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.

What President of India Said on Demonetisation?

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In his New Year message to Governors and Lt. Governors, President Pranab Mukherjee on January 5, 2017 clearly indicated his unhappiness over the slowdown it will have on Indian economy though he termed it temporary. The message is a clear signal that the President, also former finance minister himself, is unhappy at the prolonged impact on people, who are not soldiers but citizens of the country.

He gave an advice to the centre over its adventure towards demonetisation.

Poor people need to fill their stomachs first and then roped in our long march towards transition to entrepreneurial approach. In his refined words, it read:  “We all will have to be extra careful to alleviate the suffering of the poor which might become unavoidable for the expected progress in the long term.”
The President said while he appreciates the thrust on transition from entitlement approach to an entrepreneurial one for poverty alleviation, he is not too sure that the poor can wait that long. “They need to get succour here and now, so that they can also participate actively in the national march towards a future devoid of hunger, unemployment and exploitation,” he said.
In addition, the President pondered over the state assembly elections in as many as seven states in 2017 as the dates for elections in five states have already been announced. “Elections reflect the attitudes, values and beliefs of the people towards their political environment. They symbolize the sovereignty of the people and provide legitimacy to the authority of the government. They also serve the purpose of regulation of public policies and mobilization of public opinion,” he noted hinting at the outcome in these elections would be the vox populi on demonetisation.
The President advised Governors and Lt. Governors to play an important role in easing the tensions in the society. Goodwill must prevail between different communities. “In a pluralistic democracy like ours, tolerance, respect for contrary views and patience are a must. These values have to be preserved. The multiplicity in culture, faith and language is what makes India special. Governors/Lt. Governors can, through their calm influence, inculcate amongst the citizens of their state this fundamental ethos of our civilization,” he said.

Festival of India in Cambodia Next Week

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A Festival of India is being organized in Cambodia from 10th January to 16th February, 2017 featuring  Ramayana Performance, Rajasthani Folk Music and Dance Group (Manganiyar Group) and Classical Dance.

A Buddhist Mahotsav – Exhibition titled Dhamma Darshana – to explore the life, teachings and important events connected with Lord Buddha and Photo Exhibition on Buddhist religious/heritage sites in India will also be organized, said a statement.

To complete the experience, a Food Festival will also be held and the Festival events are being showcased in three cities of Phnom Penh, Siem Reap and Battambang in Cambodia.

Cambodia is among the four Souteast Asian nations — Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar and Vietnam — (CLMV Region) where India is keen to increase its economic presence and a Project Development Fund (PDF) with a corpus of Rs 500 Crore was set up last year by the government.

These four nations offer a gateway for market access to China/EU and other markets due to various trade agreements for India. The key advantage of positioning India on the regional value chains is securing on a long term basis, a dedicated market for Indian raw materials and intermediate goods besides a dedicated source for inputs and raw materials for Indian industry.

While opportunities are a plenty in CLMV region, Indian entrepreneurs’ endeavors in these countries have, thus far, been limited due to limited information, infrastructure and other contingent risks. The fund is created to benefit India’s industrial community for business expansion, and to maintain cost competitive supply chains, besides integrating with global production networks.

Bangalore Pravasi Bharatiya Divas 2017 to Focus on Diaspora Achievements

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The Pravasi Bharatiya Divas 2017 or the annual global convention for the Indian diaspora, to be held in Bangalore from January 7 to 9, 2017 will focus on what the Indian origin NRIs and PIOs achieved in the last few years and an awards function at the end of it will felicitate some of them.

The event, to be attended by over 4,000 delegates from across the world will be opened by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Pranab Mukherjee will present the awards on the last day. The Bangalore event will be the first full-fledged festival of diaspora Indians under a new format adopted by the government last year.

Dhyaneshwar Mulay, Secretary, Overseas Indian Affairs, said, “Highlight of the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas 2017 is social innovations by Indians, 20 social innovations will be highlighted and there will also be a contest of innovators and the winner will get an award of Rs.1 lakh.”

Muley said all sessions will be held in plenary format to allow more interaction with delegates from overseas to convey their suggestions to the government directly. “The sessions will focus on immigration and the role of diaspora organisations,” he said.

The event initially raised several eye-brows over the rumour that participation from the Gilgit-Baltistan region of Pakistan would make it different this year but no confirmation has been made so far about it.

