Wednesday, March 28, 2018

EC Schedule of Election to the Karnataka Assembly , 2018.

Election Commission of India announces Schedule for the General Election to the Legislative Assembly of Karnataka, 2018.

Posted On: 27 MAR 2018
The term of the Legislative Assembly of Karnataka is normally due to expire on 28.05.2018. By virtue of its powers, duties and functions under Article 324 read with Article 172(1) of the Constitution of India and Section 15 of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, the Election Commission of India is required to hold general election to constitute the new Legislative Assembly in the State of Karnataka before expiry of its present term.

Schedule of Election
The Commission has prepared the Schedules for holding General Elections to the Legislative Assembly of Karnataka after taking into consideration all relevant aspects like climatic conditions, academic calendar, major festivals, prevailing law and order situation in the State, availability of Central Police Forces, time needed for movement, transportation and timely deployment of forces and in-depth assessment of other relevant ground realities.

The  Commission  after  considering  all  relevant  aspects  has  decided  to  recommend  to the Governor of the State of Karnataka to issue notifications for the General Elections under the relevant provisions of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, as per the Schedule given below

Schedule for General Election to the Legislative Assembly of Karnataka, 2018
Poll EventsSchedule
Date of Issue of Gazette Notification17.04.2018 (TUE)
Last Date of Nominations24.04.2018 (TUE)
Date for Scrutiny of Nominations25.04.2018 (WED)
Last Date for Withdrawal of candidatures27.04.2018 (FRI)
Date of Poll12.05.2018 (SAT)
Date of Counting15.05.2018 (TUE)
Date before which election shall be completed18.05.2018 (FRI)

Other Relevant facts:
(1)       Assembly Constituencies
The total number of Assembly Constituencies in the State of Karnataka and seats reserved for the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes, as determined by the Delimitation of Parliamentary and Assembly Constituencies Order, 2008, are as under: –

StateTotal No. of ACsReserved for SCsReserved for STs
Karnataka2243615

 (2)      Electoral Rolls
The existing electoral rolls of all the Assemblies Constituencies in the State of Karnataka have been revised, with reference to 01.01.2018 as the qualifying date.  Final  publication  of  electoral  rolls  in  respect  of  Karnataka  has  been  done  on 28.02.2018. The details of the final publication are available on the NVSP website (www.nvsp.in) / CEO, Karnataka website (www.ceokarnataka.kar.nic.in). As per the final electoral roll, the number of electors in the State is as follows:
StateTotal No. of electors as per draft electoral rollsTotal No. of electors as per final electoral rolls
Karnataka4,90,06,901
(Approx. 4.90 Cr.)
4,96,82,357
(Approx. 4.968 Cr.)

(3)       Polling Stations and Special Facilitation
The number of Polling Stations of Karnataka are as follows:

 
State
No. of Polling
Stations in 2013
No. of Polling
Stations in 2018
 
% Increase
Karnataka52,03456,6969%

 (4)        Special Arrangement For Women:
All-Women Managed Polling Stations: As part of its firm commitment towards gender equality and greater constructive participation of women in the electoral process, the Commission has also directed that, to the extent possible, ‘All- women Managed Polling Stations’ shall be set up in one polling station for each Assembly Constituency where the entire polling staff, including the police and security personnel, shall be women. Total 224 Women managed Polling Stations will be setup for the entire state of Karnataka for the first time.
(5)        Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) and Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPATs):
EVMs & VVPATs shall be used in all the polling stations of all the Karnataka to enhance the transparency and credibility of the election. The Commission has already made arrangements to ensure availability of adequate number of EVMs and VVPATs for the smooth conduct of election. The First Level Check of EVMs and VVPATs has been completed in the presence of representatives of political parties. A two-stage randomization of EVMs and VVPATs will also be done. In the first stage, all the EVMs and VVPATs stored in the district EVM warehouse will be randomized by the District Election Officer (DEO) in the presence of the representatives of the recognized political parties for Assembly Constituency-wise allocation. Second randomization of EVMs and VVPATs will be done at RO level before candidate setting of EVMs and VVPATs for polling station-wise allocation. This is done in the presence of General Observer of Election Commission of India, contesting candidates/their agents. This process will be carried out after finalization of the contesting candidates. At this stage also, candidates or their agents/representatives will be allowed to check and satisfy themselves in every manner about the error-free functionality of the EVMs and VVPATs. On a pilot basis, VVPAT from One (1) Polling Station in each Assembly Constituency will be randomly selected by the Returning Officer by Draw of Lot in presence of all candidates to count VVPAT paper slips for verification of the result obtained from the Control Unit. Thus, paper slip for one polling station in each Assembly Constituency will be counted in Karnataka.

