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.

CSIR Signs Pact with Ethiopia on Metals

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The Council of Scientific & Industrial Research (CSIR) has signed an Agreement with the Metal Industries Development Institute (MIDI), Ethiopia to implement a twinning programme.

The program is aimed at R&D capacity building of MIDI. CSIR has clinched this multi-million US dollar assignment through a process where many international organisations were considered.  The twinning is one of the largest programs (in terms of contractual amount) between a CSIR institute and a foreign entity. It should also facilitate CSIR’s future collaborations with African Organizations.

The agreement was signed on 7th June, 2017 at Addis Ababa in the gracious presence of H.E. Dr. Alemu Sime, State Minister of Industry, Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, H.E. Mr. Teshome Lemma, State Minister of Education, Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, Dr. Girish Sahni, Director General, CSIR and H.E. Mr. Anurag Srivastava, Ambassador of India to Ethiopia, Djibouti and African Union.

Dr. Girish Sahni on the occasion said that the knowledgebase of CSIR in the identified areas could be of immense importance for leveraging the technology capacity of African countries.  He invited the industry to join hands with CSIR and its counterparts in respective African countries to deploy the technology for benefitting the masses in the region.

The agreement was signed by the Director of National Metallurgical Laboratory, Jamshedpur (CSIR-NML) on behalf of the participating CSIR Laboratories, and the Director General of Metals Industry Development Institute (MIDI), Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

CSIR will enhance the capacity and capability of MIDI under the twinning arrangement and thereby enable it to contribute more efficiently towards the development of Metals and Engineering sectors in Ethiopia and thus enhance their competitiveness. The MIDI will be positioned to emerge as a globally competitive center of excellence in the field of Metals and Engineering, through the twinning programme.

This agreement signing is the follow-up action of the execution of a Letter of Intent (LoI) between Metal Industry Development Institute (MIDI), Ethiopia and the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), India. The assessment of the requirements of MIDI and GAP analysis of MIDI were major initial activities which a CSIR team carried out as a prelude to Twinning with MIDI.

The constituent laboratories of CSIR, namely CSIR-NML, Jamshedpur, CSIR-CMERI, Durgapur, CSIR-CEERI, Pilani, CSIR-CSIO, Chandigarh and CSIR-CLRI, Chennai, through a common collaboration platform, will execute the twinning arrangement.

India Navy Chief, Admiral Sunil Lanba to Visit Israel

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Indian navy chief Admiral Sunil Lanba, Chairman COSC & Chief of the Naval Staff will visit Israel from 12 to 15 June, 2017 as part of bilateral relations to increase high level defence exchanges, said the government in a statement.

During his visit to Israel, Admiral Sunil Lanba, Chairman COSC & CNS is scheduled to hold bilateral discussions with Lt Gen Gadi Eisenkot, Chief of the General Staff, Israeli Defence Force, to explore avenues for greater cooperation between the two Armed Forces.

He is also scheduled to meet the Commander-in-Chief of Israeli Navy, Commander of Israeli Air Force, Commander of Israeli Ground Forces and other MoD officials. In addition, the Admiral will be visiting Haifa Naval Base and other Israeli Air Force and Army establishments.

Earlier this month, the first official Parliamentary delegation from India, led by Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs and Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, S.S Ahluwalia, visited Israel on 4-5 June, 2017 with 10 MPs representing 9 political parties from both the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha.

Following the delegation’s visit to Yad Vashem, the Holocaust Memorial Museum in Jerusalem, Minister Ahluwalia wrote that the museum is a “living symbol of forbearance and a warning to future generations that such instances should never make their way into human history”.

The delegation had a number of field visits to familiarize themselves with some of the technologies that have made Israel famous in the world. These included a visit to the autonomous car technology company “Mobileye” which was recently bought by Intel for more than $15 billion.

Israel has now become the center for R&D in the area of autonomous car technology. The delegation also saw the latest water solutions for precision farming at the Kibbutz Naandan Jain, and also visited Israel’s largest water desalination plant at Sorek, south of Tel Aviv. The delegation also witnessed a plenary session of the Knesset and had a useful exchange with a few other members of the Knesset on June 5.

