Author Archives: Arun Kumar N

About Arun Kumar N

Arun has been associated with India International Times since 2018 and he has been a key reporter in covering science and space related stories. He can be reached at arunKnn@indiainternationaltimes.com.

India, US Launch New Clean Energy Joint Initiative

Posted on by
Reply

Union power minister Piyush Goyal and US Ambassador Richard Verma launched on Friday a new joint venture of US-India Clean Energy Finance (USICEF) Initiative which would help in unlocking OPIC financing and mobilize public and private capital to expand access to distributed clean energy projects.

Letter of Intents were signed and exchanged between MNRE and OPIC in presence of Piyush Goyal for the creation of a $20 million for US-India Clean Energy Finance (USICEF) Initiative, equally supported by the United States and India would support projects which, upon long-term financing and deployment, and would qualify for the support of long-term debt financing from OPIC.

The U.S.-India Clean Energy Finance facility (USICEF) would support project preparation activities for distributed solar projects in order to unlock OPIC financing and mobilize public and private capital to expand access to distributed clean energy solutions that will benefit disadvantaged communities in India and contribute to India’s ambitious renewable energy and energy access goals.

USICEF builds on the success of other project preparation facilities to support renewable energy in emerging markets. Through this initiative, project developers pursuing mini-grid, distributed rooftop and off-grid solar projects, as well as smaller-scale grid connected solar projects would be benefitted.

Rajeev Kapoor, Secretary, MNRE, White House Senior director John Morton and William Pegues, Managing Director, OPIC and representatives of the David and Lucile Packard Foundation, John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation, the William and Flora Hewlett Foundation, and Good Energies Foundation were also present.
During the event, Udai Khemka presented Clean Energy Finance Forum (CEFF) Report to Goyal. The report has been prepared after an extensive domestic and international consultation with all categories of financial Institutions (including pension funds, sovereign investors, insurance companies, other financial investors/funds, banks, investment banks etc.), multilateral institutions, as well as strategic investors and developers.

CEFF has made recommendations which will help solicit greater investment into the renewable energy sector. Some of the key cross cutting recommendations includes to boost and Accelerate “Open Access” Markets; Improve PPA Bankability; Improve Ease of Access to Domestic Banking and Capital Markets; Encourage International Debt and Equity Investments and Mitigate Currency Risk.

Goyal assured that suggestions emerged out would be examined and corrective actions would be taken up soon. He also stated that the new initiative of USICEF launched would help the early-stage project capital gap for distributed solar by supporting project preparation activities necessary to access long-term debt financing and unlocking OPIC and private finance.

India, Cyprus Enter Pact to Avoid Double taxation

Posted on by
Reply

A revised Agreement between India and Cyprus for the Avoidance of Double Taxation and the Prevention of Fiscal evasion (DTAA) with respect to taxes on income, along with its Protocol, was signed last month on 18th November, 2016 in Nicosia, which will replace the existing DTAA that was signed by two countries on 13th June 1994.

The Protocol was signed by Mr. Ravi Bangar, High Commissioner of India to Cyprus on behalf of India and Mr. Harris Georgiades, the Minister of Finance on behalf of Cyprus.

Both sides have now exchanged notifications intimating the completion of their respective internal procedures for the entry into force of the DTAA, with which the revised DTAA shall come into effect in India in the fiscal year beginning on or after 1st April, 2017.

The revised DTAA will enable source based taxation of capital gains on shares, except in respect of investments made prior to 1st April, 2017. In addition, the DTAA will also bring into effect updated provisions as per international standards and in accordance with the consistent position of India.

In a separate development, the notification of Cyprus under Section 94A of the Income Tax Act, 1961, as a notified jurisdictional area for lack of effective exchange of information, has been rescinded with effect from 1.11.2013, said a statement. The bilateral economic ties between the two countries are expected to be further strengthened by these measures, added the statement.

Indo- Maldives Joint Military Exercise Begins in Maldives

Posted on by
Reply

A 14 days joint training exercise of the Indian Army and the Maldives National Defence Force commenced today with the Opening Ceremony at

File Photo: Visit of Foreign Minister of Maldives to India (August 15-16, 2016) (MEA)

in Maldives.

The training contingents comprised of a platoon strength from BIHAR Regiment and a similar strength of the Maldivian National Defence Force. Senior military observers of both the countries will be witnessing the validation phase of the Exercise.

Exercise EKUVERIN – 2016 will be the 7th edition of Joint Exercise and is in continuation of a series of joint Exercises between the Indian Army and Maldivian National Defence Force. The previous edition of the Exercise was held at Trivandrum, India in 2015.

