiterates that the TV/Radio channels and cable networks should ensure that the contents of the programmetelecast/broadcast/displayed by them during the period of 48 hours referred to in Section 126 do not contain any material, including views/appeals by panelists/participants that may be construed as promoting/prejudicing the prospect of any particular party or candidate(s) or influencing/affecting the result of the election.
5. During the period not covered by Section 126 or Section 126A, concerned TV/Radio/Cable/FM channels are free to approach the state/district/local authorities for necessary permission for conducting any broadcast related events which must also conform to the provisions of the model code of conduct and theprogramme code laid down by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting under the Cable Network (Regulation) Act with regard to decency, maintenance of communal harmony, etc. They are also required to stay within the provisions of Commission’s guidelines dated 27th August, 2012 regarding paid news and related matters. Concerned Chief Electoral Officer/District Election Officer will take into account all relevant aspects including the law and order situation while extending such permission.
6. Attention of all media is also drawn to the following guidelines issued by Press Council of India to follow for observance during the election:
(i) It will be the duty of the Press to give objective reports about elections and the candidates. The newspapers are not expected to indulge in unhealthy election campaigns, exaggerated reports about any candidate/party or incident during the elections. In practice, two or three closely contesting candidates attract all the media attention. While reporting on the actual campaign, a newspaper may not leave out any important point raised by a candidate and make an attack on his or her opponent.
(ii) Election campaign along communal or caste lines is banned under the election rules. Hence, the Press should eschew reports, which tend to promote feelings of enmity or hatred between people on the ground of religion, race, caste, community or language.
(iii) The Press should refrain from publishing false or critical statements in regard to the personal character and conduct of any candidate or in relation to the candidature or withdrawal of any candidate or his candidature, to prejudice the prospects of that candidate in the elections. The Press shall not publish unverified allegations against any candidate/party.
(iv) The Press shall not accept any kind of inducement, financial or otherwise, to project a candidate/party. It shall not accept hospitality or other facilities offered to them by or on behalf of any candidate/party.
(v) The Press is not expected to indulge in canvassing of a particular candidate/party. If it does, it shall allow the right of reply to the other candidate/party.
(vi) The Press shall not accept/publish any advertisement at the cost of public exchequer regarding achievements of a party/government in power.
(vii) The Press shall observe all the directions/orders/instructions of the Election Commission/Returning Officers or Chief Electoral Officer issued from time to time.
The above guidelines should be duly observed for compliance by all the concerned media.
Election Commission of India
9th October , 2013 , New Delhi
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PM’s statement at the 8th East Asia Summit in Brunei Darussalam
10102013
Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh`s statement at the 8th East Asia Summit in Brunei Darussalam:
“I join other speakers in thanking His Majesty Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah for the excellent arrangements made for the 8th East Asia Summit and the warm welcome we have received in his beautiful country.
We gather in Brunei when the need for collective action, cooperation and collaboration in the Asia Pacific region has never been felt more acutely. Global economic uncertainty and political turmoil in other parts of the world have impacted countries in our region equally. In addition, this vast region faces challenges arising not only from its diversity, but also from differences. Clearly, the potential of unprecedented prosperity for our peoples can be realized only by inculcating a cooperative temper. The East Asia Summit is a forum that is, in my view, ideally placed to help us realize our common goals for advancing security and prosperity in a cooperative framework.
In terms of priorities, the implementation of the 6th East Asia Summit Declaration on ASEAN Connectivity requires a sense of greater urgency. Building of physical infrastructure needs to go hand-in-hand with creation of soft infrastructure along the connectivity corridors. India welcomes dialogue and cooperation with like-minded countries on innovative means of financing these infrastructure requirements. We welcome Brunei Darussalam’s initiative to hold a meeting between the ASEAN Connectivity Coordinating Committee and the East Asia Summit later this year.
The Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership, launched in Phnom Penh last year, has given us a roadmap for regional economic integration that can reinforce growth and accelerate development across the region, besides enhancing mutual stakes in regional stability and security. India remains fully engaged in and committed to the RCEP process.
We must supplement this effort with cooperation on the challenges of energy, food, health and human resource development. We, therefore, welcome the adoption of the Declaration of the 8th East Asia Summit on Food Security. We support Australia and Vietnam as co-Chairs of the launch of the Asia-Pacific Leaders’ Malaria Alliance. We are happy to co-chair with Australia the Task Force on Access to Quality Medicines to combat malaria. We have also proposed a new initiative for cooperation among East Asia Summit members in trauma care and nursing.
