Zee TV | India’s Best Cinestar Ki Khoj to launch on 5th July
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The entertaining journey of India’s aspiring cine stars begins on Sat, 5th July
Dhoom 3 director Victor & Sonali Bendre to judge the series
Parineeti-Ayushmann are first amongst a slew of film achievers
to guide & inspire the contestants
to guide & inspire the contestants
Mumbai, 26th June: You felt your heart race with excitement when Simran almost missed the train and Raj held out his hand for her … You danced a jig yourself when you saw Rani overcome her inhibitions and groove on top of the bar in Queen. You gave your friends a high-five as you stepped out of 3 Idiots because there was so much of the film you’d lived out with them. You felt a twinge in your belly as you relived your first heartbreak when a teary eyed Anjali, on seeing Rahul and Tina together, told her hostel housekeeper “Mera Pehla Pyaar Adhura Reh Gaya!” There’s no denying that we, as Indians, experience the entire range of emotions through the world of movies and our beloved cine stars. With films and actors touching practically everyone’s lives in one way or the other, Zee TV’s next BIG ticket, non-fiction property is bound to touch a chord!
Starting 5th July at 9 PM every Saturday & Sunday on Zee TV is an exciting, new 13 week reality series called ‘India’s Best Cinestars Ki Khoj powered by Glam up’ – a hunt for the most versatile, talented cine stars who have it in them to light up the silver screen with their acting prowess and charisma! What’s more … it’ll be the viewers who will have as much say as the judges in deciding who will be India’s next big cinestar. So, with some power-packed histrionics and mind-blowing performances coming your way from some of the most promising acting talent in the country, the show is bound to be your one-stop entertainment shop!
Having concluded a nationwide series of auditions across 18 cities in an attempt to smoke out the most promising acting talent from every nook and corner of the country, Zee TV has signed on Vijay Krishna Acharya aka Victor, the director of Dhoom 3, the highest grossing Bollywood film worldwide and gorgeous actress Sonali Bendre to judge the show. The channel and production houses Essel Vision Pvt Ltd and TrompeL’oiel Media Pvt Ltd. are considering other A-league actors and renowned directors for the third position on the judges’ panel. Parineeti Chopra and Ayushmann Khurana, who embody the picture of India’s emerging youth and all its aspirations, have been called upon to guide and inspire the contestants with their own examples in the audition phase.
Zee TV Programming Head Namit Sharma said, “Zee TV has always stood for celebrating the talent of India’s common man. In 1995, the channel created the mecca of singing talent in the country with Sa Re Ga Ma Pa and introduced the entertainment fraternity to some of its leading singers such as Shreya Ghoshal, Shekhar and Kunal Ganjawala. Dance India Dance, similarly gave hope to a million dance enthusiasts across the country, making stars out of Salman, Shakti Mohan, Dharmesh, Raghav and Prince. After revolutionizing the worlds of singing and dancing, Zee TV is all set to make a similar impact in the world of acting with our exciting reality series India’s Best Cinestars Ki Khoj. We have a knack of identifying the right talent, we look forward to an interesting season of this show! The sheer range of performances spanning diverse styles of acting that the audiences will see in the course of the season will make the show a one-stop shop for entertainment.”
The show will put its participants through a slew of challenging rounds designed to test their creativity and ability of enacting a variety of different roles. Spanning varied genres such as romance, comedy, drama, dance and action, the contestants will be called upon to prove their versatility, presence of mind, spontaneity and sheer mettle across a number of different acting styles.
About signing on Victor & Sonali as judges, Namit Sharma, Programming Head, Zee TV said, “Victor is the man behind one of the biggest Bollywood hits of all times – Dhoom 3. He has the credits to the story, screenplay and dialogue of the entire Dhoom franchise. He’s worked with Mani Ratnam on films like Guru. He’s a multi-faceted personality and has worked closely with some of the finest actors of the country. His knack for identifying, grooming and honing acting talent makes him a perfect fit for the show. Sonali is a very attractive, glamorous actress with an impressive body of work. She’s been a part of blockbusters such as Sarfarosh and Hum Saath Saath Hain, critically acclaimed films like Zakhm and continues to do some great work in films and television. She has been a much loved judge of our successful children’s acting hunt show ‘India’s Best Dramebaaz’ and we’re extremely pleased to continue this association. We’ll soon announce a third judge!”