Now the visit by Admiral Sunil Lanba, Chairman COSC & CNS will further consolidate the Armed Forces Cooperation between the two countries.

India Israel relations date back to 17 Sep 1950, when India recognised the formation of Israel. Since the renewal of formal diplomatic relations in 1992, defence cooperation has been one of the main pillars of bilateral engagement between the two nations.

 

 

AYUSH Ministry Launches Yoga Life-size Mascots

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The Central Council for Research in Yoga & Naturopathy (CCRYN) under the Ministry of AYUSH, Government of India, has initiated a Yoga Awareness Drive through Mascots and Flash Mobs (YogMob) prior to International Yoga Day (21st June) to increase popularity of Yoga especially among the youth.

The mascots Provide an eye-catching way of helping boost the awareness of International Day Of Yoga . They are connecting with families by providing added entertainment and interactivity, especially at Malls , Public Places , Events & Recreational Tourist Areas .

Mascots appeal to individuals because they are memorable, a visual aid that encompasses everything about the Campaign Message from its ethos to its style . These mascots are leaving a great impact on audience in the blink of an eye, so the viewers does not have to think too much but can take in a lot of information at a glance.

The Human-size IDY Mascots are running the campaign & spreading the message of Yoga Day in Delhi NCR, Lucknow and Haryana starting 8th June 2107. FlashMobs of Yoga Dance called YogMob are also being organised at certain crowded places and malls.

Chiranjeevi’s Next 151 Film on Uyyalawada Kicks Off

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Now that the Telugu version of KBC “Meelo Evaru Koteeswarudu” is over, Telugu star Chiranjeevi is back to films as he is not going to relent despite the huge success of his 150th come-back film “Khaidi No. 151” that has minted more than Rs.150 crore.

The 151st film of Chiranjeevi is on famous rebellion against the British rulers in Rayalaseema by Uyyalawada Narasimha Reddy and “Dhruva” film director Surender Reddy has been roped in to direct this historic film. Its producer is again his son Ram Charan Teja under Konidela banner and this time Ram Charan is appearing not in a cameo role but in a full-fledged supporting role.

The film hit the floors on Monday, March 27, 2017. Surender Reddy had already given Ram Charan his big hit Dhruva last year. Chiranjeevi is planning two projects in 2017, one is with Surender Reddy and the other project is with Boyapati Srinu.

Currently, Parachuri brothers are working on a script for Uyyalawada Narasimha Reddy which revolves around the rebellion carried out in Ceded districts against the British rulers, ten years before the 1857 Revolt took place in the north.

Born to Peddamalla Reddy in Uyyalawada, in Kurnool District on the banks of Kundu River, into a Polygars family controlling Koilakuntla, near Giddalur, Narasimha Reddy refused to share revenues with the British. He was in command of 66 villages spread over Kadapa, Anantapur, Bellary and Kurnool districts and had an army of 2,000 men.

After Rayalaseema was ceded to the British by the Nizam, Narasimha Reddy refused to oblige the British nad led an armed uprising. On 10 June 1846 he attacked the treasury at Koilakuntla and marched towards Kambham, which was in Kurnool district till 1970 before it became part of Prakasam District. Later, he killed a forest ranger in Rudravaram, which ignited serious reaction from the district collector, Thomas Monroe. A huge amount of Rs 5,000 for any information about him and Rs 10,000/ for his head was announced.

Unsuccessful to capture him, the British imprisoned his family at Kadapa, which forced him to move to nearby Nallamala forest. When he was hiding in Jagannatha Konda near Ramabhadruni Palle, police surrounded his hideout at night and he was captured on 6th October 1846.

Narasimha Reddy was humiliated and tied with heavy chains and paraded in the streets of Koilkuntla with blood-stained clothes and in all 951 people were charged and 112 of them were given prison term while Narasimha Reddy was hanged to death on 22 February 1847. More than that, his head was kept hanging to the fort of Koilakuntla for about 30 years from 1847 to 1877, so as to terrorize other freedom-fighters.

