Russia no to extending Kyoto Protocol

Russia said it won’t join the second commitment to extend the Kyoto Protocol. The Russian vice Prime Minister confirmed that his country will not sign on to the Second Commitment Period of the Kyoto Protocol. He told that Russia will announce its emissions reduction targets next week but they will not be attributed to the Second Commitment Period which Russia strongly opposes. It implies that Russia will lose the chance to take part in Joint Implementation projects on Climate Change in the future.

The move will have a negative effect on both the economy and low-carbon development in Russia. At the UN Climate change Conference in Durban two years ago, a group of 40 odd rich nations had agreed to cut by 5.2 percent their emissions below 1990 levels by the end of 2012 and to set up a $100 billion Green climate Fund to help the developing nations in climate change issues.

Neither of the two have fructified yet.
Japan has already stated that it won’t join the Second commitment and wants a fair, effective and transparent deal in which the emerging economies should also share the emission reduction cuts.

US has said that it won’t increase earlier commitments to cut emissions by 17 per cent below 2005 levels by 2020. New Zealand has also said that it won’t be a party to second commitment but would like to be involved in climate change talks.

It leaves only European Union, Australia and several smaller countries which account for less than 15 per cent of global emissions as the only parties ready for second commitment.

The BASIC countries led by Brazil, South Africa, India and China have said that the responsibility for the outcome of Climate Change talks depends on developed nations.

Day four at the ongoing UN Climate Change Conference in Doha was dedicated to the role of youth in the issues related to climate change. Experts and delegates from participating nations underlined the importance of involving and motivating them to prepare the world for a safe and secure environment.

The President of the Conference of Parties, COP-18, Qatar’s former energy minister Abdullah Bin Hamad Al Attiyah appreciated the contribution of the youth towards making world a cleaner and greener place to live in and said if UN doesn’t support them, whom will they support.

Egypt parliament passes draft of new constitution

November 30, 2012

 Egypt, the parliament passed the draft of the new constitution defining the roles and responsibilities of the executive, judiciary and legislature. A marathon session of parliament which lasted for sixteen hours each of the 230 articles of the new constitution were read and voted upon by the Islamist and Salafist MPs.
The liberal ,secular and leftist opposition along with minority Coptic Christians boycotted the proceedings of the house.
Under the Egyptian law, the draft has to be ratified now by President Morsey and put up for a nationwide referendum within 30 days.
In a televised interview, President Morsey said that it would be expedited in time since Egypt needs a constitution to have a properly elected parliament, an independent judiciary, and a President who executes the law. He defended his decisions as a step to save the revolution that toppled Mubarak regime.
The newly formed National Salvation Front ,an umbrella of liberal,secular and leftist opposition and youth revolutionary movements has criticized the move as hasty and ill conceived.
In a statement it alleged that the regime is trying to impose a constitution monopolized by one trend and is the farthest from national consensus, produced in a farcical way.
The parliament decision is being seen as an attempt to pre-empt a court ruling that could dissolve the constitution drafting body.
The Supreme Constitutional Court was due to give its ruling on the dissolution of the constitution assembly and the upper house of parliament on Sunday.
Analysts say it may further aggravate the tensions between the Government and the opposition which has been demanding scrapping of the Presidential decree which granted sweeping powers to President Morse

Economic growth declines to 5.3% in Jul-Sep quarter

Indian economy grew by 5.3 per cent in the July-September period of the current financial year (2012-13), pulled down by poor performance of manufacturing and agriculture sectors, showing persistent signs of slowdown.
The gross domestic product had expanded by 6.7 per cent in the same period of last fiscal.It had grown by 5.5 per cent in the first quarter (April-June) of 2012-13.  During the three-month period ended September 30, the manufacturing sector grew marginally by 0.8 per cent, against 2.9 per cent growth in the same period of 2011-12, according to data released by the Central Statistical Organisation (CSO) today.

