THE NEWS SATURDAY
APRIL 24 LOK SABHA POLLS IN TAMIL NADU
12042014
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Battle lines have been drawn for the April 24 Lok Sabha polls for 39 constituencies in Tamil Nadu with 845 candidates left in the fray.
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On the last day of withdrawal on Wednesday, a total of 61 candidates withdrew their nominations, leaving 845 in the contest.
Apart from 789 men and 55 women, one transgender is also in the fray, a bulk of them are independents.
This is higher than the 823 contestants in 2009 and 571 in 2004.
Traditional arch rivals AIADMK and the DMK, who are generally the front runners would have to deal with a six-party alliance led by BJP, which is nurturing aspirations to make its presence felt in Tamil Nadu, as its leader Narendra Modi is eyeing the Prime Minister’s post.
Isolated in the state, Congress faces a challenge to clock some votes in its account to prove its strength as a national party, in which a handful of Central ministers from the state were a part.
Left parties too are in a similar boat as they parted ways with the AIADMK, believed to be mainly because of seat sharing agreement, which did not go well between them and the ruling party.
Aam Aadmi Party candidates would also be making their debut in the polls this time, with fight against corruption being their main plank for the polls.
Former Union Ministers A Raja, Dayanidhi Maran, T R Baalu of DMK, Anbumani Ramadoss of PMK, BJP state president Pon Radhakrishnan are amongst those contesting in the polls.
Union Finance Minister P Chidambaram’s son Karti is contesting from Sivaganga constituency, which was represented by his father.
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INCOME TAX CASES AGAINST JAYA ADJOURNED TO 28TH APRIL
12042014
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A local court in Chennai has adjourned Income Tax cases against Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa and her aide Sasikala to 28th April after allowing pleas praying for postponing of the case, citing fresh petitions they have moved in the Supreme and High Courts.
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Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate R Dakshinamurthy, in a brief order, granted two weeks time for further proceedings after hearing arguments of the prosecution and defence counsels.
Jayalalithaa, who was to appear before the court today for questioning and answering the charges, however, did not attend the proceedings.
When the case came up for hearing on Thursday, petitions were filed by the defence stating that a revision petition has been filed before the High Court against an order of the ACMM court, which had directed for personal appearance of Jayalalithaa.
Also, an application has been filed before the Supreme Court, seeking extension of time for completing the trial in the case. Hence, it was prayed that the case be adjourned for three weeks.
An undertaking was given by Sasikala’s counsel that she would appear before the court on 28th April.
The defence plea was opposed by the Special Public Prosecutor for the Income Tax department.
The Department had launched criminal proceedings against Jayalalithaa and Sasikala for allegedly not filing returns in their individual capacity for the assessment year 1993-94.
Complaints were also filed by the IT department for allegedly failing to file returns for the assessment years 1991-92 and 1992-93 by Sasi Enterprises and its partners, Jayalalithaa and Sasikala.
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LS POLLS 2014: HIGH TURNOUT IN 91 SEATS; CHANDIGARH TOPS WITH 74 PC
12042014
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High voter turnout has marked polling in the first major day of Lok Sabha elections covering 91 constituencies in 14 states and Union Territories as the exercise entered key battlegrounds of Uttar Pradesh and Bihar where three securitymen were killed in a Naxal attack.
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Delhi recorded its second highest voting percentage of 64.77 in Lok Sabha poll–up by a sharp 12 per cent over the last elections in 2009–for the seven seats for which BJP appears to be riding on “Modi wave” against challenge from AAP and a struggling Congress.
Chhattisgarh, Odisha and Bihar witnessed Maoist-related violence which left 2 CRPF jawans and one state policeman dead.
The voter turnout this time was substantially higher over the last Lok Sabha elections in all the constituencies.
Muzaffarnagar and Shamli in Uttar Pradesh, which had witnessed comunal riots in August last year, recorded “above average” voter turnout of 67.78 per cent and 70.85 per cent, respectively, Deputy EC Vinod Zutshi told reporters in New Delhi.
The 10 seats of Uttar Pradesh, which went to polls today, reported a record turnout of 65 per cent as compared to 51.30 per cent recorded in the last LS polls.
Among all the constituencies which went to poll on Thursday, Chandigarh recorded the highest turnout of 74 per cent, against 64 per cent in 2009 polls.
Kerala, which went to polls in single phase on Thursday, recorded 73.4 per cent voter turnout, up from 73.2 per cent last time.
Chhattisgarh’s Bastar seat witnessed the lowest voter turnout among the 91 seats of 51.4 per cent.
But it was higher as compared to 47.33 per cent recorded in the last LS polls.
EC maintained that the turnout could be “much higher” in all the seats as final reports were yet to come in with voting still on after the stipulated hours in various areas.
Nearly 11 crore people were eligible to exercise their franchise to choose thei representatives from a field of 1,418 candidates.
Prominent among those whose electoral fates were decided day are Lok Sabha Speaker Meria Kumar, seven union ministers including Kapil Sibal, Kamal Nath, Shashi Tharoor (all of Congress), former BJP chief Nitin Gadkari, RLD leader Ajit Singh, former army chief V K Singh and Harsh Vardhan (both BJP)
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SIBAL MOVES EC ON MODI “HIDING” HIS MARITAL STAUS IN THE PAST
12042014
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Senior Congress leader Kapil Sibal on Friday moved the Election Commission over the issue of the marital status of Narendra Modi by seeking action by the poll body against the BJP leader for “hiding” facts in election affidavits filed by him in the past.
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“I have filed a petition with the Election Commission today seeking action against Modi under various provisions of the IPC for hiding facts in his election affidavits regadring his marriage,” Sibal said after meeting the poll panel.
