Tuesday, January 20, 2015

शाही शादी में राजकुमार ने पहनी सोने की ड्रेस, दुल्हन के लिए लाखों का लहंगा

  • dainikbhaskar.com
  • Jan 20, 2015, 01:51 AM IST
TRAC Representations felicitated with multiple awards for a stellar performance in Destination Promotion
20th January 2015, All India: TRAC Representations was recently felicitated with a series of awards for a successful year 2014 in destination marketing, public relations, advertising and promotions in the India market. The awards were organized by one of the leading Indian travel trade publication Travel & Hospitality (TNH) recently.
The ‘Most Outstanding Advertising Campaign’ Award was presented to Marvellous Mauritius Ad Campaign by TRAC for the Year 2014. To enhance the destination visibility in the India market, this advertising campaign titled “Marvellous Mauritius” was conceptualized, created and implemented by TRAC Representations in the year 2014.
“Marvellous Mauritius” Advertisement Campaign was made to position and promote Mauritius as the best island destination in the world with a unique All-in-One concept. The main objective of ‘Marvellous Mauritius’ advertisement campaign was to enhance destination visibility for various traditional and emerging segments.
The advertisement campaign utilized a mixed portfolio of regular as well as the modern media with an unparalleled reach on a Pan-India basis. The mix of traditional, new-age and online media has reached out to over 80 million people all over India.
The ‘Most Outstanding All-Season Destination’ Award in the Year 2014 was presented to Kenya Tourism Board. Destination Kenya offers the traveller an unmatched range of options. It has diversity of wildlife, culture, landscapes and unspoilt beaches and water sport activities. It offers unique opportunity to explore beaches to snow clad mountains or from a wild safari experience to cultural mélange.
Kenya targets to sustain growth movement from India in the year 2015. India has the potential to become one of the top three source markets for Kenya. Kenya Tourism Board has come up with lot of promotions and activities to highlight the destination in India and attract the avid travellers. Kenya is the ideal destination for an all-season all-round holiday experience.
The ‘Emerging International Tourism Destination’ Award for the Year 2014 was presented to Monaco Government Tourist Bureau - India. Destination Monaco is known for its style statement, scenic beauty, classy lifestyle, spectacular architecture and renowned casinos, world renowned culinary experiences, and the list is never ending when it comes to luxury and glamour.
Monaco being an ultra premium luxury destination has majorly witnessed a larger chunk of tourist travelling from Metro cities prominently. Monaco is the perfect choice for lavish destination weddings. Honeymooner segment has also gone up in the recent past. Nowadays couples want to explore and travel to the best destinations. Monaco being the upmarket destination has become one of the preferred choices of high-end travellers.
The ‘Most Outstanding International MICE Destination’ Award for the Year 2014 was presented to Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority (TCA Abu Dhabi). Destination Abu Dhabi is the perfect leisure and MICE getaway. It has stunning architectural wonders, tranquil oases, and a wide range of hospitality, conference and convention facilities clubbed with various attractions ranging from Art, Culture, Entertainment and Gastronomy. Sheikh Zayed Mosque, Iconic Emirates Palace, Saadiyat Island Cultural District, entertainment centre of Yas Island, with Yas Waterworld, Yas Mall, Ferrari World and Yas Marina Circuit, Golfing, Arabian Nights Village, and Qasr Al Sarab etc. will keep the visitor spellbound.
TCA Abu Dhabi has a unique programme under Advantage Abu Dhabi, to facilitate the Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions coming into Abu Dhabi. This programme has been very well appreciated and also being availed of by MICE operators and Indian corporate houses.
The ‘Most Outstanding Company for International Tourism Representation in India’ Award for 2014was given to TRAC Representations. This was in recognition of TRAC playing a pivotal role as the pioneer in destination representation and being associated with prestigious international accounts.
TRAC is known for developing market knowledge and resources, an extensive network of agents and associates on a pan-India basis, market insights and research capabilities, sustained goodwill with the Indian travel trade and media, and the vast experience of TRAC Core Team. Clients associated with TRAC in the past and present, capitalize on the skills and value the professional ethics and neutrality of the organization.
Moving with the times, TRAC is also leading the social media space with FaceBook and WhatsApp as promotional tools for its target audience. With cutting edge information sharing and updates, TRAC is present on YouTube with its own channel TRAC Tube.
Travel trade veterans applauded TRAC for this achievement and shared the following encouraging words:
Mr. Vijay Gupta, Chairman, TAFI Northern India Chapter, said:
“TRAC is the leading destination representation company in India for a number of years now. It is indeed a moment of pride for us to see TRAC being commended for their efforts and contribution to the travel industry. We congratulate TRAC on their achievement. Their goodwill and reputation in the market will continue to create a positive effect on all stakeholders and associates.”
Mr. Rajan Sehgal, Chairman, TAAI Northern Region Chapter, said:
“We have always held TRAC in high esteem for their contribution to the industry. We are happy to see TRAC win these awards for excellence in various aspects of destination promotion. Congratulations to the entire TRAC Team.”
Overwhelmed with the selection for the awards, the TRAC Core Team commented the following:
Mr. Kavi Ghei, Chairman, TRAC Representations said:
“TRAC pioneered the representation business in India with an objective to grow the Indian outbound market. Over the years we have successfully introduced and promoted over 20 international destinations and various products and services. We have worked on a customized approach and continue to provide innovative marketing solutions to our clients, thus creating an edge in the market and long lasting impressions. We have been practicing and following the path of neutrality thus helping the fellow industry partners to grow their businesses. We believe we are a very young and committed organization with various result-oriented success stories. However each assignment brings its own challenges and we believe in creating a success out of the same. We accept the awards with a reiteration of our commitment to the greater goals towards a sustainable future and a better environment. We feel it has been a great journey and we continue to strive forward with even greater zeal.”
Mr. Rajeev Nangia, COO, TRAC Representations said:
“We believe that in today’s scenario, TRAC has a crucial role to play as the responsible voice of the industry. The Awards are a motivational force to strive for excellence and continued success. We thank the organizers for acknowledging and appreciating our efforts. The market is maturing with destinations vying competitively for a slice of the Indian outbound.”
For further details please contact:
C/o TRAC Representations India Pvt. Ltd