The show presents the talented youth of the country with a golden opportunity to have an interface with some of Bollywood’s most renowned film makers, actors, choreographers and be groomed by them. About bringing Parineeti and Ayushmann on board, Namit Sharma adds, “We’ve roped in a number of achievers from the film fraternity, who’ve made a distinct mark for themselves, to be a part of the selection and grooming process of our contestants. We’re happy to have Parineeti & Ayushman join us on India’s Best Cinestars Ki Khoj in the audition phase. This will take our contestants’ exposure to the real world of films to the next level. Parineeti’s journey from being a PR consultant and an aspiring investment banker to a leading cinestar is remarkable to say the least. Ayushmann, a rank outsider with no film connections, has made it big entirely on the merit of his sheer talent. His versatility encompasses everything from singing and anchoring to acting. The insights they can share will add immense value to the learning process of our budding Cinestars.” So starting 5th July, stay tuned to ‘India’s Best Cinestars ki Khoj powered by Glam up’ every Saturday-Sunday at 9 PM, only on Zee TV!
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PM seeks French cooperation in areas of low-cost defence manufacturing
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Prime Minister Narendra Modi has sought French cooperation in the areas of low-cost defence manufacturing, skill development, urban planning, tourism and heritage conservation.
Referring to French support to Ahmedabad Heritage project, the Prime Minister said India has planned to build heritage cities and 100 new smart cities for which France can extend its expertise. Mr Modi was speaking at a meeting with visiting French Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius in New Delhi today.
For his part, the French Foreign Minister expressed keenness of his country to expand cooperation with the new government in Delhi. He also discussed student exchange programme and further deepening of technological cooperation between the two countries.
External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, Foreign Secretary Sujatha Singh and ambassadors of India and France were also present in the meeting.
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Iraq: 1st session of newly elected 328-member parliament convened
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In Iraq, the first session of the newly elected 328-member parliament has been convened in the capital Baghdad today.
Ahead of the session, elected Iraqi lawmakers from the majority Shia, minority Sunni and Kurdish community discussed the structure of a new Government amidst the push of ISIL militants towards the capital.
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LPG price hiked by Rs. 16.50 per cylinder
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Price of non-subsidised cooking gas (LPG) was today hiked by 16 rupees 50 paise per cylinder.
Indian Oil Corporation said each non-subsidised 14.2 kilogram cooking gas cylinder will now cost 922 rupees 50 paise in Delhi.
It will cost 966 rupees in Kolkata, 949 rupees 50 paise in Mumbai and 924 rupees in Chennai.
The hike was necessitated following surge in prices of international oil due to the ongoing Iraq crisis.
Non-subsidised LPG rates were last month cut by 23 rupees 50 paise per cylinder.
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150 Indians likely to return home from Iraq this evening
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About 150 Indian nationals are expected to reach back home from war-torn Iraq this evening.
External Affairs Ministry spokesman Syed Akbaruddin told this to AIR News. India is facilitating return of six hundred Indian nationals this week from non-conflict zones of Iraq.
Giving an update on the situation in Iraq, Mr Akbaruddin said Indian diplomats in Iraq are reaching out to Indians and facilitating the paperwork and ticketing for those who want to return home.
He said 60 Indians left from Najaf, 30 from Karbala and four from Baghdad yesterday.
The Spokesman said, all Indians are leaving by commercial flights but India is ready to evacuate Indian nationals if need arises.
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Chennai Building collapse toll rises to 28,
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Eight more bodies were recovered on Tuesday, taking the toll in the collapse of an under- construction multi-storeyed building in Chennai to 28 even as three persons were pulled out alive, a senior government official said.
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A total of 26 persons have been rescued so far as the non-stop rescue efforts, involving multiple agencies, entered the fourth day on Tuesday, Director, Public Health, K Kulandaisamy said.
“Mahesh was rescued alive today besides two others. He has indicated that several persons are alive under the rubble including his wife. This has enthused rescue personnel,” the official said.
He said they were hopeful of rescuing more persons today.
“We are very hopeful and positive. Also, there are indications about the likely location of the survivors under the rubble. We hope that survivors should be holed up in that location”, he said.