The aim of the Joint Exercise is to acquaint both forces with each other’s operating procedures in the backdrop of amphibious and counter insurgency/ Counter terrorism environment as also to enhance the existing military relationship between the Indian Army and the Maldivian National Defence Force.

The Indian Army contingent had landed at Male International Airport on 14 Dec 2016 on a C-130 military aircraft of the Indian Air Force. The exercise aims to enhance the interoperability between the Indian Army and Maldivian National Defence Forces in conducting joint operations and cement bonds of friendship between the two countries.

The joint military exercise named ‘Exercise EKUVERIN’ alternatively in India and Maldives with participation of an Infantry platoon from each side.

Time for India, Indonesia to Stem Radicalism and Intolerance: President Mukherjee

Posted on by
Reply

President Pranab Mukherjee on Monday said India attaches high importance to Indonesia’s success as a pluralistic democracy with an open society based on the shared values of syncretism, tolerance and respect for diversity.

Hostin a banquet to the visiting Indonesian President Joko Widodo, Mr Mukherjee said, “We see India and Indonesia as two countries providing a bulwark against radicalism and intolerance. India values its cooperation with Indonesia to address these common security concerns and transnational threats. Our proximity as close maritime neighbours indicates that this is a key area where we must work together as partners to achieve for strategic stability and security in the Indo-Pacific and safety and security of sea lanes.”

The President said Indonesia is the largest economy in ASEAN and India’s number one trade partner in the region. Our bilateral trade was about US$16 billion last year. We can try to realise the actual potential of our trade by diversifying our trade basket. India would value Indonesia’s active support for strengthening India-ASEAN relations during 2017 when we will be celebrating 15 years of Summit level interaction.

Subsequently, in his banquet speech, President Pranab Mukherjee said Indonesia and India helped to write the closing chapters of colonialism and started the Non-Aligned Movement. India looks forward to work with Indonesia to achieve the full potential of economic co-operation, maritime and air links and in increasing reciprocal investments.

India would be happy to contribute to Indonesia’s ‘maritime fulcrum vision’ of Indonesia Nusantara and, thereby, also to the security of the Indo-Pacific region. In the multilateral and global context of facing the common challenges of the 21st Century, India and Indonesia, together, are factors of stability for the world.

Post-Jayalalithaa, Tamil Nadu Braces Cyclone Vardah, Schools Closed

Posted on by
Reply

In less than a week after the demise of J.Jayalalithaa, Tamil Nadu is bracing for the worst storm on Monday, Dec. 12, called Cyclone Vardah with heavy rains and strong winds lashing the coast, forcing shut down of schools and cancellation of flights.

In Andhra Pradesh, the storm is feared to damage the paddy crops and orchards in Ongole and Nellore districts. Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu reviewed the situation through teleconference on Sunday evening and advised the officials to keep food and other essential commodities ready.

The storm is likely to hit both Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh coasts with the Indian Navy and the National Disaster Response Force on standby. The expected winds are in the range of 80 to 100 km an hour.

The government has not begun evacuation as the storm is expected to weaken by Monday afternoon. "Arrangements to be made for evacuating people in low lying and vulnerable areas. Relief centres to be kept in readiness along with necessary food, water and other arrangements. Army, Navy, Air-force and Coast Guard have been alerted to be on standby for deployment as and when necessary," a statement from the CM office said.

The Met office said the storm has weakened from very Severe to Severe storm. Already transportation was badly hit and 15 flights have been cancelled and 25 have been diverted so far with 9 of them reporting delay. All schools have been closed in coastal Tamil Nadu cities of Chennai, Kancheepuram, Tiruvallur, and Villupuram. Private firms have been advised to give a holidya to the staff or allow them to work from home on Monday.

The fishermen have been asked not to venture into the sea for the next 48 hours and people in low-lying areas have been advised to move to safer zones.

National Disaster Management Authority, in a tweet, asked people "to remain in safe places and cooperate with state government officials and disaster management agencies".

The Navy said it is ready with relief materials including additional divers, doctors, inflatable rubber boats, integral helicopters and relief material including food, tents, clothes, medicines and blankets to rescue more than 5,000 people.

Sushma Swaraj Kidney Transplant Successful: AIIMS

Posted on by
Reply

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj underwent a kidney transplant at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) on Saturday and her condition is stable, said a statement. It said the minister, 64, is safe and is in Intensive Care Unit after the six-hour-long surgery.

“A dedicated team of 50 personnel comprising transplant surgeons Prof. M. Minz and Prof. V. K. Bansal, transplant anaesthesiologists Prof. M.K. Arora, Prof. Rashmi Ramchandran, Prof. Vimmi Rewari and Dr. Preet Mohinder Singh, nurses, technicians and support staff, undertook the procedure under the leadership of Prof. M.C. Misra, Director, AIIMS and HoD Cardiac Anaesthesia, AIIMS,” said the statement.