The theme this year is ‘Redefining engagement with Indian diaspora’ and the event exhibition would showcase the achievements of the government in various sectors, and the delegates can also explore business opportunities in India and connect with government officials, business owners and entrepreneurs.

Dawood Ibrahim UAE Properties Seized, BJP Claims Modi’s Victory

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By Pallavi Kumari
pallavik

Following news reports from Dubai about the United Arab Emirates government seizing the properties of underworld don Dawood Ibrahim worth Rs.15,000 crore, BJP has gone to the street basking on its new accomplishment.

In a tweet, the Bharatiya Janata Party said the credit goes to PM Narendra Modi’s "major diplomatic success". It has also claimed that a dossier provided by the Indian government played the trick to narrow down the properties in UAE which allegedly belong to Dawood Ibrahim.

"Major diplomatic success of PM Modi: One of India’s most wanted criminals, Dawood Ibrahim’s properties worth Rs. 15,000 crore seized in UAE," the BJP tweeted on its official social media site.

The Mumbai don who was the most wanted criminal in India for his alleged Mumbai riots in 1993 in which 257 people were killed, is believed to be entering his 60 years of age and hiding in Pakistan’s Karachi.

Already termed a terrorist by the UN, he is accused by India and the US of financing al Qaeda and Lashkar-e-Taiba terrorist groups. Last year, the UN sanctions committee made changes to its entry on Dawood making it easier to impose sanctions such as blocking wealth and accounts, ban on travel and arms on the person.

IFC Invests $67 Million in Apollo to Open 1000 Access Health Centers

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IFC, a World Bank investment arm, is investing $67 million in Apollo Health and Lifestyle Limited, a subsidiary of Apollo Hospitals group to focus on small-format healthcare centers across India, improve access to quality healthcare and create jobs.

IFC is investing half for its own account and half will come from the IFC Emerging Asia Fund, an investment fund managed by IFC Asset Management Company.

Apollo Health and Lifestyle Limited will use IFC’s equity investment to open nearly 1,000 medical facilities, laboratories and collection centers. The investment will create over 4,000 new jobs across India for healthcare professionals, including doctors, nurses, and technicians.

“The investment will help us meet the ever-increasing demand for quality healthcare in the country,” said Neeraj Garg, CEO of Apollo Health and Lifestyle Limited.

India accounts for 20% of the world’s disease burden but access to quality healthcare remains an acute problem. Small-format healthcare centers will allow Apollo to provide affordable and quality healthcare accessible to a broader population, including lower-income patients and those living in areas under-served by tertiary hospitals.

Henrik Elschner Pedersen, IFC Senior Manager – Consumer and Social Services – Asia, said: “Since 2005, IFC has made multiple rounds of debt and equity investments in Apollo Hospitals to help the company with its expansion plans and increase access to affordable healthcare in the country.”

Apollo Health & Lifestyle Limited runs a network of multispecialty clinics including diagnostic centers, maternity clinics, planned surgery formats, and diabetes management clinics,

[category, finance]

New Year’s Eve Celebrated Around the World

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Come New Year’s Eve, display of fireworks to revelers displaying the joyous mood mark the night of December 31 every year. Throughout the world the celebration begin with New Zealand and Australia reporting it first and New York or California joining the party much later in the day.

New Zealand:

A giant digital clock on Auckland’s landmark Sky Tower will show the countdown to New Year with people joining the spree shouting the seconds down to midnight. This is the first New Year Celebration every year to report with horns blared and crowds cheered as the tower goes up in lights varying from green to red to white in colour accompanied by fireworks.

Australia:

In Australia, Sydney’s famed harbour hosts pyrotechnics followed by waterfall of multicoloured fireworks in the sky, witnessed more than a million people off the Harbour Bridge.

Japan:

It’s holiday mood in Japan with most of the offices empty and cities virtually deserted. The New Year’s eve is celebrated by Tokyoites with children by releasing balloons from the top of the Tokyo Tower. Otherwise, millions of people leave cities for hometowns in trains. Temple ceremonies come to life on the New Year’s eve with the bronze bells ringing in the new year.

South Korea:

South Koreans too mark New Year’s Eve with traditional bell ringing ceremonies in Buddhist temples, with fireworks and music accompanied by pubic shows and performances in cities. On this day, several North Korean refugees, usually gather near the border to wish for a united Korea one day.

Malaysia

It is the fireworks time and celebrations on top of Kuala Lumpur’s landmark, Petronas Twin Towers, make the New Year’s Eve celebration in Malaysia comparable with the ‘Ball Drop’ at Times Square in New York.