He said that between 2002 and 2012, Modi had filed election affidavits while contesting Gujarat assembly elections where he had not mentioned his marital status.
“He has not informed the country about this fact. Now, while contesting from Vadorara Lok Sabha seat, he has mentioned that he is married,” Sibal said.
He said the EC has assured to examine his plea.
Earlier in the day, Congress Vice-President Rahul Gandhi raked up the issue of Modi’s marriage to hit out at BJP, saying while the party made claims of ensuring safety of women, it took several elections for its Prime Ministerial candidate to mention the name of his wife in the poll affidavit.
“Don’t know how many elections he has contested till now, but he has revealed for the first time that he is married.
In Delhi, he talks about honour of women but his own wife’s name doesn’t reach the affidavit,” Rahul said.
Modi has for the first time declared himself as a married man by revealing his wife’s name as Jashodaben in an affidavit filed before the Election Commission along with his nomination papers for Vadodara Lok Sabha seat.
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7 ELECTION PERSONNEL AMONG 13 KILLED IN NAXAL ATTACKS
12042014
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Seven members of a polling party and five CRPF personnel were among 13 killed as Naxals struck twice on Saturday in gap of less than an hour, blowing up a bus and an ambulance in Bijapur and Bastar districts of Maoist-hit south Chhattisgarh.
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Eleven persons, including five paramilitary personnel, were also injured in the two incidents.
The Naxals attacked the election personnel near Ketulnar village of Bijapur at about 11 AM when they were returning from poll duty in the region, Additional Director General of Police (Naxal Operation) RK Vij told PTI.
Polling was held in the Naxal-affected Bastar constituency on April 10. When the poll party reached near a pond in Ketulnar village between Gudma and Kutru, Naxals triggered a landmine blast and opened indiscriminate firing, he said.
“Six polling personnel were killed on the spot while another succumbed to injuries at a local hospital,” the ADG added.
The five others injured have been admitted to a local hospital in Bijapur, he said, adding “the bodies were yet to be retrieved from the forest.”
A police official told PTI that around 75-100 armedrebels were involved in the ambush on the polling party.
The rebels fled to the core forest after security personnel launched a retaliatory attack. Reinforcements were rushed to the spot, the ADG said.
Less that an hour later and about 100 kms away, Naxals blew up an ambulance carrying CRPF personnel under Darbha police station.
The incident took place in Kamanar village when around ten CRPF personnel were travelling in 108 Sanjeevani ambulance, he said.
Five CRPF personnel and the ambulance driver were killed in the incident, the ADG said. Besides, five paramilitary personnel and a paramedic staff of the ambulance were also injured in the incident, he said.
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EC CRACKS WHIP ON AMIT SHAH, AZAM KHAN
12042014
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Cracking the whip on BJP leader Amit Shah and SP leader Azam Khan, the Election Commission has banned them from holding public meetings, processions or roadshows in Uttar Pradesh and asked authorities to initiate criminal proceedings against them.
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The EC also directed the Chief Secretary to ensure that no act of commission or omission is resorted to by BJP leader Amit Shah and UP Minister Azam Khan that can affect public tranquility and law and order.
The EC was also critical of the role of Samajwadi Party’s government in the state for “soft-pedalling” on registration of FIRs against Khan and not dealing with the sensitive issue with alacrity.
The tough stand was taken by the EC at a top-level meeting of Chief Election Commissioner V S Sampath and Election Commissioners H S Brahma and S N A Zaidi where the poll body exercised its constitutional powers to prevent the two leaders from further vitiating the poll atmosphere.
“The Commission hereby directs under Article 324 of the Constitution of India and all other powers enabling in this behalf, that necessary FIRs should be immediately filed and criminal proceedings initiated against the above mentioned two leaders, wherever the same have not been instituted so far,” the order said.
It also said, “No permission should be granted for holding public meetings, public processions, public rallies, road shows, etc., by the district administration authorities, where the above two leaders are expected or likely to participate.”
The EC also directed the Chief Secretary to ensure compliance of its orders by 5 PM of April 12.
The poll body directed the authorities to take all preventive measures against Shah and Khan under the relevant provisions of CrPC to ensure that no act of commission or omission is resorted to by them which has the effect of prejudicially affecting public tranquility and law and order.
BJP, SP APPEAL EC FOR RECONSIDERATION
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VOTING OF 4TH PHASE IN GOA, ASSAM, SIKKIM, TRIPURA
12042014
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The fourth phase of Lok Sabha elections are underway on Saturday covering seven constituencies in four states where over half-a-crore voters will decide the fate of 74 candidates.
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53.31 pc voting in Assam till 2.15pm
A voter turnout of 53.31 percent was recorded till 2.15 pm for three Lok Sabha seats in Assam.
Voting commenced at 7 AM and Karimganj( SC) recorded 25 percent polling, Silchar 20 percent and Autonomous District (ST) comprising Karbi Anglong and Dima Hasao district 20 percent voting, said election office sources.
There were reports of EVM initially malfunctioning in Autonomous District(ST) and Karimganj constituencies. They were replaced and voting continued uninterrupted, the sources said.
Long queues of voters, including women and youth, were seen in front of the 3,698 polling booths of the three constituencies an hour before voting began amidst tight security.
The three seats are — Autonomous District (ST), comprising Karbi Anglong and Dima Hasao districts, Karimganj (SC) and Silchar.
Elaborate security arrangement has been especially in the Karbi Anglong district under Autonomous District (ST) which till Friday witnessed a bandh called by the Karbi Peoples’ Liberation Tigers.
As many as 17 companies of security forces have been deployed in the district. Helicopters have been pressed into service to keep a watch on the voting process.