The kidney was donated by a woman, not any relative, in her 40s and both of them are doing well, said the statement.

President Mukherjee Launches ‘100 Million for 100 Million’ Campaign on Birthday

Posted on by
Reply

President of India Mr. Pranab Mukherjee marked his 81st birthday by launching a ‘100 Million for 100 Million’ Campaign organized by the Kailash Satyarthi Children’s Foundation at Rashtrapati Bhavan today (December 11, 2016).

Speaking on the occasion, the President said that he was delighted to launch the campaign led by Nobel peace prize winner, Shri Kailash Satyarthi, from Rashtrapati Bhavan, an institution which symbolises our Republic’s commitment to democracy, pluralism and secularism.

The President said that despite the progress the world has made in science and technology, economic development and in other fields of human endeavour, there are still over a 100 million children who are “out of school”. They are being denied their childhood and are facing exploitation in various ways. The world must realise without further delay that there can be no progress unless our children are safe, secure and unless they are provided the freedom and opportunity to become agents of change for the larger good of humanity. To ensure for them a bright, carefree and secure future, devoid of poverty, violence and want is our bounden duty.

The President said this global effort to mobilize 100 million youth for shaping a better future of 100 million children who are less privileged is the beginning of a change which was long overdue. It is only appropriate that this campaign begins from India, which has one of the largest populations of youth in the world. He expressed hope that the campaign, as it runs for five years, will have a path-breaking impact on the lives of children across the globe. He urged all children and young people from India and abroad to join this campaign and be the torchbearers for a vibrant, compassionate and happy world where every child is free from want, fear and exploitation.

The ‘100 Million for 100 Million’ Campaign aims to mobilise 100 million youth and children for 100 million underprivileged children across the world, to end child labour, child slavery, violence against children and promote the right of every child to be safe, free, and educated, over the next 5 years.

Earlier in the day, the President inaugurated twin tower apartments for staff of Rashtrapati Bhavan; Navachara-II, a hall for permanent exhibition of grassroots innovations at Rashtrapati Bhavan and a museum of vintage carpets & tapestries of Rashtrapati Bhavan.

Watch Shriya Making Debut as Heroine Now

Posted on by
Reply

Shriya Sharma Grown up to play lead heroine roles now

The little girl Sneha in “Kasautii Zindagi Kay” is now a grown up beautiful lady ready to don the lead heroine roles and her latest picture on Instagram have already rocked many in the film industry.

Playing the role of Sneha, daughter of of Prerna (Shweta Tiwari) and Anurag Basu’s daughter in the famous television show ‘Kasautii Zindagi Kay’, Shriya Sharma is not new to Telugu film indsutry.

She has acted in Telugu film Jai Chiranjeeva’ as the little girl Lavanya and later she played in Hindi films including, ‘Thoda Pyaar Thoda Magic’, ‘Laaga Chunari Mein Daag’, ‘Knock Out’ and ‘Chillar Party’. In fact, her role in ‘Chillar Party’ won her the national award too.

Born in 1997 in Palampur, Himachal Pradesh, she started acting at the age of 3 years and has completed 16 years in the film industry, with her latest film in Telugu “Nirmala Convent” bringing her back to the stardom.

A brilliant student, she has scored 95% in ICSE 10th standard and 91% in Central Board of Secondary Education, 12th standard. She is now studying Law at Mumbai University.

Here is her filmography:

Filmography

Year Movie Role Language
2005 Jai Chiranjeeva Lavanya Telugu
2006 Benaam Ajay Devgn’s daughter Hindi
2006 Sillunu Oru Kaadhal Aishwarya ‘Aishu’ Gautham Tamil
2007 Soundarya Sanjana Kannada
2007 Laaga Chunari Mein Daag Hindi
2008 Thoda Pyaar Thoda Magic Aditi Walia Hindi
2010 Prem Kaa Game Pinky Hindi
2010 Enthiran papa Tamil
2010 Knock Out Sweety Hindi
2011 Chillar Party Toothpaste Hindi
2011 Dookudu Sushanti Telugu
2012 Racha Chaitra’s sister Telugu
2013 Tuneega Tuneega Young Nidhi Telugu
2012 Neethane En Ponvasantham Kavya Tamil
2012 Yeto Vellipoyindhi Manasu Kavya Telugu
2014 Gayakudu Akshara Telugu
2015 Billu Gamer Hindi animated
2016 Nirmala Convent Shanti Telugu

