India’s forex reserves soar by $ 932.4 million
Rising for the second consecutive week, India’s Foreign Exchange Reserves soared by 932.4 million dollars to 360.775 billion dollars in the week ended January 20.
In its weekly statistical supplement, Reserve Bank said that foreign currency assets, which constitute a major chunk of the forex reserves, had gone up by 926.4 million dollars to 338.434 billion dollars during the week. Country’s forex reserves had increased by 687.9 million dollars to 359.843 billion dollars in the previous week.
The RBI said that country’s gold reserves remained unchanged at 18.584 billion dollars during the week, while its special drawing rights (SDRs) went up by 2.3 million dollars to 1.442 billion dollars. It also stated that India’s reserve position in the International Monetary Fund (IMF) increased by 3.7 million dolars to 2.315 billion dollars during the week.
Australia Open: Roger Federer beats Rafael Nadal
Jan 29
Swiss star Roger Federer has lifted his 18th Grand Slam Tennis title. In the Men’s Singles final of the Australian Open in Melbourne on Sunday, he defeated Spain’s Rafael Nadal in five sets 6-4, 3-6, 6-1, 3-6, 6-3.
Federer had never defeated Nadal at the Australian Open in their three previous meetings.
35-year old Federer has also become the second-oldest winner of a Grand Slam tournament in the Open Era after Australian Ken Rosewall who won the Australian title at the age of 37 in 1972.
Earlier in the day, American-Colombian duo of Abigail Spears and Juan Sebastian Cabal bagged the Mixed doubles title beating Indo-Croatian pair of Sania Mirza and Ivan Dodig in the final. The American-Colombian pair won in straight sets 6-2, 6-4.
BJP releases its manifesto for assembly polls in UP and Goa
Bhartiya Janta Party, BJP has said that by making an all round development in state, it will make Uttar Pradesh number one state of the country in next five years. Releasing party manifesto in Lucknow for upcoming Vidhan Sabha polls, BJP president Amit Shah today said that ?his party believes in politics of performance and not in the politics of dynasty and casteism which has pushed UP into a deep trench of lawlessness and deprivation. Announcing the main features of party’s poll manifesto, Mr Shah said that nine sub-heads have been made in the manifesto which include agriculture, good governance, education, employment, health and women safety among others.
If brought to power, BJP’s government will waive off all the agricultural loans of small and marginal farmers, Mr Shah said. The manifesto, or ‘Lok Kalyan Sankalp Patra’ of BJP promised zero percent interest loan to marginal farmers and announced that cane farmers will get all their dues within 120 days. Mr Shah promised to set up a Task force to target land grabbing and the mining mafia in the state. All illegal slaughter houses will be shut down, he said. The party also claimed to provide 24-hour electric supply to all villages in the state in the next five years. Free WiFI in colleges and universities will be provided in BJP’s regime, he said. Predicting that the BJP will form the government in UP with a two-third majority, Mr Shah targeted the Akhilesh Yadav government, saying the law and order situation in the state has gone for the worst.
AIR correspondent reports, releasing the manifesto in Lucknow, Shah said that Uttar Pradesh was left behind in the race for development because of nepotism, dynastic politics and sheer corruption of SP and BSP. Amit Shah said that when BJP forms government in the state, it will ask all the Muslim women about their view on triple talaq and if need arises it will present its opinion in Supreme court. The party has included the Ram Temple matter in its manifesto but clarifying the Party’s stand on the issue Shah said that efforts will be made to ensure that Ram temple is constructed under the constitutional provisions.
BJP has released its election manifesto for next month’s assembly polls in Goa, focusing on infrastructure development and employment generation in the state.
The manifesto was released by Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis this evening at Panaji, in the presence of other state and national leaders of the party.
The manifesto promises four and six laning of national highways, passing through the state with adequate compensation.
It also assures to provide, vocational training to youth for specific linked opportunities in PSUs and at the upcoming Mopa airport.
The BJP also reached out to the farming community, promising loan facilities at a nominal 1 per cent interest rate.
On the Education Front, the party promises to regularize all vocational teachers by relaxing the mandatory requirements.
On the Education Front, the party promises to regularize all vocational teachers by relaxing the mandatory requirements.
