| Chennai: MoUs for investments worth over Rs. 1 lakh crore to be signed |
Sep 10
The Global Investors Summit in Chennai draws to a close on Thursday, with investment proposals worth more than Rs. one lakh crore lined up for signing in presence of chief minister J.Jayalalithaa Thursday evening.
She has pitched for more investments saying the industrial environment aided by the centre’s friendly policies is conducive for growth.
AIR correspondent reports, the stage is now set for the signing of various memoranda of understanding between industrial captains and the Tamil Nadu state government at the Chennai Trade Centre.
Firms like Yes Bank, HCL, Yamaha, TVS, ITC and Adani Group have already unveiled their plans and many more are expected to be revealed Thursday evening.
The success of the event far exceeding the expectations of the organisers even in the midst of a gloomy global economic situation is set to give a boost for the “Make in India” initiative of the Union Government. |
Foreign Tourist Arrivals(FTAs) register a growth of 4.5 % in January- August 2015
According to Ministry of Tourism compiles monthly estimates of Foreign Tourist Arrivals (FTAs) on the basis of Nationality-wise, Port-wise data received from Bureau of Immigration (BOI) and Foreign Exchange Earnings (FEEs) from tourism on the basis of data available from Reserve Bank of India . The following are the important highlights regarding FTAs and FEEs from tourism during the month of August 2015.
Foreign Tourist Arrivals (FTAs):
· FTAs during the Month of August 2015 were 5.89 lakh as compared to FTAs of 5.76 lakh during the month of August 2014 and 4.86 lakh in August 2013. There has been a growth of 2.3% in August 2015 over August 2014.
· FTAs during the period January- August 2015 were 50.68 lakh as compared to the FTAs of 48.51 lakh, showing a growth of 4.5%.
· The Percentage share of Foreign Tourist Arrivals (FTAs) in India during August 2015 among the top 15 source countries was highest from Bangladesh (15.79%) followed by USA (12.52%), UK (9.71%), Sri Lanka (7.25%), Malaysia (3.54%), Germany (2.85%), Japan (2.84%), France (2.78%), Oman (2.46%), China (2.41%), Australia (2.37%), Canada (2.33%), Nepal (2.24%), Singapore (2.00%) and UAE (1.79%). These top 15 countries account for 72.88% of total FTAs during August 2015.
· The Percentage share of Foreign Tourist Arrivals (FTAs) in India during August 2015 among the top 15 ports was highest at Delhi Airport (27.81%) followed by Mumbai Airport (17.34%), Chennai Airport (10.66%), Haridaspur Land check post (8.83%), Bengaluru Airport (6.91%), Cochin Airport (4.47%), Hyderabad Airport (3.65%), Kolkata Airport (3.40%), Trivandrum Airport (1.95%), Sonauli Airport (1.87%), Gede Rail (1.86%), Tiruchirapalli Airport (1.67%), Ahmedabad Airport (1.31%), Ghojadanga Land check post (1.09%) and Attari Wagha Land check post (0.87%). These top 15 ports account for 93.69% of total FTAs during August 2015.
Foreign Exchange Earnings (FEEs) from Tourism in India in rupee terms and in US$ terms
· FEEs during the month of August 2015 were Rs 10,471 crore as compared to Rs 10,385 crore in August 2014 and Rs 8,351 crore in August 2013.
· The growth rate in FEEs in rupee terms during August 2015 over August 2014 was 0.8%.
· FEEs from tourism in rupee terms in January- August 2015 were Rs 82,225 crore as compared to the FEE of Rs 79,803 crore during January-August 2014, showing an increase of 3%.
· FEEs in US$ terms during the month of August 2015 were US$ 1.608 billion.
· FEEs from tourism in US$ terms during January-August 2015 were US$ 13.017 billion
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Union Cabinet approved notification of Preferential Treatment by India to Least Developed Countries (LDCs) in Trade in Services in the WTO
The Union Cabinet gave its approval for notification of Preferential Treatment by India to Least Developed Countries (LDCs) in Trade in Services in the WTO.