I would like to thank the East Asia Summit participating countries for their support for the establishment of Nalanda University as an international institution of excellence. I am happy that the process of signing the inter-governmental Memorandum of Understanding on the Nalanda University has begun. Academic sessions at the University are set to begin next year. I hope students and faculty from all EAS countries will participate in this exciting venture.
A stable maritime environment is essential to realize our collective regional aspirations. We should reaffirm the principles of maritime security, including the right of passage and unimpeded commerce, in accordance with international law, and peaceful settlement of maritime disputes. We welcome the collective commitment by the concerned countries to abide by and implement the 2002 Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea and to work towards the adoption of a Code of Conduct in the South China Sea on the basis of consensus. We also welcome the establishment of the Expanded ASEAN Maritime Forum for developing maritime norms that would reinforce existing international law relating to maritime security.
Cooperative mechanisms in disaster management would not only fulfil a humanitarian need, but also foster broader confidence and cooperation in the region. India has initiated the process of establishing a Virtual Knowledge Centre as well as a network of round-the-clock Points of Contact among EAS countries. We hope to strengthen these initiatives further with your support. We should also strengthen efforts to counter threats of piracy, international terrorism, transnational crimes and drug trafficking.
Your Majesty, Excellencies, Asia has been a late starter in terms of building regional architectures of cooperation. We have embarked on this collective journey in large part because of the outstanding vision and leadership of ASEAN, first in pursuing ASEAN integration and then expanding it to the wider region. We will be successful if we adhere to the principles of unity, cooperation and integration that have guided ASEAN and if ASEAN centrality continues to shape the East Asia Summit processes. I reaffirm India`s commitment to contribute to this process.”
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President Obama Explains the Shutdown
10102013 | Wednesday, October 9, 2013 | ||
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Model School, Chandigarh, sealed a berth in the quarterfinal of U-17 boys
10102013
Chandigarh in U-17 quarters with splendid win over Oman
Andhra, Mizoram girls register big wins
New Delhi: Government Model School, Chandigarh, sealed a berth in the quarterfinal of U-17 boys’ category with a thumping 5-0 victory over an insipid Indian School, Oman at the Ambedkar Stadium here on Wednesday.
Chandigarh, who have an all-win record in their pool matches, handed Oman their third successive defeat. In the first session, all the action was confined to Oman half and the visitors were forced to resort to desparate defending as the local lads took a formidable 4-0 lead by half-time.
Striker Mobashir scored a brace for the winners while Inder Mohan, Ramdin, and Jatinder also found the net.
“It feels good to beat a foreign team. We have come here to win the title and we will do our best,” Mubashir said after the match.
In the girls’ matches, Saiaithanga High School, Mizoram thrashed TAFFS 7-0. Last year’s best female player Offee played a starring role for Mizoram yet again with a hat-trick. Lalruatkimi, Lalabiakoiki, and Elizabeth were the other scorers for the winners.
Meanwhile, B Revathi plundered seven goals as AP Sports School, Andhra Pradesh gave their campaign a flying start with a 14-1 thrashing of Fountainhead School, Gujarat in the girls section of the 54th Subrata Cup here on Wednesday.
After Anita had given AP the early lead, Revathi scored four goals in a span of a mere eight minutes to give her team a formidable 5-0 lead in just 15 minutes. Andhra, who were leading 8-0 at the break, continued to pummel their rivals in the second half as well, scoring another six goals.
Tyssad School of Meghalaya edged out St Joseph of Tamil Nadu 3-2 in a hard fought clash thanks to a hat-trick by Pynhum Sulhet.
