NGT nod to Delhi CityG Odd-Even scheme

ON NOVEMBER 11, 2017 BY NARESH SAGARLEAVE A COMMENTEDIT

CM Delhi look for scheme which draws more tantrums and fails to give Delhiites ease of transportation with introduction of Green vehicles, introductions of news buses and better administrative innovations. An example of man who made things look so easy. Mayor of Seoul, Park won-soon was in  town two days back and gave an inspirational account of his work in beautifying the city in conference hall of NMML. An integration of digital CCTV holistic security for all Seoul dwellers ,  water, waste & sewage management, latest transport facilities with fleets of buses, one smart card for local to city buses and metro system. Further the ecosystem of the city  with beautification of horticulture and flouricutlture  well planned meticulously for rain water palatable water the efforts abundantly done, explained and  shown to many experts in more than two hours conference attended by less than hundred experts from private,NGO media and      Government experts

Delhiites engulfed to a hazy morning with marginal improvement in air quality in later hours, air quality index stood at 411 at 1 PM. Further the air quality at many parts in the city is at health hazard index. It appears in Green areas and low density township appears improvement in visibility at many places as compared to last five days.

India Meteorological Department has predicted light rainfall accompanied with breeze on Tuesday evening at few places over Delhi and NCR, which may clear the smog enveloping the National Capital Region. With breeze no sign in, the dense blanket of smog enveloped Delhi this week, prompting authorities to order closure of schools till tomorrow and a four-fold hike in parking fee for vehicles.

National Green Tribunal, NGT has given nod to the Delhi government’s Odd Even scheme in the National capital beginning from Monday. Hearing the issue, the tribunal today said that Delhi government is free to implement the rationing scheme, subject to conditions.

It said, the scheme can be implemented when PM10 level is above 500 micrograms per cubic metre and PM 2.5 above 300 micrograms per cubic metre. It also directed that there will be no exemption for two wheelers, government servants or women. However, CNG vehicles, emergency services such as ambulance and fire have been exempted from odd-even scheme.

The NGT yesterday questioned the rationale of the AAP government in rolling out the scheme and directed it to submit data or studies on the basis of which it has planned to introduce the odd-even car rationing scheme for five days from Monday.

Agriculture Ministry has issued an advisory to the state governments to create awareness among the farmers about the harmful effects of straw burning.

The ministry, in a release issued in New Delhi yesterday, said, burning of crop residue in the states like Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan contributes in increasing environmental pollution levels. Recently, National Green Tribunal had directed the Delhi government and these four northern states to take strict measures to deal with the serious biennial threat.

The Agriculture Ministry said, states should facilitate farmers residue management machines and equipment. The State Governments have also been directed that 4 thousand rupees/Hectare can be used from the funds available for demonstration of machines under Sub-Mission on Agricultural Mechanization for demonstration of straw management machinery at farmers’ fields. For crop residue management, under Sub-Mission on Agriculture Mechanization, the Department of Agriculture Cooperation and Farmers Welfare have allocated funds to the four states.

“11th Delhi International Arts Festival 2017”

ON NOVEMBER 11, 2017 BY NARESH SAGARLEAVE A COMMENTEDIT

Press Invitation:-

Ms. Pratibha Prahlad, Founder Festival Director &Committee Member, DIAF,

&

Prasidhha Foundation & Forum For Art

(An organization to promote Indian Art and Culture)

Cordially invites you to

Gala Opening Ceremony of-

India’s biggest Art & Culture Festival:–

“11th Delhi International Arts Festival 2017” 

On Saturday 11thNovember 2017, 6:30 pm

At Purana Qila

Guests for the night

v Mahesh Sharma, Ministry of culture, Govt. of India, 

v Alphons Kannanthanam, Central Minister

v Dr. Murli Manohar Joshi, Senior BJP Leader

…………………………………………………………….

Programme Schedule of

GALA OPENING, Saturday 11th November 2017, 6:30 pm-

• Vande Mataram/ Multi Style Dance Production / Prasiddha Dance Repertory / INDIA

                                                      Artistic Director: Prathibha Prahlad

• Who Drinks There? / TAI Body Theatre / Contemporary Dance /TAIWAN

Director & Choreographer: WATAN TUSI

• Mandragora Circo / Circus Theatre /ARGENTINA
• Tara Catherine Pandeya & Billy Chang / Fusion Dance / USA & TAIWAN
• Bolshoi-Dance to Fly, Laugh to Cry/ Contemporary Fusion Dance / RUSSIA

Director : Felix Mikhailov

• Al Menya/ Folkloric & Dervish Dance / EGYPT

ABOUT THE EVENT:-

The 11th Delhi International Arts Festival will open on Saturday 11th November at the magnificent Purana Qila. A quick cameo of performances from India, Taiwan, Russia, Argentina, USA, and Egypt will mark the Gala Opening.