VVPATs will be used along with EVMs in all polling stations of all the 224 Assembly Constituencies of poll going state of Karnataka to enhance the transparency and credibility of the election. A comprehensive SVEEP programme has already been launched in Karnataka to increase voters’ awareness and education about the VVPATs.
(6)       Model Code of Conduct
The Model Code of Conduct comes into effect immediately from now onwards. All the provisions of the Model Code will apply to the whole of Karnataka and will be applicable to all candidates, political parties and, the State Government of Karnataka. The Model Code of Conduct shall also be applicable to the Union Government insofar as announcements/policy decisions pertaining to/for this State is concerned.
The Commission has made elaborate arrangements for ensuring the effective implementation of the MCC Guidelines. Any violations of these Guidelines would be strictly dealt with and the Commission re-emphasizes that the instructions issued in this regard from time to time should be read and understood by all Political Parties, contesting candidates and their agents/representatives, to avoid any misgivings or lack of information or inadequate understanding/interpretation. The government of the poll-bound State has also been directed to ensure that no misuse of official machinery/position is done during the MCC period.

The Commission has also issued instructions for swift, effective and stringent action for enforcement of Model Code of Conduct during the first 72 hours of announcement of the election schedule and also for maintaining extra vigilance and strict enforcement action in the Last 72 hours prior to the close of polls.  These instructions have been issued in the form of Standard Operating
Procedures (SOPs) for compliance by the field election machinery.

(7)    Election Expenditure Monitoring:

Some new initiatives taken by the Commission to strengthen the Expenditure Monitoring mechanism are:

(a)   Standard Operating Procedure for Seizure and release of cash: For the purpose of maintaining purity of elections, the Election Commission of India has issued the Standard Operating Procedure for Flying Squads and Static Surveillance Teams, constituted for keeping vigil over excessive campaign expenses, distribution of items of bribe in cash or in kind, movement of illegal arms, ammunition, liquor, or antisocial elements etc. in the constituencies during election process.
(b)     Accounting of the expenditure incurred for campaign vehicles – on the basis of permissions granted: It has come to the notice of the Commission that the candidates take permission from the Returning Officer for use of vehicles for campaign purpose, but some candidates do not show the vehicle hiring charges or fuel expenses in their election expenditure account. Therefore, it has been decided that unless the candidate intimates the R.O. for withdrawing the permission, the notional expenditure on account of campaign vehicles will be calculated based on the number of vehicles for which permissions is granted by the Returning Officer.

(c)     Account Reconciliation Meeting: In order to reduce litigation relating to expenditure accounts, a reconciliation meeting will be convened by the DEOs before final submission of the accounts, on the 26th day after the declaration of the results.

(d)     All expenditure incurred by those candidates, their party agents or party leaders on their travel, boarding, lodging etc. who travel to overseas countries for the purpose of canvassing in their favour to seek votes of overseas electors residing there, would be deemed to be the expenditure incurred or authorized by the candidates in connection with their election and will have to be included in their account of election expenses. Moreover, any inducement to overseas electors by way of air tickets or any other allurements to them, in cash or kind, to come to India for the purpose of voting at the election would amount to the electoral offence of ‘bribery’ within the meaning of section 171B of the IPC as also the corrupt practice of ‘Bribery’ within the meaning of section 123(1) of the R.P. Act, 1951.

(e)     Expenditure incurred on candidates’ Booth/(Kiosk) and on TV/Cable Channel / Newspaper owned by party for promoting the electoral prospects of the candidate in the account of the candidate:
The Commission, on further examination of the relevant provisions of section 77(1) of the R. P. Act, 1951, had decided that the candidates’ booths set up outside the polling stations should hereinafter be deemed to have been set up by the candidates as part of their individual campaign and not by way of general party propaganda and as such all  expenditure incurred on such candidates’ booths shall be deemed to have been incurred/authorized by the candidate/his election agent so as to be included in his account of election expenses.

(f)      Ceiling Of Election Expenses For Candidates:
The election expenses ceiling for candidates has been revised by the Government of India vide Notification dated 28th  February, 2014. As per the revised ceilings, the maximum limit of election expenses for the Assembly Constituencies is Rs. 28 lakh per candidate for the state of Karnataka. All candidates are required to furnish their accounts of expenditure within 30 days of declaration of results.