India will notify preferential treatment to the LDCs in Trade in Services in respect of:
1. Article XVI of the GATS (Market Access);
2. Technical Assistance and capacity building; and
3. Waiver of visa fees for LDC applicants applying for Indian Business and Employment visas.
The preferences will be bound with validity for 15 years from the date of notification by India .
A generous offer in Trade in Services by India should win the country goodwill of LDCs. India has already made a very generous offer to LDCs in the area of Trade in Goods in the form of a Duty Free Tariff Preference (DFTF) scheme. An equally generous offer in Trade in Services will help India preserve and consolidate its leadership position on LDC issues. Further, given the development dimension of the Doha Round of the WTO, it is important that India makes liberal offers to LDCs in Trade in Services also. Moreover, several of the LDCs are located in South Asia while majority are in Africa with whom India maintains special relations.
India’s preferential treatment to the LDCs in Trade in Services would involve a cost of Rs. 6.5 crore annually on account of waiver of visa fees and Rs. 2.5 to 3 crore, per annum, for providing training in management and technical consultancy courses to LDC applicants. As regards offers und
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Introduction of Gold Monetization Schemes
Gold Monetization Scheme
The Union Cabinet chaired by Hon’ble Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi gave its approval for introduction of Gold Monetization Schemes (GMS), as announced in the Union Budget 2015-16.
Objective of the Gold Monetization Schemes
The objective of introducing the modifications in the schemes is to make the existing schemes more effective and to broaden the ambit of the existing schemes from merely mobilizing gold held by households and institutions in the country to putting this gold into productive use. The long-term objective of the scheme is to reduce the country’s reliance on the import of gold to meet domestic demand.
Benefits of the scheme
GMS would benefit the Indian gems and jewellery sector which is a major contributor to India’s exports. The mobilized gold will also supplement RBI’s gold reserves and will help in reducing the government’s borrowing cost.
The revamped Gold Deposit Scheme (GDS) and the Gold Metal Loan (GML) Scheme involves changes in the scheme guidelines only. The risk of gold price changes will be borne by the Gold Reserve Fund that is being created. The benefit to the Government is in terms of reduction in the cost of borrowing, which will be transferred to the Gold Reserve Fund.
The scheme will help in mobilizing the large amount of gold lying as an idle asset with households, trusts and various institutions in India and will provide a fillip to the gems and jewellery sector. Over the course of time this is also expected to reduce the country’s dependence on the import of gold. The new scheme consists of the revamped GDS and a revamped GML Scheme.
For tenure, interest rate and redemption conditions under revamped Gold Deposit Scheme andGold Metal Loan scheme, please refer to the link mentioned below:
Warm regards,
Dr. S P Sharma
Chief Economist & Director-Research
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Lenovo sold over 5, 00, 000 devices of the K3 Note in less than 2 Months
Lenovo in association with Flipkart announced that it has sold over 5,00, 000 devices of the K3 Note’s Black, White and Yellow versions on Flipkart in less than two months of its sales. The K3 Note flaunts a full HD 5.5-inch 1080p display and is powered by a 1.7GHz MediaTek MT6752 octa-core 64-bit processor paired with 2GB of RAM. It also features Dual 4G/LTE, 16GB internal memory, microSD card support, 13-megapixel rear camera, 5-megapixel front camera, Dolby Atmos sound technology, and a 3,000mAh battery. Running on Android 5.0 Lollipop operating system and weighing just 150 grams, the K3 Note is an innovative device and makes for a true steal at a price of Rs. 9999/-. K3 note is now available on open sale and there will be no more flash sales for this smartphone.