Wednesday’s results:
(U-17 Boys unless mentioned other wise)
Ambedkar Stadium
Tyrsad School M eghalaya 3 (Pynhum Shulet 11th, 22nd & 44th min) defeated St Mary’s School, Tamil Nadu 2(Sowbac kya 16th min; R Rasika 33rd min) (Girls)
Maharashtra (Nagul Yashashri 8th min & 30th min; Nikita Sonavane 28th min; Seema Pavale 58th min) defeated Afghanistan 0 (Girls)
Rev Saiaithanga Momorial School, Mizoram (Ofee 16th, 28th, 45th; Lalruatkimi 41st, Lalabiakoiki 38th, and Elizabeth 23rd) vs TAFS, Delhi 0 (Girls)
Govt Model School, Chandigarh 5 (Mobashim 21st, 30th; Jatinder 27th; Inder Mohan 6th; Ramdin 23rd) defeated Indian School, Oman 0 (Boys)
New Wellington Ground
Baragari HS Tinsukia, Assam 6 (Dorothi Oreya 18th & 53rd min; Bonti Gogo 37th , 48th and 51st min; Kasilya Smwasi 42nd min) defeated IPSC 0
Radhamadhab Sanskriti Vidyalay, Manipur 7 (WR Devi 8th min; SR Chanu 19th min; NR Devi 25th, 30th, 40th and 51st min; D Grace 52nd min) defeated Lady of the Rosary HS, Dona Paula, Goa 0 (Girls)
Vasant Valley School
AP Sports School, AP 14 (N Anitha 4th, 49th & 56th min; B Revathi 6th, 9th, 12th, 14th min, 43rd , 45th min, 53rd min; Y Hemsree 20th min; A Shirisha 32nd, 38th min & 44th min) defeated Fountainhead School, Surat, Gujarat 1 (Pranjal 45th min) ( Girls)
Govt Model School, Haryana 2 (Sanju 12th min, Jyoti 48th min) defeated NCC (West Bengal & Sikkim) 0 (Girls)
BKSP, Bangladesh 13 (Rahit Sarkar 4th, 10th 38th; Md Mahimanum 7th, Masooddin 11th, 25th, 48th; Md Sagar 30th, Kabirul 37th, 45th, 70th; Faizullah 51st, Haroon 69th) vs Govt Senior Secondary School, Minicoy, Lakshwadeep 0
Thursday’s schedule:
(U-17 boys unless mentioned otherwise)
Ambedkar Stadium
7:00 NCC (West Bengal & Sikkim) vs Fountainhead School, Surat, Gujarat (Girls)
8:15 Haryana vs Nayagram Thana Balika Vidhyalaya, Pashim Medinipur, West Bengal (Girls)
15:00 New Sunrise School, Fatehabad, Haryana vs Police High School, Baripada, Odisha
16:30 PP Savani Chaitanya Vidhyalaya, Sankul, Gujarat vs Troeschina School, Ukraine
New Wellington Ground
7:00 RMSM Vidhyalaya, Bishnupur, Manipur vs IPSC (Girls)
8:15 Ahlcon Public School, Delhi vs Borguri High School, Assam (Girls)
15:00 TAFS vs Assam
16:15 BKSP, Bangladesh vs St Joseph School, Bhopal, MP
Vasant Valley School
7:00 Meghalaya vs Maharashtra (Girls)
8:15 St Mary’s School, Salem, Tamil Nadu vs Air Force Bal Bharti (Girls)
15:00 Saiathanga School, Mizoram vs Govt Senior Secondary School, Minicoy, Lakshadeep
16:15 Maharashtra vs Coast Guard Public School, Daman & Diu
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WALMART BROKE OF WITH BHARTI
10102013
A BIG BLOW TO ADVOCACY OF FDI IN RETAIL
The Confederation of All India Traders has considered broke off of Walmart with Bharti group as a big blow to advocates of FDI in retail. The CAIT is aware of the practices being followed by global retailers in Wholesale cash and carry format of business in India where 100 percent FDI is allowed and Walmart has announced to operate its activities in such format now.
We have living instances with us where global retailers have flouted norms and conditions laid down for Wholesale cash and carry and are trying to make this format as a back door entry to retail trade of India. The CAIT will identify all such practices and grey area of this format and shall call upon the government to plug all loopholes so that this format may not prove a nightmare for indiginious small traders.
Praveen Khandelwal
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‘Bhoot Aaya’
10102013
Will you conquer fear, or will fear conquer you?
Sony Entertainment Television presents ‘Bhoot Aaya’
Premieres on October 13th every Sunday at 11 pm
Mumbai, 8th October, 2013: The realm of the paranormal is unexplained and mysterious, but are there scientific and rational explanations for this phenomenon? Horror stories, by definition, are scary but when you know they are based on real life incidents, does the fear factor increase? Based on supernatural true incidents; ‘Bhoot Aaya’ is Sony Entertainment Television’s latest offering, which attempts to explore the unexplained forces of the dark world and their encounters with humans. Produced by Akashdeep Sabir and Sheeba’s Cinetek Telefilms Pvt. Ltd, the show will depict real life, spine chilling experiences of ordinary people.
Every city, town or village has its stories of hauntings, encounters with the unknown, possessions by spirits, exorcisms and many more. This gripping series will feature such inexplicable happenings as re-enactments of real life stories, bringing to life actual stories of people who have lived through these eerie events. These stories will be fictionalized and interspersed with the narrations by the victims’ themselves. Each episode will also introduce experts from the Indian Paranormal Society of India and other pertinent fields, who will be sharing their opinion on these encounters. Their findings will be revealed as a compelling conclusion of each episode.
