THAI KING SIGNS CONSTITUTION, SOON ELECTION
Thailand’s king signed a new constitution in a ceremony on Thursday, an essential step towards holding an election that the military government has promised to restore democracy after a 2014 coup. In a nationwide broadcast, King Maha Vajiralongkorn was seen signing the constitution, giving it royal endorsement and setting in motion a process for Thailand’s next general election, expected late next year. The constitution is Thailand’s 20th since the end of absolute monarchy in 1932 and critics of army rule say it will still give the generals a powerful say over Thai politics for years, if not decades.
RBI KEEPS REPO RATE THE SAME
RBI keeps Repo Rate unchanged at 6.25 %, increases Reverse Repo Rate to 6%.
Announcing its first bi-monthly monetary policy statement for 2017-18 today, the RBI kept GVA (Gross Value Added) (projected) growth at 7.4% in 2017-18 as compared to 6.7% in 2016-17. MSF (Marginal Standing Facility) and the bank rate is 6.50, says RBI.
RBI today announce its first bi-monthly monetary policy review of the new financial year. The Monetary Policy Committee (MPC), headed by RBI Governor Urjit Patel, began its 2-day meeting yesterday, with experts saying that the bank is likely to hold the rates in view of hardening inflation.
UNSC SESSION ON SUSPECTED SYRIA CHEMICAL ATTACK
UN Security Council on Wednesday opened an emergency session to discuss an apparent chemical weapons attack in Syria that killed scores of people including children.
Britain, France and the United States have presented a draft resolution demanding a full investigation of the attack on a rebel-held town in Idlib province, but Russia said the text was “categorically unacceptable.”
“We are talking about war crimes here, war crimes on a large scale, war crimes with chemical weapons,” French Ambassador Francois Delattre told reporters as he entered the council chamber.
The draft resolution calls for a full investigation by the Organisation of the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) of the attack in the early hours of Tuesday in the town of Khan Sheikhun.
At least 72 people, among them 20 children, were killed in the strike, and dozens more were left gasping for air, convulsing, and foaming at the mouth, doctors said.
The proposed measure requests that the joint UN-OPCW investigative panel set up to determine who is responsible for chemical attacks in Syria begin work immediately to identify the perpetrators of the latest attack.
The text, seen by AFP, calls on Syria to provide flight plans, flight logs and other information on its military operations on the day of the assault.
Damascus would be asked to provide the names of all commanders of helicopter squadrons to UN investigators and allow them to meet with generals and other high-ranking officials within five days of their request, the draft resolution said.
Syria would also allow UN and OPCW teams to visit air bases from which the attacks involving chemical weapons may have been launched, according to the text.
Negotiations were continuing on the draft, but in Moscow, Russia´s foreign minister said “the text as presented is categorically unacceptable.”
No vote was immediately scheduled, but Western diplomats said they would not negotiate for long, suggesting Russia could resort to a veto to block the measure.
“A Russian veto would mean that they are spending more time defending the indefensible,” British Ambassador Matthew Rycroft told reporters.
Britain, France and the United States blame President Bashar al-Assad´s forces for the attack, but the Syrian army has denied any involvement.
Moscow, which launched a military intervention in 2015 in support of Assad´s forces, earlier defended Damascus against accusations of responsibility for the attack.
It said the deaths were caused when a Syrian air strike hit a “terrorist warehouse” used for making bombs containing “toxic substances”, and pledged to continue its military support for Assad.
INVITATION TO A MUSICAL TRIBUTE “SINGING FOR MASARYK” ON APRIL 6, 2017
Sir/Madam,
Please block you diary and join us for a musical tribute “Singing for Masaryk” presented by talented and passionate group called SBORECEK on Thursday April 6, 2017 at 7 pm at the Embassy of the Czech Republic, New Delhi.
Please find the attached invitation.
