PRESS RELEASE Tuesday, October 22, 2013 Contact: Supriya Kumar, skumar@worldwatch.org, (+1) 202-745-8092, ext. 510 For more information: http://www.worldwatch.org/cultivating-resilience-face-ecological-change           Cultivating Resilience in the Face of Ecological Change          The Worldwatch Institute suggests increasing the resilience of our social, economic, and political systems to adapt to a changing climate   Washington, D.C.---In the past decade, approximately 200-300 million people have been seriously affected by natural disasters or technological accidents each year-a staggering figure that is bound to only increase in the coming decades. It is becoming clear that a failure to make political systems pay attention to climate challenges might lead to massive population displacements. In State of the World 2013: Is Sustainability Still Possible?, the Worldwatch Institute (www.worldwatch.org) discusses the imperative to prepare for such disasters and outlines how we can move forward on the path toward resiliency. "The repercussions from environmental degradation do not occur in a void," notes Michael Renner, contributing author and senior researcher at Worldwatch. "They interact with a cauldron of pre-existing societal pressures and problems." Building up a globalized and industrialized market economy and growing our food in globe-spanning monocultures may increase efficiency, but such practices also decrease resiliency. Many societies are now at risk of either short-term or permanent displacement due to both environmental and non-environmental disasters. "Of course, disasters of all kinds are nothing new," remarks Laurie Mazur, contributing author and nonprofit consultant. "But the current era may be one in which their frequency, scale, and impact are greater than anything our species has previously confronted." In State of the World 2013, contributing authors discuss an array of strategies and case studies that offer lessons for surviving and coping with the coming calamities that may result from climate and other ecological changes. Recipe for resilience. In order for societies to be truly resilient-able to mitigate and withstand disturbances and recover afterward-socioeconomic practices should include redundancies, so that the failure of one component does not impact the entire system. Modularity is also critical, in that individual units retains some self-sufficiency when disconnected from the larger networks. Other characteristics of resilient systems include diversity, inclusiveness, tight feedbacks, and the capacity for innovation. Adjusting and adapting. We must consider how the physical changes that take place on Earth will translate into social and economic changes. Adaptation can help reduce vulnerability by way of disaster and famine early-warning systems, livelihood diversification, drought-tolerant crops, restoration of ecosystems, flood-defense infrastructure, and crop insurance. Cultivating social capital. Social capital, the sum total of resources, knowledge, and goodwill possessed by everyone in a network, provides a web of connections that communities can use to obtain relief and reconstruction aid. Members in well-functioning communities are best able to organize support, articulate their needs, and work together to rebuild and stabilize. The Cuban Experiment. Over the past two decades, Cuba has moved to the forefront of sustainability. In 2006, it was the only country in the world rated as having achieved "sustainable development" in WWF's Living Planet Report. Although it is materialistically poor, it has First World education, literacy, and health care. The Cuban example proves what many wealthy nations are hesitant to even consider: that high material consumption does not necessarily equal human well-being. Cuba represents an alternative where material success as measured by energy consumption is secondary, while other quality-of-life issues are given priority. A global paradigm shift is in order. We must not only alter our outlook on consumption and realign our consciousness with sustainability, but also begin to integrate policies and practices that diversify and strengthen our social, political, and economic domains. Worldwatch's State of the World 2013, released in April 2013, addresses how "sustainability" should be measured, how we can attain it, and how we can prepare if we fall short. For more information, visit www.sustainabilitypossible.org. Authors of mentioned chapters include: Paula Green, founder and senior fellow at the Karuna Center for Peacebuilding, professor at the School of International Training, and author of Chapter 33, "Shaping Community Responses to Catastrophe." Laurie Mazur, D.C.-based writer and consultant to nonprofit organizations and author of Chapter 32, "Cultivating Resilience in a Dangerous World." Faith Morgan, executive director of the Arthur Morgan Institute for Community Solutions and co-author of Chapter 30, "Cuba: Lessons from a Forced Decline." Pat Murphy, research director of the Arthur Morgan Institute for Community Solutions and co-author of Chapter 30, "Cuba: Lessons from a Forced Decline." Michael Renner, senior researcher at the Worldwatch Institute and author of Chapter 31, "Climate Change and Displacements."

"No Clinical Trials of 157 NCEs till further order & 5 NCEs after proper mechanisms put in place” - Supreme Court

October 21st, New Delhi : 8th hearing of the writ petition filed by Swasthya Adhikar Manch took place today before the bench of the Supreme Court consisting of Justice R.M Lodha and Justice S.K. Singh. The case was filed in February, 2012 and the last hearing was held on 30th September, 2013.