Pukhraj Varshneya
Manager - Corporate Communications
Operations Office: M-2, Mezzanine Floor, Kanchenjunga Building, 18 Barakhamba Road, New Delhi - 110001, India
Registered Office: A-61, Himalaya House, Kasturba Gandhi Marg, New Delhi – 110001, India
Tel: +91-11-2373 7348 | Fax: +91-11-2335 0270 | Mob: +91-98108 71469 | Email - pr1@tracrep.com
CIN No. - U74899DL1992PTC051003
Dramatic Change in Sri Lanka : Will it foster better ties with India

ASHOK B SHARMA

Recent political developments in Sri Lanka have drawn the attention of South Asian countries and the world at large. The credit goes to the people and the political spectrum of the island country for dislodging a despotic and arrogant President Mahinda Rajapaksa in what can be termed a bloodless coup, albeit through the ballot box. Importantly, Rajapksa’s exit is expected to usher in a process of further democratic reforms in Sri Lanka.

The Indian Prime Minister Narendrabhai Damodardass Modi  promptly congratulated new President Maithripala Sirisena and not only assured to work with him but also invited him to visit India. Foreign Minister Sushma Swaraj too called on her counterpart Mangala Samaraweera and invited him to visit India, which was accepted. Samaraweera is expected to visit India on Sunday 18 January, his first foreign tour. On its part New Delhi wants Sirisena to settle down and fulfill the people’s mandate.

Undeniably, Rajapaksa had created concerns for India. Despite New Delhi asking him to devolve political and financial powers to the Tamil-dominated northern and eastern provinces as per the 13th Constitutional Amendment. But the former President arrogantly  refused.

Worse, after the brutal decimation of one of the world’s deadliest guerrilla group, LTTE, and killing of thousands of innocent Tamils in the process, Rajapaksha was slow and tardy in his rehabilitation plan. Notwithstanding, India extending financial support for the rehabilitation of Tamils. 

Further, he also refused to allow an independent inquiry into the 2009 horrific massacre, no matter the human rights violations invited global concern and was debated in the UN Human Rights Council. Even as New Delhi but India hoped good sense would prevail upon Rajapaksa sooner than later.

Hopes abound that Sirisena might take steps to address the concerns of the international community. The UN Human Rights Council is likely to take up this issue in its next session in March in Geneva.

Bluntly, had Rajapaksa been allowed to remain in power and continue with his arrogant attitude, he would have invited sanctions from Western powers, thereby further dwindling the island country’s economy. Moreover, his despotic nature knew no bound. Just to annoy India, he planned closer links with China even at the cost of South Asia.