—
—
With Regards,
Mridula Sharma
Administration Section
Embassy of the Czech Republic
50-M, Niti Marg
Chanakyapuri, New Delhi-110021
Tel : +91-11-24155200
Fax : +91-11-24155270
SHARIF:CPEC PROJECT TO ENCOURAGE REGIONAL TRADE
China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and its related projects symbolise the people-centric approach of the two countries and their resolve for regional connectivity.
“The CPEC project will encourage regional trade and connectivity. Hundreds of thousands of people will benefit from it,” the PM Nawaz Sharif, premier remarked.
“The CPEC project will encourage regional trade and connectivity. Hundreds of thousands of people will benefit from it,” the PM Nawaz Sharif, premier remarked.
He said this while talking to a high-level Chinese delegation headed by the Chairman of National Committee of Chinese Peoples’ Political Consultative Conference Yu Zhengsheng in Islamabad.
“Close cooperation between the two parliaments will serve to further strengthen the friendly relations between the two countries,” the PM said.
Sharif said that the “Belt and Road Forum” to be held in China next month would provide an excellent opportunity to explore important areas such as connectivity, infrastructure, trade, finance, people-to-people exchanges, and think-tanks’ cooperation between Pakistan, China and the global community.
“We are thankful to the PM for extending a warm welcome during our visit to Pakistan,” Zhengsheng said. “The parliamentary visit will further strengthen the brotherly relations between the two countries.”
Earlier CPEC centre of excellence was formally launched here on Monday to promote research and knowledge- based policy- making in the country.
Ahsan Iqbal said Wednesday that China’s economic cooperation will bring a trade revolution in Pakistan.
_’PARLIAMENT IN INDIA: TIME FOR REFORM’_DR. A. SURYA PRAKASH_
SOUTH COAST PLAZA CELEBRATES 50 YEARS
Mumbai, 5th April, 2017 – South Coast Plaza’s story is entwined with that of its founders, the Segerstrom family, who arrived in Orange County in 1898. The Segerstroms acquired and developed land and built an agricultural empire along the way. Lima beans once grew on the site where the center now stands. South Coast Plaza opened its doors to great fanfare in March 1967, with 70 shops and anchor stores May Company and Sears.
The family has spent 50 years curating a sought-after collection of stores and restaurants, accompanied by extraordinary events and experiences. South Coast Plaza began adding luxury brands in the ‘70s, beginning with Courrèges in 1975, Mark Cross and Halston the year after. Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche debuted in 1982, while Tiffany & Co. arrived in 1988.
The list of retailers vying for a coveted spot at South Coast Plaza has grown over the decades and the center maintains a unique, edited blend of brands like no other, including one of the most extensive selections of fine jewelry and timepiece stores nationwide; high-end shoe boutiques such as Roger Vivier and Berluti; contemporary retailers such as Maje, COS and Massimo Dutti; and designer ready-to-wear boutiques for men and women. South Coast Plaza continues to add more brands to its luxury collection, including Céline, Moncler, Charlotte Olympia, Dolce&Gabbana, Brioni and A. Lange & Söhne.
South Coast Plaza has a history of securing regional exclusives as well as first U.S. locations and flagships, such as the first Nordstrom outside the Pacific Northwest in 1978. More recently, the only North American outpost for Weekend Max Mara, the exclusive U.S. location for Les Parfums Louis Vuitton and the first West Coast boutique for The Webster opened at the center.
In 2017, South Coast Plaza will welcome a number of Orange County exclusives such as Dior Homme and Stella McCartney and the only West Coast location for Gianvito Rossi and Aquazzura.
South Coast Plaza attracts a discerning clientele from across the U.S. and all over the world who are drawn to the boutiques, award-winning restaurants, exclusive events, concierge services and the center’s proximity to the magnificent coastline, world-class beaches, top golf courses, an international airport and the adjacent Segerstrom Center for the Arts.