Farm sector output expanded by just 1.2 per cent in the July-September period this fiscal against 3.1 per cent in the same period last year.  The economic growth in the first six month of this fiscal (April-September) is 5.4 per cent, lower than 7.3 per cent growth clocked in the year-ago period.  In the July-September quarter, trade, hotels, transport and communications segment also witnessed lower pace of growth at 5.5 per cent compared to 9.5 per cent expansion in the same quarter in year ago

Nov

30

ON FDI IN RETAIL NATIONWIDE DEMONSTRATION ON 4 DECEMBER

TRADERS ADOPT STRONG PROTEST STRATEGY ON FDI IN RETAIL

NATIONWIDE DEMONSTRATION ON 4 DECEMBER AGAINST JUGAAD RAJNEETI

In the wake of Loksabha Speaker's mandate to hold debate and voting under Rule 184 on FDI in Retail in Lok Sabha, the Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT) while cautioning the political parties particularly those who were earlier opposing and now supporting FDI by way of a couplet " Raat Ki Baat Sitaron Ne Gagan Bech Diya-Chand "o" Chandni Ki Lasho Ka Kafan Bech Diya. Aaj Adhikar Tumhe Phool Chuno Ya Kaante- Phir Na Kehna Ki Baharon Ne Chaman Bech Diya" and asked the political parties to give away their suspensive role and while clearing their positions, they should announce their opposition to FDI in Retail.

In the above couplet the "Sitare" is used for Govt and "Gagan" is used for economy while Chand -Chandni is signifying the vibrant retail trade of the Country. The Couplet also caution the people that they should execersie their right in the way which leaves no scope of regret. The CAIT said that by bringing FDI in Retail the Govt has put on stake the future and livelihood of crores and crores of people invloved in farming, trading, hawking, earning through small industry or transporting goods.Undoubtdly, the issue has now linked with the Votes and it will be of much importance to see the choice of Politicians whether it devolves on Multinational Companies or on domestic people. The outcome of such choice will certainly have major impact on future of the Country and that of political parties.

On the other hand, the stance of DMK to support the Govt has evoked a sharp response amongst the trading and other sectors which leads to a major rally of Traders held yesterday at Coimbatore and led by Tamilnadu Traders Association Federation President Mr. Vikram Raja who while criticising the DMK has demanded that DMK should withdraw its support from UPA Govt and demostrate its strong stand of opposing FDI in Retail. An environment of back biting is being emerged across the Tamilnadu and traders are planning to hold protest demonstartions against DMK all over the State in next days.

The CAIT while continuing its nationwide SMS campaign against FDI on second day today take the political parties like DMK to the task. The sms says " Pehle Virodh aur Ab Samarthan Ye Kaisi Manmani Hai-FDI Se Hoga Hamare Vote Ka Nirnay Humne Ab Ye Thani Hai". This sms has been sent in thousands to organisations of trade,farmers,hawkers, small industries,transporters etc. with a advise to further forward to their members and general public with a request to send it further. Accordingly several lakhs of sms have been exchanged during the day all over the Country. The sms is proving to be an effective tool for expressing dissent and in making public opinion.

The CAIT further said that to expose the dirty picture of "Jugaad Rajneeti" (manipulative politics), the traders will hold protest march, Dharna and will burn effigy of "Jugaad Rajneeti) on forthcoming 4th December all over the Country. Consultations are going with leaders of all other sectors of retail trade to transform a protest environment in the Country by 4th December.

