ICJ ORDER ON JADHAV BINDING ON PAKISTAN: INDIA:
India today asserted that the ruling of the International Court of Justice, staying the execution of former Indian Navy officer Kulbhushan Jadhav, is binding on Pakistan and termed the verdict as “unanimous” and “unambiguous”.
Hours after the ICJ in The Hague pronounced its provisional order in the case, the External Affairs Ministry said the government will do everything possible to save the life of Jadhav.
Addressing a press conference, MEA Spokesperson Gopal Baglay said the provisional relief provided by the ICJ is the first step in ensuring justice to Jadhav.
The order by the ICJ is unanimous, favourable, clear and unambiguous. The verdict a matter of great relief for people of the country, he said.
Replying to a volley of questions on India’s possible response if Pakistan does not implement the ICJ order, Baglay said the order is binding on Pakistan.
Earlier, the ICJ stayed the execution of Jadhav, who had been sentenced to death by a Pakistan military court on charges of espionage and subversive activities.
Pakistan reacts to the International Court of Justice order staying Indian citizen Kulbhushan Jadhav’s execution. The Pakistan foreign office said India is trying to defend a person whose actions led to the killing of innocent Pakistanis. India is desperately tried to divert world attention by presenting Kulbhushan’s case from a humanitarian angle. India has been ‘trying to hide its real face’ by taking the case of Kulbhushan Jadhav to the ICJ.
The International Court of Justice on Thursday stayed the execution of Indian national Kulbhushan Jadhav, who has been sentenced to death by a Pakistan military court on charges of espionage and subversive activities.
In a major boost to India, which has moved the United Nations’s highest judicial body against the death sentence, the ICJ instructed Pakistan to take all “necessary measures at its disposal” to ensure that Jadhav was not executed pending a final decision by it.
The decision of the 11-judge bench was unanimous, ICJ President Ronny Abraham said while reading out the verdict. Rediffcom
ISRO AWARDED THE INDIRA GANDHI PRIZE FOR PEACE, DISARMAMENT AND DEVELOPMENT – 2014
SONIA GANDHI ADDED 3 NEW PHOTOS.
The Indira Gandhi Prize for Peace, Disarmament and Development was presented to the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) at a function today in New Delhi.
The Prize was presented by former Prime Minister and IGMT trustee, Dr Manmohan Singh, in the presence of Mrs Sonia Gandhi, Chairperson of the Indira Gandhi Memorial Trust, and was received on behalf of ISRO by Shri A.S. Kiran Kumar, Chairman, ISRO.
The Prize, which was announced in the year 2014 by the jury headed by the Vice President of India, Shri M. Hamid Ansari, consists of a trophy made of banded Haematite Jasper, with a portrait of the late Prime Minister in the tradition of Jaipur miniature paintings, a cash award of Rs 1 crore and a Citation.
DECISIONS TAKEN BY THE UNION CABINET
Cabinet approves signing of the Multilateral Convention to Implement Tax Treaty Related Measures to Prevent Base Erosion and Profit Shifting by India
The Union Cabinet chaired by the Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has given its approval for the Multilateral Convention to Implement Tax Treaty Related Measures to Prevent Base Erosion and Profit Shifting. The Convention is an outcome of the OECD / G20 BEPS Project to tackle base erosion and profit shifting through tax planning strategies that exploit gaps and mismatches in tax rules to artificially shift profits to low or no-tax locations where there is little or no economic activity, resulting in little or no overall corporate tax being paid.
The Final BEPS Project identified 15 actions to address BEPS in a comprehensive manner. Implementation of the Final BEPS Package requires changes to more than 3000 bilateral tax treaties which will be burdensome and time consuming. In view of the same, the Convention was conceived as a Multilateral instrument which would swiftly modify all covered bilateral tax treaties (Covered Tax Agreements / CTA) to implement BEPS measures. For this purpose, formation of an Ad-hoc Group for the development of such multilateral instrument was endorsed by the G20 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors in February 2015.
v Cabinet approves Faculty Exchange Agreement between National Defence College, New Delhi and National Defence College, Dhaka, Bangladesh
The Union Cabinet chaired by Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has given its ex-post facto approval to the Faculty Exchange Agreement signed between the National Defence College , New Delhi and National Defence College , Dhaka , Bangladesh . The objective of the Agreement is to institutionalize regular exchange programs and establish sustainable mechanisms between the two National Defence Colleges with an aim to enhancing mutual cooperation in the field of national security, development and strategic studies.
Given the geographical and cultural closeness between the two countries, there are many common challenges like countering terrorism that needs joint action. Hence, there is a need for better coordination and cooperation among the armed forces. The exchange of faculty members of the premier institutes will help to bring symmetry in the capacities of the armed forces and contribute to countering and managing common threats and challenges much better. The Agreement establishes the framework for enhanced cooperation in the field of military education concerning strategic and operational studies.
v Cabinet approves Pan-India implementation of Maternity Benefit Program
The Union Cabinet chaired by Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has given ex-post facto approval to Pan-India implementation of Maternity Benefit Program which now has been extended to all districts of the country w.e.f. 01.01.2017. The Prime Minister in his address to the nation on 31.12.2016 had announced Pan-India implementation of Maternity Benefit Program.The Maternity Benefit Program will provide compensation for the wage loss in terms of cash incentives so that the women can take adequate rest before and after delivery and not be deprived of proper nutrition. The total cost of the proposal for the period from 01.01.2017 to 31.03.2020 including Central and State Government share isRs.12,661crore. Government of India ’s share during the period 01.01.2017 to 31.03.2020 comes to around Rs. 7932 crore.
v Cabinet approves Agreement between India and Tajikistan on Cooperation and Mutual Assistance in Customs Matters
The Union Cabinet chaired by the Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has given its approval for signing and ratifying, an Agreement between India and Tajikistan on Cooperation and Mutual Assistance in Customs Matters. The Agreement will help in the availability of relevant information for the prevention and investigation of Customs offences. The Agreement is also expected to facilitate trade and ensure efficient clearance of goods traded between the countries.
v Cabinet approves amendment of the Public Premises (Eviction of Unauthorized Occupants) Act, 1971 to enable summary eviction proceedings in Residential Accommodation
The Union Cabinet chaired by Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has given its approval for amendment in Section 2 and Section 3 of the Public Premises (Eviction of Unauthorised Occupants) Act, 1971 (PPE Act, 1971), by inserting definition of ‘residential accommodation occupation’ in a new clause in section 2 of the Act and inserting provisions relating to eviction from ‘residential accommodation occupation’ in a new sub-section 3B below sub-section 3A of Section 3 of the Act.