(g)    Final Accounts By Political Parties:
All Political Parties sponsoring candidates for the Legislative Assembly elections are required to maintain day-to-day accounts of all election campaign expenses and submit the accounts to the Commission within 75 days of the completion of such elections. Such accounts will be uploaded on the website of the Commission for public viewing.

(8)        New ITApplications To Be Used For Forthcoming General Elections:
(a)  SAMADHAN: Public Grievance RedressalAnd Monitoring System:
A comprehensive, robust and reliable pubic Grievance Redress System has been developed by the Election Commission to provide a common platform for all complaints, grievances, concerns and suggestions lodged by any member of the public, including our various stakeholders like political parties, candidates, civil society groups etc. a citizen has the multi-modal facility to lodge any election-related complaint via bouquet of channels/sources like website, email, letter, fax, SMS, call center ( Call center number is 1950) etc. A mobile app shall also be made available for the people, so that they can submit complaints with photographs/videos on the common platform.

(b)  SUVIDHA: Single Window Permission System:
A single window system for giving election-related permission/clearness within 24 hours has been created. In this system, candidates and political parties can apply for permissions for meetings, rallies, vehicles, temporary election office, loudspeakers etc at a single location, where back-end convergence of various authorities/departments has been done. This system is put in place at every RO level in each sub-division which will provide for applying, processing, granting and monitoring permissions in a synergistic manner. However in case of permission for helicopter usage/ landing and use of helipads, the application shall have to be submitted at least 36 hours in advance.
(c)   SUGAM: Vehicle Manaement System:
It is an IT based Vehicle Management System with the facility of issuance of requisition letters for vehicles, capturing of vehicle details with address, mobile number and bank details of owner and drive, transfer of vehicles from one district to another district etc.
(d) Webcasting /CCTV at poling stations:
Webcasting at identified critical stations for LIVE monitoring of election process, to keep a check on illegal activities such as booth capturing, money distribution and bogus voting and to bring about complete transparency in the voting process shall be undertaken. Further, during the election process, CCTV monitoring and webcasting shall also be done at various border check-posts, check-nakas and other sensitive and critical locations across the constituencies to keep a strict vigil on any nefarious activities designed to vitiate the electoral process.
(e) Voter Centric Information Dissseminatin Initiatives on Website of CEO, Karnataka (www.ceokarnataka.kar.nic.in):
It is the constant endeavor of the Commission to facilitate the voters in accessing the multifarious election-related services and information. As part of this vision, an SMS-based search facility and voter friendly interactive website has already been launched by CEO, Karnataka and successfully working.
(f) One-way Electronically Transmitted Postal Ballot for Service Voters:
All registered Service Voters will be delivered e-postal ballot of their respective constituency through electronically transmitted postal ballot (ETPBS), which will be printed and after casting the vote will be sent back to Returning Officer by post.
 (9)      Other New Initiatives         
  1. Use of VVPATs at all Polling Stations:
VVPATs will be used along with EVMs in all 56,696 Polling Stations of 224 Assembly Constituencies of poll going state of Karnataka to enhance the transparency and credibility of the elections. On a pilot basis, VVPAT from One (1) Polling Station in each Assembly Constituency will be randomly selected to count VVPAT paper slips for verification of the result obtained from the control unit.
  1. All Women Managed Polling Stations:
All- women Managed Polling Stations’ shall be set up in one polling station for each Assembly Constituency where the entire polling staff, including the police and security personnel, shall be Women. Total 224 Women Managed Polling Stations will be setup for the entire state of Karnataka for the first time.
  1. Booth Level Planning:
First time in the Country an innovative “bottom up” approach of booth level planning and management has been implemented in the State of Karnataka where in Booth Level plans for 56,696 Polling Stations have been prepared containing all information and Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) for response for smooth conduct of elections at each Polling Station. These booth level Plans have been used to prepare AC level, District level and State level Election Management Plans.
  1. E-Atlas :
As a new innovation, GIS based planning, implementation and monitoring of various elections related activities are being implemented in the State of Karnataka for Election Planning.
  1. E-Payment Gateway for Goods and Services:
All Payments will be made through e-payment gateway for (i) Timely Payment for all the Civilian Officials/Police Officials deployed for “Election Duties” (ii) Timely Payment to all the Owners of the Vehicles which are Requisitioned for Election Purpose , (iii) Timely Payment for all the Vendors who provide Goods and Services for Election related Duties in all the Assembly Constituencies.
  1. Registration of Service Voters and ETPBS:
Earlier, the Commission implemented ETPBS (Electronically Transmitted Postal Ballot System) on pilot basis in 4 states of Punjab, UP, Uttarakhand and Manipur and in the entire state of Goa. ETPBS was used in all the State Assembly Elections conducted during 2017-2018 and will be used in Karnataka election also.
  1. Friendly Polling Stations for differently abled electors:
Special facilitation voting at all Polling Stations would be ensured for all differently-abled