TV

  • Kanhaiya
  • Kasautii Zindagii Kay as Sneha (2001-2007)
  • Jhoot Bole Kawya Katte as Shriya
  • Carryy on Shekhar
  • Galaxy of Stars
  • Gumrah: End of Innocence Season 3 Episode 3
  • Confessions of an Indian Teenager
  • Pogo (TV channel) Awards (2006 and 2007)
  • Kya Aap Paanchvi Pass Se Tez Hain? as Herself with Shah Rukh Khan (2008)
  • Boogie Woogie as Jury member (2008)
  • LIL STAR Awards (2008)

Awards

  • Star Parivaar Awards, 2004 – Favourite Chhotta Bachha (Kasautii Zindagii Kay)
  • Indian Television Academy Awards 2004 – Best Female Child Artist (Kasautii Zindagii Kay)
  • Indian Telly Award
  • National Film Award for Best Child Artist in 2011 (Chillar Party)

Defence Minister Parrikar Arrives in Mauritius on a Two Day Visit

Posted on by
Reply

Union Minister for Defence, Manohar Parrikar and the Prime Minister of Mauritius, Sir Anerood Jugnauth at the Commissioning of CGS Victory the Water Jet Fast Attack Craft (WFAC) of the Coast Guard of Mauritius, the vessel has been manufactured by the Goa Shipyard Limited, on December 10, 2016.(PIB)

Indian defence Minister Manohar Parrikar, arrived in Mauritius on Saturday, on a two day visit, the first ever visit by a Defence Minister of India to Mauritius. He is accompanied by senior officers of the Indian Navy, Indian Air Force and Ministry of Defence.

Parrikar called on the Prime Minister of Mauritius, Sir Anerood Jugnauth and was the Special Guest of Honour at the Commissioning Ceremony of CGS Victory and two Chetak Helicopters.

During the meeting with Prime Minister Sir Anerood Jugnauth, both sides expressed their deep satisfaction over the close and growing defence and security cooperation and collaboration between India and Mauritius. Emphasizing their mutual security interests, Parrikar said that the Government of India would continue to extend its full support to Mauritius for training and capacity building, as well as supply and maintenance of defence equipment.

CGS Victory, a Water Jet Fast Attack Craft (WFAC), was manufactured by the Goa Shipyard Limited and funded by a Government of India Line of Credit. CGS Valiant, another WFAC also being manufactured by Goa Shipyard Limited for the Government of Mauritius, is due for delivery in mid 2017.

With the induction of the CGS Victory, the National Coast Guard of Mauritius will be able to widen its Outer Island support activities and conduct in-depth surveillance in the Mauritian EEZ for tackling transnational crimes such as drug and human trafficking, piracy, smuggling and terrorism.

The two Chetak helicopters from Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), were gifted by Government of India to the Police Helicopter Squadron (PHS) of the Mauritius Police Force. These two helicopters have an operational life of 15 years and would enhance and supplement the existing capabilities of the Mauritius PHS for Search and Rescue operations, emergency evacuations and Anti-Cannabis cultivation operations in Mauritius.

Parrikar will call on the President of Mauritius, Dr. Ameenah Gurib-Fakim tomorrow. He will interact with senior Cabinet Ministers of the Government of Mauritius, including the Vice Prime Minister, Showkutally Soodhun and Finance Minister Pravind Jugnauth.  He will attend a Deck Reception on-board the Indian Survey Ship INS Darshak, which is on a month-long deployment to Mauritius for conducting hydrographic surveys. Mauritian dignitaries and prominent members of the Indian community will attend the Deck Reception.

India has a long history of cooperation with Mauritius in the defence and maritime security sector. With this visit, both India and Mauritius reaffirmed their strong commitment to the maintenance of peace, security and stability in the Indian Ocean region.

TN Cabinet Seeks Bharat Ratna for Jayalalithaa, Bronze Statue in Parliament

Posted on by
Reply

Jayalalithaa

The Tamil Nadu cabinet on Saturday decided to recommend J. Jayalalithaa’s name for India’s highest civilian honour, the ‘Bharat Ratna’ and installation of her life-size bronze statue in Parliament complex.

“A resolution was adopted in the Cabinet to recommend to the Centre to award Bharat Ratna to honourable Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa,” said an official statement after the cabinet meeting today. It said a memorial building will be built for both MG Ramachandran (MGR) and J. Jayalalithaa.

Meanwhile, opposition to her aide Sasikala Natarajan’s continuation in the Veda Nilayam residence of Poes Garden in Chennai is emerging from different quarters though the party, AIADMK, has kept silence on the issue of Jayalalithaa’s properties amounting to about Rs.113 crore,  including movable assets of Rs. 41.63 crore and immovable assets of Rs. 72.09 crore.