Media Advisory       Worldwatch Institute Travels to Doha, Qatar for COP18         The Worldwatch Institute's Alexander Ochs sits on  panels and roundtables which will address the state of global climate negotiations and the development of renewable energies; solutions to increase global energy access; creating low-emission economies; and sustainable energy roadmaps in small island nations   Contact: Supriya Kumar, skumar@worldwatch.org, (+1) 202-745-8092, ext. 510.  Government provided incentives for transitioning to a low-carbon economy- trade implications When:          Saturday, December 1 - 9.00-11.30 a.m. Where:         Retral Al Rayyan Hotel, Dafna, Diplomatic District, Doha, Qatar Who:            Alexander Ochs, Climate and Energy Director, Worldwatch Institute Organizers: Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development and the International Centre for Trade and Sustainable Development (RSVP required) *** Developing Building Blocks of a Global Mitigation Architecture When:            Saturday, December 1- 14:00 - 18:30 Where:           Hotel InterContinental Doha (room "Al-Diwan") on Al Istiqlal Street, Doha, Qatar Who:              Alexander Ochs, Climate and Energy Director, Worldwatch Institute Organizer:      International Climate Initiative of the German Ministry of the Environment (RSVP required) *** What: Sustainable Energy for Island Economies - A High Impact Opportunity When:              Wednesday, December 5 - 11:30 - 13:00 Where:             Side Event Room 8, Qatar National Convention Center, Doha, Qatar Who:                Alexander Ochs, Climate and Energy Director, Worldwatch Institute Organizers:      Vision 20/30, in partnership with Sustainable Energy For All (SE4ALL), United Nations Development Programme, the World Bank, the Worldwatch Institute, and others.       ***  The Conference of Parties At the 1992 United Nations Conference on Environment and Development, informally known as the Earth Summit, 154 countries signed the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). By ratifying this treaty, these signatories demonstrated their commitment to stabilizing greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere. As of May 2011, the treaty had an additional 194 parties.  Since 1995, the parties to the convention have met annually in Conferences of the Parties (COP) to evaluate their progress in combating climate change. This year's event, COP18, will bring government representatives, international organizations, and civil society leaders to Doha, Qatar. Here, attendees will work to advance the mandates of the original Convention, the 1997 Kyoto Protocol, the 2011 Durban Platform, and further develop various COP action plans implemented in previous years.  Worldwatch Climate and Energy Director Alexander Ochs and members of his team will participate in several events at the conference. They will offer insights from their experiences advising governments around the world in their transitions to sustainable economies. Their upcoming work will take them to countries throughout Africa, the Caribbean, Central America, China, Europe, India and North America where they will help key policymakers identify feasible low-emissions development strategies.  On Saturday, December 1, the International Centre for Trade and Sustainable Development and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development will host a Roundtable Discussion addressing government policies which provide incentives for a shift towards a low-carbon economy, and the possible trade- and trade policy implications thereof. Panelists will discuss whether the current rules provide the flexibility countries need so as to design effective policies for climate change action. Worldwatch's Alexander Ochs will draw upon the recent REN21 Renewables Global Status Report 2012 and share insights from policy assessment work that Worldwatch has conducted with the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) as well as individual countries when working with them on their energy strategies. Also on Saturday, December 1, the International Climate Initiative (ICI) will host a networking and knowledge sharing workshop bringing together representatives of projects financed by ICI that supports climate mitigation around the world. Participants will share experiences among the ICI project community, discuss ideas, approaches and open questions, reflect on challenges and technical developments as well as identify good practices and recommendations. Ochs will share lessons learned from Worldwatch's Sustainable Energy Roadmap projects in the Caribbean. On Wednesday, December 5, the Climate Institute, along with other partner organizations including the UN Foundation, the Sustainable Energy for All initiative, the World Bank, and the Worldwatch Institute, will host a panel to showcase some of the leadership initiatives by island nations, and programs by the international and regional organizations in support of these island economies. Ochs will share insights from Worldwatch's Sustainable Energy Roadmap work in the Dominican Republic, Haiti, and Jamaica, as well as for Caribbean Community and Common Market. Ochs will also be taking part in meetings hosted by the International Climate Initiative where he is a member of the International Advisory Committee, the Low Emissions Development Global Partnership (LEDS-GP) where chairs the Energy Platform, as well as the Climate Knowledge Development Network and the International Council for Sustainable Energy.  Visit the  Worldwatch website for more information about its Climate and Energy Program.  ***  Note to Journalists: For more information on these events or any other interviews relating to COP18, please contact Supriya Kumar at skumar@worldwatch.org or at +1 (202)745-8092, ext. 510. Or you can contact Alexander Ochs directly in Doha (UTC+3) at +1 (646) 812 6252. About the Worldwatch Institute: Worldwatch is an independent research organization based in Washington, D.C., that works on energy, resource, and environmental issues. The Institute's State of the World report is published annually in more than 18 languages. For more information, visit www.worldwatch.org. Worldwatch's Climate and Energy Program aims to accelerate the transition to a low-carbon economy based on sustainable use of renewable energy sources in concert with major energy-efficiency gains, sustainable agricultural practices, and low-emissions transportation. The group reports regularly on its work on the Institute's Re|Volt blog at www.blogs.worldwatch.org/revolt.