• 11thEdition of DELHI INTERNATIONAL ARTS FESTIVAL – India’s biggest arts and culture festival to be organized in Delhi from 11th November to 25th November 2017

• Forum For Art Beyond Borders and Prasiddha Foundation hosts DELHI INTERNATIONAL ARTS FESTIVAL – A Fifteen  Day festival of Art and Culture  by  more than 1500 artistes from all over the World who will showcase their talent in this festival.

• DIAF will host artistes from 27 Countries and from all over India. Delhi International Arts festival is now recognized as the ‘INDIA FESTIVAL’ , a platform for cultural diplomacy and cultural tourism.
• Of the 35 plus venues of the Festival are huge heritage monuments like Purana Qila, Central Park, CSOI ( Civil Services Officers Institute ), IGNCA, Auditorium, Kamani Auditorium, India Habitat Centre and Bikaner House and festival will conclude at Qutub Minar.
• Delhi International Arts Festival had something for everyone. Artistes will be visiting almost 18 schools during day to address and harness young minds to the beauty of the arts. National Museum and National Archives will see the visit of hundreds of children, to familiarize them into the world of heritage, legacy and culture and also unique initiative “Swacchata hi seva” taken by Delhi International Arts Festival

…………………

Second Edition of Radio4Child Awards held; Madhuri honours winners

ON NOVEMBER 11, 2017 BY NARESH SAGARLEAVE A COMMENTEDIT

Mumbai, November 10, 2017: UNICEF India in partnership with All India Radio and the Association of Radio Operators of India (AROI) today hosted the second edition of the Radio4Child awards to recognize creative and innovative programming on the issue of Routine Immunization and End Violence (against women and children) at a special function in Mumbai.

The occasion was graced by UNICEF Celebrity Advocate Madhuri Dixit, All India Radio (AIR) OSD Rajeev Kumar Shukla, Mr. K G Suresh, Director General, Indian Institute of Mass Communication, Mr Neeraj Aggarwal, ADG Vividh Bharti, Mumbai, gMs. Anuradha Prasad, President, Association of Radio Operators for India (AROI) and Mr Rohit Bansal, Group Head, Corporate Communications, RIL

UNICEF, AIR and AROI have been conducting capacity building workshops for Private FM as well as All India Radio journalists since 2014 to help them integrate meaningful, appealing radio jingles/ talk shows on the critical messages of child health, Routine Immunization and End Violence.

To recognize the contribution of radio journalists in creative dissemination of health messages for children, the Radio4child Award was envisaged and the first edition was held in 2015.

The second edition of this coveted awards showcased the best entries received from a total of 120 RJs from across radio stations in six categories—Best PSA, Best Jingle,  Best RJ link,  Best Creative Campaign,  Mission Indradhanush Best Radio Spot Award and Best Message Clarity Award.

In addition to immunization, another focus area this year was on the ‘End Violence’ Campaign focusing on digital safety of children

The awards were presented by Ms Dixit. “Radio as a medium has a far-reaching impact on a wide and diversified audience.  I am delighted to present these awards to the brightest minds in radio who are passionately contributing in creating awareness about the benefits of immunization in various communities. I congratulate all the participants of this award,” Ms. Dixit said. “As an UNICEF Advocate, I would like to reiterate how all children, no matter where they live or their circumstances, have the right to survive and to thrive – and we each have the responsibility to help them realize that right,” she added.

She lauded the efforts by Radio Jockeys and producers in creating awareness on child health issue and making the larger public, especially the most vulnerable, aware about their rights.

Mr. Shukla also spoke on the initiative of creating the Radio4child Awards. “As a public broadcaster, we have a responsibility towards social commitment. In this regard, AIR has always been at the forefront of developing and broadcasting programmes that are relevant to the all round development of its audience. Radio4Child awards is a commendable initiative that fosters healthy competition in public interest.”

UNICEF engaged with public broadcaster AIR and private FM channels to reach the remotest population for ending preventable child deaths.  The awards are a culmination of months of hard work by UNICEF-AROI through workshops to train radio journalists in creating awareness through innovative campaigns. Also present on the occasion was RJ Simran Kohli, director, Speak For Change foundation, who has been associated with the Radio4child platform from its inception.