It also promises to expedite the completion of IIT and NIT in the state.
The manifesto also touches upon issues like Health, Housing, Social Welfare and Waste Management.
The manifesto also touches upon issues like Health, Housing, Social Welfare and Waste Management.
2ndT20 World Cup Cricket for the Blind kicks off in style
Sports Ministry to consider granting recognition to CABI on par with other Sports Federations and provide with permanent financial support,assures Hon Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports
New Delhi 29 January 2017: The T20 World Cup Cricket for the Blind organised by Cricket Association for the Blind in India (CABI) was inaugurated today at the KD JadavIndoor Stadium,Indira Gandhi Sports Complex, New Delhi at a glittering and glamorous ceremony.
The inauguration saw thegrand ceremony presided by Hon. Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports Shri Vijay Goel in the presence of Hon Minister of Social Justice Shri Thaawar Chand Gehlot.Guest of Honour included Shri Syed Sultan Shah, President of World Blind Cricket (WBC), Shri Raymond Moxly, Secretary General of WBC,Shri Ajai Kumar Mittal, Secretary of General World Blind Union, Shri Rajesh Tomar,Vice President of Asian Paralympic Committee, and Shri AdwaitHebbar, Head of Corporate Services, IndusInd Bank.
The Co-Founder of Cricket Association for the Blind in India Late. Shri M Nageshwas posthumously felicitated for his substantial contribution to the organization. His spouse Mrs. GeethaNagesh and his son Master Shoumith received the honours. As a tribute, Samarthanam Trust for the Disabled announced providing of Wheelchairs to the deserving as donation.
After the lighting of lamp, PanditShivkumar Sharma was felicitated with shawl by CABI President Mahantesh G K. Renowned Veteran Artist Sudha presented a special painting to CABI President Mahantesh GK. Panditji supported by Vocalist MahalakhsmiIyer and Diwankar presented VaishnoVajanto as a mark of respect for Mahatma Gandhi.
Both Ministers played cricketBlindfolded on the ramp which was greeting by the audience with a huge applause. Members of Samarthanam Trust for the Disabled treated the audience to colourful cultural performances. Celebrities including former Cricketer AtulWasan walked the ramp with the IndusInd Indian Blind Cricket Team. There was also a special march past of the teams from 9 Countries participating in the World Cup.The 2nd T20 World Cup Cricket for the Blind 2017 Winning Trophy was also unveiled by the honourable ministers.
Hon Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports Shri Vijay Goel while declaring the event open outlined a lot of Government initiatives for encouraging sports. “I assure that the ministry will consider the proposal by Cricket Association for the Blind in India for recognition at par with other sport federations and assure all the help required for permanent and consistent financial assistance so that such platform can boost the upcoming Cricketers.”He said. The initiatives he outlined included a Special Sports Talent Portal, Rural Games and Para Olympic Center in Gujarat.“I congratulate Shri ShekharNaik for being conferred with the prestigious Padmashriaward. This Padmashri is not just for Naik.PM Modi has always appreciated the ‘Divyang Jan’ as he calls them. It is a salute for the whole community of visually impaired cricketers.”Shri Goel added.
“I really appreciate the way the Cricket for the Blind World Cup is being organized. The Efforts that have gone into organizing this Tournament in such a grand manner in 12cities and inviting 9 countries to be a part of this is visibly seen through this event. I will ensure that the organization gets permanent and consistent financial assistance for the World Cup as wellas for all the future activities.”Expressed Hon Minister of Social Justice Shri Thaawar Chand Gehlot
Speaking on the occasion CABI President Mahantesh GK said,“Our vision is to make every specially disabled person look to sports as a career. Our Indian Team has made the country proud by winning all the major international events. But what is need is the recognition at par with other sports federations. We have to go pillar to post for financial assistance. When our boys are doing our country proud why we should be left out? I have urged the Sports Minister to consider this so that sports becomes a lucrative career option for speciallyabled. We thank all the Sponsors and Partners in supporting us and especially the Media for giving us the space as aptly as required.”
He added “We are all set and geared up to host the coveted T20 World Cup Cricket for the Blind tournament in India. I welcome the teams from the 9 Nations to India and wish them all the best”.