An electorate of 29,26,762, including 15,26,082 males, 14,00,594 and 86 others, will exercise their franchise in 3,698 polling booths in the three constituencies.
Of the 37 candidates in the fray in the three seats, three each belong to the Congress and BJP, two each to AGP, AIUDF, AAP, SUCI (Communist) and Samajwadi Party, one each to CPI(M), CPI-ML(L), Trinamool Congress, Shiv Sena and Jharkhand Mukti Morcha. The remaining 19 are independents.
In Karimganj (SC), out of 1504 polling stations, 197 have been identified as highly sensitive and 567 as sensitive while the rest are comparatively safe.
In Silchar constituency, out of the 1188 polling stations, 209 are highly sensitive and 611 are comparatively safe while the rest are comparatively safe.
Goa records 53.64 pc mark by noon in Goa
Around 53.64 percent voters cast their ballot in Goa till 2.15 pm on Saturday, though the crowd at the polling booths started thinning out due to excessive heat, officials said.
The voters responded with enthusiasm till 10 am, but the number started dwindling after that.
According to the Election Commission officials, the voting percentage in North Goa was 36.42 percent till 11 am, while in South Goa it was 34.11 percent.
Chief Minister Manohar Parrrikar was amongst the early voters when he exercised his franchise at a polling booth in Panaji.
In all, 10,60,777 voters will exercise their franchisee in North and South Goa constituencies. Women voters outnumber men in the state with 5,32,469 female and 5,28,308 male voters.
The Election Commission has identified 14 vulnerable and 30 critical polling stations in the state which have been given adequate security cover to avoid any untoward incident. Polling will conclude at 6 pm.
In North Goa, BJP’s Shripad Naik is pitted against Congress’ Ravi Naik, AAP’s Dattaram Desai and CPI’s Suhas Naik.
Congress’ Aleixo Reginaldo Lourenco is fighting against BJP’s Narendra Sawaikar, AAP’s Swati Kerkar and CPI’s Raju Mangueshkar in South Goa constituency.
51.95 percent turnout in Sikkim
Nearly 51.95 percent turnout was recorded in the lone Lok Sabha and 32 Assembly seats in the Himalayan state of Sikkim till 2.15 pm on Saturday.
A force of 3,500 policemen and 15 companies of the West Bengal police have been assigned to maintain security during polling in this peaceful Himalayan state.
Election will be held in the lone Lok Sabha and 32 Assembly constituencies. In all 538 polling stations have been set up.
Tek Nath Dhakal of the newly-launched Sikkim Krantikari Morcha is pitted against sitting SDF MP Prem Das Rai in what is billed as a very tough fight.
Apart from the two home-grown parties, the BJP, Congress, Trinamool Congress and Aam Aadmi Party have also put up candidates.
There were 121 contestants for the 32 Assembly seats and six for the Lok Sabha seat. SKM leader Prem Singh Tamang, known as P S Golay, is a major contender for the chief minister.
Chamling would be contesting from two places – Namchi-Singhithang and Rangang-Yangang.
Other prominent candidates included SKM’s Bharati Sharma from Soreng-Chakung seat.
Out of the 32 Assembly seats, two are reserved for SC while 12 are meant for the Bhutia and Lepcha communities.
The Congress is contesting all the seats, while the BJP has put up candidates in 13 seats and Trinamool 7. Besides, there were five independents contesting the Assembly polls.
Brisk polling in Tripura, 56.35 percent votes cast till 2.15 pm
Brisk polling is on at Tripura East (ST) Lok Sabha constituency where over 56.35 percent voters exercised their franchise till 2.15 pm on Saturday, election department sources said.
Voters were seen standing in long queues in urban and rural polling stations of the constituency much before the voting started at 7 AM.
Voting began an hour and half late at a polling booth at Ambassa, the headquarter of Dhalai district as the EVMs there did not function properly and had to be changed, the sources said.
Tribals, who form the majority of the electorate in the constituency, were seen waiting to cast their votes donning colourful traditional dresses.
Women tribal voters outnumbered menfolk in the polling booths in rural and hilly areas of the state, which is witnessing the second phase of polling.
Additional 35 companies of security forces have been dispatched by the EC for deployment, along with the state police. The BSF has deployed additional forces along the 856- km-long Indo-Bangla international border.
There are 12 candidates in the fray including CPI(M)’s Jitendra Chowdhury, who is the state industries minister, Congress’ Sachitra Debbarma, a prominent educationist, BJP’s Parkshit Debbarma, an ex-armyman, and Trinamool Congress leader Bhriguram Reang.
The CPI(M) has won the seat 11 out of 15 times between 1952 and 2009 and did it consecutively since 1996.
An electorate of 11,38,765, including 580497 men, are eligible exercise their franchise in 1,490 polling stations, of which 18 have been identified as very vulnerable and more than 400 as vulnerable.
The Election Commission has set up nine all-women polling stations.
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16 PAK MILITANTS KILLED IN FRESH INFIGHTING
12042014
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At least 16 militants were killed in Pakistan’s restive northwest on Friday, in the latest bout of violence in nearly a week of infighting between rival factions of the banned Taliban that has claimed 40 lives so far.
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The clash started between two rival Tehreek-e-Taliban (TTP) factions a few days ago and the cause of infighting was said to be interference in matters under each other’s domains. At least 10 people were killed during a clash in North Waziristan’s Shawal tehsil and several were injured, media report said.
The latest clash came a day after the expiry of a 40-day ceasefire with the government. The casualties in Shawal took place when the two factions exchanged fire.
The clashes first erupted on Sunday in Shawal between supporters of Khan Said Sajna and followers of the late Hakimullah Mehsud group. In a separate incident, six militants, including Sher Amanullah, a commander of the Haqqani network, were killed when a roadside bomb hit their vehicle near the town of Dattakhel, media reports said, quoting intelligence and militant sources.