Editor’s Note:

Immunization is one of the most cost-effective public health interventions that currently averts an estimated two to three million deaths globally every year.  India has one of the largest immunization programmes in the world, in terms of number of beneficiaries, geographical coverage and quantities of vaccine used, with nearly 26 million newborn babies targeted for immunization each year. Over 9 million immunization sessions are held every year across the country. However, despite this extensive coverage, only 65 percent of the children in India receive all vaccines during the first year of their life.

List of the winners of Second Radio4Child awards are:

The WINNER for BEST PSA on RI-AIR is:

• Shalini Mittal AIR Delhi for KAALA TIKA NAZAR

The WINNER for BEST PSA on EndViolence-AIR is:

• Yunus Khan AIR Mumbai for JADOO

The Winner for BEST RADIO JINGLE ON RI –AIR is:

• Gour & RJ KPfrom Siksha O Anusandhan Community Radio Bhubaneswar Odisha for RAP

 The Winner for BEST RADIO JINGLE ON EV –AIR is:

• Umesh Mehta AIR Mumbai for JAMOORA

The WINNER for BEST RADIO SPOT on RI-AIR is:

Sanjay Goswami, AIR Gauwahati , Assam for CHILD

Winner of BEST RADIO SPOT on EV-AIR is:

• Namrata Phalke AIR Aurangabad,Maharashtra for DARKNET

The WINNER for BEST RJ LINK on RI-AIR is:

• A.K.Tiwari, AIR  Purnea, Bihar for BADHTEY KADAM-ANM PUSHPA

The WINNER BEST RJ LINK on EV-AIR is:

• Apeejay Satya University, Sohna Haryana for CYBER ABUSE-STOP IT!

The WINNER for BEST PSA on RI-FM is:

• Radio City Delhi for KILKAARIYAN

The WINNER for BEST PSA on EndViolence-FM is:

• RJ Sangram and Manash, Radio Choklate Bhubaneswar Odisha for BISWAS

The Winner for BEST RADIO JINGLE ON RI –FM is:

• Anshu Priya Radio Dhoom, Jamshedpur for LAGAAVELU

The Winner for BEST JINGLE on EV FM is:

• Chuppi Todo – RJ Subhash Krishna Radio Mirchi, Patna, Bihar

The WINNER for BEST RADIO SPOT on EV FM is:

• RJ Rocky & Abbas Red FM Delhi for TIMECHECK

Winner of BEST RADIO SPOT on EV FM is:

• RJ Animesh My FM Raipur, Chhatisgarh  for AWAAZEIN

The WINNER for BEST RJ LINK on RI-FM is:

• RJ Mandy Red FM Gauwahati, Assam for DISTRICT IMMUNIZATION

The WINNER BEST RJ LINK on EV-FM is:

• RJ Sangram, Radio Choklate, Bhubaneswar, Odisha for JKR FACEBOOK

Gang of Dusters (G.O.D) embarks on its first-ever Iconic Passion Drive to Nepal

ON NOVEMBER 10, 2017 BY NARESH SAGARLEAVE A COMMENTEDIT

Gang of Dusters (G.O.D) embarks on its first-ever Iconic Passion Drive to Nepal

The 9-day international expedition traversing 1400 kms from Lucknow to Nepal flagged off today

November 10, New Delhi: Renault, one of the fastest growing automobile brands in India flagged off its first drive to Nepal for its adventure driving community, Gang of Dusters (G.O.D). The 9-day international iconic passion drive will cover a distance of close to 1400 kms. The adventure drive flagged off from Lucknow today and will be traveling through Gorakhpur in India and then enter Nepal to enjoy the country’s picturesque landscape and experience its exquisite culture. In Nepal, the G.O.D. will travel through Chitwan, Kathmandu, Pokhra and Lumbini, after which participants will drive back to Lucknow.

The year 2017 also marks the fourth anniversary of Renault India’s iconic G.O.D successful journey in India. G.O.D is a special initiative by Renault India to bring together the Duster owners through adventurous drives, traversing some of the most breath-taking landscapes and the toughest of terrains. G.O.D is an excellent platform which welcomes Duster owners to the Renault family, building camaraderie amongst the members. G.O.D has also crossed the 1,00,000 community members’ milestone and is becoming one of the largest four-wheeler adventure driving communities in India.

Commenting on the Gang of Dusters first ever international iconic passion drive to Nepal, Mr. Rafael Treguer, Vice President, Sales & Marketing, Renault India, said, “Over the years, Duster has achieved a cult status and has been instrumental in Renault’s growth in India within a short span of time. Enthused by the success of Duster, the Gang of Dusters is a special initiative by Renault India to bring together Duster owners. Celebrating the 1,00,000 milestone community feat, G.O.D is geared up for a new international expedition to Nepal. This is the second time in 2017 that Renault is organizing a cross-country drive for the G.O.D community after its first successful expedition to Bhutan. At Renault India, the journey of G.O.D has been excellent and we are extremely excited about this upcoming iconic drive.”