Shamim Khan fires 68, seizes the lead in round two

Local lad Shankar Das and Abhijit Singh Chadha post day’s best score

Kolkata, November 29, 2012: Delhi’s Shamim Khan fired a four-under-68
to seize the round two lead at the McLeod Russel Tour Championship
2012 being played at the Royal Calcutta Golf Club (RCGC). Shamim’s
total stands at six-under-138 at the halfway stage of the tournament.
Mukesh Kumar of Mhow shot a 71 on Thursday to be placed one stroke
behind the leader in second position.

Shamim Khan (70-68), who was overnight tied fifth, dropped a bogey
early on in his round after his tee shot found the rough on the third
hole. The 38-year-old, currently placed second on the Rolex Rankings,
soon turned the tide with eagle-birdie on the next two holes. Shamim
eagled the par-5 fourth after hitting the green in two shots and
subsequently converting the six feet putt. He then sank a 20-footer to
birdie the fifth.

Shamim, a three-time winner in the current PGTI season, conceded a
bogey on the sixth but came back fighting with a sublime effort on the
back-nine where he birdied the 13th, 16th and 17th. He sank a
monstrous 35-feet putt on the 13th and chipped-in from behind the
green on the 17th.

“I missed just two fairways today as I drove it really well. My
putting was also much better as compared to round one. I sank some
long putts. One has to be aggressive on this course since it is quite
long. Even though the fairways are narrow, using the irons instead of
a driver or 3-wood is not an option,” said Shamim.

He added, “The next two rounds are very crucial in the context of the
Rolex Rankings race as well. The difference between Rashid Khan and
myself is just over Rs. 11,000 in the rankings. If I finish even one
position ahead of him I would overtake him to become number one.”

Mukesh Kumar (68-71), the overnight leader, slipped to second position
on Thursday after returning a 71 that included five birdies and four
bogeys. His overall score reads five-under-139.

Local favourite Shankar Das’ five-under-67 was joint best score of the
day. It helped him climb from overnight tied 32nd to tied third.
Shankar’s super round featured seven birdies and two bogeys. He made
three straight birdies on the 15th, 16th and 17th.

Shankar, a three-time winner on the PGTI, said, “I changed my putter
today. I was not feeling very comfortable with my old putter after
missing a lot of short putts in round one. The change had the desired
effect as I putted better today. I also played brilliantly on the
back-nine.”

Abhijit Singh Chadha of Chandigarh, who also shot a 67 in round two,
joined Das in tied third place at three-under-141. Chadha made six
birdies against a bogey on day two.

Jyoti Randhawa with four birdies and two bogeys in his round of 70 was
the third golfer in tied third position.

Kolkata’s SSP Chowrasia is a further shot back and shares the sixth
spot with Vijay Kumar of Lucknow and Sri Lanka’s Mithun Perera.

Bangalore’s Anirban Lahiri and Rashid Khan of Delhi are joint ninth
with totals of one-under-143.