Kulandaisamy said there were indications that the first and ground floors of the building had not fully crumbled.
“It is the guess of rescue personnel going by the account of the rescued man. We cannot say anything more now.”
Of the three rescued on Tuesday, two belonged to Andhra Pradesh and they have been admitted in the SRMC. “They are stable,” the official said.
Six persons, including two owners and two engineers, had been arrested under various sections of the IPC in connection with the building collapse.
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Ukrainian president ends unilateral ceasefire
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Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko says he is halting a unilateral cease-fire in the conflict with pro-Russian separatists and says Ukrainian forces will go on the offensive against the rebels.
A statement from Poroshenko on his website says the cease-fire is being halted and that “we will attack and we will free our country.” The fragile cease-fire expired Monday night.The idea was to give rebels a chance to disarm and to start a broader peace process including an amnesty and new elections.
But rebels did not disarm, and the ceasefire was continually violated.
Rebels did not comply with Poroshenko’s latest push to get them to turn over key border crossings with Russia and permit international monitoring of the cease-fire.
“The unique chance to put the peace plan into practice was not realised,” Poroshenko said in a speech prepared for delivery to the nation.
“This happened because of the criminal actions of the fighters.” Poroshenko had already extended the cease-fire from seven days as part of a plan to end the fighting that has killed more than 400 people since April.
Poroshenko’s decision followed four-way talks in search of a solution with Russian President Vladimir Putin, German Chancellor Angela Merkel and French President Francois Hollande Monday as the deadline approached.
He issued a statement after the talks ended saying the key conditions needed to continue the ceasefire had not been met.
European leaders and the US have urged Russia to use its influence with the rebels to ease the bloodshed and have threatened to impose another round of economic sanctions against Moscow.
While Putin has expressed support for the cease-fire, the West has accused Russia of allowing weapons and fighters to flow across the border into Ukraine.
Poroshenko said he meant for a cease-fire to be followed by an amnesty for fighters who had not considered serious crimes, and political concessions such as early local and regional elections, protections for speakers of Russian and, in the longer term, changes to the constitution to decentralise power to the regions.
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Categories : Politics, Uncategorized, world News
US-China Strategic and Economic Dialogue on July 9-10
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The next round of annual US-China Strategic and Economic Dialogue would be held in Beijing on July 9 and 10.
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US Secretary of State John Kerry and Treasury Secretary Jack Lew would travel to China next week for this omprehensive dialogue between the two countries.
They would be joined for the Dialogue by their respective Chinese co-chairs, State Councilor Yang Jiechi and Vice Premier Wang Yang, along with members of the US delegation and their Chinese counterparts.
“The Dialogue will focus on addressing the challenges and opportunities that both countries face on a wide range of bilateral, regional and global areas of immediate and long-term economic and strategic interest,” an official statement said.
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Germany beat Algeria 2-1 to enter quarterfinals
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Germany and Algeria were tied goalless at the end of the first half of the last-16 FIFA World Cup match on late Monday.
Andre Schuerrle and Mesut Ozil struck in extra time to earn Germany a 2-1 win over Algeria in a pulsating last-16 clash here and a quarter-final date with France.Chelsea forward Schuerrle broke the deadlock in the 92nd minute, with Arsenal’s Ozil adding a second in the 120th minute.
Abdelmoumene Djabou struck in the first minute of stoppage time to give Algeria a consolation goal.
This was Algeria’s first ever appearance in the knockout stages and they covered themelves with glory, taking the game to the three-time champions.
Sporting Lisbon striker Islam Slimani had a goal disallowed for offside in the first half while Germany’s best early chance came as the break beckoned, when only the lightning reflexes of Algeria keeper Rais Mbolhi denied first Toni Kroos’ and then Mario Goetze from the rebound.
Germany coach Joachim Loew introduced Schuerrle for Goetze after the interval and he almost made an immediate impact, his 48th minute drive only narrowly deflected. Mbolhi then made a superb flying fingertip save to deny Phillip Lahm.
In an enthralling evening’s entertainment at this southern port city Mbolhi once again did the north African’s proud, punching away Thomas Mueller’s header with 10 minutes of regulation time remaining.