China

China celebrates New Year’s Eve hosting performances and fireworks near Beijing’s Forbidden City in the Imperial Ancestral Temple in Beijing. Those at home are usually glued to TV broadcast of a gala from the National Stadium, known to most as the iconic Bird’s Nest.

Philippines

Fireworks mark both the revelry and tragedy of Filipinos on New Year Eve over the years. Traditionally Filipinos eat “media noche” on the midnight as others try thier hands at fireworks to make the loudest noise possible in Manila. After 2015 New Year Eve tragedy that injured about 850, shopping malls are holding the fireworks display to discourage individuals firing crackers in the city. Even the annual procession called the Black Nazarene, or carrying a black wooden statue of Jesus Christ, is being held a day earlier now to avoid injuries due to left over crackers on the streets.

Thailand

Following the demise of King Bhumbol, the New Year Eve will not be held in Thailand, which is observing one year mourning. Some of the canceled events include the Central World’s New Year Countdown Party & Beer Garden, the annual Patong Carnival, no fireworks at Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn) this year, and the New Year celebrations in Pattaya.

India:

Delhi, known for its showcase culture, will see many youngsters celebrating the New Year’s Eve on the streets dancing in an inebriated status while the police try to keep an eye on motorcyclists and drunk vehicle drivers. Usually Rashtrapati Bhavan is illuminated on the New Year’s Eve and 5-star hotels hold special events with live bands, dancing and plenty of drinks.

United Arab Emirates

In Dubai, the world’s second tallest building Burj Khalifa will be fitted with 400,000 LED lights and 1.6 tons of fireworks planned on every New Year’s Eve.

Gaza Strip

Palestinia hardly celebrates the New Year as Gaza’s Islamist Hamas rulers have banned New Year celebrations in the Palestinian territory and hotels and restaurants were not allowed to hold parties for three days, a day before the New Year and a day after the New Year.

France

The Champs Elysee in Paris is usually the centre of New Year’s Eve celebrations every year though last year it was not held due to November terrorist attacks in the city. It is likely that the Elysee may bring back the revelry of the New Year this time.

Belgium

Brussels, the capital of Belgium, canceled last year’s New Year’s Eve fireworks due to fear of terrorist attack but this year, it may be resumed though at a scaled down level.

United Kingdom

Fireworks in London are the most watched scenes around the world over the New Year’ Eve until the New York Ball drop takes place. Spectacular fireworks in London, Edinburgh and other big cities mark the event but police keep a tab on those without tickets.

Brazil

Remember the Copacabana beach in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil? It’s here the giant Christ statue will be lighted to say goodbye to 2016 and welcome 2017. Last year’s New Year’s Eve show was illuminated by 24 tons of fireworks spanning over 16 minutes. Music shows, samba dances and revelers mark the day with their performance.

US – New York

Come to New York on New Year’s Eve and watch the historic Ball Drop at Times Square at the midnight. Nearly one million people watch the event every year and big music bands including Luke Bryan, Charlie Puth, Demi Lovato and Carrie Underwood would perform. The descent of a glittering crystal ball from a rooftop flagpole marks the fireworks.

India’ Ambitious Maritime Project Sagarmala Development Company Inaugurated

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Minister of Shipping and Road Transport & Highways Nitin Gadkari has inaugurated Sagarmala coastal and maritime development projects worth Rs. 1 Lakh Crore under Sagarmala programme.

At a ceremony to inaugurate the Sagarmala Development Company in New Delhi on Monday, he said the Sagarmala Development Company (SDC) will achieve India’s maritime ploans. It has been incorporated under the Companies Act, 2013 with an initial Authorized Share Capital of Rs. 1,000 Crore and a subscribed share capital of Rs. 90 Crore.

The main objective of the company is to identify port-led development projects under the Sagarmala Programme and provide equity support for the project Special Purpose Vehicles (SPVs) set up by the Ports / State / Central Ministries and funding window and /or implement only those residual projects which cannot be funded by any other means / mode.

The Cabinet had approved the formation of the SDC under the administrative control of the Ministry of Shipping in July 2016. The company would help in structuring activities, bidding out projects for private sector participation, identifying suitable risk management measures for strategic projects across multiple States / Regions and obtaining requisite approvals and clearances.