Both Sirisena and new Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe have criticized Rajapaksa for inviting huge loans from China for building roads, ports and other infrastructure. They have opposed the building of another port in Colombo with Chinese assistance as it would amount to huge ecological damage. Recall, despite New Delhi’s protests, Rajapaksa allowed Chinese submarines to dock at Colombo port twice and threatened to turn Sri Lanka into a strategic asset for China at India’s expense.

Remember, after the 2009 massacre, Rajapaksa bounced back to power for the second successive term in 2010, but he did not prove well for Sri Lankan democracy. Add to this, post the Parliamentary elections in April 2010 which gave his Party two-third majority he decided to amend the Constitution which stipulated only two terms for a President.

Why did he do this? Primarily, Rajapaksa felt that the Buddhist-majority population would reward him for the 2009 massacre by bouncing him back to power many times. His other interests was to protect himself and his coterie: brother and Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa, army generals, officials and hosts of other Rajapaksas from possible war crimes. But unfortunately for Rajapaksa, Sri Lankans were not too happy to tolerate his game any longer.

The 18th Constitutional Amendment gave sweeping powers to the President in the appointment of heads and members of major institutions like Election Commission, Public Service Commission and Anti-Bribery Commission.  Rajapaksa trampled upon the independence of judiciary and removed Chief Justice Shirani Bandaranayake and appointed Attorney General Mohan Peiris in his place.

But over-confident Rajapaksa met his fatal consequences when he declared his decision to hold Presidential polls after completing four years of his six-year term. His colleague Sirisena defected to become the joint opposition sponsored Presidential candidate. Former President Chandrika Kumaratunga Bandaranaike of Rajapaksa’s Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) along with others came out to lend support to Sirisena, who also got support from Wickremesinghe’s United National Party (UNP) and Tamil National Alliance (TNA).

Besides, Sirisena had the support of Muslims and some Sinhalese outfits who were fed up with the dictatorial and corrupt Rajapaksa regime. This ensured Sirisena’s victory.

Significantly, Sirisena has promised to abolish the executive powers of the President and return to the Westminster style of parliamentary democracy. This would amount to scraping the 18th Amendment and bringing in further amendments to the Constitution. Towards this end, he would have to mobilise numbers in Parliament and possibly have to rely on Rajapaksa’s SLFP or depend upon further defection from the SLFP. Clearly, a hard task.

As for the devolution of powers to Tamil provinces, Sirisena is better equipped with the 13th Constitutional Amendment already in place. TNA while extending support to Sirisena had demanded devolution of powers to Tamil provinces on the lines of that enjoyed by State Governments in India.

But Sirisena during his campaign, with a view to placate Sinhalese outfit, promised not to withdraw the army from Tamil provinces. One should not forget that Sirisena is also perceived as a Sinhalese hardliner.

Additionally, Sirisena has won with the support of several forces who were opposed to Rajapaksa’s style of functioning and his corrupt regime. His first priority will be to introduce necessary democratic reforms and ensure a corruption free regime.

Notably, India has always attempted to have better relations with Sri Lanka. Its economic engagements with its island neighbor, including the free trade agreement between the two countries, could help Colombo to graduate to the status of a developing country from a least developed one.

One hopes Sirisena will better its relationship with India. Rajapaksa had obliged India by his presence at Modi’s oath-taking ceremony in May. But his approach did not move further from this gesture. It now depends upon how much Prime Minister Modi and President Sirisena work out their relations to the mutual benefit of the two neighbours, SAARC and BIMSTEC groups in which both are active participants.

(Ashok B Sharma is a senior columnist based in New Delhi, India. He writes on strategic and policy issues in many Indian and foreign newspapers and magazines. He can be reached at ashokbsharma@gmail.com His mobile phone no 09810902204)

India’s growth to reach 6.3 per cent in 2016: UN report

20 01 2015

Jan 19
The United Nations today said India will see a gradual growth acceleration with its GDP expected to reach 5.9 per cent this year and 6.3 per cent in 2016.
According to the United Nations World Economic Situation and Prospects 2015 report, India’s economy expanded by an estimated 5.4 per cent in 2014, an improvement from growth of 5.0 per cent recorded in 2013, but still significantly below the 8.0 per cent pace of the pre-crisis period.
The report said the recovery is partly the result of improved market sentiment after the new administration took office in the second quarter of 2014 and announced plans to reform the bureaucracy, labour laws and public subsidies.