Forts built by Narasimha Reddy still exist in Nossam, Uyyalawada, Rupanagudi, Kristipadu, Uppaluru and Giddaluru.

Japan Emperor to Abdicate Chrysanthemum Throne to Son Naruhito

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Japan’s Upper House passed a special bill on Friday, paving the way for Emperor Akihito to step down and pass the Chrysanthemum throne to his eldest son, Crown Prince Naruhito, within a week after the bill was duly passed by the lower house.

Once regarded divine power, the oldest monarchy of Japan will undergo another major change with the passage of the Special bill to let the current aged Emperor Akihito to abdicate the throne for his Oxford-educated son and Crown Prince Naruhito.

After the defeat in World War II, Japan’s then Emperor Hirohito denounced “the false conception that the emperor is divine”. Later, he had sent his son Akihito to study in western education, manners and customs.

True to his education, Akihito deviated from the tradition and married a commoner, Michiko, sending shockwaves across the Japanese people. Whether commoner or a diplomat, all wives of thye royalty have faced immense pressure to follow the Royalty rules, which have put them to isolation and some times depression.

Japan Crown Prince Naruhito will become the next Emperor, heralding a new era as per tradition

Dating back to 600 BC, ascending the Chrysanthemum throne, Crown Prince Naruhito and his former diplomat wife Masako Owada will usher in a new era from the date of their ascension to the throne which is slated towards the end of 2018.

Distancing himself from the tradition, Emperor Akihito in a rare TV address to the nation in August 2016, said, “I am concerned. It may become difficult for me to carry out my duties as the symbol of the state with my whole body and soul as I have done so far.” He had already undergone one heart surgery and once surgery for cancer.

With Emperor Akihito pushing for reforms in the monarchy, the Oxford-educated Naruhito and his wife may further take it to the next level making the stress levels on Royal members relatively eased. Once on throne, Crown Prince Naruhito need not look at roads as he once rued but walk along them or drive his way to reach the other world and mix with people more comfortably.

Leading Importers and Exporters Participate in Mango Buyer-Seller Meet

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Twenty one leading importers from China, Iran, Japan, Australia, Mauritius, Republic of Korea and UAE, participated in the Mango Buyer Seller meet(BSM) organized by APEDA today, June 5, 2017.

More than 100 exporters from across the country participated in the Buyer Seller meet. One of the leading importers M/s Dalian Yidufrom China having a chain of stores interacted with the Indian exporters and expressed his positive response towards the Indian fruit offered. Some of the leading exporters such as M/s Bombay Exports, M/s Asar Brothers, Kaybee Exports, etc. informed about the very good response during the BSM.

Another important highlight of the event was wet sampling of different commercial varieties of mango like, Alphonso, Kesar, Banganpalli, Totapuri, Dussheri, Langda, Chausa, etc. Local indigenous varieties of mango like SelamGundu, Mallika, Peter, Rumani, Neelam, HimamPasand, Mulgoa, Kundath, ArkaAnmol, Fazli, etc.

State horticulture departments from ten mango producing states displayed wide range of varieties grown in respective states. These states were provided with stall for showcasing their products along with their strengths. APEDA showcased range of fresh fruits at its pavilion to sensitize the importers about the offerings by India in fresh sector. Along with the fresh fruits segment, value added products of mango such as MangoPulp, Pickles, Chutneys, Jams & Jellies, Juices, etc. were also displayed.

On the second day of the BSM, visit of importers to the common infrastructure facilities in Mumbai is being organized to showcase the India’s capability to export quality and pest free produce which will create confidence among the importers.These facilities included, Gamma Irradiation facility, Hot water treatment facility, Vapor Heat treatment facility and integrated pack house.

ISRO Launches GSLV Mk III Successfully with GSAT-19 Satellite

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The first developmental flight (GSLV MkIII-D1) of India’s heavy lift launch vehicle GSLV Mk-III was successfully conducted today (June 05, 2017) evening from Satish Dhawan Space Centre SHAR, Sriharikota with the launch of GSAT-19 satellite.
This was the first orbital mission of GSLV MkIII which was mainly intended to evaluate the vehicle performance including that of its fully indigenous cryogenic upper stage during the flight. Weighing 3136 kg at lift-off, GSAT-19 is the heaviest satellite launched from the Indian soil.