Speaking on the launch, Aloka Guha, VP & Head – Non-Fiction Programming, Sony Entertainment Television said, “This show brings forth real life incidents which have happened across the country. The events are reconstructed and the story is told from a victims’ point of view. Existence of the supernatural has always been questioned, however it arouses a lot of curiosity and many people believe in it. We hope that after this show airs, many people will be able to make up their own mind on what the real truth is!”
Mr. Akashdeep Sabir, Creative Director, Cinetek Telefilms Pvt. Ltd. states “Bhoot Aaya will recreate real incidents in an attempt to dispel the hoaxes from the real and possibly unexplainable. It’s this investigation and a matter of fact approach which will set ‘Bhoot Aaya’ apart. This show tries to uncover the truth behind some of the most compelling and seemingly mystifying occurrences that have ensued in different places in India. The show focuses on the realm of the supernatural, events that are experienced by those who have lived to tell their story; a journey of ordinary people who have had extraordinary experiences.”
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September export grows at 11%
10102013
Narrowing trade deficit during April-September 2013-14 at US$80bn from US$91bn in April-September 2012-13 is inspiring on expanding exports trajectory and squeezing imports scenario. The export/import ratio is expected to remain steady and favourable in the coming months too on pick up in exports scenario vis-à-vis revival of demand in advanced economies. Rupee is expected to recover further from its current level and consolidate at around 60/US$ by end Dec 2013. The appreciation and consolidation of rupee by Dec’13 will be driven by many factors such as improving capital flows, improving export/import ratio and overall current account balance.
India’s exports for the month of September 2013 stands at USD 27.67 billion with a (Y-O-Y) increase of 11.15% as compared to USD 26.14 billion in August 2013 with a (Y-O-Y) growth of 12.9%. During September 2013, the imports were USD 34.43 billion with a (Y-O-Y) growth of around (-) 18.10 % as compared to USD 37.05 billion in August 2013 with a (Y-O-Y) growth of (-) 0.7%. The balance of trade stands at around USD (-) 6.76 billion during September 2013 as compared to USD (-) 10.92 billion during August 2013.
Value of foreign trade USD billion
Period
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August
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September
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Apr-Sep
|
| Exports | |||
| FY 14 |
26.14
|
27.67
|
152.10
|
| Growth (%) |
12.97
|
11.15
|
5.14
|
| Imports | |||
| FY 14 |
37.05
|
34.43
|
232.23
|
| Growth (%) |
(-)0.68
|
(-) 18.10
|
(-) 1.80
|
| Trade balance | |||
| FY 14 |
(-)10.92
|
(-) 6.76
|
(-) 80.12
|
Source: PHD Research Bureau, compiled from Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Govt of India
The cumulative figure for the period of April-September FY2014 shows exports at USD 152.10 billion as compared to USD 144.67 billion in April- September FY2013 with a growth of 5.14%; while the cumulative imports for April-September FY2014 stands at USD 232.23 billion as compared to USD 236.49 billion in April-September FY2013 with a growth of (-) 1.80%. The cumulative figure for the balance of trade for the period of April-September FY2014 stands at USD (-) 80.12 billion as compared to USD (-) 91.81 billion in April-September FY2013.
Trend in Exports and Imports (%)
Source: PHD Research Bureau, compiled from Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Govt of India
Warm regards,
Dr. S P Sharma
Chief Economist
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‘Youth and Privacy Protection’
10102013
‘Youth and Privacy Protection’ seminar on 10 October 2013 at India International Centre, New Delhi.
May you to be there at the venue by 9:30 AM.
Venue: Multipurpose Hall, New Building, India International Centre, Max Mueller Marg, Lodhi Estate New Delhi-3
A copy of the agenda is enclosed for your perusal.
Posted just now by Naresh Kumar Sagar
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DataWind breaks new price barriers
10102013
DataWind breaks new price barriers with lowest cost phablet in India
And expands its range of tablets……!
New Delhi, 9 October 2013: India’s leading supplier of tablet computers, DataWind today launched new additions to its line to tablet computers, led by the UbiSlate 7Cx. At a retail price of only Rs.3,999 inclusive of all taxes, the UbiSlate 7Cx is the lowest cost tablet computer with cellular connectivity, allowing anytime & anywhere internet access with a regular SIM. In addition to regular voice calling functionality, the UbiSlate phablets incorporate DataWind’s breakthrough web-delivery platform covered by 18 U.S. and international patents allowing the devices to deliver the fastest mobile web experience on regular GSM-EDGE based networks.