Amanullah was said to be a close associate of Mullah Sangeen Zadran, who was blacklisted as a terrorist by the UN and US and was killed in a US drone strike in North Waziristan in September last year.
Militant sources had earlier suggested that differences emerged after Sajna, a senior commander, was rejected for the TTP leadership, after then-leader Mehsud was killed in a US drone strike last November.
The TTP has long been driven by infighting. Sajna had been seen as a strong candidate to become TTP chief following Mehsud’s death. But the movement’s ruling council at the last minute elected Mullah Fazlullah, who hails from Swat and is believed to be hiding in Afghanistan.
The TTP has remained silent on the matter of infighting in which over 30 deaths have been reported over a couple of days. Both factions are part of the TTP umbrella group, which has been waging a bloody seven-year insurgency against the state.
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FOUR KILLED IN LANDSLIDE IN NORTHERN AFGHANISTAN
12042014
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A landslide triggered by heavy rains and a small earthquake swept through two villages in northern Afghanistan killing four people and destroying around 100 houses, officials said on Saturday.
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The natural disaster occurred overnight in the Rustaq district of northern Takhar province, about 300 kilometres north-east of the capital Kabul, police spokesman Abdul Khalil Aseer said.
“Four civilians – three men and a woman – were killed as a result of landslide, heavy rains and (an) earthquake in two remote villages of Rustaq district,” on the outskirt of northern Takhar province, he said.
According to the United States Geological Survey, a minor 4.1-magnitude quake struck northeast Afghanistan at 2:30 AM (local time) at a depth of 203 kilometres.
The death toll might increase as Afghan police forces head to the scene, Aseer said.
Sunatullah Taimoor, a spokesman for the governor of Takhar, confirmed the death toll.
“Around 100 houses were destroyed in last night’s landslide,” he said, adding residents had climbed to higher ground for safety.
Landslides sometimes occur during the spring rainy season in the country’s mountainous north, with the flimsy mud houses built in the area often unable to withstand them.
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THE HOUSE REPUBLICANS VOTED ON THEIR 2015 BUDGET
12042014
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YOGENDRA YADAV VISITS PUNE AND MAVAL
12042014
Yogendra Yadav visits Pune and Maval
From: AAP Maharashtra News
Dear all,
Senior AAP leader Yogendra Yadav visits Pune and Maval tomorrow and we would like to share his schedule with you:
9 am rally in PCMC by Volunteers (without Yogendraji)12 pm rally : Yogendraji joins the rally12:30 pm PCMC Ramchandra More Auditorium : Press Meet1pm – 3pm: Jan sabha at same venue3:00 – 3:30 pm: lunch4:30 pm to 5:30 pm : Press Meet at AAP Office, Ashirwad
Mangal Karyalaya, near Appa Balwant Chowk, Shaniwar Peth6 pm : Jan Sabha at Nadi Patra, Z-Bridge, near Deccan, Pune9 pm : Dinner with AAP Pune Volunteers at AAP Office.For any information, please contactMaval : 09766492001 / 09096301748Pune : 093372860028 / 09096301748
PREMIERE OF TOMORROW WE DISAPPEAR AT THE 2014 TRIBECA FILM FESTIVAL
12042014
MEDIA ALERT
**ALL PRESS MUST RSVP & BE ACCREDITED TO COVER**
**ARRIVALS ONLY**
PREMIERE OF TOMORROW WE DISAPPEAR
AT THE 2014 TRIBECA FILM FESTIVAL
SATURDAY, APRIL 19th
What: Premiere of Tomorrow We Disappear at the 2014 Tribeca Film Festival, presented by AT&T
When: Saturday, April 19th at 7:00PM
Press Check-in: 6:00PM
Arrivals: 6:30PM
Who: Directors Jimmy Goldblum and Adam Weber
Cast member Puran the Puppeteer from the Kathputli Colony in New Delhi
Where: AV73
AMC Loews Village 7
66 3rd Ave, New York, NY 10003
***RSVP required for all media to Morgan Michaels at michaels@sunshinesachs.com
TOMORROW WE DISAPPEAR
Writers/Directors: Jimmy Goldblum and Adam Weber
It is a film that truly takes you on a journey through a world you haven’t seen before or experienced before and enlightens the audience to a different way of life. Growing up in a colony of 2,800 artist families comprised of jugglers, acrobats, puppeteers, painters, folk singers and magicians in New Delhi called the Kathputli, these children are taught acrobatics, to play musical instruments and other tricks at an early age; they grow up with no fear for trying new and strange things. This unique world however is slowly vanishing. When their land is sold to developers to be bulldozed to make room for the city’s first-ever skyscraper, The Raheja Phoenix, the magicians, acrobats, and puppeteers of Kathputli Colony must find a way to unite — or splinter apart forever. This documentary is not telling you about an injustice or that something needs to change/stop, but asking you to experience this culture before it disappears. As they are both New Yorkers, they feel like they can relate this issue to how much the five burroughs in New York have changed. Our neighbors and homes are constantly changing – we need to appreciate your culture before it fades away. This is a rare slice of the world; everyone should see it before it is gone.