The Amendment will enable the Estate officer to apply summary proceedings for evicting unauthorised occupants from residential accommodations allotted for a fixed tenure or for a period he/she holds office on the basis of an order of allotment on licence basis, as non-vacation of such residences leads to unavailability of houses to new incumbents.
v Cabinet approves setting up of Indian Agricultural Research Institute (lARI) in Assam
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by the Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, has approved the setting up of Indian Agricultural Research Institute (lARI) in Assam . The proposal of Department of Agriculture Research and Education (DARE) / Indian Council for Agricultural Research (ICAR) under the scheme, the establishment of the “Indian Agricultural Research Institute (lARI)- Assam ” seeks to set up the Institute on 587 acre of land provided by the Govt. of Assam. lARI-Assam would be a Post-Graduate Institution of higher learning in Agricultural Education. It will have the hallmark identity of an IARI including all sectors of agriculture like field crops, horticultural crops, agro-forestry, animal husbandry, fisheries, poultry, piggery, silk rearing, honey production, etc.
It will be an off-campus of IARI, New Delhi and integrated multi-disciplinary research would be undertaken in school mode i.e. Schools of Crop Sciences, Natural Resource Management, and Animal Sciences & Fisheries. IARI-Assam would work on the agrarian challenges and complexities of North Eastern India in tandem with all existing Central and State Government R&D Institutions and Private sector enterprises. It would undertake research, education, extension programs in its mission towards developing quality human resource, generation of farmer-friendly technologies to enhance productivity, quality and profitability, promote agro-based industries and generate employment opportunities for holistic and sustainable development of the agriculture sector in the North Eastern region.
v Cabinet approves Restructuring plan for Hindustan Organic Chemicals Ltd.
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by the Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, has approved a restructuring plan for Hindustan Organic Chemicals Ltd. (HOCL), a loss making and sick Central Public Sector Enterprise (CPSE) under the Department of Chemicals & Petrochemicals. The company, having units at Rasayani (Maharashtra) and Kochi (Kerala), has been making continuous cash losses since 2011-12 resulting in acute shortage of working capital. Most of its plants have remained shut down during the last few years. It could not pay regular salary and statutory dues to the employees since February, 2015.
v Cabinet approves Industry-Academia Collaborative Mission for accelerating discovery research to early development for biopharmaceuticals – “Innovate in India (13) empowering biotech entrepreneurs & accelerating inclusive innovation”
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs chaired by the Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has given its approval for Industry-Academia Collaborative Mission for accelerating discovery research to early development for biopharmaceuticals – “Innovate in India (13) empowering biotech entrepreneurs & accelerating inclusive innovation” to be funded by the Government of India. The Mission will be implemented by Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC) – a Public Sector Undertaking of Department of Biotechnology (DBT).
The Mission Program would be a Pan-India program. The key focus areas of the program would aid in preparing India ‘s technological and product development capabilities in the biopharmaceutical sector to a level that it is globally competitive over the next 10-15 years and will transform the health standards of India ‘s population through affordable product development. Total project cost to be funded by Government of India is Rs. 1500 crore for five years. 50% cost for the Mission Programme will be arranged through the World Bank loan. For the implementation, a Programme Management Unit will be set up at BIRAC which will work as an operational and functional arm that oversees and monitors program implementation and progress.
The Mission will focus on Development of specific products – vaccines, biotherapeutics, medical devices and diagnostics; establishment of shared infrastructure and facilities; building and strengthening domain specific knowledge and management skills; creating and enhancing technology transfer capabilities in public and private sector. The Mission will provide a holistic and integrated approach to strengthen and support the entire product development value chain for accelerating the research leads to product development. This will help not only in immediate product development addressing public health needs, but will also help to create an ecosystem which will facilitate development of a continuous pipeline of products.
v Cabinet Signing of Fuel Supply Agreement (FSA) with Letter of Assurance (LoA) holders of Thermal Power Plants(TPPs)
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs chaired by Hon’ble Prime Minister Narendra Modi has approved the signing of Fuel Supply Agreement (FSA) with the Letter of Assurance (LoA) holders. Allocation of linkages for power sector shall be based on auction of linkages or through Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) based on competitive bidding of tariffs except for the State and the Central Power Generating companies and the exceptions provided in Tariff Policy, 2016. Coal drawal will be permitted against valid Long Term PPAs and to be concluded Medium Term PPAs.
The approved framework ensures that all projects with linkages are supplied coal as per their entitlement. This will ensure the rights of coal supplies for FSA holders and signing of FSA with LoA holders. Allocation of linkages in future will be transparent and bidding based, barring some exceptions as per Tariff Policy. Future allocation/grant of linkages will be based on auction and/or tariff based bidding. It attempts to make optimal allocation of the vital natural resource across the power units.
v Cabinet approves construction of electrified third line between Manmad-Jalgaon in Maharashtra
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by the Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, has approved the construction of electrified third line between Manmad-Jalgaon in Maharashtra . The total length of the Manmad-Jalgaon line will be 160 km. The estimated cost of the Project will be Rs.1035.16 crore with expected completion cost of Rs.1198.92 crore. The project is likely to be completed in next five years. Construction of third line will greatly ease the ever increasing passenger and freight traffic on Manmad-Jalgaon route thereby increasing the revenue of Railways. Jalgaon and Nashik districts of Maharashtra will be covered by this route.
v Cabinet approves construction of electrified doubling line between Phephana-Indara and Mau-Shahganj in Uttar Pradesh
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by the Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, has approved the construction of double line with electrification between Phephana-Indara and Mau-Shahganj (excluding Indara-Mau) totaling 150 km approximately in Uttar Pradesh. The respective length of the Phephana-Indara and Mau-Shahganj lines will be 50.53 km and 99.75 km. The estimated cost of the Project will be Rs.1028.95 crore with expected completion cost of Rs.1190.98 crore. The project is likely to be completed in next five years. The doubling of these lines will remove the pressure over the congested North Central Railway route by providing an alternative route. Also, more number of goods/passenger trains could be run after doubling. It will lead to economic prosperity and development of the areas.
