New President of International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) India[31/03/2013]
Bharti Enterprises Vice Chairman and Managing Director Rajan Bharti Mittal has been appointed the President of International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) India.
Plastic Currency Notes [12/03/2013]
The Government of India and the RBI to introduce one billion pieces of Rs. 10 notes in polymer/plastic on a field trial basis. The field trial will be conducted in five cities viz. Kochi, Mysore, Jaipur, Bhubaneswar and Shimla with varied geographical locations and climatic conditions.
Reserve Bank of India has informed that while the primary objective of introduction of polymer notes is to increase its life, it could also help in combating counterfeiting.
Bill Introduced in the Lok Sabha for Setting UP Agricultural Biosecurity Authority[12/03/2013]
Agriculture and FPI Minister, Shri Sharad Pawar introduced a Bill in the Lok Sabha today to provide for establishment of an Authority for prevention, control, eradication and management of pests and diseases of plants and animals and unwanted organisms.
The proposed legislation will ensure agricultural biosecurity of the country for common benefit and for safeguarding the agricultural economy.
It will also meet international obligations of India for facilitating imports and exports of plants, plant products, animals, animal products, aquatic organisms and regulation of agriculturally important micro organisms.
The Bill seeks to bring together the plant, animal and marine protection and quarantine set ups under a high powered body – an Authority - with adequate powers. The Authority’s mandate will cover the four sectors of agricultural biosecurity, viz. plant health, animal health, living aquatic resources (fisheries, etc.) and agriculturally important micro-organisms.
Why the need for a common authority on agricultural biosecurity?
The liberalisation of global trade in agriculture has opened new avenues for growth and diversification of agriculture, but it has also brought in many challenges. There is an increased risk of introduction of exotic pests and weeds in the country with the potential to cause serious economic losses. Advances in genetic engineering leading to the introduction and release of living modified organisms or their products (e.g. genetically modified organisms) require proper risk assessment and management. Climate change has the potential to alter the habitat of known pests and even cause introduction of new pests. We have to contend with the ever increasing threat of bio-terrorism. The emergence and spread of transboundary diseases such as the avian influenza and the Ug-99 wheat stem rust fungus pose new threats to human, animal and plant safety.
A number of plant diseases, animal diseases, marine diseases and pests have been introduced into India through import of seeds, planting material, livestock and livestock products previously. Many of them, including weeds such as Parthenium, Phalaris minor and Lanatana camara, have got established in the country and continue to cause enormous economic losses every year.
President Conferred first ever Tagore Award for Cultural Harmony, 2012 to Sitar Maestro Late PT. Ravi Shankar [09/03/2013]
President Shri Pranab Mukherjee conferred the first ever Tagore Award for Cultural Harmony, 2012 to Sitar Maestro Pandit Ravi Shankar at Rashtrapati Bhawan. Since Pandit Ravi Shankar passed away on 11th December, 2012, the Award was presented to his wife, Smt. Sukanya Shankar. The International Award carries a prize money of Rs. 1 Crore (One Crore), shawl, plaque and a citation.
India Tourism Film “Find What You Seek” Gets First Prize at 11th Golden City Gate Awards[09/03/2013]
Ministry of Tourism’s new film “Find What You Seek” received first prize at the 11th Golden City Gate Tourism Media Awards Ceremony held in Berlin today to coincide with ITB Berlin 2013. The Golden City Gate is an international film, print and media contest for the tourism industry. The Awards ceremony is held every year at ITB Berlin, the world’s leading travel trade show.
The competition provides all tourism advertisers to participate in the contest for presenting their new creatives. All entries are assessed by 45 independent international expert jurors with strong industry background.
Shri K Chiranjeevi, Union Minister for Tourism had launched the new campaign “Find What You Seek”, the second phase of Incredible India Campaign at WTM 2012 in November last year along with the new Domestic Campaign “Go Beyond”. By launching new campaign, the Ministry of Tourism has made a paradigm shift by shifting the focus from destinations and products to consumers (travellers). The new campaign emphasizes that there is something for every traveller in India and every traveller can find what he or she is seeking while travelling in our incredible country. Domestic campaign “Go Beyond” urges travellers to travel beyond the obvious , the known destinations to the lesser known destinations.
Bharti Enterprises Vice Chairman and Managing Director Rajan Bharti Mittal has been appointed the President of International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) India.
Plastic Currency Notes [12/03/2013]
The Government of India and the RBI to introduce one billion pieces of Rs. 10 notes in polymer/plastic on a field trial basis. The field trial will be conducted in five cities viz. Kochi, Mysore, Jaipur, Bhubaneswar and Shimla with varied geographical locations and climatic conditions.