The implementation of the identified projects would be taken up by the relevant Ports, State Governments/Maritime Boards, Central Ministries, through private or PPP mode. The Company would act as the nodal agency for coordination and monitoring of all the currently identified projects under Sagarmala as well as other projects emerging from the master plans or other sources.

It would also undertake the preparation of the detailed master plans for the Coastal Economic Zones (CEZs) identified as part of the National Perspective Plan (NPP) SDC would be raising funds as debt/equity (as long term capital), as per the project requirements, by leveraging resources provided by the Government of India and from multi-lateral and bilateral funding agencies. It would also aim to increase the scope of private sector participation in project development.

The incorporation of SDC is part of the ambitious Sagarmala Programme to harness India’s 7,500 km long coastline, 14,500 km of potentially navigable waterways and strategic location on key international maritime trade routes. The concept of the Sagarmala Programme was approved by the Cabinet in March 2015.

Future Spacecraft Material Found, Resists 4,000 Degrees Celsius

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Paving the path for future space missions to withstand atmospheric escape and re-entry hurdles, scientists from Imperial College London in the UK discovered that the metal hafnium carbide has a melting point that is the highest ever recorded that can withstand temperatures of nearly 4,000 degrees Celsius.

This can prove a path-breaking discovery to manufacture future spacecraft with the heat resistant shielding for hypersonic space vehicles. It can also provide as fuel cladding in the super-heated environments of nuclear reactors, thus avoiding Chernobyl type of nuclear reactor accidents in the future.

Tantalum carbide (TaC) and hafnium carbide (HfC) are refractory ceramics, with extraordinarily resistance to heat. Until recently, the technology to test the melting point of TaC and HfC in the lab was not available and now the researchers have developed a new extreme heating technique using lasers to test the heat tolerance of TaC and HfC.

Now he scientists have used the laser-heating to find the point at which TaC and HfC melted, both separately and as mixed compositions of both. The mixed compound (Ta0.8Hf0.20C) was melting at 3,905 degrees Celsius, but the two compounds on their own exceeded past record as the compound TaC melted at 3,768 degrees Celsius, and HfC melted at 3,958 degrees Celsius.

"So far, TaC and HfC have not been potential candidates for hypersonic aircraft, but our new findings show that they can withstand even more heat than we previously thought," said Cedillos-Barraza, who has conducted the research as a PhD student at Imperial College, London.

The researchers are upbeat as the new discovery can help manufacture future space vehicles to withstand extreme heat when travelling above Mach 5 -hypersonic speeds, which cannot carry humans. Even the future spacecraft will travel faster with humans, armed with the new material.

External Affairs Ministry Launches Twitter Seva

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In an effort to provide quick services and responses to Indians abroad and in the country for passport and other services, the Ministry of External Affairs has launched “Twitter Seva” platform, enabling the quick resolution of grievances.

In the past two years, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj often used Twitter to help Indians who’re caught in difficulties abroad. Now, the Twitter Seva will monitor the complaints throughout the day and night to provide help from local Indian embassy or regional passport office.

The service was launched by Minister of State for External Affairs VK Singh. Ministry spokesman Vikas swarup said the twitter Seva will act as “an umbrella platform” of all Ministry-affiliated Twitter handles. VK Singh said it would offer new frontiers in the use of digital technology for citizen engagement.

Twitter Seva will bring about 200 social media handles, including those of 198 Indian Missions abroad, 29 Regional Passport Offices and 8 other handles such as @MEAIndia, @Indiandiplomacy and @MEAQuery — all under one platform. Swarup said the enhanced, timely and transparent manner will now take the ministry to “a new leap forward.”

The launch of Twitter Seva service was first launched by the commerce and industry ministry in april, by the Telecom Ministry in August and now the External Affairs Ministry.

Cyanogen Shut Down, Google Android Excels

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Cyanogen, the original Operating Software and rival of Google Android which was installed in One Plus first series of phones way back in 2013 has finally shut down its services with effect from Dec. 23, 2016.

In a statement, the company said: "As part of the ongoing consolidation of Cyanogen, all services and Cyanogen-supported nightly builds will be discontinued no later than 12/31/16. The open source project and source code will remain available for anyone who wants to build CyanogenMod personally."

The users of original One Plus mobile phones will have no updates to their original Cyanogen OS but those who bought OnePlus 2 and other latest series may not worry as their OS is supported by OxygenOS of One Plus.

The parent company Yanogen said Cyanogen will continue as an open source project that can be built upon by those interested. But the appreciation for the initial concept of the country was forthcoming from all tech circles.