The Hon’ble Supreme Court raised serious concerns over 162 clinical trials of Global Clinical Trial (GCT) including New Chemical Entities (NCEs) / New Molecule Entities (NMEs) out of which 157 were approved before 31st December 2012 and 5 between January to August 2013. In the Court it was admitted by Ministry of Health & Family Welfare (MOHFW) and representative of Drug controller General of India (DCGI) that 157 clinical trials were approved by DCGI on recommendations of New Drug Advisory Committee (NDAC) and without the approval of Apex and Technical Committee formed after order of Court dated 3rd January 2013. The Hon’ble Supreme Court have ordered GoI to reexamine 157 GCT including NCEs by Apex and Technical Committees. Therefore, now Apex and technical committee will have to evaluate these 157 clinical trials particularly in terms of - assessment of risk vs. benefits for patients, innovations to existing therapeutic options and benefits to medical needs of the country. It is only after the assessment of apex and technical committee that the question of commencement of 157 approval will be considered. In case of remaining 5 clinical trials which have been approved in 2013, the Hon’ble Supreme Court ordered MOHFW to conduct it only after ensuring proper mechanism & procedure to ensure safety of the patients along with audio-visual recording of participants maintaining principle of confidentially and preservation of documentation. The Hon’ble Supreme Court also raised its concern that there is no checks and balance in the frame work where investigators are paid by sponsors and ethics committees are part of hospital with absence of proper mechanism to ensure patients safety.

Mr. Sanjay Parikh Senior Counsel for Swasthya Adhikar Manch argued and highlighted the facts in relation to NCEs/NMEs and asked the government to come out with a position paper on how these NCEs/NMEs will be in public and national interest. The Hon’ble Supreme Court also then inquired that out of 162 trials, how many molecules are patented outside country and benefiting MNCs instead of development of new drug for which learned Additional Solicitor General was unable to respond. Mr. Parikh also pointed out contradictions in data given in affidavit filed by MOHFW dated 26th July 2013 wherein it was stated that only 26 GCT were approved while in current affidavit of 18th October 2013, it is stated that only 5 trials are approved after 3rd January 2013 by the apex and the technical committee.

The petitioner asked the MOHFW to provide details of 162 approved clinical trials- Name of molecule, indication, name of sponsor, protocol, sites, number of subjects, name of investigators and minutes of NDAC, apex and technical committee meetings. The petitioner also raised serious concerns about Ranjit Roy Chaudhry Expert Committee report on issues like conflict of interest etc. The Ranjit Roy Committee also was not able to explain benefits to India by allowing NCEs/NMEs testing within the country.

The petitioners have been raising the issue of how NCEs/NMEs are benefiting MNCs at the cost of human life in India. The next hearing is scheduled on 16th December 2013.

Amulya Nidhi (9425311547), Chinmay Mishra (9893278855) - SAM 

N.D. Jayaprakash (9968014630) (jaypdsf@gmail.com) - BGPSSS, Abdul Jabbar  (9406511720) - BGPMUS

Rate your Munich Airport Experience – and win great prizes! We aim to offer our passengers the very best service at all times and wish to make your stay at Munich Airport as pleasant as possible. Your opinions are extremely important to us. Tell us what you think of us and what we can do better. By taking part in our online survey, you'll make a valuable contribution to help optimize the quality of service at Munich Airport. As a token of our appreciation, we will place your name in a draw for one of the many attractive prizes, including our Munich Airport limited-edition watches and shoulder bags. We're also giving away shopping vouchers, redeemable at the Munich Airport shops, and customized suitcase straps. The most creative idea submitted will win the first prize: an exclusive VIP package for your next visit at Munich Airport. Sit back and relax in the spacious seating area of the VIP WING lounge and enjoy the exclusive view of the airport ramp. The lounge features an extensive menu of meals and beverages as well as W-LAN access. The VIP service staff will also handle your check-in and security screening. You will then be chauffeured to your aircraft by limousine. VIP WING – the most relaxed start to a flight you'll ever experience. Please click the following link to start the survey: Start the survey »

50th Hero Indian Open at Delhi Golf Club

·      Golden Jubilee edition to be played from November 7-10

·      PGA Tour winner Michael Thompson and European Tour winner Robert Rock confirm participation

·      Atwal, Randhawa and four other previous Indian winners lead Indian challenge

New Delhi, October 21: A star-studded field will tee off at the Delhi Golf Club to mark the Golden Jubilee of the historic Hero Indian Open on November 7. The event, which will be preceded by a Pro-Am on November 6, will carry a purse of US $ 1.25 million.