The question over Sasikala inheriting the property has sent out mixed reaction. She came into Jayalalithaa’s life as an aide and caretaker in 1991 when she was about 34 years. Since then, all that one knew about her was that she was a close associate and caregiver.

Except for her brief expulsions twice, she had been with Jayalalithaa both at home, in election campaigns, tours, temple visits and vacations, including the jail term in Bangalore over Disproportionate Assets case. The AIADMK party cadre and leaders knew that Jayalalithaa had always kept Sashikala in high esteem as her sister in the last 35 years.

She was expelled from the house twice but it did not last for more than 100 days. Sasikala had even abandoned her husband and son to be with Jayalalithaa, a fact that the party may consider to keep her the de facto heir to Jayalalithaa.

 

 

 

Bangladesh Coast Guard Visits India

Posted on by
Reply
The Indian Coast Guard welcomed a four member delegation led by Director General, Bangladesh Coast Guard Rear Admiral Aurangzeb Chowdhury who are on a three day visit to India.
In addition to meeting senior officials in the Ministry of Defence, the delegation will also be discussing issues of mutual cooperation in the field of maritime law enforcement, maritime Search & Rescue and marine pollution response with an Indian Coast Guard delegation headed by Director General Indian Coast Guard Shri Rajendra Singh.
The Bangladesh Coast Guard delegation will also travel to Mumbai and Kolkata for visiting ICG facilities and conducting discussions on operational issues with Coast Guard Commander (Western Seaboard) and Commander Coast Guard Region (North East), respectively.

4G Rivalry Heats Up as Airtel Slashes Prices to Match Jio

Posted on by
Reply

Telecom major Bharti Airtel on Thursday unveiled unlimited voice calls and more 4G data under a new plan, while keeping the old subscribers to 4G unhappy as it costs Rs.200 per GB on these devices currently.

On the contrary, Reliance Jio has been providing 1GB per day free on its 4G devices and the freebeis have been extended up to March 31, 2017 by the parent company Reliance Industries.

Under the new plan, for Rs.345, Bharti Airtel will allow users to make unlimited calls to any network and consume 1 GB 4G data for 28 days. This is still far behind Jio offer of the same at no cost until March 31, 2017.

Airtel also offered another plan for Rs.145 where users will 300 MB of 4G data and unlimited calls within Airtel network for 28 days, it said. However, none of these offers actually compete with Reliance Jio at least not until March 2017.

Even after the freebies, Reliance is offering free calls, no roaming charges and plus 1GB to 10GB dataplan for 4G devices at Rs.149.

Trump Nominates Gen ‘Mad Dog’ Mattis as Pentagon Chief Against Rule Book

Posted on by
Reply

US President-elect Donald Trump is likely to nominate retired Marine Gen. James Mattis as his selection for secretary of defense during his latest “thank you” tour in North Carolina tonight, said reports.

Trump earlier stated in a Twitter message:”General James “Mad Dog” Mattis, who is being considered for Secretary of Defense, was very impressive yesterday. A true General’s General!”

Gen James N Mattis

James “Mad Dog” Mattis in the Pentagon has similar views as Trump and is expected to be his mouth piece in security matters, besides towing the party line. He retired in 2013 but the rule book says a defense secretary must have been out of the armed services for at least seven years.

Here is a full list of the cabinet positions that have been filled so far:
Appointed Cabinet Positions:
Department of Defense: James N. Mattis
Department of Treasury: Steven Mnuchin
Department of Transportation: Elaine L. Chao
Department of Health and Human Services: Tom Price
Department of Commerce: Wilbur Ross
Department of Education: Betsy DeVos
United Nations Ambassador: Nikki Haley
Department of Housing and Urban Development: Dr. Ben Carson
Central Intelligence Agency: Mike Pompeo
Attorney General: Jeff Sessions
National Security Adviser: Michael T. Flynn
Chief of Staff: Reince Priebus
Chief Strategist: Stephen K. Bannon
Unfilled Cabinet Positions:
Secretary of State
Director of National Intelligence
Department of the Interior
Department of Agriculture
Department of Labor
Department of Energy

Yearender: Fidel Castro or Jayalalithaa? Real Crusaders World Lost in 2016?

Posted on by
Reply

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa resembles the talented, educated and mature leader of masses while Fidel castro resembles the age-old image of a crusader for his people to lead a revolution and life-long respect in turn.

Unfortunate but Fidel Castro lived up to see his promise for a revolution dwindle once his health deteriorated a decade ago but Jayalalithaa remained steadfast in her pitch for making the poor and middle class women happier.