India condemns missile attacks on Saudi Arabia


According to media reports, Saudi Arabia has announced that its forces had intercepted a number of ballistic missiles fired by Houthi rebels towards several locations in the kingdom.
“The UK stands shoulder to shoulder with Saudi Arabia in the face of serious national security threats. Those responsible must cease these dangerous & provocative actions”
 statement on the attempted missile attacks against SaudiArabia, 
Boris Johnson calls on the UN to investigate the origin of the missiles.
Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson said:
I was appalled by last night’s multiple Houthi missile launches at Saudi Arabia, which threatened civilian areas and resulted in at least one fatality. I offer my condolences to the families of those killed and injured. Building on the recent UN Panel of Experts report, we will be calling on the UN to investigate how these latest missiles found their way into Yemen in contravention of Security Council Resolutions.
The United Kingdom stands shoulder to shoulder with Saudi Arabia in the face of such serious national security threats. Those responsible must cease these dangerous and provocative actions. A return to political dialogue remains vital to ensuring an end to the conflict for the sake of the Yemeni people and regional security. British nationals in Saudi Arabia should continue to follow FCO Travel Advice.
In a statement the Saudi government also said that the Saudi air defence intercepted seven missiles, three of which were headed towards Riyadh.
An Egyptian resident was reportedly killed as a result of shrapnel – the first death in Riyadh since the country’s military campaign was launched three years ago in Yemen – while several others were injured.
India today strongly condemned the renewed missile attacks targeting civilian areas in the direction of Riyadh and other cities of Saudi Arabia. In response to a media query on the missile attacks in Saudi Arabia, External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said, New Delhi is deeply concerned about the escalating situation threatening the lives of innocent civilians. India reiterated its resolve to fight terrorism and violence in all its forms.


Slovak court orders Uber to suspend services nationally


A Slovak court has ordered Uber to suspend its operations in the country, responding to an action by taxi drivers who say the ride-hailing service represents unfair competition. The decision came into effect on March 6, but it was announced only on Tuesday and Uber services were still available in the Slovak capital Bratislava, according to Reuters. “The defendant is obliged to refrain from allowing people who do not meet legal requirements… to carry out taxi services in Slovakia,” court spokesman Pavol Adamciak said on Tuesday. The association of certified taxi drivers filed the lawsuit in January. It argued that Uber drivers do not meet the requirements for professional taxi drivers, and the cars do not meet the safety and regulatory requirements for professional transport services. Uber has faced regulatory and legal setbacks around the world amid opposition from traditional taxi services.

US EU to address China’s unfair trade practices


US President Donald Trump discussed trade practices with China in calls on Tuesday with French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Angela Merkel, according to the White House.
Readout of President Donald J. Trump’s Call with President Emmanuel Macron of France statement said, President Donald J. Trump spoke today with President Emmanuel Macron of France.  Both leaders expressed support for the West’s strong response to Russia’s chemical weapons attack in Salisbury, United Kingdom, including the expulsion of numerous Russian intelligence officers on both sides of the Atlantic.  President Trump stressed the need to intensify cooperation with Turkey with respect to shared strategic challenges in Syria.  The two leaders also discussed trade practices between the United States and European Union and the next steps in addressing China’s unfair trade practices.
It said Trump and Merkel also discussed “joining forces to counter” China’s economic practices and acquisition of intellectual property. Speaking with Macron, Trump pushed to intensify cooperation with Turkey on Syria, the statement said. The leaders of the US and France also supported the West’s “strong response” to Russia, including expulsion of Russian diplomats, after the UK’s chemical weapons attack accusations,according to media reports.