Below please find a link to the trailer and the film’s website:
Morgan Michaels | Junior Account Executive
Main: 212.691.2800 | Direct: 646.509.2383 | Cell: 949.533.9288 |136 Madison Ave. 17th Fl. New York, NY 10016
PRESS INVITATION
12042014
PRESS INVITATION-
Mr. Lekhraj Maheshwari
Chairman
Export Promotion Council for Handicrafts (EPCH)
Cordially invites you
To
The Inauguration of
Asia’s Largest Confluence of Home & Lifestyle Products
HOME EXPO INDIA 2014
(From April 15-18, 2014)
Ms. Zohra Chatterji, IAS, Secretary (Ministry of Textiles)
Will Be The Chief Guest
&
Mr. S.S. Gupta, IAS
Development Commissioner (Handicrafts)
Will Grace The Occasion
On
Tuesday, April 15, 2014
At
1300 Hrs
At
India Expo Centre & Mart
23-24 Knolwedge Park-II, Greater Noida Expressway,
Greater Noida, Delhi-NCR
————————————————————————————-
For further information and logistic needs kindly contact:
Brij Bhushan Sharma-Media Coordinator-EPCH at 9810945839
AL JAZEERA ENGLISH REPORTS AS THE WORLD’S LARGEST DEMOCRACY GOES TO THE POLLS
12042014
Doha, April 2, 2014
As the world’s largest democracy prepares to vote, Al Jazeera English will provide TV and online in-depth analysis on India’s future, lining-up an array of special coverage focused on the most crucial issues - economy, food, health, corruption and security.
As part of the coverage, Al Jazeera will have six correspondents traveling across the country to report on what this election means for India and the world. From across the political landscape, Al Jazeera English will present a detailed report card on the main issues faced by Indians, profiling leaders and engaging voters’ expectations.
Speaking about Al Jazeera’s Indian election coverage, Al Anstey, Managing Director, Al Jazeera said, “India is the world’s biggest democracy and the country is diverse in opinion and sentiment. Al Jazeera will attempt to reflect the voices of people ranging from the metropolitan hubs of Delhi, Mumbai and Ahmedabad; to the rural landscapes of Rajasthan and Kerala. Al Jazeera’s coverage will encompass TV, online and social media which will ensure real opinion, thought and voices will be heard.”
The coverage of the election will be a mixture of news and programmes including Al Jazeera’s Nidhi Dutt exploring the issue of food inflation and the impact on rice farmers in West Bengal. Al Jazeera’s Sohail Rahman will investigate the recent attack by Maoist rebels in Chattisgarh and talk about the internal security issues the government faces ahead of the general elections.
Karishma Vyas will travel to Gujarat, the home state of BJP leader Narendra Modi - who has been credited by some with transforming the state into an economic powerhouse and look at the rise of Hindu nationalism. Faiz Jamil will explore the people in Assam who are demanding a separate state called Bodoland, while Nidhi Dutt will be speaking to Suhas Chakma, a northeastern India expert, on his views on alienation of northeast India from the mainland, what corruption costs the economy and the measures that should be taken to overcome that.
Al Jazeera’s Baba Umar and Kamal Kumar will be traveling the length and breadth of India speaking to the common man. They will be focusing via multimedia the concerns and hopes towards the elections, the parties and their candidates.
Al Jazeera will also be airing special programmes leading to up to election as Nidhi Dutt will focus on health in a one hour special, analysing the measures taken by the major political parties in India to provide healthcare facilities to the citizens of West Bengal. Al Jazeera’s 101 East will go on India’s campaign trail with the BJP Prime Ministerial candidate Narendra Modi asking if he is the right man for Modern India.
As social media will be playing a key role in the elections the hashtags #AJIndia and #IndiaElections which will be tracked by the online team and the social media programme The Stream.
Al Jazeera’s flagship discussion programme Inside Story will also debate the key election points before and after the vote.
Twitter handles of Al Jazeera journalists in India: @nidhidutt, @KarishmaTV, @faizreports, @BabaUmarr, @kamalpkumar
For all the latest news, analysis and features from Al Jazeera on the Indian elections – click here: http://www.aljazeera.com/India
For more information please contact
MONACO NEWS
12042014
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.JPG)
QUAKE OF M6.6 – NICARAGUA
12042014
| Magnitude | 6.6 |
| Date-Time |
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| Location | 11.710N 85.963W |
| Depth | 138 km |
| Distances |
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| Location Uncertainty | Horizontal: 0.0 km; Vertical 5.1 km |
| Parameters | Nph = 161; Dmin = 90.9 km; Rmss = 1.73 seconds; Gp = 36° Version = 1 |
| Event ID | us c000pgsi |
For updates, maps, and technical information, see: Event Page or USGS Earthquake Hazards Program
National Earthquake Information Center
U.S. Geological Survey
http://earthquake.usgs.gov/regional/neic/
National Earthquake Information Center
U.S. Geological Survey
http://earthquake.usgs.gov/regional/neic/
BOLETIN
12042014
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COCA-COCA CRICKET CUP INTER-STATE CHALLENGE 2014
12042014
Ten of India’s top U-16 cricket school teams headed for the royal battle in the Coca-Coca Cricket Cup Inter-State challenge 2014
~ Initiative to promote grassroots cricket and identify promising cricketing talent from the Country~
- Partnership takes forward Coca-Cola India’s commitment to promote a sporting culture and healthy active living in the country
- Inter-State challenge to begin on 14th April 2014 in Mumbai
- Cricket India Academy (CIA) to provide the coaching program and expertise for the coaching camp and team for the second year in a row
- 24 of the best players from the Inter-state challenge to be shortlisted for an intensive coaching camps
- Entire program is mentored by Saba Karim
Mumbai, April 11 2014: After eight months of intense cricketing action covering 820 schools in 66 districts across ten states and involving the participation of close to 12,500 young cricketers, ten of India’s top cricket playing school teams have now qualified for the intense inter-state challenge of the Coca-Cola Cricket Cup for Under-16 Boys. The talented players will now pit their skills against each other in the Inter-State Challenge of one of the country’s largest Inter-School Cricket championships, which will be played across seven venues in Mumbai beginning April 14, 2014.
