Panel Discussion on "NEPAL: FRAGILE PEACE AND THE TRANSITION PROCESS" on July 27, 2012

Wednesday, 25 July, 2012 4:09 PM

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Dear Friend:

The Centre for Policy Research (CPR) is delighted to invite you to a panel discussion on: 

Theme:      NEPAL: FRAGILE PEACE AND THE TRANSITION PROCESS  

Date:         Friday, 27 July at 3.15pm.  

Venue:      Conference Room-I,  India International Cebtre, 40 Max Mueller Marg, New Delhi   

Panelists:  SUMAN PRADHAN, PRASHANT JHA, S.D. MUNI.   

Chair:        Pratap Bhanu Mehta

This is a wonderful opportunity to hear an indepth dicussion on the current state of affairs in Nepal. Three of of the panelists are contributors to a new book edited by Sebastian Von Einseidel and Suman Pradhan on Nepal in Transition: From People's War to Fragile Peace, published by Cambridge University Press. This meeting is to celebrate the publication of the book and hear three distinguished panelists speak on an important subject. We hope to see you there.

Kindly confirm your participation.

With best regards,

Yours sincerely,

Pratap Bhanu  Mehta

 

 

 

 

 

BENYAMIN ISMAIL

CAIT "Quit FDI in Retail " traders protest on 9 th August

CAIT has announced that they will protest on 9 th August  as "Quit FDI in Retail "  by the trading community across the Country. CAIT said they are with  all political parties who have supported the protest against FDI in Retail.CAIT Secretary General Praveen Khandelwal, Naresh Sirohi, General Secretary All India Kisan Morcha and Pradeep Singal, Working President of All India Transport Welfare Association jointly released two research books" Impact of FDI in Retail on Farmers and Impact of FDI in Retail on Road Transport".

CAIT spokesperson said, the role of the Central Government on this issue is untenable and the Minister remarks on this issue that he has talked to the stakeholders does not hold true as CAIT is still waiting for his invitation to hold  the dialgoue with CAIT which is largest organisation of traders.Further he said that entire political spectrum is opposing FDI in Retail whereas on the other hand the credible organizations of traders, farmers, transporters, Unions, SMEs and even the Consumer organizations are opposing the move, yet the Government is repeatedly advocating the need of FDI in Retail.

At a Press Conference held today at New Delhi, CAIT Secretary General Praveen Khandelwal, Naresh Sirohi, General Secretary All India Kisan Morcha and Pradeep Singal, Working President of All India Transport Welfare Association jointly released two research books “ Impact of FDI in Retail on Farmers and Impact of FDI in Retail on Road Transport”. The CAIT has also thanked all political parties who have supported the protest against FDI in Retail.

The CAIT while strongly criticizing the role and attitude of the Central Government on this issue said that entire political spectrum is opposing FDI in Retail whereas on the other hand the credible organizations of Traders, Farmers, Transporters, Labour Unions, SMEs and even the Consumer organizations are opposing the move, yet the Government is repeatedly advocating the need of FDI in Retail. "People of India have every right to question the intent and logic behind FDI in multi-brand retail which has been severely opposed by majority of Indian population," CAIT said.

CAIT while quoting  Arjun Sen Gupta Committee report of Year 2005 which stated the presence of about 5.80 crore business establishments including small and medium industries, in unorganized sector whose annual growth was estimated @ 10%, it is estimated that about 2.5 crore traders were part of the unorganised sector in the report of 2005 which amply proves that presently about 5 crore business establishments and livelihood of more than 22 crore people in the Country is at stake with the introduction of FDI in Retail which will lead to large scale unemployment in the Country as the MNC’s will control and dominate the retail trade.

The living examples of USA, UK, Australia, New Zealand and other European Countries where the MNC’s are in dominating position and have entered into monopolistic mode & the ultimate sufferer is the common men, are being deeply ignored by the Govt.