After a twenty five and a half hour smooth countdown, the mission began with the launch of the 640 ton GSLV Mk-III at 5:28 pm IST from the Second Launch Pad as scheduled with the ignition of its two S200 solid strap-on boosters. Following this, the major phases of the flight occurred as scheduled. The upper stage of GSLV MkIII vehicle is a new cryogenic stage (C25) indigenously configured, designed and realised by ISRO.

The cryogenic stage used liquid Hydrogen and liquid Oxygen as propellants with a total loading of 28 tons. The stage is powered by a 20 ton thrust cryogenic engine (CE20) operating on “gas generator cycle”. The performance of the engine and stage during the mission was as predicted. About sixteen minutes after lift-off, GSAT-19 satellite was successfully placed in orbit.

Soon after its separation from GSLV, the Master Control Facility (MCF) at Hassan in Karnataka assumed control of the satellite. GSAT-19 is a high throughput communication satellite.

In the coming days, GSAT-19 orbit will be raised from its present Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO) to the final circular Geostationary Orbit (GSO) by firing the satellite’s Liquid Apogee Motor (LAM) in stages. During the final phase of this operation, the solar panels and antenna reflectors of the satellite will be deployed. The satellite will be commissioned into service after its positioning in the designated slot in the GSO following in-orbit testing of its payloads.

Indian MP Delegation to Visit Israel, Minister Ahluwalia Leads Panel

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Union Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs and Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, S.S. Ahluwalia, led an Indian Parliamentary delegation on a three-day visit to Norway for promoting and strengthening parliamentary relations between the two countries. The visit, which concluded late last night, is expected to further strengthen bilateral relations between India and Norway.

During the visit, the Indian delegation met Ms. Monica Mæland, Minister of Trade and Industry, Ms. Marit Berger Røsland, State Secretary for Foreign Affairs, Government of Norway, Ms. Anniken Huitfeldt, Chair of the Standing Committee on Foreign Policy and Defence and Mr. Gunnar Gundersen, Deputy Chair of the Standing Committee on Business and Industry of Parliament of Norway and also visited the Norwegian Institute of Bio-economy Research (NIBIO), Ås, Norway.

Mr Ahluwalia, in his meetings with Norwegian dignitaries, stated that both India and Norway should work towards strengthening cooperation in areas such as, combating international terrorism, maritime cooperation, climate change, renewable energy, waste management, fisheries, agriculture, exchange of technology on horticulture and organic farming etc.

Speaking on the global threat of terrorism, Mr Ahluwalia stated that it constitutes one of the most serious threats to international peace and security, hinders the enjoyment of human rights, and undermines social and economic development of democratic societies.

The Minister highlighted the need for the international community to combat terrorism, which are well- connected, well-educated well-funded, well-armed and well-trained. “India strongly condemns terrorism and there could be no tolerance for States sheltering, arming, training, or financing terrorists”, Mr Ahluwalia reiterated.

Noting that both countries have supported each other in several initiatives in the United Nations and other multilateral fora, Mr Ahluwalia highlighted the need for strengthening this cooperation and even further deepen the interaction on several issues in the United Nations. The Minister also expressed sincere appreciation for the Norwegian Government’s valuable support for India’s candidature for a permanent membership of reformed UN Security Council, as well as at the NSG.

In the field of fisheries, Mr Ahluwalia stated that introduction of Recirculation Aquaculture Systems (RAS) is fairly new to India, whereas, Norwegian companies have expertise in this high-tech production technique. “India looks to Norway for exchange of knowledge and technical expertise to develop Recirculation Aquaculture Systems (RAS)”, the Minister said.

The Indian Delegation also interacted with the Indian community and representatives at a reception hosted by Ambassador of India to Norway Mr Debraj Pradhan.

PM Holds Talks with French President Emmanuel Macron in Paris

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Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Saturday, June 3, 2017, met French President Emmanuel Macron in Parisand congratulated him for the recent election victory.