The commencement of the Inter-State leg was announced in the city on Friday by Dilip Jayram, CEO, Procam International, in the presence of Shrikant Tigdi, MCA and P.N. Sankaran, Procam International.
Al. Barkat Malik M. I. English School has emerged the champion school from Mumbai and will open their campaign against DAV Sr. Sec. School, Chandigarh at Hindu Gymkhana ground on April 14.
The other champion schools in the fray are Sports College, Lucknow (Uttar Pradesh), St. Johns Jr. College, Hyderabad (Andhra Pradesh), Salwan Boys Sr. Sec. School, Rajendra Nagar (Delhi), Shreyas Samarpan Vidyalaya, Baroda (Gujarat), AVR E Techno School, Vijayawada (Andhra Pradesh), Debinagar K.C.R. Vidyapith, Uttar Dinajpur (West Bengal), Don Bosco Matriculation Higher Secondary School, Chennai (Tamil Nadu), and Kiddys Corner Higher Secondary School, Gwalior (Madhya Pradesh).
The ten teams will be divided into two groups of five each and league matches will be played till April 20 at the following grounds: Hindu Gymkhana, Islam Gymkhana, Mahalaxhmi Ground (WR), Trombay, HPCL Ground, Police Gymkhana and RCF. The top two teams of each group will play the semi-finals on April 19, followed by the grand final on April 20..
Intensive Seven-day Coaching Clinic: Twenty-four of the best players from the Inter-State Leg of the Coca-Cola Cricket Cup will be picked for a seven-day coaching clinic to be conducted from 21st – 27th April 2014. -The clinic will be conducted by veteran Cricket India Academy coaches like Anthony Adam.
Following the week-long clinic, the Coca-Cola XI will be selected to play a three-match series against an international under 16 team in the month of June.
Speaking on the occasion, said, Sumanta Datta, CBO-Company Bottling Operations, INSWABU, said, “It gives me great pleasure today to kick-start the Inter-State challenge for the Coca-Cola Cricket Cup. Coca-Cola India has had a long association of supporting grassroots sports in India. We strongly believe that it is at this level where encouragement and guidance is required to boost participation and develop successful players. We look forward to an exciting season with some of the best teams from across the country. I wish everyone the best of luck for the upcoming challenge.”
P.N. Sankaran, Procam International, said, “We are thrilled to have come to the concluding and challenging Inter-State Leg of this year’s Coca-Cola U-16 Cricket Cup. At each juncture of the event, we came across some excellent talent across the length and breadth of India. It has been a matter of great pride and joy to partner Coca-Cola in this immensely satisfying and unique endeavour. We wish the participating teams the very best for the final leg”.
Speaking about the initiative, Saba Karim, former Test cricketer and Chief Mentor of the initiative said,“Youngsters studying in schools across the country continue to amaze us with their passion, knowledge and talent when it comes to cricket. Through the Cup, it is our endeavour to spot cricket aptitude and nurture it in the right manner in order to give the nation the players it needs in the future.”
The Inter-State Leg will help crown the champion Under-16 cricket playing school team in the country. Following the tournament, 24 of the best players will be shortlisted for an intensive seven-day coaching clinic to be conducted by Cricket India Academy coaches. The coaching clinic will serve as catalyst in identifying the final Coca-Cola XI, who will play a three-match series against an international under 16 team. The Champion school of the Coca-Cola Cricket Cup will we awarded a cash prize worth Rs.1,00,000 while the runner-up school team will be awarded Rs 70,000 in addition to individual awards for excellence.
Cricket India Academy (CIA), the cricket division of Sports Education Development India Limited (CEDIL) is continuing to provide the coaching program and expertise for the coaching camp and team selection at the Coca-Cola U16 Cricket Cup for the second year in a row. With renowned Indian cricketer Pravin Amre as Coach Director, CIA was established in 2009 with a focus on modern coaching methodologies to provide the most effective learning environment to produce champions of tomorrow.
The academy seeks to further develop this important program to ensure a thorough and transparent selection process helps select 24 of the best players. It also seeks to provide coach education and training support to the coaches of each winning state school. Apart from this, the CIA will also provide a high performance training experience and environment for the national squad chosen from the national championship and select the under-16 team to play an International Series once the Cup concludes.
The Coca-Cola Cricket Cup is an initiative undertaken by Coca-Cola India as part of its commitment to promote a sporting culture and healthy active living in the country and is being promoted by Procam International, India’s largest sports and leisure Management Company.
More About the Coca-Cola U-16 Cricket Cup
The Coca-Cola Intra-State Challenge will be played in Mumbai, Delhi, Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh (all 13 districts), Punjab (eight districts), Baroda, Tamil Nadu (Chennai + 8 districts), West Bengal (Kolkata + 18 districts), Uttar Pradesh (Lucknow, Kanpur & Allahabad), and Madhya Pradesh (4 districts). The format of the Coca-Cola Cricket Cup has been structured to begin with the Intra-State Challenge. The centers that have more than one city or district will play their own inter-district before one winner emerges from each center. The winners from the ten centers will feature in the Inter-State Challenge.
Coca-Cola Cricket Cup’s Vision
BCCI over the past several years has done a tremendous job of enhancing the growth of cricket in India. They have done so by adopting a result oriented approach of organising age group tournaments all over the country through their state associations.
This has helped immensely in carving out talented individuals on a regular basis. Most of these cricketers have moved ahead and have brought laurels for their states and the country.
Seeing the vast potential and growing popularity of this game, Coca-Cola India has a vision of facilitating BCCI in their quest to tap talent. We believe that the future of Indian cricket lies in these young talented budding cricketers. We intend to provide a perfect opportunity and platform to all the youngsters across the country to showcase their talent, skill and equally important, pride and loyalty to their school. It gives BCCI and their affiliated state units a brilliant arena to scout for potential match winners.