SMILE INDIA’s ‘GIFT A SMILE 2018’


SMILE INDIA’s ‘GIFT A SMILE 2018’ turned out to be a Starry Night out here in New Delhi
   Smile India’s ‘GIFT A SMILE’ meet and greet turned out to be a glitzy event, which took place in Radisson Blu, Airport Hotel. The event showcased its activities in the past 16 years and how they have grown in numbers from the year 2002 to 2017.Dr.Sushant Umre (Trustee, Smile India) and daughter, Dr. Ishita Umre (Director Smile India) run a dental NGO, the first of its kind in India, which serves the underprivileged with modern dentistry aids since 2002. Present at the event were many known personalities Ustad Shujaat Khan, supermodels Sonalika Sahay, Laxmi Rana, Anousha Chauhan, Fitness Instructor, Vesna Jacob and Blossom Kocchar along with daughter Samantha Kocchar who spoke about how a perfect smile is important in the present world. They judged the smile contest which was a super hit with the audience.
The event also witnessed a small skit presented by children of Salaam Balaak trust ‘Mareezmast,Dentistpast’ which was followed by a brilliant musical performance ‘ELIXIR’ by famous Smt.Shubha Mudgal and her band Aditya Balani, Gaurav Balani, Srijan Mahajan, Anil Chawla and audio engineer Nitin Joshi.
 The king of Bollywood-Shahrukh Khan’s personal dentist Dr.Sushant Umre is a well-known Cosmetic Dentist of North India and is in practice for 35 years with a focus on Aesthetic dentistry. Dr Umre along with daughter Dr. Ishita Umre head Smile India- the social face.
Smile India is an organization with a mission to make available latest and affordable dental care to the underprivileged masses and to provide young, upcoming dentists willing to do community service an opportunity to experience and learn.
The internationally acclaimed Indian musician and sitar player, Shujaat Khan while appreciating the noble cause of Smile India said “Dr.Sushant Umre and Dr. Ishita Umre with their team of competent professionals are doing a great job by taking advanced dentistry to those who would have never believed to afford it otherwise. Their high tech equipment and modern techniques are of international standards, constantly improving the ever-changing world of medicine.”
Gift a Smile is a program initiated to generate funds for sustaining and expanding the impact of this mission at multiple levels. Such programs have been organized in the past with great success.
“If it is to do with Teeth, I only know one person which takes wonderful care of mine and that is Dr.Umre and his team. Thank you so much for keeping me smiling”- SHAHRUKH KHAN

India U16 Mens Team finalized U16Asian


India U16 Mens Team all set to compete at the FIBA U16 Asian Championship    

Bengaluru, 27th March 2018: The Indian U16 Men’s Basketball Teams will depart on 30th March 2018 for FIBA U16 Asian Championship that will be held between 2nd to 8th April 2018 at the Lingan Pearl Gymnasium, Foshan, China. This event was scheduled to take place in 2017 but was later rescheduled. The 16-team tournament will serve as Asia’s qualifier for the FIBA U17 Basketball World Cup 2018, with the top four finishers booking their tickets for the world spectacle in Rosario and Santa Fe, Argentina from June 30-July 8, 2018.
“We are proud of your achievements so far and expect a lot more from you in the coming days. It as an incredible achievement to represent the country at such a young age but we hope that all of you keep on learning and improving so that in future we can see you representing the Senior team as well. I wish you all the best and hope that you make the country proud.” BFI President, Mr. K Govindaraj addressed the young stars at the colour distribution ceremony.
The 16 teams qualified to compete are hosts China, reigning champions Korea, Australia, Bahrain, Chinese Taipei, Hong Kong, India, Iran, Japan, Kazakhstan, Lebanon, Macau, Malaysia, New Zealand, Philippines and Saudi Arabia.  Thirteen (13) teams will be divided into three (3) groups (A, B, C) of three (3) teams each and one (1) group (D) of four (4). The best placed Team in each group will qualify directly to the Knock-out stage starting with the Quarter-Finals. 2nd and 3rd placed Teams will proceed to the Play-Offs Round. The 4th placed team in group D will be eliminated.
India is placed in Group D alongside Korea, Japan and Lebanon.
Preliminary Round:
Schedule: India Vs Korea (2nd April)
India Vs Japan (3rd April)
India Vs Lebanon (4th April)
The final rosters for the Team is:
INDIAN U16 MEN’ S TEAM
Sr. No.NAMESSTATEPosition
1Prashant TomarKarnatakaSG/PG
2Jerome PrinceKeralaPG/SG
3Rajveer S BhatiRajasthanF
4Nitish BeniwalDelhiC/F
5Vigneshwar UpadhyayTelanganaPF
6M Mani KantaA.P.F/SG
7Divya Raj S RathoreM.P.SG
8Harshvardhan Tomar(Captain)M.P.C/F
9PriyanshuU.P.F
10Princepal SinghPunjabC
11AjmerChandigarhF
12Vibhor Bhriguvanshi (Head Coach)
14Babu Davis (Asst. Coach)
15Navaneeth (Physiotherapist)
16Ajeet Singh Rathore (Manager)