Reserve Bank of India has informed that while the primary objective of introduction of polymer notes is to increase its life, it could also help in combating counterfeiting.
Bill Introduced in the Lok Sabha for Setting UP Agricultural Biosecurity Authority[12/03/2013]
Agriculture and FPI Minister, Shri Sharad Pawar introduced a Bill in the Lok Sabha today to provide for establishment of an Authority for prevention, control, eradication and management of pests and diseases of plants and animals and unwanted organisms.
The proposed legislation will ensure agricultural biosecurity of the country for common benefit and for safeguarding the agricultural economy.
It will also meet international obligations of India for facilitating imports and exports of plants, plant products, animals, animal products, aquatic organisms and regulation of agriculturally important micro organisms.
The Bill seeks to bring together the plant, animal and marine protection and quarantine set ups under a high powered body – an Authority - with adequate powers. The Authority’s mandate will cover the four sectors of agricultural biosecurity, viz. plant health, animal health, living aquatic resources (fisheries, etc.) and agriculturally important micro-organisms.
Why the need for a common authority on agricultural biosecurity?
The liberalisation of global trade in agriculture has opened new avenues for growth and diversification of agriculture, but it has also brought in many challenges. There is an increased risk of introduction of exotic pests and weeds in the country with the potential to cause serious economic losses. Advances in genetic engineering leading to the introduction and release of living modified organisms or their products (e.g. genetically modified organisms) require proper risk assessment and management. Climate change has the potential to alter the habitat of known pests and even cause introduction of new pests. We have to contend with the ever increasing threat of bio-terrorism. The emergence and spread of transboundary diseases such as the avian influenza and the Ug-99 wheat stem rust fungus pose new threats to human, animal and plant safety.
A number of plant diseases, animal diseases, marine diseases and pests have been introduced into India through import of seeds, planting material, livestock and livestock products previously. Many of them, including weeds such as Parthenium, Phalaris minor and Lanatana camara, have got established in the country and continue to cause enormous economic losses every year.
President Conferred first ever Tagore Award for Cultural Harmony, 2012 to Sitar Maestro Late PT. Ravi Shankar [09/03/2013]
President Shri Pranab Mukherjee conferred the first ever Tagore Award for Cultural Harmony, 2012 to Sitar Maestro Pandit Ravi Shankar at Rashtrapati Bhawan. Since Pandit Ravi Shankar passed away on 11th December, 2012, the Award was presented to his wife, Smt. Sukanya Shankar. The International Award carries a prize money of Rs. 1 Crore (One Crore), shawl, plaque and a citation.
India Tourism Film “Find What You Seek” Gets First Prize at 11th Golden City Gate Awards[09/03/2013]
Ministry of Tourism’s new film “Find What You Seek” received first prize at the 11th Golden City Gate Tourism Media Awards Ceremony held in Berlin today to coincide with ITB Berlin 2013. The Golden City Gate is an international film, print and media contest for the tourism industry. The Awards ceremony is held every year at ITB Berlin, the world’s leading travel trade show.
The competition provides all tourism advertisers to participate in the contest for presenting their new creatives. All entries are assessed by 45 independent international expert jurors with strong industry background.
Shri K Chiranjeevi, Union Minister for Tourism had launched the new campaign “Find What You Seek”, the second phase of Incredible India Campaign at WTM 2012 in November last year along with the new Domestic Campaign “Go Beyond”. By launching new campaign, the Ministry of Tourism has made a paradigm shift by shifting the focus from destinations and products to consumers (travellers). The new campaign emphasizes that there is something for every traveller in India and every traveller can find what he or she is seeking while travelling in our incredible country. Domestic campaign “Go Beyond” urges travellers to travel beyond the obvious , the known destinations to the lesser known destinations.
Hon. President Confers Rani Lakshimibai Award to ‘Spirit of Nirbhaya’ National ‘Stree Shakti Puruskar’[09/03/2013]
The Hon. President of India, Sh. Pranab Mukherjee today conferred the Rani Lakshmibai Award for 2012 to honour the ‘Spirit of Nirbhaya’. The Award is in recognition of the rising of millions of women and youth in the country for the cause of women and is presented to all of them. Symbolically it was received by the mother of ‘Nirbhaya’.