v Cabinet approves construction of double line with electrification between Guntur-Guntakal in Andhra Pradesh
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by the Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, has approved the construction of double line with electrification between Guntur-Guntakal in Andhra Pradesh. The total length of the line will be 401.47 km. The anticipated cost of the Project will be Rs.3631 crore which will be funded through cost sharing of 50:50 by State Government and Ministry of Railway. The project is likely to be completed in five years. The project fulfils the commitment given in the Andhra Pradesh Bifurcation Act regarding the increased rail connectivity to the Rayalaseema region to the Amravati , the capital of Andhra Pradesh. There is significant amount of cross traffic moving on Guntur-Guntakal section besides the scope for further increase in additional originating and terminating traffic once the line is doubled. Besides travelling people. Industries in and around Guntur-Guntakal route will have additional transport capacity to meet their requirements.
v Cabinet approves four laning of Porbandar-Dwarka Section of NH-8E in Gujarat
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by the Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, has approved the development of four laning of Porbandar-Dwarka Section of NH-8E in Gujarat . The cost is estimated to be Rs.1958.88 crore including cost of land acquisition, resettlement and rehabilitation and other pre-construction activities. The total length of the road to be developed is approximately 118 kms. This work will be done under the National Highways Development Project (NHDP) Phase IV on Hybrid Annuity Mode.
The project will help in expediting the improvement of infrastructure in Gujarat and in reducing the time and cost of travel for traffic, particularly heavy traffic, plying between Porbandar-Dwarka section. The development of this stretch will also help in uplifting the socio-economic condition of this region in the State. It would also increase employment potential for local labourers for project activities. It has been estimated that a total number of 4,076 mandays are required for construction of one kilometre of highway. As such, employment potential of 4,80,000 (approx.) mandays will be generated locally during the construction period of this stretch.
v Cabinet approves Agreement between India and Tajikistan on Cooperation and Mutual Assistance in Customs Matters
The Union Cabinet chaired by the Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has given its approval for signing and ratifying, an Agreement between India and Tajikistan on Cooperation and Mutual Assistance in Customs Matters. The Agreement will help in the availability of relevant information for the prevention and investigation of Customs offences. The Agreement is also expected to facilitate trade and ensure efficient clearance of goods traded between the countries.
v Cabinet approves MoU between India and Australia on Cooperation in Combating International Terrorism and Transnational Organized Crime
The Union Cabinet chaired by the Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has given ex-post facto approval to the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between India and Australia on Cooperation in Combating International Terrorism and Transnational Organized Crime.
The proposed MoU would strengthen the relationship between India and Australia for building peace and stability in the region through exchange of information, expertise, experience and capacity building. The MoU is an effective framework to deal with all issues requiring interaction and cooperation in the areas identified. The mutual cooperation would facilitate the institutional interactions between the two countries. The MoU, once in force, would help in curbing combating International Terrorism and Transnational Organized Crime.
Please contact for any query related to this mail to Ms. Areesha, Research Associate at areesha@phdcci.in with a cc to Dr. S P Sharma, Chief Economist at spsharma@phdcci.in and Ms. Megha Kaul, Associate Economist at megha@phdcci.in , PHD Chamber of Commerce & Industry.
Warm regards,
Dr. S P Sharma
Chief Economist
AGE OF ANGER: A HISTORY OF THE PRESENT
India International Centre
Cordially invite you to a Book Discussion Programme
On
Age of Anger: A History of the Present
By
Pankaj Mishra
(New Delhi: Juggernaut, 2017)
On
Wednesday, 24th May, 2017, at 6:30 pm
Why do young men and women from the West join an extremist organization like ISIS? Why are we seeing the rise of aggressive right-wing politics in countries such as India, Turkey and USA, the expansion of Islamist terror, massacres in Western metropolises, wars in the Middle East? And in what way is the politics of anger and violence connected?
In this outstanding book, Pankaj Mishra argues that the roots of our age of anger lie in the great economic and political revolutions of the late eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries – their promise of freedom, equality and dignity through growth, industrialization and nation building- and the traumatic social and political changes they paved in their way. It is from among the ranks of the uprooted that the militants of the nineteenth century arose- angry young men who became cultural nationalists in Germany, revolutionaries in Russia, chauvinists in Italy and anarchist terrorists in France and Spain. And it is in examining their fears, resentments and hatreds that we can truly understand our own age.
Boldly argued, breathtaking in its intellectual range, and with a canvas that stretches from Savarkar in India to Rousseau in France.
Discussants are:
Dr. Ashis Nandy, Sociologist & fellow CSDS will Chair the program and the panel consisting of Prof. Niraja Gopal Jayal, Centre for the Study of Law and Governance, JNU; Prof. Peter DeSouza, CSDS; Prof. Zoya Hasan, Professor Emeritus, Centre for Political Studies, School of Social Sciences, JNU and Dr. Ananya Vajpeyi, CSDS; will discuss the book.
Venue: Conference Room No. 1
INVITATION TO ATTEND A PUBLIC LECTURE ON NOISE POLLUTION
Greetings from Toxics Link!
We are pleased to invite you to a Public Lecture on Noise Pollution to be held at India International Centre on May 26, 2017 at 6:30 pm.
The Public Lecture will try to provide a deeper understanding among the audience, the issue of noise pollution, and examine the existing rules and regulations, role of enforcing agencies to curb it. The Lecture will also look at the role civil society organisations and public can play to address noise pollution.
The speakers are:
DR. KK Agarwal – National President – Indian Medical Association
Mr. Ravi Kalra – Founder – Earth Saviors Foundation
Dr. DK Aswal – Director, CSIR National Physical Laboratory
Venue: Conference Room I, India International Centre, Lodhi Road, New Delhi
Date: 26th May 2017, Time: 6:30 pm onwards
We look forward to your participation at the Public Lecture. A formal invitation to the lecture is attached with this mail. You may write to me to confirm your participation at prerna@toxicslink.org
INDIA SQUAD FOR MEN’S HOCKEY WORLD LEAGUE
Hockey India names squad for Men’s Hockey World League Semi Final London and 3 Nations Invitational Tournament Dusseldorf
~ Manpreet Singh to captain the team with Chinglensana Singh Kangujam as his deputy~
~Chief Coach Roelant Oltmans aims for Top 2 finish at the prestigious Men’s Hockey World League Semi Final London ~
New Delhi, 18 May 2017: Hockey India today named the Indian Senior Men’s team to take part in the 3 Nations Invitational Tournament to begin in Dusseldorf, Germany on June 1 followed by the Men’s Hockey World League Semi Final London starting June 15. The 18-member team will play two matches each against hosts Germany and Belgium before arriving in London for the prestigious Men’s Hockey World League Semi Final where India are grouped with Canada, Netherlands, Pakistan and Scotland in Pool B.