With the sides deadlocked, extra time was required, and Schuerrle finally was the man to find a way past Mbolhi, flicking the ball with the inside of his heel at close range after Mueller’s cross from the left in the 92nd minute.
Ozil then struck before Djabou’s contribution.
Friday’s quarter-final at Rio de Janeiro’s Maracana is a repeat of the 1986 semi-final won by the then West-Germany.
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FIFA: France beat Nigeria 2-0 to enter quarterfinals
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France struck twice in the second half to beat Nigeria 2-0 and enter the quarter-finals of the FIFA World Cup at the Estadio Nacional on Monday.
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France broke the deadlock in the 79th minute through Paul Pogba before doubling their lead in additional time through an own by Joseph Yobo.
Nigeria started on bright note and enjoyed the lions’ share of possession at least in the opening 20 minutes of the game.
Neigeria’s persistent efforts resulted in a free-kick just outside the French circle in the 17th minute when Peter Odemwingie was brought down by Blaise Matuidi but the Super Eagles failed to cash in on the chance.
Two minutes later Emmanuel Emenike found the back of France net with a deft touch only to to be ruled out marginally off side by the line referee.
Nigeria certainly was on top at the opening exchanges as France played the second fiddle. But France got their acts back quickly and had a great chance in the 22nd minute only to be denied by a brilliant Vincent Enyeama in front of Nigeria goal.
Enyeama showed brilliant reflexes to keep out Paul Pogba’s powerful shot after a one-two with Mathieu Valbuena.
France enjoyed a rare spell of possession in the last 12 minutes of the opening half but to no avail as their forwardline lacked creativity.
The Les Bleus had one one of the best chance of the half in the 40th minute when Valbuena clipped a ball into the onrushing Debuchy whose effort was off target. The Newcastle man should possibly have done better with that despite the box being crowded with bodies.
French strikers Olivier Giroud and Karim Benzema were almost anonymous in the opening half as Nigeria came out with stout defending.
Just like the opening half, Nigeria started livelier of the two teams after the change of ends.
Odemwingie came close to breaking the deadlock for Nigeria but his fierce strike well saved by skipper Hugo Lloris in front of French goal.
France coach Didier Deschamps’ decision to bring in Antoine Griezmann in place Giroud was bang on target as it imbibed fresh life into their forwardline. Benzema then looked threatening for the first time in the match in the 70th minute but his effort was cleared off the line by Victor Moses.
Seven minutes later, France came tentalisingly close to breaking the stalemate when Yohan Cabaye’s effort rattled the woodwork.
But France’s consistent pressure finally bore fruit when Pogba headed in from their eighth corner after Enyeama flapped at a cross which found Pogba in a clear position. If not for that one mistake, Enyeama stood like a rock in front of the Nigeria goal as six minutes from whistle he sticked out a huge hand to deny Griezmann.
It was all over Nigeria as France doubled their lead in the extra-time when Yobo scored an own goal while trying to clear Valbuena’s low ball towards Griezmann. France will meet the winners of the match between Germany and Algeria in the quarterfinals
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Adarsh: CBI files 2nd supplementary chargesheet, preparing SCN
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The Central Bureau of Investigation has completed its probe in the multi-crore Adarsh Society scam with the agency filing a second supplementary charge sheet in a special CBI court last month.
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The agency is also preparing a Self Content Note (SCN) of the flat owners who were found ineligible to buy a flat in the society which will soon be handed over to the Maharashtra government.
“The charge sheet is filed against five accused, including one member and four financiers,” a CBI official said on Tuesday.
One of the society members died, hence he was not named in the charge sheet, said the official.
The charge sheet, filed last month, names former MLA Mukundrao Mankar, Landscape Realtors Private Limited (LRPL), Sanjay Kondwar and Gopal Kondwar (both directors of LRPL) and UK-based NRI Sharad Madan.
The flat of Lieutenant Colonel-rank personnel was allegedly financed by Madan but since he is no more, the agency has named only Madan in the charge sheet.
LRPL was a shell company floated with a sole aim of allegedly financing ‘benami’ flat in Adarsh, the official said.
“LRPL gave a loan of Rs 62 lakhs to Mankar,” he alleged.
According to the charge sheet, LRPL received money from other five to six shell companies.