The Prime Minister spoke of the service to humanity and human values that France-India relations have rendered successfully over the years. He expressed confidence that relations will go forward even faster.

In this context, the Prime Minister mentioned the International Solar Alliance, and the joint effort of India and France to this cause.

The Prime Minister described the Paris Climate agreement as a shared heritage of the whole world, and this generation’s contribution to the hope of future generations of mankind. He said it is our collective responsibility to save Mother Earth. Describing the city of Paris as an important part of his political journey, the Prime Minister said India and France had worked shoulder to shoulder for this agreement.

The Prime Minister described protection of environment as an article of faith for Indians, and a centuries old tradition.

He said India is committed to the accord, and even beyond it, India will work and walk together with others to leave a gift for the future generations.

The Prime Minister said both leaders also discussed ways to counter terrorism and radicalization. He said India is in favour of a united progressive European Union.

President Congratulates DRDO Test-firing of Indigenous Nuclear-Capable Prithvi-II Missile

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President Pranab Mukherjee congratulated DRDO on the successful test-firing of the indigenously developed nuclear-capable Prithvi-II Missile.

In a message to Dr. S. Christopher, Secretary, Department of Defence Research & Development & Director General, DRDO, the President has said, “I extend my hearty congratulations to all those associated with the successful test-firing of the indigenously developed nuclear-capable Prithvi-II Missile.

The nation is proud of this achievement made by the DRDO and looks upon the Organization to take India into the ranks of the leading nations of the world in the field of defence programme.

Kindly convey my greetings and felicitations to the members of your team of scientists, engineers, technologists and all others associated with this mission. I wish the DRDO continued success in the coming years”.

IFS Officer Trainees Call on President in Rashtrapati Bhavan

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A group of Officer Trainees of the 2016 batch of the Indian Foreign Service called on the President of India, Mr Pranab Mukherjee today (June 1, 2017) at Rashtrapati Bhavan.

Addressing the Officer Trainees, the President congratulated them for choosing the Civil Services as a career. He said that as they had chosen to serve their country as its diplomatic representatives it was important for them to remember that it was India that brought the gift of the greatest concept of universal acceptance to the world; it gave the slogan of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam to humanity.

He stated that the Foreign Service offers them the unique opportunity and privilege to represent the country and project its civilizational and cultural heritage and interact with counterparts the world over – for achieving her developmental goals.

The President said that a diplomat is required to always be well informed on the widest range of relevant subjects. He or she needs to have a thorough knowledge of the economic and social dynamics of their country and also remain aware and alert about the areas in which India could engage with other countries for the benefit of its people.

The President said that it is important to cultivate a deep interest and understanding of the countries where they are posted in order to explore all opportunities for strengthening India’s bilateral relations with its Government and people. He said that they must always remember that they are representatives of India, one of the oldest civilizations of the world which taught people how to live together, develop together and advance together.

India, Georgia to Study Free Trade Agreement Scope

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A high level delegation led by the Minister of Economy and Sustainable Development of Georgia, Mr.Giorgi Gakharia called on the Commerce & Industry Minister Nirmala Sitharaman today on 11th April 2017, ahead of a Joint Statement on the launching of the Joint Feasibility Study on the Free Trade Agreement between the two nations.

Upon the completion of the Joint Feasibility Study the Republic of India and Georgia may proceed to negotiations on an FTA once the internal procedures are completed and the mandates on negotiations are approved.In this regard, the Joint Feasibility Study Group consisting of the officials of the two countries has been established. Joint Secretary, Foreign Trade (CIS), Department of Commerce, Government of India and Mr. Genadi Arveladze Deputy Minister of Economy and Sustainable Development of Georgia would be the leaders, respectively of Indian and Georgian side.

The purpose of establishing the Joint Feasibility Study Group is to provide an opportunity for more in-depth and systematic examination of potential FTA. The Joint Feasibility Study Group shall discuss the possible scope of a potential FTA and analyse the sensitiveness of specific sectors, while recommending possible ways to address them. Both the ministers expressed the hope that the Joint Feasibility Study Group shall issue a report with the relevant analysis and recommendations within a period of six months.