The Award citation reads – ‘We may call her Nirbhaya, Damini or Shakti; the braveheart from Delhi symbolizes the indomitable spirit of women. Her ordeal crystallized a spontaneous and collective awakening of public consciousness against injustice to women and inspired the nation to action. Today, we salute the spirit of Nirbhaya, and acknowledge the contribution of thousands of men, women, boys and girls who turned the dark hour into a momentous cry for justice and freedom for all women from violence. The ‘Spirit of Nirbhaya’ has kindled the flame of awareness on women’s rights to safety and security in the country. The ‘Spirit of Nirbhaya’ lives on. To acknowledge this awakening, the Rani Lakshmibai Award for 2012 honours the ‘Spirit of Nirbhaya’, symbolizing extraordinary courage, dignity in adversity and perseverance in the fight against injustice.” The award carries a citation, a scroll and a cheque of Rs. 3 lakhs.
In addition to the Rani Lakshmibai Award, the Hon. President of India Sh. Pranab Mukherjee conferred Stree Shakti Puruskars to five women achievers. The Rani Rudramma Devi Award for the year 2012 was awarded to Smt. Pranita Talukdar from Assam. She was honoured for her commendable work for the overall development of women. Smt. Talukdar is an eminent social worker from Barpeta, Assam. She organises functions/seminars amongst women in Assam. She writes articles on women related issues and is also a member of Kamrup District Freedom Fighters Association and Sahitya Sabha, Guwahati.
Mata Jijabai Award for 2012 was given to Ms. Sonika Agarwal from Delhi in recognition of her commendable service in the areas of education and promotion of self help groups amongst women. Ms. Agarwal is a painter with over 15 solo and group shows to her credit. She has created SHGs for generating livelihood for women. Her work includes reviving handicrafts/ handlooms (19 SHGs, 308 Women). She also uses art and culture as a tool for social change. She is also associated with education and culture centre for children (30 boys and 40 girls) and Youth Welfare Programmes.
The Hon. President of India Sh. Pranab Mukherjee conferred the Kannagi Award for 2012 to Smt. Guramma H. Sankina from Karnataka. She was honoured for her commendable service in the areas of educational awareness, promotion of self help groups and income generating activities amongst women. Smt. Guramma is a child widow who has been working with nursery school students for over 35 years. She is also a poet and a singer. She is associated with formation of SHGs for income generating activities, conducting educational awareness through song and plays. She has also received various awards.
Smt. Omana T.K from Kerala received the Rani Gaidinliu Zeliang Award to honour her commendable service in the areas of rehabilitation of destitute women and victims of violence, environment protection, empowerment of women and women employment. Smt. Omana overcame social pressures and family resistance to initiate a life of social service. She is involved in rehabilitation of destitute women, widows, victims of violence and atrocities. She works for the empowerment of women; initiating income generation activities like mushroom cultivation, food preservation & animal husbandry; environment protection and health &nutrition programme for tribal children. She also provides training for capacity building and initiating action against dowry & atrocities against women. Through her efforts more than 20,000 families are associated with daily thrift savings and 5000 women have got employment through short training courses.
The Hon. President of India Sh. Pranab Mukherjee awarded Smt. Olga D’mello of Maharashtra with the Devi Ahilyabai Holkar award, 2012. The award recognizes her commendable work in the areas of health, hygiene awareness and creating consciousness on women’s issues in the community. Smt. Olga D’mello’s from a very young age has been working for providing education, awareness on hygiene, providing clothes to Adivasis, Dalit and local poor people. She also engaged the elders of the community on issues like family planning, anti-tobacco, anti-liquor efforts and participation in voting. She has also written books and is still working for social upliftment of tribal and poor.
UN to feature Anoushka Shankar in 'One Women' song[07/03/2013]
Sitar player Anoushka Shankar, daughter of legendary Pandit Ravi Shankar, is among the 25 artists from 20 countries, to feature in "One Woman" song of the United Nations to celebrate women worldwide.
A musical celebration of women worldwide, the song is to be released on Friday on the
occasion of the International Women's Day. The song calls for change and celebrates acts of courage and determination by ordinary women, who daily make extraordinary contributions to their countries and communities.
Initially performed during the launch event for UN Women in the UN General Assembly Hall in 2011, "One Woman" aims to become a rallying cry that inspires listeners about the mission of UN Women and engages them to join in the drive for women's empowerment and gender equality, the world body said.
"One Woman gives us a message of hope and inspiration," said UN Women executive director Michelle Bachelet.
"This song carries a message of unity and solidarity with women worldwide and reminds us that equality, human rights and human dignity are the birthright of all of us, every human being. I thank everyone who made this song possible."
The Hon. President of India, Sh. Pranab Mukherjee today conferred the Rani Lakshmibai Award for 2012 to honour the ‘Spirit of Nirbhaya’. The Award is in recognition of the rising of millions of women and youth in the country for the cause of women and is presented to all of them. Symbolically it was received by the mother of ‘Nirbhaya’.