Forbes magazine said, "Cyanogen Wanted To Kill Google’s Android, But Instead Killed Itself." The report said in 2015 Cyanogen CEO Kirt McMaster said:"We’re putting a bullet through Google’s head". Since Cyanogen is an off-shoot of Google Android, which is an open source project itself, its existence was dependant on Google support. In fact, Yanogen went on to make a deal with Google rope in Google that allowed it to refine its services sold to third-parties.

[ tags cyanogen shut, cyanogenmod, one plus operating system, one plus OS, oxygenOS, cyanogen ceo kirk mcmaster, google rival, android rival, cyanogen shut down]

UN Needs to be United to be Strong: Ban ki Moon

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In its farewell to the outgoing United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, the Security Council today acknowledged his contribution to international peace, security and development, in particular his exceptional efforts to solve global problems in economic, social, environmental and cultural fields.

Adopting a resolution by acclamation, the Council also acknowledged his endeavours to meet humanitarian needs and to promote and encourage respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms for all.

“As Secretary-General, you have succeeded in ensuring that the Organization took advantage of the technological advances and prepared itself to meet the challenges of continued globalization, technological change and emerging new threats,” said Román Oyarzun Marchesi (Spain), President of the Council for December, underscoring that today’s world was very different from that of ten years ago. Quoting Miguel de Cervantes, he added: “Good deeds never lack a reward.”

Mr. Marchesi went on to highlight Ban’s remarkable successes, namely the Sustainable Development Goals and the Paris Agreement on Climate Change, as well as the establishment of the Human Rights Council and the UN Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women, known as UN-Women, along with the appointment of the first Special Envoy on Youth.

In a similar resolution earlier this week, the General Assembly paid a tribute to Mr. Ban for his “never-tiring service to humanity” over the past decade.

Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon (centre right), whose ten-year tenure draws to a close at the end of the year, poses for a group photo with the representatives of members of the Security Council. UN Photo/Evan Schneider

In response to today’s Council action, Mr. Ban expressed gratitude for the opportunity to have served the United Nations over the past ten years. He spoke of the Council’s successes, including its decision to establish the Force Intervention Brigade in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the integral role of the United Nations in securing peace in Nepal – particularly during its 2008 election, as well as creating greater stability in Côte d’Ivoire and Liberia.

He also highlighted a stronger partnership with the African Union and mainstreaming women, peace, and security into the Council’s agenda – particularly with regards to its decision to address sexual violence in conflict.

“I encourage the Council to continue its very important work in this regard and I know that my successor, António Guterres, will be a most determined ally,” said Mr. Ban, who will step down on 31 December.

He emphasized that “the Council is strongest when it is united,” citing examples of successful initiatives including the destruction of chemical weapons in Syria and the UN’s emergency response to the Ebola epidemic in West Africa.

Mr. Ban noted, however, that a lack of unity has proven to be profound, even catastrophic in the case of South Sudan.

India Opens Online Haj Applications From Jan 2, 2017

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The government has launched a trilingual website www.haj.gov.in for Haj Matters on Tuesday in Hindi, Urdu and English to facilitate online application for Haj, besides giving information about the Ministry of Minority Affairs, Haj Department, Haj Pilgrimage, rules and regulations. It may be noted that Haj affairs are being looked after by the Ministry of Minority Affairs now, not the Ministry of External Affairs.

Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi, Minister of Minority Affairs, said the website also has Do’s and Don’ts during Haj and also a film informing about various aspects of the pilgrimage. On preparations for next Haj, the Minister said Haj 2017 has already been announced and from 2nd January 2017, Haj Committee of India will start receiving the application.

Naqvi said he had held a meeting with Saudi Arabia Ambassador Dr. Saud Mohammed Alsati in New Delhi on Tuesday and issues concerning next Haj pilgrimage were discussed in detail. Efforts are also on with officials of Civil Aviation Ministry to provide aircraft with all modern facilities for Haj pilgrims, he added.

The website www.haj.gov.in is a one stop facility to provide all necessary information relating to Haj management in one place. It features information on various agencies involved in Haj management, useful contacts of the central and state Haj authorities, location maps of State Haj Houses, location maps of accommodation sites in Makkah and Medina etc., and useful links to the website of Haj Committee of India and Consulate General of India, Jeddah.