The team led by Manpreet Singh along with deputy skipper Chinglensana Singh Kangujam will see Pardeep Mor, Kothajit Singh join the defence line along with Surender Kumar, Rupinder Pal Singh and Harmanpreet Singh.
Harmanpreet and Rupinder will continue to be entrusted with the responsibilities of converting those crucial penalty corners while Akash Chikte and Vikas Dahiya will carry the onus of goalkeepers for the team in the absence of PR Sreejesh, who sustained an injury while playing against Australia in the league stage at the 26th Sultan Azlan Shah Cup Tournament 2017.
The midfield will feature S.K Uthappa, Satbir Singh, Harjeet Singh, Chinglensana Singh and the experienced Manpreet Singh and Sardar Singh. Both Uthappa and Satbir were rested for the previous tournament in Malaysia where the team won Bronze Medal.
Forward-line will see Ramandeep Singh come back into the fold as he joins SV Sunil, Akashdeep Singh, Talwinder Singh and Mandeep Singh in the attack. “The idea was to bring in a couple of changes in positions after Sultan Azlan Shah Cup. Like I had said before, there are three tours this year including Azlan Shah Cup where we would like to give opportunities to younger players. Though we are taking a few players who are not that experienced, we still want to do well and the aim is to finish in Top 2 at the Men’s Hockey World League Semi Final and I look forward to see how the boys will perform against big teams,” stated Chief Coach Roelant Oltmans about the team composition.
According to the Dutchman, the biggest takeaway from the season opener in Malaysia was the team’s improvised style of play and ball possession. “Our style of play was good, we were fast and also when we compared statistics, we had better ball possession (about 62 per cent on an average) which is a big improvement from previous years. But I would like to see our conversion rate in field goals and PC to improve from a 20 per cent and 24 per cent respectively. We will be working on bringing in small variations in those aspects during the two-week camp in Bengaluru,” stated Oltmans.
The team resumed the national camp on May 14 and will continue till May 28 before they leave for Dusseldorf, Germany on May 29.
Squad: Goalkeepers1. Akash Chikte
2. Vikas Dahiya
Defenders3. Pardeep Mor
4. Kothajit Singh
5. Surender Kumar
6. Rupinderpal Singh
7. Harmanpreet Singh
Midfielders8. Chinglensana Singh Kangujam – Vice Captain
9. S.K. Uthappa
10. Satbir Singh
11. Sardar Singh
12. Manpreet Singh – Captain
13. Harjeet Singh
Forwards14. Ramandeep Singh
15. SV Sunil
16. Talwinder Singh
17. Mandeep Singh
18. Akashdeep Singh
IDEA OF INDIA COLLECTIVE
Dear Friend
IDEA OF INDIA COLLECTIVE cordially invites you to a conclave on “Three Years of Prime Minister Modi”
Date: 6th June(Tuesday), 2017
Time: 2 PM TO 6 PM
Venue: Kamla Devi Block Hall 2&3. India International Centre(IIC)
We shall send out the details of the programme schedule soon.
Kindly block your date and Looking forward to your active participation.
—
Dr.Mahalingam M
Research Fellow
Centre for Policy Analysis
C-17, Second Floor,
Green Park Extension,
New Delhi – 110016
Ph:- 011-26176992
Website: www.cpadehli.org
INSTITUT FRANÇAIS INDIA PROUDLY ANNOUNCES THE OTHER LIBRARY: MÉDIATHÈQUES XXI
Institut français India proudly announces
The Other Library: Médiathèques XXI
Library and Mediation training and special workshop for actors of libraries in India
in the framework of
“The Other Thought: French-Indian Encounters on Creativity and Innovation”
Tuesday May 9 to Thursday May 11, New Delhi
New Delhi, 9 May 2017
As part of its programme to modernise the French library network in India, Institut français India organised “The Other Library: Médiathèques XXI” – a three-day closed-door workshop on Library and Mediation training. These training sessions, supported by Institut français Paris, Alliance française in India and DELNET, which were conducted by French consultant, Ms. Héloïse Courty, specialised in the modernisation of libraries from May 9-11 in New Delhi.
The Other Library: Médiathèques XXI
Alliance Française Delhi India
Tuesday, May 9, 8:30 AM
DELNET (Developing Library Network)
Wednesday, May 10, 9:30 AM.
Institut français India and Bikaner House
Thursday, May 11 at, 8:30 AM
This program marked the first step of Plan Médiathèques XXI aiming to modernize the French library network in India (Alliance Française Delhi, Institut français of Pondicherry, Centre for Social Sciences and Humanities). Médiathèques XXI: Library and Mediation special training and workshop was a key moment in this plan to enhance cooperation between libraries in India, and the impact of libraries in India.
This event was a continuum of trainings begun in 2016 for media libraries to rethink strategies in terms of means, attendance rates and optimal use of their spaces. The aim was to prepare media libraries to participate in the third edition of Bonjour India (November 2017- February 2018) the platform for innovation and creativity and Indo-French partnership in the upcoming decade.
Mediathèques XXI: The Other Library
Afternotes
Afternotes
Libraries play an important role in the mediation of culture and ideas. Yet they often do not have a lot of visibility. As part of its programme “The Other Thought: French-Indian Encounters on Innovation and Creativity”, the Institut français India shed light on the importance of libraries as mediators.
The three-day workshop kicked off on May 9, 2017 where 15 librarians represented 14 libraries in the French network in India. Each presented their work and their challenges through interactive and participative workshops. The workshop brought together librarians from the entire network in a rare face-to-face interaction. Librarians brought forth their expertise to provide non-prescriptive solutions. The workshops – which included enactments, and a comics workshop – kept users (library-goers) at the centre.
On the second day the network of libraries in India, DELNET, hosted the French network of libraries, signaling a promising Franco-Indian cooperation. Deepalaya Community Library, a free, community library managed by author Mridula Koshy that was open to all, provided an example as an open and interactive space. Meanwhile, French expert Heloïse Courty invited participants to imagine “The Third Space Library” – a space for creativity and innovation that was not work or home.