India is having positive trade balance with Georgia. In 2015-2016 the total export from India to Georgia was US$ 82.57 million and import from Georgia was US$ 24.47 million.During the period April -February 2016-2017 India’s export to Georgia stood at about US$ 83 million as compared to US$ 73 million April-February 2015-2016 and import from Georgia stood at US$ 28 million as compared to US$ 24 million in April-February, 2015-2016.

Both the countries expressed their confidence that the Joint Feasibility Study will further contribute to the mutually beneficial cooperation of the partners and bring it to a new level.

India Signs 7 MoUs, Malaysia PM Razak Meets PM, President

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Malaysian Prime Minister Mohd. Najib Bin Tun Abdul Razak called on President of India Pranab Mukherjee at Rashtrapati Bhavan today, April 1, 2017, as part of his state visit, reciprocating PM Narendra Modi visit to Malaysia in November 2015.

Welcoming PM Razak, the President said relations between India and Malaysia are centuries old and is best ever so far. The two countries have taken their strategic partnership forward, particularly after the state visits at a time when India and Malaysia are celebrating the 60th anniversary of India-Malaysia diplomatic relations.

Malaysia would like to achieve a target of US $15 billion bilateral trade by 2020 with India and as part of it, both countries signed seven MoUs in New Delhi. “Infra has been an area of fruitful partnership between us but we can do much more,” said PM Modi. “We are also converging efforts aimed at food security that are linked to well being of our farmers.”

Malaysian PM also referred to defence and strategic ties saying, “Defence and strategic partnership will be very important for us to fight global terrorism,militancy,extremism,that includes fight against IS.”

Both leaders focused on issues, including terrorism, bilateral as well as commercial agreements.

Indian Army Chief Visits Nepal and Bangladesh

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Indian Army Chief General Bipin Rawat is visiting Nepal and Bangladesh from 28 March to 02 April 2017 on his first foreign visit after assuming office.

Gen Rawat will be visiting important military installations and meeting high ranking dignitaries including the Prime Minister, Defence Minister and the Chief of Army Staff. The delegation will also visit Nepalese Army Mountain Warfare School at Jomsom and the Pension Paying office at Pokhra where the COAS will address the Indian Army ex-servicemen of Nepalese origin.

The visit to Nepal assumes importance as the President of Nepal will confer the title of “Honorary General of the Nepalese Army” to the COAS at a special investiture ceremony on 29 March 2017. This historic tradition is a reciprocal arrangement that is continuing uninterrupted since its inception in 1969 and has been a hallmark of the special relationship between the Indian and the Nepalese Army. General Rajendra Chettri, the Chief of Army Staff of Nepalese Army was conferred the title of “Honorary General of the Indian Army” on 03 February 2016, during his first visit to India after assuming office.

Nepal visit will be followed by a visit to Bangladesh, where COAS will be meeting the President, the Prime Minister and the Chief of Army Staff of Bangladesh Army. The delegation will also visit Headquarters of an Infantry Division and Armoured Corps Centre at Bogra. This visit will help strengthen mutual trust with immediate neighbourhood particularly in the field of defence cooperation.

Third Protocol of Amended India-Singapore DTAA Comes into Effect

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The Third Protocol amending India-Singapore Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement (DTAA) which was signed on 30th December, 2016, has come into force on 27th February 2017, said a statement.

The India-Singapore DTAA currently provides for residence based taxation of Capital Gains of shares in a company. The Third Protocol amends the DTAA with effect from 1st April, 2017 to provide for source based taxation of capital gains arising on sale of shares in a company.

This will curb revenue loss, prevent double non-taxation and streamline the flow of investments and to provide certainty to investors, investments in shares made before 1st April, 2017 have been clubbed subject to fulfillment of conditions in Limitation of Benefits clause as per 2005 Protocol, said the statement.

Further, a two-year transition period from 1st April, 2017 to 31st March, 2019 has been provided during which capital gains on shares will be taxed in source country at half of normal tax rate, subject to fulfillment of conditions in Limitation of Benefits clause.