INAUGURATION OF THE AIRBORNE SURVEYS AT NAGPUR INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
INVITATION
(Inauguration of the Airborne Surveys at Nagpur International Airport via Live Video Link from New Delhi by the Minister of Mines on 7 April 2017)
Dear Sir/ Madam,
The Minister of Coal @CoalMinistry, Power @MinOfPower, New and Renewable Energy @mnreindia and Mines@MinesMinIndia, Shri Piyush Goyal @PiyushGoyal will inaugurate the launch of airborne surveys (Multisensor Aero-Geophysical Surveys) at Baba Saheb Ambedkar International Airport Nagpur via live video link from New Delhi on 7 April 2017. The Secretary Mines Shri Arun Kumar will be present during the event.
The details are as follows:
Date : 7 April 2017 (Friday)
Time : 10.00 A.M. Inauguration (Please be seated by 9.50 A.M.)
Venue : Speaker Hall, Constitution Club of India, Rafi Marg, New Delhi-110001
You are cordially invited to cover the event.
MINISTER BIRENDER SINGH: SECONDARY STEEL PRODUCERS PLAY A KEY ROLE
Secondary steel producers play a key role in increasing production and enhancing consumption, a contribution as important as integrated steel plants, says Shri Birender Singh
New Delhi, April 05, 2017
The Minister of Steel Chaudhary Birender Singh @ChBirenderSingh speaking at the National Conference on Secondary Steel Producers said, “We intend to adopt the ‘Melt & Manufacture’ Model of USA for increasing steel production capacity. Worldwide, mini-mills are becoming popular and we want to establish such plants and mills in India. This is cost-effective, environment-friendly and energy efficient.” Outlining the strategic roadmap for steel industry, Shri Birender Singh said acronym PRIDE is our guiding motto, where
- P is for production and productivity,
- R is for Research & Development,
- I is for Indian-made Steel,
- D is for demand increase and
- E is for Excellence in Quality of steel.
These thrust areas are as important for secondary steel producers, as these are for integrated steel producers. Steel plants in secondary sector have many advantages like less land requirement, lower capital investment, better energy efficiency, proximity to users and less dependence on logistics. The Minster said that his ministry want to promote and encourage growth of domestic steel industry and want that Indian-made steel should be given preference in government-funded projects. The Government have decided to institute an award scheme for the Secondary Steel Sector units under various categories to recognise their contribution in nation building and award the best performers in these areas so that they can be source of inspiration for other producers. An Inter-Ministerial Task Force has been formed to explore ways of increasing steel consumption. Whether it be Housing, Urban Development or Swachh Bharat Mission, steel is integral to the sectors. Steel-intensive houses, pre-fabricated steel toilets and other units, bridges, community centres, malls, smart city infrastructure are few of the examples where steel use is being promoted, Shri Singh said.Secondary steel sector has played a critical role in growth of Indian steel industry and would continue to do so. Secondary Sector produces 58% of steel produced in India. Around 65% of steel long products come from the secondary sector, which is quite significant. There are a large number of Re-Rolling Mills, Cold Rolling Mills, Galvanising & Colour Coating units, which produce value added steel products. We are moving towards 100 % Quality Regime in Indian Steel Sector to make it internationally competitive and for safeguarding the health and safety of end-users, the minister added.
“Secondary steel players do play a key role in increasing production and enhancing consumption and your contribution is as important as integrated steel producers. That is why we have organised this National level conference to understand your issues and concerns and seek your inputs on policy-making”, the Steel Minister emphasised.
The Ministry of Steel @SteelMinIndia in association with National Institute of Secondary Technology (NISST) and Joint Plant committee organized one day National Conference on Secondary Steel Producers on the theme “Make in Steel for Make in India” in New Delhi today. The Minister of Urban Development, Urban Housing and Poverty Alleviation and Information & Broadcasting Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu @ MVenkaiahNaidu inaugurated the conference.
Inaugurating the national conference, the Minister of Urban Development @Moud_India, Housing and Urban Poverty Alleviation @MoHUPA and Information & Broadcasting @MIB_India, Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu said that @Moud_India and @MoHUPA welcome ideas for innovative usage of steel that will help bring down the overall costs in housing. He said, we would explore construction of steel-intensive low cost housing and modular toilets.