Fidel castro of Cuba

Fidel Castro not only challenged the US hegemony in Americas but remained the sole leader dreaded by any US President even to shake a hand until Bill Clinton accidentally did. He was behind the Cuban revolution that threw balance of power in Americas off guard and kept Washington on its toes always. He was even accused of masterminding JFK killing though it never stood the test of time or reason.

Fidel Castro was an eloquent speaker who could address his people for over 10 hours at a stretch, yet commanded their audience. His people braced poverty but never belied their leader. He remained an epoch in an era when socialism triumphed and capitalism remained in the periphery in world politics. A friend of Indira Gandhi, he had apparently warned of her of a plot to assassinate her about six months before it happenned. Though a non-alignment player, his presence in NAM Meetings during the Cold War had distanced many seen as US allies. Finally, it was his brother who succeeded him to the reins of power to make Cuba see the reason and adjust to the realities of capitalism as it is the most-acknowledged reality now.

On the other side of the globe, Jayalalithaa too mesmerized millions with her glamourous roles and sought to be a leader throughout. From filmdom to politics, her journey remained as cushioned as her films were. With MG Ramachandran (MGR) on her side, she saw no reason why she should not aspire for the top post. So did she when MGR died and resisted insults and insinuations for over two years to ramp home with a united party behind her charisma.

When cadre-based DMK party threatened her safety and self-respect with physical assaults in the Assembly, she swore to return as chief minister and teach her opponents a lesson and she did clinch the victory, thanks to her alliance tactics with the Congress at the apt time. Soon, she had groomed her own ilk in the state and her chosen target group of women always proved her right in her outreach strategy.

Jayalalithaa

Finally, notwithstanding the corruption charges and the jail term, she used all her adversities into accomplishments as proved by her second-straight victory in Assembly elections. If Fidel Castro was excellent in his charisma-centric speeches, Jayalalithaa was equally adored for her tactful and matured personality among the most-hated politicians in Tamil Nadu.

Her speeches lacked triumphant exhortations but her deeds stood before the voters glaringly to decide during the hustings. She knew her fans are far more important than her rivals and she proved them right again and again with her women-centric freebies. She never groomed any greater-than-thou personality within the party but tolerated even adhoc impurities. Whether her aide Shashikalaa or her trusted man Panneerselvam, she showed them who the boss would be but relented their mistakes to make them realise her mastery over inter-personal relations.

finally, both of them died within one week gap but both will remain the most-cherished personalities in the annals of history. Both will be missed by their followers forever. Both will be leaving behind void that cannot be filled by anyone else so easily.

Pearl Harbor Visit by Japan PM Abe to Bury Hatchet or History?

Posted on by
1

In a reciprocal gesture to US President Barack Obama’s visit to Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park on May 27, cementing the leftover feelings of animosity, if any, Japan Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has announced that he would visit Pearl Harbor NOT on December 7 but 20 days later.

Pearl harbor was a US Naval base in Hawaii that Japan attacked on December 7 (in US Time zone), 1941 killing thousands of sailors in an “unannounced” attack that forced the US to plunge into World War Two.

Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s visit would be the first ever by a sitting Japanese leader “to pay tribute” to military personnel who died in the war. The visit also coincides with his final summit with outgoing US President Obama.

The stunning declaration came just two days ahead of the 75th anniversary of the attack that propelled the U.S. into World War II.

Photograph of Battleship Row taken from a Japanese plane at the beginning of the attack. The explosion in the center is a torpedo strike on USS West Virginia. Two attacking Japanese planes can be seen: one over USS Neosho and one over the Naval Yard.

“We must never repeat the tragedy of the war,” he said. “I would like to send this commitment. At the same time, I would like to send a message of reconciliation between Japan and the US.”

However, Abe is not expected to express remorse or an expllicit apology for the Pearl Harbor attack. As Obama did not include any apology for the dropping of the atomic bomb on Hiroshima and Nagasaki in August 1945, so will Abe refrain from an apology to what America long argued as treacherous attack unannounced.

The irony goes back to the first week of December in 1941 when Japanese ambassador who was entrusted with the task of war declaration to be handed over to Washington failed to do so on time and the attacks preceded the declaration. US blamed Japan for unilateral attack without proper Declaration of War, an allegation that many Japan historians dislike to be reiterated.

When Japan attacked Pearl Harbor, unprepared American soldiers became the worst victims of an aerial attack on Dec. 7, 1941 — a date that President Franklin D. Roosevelt said would “live in infamy.” More than 2,400 US servicemen were killed in the attacks.