Kim Jong-un & Xi Jinping held talks


Kim Jong-un and  Chinese counterpart, Xi Jinping, have held talks in Beijing, in Kim’s first foreign trip since taking office. Kim’s wife reportedly accompanied him.
Both Chinese and North Korean state media have confirmed that Kim is on a state visit to China. Kim arrived at the invitation of the Chinese president, and stayed for an unofficial four-day visit.
The visit comes ahead of the highly anticipated talks between Kim and US President Donald Trump, which are expected to be held by the end of May. The exact date has not been set yet, and it was feared that the denuclearization issue, a long-standing stumbling block in US-North Korea relations, will be an unsurmountable obstacle on the way to a potential breakthrough.
The  high level negotiations with Xi, Kim indicated that Pyongyang may be ready for compromise.
“It is our consistent stand to be committed to denuclearization on the peninsula, in accordance with the will of late President Kim Il Sung and late General Secretary Kim Jong Il,” he said in a stark contrast to some of North Korea’s previous statements, as cited by Xinhua.
He went on to imply that North Korea will be poised to get rid of its own nuclear arsenal, provided the US and its ally, South Korea, cooperate.
“The issue of denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula can be resolved, if South Korea and the United States respond to our efforts with goodwill, create an atmosphere of peace and stability while taking progressive and synchronous measures for the realization of peace,” he said.
Last September, North Korea carried out its sixth nuclear test, which was followed by a series of missile launches in September and November. However, starting from the Winter Olympic Games, that saw a high-ranking North Korean delegation arriving in South Korea, Pyongyang has shown it is willing to seek mutual rapprochement with the West and its neighbors, primarily South Korea.
In late February, South Korean President Moon Jae-in said the North Korean delegation at the Olympics indicated in talks with South Korean officials that they were willing to hold direct negotiations with the US. RT news



VHP Dares Mamata for trying to turn Bengal into Bangladesh


New Delhi March 27, 2018 The Vishva Hindu Parishad congratulates the Hindus of Bengal for taking out more than 700 processions (Shobha Yatras) with participation of more than 30 lakh people on the occasion of Ram Navmi.
The international joint General secretary of VHP has said that the Hindus of Bengal have proved that they will not tolerate anti-Hindu and anti-national activities in the name of secularism. It will give a befitting reply to all the attempts of dividing and terrorising Hindus of Bengal.

Vishva Hindu Parishad warns Mamta Banerjee to stop committing atrocities on Hindus in her greed for Muslim votes. She had last year asked if there was a need for Ram in Bengal? The Hindus of Bengal gave a befitting reply to her by organising Shobha Yatras all over the state. Mamta Banerjee even went to the extent of creating confusion among the Hindus when her party decided to celebrate Ramotsav. But the Bengali Hindus rejected Mamta’s false Ram-bhakti and accepted the saffron flag instead of the blue. It had proven that now even in Bengal, the politics will revolve on Hindu issues.

Mamta’s frustration at failing to stem the Shobha Yatras has led her to restart her atrocities against Hindus.The stage of Shri Ram was damaged in Burdwan by her goons and attacks were carried out on Ram Bhakts. One Ram Bhakt was killed in the incident. This is what once again encouraged the Jehadi Muslims to attack Ram Navmi shobha yatras. Many places including Raniganj and Purulia became the centre of such attacks on Hindus. The shops and residences of Hindus were broken open, bullets fired on them, bombs hurled at them and Hindu temples were attacked. One police officer had to lose his hand in the incident. The Jehadi Muslims could carry out such dastardly attacks riding on the back of Mamta’s anti Hindu policies only.

Despite the arson and attack on the Bengali Hindus, Mamta has the temerity to ask if Ram used to carry guns and swords? Vishva Hindu Parishad challenges Mamta Banerjee to ask the same question of Paigambar Mohammad during Moharram, does she have the guts to? The Hindu in Bengal will not take things lying down anymore, it won’t be beaten up and then again trampled upon by the CM.

Through the Press statement issued by the VHP National spokesperson Vinod Bansal the VHP leader asked ‘Is the Hindu a second class citizen in Bengal’?. Or does Mamta want to convert West Bengal into Bangladesh where Hindus observe their festivals under the fear of Islam? The VHP again warns Mamta Banerjee that if the atrocities against Hindus continue like this, then the Bengali Hindu will be constrained to take things into their own hands to protect themselves and their Dharma.

  “Land Laws, Land Acquisition, and Scheduled Areas in India”.