“Despite the recent drop in value of the Indian Rupee, we are committed to bringing affordability in computing and internet access to India’s masses. With this commitment, we’ve held strong and not increased pricing of our products, and instead, now are introducing new products with breakthrough pricing,” said Suneet Singh Tuli, President & CEO of DataWind Ltd.
DataWind also introduced its first product operating on a 3G network with the UbiSlate 3G7 at only Rs.6,999. For those with access to 3G networks, the UbiSlate 3G7 provides broadband speeds with an embedded UMTS modem, without the need for external dongles.
With its first product with a larger screen, DataWind has broken another price barrier with the introduction of the UbiSlate 9Ci, a 9” tablet with WiFi connectivity under Rs. 5,000.
Just in time for Diwali gifting season, the new range of UbiSlate tablets from DataWind bring affordability to a new level allowing a solution for everyone’s budget. As a smartphone, a multimedia tool for watching videos or listening to music and as an internet and Email ready computer, the UbiSlate tablets are versatile tools for everybody ranging from students to busy professionals.
Datawind Tablets & Smartphones come preloaded with a range of educational, entertainment, and utility apps for all age-groups. The products are powered with free E-Book App for Class 1 to 12 NCERT in English, Hindi & Urdu Medium; Test Preparation Tool; Free Higher Education & Soft-Skill Courses powered by CEC London; English language learning tools; Interactive Multimedia-rich educational resources; Bollywood Music and Movies; Antivirus & Anti-theft Pack by E-Scan; MapMyIndia Navigation; exciting games and much more.
“Global recognition for the award winning UbiSlate series of tablets have resulted in them being the product of choice provided to delegates at major United Nations and other international conferences. Consumers in India now have first access to the latest technology with a number of new devices in the UbiSlate portfolio,” said Suneet Singh Tuli.
All of the new models are in-stock and available for immediate delivery by ordering on DataWind’s http://www.ubislate.com/ website. Products are shipped within 24 hours of order and delivered by courier companies within 3 to 5 days.
The specifications of the new models are as follows:
Specifications
|
UbiSlate 7Cx
|
UbiSlate 3G7
|
UbiSlate 9Ci
|
M.R.P.
|
Rs.3,999
|
Rs.6,999
|
Rs.4,999
|
Screen
|
7” TFT Capacitive
|
7” TFT Capacitive
|
9” TFT Capacitive
|
Processor
|
Cortex A8 – 1Ghz
|
Cortex A8 – 1.2 Ghz
|
Cortex A9 – 1Ghz
|
Network
|
Quad band EDGE
|
UMTS & WiFi&
|
WiFi
|
RAM
|
512MB
|
512 MB
|
512MB
|
Flash
|
2GB
|
4GB
|
4GB
|
Camera
|
N/A
|
Front VGA + Rear 2MP
|
Front VGA
|
OS
|
Android 4.0.4
|
Android 4.0.4
|
Android 4.1
|
Sensor
|
G-Sensor
|
G-Sensor
|
G-Sensor
|
Ports
|
Micro SD & Micro USB
|
Micro SD & Micro USB
|
Micro SD & Micro USB
|
About DataWind:
Datawind is a leading provider of wireless web access products and services. Based on several international patents, Datawind’s breakthrough technologies solve the bandwidth limitations of cellular networks by accelerating content delivery by factors of 10x to 30x – resulting in a superior mobile web experience at a lower cost.
Most recently, DataWind’s Aakash/UbiSlate tablets have received worldwide attention, as the Company executes a vision to empower the next 3 billion people with computing and internet access. On November 28th, 2012, DataWind’s Aakash2 tablet computer was launched at the United Nations by the Secretary General, Ban Ki Moon.
DataWind has been recognized by Forbes magazine in its 2012 Impact 15 list as a “classroom revolutionary” using innovative technologies to reinvent education globally and crowned as UK’s Most Innovative Mobile Company for 2012.
Datawind has offices in Amritsar, London, Montreal, Mississauga and New Delhi.
Lexicon Public Relations & Corporate Consultants (P) Ltd
Sunita Budhiraja/ Pragati Varshney/ Arpita Sinha
+91 9971588200/ +91 9811128790/ +91 9871606139
Thanks & Regards
Pragati Varshney
Assistant Account Manager
Pragati Varshney
Assistant Account Manager
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IMF lowers India ’s growth forecast to 3.8% from 5.6%
10102013
India’s Growth Projection has been lowered significantly to 3.8% in 2013 and 5.1% in 2014 while the Global Growth is projected to remain lower at 2.9% in 2013
According to World Economic Outlook (WEO) by IMF, India ’s growth projection has been lowered significantly to 3.8% in 2013 and 5.1% in 2014. This was steeply lower by 1.8% and 1.1% for 2013 and 2014 respectively than the previous forecast made by IMF in World Economic Outlook Report released in July.