Interestingly, the address of one of the shell companies which allegedly financed LRPL is that of an educational institution chaired by a state Cabinet minister.
The CBI said that they have not found any link of the involvement of the minister.
Meanwhile, the agency is preparing a SCN of the 27 flat owners who were found ineligible to buy a flat in the society. The SCN will be handed over to state Chief Secretary.
“The list of 27 members include flats of Indian diplomat Devyani Khobragade and former Union Power Minister Suresh Prabhu,” said the CBI official.
Once the SCN on CBI findings is submitted, the state government can decide on the future course of action, he said.
“The state can decide on whether or not to cancel their membership,” said a CBI official.
The official also said that “loan availed by relatives of former state Chief Minister Ashok Chavan from a Pune-based builder were returned within few years after purchase of flat.”
The 13 accused named in the first charge sheet of CBI, which includes Ashok Chavan, have been charged with criminal conspiracy, cheating and criminal misconduct under the Indian Penal Code, besides the Prevention of Corruption Act.
However, the CBI later moved the Bombay High Court saying that Chavan’s name be dropped as Maharashtra Governor has not given sanction for his prosecution.
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Junior Golfing talents in the fray for USHA DGC Juniors Golf Championship, 2014
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New Delhi, June 30, 2014: Post the recently conducted Usha DGC Junior Golf Training program (JTP), the last camp of which was concluded on the 20th of June 2014, Usha International presents the USHA DGC Junior Golf Championship, 2014, which is set to get underway at the lush green Delhi Golf Club. Round 1 will be played at the Lodhi course and the Peacock course on July 1, Tuesday and July 2, 2014.
The draw has seen acceptance from 103 junior golfers in all. The event will be played in the stroke-play format over three days and 54 holes. The winner is likely to emerge on Friday, July 04, 2014.
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1072014
Dear ALL,
India’s external debt at about US$ 441 bn
India’s external debt, as at end-March 2014, was placed at US$ 440.6 billion showing an increase of US$ 31.2 billion or 7.6% over the level at end-March 2013. The increase in total external debt during financial year 2013-14 was primarily on account of rise in Non-Resident Deposits. The surge in outstanding stock of NRI deposits can mainly be attributed to mobilisation of fresh FCNR(B) deposits by commercial banks under the swap scheme offered by the Reserve Bank during September to November 2013. In terms of major components, the share of external commercial borrowings continued to be the highest at 33.3% of total external debt, followed by NRI deposits (23.6%) and short term debt (20.3%)
External Debt – Outstanding and Variation
Source: Ministry of Finance, Government of India and Reserve Bank of India
On the other hand, increase in the magnitude of external debt was partly offset by the valuation change (gain) resulting from appreciation of US dollar against Indian rupee and other international currencies. Further, share of short term debt in total debt in terms of original maturity as well as residual maturity also declined due to net repayments of short-term debt and withdrawal of FII investment from debt securities during 2013-14.
Based on residual maturity, the short-term debt accounted for 39.6% of total external debt as at end-March 2014 as compared to 42.1%% at end-March 2013. Within the short-term debt based on residual maturity, the share of NRI deposits was the highest at 31.4%. The ratio of short-term debt by residual maturity to foreign exchange reserves worked out to 57.4% at end-March 2014.The valuation gain during 2013-14 amounted to US$ 9.4 billion reflecting the appreciation of US dollar against the Indian rupee and other major currencies. Thus, excluding the valuation gains, the stock of external debt as at end-March 2014 would have increased by US$ 40.6 billion instead of US$ 31.2 billion over end-March 2013. US dollar denominated debt continued to be the largest component of India ’s external debt with a share of 61.8% as at end-March 2014, followed by Indian rupee (21.1%), SDR (6.9%), Japanese Yen (5.1%) and Euro (3.4%).