Every year Government of India deputes administrative and medical officials on temporary deputation to CGI, Jeddah for 2-3 months. This website provides link for the prospective applicants to enable them to apply online through the dedicated portal. The website also hosts information about the Private Tour Operators(PTO). It also has provision for getting feedback from users and for registration of public grievances.

It may be recalled that Haj matters have been transferred from Ministry of External Affairs to Ministry of Minority Affairs with effect from 1st October, 2016. Ever since, the preparations for Haj 2017 have been undertaken and efforts are being made to bring about further improvements in the Haj management process so as to make Haj Pilgrimage more convenient, affordable and a memorable experience for the Haj pilgrims.

 

India Junior Hockey Team Brings Laurels Lifting World Cup 2016

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Bringing to memory the Classic win in 2001, India celebrated winning the FIH Junior Hockey World Cup clinching a 2-1 victory against Belgium in the final.

Last time India won the cup in Hobart in 2001 with the likes of Gagan Ajit Singh and Yugraj Singh then. This time India scored two field goals in the first half through Gurjant Singh (8th minute) and Simranjeet Singh (22nd) to emerge as winners.

The team coached by Harendra Singh was cheered throughout by home crowd, revived the fortunes of the game in a nation, which has boasted of a rich hockey tradition way back 50 years ago.

The other team Belgium scored a late consolation goal through Fabrice van Bockrijck’s penalty corner conversion in the 70th minute.

Earlier, six-time champions and title holders Germany had been relegated to a bronze defeating Australia 3-0 in the third-fourth place play-off match.

Congratulating the team, Minister of Sports Vijay Goel has commended their splendid win and said India have become the first nation to win the hockey junior World Cup at home and the title is significant as it came after a gap of 15 years for the second time.

He said the joyous moment of glory is more enjoyable as it came after Senior Indian Men and Women Hockey Teams lifted the Asian Champions Trophy earlier in the year. Vijay Goel said the best finish in Hockey in recent times reflects the hard work, dedication, discipline and determination of our players to succeed at the International Sporting arena.

PPAP Tops Japan, World Youtube Viral Music Videos in 2016

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PPAP: Japan’s Gangnam Song Goes Super Viral

It’s called PPAP in short and the full form reads Pen-Pineapple-Apple-Pen, written in Japanese katakana as ペンパイナッポーアッポーペン, a parody song written by Pikotaro, a fictional singer-songwriter created and portrayed by Japanese comedian Daimaou Kosaka. It has become a rage in Japan and elsewhere to match Gangnam fame in 2016.

Though it was released as a music video on YouTube on 25 August 2016, it took some time before people realised that it forces one to see it again and again thus reaching almost a 100 million views on Youtube as of now.

It has also spawned several parodies, which too have reached more than 50 million views and some clocked 20 to 30 millions. The single itself reached number 1 on the Billboard Japan Hot 100 chart and became the shortest single to chart on the Billboard Hot 100.

Kosaka hit upon the idea of a silly song a-la Gangnam or Gentleman of Korean counterparts with much less inputs — single person portraying with no background and no one else in the video. Except for his Asian costume, no other item on the screen diverts your attention. And the lyrics, nothing unless you expand PPAP once and for all.

Kosaka came up with the tune when he was reportedly listening to the tune and wanted to pen down. When he looked around an apple and a pineapple caught his vision and there he imagined as if he is from the apple country, that is the US.

The song is written in the key of C♯ minor with a common time tempo of 136 beats per minute and the song Pikotaro’s vocals span from F♯3 to C♯5 in the song.

The music video portrays Pikotaro, dressed in a yellow snake and leopard animal print costume, making gestures you should assume as dance and then sings: “I have a pen, I have a apple. Uh, apple pen” with his gestures showing as if he is holding both of them and pushing them together. Produced with just 100,000 yen (about Rs.50,000), it has already reached 100 million views, which could be few millions of dollars for the producer.

On 27 October, Pikotaro posted a “long version” of the music video and on 17 November, Pikotaro made an appearance on the Japanese edition of Sesame Street, where he joined Elmo and Cookie Monster in singing their version of the song titled “CBCC (Cookie-Butter-Choco-Cookie)”.

When Canadian pop singer Justin Bieber shared the video on Twitter on 27 Sept, 2016, saying it was his “favorite video on the Internet”, it hit the road to worldwide recognition averaging over 1.5 million hits a day with several parodies coming out.

India, US Launch New Clean Energy Joint Initiative

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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.