World Economic Outlook Projections of Output 2013 (%)
Source: PHD Research Bureau, compiled from IMF
The Global growth is forecasted to average at 2.9% in 2013, which is below the 3.2% recorded in 2012. This is less than forecast made in the July 2013 World Economic Outlook, partly due to a natural cooling in growth following the stimulus-driven surge in activity after the Great Recession as well as structural bottlenecks in infrastructure, labor markets, and investment contributing to slowdown in many emerging markets.
| GDP |
Y-O-Y Growth (%) 2012
|
Y-O-Y Growth (%)Projections
| |
2013
|
2014
| ||
| World |
3.2
|
2.9
|
3.6
|
| Advanced Economies |
1.5
|
1.2
|
2.0
|
| USA |
2.8
|
1.6
|
2.6
|
| Euro zone |
-0.6
|
-0.4
|
1.0
|
| Japan |
2.0
|
2.0
|
1.2
|
| United Kingdom |
0.2
|
1.4
|
1.9
|
| Emerging and developing Economies |
4.9
|
4.5
|
5.1
|
| Russia |
3.4
|
1.5
|
3.0
|
| China |
7.7
|
7.6
|
7.3
|
| India |
3.2
|
3.8
|
5.1
|
| Brazil |
0.9
|
2.5
|
2.5
|
| South Africa |
2.5
|
2.0
|
2.9
|
| World Trade Volume |
2.7
|
2.9
|
4.9
|
| World Imports | |||
| Advance Economies |
1.0
|
1.5
|
4.0
|
| Emerging Economies |
5.5
|
5.0
|
5.9
|
| World Exports | |||
| Advance Economies |
2.0
|
2.7
|
4.7
|
| Emerging Economies |
4.2
|
3.5
|
5.8
|
Consumer Prices
| |||
Advance Economies
|
2.0
|
1.4
|
1.8
|
Emerging Economies
|
6.1
|
6.2
|
5.7
|
Source: PHD Research Bureau, compiled from IMF
Overall, growth in emerging market and developing economies is expected to remain strong at 4½–5% in 2013–14, supported by solid domestic demand, recovering exports, and supportive fiscal, monetary and financial conditions. However, the changing global growth constellations have exacerbated risks in emerging market economies. Less U.S. monetary policy accommodation combined with domestic vulnerabilities in emerging market economies may lead to further market adjustment globally, with risks of asset price overshooting or even balance of payments disruptions. Much of the pickup in growth is expected to be driven by advanced economies. Growth in major emerging markets, although still strong, is expected to be weaker than the forecast in WEO July 2013.
Warm regards,
Dr. S P Sharma
Chief Economist
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Categories : Business, CSR, culture, Education, Uncategorized
Moily take public transport to reach office
10102013
Moily rides on public transport to reach his office. CSE welcomes the gesture, but hopes he is serious about it enough to do it regularly
Says his proposal of bus day and cycle scheme can make a difference only if the rich and powerful get on to public transport
- Petroleum minister Moily takes a Metro to reach his office today.
- Wants to make a statement on fuel conservation at a time when the country is facing the challenge of importing nearly 94 per cent of its crude oil in 2030
- Oil price vagaries are playing havoc with household and public transport costs
- Rapid motorisation will upset both national and household budgets, worsen energy security and add to health costs
- The energy and pollution crisis must push cities to augment, modernize, scale up to get the rich and the powerful on board and also provide comfort of journey to all
New Delhi, October 9, 2013: The Union petroleum minister Veerappa Moily’s gesture of taking a public transport to work today is a step in the right direction, says Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) in a congratulatory message to the minister. “Mr Moily, make public transport a serious business for all – the rich and the poor — to save fuel, pollution and human lives. This is a good gesture, but the intent of it must not get reduced to a gimmick. It should catalyse significant change in the commuting practices in the city,” says CSE.
The minister had earlier announced that as part of a fuel conservation drive to save US $5 billion in oil import bill, he and his officials will travel by public transport every Wednesday. A circular was also issued asking officers in the ministry as well as 14 public sector firms under the ministry to take public transport every Wednesday. So, true to his word, Mr Moily travelled to work in the Delhi Metro today.