The Third Protocol also inserts Article 9(2) in the DTAA which would facilitate relieving of economic double taxation in transfer pricing cases. The taxpayer friendly measure is in line with India’s commitments under Base Erosion and Profit Shifting (BEPS) Action Plan to meet the minimum standard of providing Mutual Agreement Procedure (MAP) access in transfer pricing cases, it said.

The Third Protocol also enables application of domestic law and measures concerning prevention of tax avoidance or tax evasion.

India Still Ranks 131 in Human Development Index: UN Report

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The UN ‘Human Development Report 2016′, released on Tuesday by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), placed India at 131 rank out of 188 countries in the global index.

The low rank for India shows how our liberalization has failed to uplift the condition of one third of the population. On health front, the overall life expectancy at birth grew by more than 10 years from the 1990 level, but on women’s empowerment, it remains the most basic challenge to deal with.

Since development is a multidimensional achievement, merely creating wealth in the country will not trickle down to a widespread wealth among the poeple. Basic conditions of housing, water, education, health and justice should be focused equaly to gain a better rank in the Human development Index and India is far away from achieving it.

As Selim Jahan, lead author of the report, said, “In order to advance, we need to examine more closely not just what has been achieved, but also who has been excluded and why.”

The index takes into account the period under both BJP, Congress and again BJP rule at the Centre from 1990 to 2015, in fact one-and-a-half year Modi’s rule as well. So, no political party can pass the buck on the other but retrospect the implications of such a low ranking, which has the potential to unleash both social unrest and political uprising in the future unless addressed immediately.

“Leaving no one behind needs to become the way we operate as a global community. In order to overcome the barriers that hamper both human development and progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals, inclusiveness must guide policy choices,” said Swedish PM Stefan Löfven.

UNDP Administrator Helen Clark said, “The world has come a long way in rolling back extreme poverty, in improving access to education, health and sanitation, and in expanding possibilities for women and girls. But those gains are a prelude to the next, possibly tougher challenge, to ensure the benefits of global progress reach everyone.”

Selim Jahan said there is a systemic discrimination against women, indigenous peoples and ethnic minorities, among others. The report notes that disadvantages disproportionately affect some groups.

French Former President Sarkozy Meets Modi

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Mr. Nicolas Sarkozy, former President of France, met Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday and congratulated him for the success of “demonetization”.

The Prime Minister congratulated Mr. Sarkozy on the publication of his latest book, “Tout pour la France”. The two leaders discussed regional and global issues of mutual interest.

India’s relations with France have seen a spur in recent period with the Union Cabinet approving the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) of Cooperation between Technology Development Board (TDB), Department of Science & Technology, Govt. of India and Bpifrance, a Public Investment Bank, France.

The agreement will ensure exchange of best practices and setting up of coordinated measures to foster technological exchanges in the field of Science, Technology and Innovation through collaboration between companies, organizations and institutions of France and India.

The agreement aims to carry out activities related to exchange of best practices in the field of Science & Technology through the Technology Development Board and Bpifrance.

Last year, France designated its French public utility Electricite de France (EDF) to take control of AREVA NP and would be the single entry point for Indian side on all matters related to nuclear power projects to be setup at Jaitapur, Maharashtra.

Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL) has entered into an MoU with EDF for implementation of six Evolutionary Pressurised Reactor (EPR) units at Jaitapur, Maharashtra together with associated fuel, fuel services and other services.

Indian Railways Increasing Foreign Collaborations for High Speed Trains, Travel

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Ministry of Railways have signed the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC), Joint Declaration of Intent (JDI), and Protocol with the following foreign Ministries and Railways for Technical Cooperation in Railway Sector, said Minister of State for Railways Rajen Gohain in a written reply to a question in Rajya Sabha on 17.03.2017 (Friday).