CPR Land Rights Initiative 
Dear all,
 
Thanks to all those who participated in our Fourth Annual Conference on “Land Laws, Land Acquisition, and Scheduled Areas in India”. To those, who couldn’t make it to the conference, we will be sharing with you recordings of the conference proceedings in the near future. We are grateful to all of you for your continued support for and encouragement of our work. 
 
Please find listed below some highlights from the conference. 
 
A. Launch of CPR Land Rights Initiative Report
 
The conference featured the launch of the CPR Land Rights Initiative Report on “The Legal Regime and Political Economy of Land Rights of Scheduled Tribes in the Scheduled Areas of India”. In addition, the conference featured presentation of findings from two of our ongoing research projects on “Land Acquisition Disputes in India” and “Mapping Land Legislation in India”. These presentations included findings from our previous Report on “Land Acquisition in India: A Review of Supreme Court cases from 1950 to 2016”, which was launched at our Third Annual Conference on “Land Rights, Land Acquisition, and Inclusive Development in India” in 2017. The conference and the CPR LRI Reports and findings were extensively covered by print and television media. 
 
B. Newspaper coverage of CPR Land Rights Initiative Conference, Projects and Reports 
 
1. Land Acquisition Disputes
 
Dr. Namita Wahi was interviewed by Live Law, a legal news portal, in which she spoke about the recent controversy in the Supreme Court with respect to the interpretation of Section 24 of the Right to Fair Compensation, and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation, and Resettlement Act, 2013.
 
2. Land Laws Database
The Sunday Guardian in a piece titled “Database for land laws being created” reported findings from the CPR LRI  “Land laws” database of 556 laws from seven states of India, including, Andhra Pradesh, Assam, Bihar, Gujarat, Jharkhand, Meghalaya, and Telangana.
3. Land Rights in the Scheduled Areas 
The Wire in a piece titled, “Scheduled Areas may be generating mineral wealth, but it’s not going to STs” reported extensively from the CPR LRI Report on why despite constitutional protections, the STs remain the most vulnerable and impoverished groups in India.
C. TV coverage of CPR Land Rights Initiative Work
1. In a Lok Sabha Television Show called  ‘अस्तित्व: देश का बढ़ता भू संघर्ष’, Dr. Namita Wahi shared findings from CPR Land Rights Initiative reports and ongoing research on the reasons for extensive and growing conflict over land in India. 
2. Go News reported on findings from the CPR LRI “Scheduled Areas” report as well as the “Land Laws” database, and “Land Acquisition” report.
We will be in touch soon with the recordings of the conference proceedings. In the meantime, you can follow us on our Facebook and Twitter pages .
 
As always, we look forward to your feedback and continued support. 
 
 
 
Best wishes,
 
CPR Land Rights Initiative Team 
CPR LAND RIGHTS INITIATIVE
Dharma Marg, Chanakyapuri | New Delhi 110021
  


Build India bit by bit

Sagar Media  Inc run online media company with our own accrual with no fiscal help from other than our family run companies to which me as Honorary Gr Chair work with passion to bring change not only to lower level of strata but in elite stratas of society who are capitivated by insured government  jobs our endeavour to inject passion in elite and affluence look for neo opportunities in tech for masses to build garner employment  for millions.
In process in our endeavour each day we are taunted, daunted, humilated affronted, insulted sometime scolded for no reason. We are made fun by our near dears  the family members but goal is crystal clear. Our efforts is both cleansing soul and spreading mental awareness for deeper understanding  of our spirtiual mental powers with which we all are blessed. How it works ? When your intutive mind acts in tandom with intellect and wisdom find one in tight path.
Taking affront  with smile some time with red face and scold of our colleagues in our jouney we fond sojourn travel an interesting feature where we mingle all sorts of people with rainbow aura we need to read.
Thus helps in differentiating there is an of reading mind constrctuion on thy face.

Naresh Kumar Sagar
Naresh Kumar Sagar
@Nksagar
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1h
Sagar Media Inc: Water is not scarce but water management is intense and muti tasking subject which need awarenes training to application of natural and scientific instrumentation means from solar pumps to building biggers water reserviour both for supply recharge creating wbod
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Naresh Kumar Sagar
Naresh Kumar Sagar
@Nksagar
·
1h
Sagar Media Inc : infrastructure being taken care of Min Nitin in cool speed but River rejuvenation he talk of judiciary ask for e engines but rejuvenation cant happen unless embankment are strenthen satellite mapping done and society is restrited to dump waste in life line?
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Uber has brought Brussels to its knees