Speaking at the valedictory session, the Union Minister of Road Transport, Highways and Shipping @MORTHIndia, Shri Nitin Gadkari @nitin_gadkari said that crash barriers have been made mandatory for all highways. Steel consumption will definitely increase with substantial increase in length of highways and more bridges. He asked Steel Industry that they must carry out research and explore internationally for cost effective steel structures like bridges and ports. Shri Nitin Gadkari said, Steel companies can think of having JVs for making steel bridges and structures on turnkey basis with innovative designs.
The Minister of State of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution Shri C.R. Chaudhary @crchaudharymosand the Minister of State of Steel Shri Vishnu Deo Sai @vishnudsai and other dignitaries also addressed the delegates. Shri C.R. Chaudhary @crchaudharymos said in his address that we have to use energy efficient technology to match international standards and for sustainability.
The Secretary Steel, Dr. Aruna Sharma addressing the conference said that #SecondarySteel need to play a crucial role in supplying crash barriers and other quality steel for end use.
The focus of the conference was to deliberate on the issues and concerns of the #secondarysteel sector. The delegates took part to resolve their issues concerning availability of raw materials, setting up of testing laboratories in clusters like Raipur and Bhiwadi, issues related to duty structure on import steel scrap and R&D scenario for this sector.
INDIAN SWIMMERS WIN 17 MEDALS AT THE THAILAND
Indian Swimmers win 17 medals at the Thailand Age Group Swimming Championships 2017
– Glenmark Aquatic Foundation’s initiative to transform swimming in India produces results
DELHI, April 5, 2017 – Eighteen Swimmers representing India Swimmers who train at the Glenmark Aquatic Foundation (GAF) and SAI Glenmark TIDM (Talent Identification Development and Management) program won a total 5 Gold, 8 Silvers and 4 Bronze medals at the Thailand Age Group Swimming Championships held at Bangkok between April 1st– 5th 2017.
DELHI, April 5, 2017 – Eighteen Swimmers representing India Swimmers who train at the Glenmark Aquatic Foundation (GAF) and SAI Glenmark TIDM (Talent Identification Development and Management) program won a total 5 Gold, 8 Silvers and 4 Bronze medals at the Thailand Age Group Swimming Championships held at Bangkok between April 1st– 5th 2017.
The Thailand Age Group Swimming Championships is a FINA recognized event which is also a qualifier for major International meets including the World Swimming Championships at Budapest. A total of 1000 swimmers participated in the Event.
The 18 swimmers are trained by Glenmark Aquatic Foundation (A CSR arm of Glenmark Pharmaceuticals Ltd.) as a part of its objective to produce International Champions by transforming the ecosystem of swimming in India.
National Champion Swadesh Mondal won a total of 3 golds and 3 silvers to emerge as one of the best swimmers at the event. The other medal winners included Kushargra Rawat (1 Gold, 1 Silver), Xavier Dsouza ( 1 Gold, 1 Silver and 1 Bronze), Bastab Tapan Bordoloi (1 Silver, 1 Bronze), Vedant Bapna ( 1 Silver), Annie Jain ( 1 Silver) and Jyotsna Pansare ( 2 Bronze).
Mr. Peter Carswell, Head Coach, Glenmark Aquatic Foundation said “It is an impressive performance from all the swimmers. The medal winners have achieved a milestone but all the other swimmers also achieved personal bests in their events. This is in course with our vision to produce an Olympic medallist from India. It is pertinent to note that only two foreign swimmers are eligible to swim in the finals and hence a few of our swimmers lost out.”
Glenmark Aquatic Foundation has Olympian Clive Rushton as its technical Director, Peter Carswell who has coached Olympian Leah Neale from Australia to the Rio Olympics as Head Coach Mumbai. Partha Pratim Majumdar heads the coaching in Delhi. The other coaches include Mr. Bushan Kumar, Arjuna Awardee winner Smita Divgikar Senior coaches D.S. Chikara, Ms. Parampal Johar and National Champions Komal Athare and Sathish Kumar. GAF has also tied up with Sports Authority of India and Swimming Federation of India.