Finally on the third day, participants put their hands to clay modelling to create spaces for a “French Digital Corner” – an existing program that introduce students to France and French culture and ideas.
Finally, these workshops strengthened the connection of the French network of libraries to each other, and also to other libraries in India. Institut français India in term partners with them in their important role in mediating culture and ideas.
For more information, please contact sku@ifindia.in / sva@ifindia.in
SHRI RAM KRIPAL YADAV, WILL BE VISITING RAJKOT AND GIR SOMNATH, GUJARAT O
PRESS INFORMATION BUREAU
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
AHMEDABAD
PRESS INVITATION
Hon’ble Minister of State for Rural Development Shri Ram Kripal Yadav, will be visiting Rajkot and Gir Somnath, Gujarat on 19th May, 2017.
The details is given below :
19.05.2017 (Friday)
09.00 to 1230 hrs. Krishi Mahotsav at Gondal, Rajkot
1600 to 1800 hrs. Field visit and interaction with beneficiary
PMAY-G, MANREGA, Self Help Group and
PMGSY Schemes around Gir Somnath
district
1900 to 2000 hrs. Aarti and Darshan of Somnath Temple
You are cordially invited to cover the event. Kindly make it convenient to send your reporter / correspondent / Photographer / Cameraperson for the same.
Dy. Director
For Additional Director General
——-
Press Information Bureau
Government of India
Ahmedabad.
ITALIAN LANGUAGE INTENSIVE COURSE
Today at 13:40
Regards,
Italian Embassy Cultural Centre
50- E, Chandragupta Marg (Entry from Nyaya Marg)
Chanakyapuri, New Delhi – 110 021
Phone: 0091-11-26871901/03/04
Email: iicnewdelhi@esteri.it
Chanakyapuri, New Delhi – 110 021
Phone: 0091-11-26871901/03/04
Email: iicnewdelhi@esteri.it
DEAR SAGAR MEDIA INC, I MET OUR FINANCE MINISTER,
Today at 14:36
|
POVERTY UP TO 7% AMONG SWISS RESIDENTS
The number of people living in relative poverty in Switzerland is on the increase, but it is still below the European average.
Latest figures published on Monday by the Federal Statistics Office show that about 570,000 people live below the poverty threshold, including some 145,000 who have a paid job.
Latest figures published on Monday by the Federal Statistics Office show that about 570,000 people live below the poverty threshold, including some 145,000 who have a paid job.
The office said the rate rose to 7% in 2015 from 6.6% in the previous year.
People without a paid job, singles, single parents and those with low professional skills are more likely to be poor.
Foreign nationals living in Switzerland who originate from countries outside Europe have the highest poverty rate – 11.7% – compared with the total population.
The rate is also above average among people over the retirement age of 65, but many of them rely on their savings to pay towards the cost of living, according to the statistics office.
The church charity Caritas says the latest figures are shocking but unsurprising.
It says the national government had recognised the need to act in 2014, but cantonal and municipal authorities, under pressure to implement spending cuts, had reduced welfare payments or programmes to prevent poverty.
swissinfo.ch/
EUROPE AND CENTRAL ASIA MAXIMUM MIGRATORY FLOWS
Europe and Central Asia are among the most important regions in terms of migratory flows – with Germany, Spain, the United Kingdom and France hosting the highest numbers of the estimated 31.9 million non-European Union (EU) nationals residing in Europe. The two sub-regions combined host 72.5 million migrants, representing 8.7 per cent of the total population. Despite the economic crisis, net migration remains positive in the major migrant destination countries.
Economic disparities among EU Member States and between Europe and its neighbours to the south have helped shape Europe as an immigration zone, while new EU Member States are still confronted with high mobility and emigration rates. Growing demand for migrant workers to fill gaps in local labour markets is also widely acknowledged as a main pull factor; this is particularly evident in the mobility of health professionals, a growing phenomenon that has an impact on the health systems of receiving, transit and sending countries.
The events in North Africa and the Middle East continue to raise issues in new migration trends in Europe and reconfirm the necessity to adequately address the needs of local groups facing social exclusion and persistent socio-economic fragility which will be more likely to become mobile.
IOM’s migration initiatives in the region aim to support all European and Central Asian Member States in developing and enhancing adequate migration management responses and support measures that promote regular migration and integration of third-country nationals, voluntary return and reintegration schemes, and activities to prevent and address irregular migration. In parallel, IOM works to stimulate debate on emerging issues such as the complex relationships between climate change, environmental degradation and migration, the migration–development nexus and the key role played by diasporas in Europe.
While irregular migration continues to be a major issue of concern in Europe and the complex nature of mixed flows of economic and other migrants, refugees and asylum-seekers will continue to present additional challenges – including the need to ensure practical safeguards and care for vulnerable groups such as unaccompanied minors, victims of trafficking, smuggled migrants and those who may have been subjected to violence or psychological distress – labour migration is increasingly at the centre of European debates on migration management.
In the sphere of social inclusion and integration, specific reference should be made to the mobility of minorities. The need to ensure the protection of Roma victims of human trafficking has also been increasingly recognized. IOM’s migration initiatives in Europe will work towards the promotion of adequate and targeted EU resources to support the inclusion and integration of Roma in Member States and candidate countries in line with the agreed priority areas of the Decade of Roma Inclusion 2005–2015 in terms of health, housing, employment and education.
In all areas, IOM’s work aims to promote more cooperation between Member States through common actions reinforcing partnerships among all stakeholders, and by fostering the exchange of experience and good practices between them. While similar migration trends exist in most European and Central Asian Member States, there are significant differences in national policies and legislation. A key role for IOM is to promote the exchange of good practices between countries and to contribute to the creation of a more harmonized approach in the field of migration between European countries and with other regions from which migration flows originate.
CONFLICT-DISPLACED UKRAINIANS SURVIVING ON JUST USD 2.50 PER DAY: IOM
Ukraine – Two-thirds of internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Ukraine have barely enough funds to buy food, according to the UN Migration Agency (IOM)’s latest report: National Monitoring System on Situation of IDPs in Ukraine*.
On average, income per IDP in Ukraine is 1,991 Ukrainian Hryvnia (UAH) or USD 75 per month, or approximately USD 2.50 per day. But some are even worse off, with 21 per cent surviving on less than two dollars a day. The average price of a loaf of bread in Ukraine is USD 0.40.