The G.O.D Iconic Passion drive to Nepal, promises to be an awe-inspiring adventure drive that will offer participants a memorable experiences. Dominated by rugged peaks of the mighty Himalayas, Nepal is an unforgettable land of lush green valleys, picturesque villages and winding mountain trails dotted with prayer flags. It provides a unique opportunity for participants to explore Kathmandu’s cultural treasures and rich heritage, unwind in serene Pokhara and discover Chitwan’s rich flora and fauna.

CEAT Tyres and Total Oil India will partner G.O.D for its 2nd international iconic passion drive. Commenting on the association, Mr. Nitish Bajaj, Head of Marketing, CEAT Ltd. said, “We are proud to be associated with Renault Gang of Dusters which is one of the most passionate SUV communities in India. Our focus towards tyres that offer safety, grip and stability, a vital component for off-roading journeys, is a key driver for our association. We believe CEAT tyres is a perfect partner to ensure an exciting driving experience for the participants across all kinds of terrains.”

Commenting on the association, Mr. Karoly Repas, Senior Vice President – Sales, Marketing and Technical, Lubricant division – Total Oil India Pvt. Ltd., said, “Total has a long standing relationship with Renault globally, as well as in India for supplying lubricants. We are glad to partner with Renault India’s unique initiative, Gang of Dusters. With our brands Total and Elf, we bring for discerning customers a complete range of high performance lubricants.  This partnership allows us to reach out to Duster owners and showcase the product range that we develop for them. Various expeditions organized under this initiative offer unique experience of long driving to Duster owners and we are happy to add to their joy with our cutting edge technology products.”

Participants of the Gang of Dusters will also get the opportunity to meet and share experiences with other Duster owners, visit historic sites, talk to a motorsport expert, experience off-roading across varied terrains, and take part in adventure sports like Mountain Biking, Boat ride, etc.

India: An official visit by the UN expert on safe drinking water and sanitation

ON NOVEMBER 10, 2017 BY NARESH SAGARLEAVE A COMMENTEDIT

United Nations human rights expert, Mr. Léo Heller,  visited India from 27 October to 10 November 2017 to examine the extent to which people’s rights to safe drinking water and sanitation are being realized.

At the end of his two-week visit, the Special Rapporteur  share his preliminary observations at a press conference on Friday 10 November 2017 at 10:00 local time in the UN Conference Hall, UN House, 55 Lodi Estate, New Delhi-110003.

Addressing the media in New Delhi, He categorically stated that“I will look at how human rights to water and sanitation are legally recognized and implemented in India at the national, state and local level, and how the provision of water and sanitation services adheres to human rights standards and principles,” said Léo Heller, the independent expert charged by the UN Human Rights Council to monitor, report and advise on the realization of the human rights to water and sanitation worldwide.

Replying to volley of question from the media he further explained that his study to explore the human rights to water and sanitation are well implemented in India.But when the specific question was raises by Mr Sagar. Is there any provision for the penalty to the person  responsible to stop accessibility, availability,  of free water to any person caste or community.? His  reply was, it is good question but difficult to penalize the person but name-shame is possible.

The Special Rapporteur will gather information and testimony on the availability, accessibility, affordability, acceptability and safety of drinking water and sanitation, with a particular focus on groups such as women and girls, persons with disabilities, Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and those living in informal settlements and rural areas.

The human rights expert, who  visit the country at the invitation of the Government of India, met government representatives at national and local level as well as civil society and community organizations, residents in urban and rural areas, and UN officials.

He  visited the cities of Imphal, Kolkata, Lucknow, Mumbai and New Delhi, as well as urban peripheries and rural areas.

“I wanted to explore what still needs to be undertaken to ensure the human rights to water and sanitation are enjoyed by all in India,” Mr. Heller noted. Further he issued note after his mission.

End of Mission Statement by the Special Rapporteur on the human rightsto safe drinking water and sanitation Mr. Léo Heller

As the United Nations Special Rapporteur on the human rights to safe drinking water and sanitation, I address you today at the conclusion of my official visit to India, which I undertook at the invitation of the Government from 27 October to 10 November 2017.

India is a country with historical gaps regarding the access of its population to adequate water and sanitation services. It is reported that 40 per cent of India’s population practiced open defecation in 2015, one of the highest proportions among all countries.[1] The situation of water and sanitation in the country has resulted in a disturbing impact on human health: diarrhoea-related deaths in India attributable to inadequate water, sanitation, and hygiene corresponded to 40 per cent of the total number in all low and middle-income countries in 2012.[2] And, to my surprise, this situation is not explained only by the level of development of the country: the Human Development Index of India is higher than that of dozens of other countries.