Hopefully the visit by Abe should end the stamp of illegal attack of Pearl Harbor from Japan’s history pages and bury the hatchet of World War Two though neither side may apologize for their wartime attacks.

Heart of Asia Conference Tomorrow: What’s the Focus?

Posted on by
Reply

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will meet Afghanistan President Ashraf Ghani and other 12 represntatives from Asian countries at the much coveted Heart of Asia Conference being held in Amritsar tomorrow to highlight terrorism, trade and cooperation takes place.

Finance Minister Arun Jaitley will address the conference as External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj is ill. Foreign Secretary S. Jaishankar and other representatives will meet on the sidelines of the inaugural conference symbolic to bring in stakeholders of Asia for more trade. The 14-member conference is likely to bring forth a loose alliance of like-minded actors to take the regional cooperation to the next level.

Pakistan is being represented by Foreign Affairs Adviser Sartaj Aziz while other ministers from Iran, Russia and China will make it broader in terms of trade-centric talks and India may raise the issue of terrorism since the venue near the border owing to infiltrations is visibly to offset Islamabad’s mindset.

India is likely to announce military aid to Afghanistan including 7 helicopters and receive assurance from Russia on supplying spares and conducting repairs on other aircraft in Afghanistan.

India is keen to focus on the Chabahar port in Iran for trade to Afghanistan, the overall agenda will centre around developing trade routes to Afghanistan, as China and Pakistan are focusing on the development of the Gwadar Port.

Iran’s Foreign Minister Javed Zarif is expected to make a presentation on the benefits of Chabahar to Afghanistan, while India will try to rope in others to develop the port project.

“We are already working with the governments of Afghanistan and Iran to do an event in Chabahar itself, sometime in the near future which involves not merely the governments and experts but also brings together industry and also showcases Chabahar for other countries which can benefit from the enhanced connectivity through Chabahar,” MEA official Gopal Baglay said.

Recently, Russia, Turkmenistan and Qatar have indicated an interest in the port, while Iran, that refers to Gwadar and Chabahar as “sister ports,” is keen to use the port for trade and gas supplies. China has already inaugurated its Yiwu-Mazar e Sharief rail line, under the One Belt One Road (OBOR) plan through Afghanistan to the CPEC route to Gwadar.

The Heart of Asia conference is the 7th in the series after the Istanbul Process was established in 2011 to provide a platform to discuss regional issues, particularly encouraging security, political, and economic cooperation among Afghanistan and its neighbors. The United States and over 20 other nations and organizations are “supporting nations” in the dialogue.

Past Ministerial Conferences of Heart of Asia Dialogue:
1st: 2 November 2011,
Istanbul, Turkey
2nd: 14 June 2012,
Kabul, Afghanistan
3rd: 26 April 2013,
Almaty, Kazakhstan
4th: 31 October 2014,
Beijing, China
5th: 9 December 2015,
Islamabad, Pakistan
6th: 26 April 2016,
New Delhi, India
7th: 4th December 2016,
Amritsar, India

MEMBER Countries:
Afghanistan
Azerbaijan
China
India
Iran
Kazakhstan
Kyrgyzstan
Pakistan
Russia
Saudi Arabia
Tajikistan
Turkey
Turkmenistan
United Arab Emirates

SUPPORTING COUNTRIES

Australia
Canada
Denmark
Egypt
European Union
France
Finland
Germany
Iraq
Italy
Japan
Norway
Poland
Spain
Sweden
United Kingdom
United States

10 Years of Ban ki Moon as UN Chief: Receives France Civilian Award

Posted on by
Reply

As United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon demits office, it is time to recollect his accomplishments with some historic achievements uch as adoption of the historic Paris Agreement on climate change in December 2015 and setting the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

Speaking to the press in Paris, Mr. Ban thanked France for its support for the UN in combating violent extremism and expressed his condolences to the victims and their families of such violence. He also noted France’s support to the UN in its work in the Central African Republic, Mali and the Middle East, particularly Syria.

He further noted that while France draws down its military operation – Operation Sangaris – in the Central African Republic, it was welcoming that France’s continued to take interest in the situation in the African country and called for an open and genuine dialogue to resolve the tensions there.

Mr. Ban also welcomed the commitment of France to the situation in the Middle East and in particular to hold an international conference on the issue.

The UN chief further emphasized that the international community’s support in Lebanon is equally important, particularly given the upcoming parliamentary elections.

Concluding his remarks, Mr. Ban expressed confidence that the Government and people of France would continue to support his successor, António Guterres, who assumes office at the start of next year, and the UN in its mission in building a better world for all.

On Friday, Secretary-General Ban was presented the insignia of the Grand Officier de la Légion d’honneur(the Grand Officer of the Legion of Honour) by the President François Hollande of France.