गरीब बच्चों का हक मार रही है दिल्ली सरकार
गाजियाबाद, 29 नवंबर. आम आदमी पार्टी(आप) ने दिल्ली सरकार के सरकारी जमीनों पर बने निजी स्कूलों की सभी कक्षाओं में गरीब बच्चों के दाखिले के लिए पूर्व निर्धारित 20 फीसदी के कोटे को घटाकर 15 फीसदी करने के निर्णय को गरीब विरोधी बताते हुए इसे वापस लेने की मांग की है.
25 जनवरी 2007 को दिल्ली सरकार ने अधिसूचना जारी करके सरकारी जमीन पर बने दिल्ली के 395 निजी स्कूलों को गरीब तबके के बच्चों के लिए सभी कक्षाओं में 20 फीसदी सीटें आऱक्षित करके उन्हें मुफ्त शिक्षा देने का आदेश निकाला गया था. लेकिन दिल्ली सरकार ने शिक्षा का अधिकार कानून को लागू करने की आड़ में 7 जनवरी 2011 को एक नई अधिसूचना जारी करके 2007 की अधिसूचना में व्यक्त अधिकारों को निरस्त कर दिया. इसका फायदा उठाते हुए निजी स्कूलों ने गरीब वर्ग के बच्चों को सभी कक्षाओं में दाखिला देना बंद कर दिया.
आम आदमी पार्टी के कौशांबी दफ्तर में हुए एक संवाददाता सम्मेलन में पार्टी के राष्ट्रीय प्रवक्ता गोपाल राय ने कहा, “ सरकार ने जानबूझकर अधिसूचना में ऐसे प्रावधान डाले ताकि निजी स्कूलों को गरीब वर्ग के छात्रों के लिए नामांकन की बाध्यता से मुक्त किया जा सके. निजी स्कूलों को फायदा पहुंचाने के मकसद से चली गई इस सरकारी चाल की वजह से हजारों बच्चे निजी स्कूलों में अच्छी और मुफ्त शिक्षा पाने से वंचित रह गए.”
7 जनवरी 2007 की अधिसूचना को दिल्ली हाईकोर्ट में चुनौती भी दी गई थी जिस पर दिल्ली हाईकोर्ट ने सरकार से फिर से विचार करने को कहा था. लेकिन सरकार के गलत कदम उठाने की वजह से निजी स्कूलों ने पिछले दो साल में गरीब बच्चों को किसी भी कक्षा में दाखिला ही नहीं दिया.
एंट्री प्वाइंट (यानी कक्षा एक) में तो दाखिले हुए लेकिन उसके ऊपर की कक्षाओं में यानी कक्षा दो से कक्षा 12 तक जो दाखिले मिलने चाहिए थे, उससे गरीब वर्ग के छात्र वंचित रह गए. निजी स्कूलों और सरकार की मिलीभगत से गरीबों तबके का अधिकार छीने जाने पर कड़ी प्रतिक्रिया देते हुए गोपाल राय ने कहा, “दिल्ली सरकार को जवाब देना होगा कि उसने किन मजबूरियों के तहत ऐसे फैसले किए जिससे निजी स्कूलों को नाजाय़ज फायदा हो और आम जनता का हक मारा जाए.”
मीडिया में जो खबरें आ रही हैं अगर वे सही हैं तो इससे गरीब तबके के छात्र बुरी तरह प्रभावित होंगे. इसके दो तात्कालिक परिणाम होंगे. पहला गरीब वर्ग के बच्चों को पांच फीसदी कम दाखिला मिलेगा. दूसरा शिक्षा का अधिकार के तहत सरकार को निजी स्कूलों को जो भुगतान करना होगा उसकी राशि पांच फीसदी बढ़ जाएगी यानी सरकारी राजस्व का नुकसान होगा.
आम आदमी पार्टी(आप) की राष्ट्रीय कार्यकारिणी के सदस्य श्री अशोक अग्रवाल ने कहा, “ शिक्षा विभाग ने तो निजी स्कूलों में गरीब तबके के छात्रों का कोटा 20 फीसदी रखने की ही सिफारिश की थी लेकिन शिक्षा मंत्री प्रो. किरण वालिया औऱ मुख्यमंत्री श्रीमती शीला दीक्षित ने गरीब वर्ग के कोटे को घटाकर 15 फीसदी कर दिया. दिल्ली सरकार गरीब तबके के हितों की अनदेखी करके निजी स्कूलों को फायदा पहुंचा रही है जो गैर-कानूनी और अनैतिक भी है. हम शीला सरकार से यह पूछना चाहते हैं कि आखिर वह ऐसे कदम क्यों उठाना चाह रही हैं जिससे आम गरीब जनता का हक भी मारा जाए साथ-साथ सरकारी खजाने को नुकसान भी हो.”
आप ने निजी स्कूलों की नर्सरी कक्षा में दाखिले के लिए सरकार द्वारा प्रस्तावित प्वाइंट सिस्टम आधारित नर्सरी एडमिशन गाइडलांइस पर भी सवाल उठाए हैं. शिक्षा का अधिकार कानून नामांकन में प्राथमिकता के लिए दूरी और लॉटरी सिस्टम के अलावा किसी भी दूसरे मापदंड को मान्यता नहीं देता. नियम कहते हैं कि दो बच्चों के बीच किसी भी आधार पर भेदभाव नहीं किया जा सकता और चयन Random Method से ही होगा लेकिन सरकार के प्रस्तावित प्रावधान भेदभाव वाले हैं. इसमें स्कूलों को मनमाने तरीके से मानदंड निर्धारित करने का अधिकार दिया गया है. यह शिक्षा के अधिकार अधिनियम का सरासर उल्लंघन होगा.