The agreements include cooperation areas such as High Speed Railway, Station Development, Speed Raising, Modernization of rolling stock, modernization of infrastructure, development of logistic parks and freight terminals, safety in train operations among others, said the minister. Here is a full list of agreements with foreign countries:

•    National Railway Administration of the Government of the People’s Republic of China.
•    RENFE-OPERADORA and ADIF of the Kingdom of Spain.
•    Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport of the Government of the Republic of Korea.
•    French National Railways (SNCF).
•    Department of Transport of Canada.
•    Kazakhstan TemirZholy.
•    Ministry of Transport, Construction and Regional Development of the Slovak Republic.
•    Department for Transport of the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.
•    Research Design and Standards Organization (RDSO), India and Railway Technical Research Institute (RTRI), Japan.
•    Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism of Japan.
•    Government of Japan.
•    Czech Railway (CESKE DRAHY) of the Czech Republic and Association of Czech Railway Industry (ACRI).
•    Joint Stock Company “Russian Railways” .
•    Ministry of Enterprise and Innovation of the Kingdom of Sweden.
•    Federal Ministry of Transport and Digital Infrastructure of the Federal Republic of Germany.
•    DB Engineering & Consulting GMBH of Germany for Technological Cooperation.
•    Ferrovie Dello Stato Italialiane S.P.A. of the Republic of Italy.

Sports Minister Vijay Goel addresses Global Millennium Summit at Dubai

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Indfia’s current youth policy, launched in 2014, proposes a holistic ‘vision’ for the youth of India, to empower youth of the country to achieve their full potential, and through them enable India to find its rightful place in the community of nations, said Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports Vijay Goel at the Global Millennium Summit, Dubai on 18 March 2017.

Speaking at the Global Millennium Summit 2017 organised by the students of Shri Ram College of Commerce (SRCC) in Dubai, the minister said Dubai is fast emerging as the hub of business, trade and innovation and the pivot of the different cultures of the world.

“Today’s youth is full of spark. They have the courage which is inexplicable, they are dynamic, they have written their fate themselves. They have the key to the lock and they are the only ones who can set the caged bird free… They are everywhere; every corner of the world, their reach is phenomenal,” he said.

He said India’s Youth Organizations — Nehru Yuva Kendra Sangathan (NYKS) and National Service Scheme (NSS), besides the Rajiv Gandhi National Institute of Youth Development (RGNIYD) have played vital role in promoting Youth affairs and activities, he noted.

This Year a number of schemes will be initiated under an umbrella scheme of Rashtriya Yuva Sashaktikaran Karyakram with the objective of developing leadership qualities among the youth, and another Central Sector Scheme, National Young Leaders Programme (NYLP), introduced in 2014-15, is being run by the Ministry, he said.

First Airbus Training Centre in Asia to be Set up in India

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European aviation firm Airbus is setting up a greenfield training facility at Aerocity, New Delhi, to support India’s growing need for Airbus aircraft pilots and maintenance engineers and the ground-breaking for it was performed by Aviation Minister P. Ashok Gajapathi Raju on Thursday.

Speaking on the occasion, Tom Enders, CEO, Airbus said the training centre will be the first such facility fully owned by us in Asia. India is the fastest growing domestic aviation market in the world and is expected to continue to grow at an annualised 9.3% over the next 20 years, outpacing the world average of 4.6%.

The number of trips per capita in India is expected to quadruple by 2035 due to a combination of economic and demographic factors, and Airbus forecasts a requirement for at least 1,600 new passenger and freighter aircraft by 2035. The consequent increase in Indian in-service aircraft fleet will lead to an accompanying need for over 24,000 new pilots and maintenance engineers.

The almost 7000 m2 Airbus India Training Centre will be built in a modular concept in order to become operational by end-2018 with two A320 full flight simulators, increasing to four and potentially to six simulators in due course, he informed.

It will start with an initial capacity to train over 800 pilots and 200 maintenance engineers annually. The centre will cater primarily to Airbus operators in India and the region. Airbus has more than 250 aircraft in service in India and over 570 are on order by Indian airlines.

Indian Minister for Civil Aviation Ashok Gajapathi Raju said that India’s rapidly growing passenger aircraft fleet must be matched by adequate availability of skilled pilots and maintenance engineers.

Airbus’ pilot and maintenance engineering training center is the type of facility which will help augment the talent pool of such personnel and thus be a force multiplier for the Indian aviation sector, he said. He has asked Airbus to think of creating MRO facility in India to.