The results of medal winners;
| Swadesh Mondal | Kushagra Rawat | |||||||
| Medal | Event | Timing | Group | Medal | Event | Timing | Group | |
| Gold | 50 BR | 00:32.70 | Boys -Group-3 | Gold | 400 FS | 04:10.28 | Boys-Group-1 | |
| Gold | 200 IM | 02:19.24 | Silver | 200 FS | 01:58.16 | |||
| Gold | 400 IM | 04:58.02 | Bastab Tapan Bordoloi | |||||
| Silver | 400 FS | 04:31.63 | Medal | Event | Timing | Group | ||
| Silver | 100 BR | 01:11.80 | Silver | 100 Fly | 00:59.43 | Boys-Group-2 | ||
| Silver | 200 BR | 02:34.02 | Bronze | 200 FS | 02:02.40 | |||
| Jyotsna Pansare | Xavier Dsouza | |||||||
| Medal | Event | Timing | Group | Medal | Event | Timing | Group | |
| Bronze | 200 BK | 02:31.87 | Girls-Open | Gold | 200 BK | 02:12.64 | Boys-Group-1 | |
| Bronze | 50 BK | 00:31.58 | Silver | 100 FLY | 00:57.12 | |||
| Bronze | 50 FLY | 00:26.27 | ||||||
| Annie Jain | Vedant Bapna | |||||||
| Medal | Event | Timing | Group | Medal | Event | Timing | Group | |
| Silver | 200 BK | 00:35.15 | Girls-Group-2 | Silver | 200 BK | 02:16.95 | Boys-Group-2 | |
LEFTIST MORENO WINS ECUADOR PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION
Ecuadorean leftist Lenin Moreno won Sunday’s presidential election after a tight contest with his right-wing opponent. The country’s electoral council said this today.
According to the council, Moreno pocketed 51.16 per cent of valid votes versus 48.84 per cent for conservative challenger Guillermo Lasso, with 99.65 per cent of votes counted.
The results are “irreversible,” electoral council president Juan Pablo Pozo said, adding there was no indication of fraud.
“Ecuador has chosen freely,” he said in a televised speech. Still, Lasso has said he will challenge the results.
The Organization of American States, which had an observer mission in Ecuador, said yesterday it had seen “no discrepancies” between results collected by its observers at polling stations and official results.
GERMANY CRACKS DOWN ON FOREIGN CHILD MARRIAGES
Germany’s cabinet plans to ban child marriages after the recent mass refugee influx brought in many couples where one or both partners were aged under 18.
The new law, set to receive parliamentary approval by July, is seen as a protective move especially for girls by annulling foreign marriages involving minors.
It will allow youth welfare workers to take into care under aged girls even if they were legally married abroad and, if deemed necessary, separate them from their husbands.
FAROOQ ABDULLAH ADDRESS MEDIA
Briefing media the National Conference (NC) president and former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Farooq Abdullah on Wednesday said,t those who pelt stones are just fighting for the nation and have nothing to do with tourism.
“Our fight is against those people who want to divide us on the basis of religion. I want to tell Modi saheb that tourism is our life no doubt about that, but a stone pelter has nothing to do with tourism. They (stone pelters) will risk starvation, but will throw stones for the nation that’s what we need to understand,” Farooq Abdullah told the party workers in Srinagar.
He further said if India and Pakistan cannot resolve their issues, then America should come forward and facilitate as third party to resolve issues between the two countries.
“Our fight is against those people who want to divide us on the basis of religion. I want to tell Modi saheb that tourism is our life no doubt about that, but a stone pelter has nothing to do with tourism. They (stone pelters) will risk starvation, but will throw stones for the nation that’s what we need to understand,” Farooq Abdullah told the party workers in Srinagar.