As of April, Ukraine’s Ministry of Social Policy has registered 1,583 million IDPs since 2014. Since the beginning of the crisis in Ukraine, IOM has provided support to some 138,000 conflict-affected people. Its current focus lies in providing income opportunities for IDPs and conflict-affected populations, and facilitating social cohesion, recovery and peacebuilding.
There are a few positive notes in IOM’s new survey. The level of IDPs being employed has slightly increased from 35 per cent in March 2016, when the first IOM survey was conducted, to 42 per cent currently. However, employment levels remain quite low compared to the situation before displacement: approximately one third of IDPs who had a job before the conflict still cannot find a new one.
Other problematic issues are living conditions and payment for rent and utilities. Two thirds of IDPs live in rented housing, while one fifth are staying with relatives or with hosting families. Only one per cent in the government-controlled part of Ukraine lives in housing they own.
The survey shows great uncertainty about the future. A quarter of IDPs say they will never move back to their places of origin. Thirty-nine per cent would like to return when the conflict is over. Another 17 per cent said that they may consider returning in the future.
“Lack of support in finding relevant solutions for IDPs and returnees hinders their integration and creates dependencies on government and aid organizations,” said IOM Ukraine Chief of Mission, Manfred Profazi. “With the National Monitoring System, IOM aims to assist the Government in improving its knowledge about the situation and the needs of IDPs. We want to highlight emerging trends so that the Government can better develop evidence-based policies to address IDPs’ needs.”
At the joint presentation of the survey in Kyiv, Deputy Minister of Temporarily Occupied Territories and IDPs, Heorhii Tuka, stressed the importance of data collection and IOM’s expertise in shaping strategy and planning practical steps to support the well-being and integration of IDPs.
* IOM has been regularly conducting surveys about IDPs in Ukraine since March 2016. In this round, covering March–April 2017, 1,025 IDPs were interviewed face-to-face, and 3,312 IDPs registered by the Ministry of Social Policy of Ukraine across the country were interviewed by phone.
For further information, please contact Varvara Zhluktenko at IOM Ukraine, Tel: +38 044 568 5015, Email: vzhluktenko@iom.int
MEDITERRANEAN MIGRANT ARRIVALS ARE 53,912 IN 2017, DEATHS: 1,316
MEDITERRANEAN MIGRANT ARRIVALS REACH 53,912 IN 2017; DEATHS: 1,316
Switzerland – IOM, the UN Migration Agency, reports that 53,912 migrants and refugees entered Europe by sea in 2017 through 14 May, with nearly 85 per cent arriving in Italy and the remainder divided between Greece, Cyprus and Spain. This compares with last year’s 189,075 arrivals across the region through 14 May 2016.
IOM Rome reported that, through 14 May this year, 45,118 migrants or refugees have arrived in Italy, or nearly 1,000 men, women and children per day, a pace considerably ahead of both May 2015 and 2016. (See chart below).
IOM Libya’s Christine Petré reports that on 11 May, IOM helped 258 stranded migrants – 233 men and 25 women, including four unaccompanied children and a baby girl – return home to Nigeria from Libya.
The UN Migration Agency reported 256 of the migrants, who were detained in Gharyan Al Hamra detention centre, spent their pre-departure night at Tripoli’s Trig al Seka detention centre before traveling to Nigeria the next day. The remaining two migrants previously lived in urban areas.
Arrangements for the charter flight, which departed Tripoli’s Mitiga airport and arrived in Lagos the same evening, were coordinated by Libyan authorities, the Embassy of Nigeria and colleagues at IOM Nigeria.
In addition, IOM provided pre-departure interviews, medical check-ups and facilitated exit visas for all the passengers who further received non-food items, clothes and shoes.
In addition, IOM provided pre-departure interviews, medical check-ups and facilitated exit visas for all the passengers who further received non-food items, clothes and shoes.
This latest Nigeria charter flight is part of IOM’s Assisted Voluntary Return and Reintegration assistance funded by the Kingdom of the Netherlands.
So far in 2017, IOM Libya has helped 3,392 stranded migrants return to their countries of origin. Of these, 613 were eligible for reintegration assistance. IOM Athens reported on Monday (15 May) that total sea arrivals to Greece through 14 May stand at 6,095 – an increase of over 500 in the past week. While that total is small compared to last year’s total at this same time (155,790), this week’s number indicates that the pace of 2017 arrivals from Turkey is beginning to pick up.
Greek authorities reported no new arrivals on Saturday (13 May) but rescued 105 on Thursday (11 May), 153 on Friday (12 May) and 203 on Sunday (14 May). The islands of Chios, with 221 arrivals during the past week, saw the most number of migrants or refugees landing.
Worldwide, the IOM Missing Migrants Project (MMP) reports that there have been 1,905 fatalities through 14 May (see chart below) with the Mediterranean region accounting for the largest proportion of deaths – about two thirds of the global total.
During this past week, Missing Migrants Project recorded as new deaths the bodies of seven African migrants retrieved from crafts rescued by sea patrols this past weekend in Mediterranean waters between Libya and Italy. MMP also recorded the death in a train accident of a Central American migrant discovered near railroad tracks outside Choapas, in the Mexico state of Veracruz. Choapas has been the site of several violent deaths of migrants in recent years and has a reputation as the spot where kidnapping gangs ambush migrants as they journey north towards the US-Mexico border.
ANTI-DUMPING DUTY ON FLOAT GLASS TO HIT MSMES AND CONSUMERS;
ANTI-DUMPING DUTY ON FLOAT GLASS TO HIT MSMES AND CONSUMERS; WILL BENEFIT ONLY A FEW MNCS
Anti-dumping duty on float glass to hit MSMEs and consumers; will benefit only a few MNCs
New Delhi, May 17 (KNN) In a move which is seen as a huge setback by MSME glass manufacturers in India, an anti-dumping duty has been imposed on float glass used as raw material by processors.
Though the Directorate General of Anti-dumping and Allied Duties (DGAD) says that duty was imposed to ‘protect’ the domestic industry from cheap imports, the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) allege that it is for the benefit of only a few big players while hundreds of downstream MSME players will be burdened with additional raw material costs.
Just a handful of companies like Saint Gobain and Guardian Glass control 70-80 % of float glass market share in India.
Anti-dumping duty of up to USD 55.59 per tonne is levied on clear float glass from 4 mm to 12 thickness which is used mainly by processing industry for making safety glass, heat and sound insulated glass and laminated glass and most of the processing units are MSMEs.