The Award citation reads – ‘We may call her Nirbhaya, Damini or Shakti; the braveheart from Delhi symbolizes the indomitable spirit of women. Her ordeal crystallized a spontaneous and collective awakening of public consciousness against injustice to women and inspired the nation to action. Today, we salute the spirit of Nirbhaya, and acknowledge the contribution of thousands of men, women, boys and girls who turned the dark hour into a momentous cry for justice and freedom for all women from violence. The ‘Spirit of Nirbhaya’ has kindled the flame of awareness on women’s rights to safety and security in the country. The ‘Spirit of Nirbhaya’ lives on. To acknowledge this awakening, the Rani Lakshmibai Award for 2012 honours the ‘Spirit of Nirbhaya’, symbolizing extraordinary courage, dignity in adversity and perseverance in the fight against injustice.” The award carries a citation, a scroll and a cheque of Rs. 3 lakhs.
In addition to the Rani Lakshmibai Award, the Hon. President of India Sh. Pranab Mukherjee conferred Stree Shakti Puruskars to five women achievers. The Rani Rudramma Devi Award for the year 2012 was awarded to Smt. Pranita Talukdar from Assam. She was honoured for her commendable work for the overall development of women. Smt. Talukdar is an eminent social worker from Barpeta, Assam. She organises functions/seminars amongst women in Assam. She writes articles on women related issues and is also a member of Kamrup District Freedom Fighters Association and Sahitya Sabha, Guwahati.
Mata Jijabai Award for 2012 was given to Ms. Sonika Agarwal from Delhi in recognition of her commendable service in the areas of education and promotion of self help groups amongst women. Ms. Agarwal is a painter with over 15 solo and group shows to her credit. She has created SHGs for generating livelihood for women. Her work includes reviving handicrafts/ handlooms (19 SHGs, 308 Women). She also uses art and culture as a tool for social change. She is also associated with education and culture centre for children (30 boys and 40 girls) and Youth Welfare Programmes.
The Hon. President of India Sh. Pranab Mukherjee conferred the Kannagi Award for 2012 to Smt. Guramma H. Sankina from Karnataka. She was honoured for her commendable service in the areas of educational awareness, promotion of self help groups and income generating activities amongst women. Smt. Guramma is a child widow who has been working with nursery school students for over 35 years. She is also a poet and a singer. She is associated with formation of SHGs for income generating activities, conducting educational awareness through song and plays. She has also received various awards.
Smt. Omana T.K from Kerala received the Rani Gaidinliu Zeliang Award to honour her commendable service in the areas of rehabilitation of destitute women and victims of violence, environment protection, empowerment of women and women employment. Smt. Omana overcame social pressures and family resistance to initiate a life of social service. She is involved in rehabilitation of destitute women, widows, victims of violence and atrocities. She works for the empowerment of women; initiating income generation activities like mushroom cultivation, food preservation & animal husbandry; environment protection and health &nutrition programme for tribal children. She also provides training for capacity building and initiating action against dowry & atrocities against women. Through her efforts more than 20,000 families are associated with daily thrift savings and 5000 women have got employment through short training courses.
The Hon. President of India Sh. Pranab Mukherjee awarded Smt. Olga D’mello of Maharashtra with the Devi Ahilyabai Holkar award, 2012. The award recognizes her commendable work in the areas of health, hygiene awareness and creating consciousness on women’s issues in the community. Smt. Olga D’mello’s from a very young age has been working for providing education, awareness on hygiene, providing clothes to Adivasis, Dalit and local poor people. She also engaged the elders of the community on issues like family planning, anti-tobacco, anti-liquor efforts and participation in voting. She has also written books and is still working for social upliftment of tribal and poor.
UN to feature Anoushka Shankar in 'One Women' song[07/03/2013]
Sitar player Anoushka Shankar, daughter of legendary Pandit Ravi Shankar, is among the 25 artists from 20 countries, to feature in "One Woman" song of the United Nations to celebrate women worldwide.
A musical celebration of women worldwide, the song is to be released on Friday on the
occasion of the International Women's Day. The song calls for change and celebrates acts of courage and determination by ordinary women, who daily make extraordinary contributions to their countries and communities.
Initially performed during the launch event for UN Women in the UN General Assembly Hall in 2011, "One Woman" aims to become a rallying cry that inspires listeners about the mission of UN Women and engages them to join in the drive for women's empowerment and gender equality, the world body said.
"One Woman gives us a message of hope and inspiration," said UN Women executive director Michelle Bachelet.
"This song carries a message of unity and solidarity with women worldwide and reminds us that equality, human rights and human dignity are the birthright of all of us, every human being. I thank everyone who made this song possible."