He further said if India and Pakistan cannot resolve their issues, then America should come forward and facilitate as third party to resolve issues between the two countries.
The NC president said it is not a fight between parties like PDP and NC, it is a fight to defeat communal forces and to protect secularism.
Farooq Abdullah and his National Conference has lost his ground in J&K and is therefore soul searching for his lost image and making political statement,When Kashmiri Youths look for bright future in the developing economy .
REDUCING TRADE GAP WITH CHINA
As reported by Embassy of India (EOI), Beijing, the provisional statistics released by the Chinese General Administration of Customs, China’s global exports in February 2017 shows a decline of 1.3 % year-on-year to US$ 120.08 billion while its global imports increased 38.1 % year-on-year to US$ 129.23 billion, resulting in a trade deficit of US$ 9.15 billion.
Details of trade and trade deficit with China for the last three years and the current year are given below:-
Bilateral Trade between India and China during 2013-14 to 2015-16 and the current year
Value in USD Billion
| Year | Import | Export | Total Trade | Trade Deficit |
| 2013-14 | 51.03 | 14.86 | 65.89 | 36.17 |
| 2014-15 | 60.41 | 11.95 | 72.36 | 48.46 |
| 2015-16 | 61.70 | 9.01 | 70.71 | 52.69 |
| 2015-2016(Apr to Feb) | 56.91 | 8.23 | 65.14 | 48.68 |
| 2016-2017(Apr to Feb)* | 55.63 | 8.94 | 64.57 | 46.69 |
*Provisional(Source; DGCI&S)
From above table, it may be seen that India’s trade with China during April-February 2016-17 decreased marginally by 0.87% and amounted to US$ 64.57 billion.During this period,India’s exports to Chinagrewby 8.69% to US$ 8.94 billion while India’s imports from China saw adecline of2.26% to US$ 55.63 billion resultingin a decline in India’s trade deficit with China by 4.1%.
Ministry of Commerce of the People’s Republic of China and Ministry of Commerce & Industry of the Republic of India jointly developed and signed in September 2014 the Five-Year Development Program for Economic and Trade Cooperation in order to lay down a medium term roadmap for promoting balanced and sustainable development of economic and trade relations between China and India, on the principle of equality and mutual benefit.
The Five Year Program recognizes and states “that trade deficit with China is a matter of high concern for India. Against this background and in the spirit of mutual benefit, India and China shall endeavour to strengthen cooperation and gradually achieve bilateral trade balance over the next 5 years. India and China shall further endeavour to increase bilateral trade in services particularly Information Technology (IT) & Information Technology Enabled Services (ITES) in the next 5 years.”
The Government has also taken various measures to extend support to exporters to increase exports to all countries including China, which are indicated below:
- The New Foreign Trade Policy (2015‐20) was announced on 1st April, 2015 with a focus on supporting both manufacturing and services exports and improving the ‘Ease of Doing Business’. The FTP introduced two new schemes, namely, ‘Merchandise Exports from India Scheme’ (MEIS) for incentivising export of specified goods to specified markets and ‘Service Exports from India Scheme’ (SEIS) for promoting export of notified services from India, by consolidating earlier schemes.
- In the light of the major challenges being faced by Indian exporters in the backdrop of the global economic slowdown, the envisaged revenue outgo under MEIS was increased from Rs. 18000 Crore to Rs. 21000 Crore in October 2015 with accompanying enhancement in benefits on certain products and inclusion of certain additional items.
iii. A new scheme called Special Advance Authorisation Scheme for export of Articles of Apparel and Clothing Accessories of chapter 61 & 62 of ITC(HS) Classification of Export and Import has been introduced with effect from 1st September 2016 wherein exporters are entitled to authorisation for duty free import of fabrics, including inter lining on pre-import basis and All Industry Rate of Duty Drawback for import of non-fabric inputs on the exports
- By way of trade facilitation and enhancing the ease of doing business Government has reduced the number of mandatory documents required for exports and imports. The trade community can file applications online for various trade related schemes.