The Environment in India and China:

The Environment in India and China: Histories and Innovations When: November 30-December 1, 2012 Where: Theresa Lang Center, 55 W 13th St, 2 Fl., New York, NY For more information visit www.indiachinainstitute.org Co-sponsored with Environmental Studies Program, Global Studies Program, GPIA and The Starr Foundation.

Friday, Nov. 30, 2012 3:00 – 4:00pm | Opening Registration 4:00 – 4:15pm | Welcome Ashok Gurung, Senior Director, India China Institute Ron Kassimir, Associate Provost For Research And Special Projects 4:15 – 6:45pm | Session I – Ecology Chair: Mark Frazier, ICI Academic Director Panelists: Kamaljit Bawa – University of Massachusetts – “India, China and the Environment” Steward Pickett – Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies – “Meaning, Model, and Metaphor in Ecological Science as Tools for Interacting with Innovators” Lu Zhi – Peking University – “Integrating Science and Traditional Culture into Conservation Policies on the Tibetan Plateau” Discussants: Jayanta Bandyopadhyay, Timon McPhearson Saturday, Dec. 1, 2012 9:30 – 10:00am | Continental Breakfast 10:00 – 12:30pm | Session II – History Chair: Sanjay Reddy, ICI Academic Director Panelists: Ranjan Chakrabarti – Vidyasagar University – “Writing Environmental History of Asia: Climate, Water and the Issue of Sustainability” Judith Shapiro – American University – “Nature-Conquest in Revolutionary China: Lessons for China’s Search for Sustainability” Donald Hughes – University of Denver -“Environmental History in China and India” Discussants: David Ludden, Li Bo 12:30 – 2:00pm | Lunch Break 2:00 – 4:30pm | Session III – Innovations Chair: Brian McGrath – The New School Panelists: Sanjay Chaturvedi – “Struggles for Innovation: The Chipko Movement in Retrospect” Shikui Dong – “Adaptive Management for Sustainable Resource Use” Victoria Marshall – “Designing Urban Environmental Activism” Nidhi Srinivas – “Politics of Innovation: Cases from India and China” Discussants: Michele Kahane, Guobin Yang 4:30 – 5:00 PM | Closing Remarks Ashok Gurung, Senior Director, India China Institute Michael Cohen, Director, Graduate Program in International Affairs (GPIA)