Returning to the place of its birth in 1964, the Hero Indian Open will once again see a plethora of champions and international stars line up for what will be a momentous occasion in Indian golf.

Though there is still more than two weeks for the tournament to happen, the list of early entries and confirmations indicate a very strong line-up including the likes of PGA Tour winner, American Michael Thompson, who achieved a breakthrough win at the Palm Beach event in Florida. Then there is multiple European Tour winner, Robert Rock, whose resume includes a stunning win over a field featuring Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy at the 2012 Abu Dhabi Classic.

As is only befitting the 50^th edition of the tournament will see a very strong Indian challenge, which blends youth with experience. Former Indian Open winners like Arjun Atwal, also the only Indian player to taste victory on the famed PGA Tour, returns to his National Open, as does Jyoti Randhawa, one of the only two players to win the Indian Open three times in their career – the other one is five-time British Open champion Peter Thomson, who also played a big role in helping establish the Indian Open in 1960s.

Four other Indian winners, C Muniyappa (2009), Vijay Kumar (2002), Feroze Ali (1998) and Ali Sher (1991 and 1993) will add to the charm of the historic staging.

Mr. Pawan Munjal, Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer, Hero MotoCorp Ltd., said, “Hero has been associated with golf since the time the game was at a nascent stage in the country. It is, therefore, a matter of immense delight to see this event celebrating its Golden Jubilee this year. Hero has been a partner in this glorious journey of golf and like always, we remain committed to the promotion of the game in India. I am looking forward to some memorable golf at this landmark edition of Hero Indian Open.”

Only seven Indians have won the National Open, of which the first PG Billoo Sethi (winner in 1965) passed away in 1982. The remaining six will be seen in action at the DGC this year.

While the past champions savour and relive their finest moments, the youth brigade led by four-time Asian Tour winner, Gaganjeet Bhullar, three-time Asian Tour winner, Anirban Lahiri and other winners like SSP Chowrasia, Shiv Kapur, Himmat Rai and Digvijay Singh will also fancy their chances at the legendary and challenging layout at the Delhi Golf Club.

Adding to their confidence will be the fact that Chowrasia, Lahiri and Digvijay have tasted international success at the DGC.

“The Asian Tour is proud to be associated with the 50th edition of the Hero Indian Open. The Asian Tour is also celebrating its 10th season in 2013 and on behalf of our talented players, I would like to congratulate the Hero Indian Open on its milestone,” said Asian Tour CEO Mike Kerr.

He further added, “The Hero Indian Open has been one of the longest running tournaments on our Schedule and the event has attracted many top golfers in India as well as from across the world. I’m confident the 2013 Hero Indian Open will be celebrated by the presence of the Asian Tour’s stellar stars including defending champion Thaworn.”

Gen. Bikram Singh, President, Indian Golf Union said, “It is a momentous occasion for the Indian Open Golf Championship that started it's journey in the year 1964 at this very venue, to be back again on the same course having traversed fifty long years in the company of some of the most illustrious golfers of their time. The pace was set by the likes of Peter Thomson who not only won the event three times here but later went on to win the Open Championship five times. I am sure that winning the Indian Open will remain an ambition with many golfers, especially in India, it being one of the most prestigious events on the Asian Tour. We are extremely grateful to all our stake holders who have ensured the successful conduct of the tournament over the years and especially

to the present title sponsors, Hero Moto Corp Ltd, for ensuring the grandeur of this year’s event against the historic setting of the Delhi Golf Club.”

Basking in his glory amidst the celebrations will be Ali Sher, who recalled, “I have great memories of that day, when I won the Indian Open at this very club. That changed my life and career. It’s is indeed a historic occasion to be playing in the 50^th edition of the Hero Indian Open.”

Mr. Sunil Manocha, Chief Operating Officer of Nimbus Sport, added, “The Hero Indian Open is very close to the hearts of every Indian golfer and fans of the sport. As promoters of this historic event, we are extremely pleased with the line-up of star golfers from India and around the world who have confirmed participation for the fiftieth edition of the Hero Indian Open. I am confident of this edition of the tournament being nothing less than a jubilant celebration of golf in India.”

In another piece of great news for golf fans in the country, Ten Sports Network, will telecast live all the action straight from the fairways of the Delhi Golf Club on all four days.