Said Anumita Roychowdhury, CSE’s executive director-research and advocacy and head of its air pollution control team: “Fuel guzzling in the transportation sector can seriously upset energy security and undermine the vision of energy independence set by the government of India. If energy guzzling in the transportation sector continues unabated, it can virtually wipe out gains of fuel savings from all other steps. More than 40 per cent of oil and oil products in the country go into running vehicles.”
She added: “The country faces the serious challenge of importing 94 per cent of its crude oil by 2030. Our oil import bill is already close to 7 per cent of the GDP. This has made India vulnerable to oil price shocks. At the same time, the ministry of environment and forests inventory shows that the transportation sector is the 4th largest emitter of heat-trapping greenhouse gas emissions in India. In Delhi, the transport sector is responsible for close to half of all carbon dioxide emissions.
What can be done
- Arrest the slide in public transport ridership: Changing modal share will affect fuel consumption in the transportation sector in the future. A 2008 RITES survey in Delhi shows that during 2001 to 2007-08, bus ridership has fallen from 60 per cent to 41 per cent of the total modal share. An asessment from the Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur shows that on an average, by 2030, Indians will travel thrice as many kilometers as they traveled during 2000-01. If neglected, the national modal share of public transport may drop from an impressive 75.7 per cent in 2001-02 to 44.7 per cent in 2030-31.
- Public transport can make a difference: While the metro rail is shaping up in a few cities, bus system is more common as a primary mover of people. A bus occupies twice the road space taken by a car, but carries 40 times the number of passengers. Buses can displace anywhere between five and 50 other vehicles and allow enormous oil and pollution savings. The International Energy Agency estimates a 100 per cent difference in oil use in Delhi in a scenario dominated by high quality bus systems. An earlier study by the Asian Development Bank had estimated for Bengaluru that an increase in bus share to 80 per cent leads to fuel savings equal to 21 per cent of the fuel consumed in the current scenario. It also leads to 23 per cent reduction in total vehicles and frees up road space equivalent to taking off nearly 418,210 cars from roads. CO2 emissions can drop by 13 per cent, PM by 29 per cent and NOx by 6 per cent. Cities need well managed, well organised modern buses that deliver efficient public transport services at affordable rates.
- Encouraging results on pollution saving from ‘bus days’ practised in Indian cities:When the Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) initiated a ‘Bus Day’ to promote bus transport and encourage citizens of Bengaluru to use bus transport on the 4th of every month, the Karnataka State Pollution Control Board assessed the impact of this move on ambient air quality – and found that air pollution levels had declined. On the ‘Bus Day’, levels of sulphur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, PM10, carbon monoxide and ozone decreased by 8.2 per cent, 4.8 per cent, 3.6 per cent, 11.7 per cent and 4 per cent respectively. The day after, the levels increased again.
- CSE analysis shows increase in public transport ridership in some cities – this needs aggressive policy support: As cities have begun to invest in bus transport, the turnaround has been noticed in a few cities. Delhi has increased its bus ridership by 25 per cent since 2009, while Bengaluru did it by 65 per cent since 2005 and 9 per cent since 2009; Ahmedabad has increased its public transport ridership from 10 per cent in 2004 to 16 per cent now. The small city of Tumkur in Karnataka that started its bus service in 2011 has already witnessed a 20 per cent modal shift from other modes of transport. If supported well, a bus system can engineer the big change in cities.
Yet too many odds against buses…
- Fuel costs cripples bus operations: In Delhi and Mumbai, the costs are comparatively lower because of lower CNG prices. But the CNG cost has also increased threefold since 2002 in Delhi. For Madras Transport Corporation Ltd, fuel costs are almost 30 per cent of all costs and 54 per cent of operational costs. For the Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation, this is close to 65 per cent of operational costs and around 38 per cent of all costs. With the practice of automatic fare revision in several states, bus fares now increase every time the input costs like that of fuel increases. Increase in bus fares will lead to steady erosion of ridership to two-wheelers whose operational cost is as low as Re 1 to Rs 2 per km.
- Why buses pay more taxes than cars: While withdrawing the fuel subsidy the government could have taken additional steps to reduce the overall tax burden on buses – at both state and central levels. It is is damning that the Indian cities treat bus transport as commercial operation and tax it high for carrying more people. The World Bank has already crunched the numbers to show that the total tax burden per vehicle km is 2.6 times higher for the buses than cars in India. Information from all states shows that cars and two-wheelers pay a miniscule amount as lifetime motor vehicle taxes whereas buses pay hefty annual taxes. The working group for 12th Five Year Plan has estimated that total taxation on buses can sometimes be as much as quarter of the total costs of bus operations. Revenue losses from tax cut on buses can be easily off set by increasing taxes on cars.