Receiving the honour, Mr. Ban said that it was the UN that was being honoured and expressed his gratitude on behalf of the Organization.

Created by Napoleon Bonaparte in 1802, the Légion d’honneur (Legion of Honour) is the highest French award. For two centuries, it has been presented, in the name of the French Head of State, to acknowledge the contribution of an individual in all fields.

Shops, Hotels to Remain Open 24/7 Soon: Minister Venkaiah Naidu

Posted on by
Reply

Union Minister for Information & Broadcasting M. Venkaiah Naidu said the Union Cabinet has approved the Model Shops and Establishment Act, facilitating round-the-clock working hours aimed at generating employment prospects by allowing cinema halls, restaurants, shops, banks and other such workplaces to remain open 24/7.

Speaking to the representatives of the Media and Entertainment (M&E) sector, he said all their concerns would be resolved by the Government in a time bound manner. Considering the growth prospects of the Indian M&E industry for the economy, he assured that the concerns of the industry regarding new tax rates in the GST structure would be conveyed to the Finance Minister.

Addressing the CEOs Round Table Meeting organized by FICCI, the minister said a comprehensive review of the Cinematograph Act, 1952 including Copyright and IPR Protection issues, was under consideration in the light of the reports submitted by Mukul Mudgal and Shyam Benegal. It was imperative to believe in “responsible creativity” where in the censor rules and regulations could be weaved into social norms which affected the social fabric of the nation.

On the issue of Improving Screen Density in India, the Minister said that the reach of cinema was limited to a small segment and thus provided an immense opportunity for the film industry to tap the regional markets and cater to the needs of consumers by developing content in local and regional languages.

He assured that the issue has been taken up with the Multiplex Association of India to formulate Model Rules for building and operating cinema halls which once received would be shared and discussed with all the State Governments in the coming State Information Minister’s Conference scheduled in December. The State Governments would be requested to look into the matter and ease out the process in order to increase screen density throughout the country.

On the issue of grant of permissions to TV Channels, the Minister said that the Ministry had taken the initiative to streamline the processes and procedures in the broadcasting sector. He also mentioned about the E-Auction of the Second Batch of Private FM Radio Phase III Channels commenced a week ago. 266 FM Channels in 92 cities comprising 227 channels in 69 fresh cities and 39 unsold channels from 23 cities of batch I of Ph-III had been put on auction in the second batch.

The Minister said plans are afoot to set up a National Centre of Excellence for Media, to provide training to the industry professionals. The Ministry was also in the process to setup a Film Promotion Fund to support movies, including Bollywood and Regional films, for participation in foreign film festivals.

The audio-visual co-production agreements signed by the Government would help film industry to explore more resources and share best practices. He mentioned that the Cabinet has recently given approval to the agreement between India and Republic of Korea.

UK Relaxes Visa for Businessmen, Modi Pitches for Students Too

Posted on by
Reply

Post-Brexit, United Kingdom is opening up to Indian businessmen announcing for the first time a very easy process visa under its "Registered Traveller Scheme" but she chose to remain silent on Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s request to provide "greater mobility" for students and researchers.

Speaking at the India-UK Tech Summit organised by CII, Theresa May, who was instrumental in tightening the visa regime earlier, said: "Indian nationals who frequently come to the UK and to fuel growth in both our countries, the entry process will become significantly easier." It means the businesses will have to fill fewer forms now to enter the EU-EEA (European Economic Area) passport regime and swifter passage through British airports.

"In short, more opportunities for Britain and India and a clear message that Britain is very much open for business… It is crucial that those who do need to travel between our countries for business can do so, that is the reason why when I was Home Secretary, I made visa process for Indians much easier," May said.

She pointed out that India now has best visa services and the same-day visa delivery system. She said that the UK government is listening to the pleas made by Indian businessmen. "Listening to the fact that there are many people from India who are to bring their skill, ideas, businesses to Britain for the good of your economy and ours," she added.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in his address at the India-UK Tech Summit 2016, recalled his visit to the UK last November when it ws decided to commemorate 2016 the ‘India-UK Year of Education, Research and Innovation’ and asked for more visas to Indian students and scholars.

"Even though the quantum of bilateral trade has remained at the same level for the past five years our investments in both directions have been robust. India is the 3rd largest investor in UK, and UK is the largest G20 investor in India. Both countries support large numbers of jobs in each other’s economies," he noted.

As India will soon have over a billion phone connections, an urban tele-density of around 154%, 350 million internet users, nearly 1 lakh Internet-Connected villages, the growth story offers an excellent success story, he said.