This information was given by the Commerce and Industry Minister Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman in a written reply in Rajya Sabha today.
Finance Minister Arun Jaitley today said Indian economy is expected to grow at 7(point)2 percent in 2017-18 and 7(point)7 percent in 2018-19 according to IMF estimates.
Mr Jaitley said this while delivering the key note address at the opening ceremony of the second New Development Bank Annual Board of Governors’ meeting in New Delhi.
Mr Jaitley also said, despite the stagnant demand in developed economies, emerging economies like BRICS continue to grow. He also said, India requires 646 billion dollars over next few years to finance infrastructure development.
FIVE STATE BANKS, BHARATIYA MAHILA BANK MERGE WITH SBI
Five associates and the Bharatiya Mahila Bank became part of the State Bank of India, catapulting the country’s largest lender to among the top 50 banks in the world.
State Bank of Bikaner and Jaipur, State Bank of Hyderabad, State Bank of Mysore, State Bank of Patiala and State Bank of Travancore, besides Bharatiya Mahila Bank merged with SBI.
The total customer base of the bank will reach 37 crores with a branch network of around 24,000 and nearly 59,000 ATMs across the country. The merged entity will have a deposit base of more than 26 lakh crore rupees and advances level of 18.50 lakh crore rupees.
Welcoming all the stakeholders of merged entities, SBI Chairperson Arundhati Bhattacharya said the bank will strive to conclude the transition process within a quarter.
SHEIKH HASINA’S VISIT TO NEW DELH
Bangladesh Foreign Minister AH Mahmood Ali has said, 33 MoUs are likely to be signed during Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s forthcoming visit to New Delhi and the absence of Teesta river water sharing agreement does not matter.
Ms Hasina will be on a 4-day visit to India from Friday. Mr Mahmood told reporters that Ms Hasina’s visit is aimed at expanding bilateral trade, boosting investment, connectivity and sub-regional assistance.
Construction of Padma and Ganges barrages, distribution of common river water, border management and fighting cross-border drugs and human trafficking are also among the issues likely to be discussed.
During her visit, the Bangladesh Prime Minister will also honour the Indian soldiers who lost their lives during the 1971 Liberation War.
LANDSCAPE AS EVIDENCE: ARTIST AS WITNESS
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UP GOVT FORMS COMMITTEE TO IMPLEMENT FARM LOAN WAIVER
Uttar Pradesh government has set up a six-member committee to implement its decision of waving off farmers’ agricultural loan. The committee will be headed by Chief Secretary Rahul Bhatnagar.
It has been asked to coordinate with Nationalized Banks, Government, Cooperative, and Rural Banks from where farmers have taken agro loans till March last year and formulate the strategy to implement the government’s decision.
The committee has also been asked to prepare a working plan to arrange financial support to the banks.
The Yogi Adityanath cabinet, in its first meeting yesterday, had decided to wave off farmer’s agricultural loan up to 1 lakh rupees. About 86 lakhs small and marginalized farmers of the state will be benefited from the decision.
RAJYA SABHA GOES NOISY SCENES OVER EVM
Rajya Sabha today witnessed noisy scenes, with the Congress-led opposition accusing the NDA government of indulging in rigging of the recently held Assembly elections through Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs).
Raising the issue during Zero Hour, Congress leader Digvijaya Singh charged the ruling party with cheating in the polls. He suggested the use of paper ballots in the coming elections.
Responding to this, Human Resources Development Minister Prakash Javadekar said the Election Commission has already clarified in this regard. He asked the opposition to approach the Election Commission.
Ram gopal Yadav and Naresh Agrawal both of the Samajwadi Party blamed the government.
Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi took objection to some remarks by some leaders and said they are objectionable and should be expunged.
Deputy Chairman P J Kurien also asked the Opposition parties to approach Election Commission saying the Chair cannot do anything in this regard.
As noisy continued with several opposition members trooping into the Well, Mr P J Kurien adjourned the House for a brief period.