- Why buses pay more taxes than Metro: It is ironical that despite providing the same public service, buses are paying more central and state taxes than the Metro rail. The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation for instance is exempted from property tax, sales tax, capital gains tax, custom, excise, income tax and more. But bus pays property tax, octroi, excise, entry tax, VAT, central excise, custom duty, excise duty on consumption, excise and VAT on spare parts, motor vehicle tax, advertisement tax and more. This is mindless.
- Why no fuel economy regulations for buses and other vehicles? India is the only vehicle producing region that does not fuel economy regulations for vehicles to improve fuel savings. Without this, it will be difficult to meet the fuel saving targets of the ministry of petroleum and natural gas. The 2009 McKinsey report on India has estimated that if India improves fuel economy or fuel efficiency of the vehicles by even 15 per cent by 2015 then India will save 29 million tones of CO2 in 2030. This translates into 10.3 million tons of oil equivalent which at US $100 per barrel works out to be US $7.8 billion of savings in 2030 alone. If this fuel savings is linearly increased from 2010-2030, the total fuel savings can be approximately 100 million tonne of oil equivalent, and the cumulative dollar savings around US $78 billion.
- Fuel economy penalty in buses: Nearly all bus transport corporations are reporting either stagnation or decline in fuel economy of their bus fleet. In Delhi the fuel economy of the CNG buses is stagnating. Though there has been significant renewal of bus fleet in the key bus corporations of Delhi and Bengaluru, fleet fuel economy has worsened. The Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation’s analysis shows fuel economy penalty while moving from Euro II to Euro III and Euro IV technologies. Buses are bigger, more powerful with higher torque and there is no fuel economy standard for them. This costs huge money to the bus companies.
- Take away diesel subsidy from cars: If fuel subsidy is being taken away, take steps to reduce other costs for buses. Stop misuse of diesel subsidy by the more undeserving customers – the cars and SUVs. If the buses that provide public transport services for the larger good are not entitled to fuel subsidy then why diesel cars meant for exclusive individual mobility with very high pollution and health costs are allowed to enjoy the subsidy for indefinite period.
Time to act now as rapid motorization will worsen energy security: Transport demand has grown at 1.2 times the GDP growth rate. Studies by Asian Development Bank shows that under business as usual scenario the active population of cars and SUVs in India can increase to 80 million in 2035 and the total fuel consumption of on-road vehicles in India can grow six times over that of 2005 level over the next 30 years until 2035. Policies should maximise fuel savings in this sector at the earliest. The rolling stock of vehicles continuously locks up huge amount of energy and carbon. Both economic and environment cost of this energy lock up is unsustainable.
The country needs serious measures:
- To reform the public transport and promote infrastructure non-motorised transport
- Reduce tax burden on buses and cycles
- Implement effective fuel efficiency standards for buses and other vehicles
- Develop employer and employee based incentive programmes to encourage public transport usage
For more on this, contact Souparno Banerjee at souparno@cseindia.org / 9910864339
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Categories : Uncategorized
Government proposes scheme to set up of Plastic Parks in India
10102013
In order to promote downstream plastic processing industries, the Government of India has proposed to support setting up of ‘Plastic Parks’ in India . Currently the share of India in world trade for plastics is very low. Further, the industry in the country is very large however highly fragmented with the dominance of tiny, small and medium units.
The scheme would be implemented by the Department of Chemicals and Petrochemicals through setting up of a ‘Special Purpose Vehicle’ (SPV), which would provide infrastructure and common facilities for the industries. State Government or its agency, which would set up such SPV, will need to have mandatory equity participation in it. There would also be a requirement of share subscription agreements between the SPV and its members. The contribution of the members will have to be at least 20% of the total equity, including the cost of the land.
The Government of India would provide a Grant-in-Aid upto 50% of the project cost, not exceeding Rs. 40 crore per SPV to be set up for the purpose. The remaining contribution in the SPV will be from the State Government, its agencies, beneficiary industries or loan from financial institutions. The release of funds will be based on identification of milestones and time limits set for each such milestone to be decided at the time of the project approval by a Scheme Steering Committee (SSC) in the Department of Chemicals and Petrochemicals. The proposals are to be made by the State Governments.
The scheme aims at increasing investment in the sector for additions in capacity and for increased exports in the sector. Further, in order to achieve environmentally sustainable growth, a cluster development approach will be adopted through innovative methods of waste management, recycling etc.
Warm regards,
Dr. S P Sharma
Chief Economist
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