In recent years, the efforts of the country in addressing these problems, mainly access to sanitation services, have been recognized as an “unprecedented commitment”.

These circumstances motivated me to undertake this visit to the country in order to identify the main obstacles hindering the full realization of the rights to safe drinking water and sanitation. Firstly, I would like to thank the Government of India for the invitation and organisation of the visit, and for the dialogues that took place. I am grateful to the central, state and local Government representatives that I met and I appreciate the spirit of openness with which I was able to engage with the authorities. During the visit, I also met with various civil society and community organisations, and residents. I would like to thank everyone who took the time to meet with me and who generously shared their personal experiences, testimonies and living conditions with me. Their contributions were vital to the success of this visit. I would also like to thank the United Nations Resident Coordinator’s Office in India for facilitating the visit.

Mr. Heller will submit a full report of his findings and recommendations to the 39th session of the Human Rights Council in September 2018.

France look for stability in Lebanon.

ON NOVEMBER 10, 2017 BY NARESH SAGARLEAVE A COMMENTEDIT

French President Emmanuel Macron has said he will stress on the importance of stability in Lebanon. Speaking in the United Arab Emirates shortly before departing for Saudi Arabia, Mr Macron said he would emphasise the importance of Lebanese stability and integrity. He said his wish is that all Lebanese political officials live freely in Lebanon.

This comes after Lebanese PM Saad Hariri resigned on Saturday while in Riyadh, saying he feared for his life. The French President said that he had been in informal contact with Mr Hariri. Macron would hold face-to-face talks with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.

Macron also said he would discuss the crisis in Yemen with Saudi leaders, after the Saudi-led coalition shut all aid routes to the war-torn nation. The blockade was imposed on Monday after a missile was fired from Yemen at Riyadh.
Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia yesterday asked its citizens in Lebanon to leave the country immediately. Kuwait also issued a similar statement asking its citizens in Lebanon to leave the country.

EAC-PM held a meeting at NITI Aayog in New Delhi today.

ON NOVEMBER 10, 2017 BY NARESH SAGARLEAVE A COMMENTEDIT

Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister (EAC-PM) held a meeting at NITI Aayog in New Delhi today. This is the second meeting of newly constituted council.

In its first meeting last month, Council identified ten major priorities for accelerating economic growth and employment generation over the next six months. These include economic growth, employment and job creation, integration of informal sector, fiscal framework and monetary policy.

The five member committee comprising of reputed economists and experts was constituted by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi in September this year.
NITI Aayog member Bibek Debroy is leading the council which include Ratan P Watal as Member Secretary, along with Surjit Bhalla, Rathin Roy and Ashima Goyal as part-time members.

The council is mandated to analyze all critical issues, economic or otherwise referred to it by the Prime Minister. It is also required to address issues of macro-economic importance and presenting its views.

Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister in its second meeting spelt out a clear road map for stepping up skill development, job creation, enhanced resource investment in the social sector, including for health and education, and for boosting Infrastructure financing.

According to an official statement, the Council chaired by Bibek Debroy, Member, NITI Aayog, which met here on Friday, also deliberated upon improvements needed in national accounts and innovative steps for unlocking growth, exports and the employment potential of growth drivers, including through transformation of India’s gold market.

It has formulated far-reaching recommendations to guide the evolving framework for the 15th Finance Commission, including the incentivisation of states for achieving health, education and social inclusion outcomes.

The council is also evolving the design of a new Economy Tracking Monitor, linking economic growth indicators with social indicators for last mile connectivity, the statement said.

Lead presentations to the council were made by experts on key themes, including infrastructure financing by the Chairman EAC-PM Debroy, who underlined the need for infrastructure financing to be accorded high priority, with new mechanisms for a risk coverage umbrella.

Member, NITI Aayog, Vinod K. Paul, highlighted strategies for achieving Swastha Bharat by 2022. Skill Development Strategies were presented by the Secretary, Skill Development, K.P. Krishnan, who highlighted convergent initiatives to reach out to youth and women.

Secretary, Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation, T.C.A. Anant, outlined improvements needed in national accounts, complemented by the presentation by Member Secretary EAC-PM, Ratan P. Watal, demystifying issues on the current account deficit and the gold market. He also shared recommendations on the evolving framework for the 15th Finance Commission.

The deliberations of the council took stock of the economic and social analysis done by the theme groups and evolving initiatives led by different members. The Council identified key issues, strategies and recommended interventions in respect of these themes.