Organised by Cricket Association for Blind in India, the cricketing arm of Samarthanam Trust for the Disabled the matches will kick start on 30 January 2017 with opening match between India and Bangladesh. The finals will be held at Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. Ten teams including India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, South Africa, Sri Lanka, West Indies, Australia, England, New Zealand and Nepal will fight it out for the prestigious championship. The matches will be played at New Delhi, Faridabad, Mumbai, Ahmadabad, Indore, Pune, Kochi, Vijayawada, Hyderabad, Anantapur, Bhubaneswar and Bengaluru.
Rahul Dravid is the official Brand Ambassador for the tournament while ViratKohli,AjinkyaRahane, K L Rahul, Umesh Yadav, GautamGambhir have also come forward to support and promote Blind Cricket. Former India Player DilipVengsarkar and many other cricketers have also come forward to support the event.
The tournament is supported by Government of Karnataka, Government of Telangana, Sports Authority of India, Sports Ministry, IndusInd Bank, SBI, Star Sports, ONGC,BlueVoda, Bank of Baroda, Enerzal,CBM, SG Pvt Ltd, Coca Cola, PVR, ICCR, Indian Association of Para Sports Organisations, CricHQ, SBJ, Oxxy, NASSCOM Foundation, Study by Janak, Radio Udaan. We are thankful for their support and appreciate the encouragement received for the tournament. For More details please contact:
EC again asks RBI to enhance cash withdrawal limit for candidates
Election Commission today again asked the RBI to comply with its directive to enhance the cash withdrawal limit for candidates in poll states of UP, Uttrakhand, Punjab, Goa and Manipur.
This came after RBI rejected the Commission’s request to enhance the weekly cash-withdrawal limit to 2 lakh rupees from 24 thousand per week.
The limit of 24 thousand rupees is considered insufficient by the candidates to meet their campaign expenditure.
Turning down poll panel’s request, the Central Bank had said, it is not possible for it to hike the limit at this stage.
In its latter to RBI Governor Urjit Patel, the Commission expressed serious concern about the cursory manner, the issue was dealt with. It said, the RBI has not realized the gravity of the situation reiterating that it is the constitutional mandate of the Commission to conduct free and fair elections and to provide level-playing field to all candidates.
The poll body urged the RBI to reconsider the proposal.
On Wednesday, the Commission had told RBI that it has been apprised of the problems being faced by the candidates due to withdrawal limits imposed after the note ban.
On Wednesday, the Commission had told RBI that it has been apprised of the problems being faced by the candidates due to withdrawal limits imposed after the note ban.
The EC had said the facility should be extended till 11th of March, the day of counting.
May set to discuss post-Brexit trade deal with Turkey
British Prime Minister Theresa May is set to discuss a post-Brexit trade deal with Turkey during weekend talks in the country with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. She arrived in Ankara from the US, where she met President Trump. A new trading relationship with Turkey following the UK’s exit from the European Union would form part of discussions.
Both Ankara and London find themselves in a position where they need friends. Many fear that Turkey – a key Nato ally – is heading towards a more authoritarian future under President Erdogan. He is clamping down on dissent and press freedom, pushing his country further away from the prospect of EU membership and in the process drawing strong criticism from European governments.
French Left picks presidential candidate
The second round of France’s Socialist Party is being held today between BenoîtHamon and Manuel Valls.Manuel Valls, a former prime minister, and left-wing Benoit Hamon are both contesting the race.
Hamon, who is often compared to British Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn, is favourite to beat Valls in the primary’s head-to-head vote, but has little chance of winning the presidential race proper after five years of unpopular Socialist rule.
Hamon, who is often compared to British Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn, is favourite to beat Valls in the primary’s head-to-head vote, but has little chance of winning the presidential race proper after five years of unpopular Socialist rule.
Opinion polls have shown neither men would garner enough support to reach the election’s runoff in May, and were likely to come in a humiliating fifth place in the first round behind centrist Emmanuel Macron and left-winger Jean-Luc Melenchon.
The two frontrunners are conservative Francois Fillon, currently embroiled in a scandal over his wife’s work as his parliamentary assistant, and far-right leader Marine Le Pen. But although the Socialist candidate has little chance of succeeding President Francois Hollande at the Elysee palace, the winner of today’s vote will help decide the fortune of other candidates.