Naresh Kumar Sagar
Naresh Kumar Sagar
@Nksagar
·
47m
Uber has brought EU Brussels to its knees with public transport failing because of Digitalising Companie drivers association is second extortionist after their mad masters pobcketing the LSG state & national gov under scam in wrapers who gets booty with min hassals EU too infix
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Naresh Kumar Sagar
Naresh Kumar Sagar
@Nksagar
·
57m
Sagar Media Inc :We have worked when most of professional in trade talk of impossibillities the work is done with ease is because visualise the professeional hazards get over with its solution before one expression of interest in project.Indian lack Dignity of Labor no lofttalks
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CPR: Unpacking India-China Relations


Apr
4
CPR is pleased to invite you to a discussion on
Unpacking India-China Relations
A conversation between Ambassador Shyam Saran, Srinath Raghavan, and Zorawar Daulet Singh
Wednesday, 4 April 2018, 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Image Source
The full discussion will be streamed through Facebook live on CPR’s Facebook page.
As the dust settles from the last year’s Doklam Standoff between India and China, relationship between the two neighbours has entered a state of flux. Even as domestic political priorities have come to the fore in both countries, India and China are discovering new spots of friction and struggling to evolve a sustainable framework of cooperation. Against the backdrop of the latest diplomatic efforts by both sides to put the relationship on an even keel, our in-house experts on Chinese and Indian foreign policy will consider the geopolitics, strategy and economics underpinning this new conjuncture in India-China relations and its implications for the two countries, for Asia and beyond.  
Ambassador Shyam Saran, senior fellow at CPR, is a former foreign secretary and has served as the Prime Minister’s Special Envoy for Nuclear Affairs and Climate Change, chairman of the National Security Advisory Board, and chairman of the Research and Information System for Developing Countries. He is currently a member of the governing board of CPR, Life Trustee of the India International Centre, a trustee of the World Wildlife Fund (India), a member of the National Executive of FICCI, and an independent director at the Press Trust of India.
Srinath Raghavan is a senior fellow at CPR. He is also a senior research fellow at the India Institute at King’s College, London. He works on contemporary and historical aspects of India’s foreign and security policies. His most recent book India’s War: The Making of Modern South Asia, 1939-45 featured among the top non-fiction bestsellers, was chosen as Book of the Year by the Financial Times, and received glowing reviews both nationally and internationally. He is a regular columnist and commentator on international and strategic affairs. Prior to his academic career, he spent six years as an infantry officer in the Indian Army.
Zorawar Daulet Singh is an author and foreign affairs analyst. He is a Fellow at the Centre for Policy Research. He is also an Adjunct Fellow with the Institute of Chinese Studies and a Visiting Fellow at the Forum for Strategic Initiative. Zorawar’s research interests include India’s foreign policy, various dimensions of India China relations, Eurasian geopolitics, and, international political economy. His recent books include India China Relations: The Border Issue and Beyond and Chasing the Dragon: Will India Catch up with China? Zorawar is currently working on a comparative study of Nehru and Indira Gandhi’s regional policies through an examination of six major crises during the Cold War.
Please RSVP at president.cpr@cprindia.org. Seating is limited and will be on first come first serve basis.

‘ITA TUNNELING AWARDS 2018’

China invites international tunneling and underground engineering competition : t
Dear All,
The International Tunnelling and Underground Space Association is launching a new edition of its worldwide competition of tunnel engineering and underground construction, the ITA Tunnelling Awards !
Since 2015, the international competition “the ITA Tunnelling Awards” seeks and rewards the most ground-breaking innovation and outstanding projects in tunnelling and underground space utilization. 
The 2018 edition will take place on 7 November, in Chuzhou-Nanjing during the 20thChinese Tunnel and Underground works Conference (CTUC) from 5 to 6 Nov. followed by technical visits on Nov.8 in Nanjing, Chuzhou and Shanghai.
After editions in Switzerland, Singapore and Paris, the fourth ITA Tunnelling Awards will return to Asia for the 2018 event. The three previous editions of the ITA Tunnelling Awards received more than 240entries and 110 nominations, rewarded 30 projects and personalities and gathered more than 750 attendees.
The application process is now open and candidacies can be registered until May 31st, in the ITA Tunnelling Awards website through 9 categories : https://awards.ita-aites.org/ 
You can access the full press release by clicking the links at the bottom of the e-mail.
I remain at your disposal for further informations, 
Diane LOTH, ITA Press Officer, + 33 6 47 27 74 29, d.loth@giesbert-mandin.fr 

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