9th September 2015
Dear Friends & Colleagues of the Power & Energy sector,
Sub.: Urgent Call regarding Opportunity for Nomination On or Before 29th September 2015 for the “9th ENERTIA Awards 2015″ – India’s & South Asia’s Awards for Sustainable Energy & Power to be held in New Delhi at “The Metropolitan Hotel”, (Poolside), Bangla Sahib Road, New Delhi on Thursday, 5th November 2015 starting at 5:45-6:00 p.m.
Greetings to You from ENERTIA –Asia’s Premier Journal on Sustainable Energy & Power, Publishers of ENERTIA & Promoters of ENERTIA Awards – Falcon Medi, ENERTIA Foundation& Renewable Energy Promotion Association (REPA).
“Chairman and Eminent Members of the Jury” of the “9th ENERTIA Awards 2015-India’s & South Asia’s Awards for Sustainable Energy & Power” (9thYear of these Prestigious National Awards), are pleased to issue the full and final call for Nominations for the years Performance and Excellence in Energy & Power. The various categories for the“9th ENERTIA Awards 2015” Nominations are attached.
The detailed Brochure of the “9th ENERTIA Awards 2015” can be accessed via the link :http://www.issuu.com/enertiafoundation/docs/9th_enertia_awards_2015
The Eminent Jury Panel of the “9th “ENERTIA AWARDS 2015”:
Chairman of Jury
Prof. A.G.Iyer, Editor-in-Chief & Publisher, ENERTIA & President, ENERTIA Foundation, REPA & ASMEI
Co-Chairman of Jury
K. Ravikumar, Former CMD, BHEL & Independent Director, Reliance ADAG
Special National Observer (Jury)
Yogendra Prasad, Former CMD, NHPC & Ex-VP, IHA
Jury Panel Members:
T.C.Arora, Former Director, Toshiba INDIA & MD, Accunergy
D.K.Jain, Former Director-Technical, NTPC
Hetal Mehta, President, SEVA & Jt. President, REPA & ASMEI
PVSN Murty, Former VP, VOITH Hydro & Hon. Associate Director, REPA
K.B.Dubey, Former Director-Projects, NTPC & Advisor Member, Solar Thermal, MNRE
S.C.Sharma, Former President – Hydro,Jindal Power & Former Director, THDC
Aishwani Dhar, Former GM, BHEL & Hon. Associate DG, REPA
International Jury Advisory Members:
Dr. Prakasam Tata, Hon. Mentor Chairman REPA; Executive Director, CTWT, ILLINOIS, USA
Dr. Hirdesh Khanna, Hon. Associate DG-REPA (EU)in Germany; Chairman & MD, iKRATOS Solargie
R.N.Khazanchi, MD, PHPA, Bhutan
The “9th ENERTIA Awards 2015– – India’s & South Asia’s Awards for Sustainable Energy & Power” will be adjudicated by the Eminent Jury on Thursday, 1st October 2015and last dates for receipt for all nominations ends on Tuesday, 29th September 2015
“9th ENERTIA Awards 2015 – India’s & South Asia’s Awards for Sustainable Energy & Power” will be given away at a Grand Function on: Thursday, 5th November 2015, starting at 5:45-6:00 p.m. Venue: “The Metropolitan Hotel”, (Poolside), Bangla Sahib Road, New Delhi
As you are aware, Falcon Media, Publishers of ENERTIA journal, have instituted India’s First and Pioneering award in the Power & Energy sector–the prestigious and coveted “ENERTIA AWARDS” in the year 2007. Since the institution of this Award, it has grown in stature and today the “ENERTIA AWARDS” have become an unmatched one in the Energy & Power sector of India and South Asian Region.
“ENERTIA Awards” attract “India’s topmost Power and Energy Companies” and are Benchmark Awards for Excellence in the Sector. These Awards are given to both Public and Private Sector Enterprises in the Power and Energy Sector. Special focus is on key areas like Super Critical Thermal Power, Hydropower, Solar Energy, Wind Energy, De-Centralized and Distributed Power, Energy Efficiency, Utilities, T&D, Manufacturing, Technology & Enterprise Innovation, Individual Excellence etc. “9th ENERTIA AWARDS 2015” will be held at “The Metropolitan Hotel (Poolside), New Delhi” on Thursday, 5th November 2015.