Khaleda Zia released from house arrest

20 01 2015
Jan 19
The 17-day house arrest of Bangladesh opposition leader Khaleda Zia was today lifted unexpectedly by authorities, but the defiant former premier vowed to continue nationwide blockade and demanded an inclusive poll, dashing hopes of finding a solution to the deadly political violence.
The additional police and barricade around the Bangladesh Nationalist Party chief’s upmarket Gulshan district office here was removed around 3 am local time.
Zia wants Hasina to call fresh elections after last year’s controversial poll boycotted by opposition parties. The opposition boycotted the polls over their demand tohold the polls under a neutral caretaker government.




Pahlaj Nihalani to be new chief of Censor Board

20 01 2015
Jan 20
Filmmaker Pahlaj Nihalani will be the new chief of Central Board of Film Certification, CBFC. The government reconstituted the Board and appointed nine new members yesterday. They include, film director Dr. Chandra Prakash Dwivedi, filmmaker Ashok Pandit and BJP leader Vani Tripathi Tikoo. An official release said that the tenure of the Chairperson and the members of the CBFC will be of three years.
Earlier, the entire Board, including the chairperson Leela Samson had resigned, accusing coercion and interference by the Information and Broadcasting Ministry in the CBFC affairs. She was also unhappy after Film Certification Appellate Tribunal had cleared the controversial film Messenger of God, featuring Dera Saccha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh in the lead role. The Censor Board had earlier denied the clearance certificate to the film.




SIT questions Shashi Tharoor

20 01 2015

Jan 20
With media chasing Congress MP and former Union Minister Shashi Tharoor was questioned by a five-member Special Investigation Team (SIT) of Delhi Police last night in connection with the mysterious death of his wife Sunanda Pushkar. The police had registered a case of murder nearly three weeks ago on the basis of a medical report that concluded that she had died of poisoning. Tharoor had been issued a notice by the SIT to join investigation. The Congress MP had a meeting with his lawyers at his residence in Lodhi Estate before proceeding to SIT office. Sources said that Tharoor was asked about the 15 injuries on her body, especially injury number ten, which was an injection mark.
The medical report has indicated that the poison which caused her death could have either been taken orally or injected. He was also asked about the reason of the tiff he had with Sunanda on the flight from Thiruvananthapuram to Delhi on 15th of January, following which she left him at the airport and checked in at the Hotel. Tharoor was quizzed about the empty Alprax tablets, which were found in the hotel room and who used to consume them, as the viscera tests were found negative. Sunanda Pushkar had been found dead at the hotel on 17th of January last year. Some of those questioned in the case include Tharoor’s domestic help Narayan Singh, family friend Sanjay Dewan, the hotel doctor who pronounced her dead and the hotel staff, including its manager.





BJP releases list of 62 candidates

20 01 2015
Jan 20
BJPpresident Amit Shah  declared Kiran Bedi as its Chief Ministerial candidate for Delhi Assembly elections. A decision in this regard was taken at the party Parliamentary Board meeting in New Delhi last night. Briefing reporters after the meeting, BJP President Amit Shah said that the Board has unanimously taken the decision to contest Delhi assembly polls under her leadership.
He said, Ms Bedi will contest from Krishna Nagar assembly seat, earlier represented by Union Minister Dr. Harshvardhan. Mr. Shah also rubbished reports of dissent within Delhi BJP unit over Ms. Bedi’s entry into the party. Former team Anna member, Kiran Bedi had joined the BJP three days back.
BJP has also decided to field former student leader Nupur Sharma against Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Arvind Kejriwal from the New Delhi seat for ensuing Assembly elections in the national capital. Senior Party leader Jagdish Mukhi will contest from Janakpuri seat, while former Delhi BJP chief Vijendra Gupta will contest from Rohini. Former Union Minister and Congress leader Krishna Tirath, who joined BJP yesterday, will try her luck from Patel Nagar constituency. BJP has released the list of 62 candidates for the 70 member Delhi Assembly after the party’s Central Election Committee meeting in New Delhi late last night. All sitting MLAs have been re-nominated by the party.
Announcing the list, party General Secretary J P Nadda said that former AAP MLA Vinod Kumar Binni, who joined BJP two days back, will fight from Patparganj, where AAP has given ticket to its senior leader Manish Sisodia. He said party national secretary Sardar R P Singh has been fielded from Rajinder Nagar seat and M S Dhir, former Delhi Assembly speaker and AAP MLA, from Jangpura seat. Mr. Nadda also said BJP Delhi unit chief Satish Upadhyay will not contest the elections. He said the party has given a proper representation to all sections of the society in the ticket distribution and remaining eight candidates will be declared soon after a discussion with Akali Dal.

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