We hope that this initiative will serve as an ideal platform to identify and nurture young talented cricketers for them to be able to get noticed by the state associations and BCCI to represent the country on an International level.
About Coca-Cola India
Coca-Cola in India refreshes millions of consumers throughout the country with an exciting range of beverages including Coca-Cola, Diet Coke, Thums Up, Fanta, Limca, Sprite, Maaza, Maaza Milky Delite, Minute Maid Pulpy Orange, Minute Maid Nimbu Fresh, Minute Maid Mixed Fruit, Minute Maid Apple, Georgia, Georgia Gold, Kinley, Kinley Club Soda, Burn and Nestea through a network of more than one million outlets. The company has invested more than US$ 1 billion in its Indian operations, emerging as one of the country’s top international investors. The Coca-Cola system in India employs more than 25,000 people directly. For more information and details on the company’s Indian operations please visit: www.coca-colaindia.com
About Procam International
In 1988, with a vision to provide a more holistic spend to the advertising rupee and a burning desire to ameliorate the prevailing professional standards for sportsmen, Anil and Vivek B. Singh created Procam International.
Procam International is today a full-fledged sports management company, involved in the promotion of national and international sporting events, sports consultancy and live television programming.
Procam International has based its corporate philosophy on an open culture, with an emphasis on values and integrity. Procam International has promoted and conducted over 45 world events, which have elicited player participation of the highest caliber, as well as huge public interest.
The Standard Chartered Mumbai Marathon, the Airtel Delhi Half Marathon and the TCS World 10K in Bangalore are three of the most prestigious distance running events in the world. This has established Procam International as the leading sports events creator in India. Its professionalism, attention to detail and dedication has won it the faith of its sponsors and partners.
Incase of any queries, please contact:
Procam International
Neha Parab Kandalgaonkar
+91 9892194965; neha@procam.in
ORLANDO SETS ALL-NEW RECORD FOR UNITED STATES WITH 59 MILLION VISITORS IN 2013
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(Mumbai, India: April 10, 2014) – Visit Orlando President and CEO George Aguel announced that Orlando welcomed 59 million visitors in calendar year 2013, setting an all-time record for U.S. destinations. The record-breaking figure represents a three percent increase over the previous milestone set in 2012.
The news was made at IPW, the premier international travel conference hosting more than 6,000 buyers, suppliers and media.
“We are so pleased to announce this incredibly exciting news on the closing day of IPW 2014, when travel industry professionals around the world shift their sights toward next year’s IPW event in Orlando,” said Aguel. “Thanks to the strong global marketing and sales efforts of our team at Visit Orlando and the leadership of our tourism members and community leaders who share a common vision for our destination, Orlando continues to lead the nation as its most visited destination.”
Orlando is experiencing one of the most significant expansion periods in the destination’s history. Universal Orlando Resort will open the world’s first centrally themed, multi-park experience this summer by expanding The Wizarding World of Harry Potter across both of its theme parks. SeaWorld Orlando recently opened Antarctica: Empire of the Penguin – the biggest expansion in its company’s history, while Walt Disney World Resort will complete a multiyear project that is doubling the size of Fantasyland when it debuts the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train coaster this summer.
If that was not enough, a variety of additional attractions and enhancements to the popular retail, dining and entertainment districts are underway. By 2017, Orlando will be among the first destinations with on-airport intermodal facilities in the U.S. and the first airport in Florida to conveniently support air travel, ground transportation and rail.
To help the travel trade understand how to benefit from the exciting news coming out of the destination, Visit Orlando has launched an enhanced Orlando Travel Academy. Travel agents around the globe can use this online tool to help boost their knowledge of Orlando and augment their ability to support their clients travel planning efforts. More information on specific resources for travel professionals, including collateral, sales aids and the Orlando Travel Academy online training tool can be found on Visit Orlando’s travel trade site, VisitOrlando.com/trade.
About Visit Orlando
Visit Orlando is the official tourism association for the most visited destination in the United States, with representation in more than a dozen countries around the world. Visit Orlando, together with its 1,200 member organizations; represent the area’s leading industry.
Best Regards
Rodney Crasto
Corporate Communications
______________________________________________
AVIAREPS AG
3B. Victoria Plaza
SV Road,Santacruz (West)
Mumbai 400054 India
3B. Victoria Plaza
SV Road,Santacruz (West)
Mumbai 400054 India
Tel: +91 22 42163122
Fax:+91 22 42163100
Fax:+91 22 42163100
Mobile: 98214 79702
Email: rcrasto@aviareps.com
Web : http://www.aviareps.com
PGTI COCHIN MASTERS: SANJAY KUMAR AND RASHID KHAN EMERGE TOP CONTENDERS IN ROUND THREE
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Kochi, April 11, 2014: Sanjay Kumar of Lucknow and Delhi’s Rashid Khan ended day three as joint leaders at the PGTI Cochin Masters presented by CIAL Golf and Country Club. While Sanjay shot a three-under-33 on Friday, Rashid came up with a two-under-34 as both players took their three-day tally to seven-under-101. There is a three-way tie for third place between Gurgaon’s Shubhankar Sharma and Sri Lankans Anura Rohana and K Prabagaran at five-under-103.
Sanjay Kumar’s (33-35-33) round of 33 lifted him from overnight tied second to the top of the bunch. Sanjay landed his approach within five feet and converted the putt for his first birdie of the day on the 11th. The 42-year-old went on to hole a 15-feet birdie putt on the 14th to move to two-under for the day. Sanjay, a winner of six titles, picked up his third and final birdie of the round courtesy a chip to two feet on the 16th.