Residual Maturity of External Debt Outstanding as at End-March 2014
Source: RBI
Government (Sovereign) external debt stood at US$ 81.5 billion as at end-March 2014 as against US$ 81.7 billion as at end-March 2013. The shares of Government and non-Government external debt in the total external debt were 18.5% and 81.5%, respectively, as at end-March 2014
India’s Key External Debt Indicators
Source: RBI
Warm regards,
Dr. S P Sharma
Chief Economist
________________________________________________
PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry
August Kranti Marg, New Delhi – 110016
Tel 91 11 49545454, Fax 91 11 26855450,
E mail – spsharma@phdcci.in
Website http://www.phdcci.in
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AAP WORLD Party for Arvind Kejriwal – Internal Conflict
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CAG-CBI Reported MEGA Bungling in ALL Ambani Companies
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Modi Can Revive Ties With Nepal
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South Asia is a tough environment for optimists. Too many false starts and near misses. But sitting in Kathmandu, I feel optimistic about the prospects for regional integration in South Asia. My optimism arises because of the news of Foreign Minister Sushma Swaraj’s imminent visit to Dhaka to be followed by her visit to Kathmandu reportedly in preparation for Prime Minister Modi’s tentatively planned visit to Nepal in the beginning of August.
This is just amazing news, coming as it does on the heels of his invitation to South Asian heads of government for his swearing in and making Bhutan his first foreign visit. If Modi does visit Nepal, ahead of his first speech from the Red Fort and prior to visiting any country outside South Asia, it will mark a positive change in Indian foreign policy.
Positives
For me, who has been propagating the cause of and working on regional cooperation in South Asia since the mid- eighties ( nearly 30 years), this is almost too good to be true. My hope is that this change in the focus and orientation of our foreign policy will soon be reflected down the line in the MEA. Henceforth, South Block and India will wholeheartedly accept the asymmetric responsibility for making South Asia an integrated economic space with open borders that permit free, but legally permitted movement of people, goods and services.
Modi’s predecessor, Manmohan Singh, was himself a strong proponent of open borders in South Asia. But quite inexplicably he did not find the time to visit Nepal! Consequently, Indo- Nepal relations suffered inordinately. Many friends of India have been angry at Nepal being left to be handled by the ‘ Agencies’ with political contacts being allowed to wither away. This could be the critical difference between Singh and Modi. The latter has quite visibly put politics in command. For a Prime Minister to have met all his counterparts in the region and visited two neighbouring capitals within the first 100 days of becoming Prime Minister is history making action.
It clearly distinguishes Modi from all his predecessors. It also sends a clear signal that henceforth India will give the highest priority to its neighbourhood, and not look for kudos from global powers or seek to punch above its weight on the global scene. Realism and the pursuit of national interest, the two drivers of India’s foreign policy, requires that South Asia has now become India’s central focus.
Coming back to Nepal, it may be important for the two governments to try and sort out some of the outstanding issues in Indo- Nepal relations prior to Modi’s visit that is also aimed at paying homage to Lord Pashupatinath, the protector of Kathmandu. There is a good chance for an agreement being finalised between GMR and the Government of Nepal to start work on the 600 MW hydro power project. The PMO could encourage GMR to take a quick decision on this and push the project forward.
This will mark a major breakthrough and could be the beginning of Nepal’s journey to prosperity and South Asia’s progress to energy security.
Irritants
India also needs to address the concerns of a vocal minority in Nepal which is opposed to export of hydropower to India if the commercial exploitation of nearly 80,000 MW of Nepal’s hydropower potential could become a reality. Modi would do well to push the envelope forward, by declaring, while in Kathmandu, India’s support for a South Asian region electricity grid and announcing India’s willingness to allow unimpeded flow of Nepalese hydropower energy across Indian territory to other countries in South Asia. This will be a big win and has the potential to change the development trajectory in the entire region.
At the same time, some minor irritants have to be removed to make this visit truly historical. Indian border officials do not endear themselves to the vast number of Nepalese who cross the open border and go back home from their jobs in India. The petty and ham- handed corruption and harassment meted out by personnel of the Seema Suraksha Bal, other para- military forces and the Customs department to Nepalese youth changes potential goodwill towards India into deep seated anger among them.
Sentiments
This results in the creation of long term negative sentiment that is difficult to counter despite the presence of a large number of Nepalese who have been educated in Indian universities and carry very fond memories for their time spent in India. This pernicious practice can surely be changed almost overnight with strict directions going out from the home ministry and the CBEC. The PMO may want to ensure that such directions are issued prior to Modi’s visit.
Secondly, India still requires the testing of food products exported from Nepal ( ginger is one of them) to be tested in CFTRI laboratories located in Kolkata, Delhi or Lucknow. This process takes up to 2- 3 weeks and is marked with rampant rent seeking. India should create sufficient testing capabilities within Nepal in a fast track manner under our technical cooperation program.