Overall around 35+ Awards are under adjudication by an Eminent Jury Panel under the Chairmanship of Prof. A. G. Iyer, Editor-in-Chief & Publisher, ENERTIA; President, ENERTIA Foundation, Renewable Energy Promotion Association (REPA) & Alliance for Small and Medium Enterprises (ASMEI) and Co-Chaired by K.Ravikumar, Former CMD,BHEL & Independent Director on Board, Reliance ADAG with Yogendra Prasad, Former CMD, NHPC & Ex-VP, IHA as the Special National Observer.
The Guidelines for Nominations for “9th ENERTIA Awards 2015″ are attached with the categories.Looking Forward to your Valued Nominations on OR Before Tuesday, 29th September 2015.
With Warm Regards & Best Wishes,
Sd/-
A. Prakash Iyer
Chief Convenor & Jt. Co-Chair- 9th ENERTIA Awards 2015
Executive Publisher & Editor, ENERTIA journal, Falcon Media
Co-Author, INDIA BRANDished – SuperPowering Brand INDIA & POWERING in CRISIS
VP & Secretary, ENERTIA Foundation
Sr. VP & Secretary General | Renewable Energy Promotion Association, REPA
Director General, Alliance for Small & Medium Enterprises of India (ASMEI)
Cells: +91-9029077245 / 09029092223 / 09223547582
(For and On Behalf of)
Prof. A. G. Iyer
Chairman of Jury Panel – “8th ENERTIA AWARDS 2014”
Editor-in-Chief, & Founder Publisher, ENERTIA Journal, “FALCON MEDIA”,
Author, INDIA BRANDished – SuperPowering Brand INDIA & POWERING in CRISIS
President & Chief Trustee, ENERTIA Foundation
President, Renewable Energy Promotion Association, REPA
President, Alliance for Small & Medium Enterprises of India (ASMEI)
Rajasthan Govt. & RSGL sign MoU to develop Natural Gas infrastructure in state
Rajasthan Govt. & RSGL sign MoU to develop Natural Gas infrastructure in state
MoU signed in presence of Rajasthan CM and MoS (I/C), P&NG
Rs 2,700 crore to be invested over the next three years
CNG highways to be set up and natural gas supplied to industries
Rs 2,700 crore to be invested over the next three years
CNG highways to be set up and natural gas supplied to industries
Jaipur, September 9, 2015: In a significant step towards investment of Rs. 2,700 crore over the next three years for developing Natural Gas infrastructure in the state, Rajasthan State Gas Limited (RSGL) and Govt. of Rajasthan today signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in the presence of Hon’ble Chief Minister of Rajasthan Smt Vasundhara Raje, Hon’ble Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Petroleum & Natural Gas Shri Dharmendra Pradhan and other senior officials.
The MoU, signed by Dr. Ashok Singhvi, Principal Secretary, Mines & Petroleum, Govt. of Rajasthan and Shri Ravi Agarwal, MD, RSGL also envisages setting up CNG highways and distribution of Natural Gas to various industrial clusters in the state of Rajasthan.
RSGL is a Joint Venture Company of GAIL Gas Ltd. (wholly owned subsidiary of GAIL (India) Ltd.) and Rajasthan State Petroleum Corporation Limited. RSGL has been nominated as a nodal player by the Govt. of Rajasthan for providing clean energy solution to Industry, Domestic, Commercial and Automobile sectors.
RSGL has taken up construction activities for setting up Mega Compression facilities at Neemrana which will pave the way for opening CNG corridor along the NH-8 between Delhi and Jaipur. The Govt. of Rajasthan has chalked out ambitious plan for development of various industrial clusters around Neemrana, Ghilot, Bikaner, Bhilwara, etc.
The Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board (PNGRB) has granted “No Objection” to GAIL Gas Limited for transfer of CGD right of Kota in favour of RSGL which will open many other business streams to RSGL including setting up CNG highways from Kota to Jaipur, Kota to Baran, Kota to Bhilwara, Kota to Indore, etc.
RSGL is to set up LNG hub at Udaipur for catering to the demand of clean fuel for existing and proposed industries. The project of L-CNG will be set up first time in India.
The company is now set to provide clean energy solutions to the state by optimizing various possible options for eliminating waste in the prospective Smart Cities at Jodhpur, Udaipur, Jaipur and Ajmer by putting up Municipal Waste to Bio Gas to run Eco-friendly vehicle and power plan thus reducing pollution. The Japanese investment at Neemrana and prospective Delhi-Mumbai Industrial Corridor will act as catalyst for meeting the aspiration of Govt. of Rajasthan.
RSGL executed Heads of Agreement with GAIL (India) Ltd. for sourcing of Natural Gas to meet the gas demand in Rajasthan. RSGL also executed MoU with Rajasthan State Industrial Development and Investment Corporation (RIICO) for strategic tie up in promoting clean energy in the state.
The Govt. of Rajasthan is driving industrial growth in the state within a short span of time by attracting investment and creating an atmosphere of ease of doing business.
Global Sneaks Reviews
Hungarian army :Military drills for border protection
The Hungarian army has started military drills to prepare its soldiers for service at the southern border amid the unfolding refugee crisis, Chief of Staff General Tibor Benko said, according to MTI news agency. Legislation authorizing the operation could be passed after September 20, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban said. Soldiers joined by police will be charged with to bringing the border, which is currently crossed daily by thousands of refugees and migrants from Serbia, under control.NATO chief: Warring parties better observing Ukraine ceasefire
A ceasefire in eastern Ukraine is being respected more now than in the past, NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg told reporters on Wednesday during his visit to Prague. He welcomed the calm period, but stressed that “the situation in Ukraine is still very fragile.” In a phone conversation, Russia’s and Germany’s foreign ministers also confirmed that the ceasefire is holding, Russia’s Foreign Ministry says. Both Ukraine’s Armed Forces and the rebels have been detected breaching the ceasefire despite the Minsk-2 peace deal that was signed in February.ISIS suicide bombings kill 13 Iraqi soldiers in Anbar province
Islamic State (previously ISIS/ISIL) suicide bombings and clashes between the extremist group and Iraqi troops have killed 13 soldiers in western Anbar province, AP reported. Wednesday’s attacks involved at least two suicide bombers that targeted a military outpost in the province, which fell to ISIS during its offensive last year, Iraqi military and security officials said.Israel opens embassy in Cairo 4 years after storming
Israel opened a new embassy in Cairo on Wednesday, the Foreign Ministry said, four years after protesters in the Egyptian capital stormed the mission following Hosni Mubarak’s ouster. The Israeli embassy in Egypt is back in operation, AFP reported, citing the statement. “Today, exactly four years ago, the Israeli diplomats were forced to leave the Israeli embassy,” the ministry said. Egypt in 1979 became the first Arab country to sign a peace treaty with Israel. The ties have remained formally cold, however, over Israel’s policies towards the Palestinians.Hungarian parliament mulls use of army to protect border with Serbia
The Hungarian parliament is expected to vote September 22 on a ruling party proposal to use the army to help police protect the country’s border with Serbia, Reuters reported, citing a senior Hungarian ruling Fidesz party lawmaker. Gergely Gulyas also said that there was no point in talking about migrant quotas until mass immigration was stopped. Hungary’s planned new transit zones near the Serbian border will be closed off from the rest of Hungary, the lawmaker said Wednesday, adding that migrants whose asylum requests are rejected will be returned to Serbia. Budapest is resisting EU pressure to accept mandatory quotas to redistribute some of the hundreds of thousands of migrants and refugees.