The CAIT further said that 53 cities identified by the Govt for allowing FDI in Retail Trade assumes much significance as these cities are the “feeder cities” supplying goods to other cities in their respective states. Allowing opening retail super markets in these cities will virtually amounts to handing over retail trade to MNCs

The government's push to open up the retail sector is a result of 'Corporate pressure', is evident from the fact that instead of consulting with small enterprises, the Government preferred to meet only the representatives of big corporate chambers along with those who were supportive of the move to allow foreign investments in the retail sector, right from the beginning.

The CAIT asked the Government to openly debate about the pros and cons in Parliament and in public. Otherwise, it will be highly undemocratic to implement bureaucratic order just to benefit and please few at the cost of millions. The unanimous report of the Parliamentary Standing Committee should be made the subject.

The CAIT holds firm view that instead of laying red carpet for MNC's, the government should focus on other corrective measures which needs to be taken to further strengthen the existing retail trade. Instead of inviting FDI in retail, the government should work out a comprehensive strategy to upgrade and modernize the existing retail trade.

 

          Prestigious Škoda Prize announces its 3rd Edition

v    Announcement of Distinguished Jury for 2013

v    Top 20 Exhibition to showcase the most exciting developments in Indian contemporary art

v    Second edition of The Skoda Prize Breakthrough Artist Award presented by Art India

24^th July 2011, Mumbai: This week The Škoda Prize, one of the most influential platforms for Indian contemporary art, announced its jury for the third edition of the prize; the distinguished jury panel will include Anupam Poddar, co-founder of the pioneering Devi Art Foundation, and leading Indian artist Sheela Gowda. The jury will be chaired by eminent Indian art historian and critic Geeta Kapur. Launched in 2009 by Škoda Auto India and 70EMG, The ŠKODA Prize is supported by museums and cultural institutions of international repute.

The Škoda Prize offers an unparalleled opportunity for mid-career artists across India to showcase their work amongst the country’s leading artists, to a discerning art audience both within India and internationally. The hugely successful top 20 exhibition, which receives thousands of visitors every year, showcases the most exciting trends in contemporary art practices in India and is representative of a diverse spectrum of established and emerging artists from across the country. The top 20 exhibition which is curated by Girish Shahane and the esteemed jury panel will open alongside the India Art Fair in New Delhi in February 2013. The top 20 longlisted artists also get an opportunity to be represented in the annual ŠKODA Prize book.

In 2011, The Škoda Prize platform was further extended to include a ‘Breakthrough Artist Award’ to showcase emerging artists who are at the beginning of their careers and help them gain exposure to a wider audience. Madhuban Mitra and Manas Bhattacharya won the first Breakthrough Artist award and received a cash prize of INR 50,000. In 2012, this award will be presented in association with Art India magazine and the prize will include a cash prize of two lakh rupees as well as a trophy.

“We’re delighted to have onboard such a distinguished jury. We aim to build on the reputation the award has established as a benchmark of artistic quality, while also attracting new voices through the Breakthrough Artist Award”. Girish Shahane, Director of Art, The Škoda Prize.
About the Skoda Prize
The Škoda Prize recognizes cutting-edge work demonstrating vision, innovation and a mature understanding of material and form. Nominees need to be below the age of 45 and should have had a solo show in the country over the last 12 months; The winner takes away the prestigious ‘The ŠKODA Prize Winner’ title and also receives prize money of INR 10,00,000. Past Škoda Prize winners include Mithu Sen and Navin Thomas. The prize has been presented by well-known names in the international art scene such as artists Marc Quinn and Aneesh Kapoor. The jury members of The ŠKODA Prize in the past have included collector Mrs. Kiran Nadar, Mrs. Tasneem Mehta, (Managing Trustee and Honorary Director, Dr. Bhau Daji Lad Museum), artist Vivan Sundaram, Pooja Sood, (Director of Khoj), Heike Munder (Director of the Migros Museum für gegenwartskunst, Zürich) who was also one the jury members for the 2012 Turner Prize.