Finally, India has to demonstrate its sensitivity to the vulnerability felt on a daily basis by a land locked country like Nepal. It was a huge mistake on our part to have flexed our muscle in the past and exposed Nepal’s critical dependence on India for all its necessary imports. Such negative memories take exceptionally long to be erased. Do Indians still not remember 1962? The surest way to help Nepal build a more trust based relationship with India is for Modi to guarantee unimpeded access to Indian roads and ports and airports for goods and services being imported or exported by Nepal.
He will surely be able to find the right formulations to convey this guarantee as explicitly as possible.
Modi appears to have a vision for South Asia, which is in sync with his vision for India. More importantly he has already started taking decisive action in pursuit of this vision. It is also now time for our global partners to work even more closely with us to accelerate the pace of South Asian regional integration.
Notes:
Author is a Senior Fellow at the Centre for Policy Research. He is also the former Director of ICRIER and former Secretary General of FICCI.
Dear Mr. SagarI am forwarding my article “Modi Can Revive Ties With Nepal” that has appeared in the newspaper “The Mail Today” on 27th June (Friday).
Your comments and suggestions are always appreciated.
With Best Regards,
Rajiv Kumar
Rajiv Kumar
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Categories : Environment, Politics, Uncategorized
GCC countries plan massive rail technology investment.
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Jamie, Middle East rail 2015
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Sikhs Helping Sikhs
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To Me
Today at 10:56 AM
http://www.deedaday.in is a project to save 250000 children in Punjab
These children are from economically distressed families who don’t have enough money for daily sustenance.
The only way to save a family locked in poverty is to help educate their child.
This will give them a chance to break the chains of poverty and lead a better life, once the child grows and enters the workforce.
Please help to save us. Adopt a child to help save the Panth.
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For more information please visit our website www.sikhshelpingsikhs.com,
or email us via sewa@sikhshelpingsikhs.com
For more information please visit our website www.sikhshelpingsikhs.com,
or email us via sewa@sikhshelpingsikhs.com
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AirAsia to re-enter Japan’s low cost carrier market
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TOKYO, 1 JULY – AirAsia today announced that it will be entering into a Shareholders Agreement with Octave Japan Infrastructure Fund I GK (Octave), Rakuten Inc. (Rakuten), Noevir Holdings Co. Ltd. (Noevir), and Alpen Co. Ltd. (Alpen) to establish AirAsia Japan.
Tony Fernandes, Group Chief Executive Officer of AirAsia said, “We are very excited to return to Japan’s skies together with Octave, Rakuten, Noevir and Alpen this time round. I am more confident than ever that AirAsia Japan, led by Odi (Odagiri Yoshinori) with the strong partnership we have with our new investors, will continue to realize our vision to revolutionize the low-cost carrier segment of Japan. The AirAsia Japan team is now working hard with the relevant authorities to obtain necessary operational approvals, and we hope that all will be in place to start both domestic and international flights by the summer of 2015.”
Odagiri Yoshinori, Chief Executive Officer of AirAsia Japan further commented, “We are ready to take on this challenge and with great teamwork, we hope to bring AirAsia’s successful low-cost business model once again to Japan. Our counterparts in Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, the Philippines and India have seen great and encouraging responses in their markets, and we will work towards the same for Japan. We would like to thank the investors for their belief in us and we look forward to working closely with them moving forward.”
Rakuten was incorporated in Japan on February 1997 and its major business includes Internet services (e-commerce, travel), financial services (bank, credit card, securities. etc), telecommunications and professional sports, while Noevir, which was incorporated in Japan on March 2011 and its major business includes cosmetics, pharmaceuticals and health food, apparel and aviation business.
Alpen was incorporated in Japan on July 1972 and its major business includes manufacturing and retail of ski equipment, other sporting goods equipment including golf, tennis, marine sports, baseball, etc. and leisure goods; management of ski resorts, golf courses and fitness clubs; while Octave was incorporated in Japan on May 2014 and its major business is to acquire, own, manage, hold, sell, and dispose of the shares of AirAsia Japan and make collections from the shares of AirAsia Japan.
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