MSMEs feel that it will increase their input costs and at the same time it will give room for float line owners minimum bench mark price to earn undue profit for five years.
After the big companies filed the application for dumping probe of these product, Commerce Ministry’s investigation arm —DGAD— in the separate probe had concluded that these products were dumped into India and it has caused material injury to the domestic industry.
Meanwhile, talking to KNN, glassware manufacturers from MSME sector were sceptical of the probe and said that “what is ironical is that these ‘injured’ MNCs are in fact adding huge capacities every few years and term such probes hogwash”.
Dinesh Tripathi, who is Honorary Secretary of the Federation of Safety Glass (FOSG) and President of industry body FISME, said, “Float glass is a raw material for hundreds of processing units which are mostly MSMEs and the anti-dumping duty will make their raw material costly and adversely impact their competitiveness.”
Tripathi said the small glass manufacturers will make representation to the government on this issue.
Another MSME glass manufacturer, who didn’t wish to be identified said, “the big players have put captive large processing units and use these cheaper raw materials for their own projects and therefore MSME processors cannot compete for project orders in domestic or overseas markets”.
The entrepreneur lamented that MSMEs are being crowded out and un-fortunately anti-dumping has become a handy tool which many large companies use for profiteering at the expense of downstream-users and consumers. (KNN Bureau)
FCRA DEPARTMENT SYSTEM FAILURE
Again FCRA department has displayed its internal confusion of system failure
and as usual putting onus on the registered organisations to fill the gap.
As per the law, till 2015-16, it was not mandatory to file online returns
and most of the organisations were either submitting hard copies or both. In
2012, department had hired data operators to upload the returns. But now it
seems that data is messed up. So, a circular along with a list has come up
on the website. Very generously, the department has given us final
opportunity to upload missing returns within one month, i.e., from May 15 to
June 14, 2017. The period permitted in FY 2010-11 to FY 2014-2015. This
relaxation is not available for FY 2015-2016.
and as usual putting onus on the registered organisations to fill the gap.
As per the law, till 2015-16, it was not mandatory to file online returns
and most of the organisations were either submitting hard copies or both. In
2012, department had hired data operators to upload the returns. But now it
seems that data is messed up. So, a circular along with a list has come up
on the website. Very generously, the department has given us final
opportunity to upload missing returns within one month, i.e., from May 15 to
June 14, 2017. The period permitted in FY 2010-11 to FY 2014-2015. This
relaxation is not available for FY 2015-2016.
Unfortunately, the burden of compliance of FCRA is on registered
organisations whereas the department has no obligation and accountability.
Please check the list and do the needful if any of your returns are missing.
I will also request you to share this information with your partners and
members.
organisations whereas the department has no obligation and accountability.
Please check the list and do the needful if any of your returns are missing.
I will also request you to share this information with your partners and
members.
Warm regard
Harsh Jaitli
Chief Executive Officer
Voluntary Action Network India (VANI)
BB-5, Ist Floor, Greater Kailash Enclave-II
New Delhi 110 048
Phone: 011-29228127, 29226632, Telefax: 41435535
Email: harsh@vaniindia.org; Website: www.vaniindia.org
Chief Executive Officer
Voluntary Action Network India (VANI)
BB-5, Ist Floor, Greater Kailash Enclave-II
New Delhi 110 048
Phone: 011-29228127, 29226632, Telefax: 41435535
Email: harsh@vaniindia.org; Website: www.vaniindia.org
SHRI RAM MADHAVJI: ON STATE AND CENTRE
Mr Ram Madhav jee speaks at NMML on India Paramountcy – Union. We have seen that most of Indian Royal states agreed to be part of the Union in 1947 when India gained independence. The state and center relation have evolved from that moments and strong centre makes the states and centre relation more strong for the each to grow in its own pace.
Civilization is important to India which helps to keep us as one nation but distance is not regionalism which are fading now. Unlike US Russia use force fiscal matters to remain united but in India the Unity in diversity is way of life.
Congress was a wider platform which included, Hindu Mahasabha, Muslim league the Malviya, and Maulana Azad and others in Congress to achieve freedom. Gandhi asked on 27 Jan 1948 asked Congress to disband and form Lok welfare forum . Congress being popular formed a political party, and Congress alternative was absent, the Left lacked India genes thus genetically was little visible in Universities and some states where they made some impression. For two decades Congress gathered massive support and few smaller parties emerged and sank.
We formed Gov in Assam and in Manipur where Congress enjoyed more percent.
Now it is the time, India in true sense has evoled in voting pattern . We formed genuinely bipartisan party system. Regional parties are not easy and has to contest with other regional fragmentation.
People now has risen over caste, creed and religion which is self explanatory from the results of Bihar and U P Election results. People are matured and evolved and has different robust image of their leaders. Leaders only who can deliver and bring development change are masses looking for at national scene.
People looking for clean governance and their aspirations. Indian electorate has matured. We were 17% literate in 1947 but now we are nearly 80% literacy, thus states have evolve politically. We are looking towards 7th Schedule give power to to village panchayat which is imminent and states are not well prepared but fiscal sovereignty is given at first stage. Remoteness is problem but Oneness and unity exist across nation.
TATA’S VALUE IS DOWN BUT INDIA’S BRANDS ARE ON THE UP
- Tata brand value down 4% but Natarajan Chandrasekaran is steadying the ship
- Over half of India’s 100 most valuable brands grew brand value at least 10%
- Indian brands grew in value 15% this year, ahead of the 11% global average
- IT services continue to rise: Infosys up to 4th, HCL to 9th, and Wipro to 11th place
Every year, leading valuation and strategy consultancy Brand Finance values the brands of thousands of the world’s biggest companies. A brand’s strength is assessed (based on factors such as marketing investment, familiarity, preference, sustainability and margins) to determine what proportion of a business’s revenue is contributed by the brand. This proportion is projected into perpetuity and discounted to determine the brand’s value. India’s 100 most valuable brands are featured in the Brand Finance India 100.
Strong brand value growth characterises the 2017 Brand Finance India 100. The total value of India’s top brands has increased 15% this year, ahead of the global average of 11%. 68 of India’s 100 most valuable brands have grown in value this year, with 54 of those enjoying double-digit year-to-year percentage growth. There are however some notable exceptions, including India’s most valuable brand, Tata, which fell to US$13.1 billion from last year’s US$13.7 billion.