Sanjay said, “I was quite pleased with my bogey-free effort today since the wind came into play once again. My wedge shots were the best part of my game in round three. I’ve made just one bogey in the tournament so far and that has helped me stay in contention. One has to be very careful not to drop shots in this shortened format as there aren’t too many opportunities to come back. I’ve not done well in the 2014 season so far and would therefore like to make an impact here.”
Rashid Khan (32-35-34), the sole leader by one shot after round two, now shares the lead with Sanjay. Rashid, who has not dropped a single stroke in the tournament so far, continued to impress on day three. He knocked down a mammoth 30-footer for birdie on the 15th. The 23-year-old pocketed his second birdie on the par-3 17th where his tee shot stopped within six feet of the flag.
Rashid, a winner of five titles, said, “I hit the ball well and was steady once again. Importantly, I didn’t drop a bogey. The only dissappointment was that I didn’t take all my opportunities on the greens and missed some putts. The win on the Asian Tour has really lifted my spirits and has helped me perform even better. It will be a good fight in the final round. Whoever in the top-6 gets off to a great start with two or three birdies on the first six holes is in with a chance.”
Shubhankar Sharma fired his second 33 of the tournament to be placed tied third, two behind the joint leaders. K Prabagaran, who won on the PGTI last week, joined Sharma in third along with fellow Sri Lankan Anura Rohana.
The Delhi duo of Gulfam and Kapil Kumar along with Noida’s Amardip Sinh Malik and Sri Lankan Mithun Perera are joint sixth at four-under-104.
Ashok Kumar, Himmat Singh Rai, Chiragh Kumar and KPS Sekhon shot the day’s best score of four-under-32. While Ashok and Himmat are in tied 16th place, Chiragh lies tied 29th and KPS Sekhon is in tied 35th.
Rahil Gangjee occupies tied 11th place along with Digvijay Singh at two-under-106.
Anirban Lahiri is in joint 20th place at even-par-108. He returned a 36 on Friday.
Local amateurs Joseph Joseph and Alexander K J are placed tied 117th and 120th respectively.
FOOD TANK & GLOBAL FORUM ON AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH
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- African Women in Agricultural Research and Development (AWARD)—AWARD is a career-development program for prominent women agricultural scientists in sub-Saharan Africa. AWARD provides fellowships aimed at teaching research and leadership and is focused on the success and security of African smallholder farmers—most of these farmers are women. AWARD fellows are selected through a highly competitive process.
- Jamaican Pig Farmer Association (JPFA) & The Jamaica Network of Rural Women Producers (JNRWP)—Mildred Crawford, a pig farmer and pig artificial inseminator, helped create JPFA and JNRWP. JPFA works with pig farmers and other industry players to provide leadership, advocacy in representing the industry at a national level, and resources for the development of pig farmers in Jamaica. The Most Honorable Lady Cooke, former First Lady of Jamaica, launched JNRWP in 1999—it works alongside various stakeholders to foster economic and social development of rural women in Jamaica. This organization works to empower and motivate rural women so they can improve the quality of their lives and the welfare of their communities.
- Maruzi Beekeeping Association—Rose Akaki, a beef farmer from Uganda, diversified her family beef farm and encouraged neighbors to become beekeepers, eventually forming the Maruzi Beekeeping Association. This association has grown beyond their village to regional membership, now involved in processing, packaging, and marketing a product called “Go Honey”.
- National Agricultural Innovation System Support Project (Peru)—The objective of this project is to create acceptable conditions in the National Agricultural Innovation System (SNIA) in order to support the effectiveness of its member organizations in providing improved agricultural technologies. Women-based organizations are a main beneficiary of this project, as the role of rural women tends to be marginalized outside of the household, even though women participate in all agriculture tasks.
- World Farmers Organization (WFO)—WFO partners with GAP to empower women farmers and find ways to lift up all farmers from inequities that exist today. Susan Carlson, the WFO Women’s Committee Chair, explains that, “women farmer’s innovation and entrepreneurship are evidence of their commitment and dedication to their family farm—their way of life and their livelihood.”
- Young Professionals for Agricultural Development (YPARD)—YPARD is a network of young farmers, researchers, scientists, and other food system stakeholders. YPARD helps to give a voice to these young women and men, amplifying their voices and giving them a seat at the table in decisions around agricultural development. Through national meetings, conferences, and other initiatives, women are using the YPARD platform to highlight the issues most important to them at the national, regional, and international level.
Please share this list online by clicking HERE. What other projects helping empower women farmers can you add to this list?Email me at danielle@foodtank.com and let me know!
Danielle Nierenberg
President, Food Tank
foodtank.com
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RAHUL GANDHI FILED HIS NOMINATION PAPERS IN AMETHI FOR LS
12042014
Rahul Gandhi Vice President of Congress and one of the most powerful young leader has today filed his nomination papers for the LS poll in AmethI he has won the seat last two times. He was accompanied by his mother Sonia Gandhi the President of Congress party. Rahul Gandhi sister Priyanka along with her husband Robert Vadra were also present .
Amethi goes to the polls on May 7.
Gandhi was accompanied by Congress president Sonia Gandhi for a roadshow prior to filing his nomination papers.
Rahul had earlier joined the Congress president when she filed her nomination papers from Rae Bareli on April 2.
The constituency, known as an impregnable fortress of the Nehru-Gandhi family, was earlier represented by country’s first prime minister Jawaharlal Nehru and later by Sanjay Gandhi once and four times by former prime minister Rajiv Gandhi.
Sonia Gandhi also represented the seat but later shifted to Rae Bareily to vacate the seat for Rahul.
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