	Energy & Renewables E-Zine December 2012

This Month´s Featured Articles, Papers & Reports

	What stops banks from lending to energy efficiency projects? Four years after the US credit market crashed, energy efficiency projects continue to struggle to secure financing. What’s the problem? A slow economy, of course. But when it comes to energy efficiency – and on-site renewable energy – the problem runs deeper. It’s not lack of interest in green energy. To the contrary, says Angela Ferrante, director of alternative energy solutions at Energi, a Massachusetts reinsurance company that provides  insurance and risk management ...
	Using biogas for combined heat and power An integral part of the majority of anaerobic digestion facilities across the world is the CHP combined heat and power (CHP) engine. For the first time builder of a biogas plant, it is often neglected as the focus is on reducing the capital costs of the installation. However, the engine is integral to the plant, and is the key component in the production of renewable electricity, hence the realisation of revenues for the plant. There are a number of technical factors that must be considered when ...
Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd is a subsidiary of Messe Frankfurt Exhibition GmbH, one of Europe’s oldest and largest trade fair organisers. With a portfolio of 28 trade fairs in eight major cities, Messe Frankfurt (HK) is committed to providing high-quality platforms for companies wishing to expand or improve their business in China and Asia. Retaining a focus on the core industry sectors of automotive technology, building technology & lighting, consumer goods, textiles, andcommunications & leisure, the company has started to diversify its business scope, and is now organising fairs in otherindustry sectors such as environmental awareness and industrial automation.
Learning curve proving steep for the Indian CSP industry Phase 1 of the National Solar Mission aimed to provide India with a learning curve for its first steps into CSP, with recent developments suggesting that ... New global assessment reveals nearly 1,200 proposed coal-fired power plants Coal-fired power plants are a major source of greenhouse gas emissions—one that could be increasing significantly globally, according to new analysis ... Worldwide energy savings, no magic required Is all this effort to save energy worth it? Consider this. Had we neglected energy efficiency from 1980 to 2010, worldwide energy use would be 35 percent ... Interview with E. Caglan Kumbur, Ph.D., Asst. Professor, Electrochemical Energy Systems Lab, Department of Mechanical Engineering and Mechanics at Drexel University Energy storage technologies have the potential to improve grid efficiency and reliability by optimizing power flows and supporting variable power supplies. ... Delivering on the Clean Energy Economy: The role of policy in developing successful domestic solar and wind industries The renewable energy industry is expanding to meet the needs of a large and growing global market for clean and secure energy. This growth is likely to ... Ireland`s growing potential in Wind Energy For a nation battling double digit unemployment and near total dependency on imported fossil fuels to meet its energy needs, the growing job creation ... Talking Point: Geothermal systems and the value of maintenance programmes Mike Deed, Managing Director of Geoquip Water Solutions, is the author of Talking Point in the October issue of Groundwater Engineering. He focuses on ... Bankable Data and Interoperability Standards Solar generation looks to be a promising energy sector for the future. However, prior to fully embracing solar production utility companies, independent ... So why is it essential to utilize energy management systems? First of all, let’s define, what the phrase of energy-management system means. An energy-management system includes measurement device sub-systems ...

McLeod Russel Tour Championship Prize purse of Rs. 1.25 Cr

McLeod Russel Tour Championship - Race to Royal Calcutta Golf Club to tee-off on November 28^th 

·         PGTI’s Year Ending Championship:      Prize purse of Rs. 1.25 Cr, highest-ever in India

·         Only top 60 players on the Rolex Rankings to be eligible

·         Top names in the field include Jyoti Randhawa, SSP Chowrasia, Anirban Lahiri, Chiragh Kumar, Rahil Gangjee, Digvijay Singh, Shamim Khan, Mukesh Kumar, Ashok Kumar

Kolkata, November 26, 2012: McLeod Russel, the world’s largest tea producer, and the Professional Golf Tour of India (PGTI), will stage the McLeod Russel Tour Championship, the PGTI’s Year Ending Championship, from November 28^th to December 1^st, 2012. The tournament will be staged at the esteemed Royal Calcutta Golf Club (RCGC). The tournament’s prize purse of Rs. 1.25 crore is the highest-ever in India.

The event will see the top 60 players from the Rolex Rankings 2012 compete for top honours. The tournament will be a 72-hole stroke-play championship and there will be no cut applied after 36 holes. All players will be guaranteed prize money.