There has already been intense speculation as to whether brand value has fallen due to Tata’s board room drama. In Brand Finance’s view this is emphatically not the case. Tata’s Brand Strength Index score in fact improved significantly this year and its brand rating was upgraded from A+ to AA+. Corrective action has been taken quickly and the stakeholders at large have not been significantly affected.
Brand Finance’s CEO David Haigh comments, “The brand value drop of 4% is clearly not positive, however it is a lesser decline than between 2015 and 2016, when brand value fell 11%. Tata is present in a number of industries in which operating conditions are very challenging for all participants. In this context the slight decline can be seen as a stabilisation in challenging times. As Tata’s new chairman, Natarajan Chandrasekaran, settles in and attempts to streamline the conglomerate’s activities, we expect Tata to return to brand value growth soon.”
IT services brands continue to be one of India’s great success stories, dominating not just the national rankings but the international rankings of their sector too. All of India’s major IT services brands have grown in value this year, including TCS within the overall Tata portfolio. Even as other Indian brands perform strongly, IT services brands are managing to improve their national ranks. Infosys is up from 5th to 4th, HCL from 10th to 9th and Wipro from 12th to 11th.
The biggest improvement in rankings however comes from Indigo Airlines which is up from 95th last year to 62nd now. India’s biggest airline recently announced the addition of 35 new routes and increasing frequency on existing ones.
At the opposite end of the scale, the iconic Taj Hotels brand has fallen 14 places to 93rd with brand value dropping below US$300 million. Like so many other hotel brands it has been hit by the impact of technology, with aggregator sites creating pricing pressure and Airbnb introducing competition.
This year’s fastest falling brand is Micromax. The tech firm has lost 39% of its brand value and nearly fallen out of the top 100, placing 95th. Micromax is struggling to compete following the influx of strong Chinese mobile brands such as Oppo and Vivo into the Indian market in the last couple of years.
ITC is India’s most powerful brand. It is India’s only AAA rated brand, with a Brand Strength Index score of 86. ITC has been expanding its strategic presence, beyond tobacco, for over a decade. In the last four to five years it has become a formidable competitor in the food and beverage, personal care, apparel and stationery sectors, challenging incumbents that have dominated those industries for over a century. This broad spectrum of excellence is making ITC a household name across India and contributing to the brand’s strength.
Mahindra, a stalwart of Indian enterprise has re-entered the top ten this year, after posting healthy growth in its flagship automotive division and strengthening its presence in SAARC countries. Mahindra’s agricultural division and its tractors business are well-established strengths while more recent initiatives such as crop-care solutions, seed distribution and power solutions through Mahindra Powerol are poised to accelerate growth. This year brand value is up 21% to US$3.6 billion.
EXECUTIVE DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM ON “EFFECTIVE IMPLEMENTATION OF GST IN CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY”
Greetings,
As you are aware, Construction Industry Development Council (CIDC), established by the Planning Commission, Govt. of India and Construction Industry with unrelenting support from its Member organizations, State Govt Dept, PSUs, and other concerned agencies has made tremendous strides in organizing the construction sector in the country.
As part of our endeavours to exaggerate, training initiatives we are organizing specialized training program for the working professionals to update their knowledge in their respective fields.
As you all know that current issue is Goods and Services tax (GST). It has been identified as one of most important tax reforms post-independence. It is a tax trigger, which will lead to business transformation for all major industries.
The GST is a Value added Tax proposed to be a comprehensive indirect tax levy on supply of goods and services at the national level. It will replace all indirect taxes levied on goods and services by the Indian Central and state governments.
In this training program we will cover the GST application in Construction Industry under following components of GST Act & its Rules:
- Existing Indirect tax law to GST law
- Transition Provision
- Registration
- Place of Supply, Time of Supply & Invoice
- Returns
- Input Tax Credit Rules
- Payments & Ledger
- Mismatch Report
- Points to be remembered including ERP Rectification &Composition scheme concept
The training programme on GST will be conducted by professional trainers engaged in dispensing training to Tax Officials on behalf of Govt of India. These trainers has been instrumental in development of GST IT software being prepared for the Government and provided professional expertise in order to eliminate risks in interpretation and understanding of law at ground level, on 23rd -24th May, 2017, at CIDC, Vishwakarma Pratham, Faridabad
I am sure this would be very useful for your Colleagues & staff and therefore, I request you to nominate some of your colleagues to attend the same. You may visit EDP link http://www.cidc.in/new/GST_EDP.html.
In case you have any further query please revert back to Ms. Lakshmi – 9810714921, Tel. No. 0129-6471822.
Thanking you,
Yours sincerely,
For Construction Industry Development Council
(P. V. Lakshmi)
Coordinator
VISIT OF AUSTRALIAN BORDER FORCE CUTTER ‘OCEAN SHIELD’
Chennai 16 May 17. Australian Border Force Cutter ‘Ocean Shield’ is arriving at Chennai Port AM 18 May 17 as part of International Co-operation. The ship will be at Chennai till Am 20 May 17. During the visit at Chennai, various events are planned by the Indian Coast Guard for mutual interaction to develop Inter-Operability between the two maritime forces.
The ship was constructed as an Offshore Support Vessel by STK OSV, Tulcea, Romania and was later inducted as ABFC ‘Ocean Shield’, an Offshore Patrol Vessel on 30 Jun 2012. The ship has 110.9 mtr LOA with 22.05 mtr beam width. The ship achieves maximum speed of 16 kts with a displacement of 8,500 tons and draws 6.6 mtr draught. A medium size helipad is available atop the bow of the ship. The ship also has 1,000 Sq mtrs deck area for cargo and equipment. Following the disappearance of Malaysia Airlines Flight 370, ‘Ocean Shield’ was one of the several Australian Vessels that took part in the extensive search of the ill-fated MH 370.
The Australian Cutter is commanded by ABF Superintendent Alan Champkin. The ship has a complement of 16 Officers and 36 sailors. Indian Coast Guard is organisinga welcome ceremony to ABFC ‘Ocean Shield’ in the traditional way on her arrival at Chennai port AM 18 May 17. During the welcome ceremony, ABF Commissioner Roman Quaedvlieg will be interacting with the Indian media personnel.
Chief Public Relations Officer
Coast Guard Region (East)
Tel Office: 044-23460407/Mob:9445939006
Email: cproeast@gmail.com