The biggest names in Indian professional golf will be teeing it up at the RCGC including the likes of three-time Indian Open champion Jyoti Randhawa, local favourite and a two-time winner on the European Tour SSP Chowrasia, Asian Tour regulars Anirban Lahiri, Sujjan Singh, Digvijay Singh, reigning Rolex Rankings champion Chiragh Kumar and current Rolex Rankings leader Shamim Khan. The other established names from the PGTI include Mukesh Kumar, Ashok Kumar, Gaurav Ghei, Rashid Khan, Harendra Gupta, Om Prakash Chouhan, Vinod Kumar, Sri Lankans Mithun Perera and Anura Rohana and Bangladesh’s Md Zamal Hossain Mollah.

The local challenge will be led by SSP Chowrasia, Rahil Gangjee, former Indian Open champion Feroz Ali Mollah, Shankar Das, Raju Ali Mollah, Rafick Ali Mollah, Ranjit Singh Rathore, Md Sanju, Divyanshu Bajaj and Karan Singh.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Aditya Khaitan, Managing Director, McLeod Russel, said, “McLeod Russel’s heritage is based on values, culture and commitments. We have always strongly believed in supporting and backing the right talent and moving forward. This association will hopefully give a boost to Indian Golf and take it from strength to strength on a global scale. The city of Kolkata and The Royal Calcutta Golf Club are etched in tradition and culture, and it is our small way of giving back. We thank the PGTI for giving us this opportunity and we are committed to the McLeod Russel Tour Championship for the next three years.”

Announcing the event, Mr. Padamjit Sandhu, Director, PGTI, said, “The McLeod Russel Tour Championship provides the ideal setting for the culmination of a successful PGTI season. The top names in Indian professional golf will be vying for the highest prize purse on Indian soil at one of the most prestigious golfing venues in India, the RCGC.

I would like to thank McLeod Russel for their strong support to Indian professional golf, and we look forward to building on the event year on year. We are confident, the McLeod Russel - PGTI partnership will give a strong boost to the growth of the sport in the region, and help create new champions in the coming years.”

Mr. Gaurav Ghosh, Committee Member (In-Charge of professional golf), RCGC, said, “It’s a matter of pride and privilege to host the McLeod Russel Tour Championship at the RCGC. It’s the return of big ticket golf to RCGC and we would like to thank McLeod Russel and PGTI for bringing the tournament to RCGC. This tournament has been possible due to the support of the committee members and all other members of the RCGC.”

About McLeod Russel:

McLeod Russel India Limited (McLeod Russel) is the largest tea plantation company in the world. McLeod Russel, along with its subsidiaries, currently produces about 100 million kilograms of tea over a cultivable area of 38,000 hectares, employing nearly 1,00,000 in personnel. The geographical spread of tea estates of McLeod Russel and its subsidiaries are situated in Asia (India & Vietnam) and Africa (Uganda & Rwanda). McLeod Russel also has operations in the Middle East, through its subsidiary in Dubai, engaged in tea blending and trading activities. India, as a single geography, has the largest share of its produce – with the estates located in the states of Assam and West Bengal (Dooars).

About Royal Calcutta Golf Club:

The world-renowned Royal Calcutta Golf Club (RCGC), affectionately known as the ‘Royal’, is steeped in history, as it is the oldest golf club outside of the British Isles, having been established in 1829. It is widely regarded as the founder of the game in the country and has staged some of the most prestigious tournaments on Indian soil, including the Indian Open and the All India Amateur Championship. The 7014-yard course favours long hitters and inaccurate shots are punished severely. The large number of water hazards makes this course a real challenge to master.

About PGTI:

Formed in 2006, Professional Golf Tour of India (PGTI) is the recognized official body of professional golf in India. PGTI’s objective is to promote professional golf in the country, as well as to give players an opportunity to be involved in the decision making on all aspects of the game. Headed by Mr. Gautam Thapar (President), PGTI’s governing body comprises leading Indian golf professionals. PGTI currently has over 300 members.

For information regarding PGTI please contact:

Nikhil Kalaan, Asst. Manager - Media, PGTI
M – 09910974846, E - media@pgtofindia.com

SKYSCANNER RECEIVES MOBBY’S AWARD FOR BEST MOBILE APPLICATION IN TRAVEL

The Award recognizes the best in the mobile entertainment & technology industry

Mumbai, 22^nd November 2012:– Skyscanner, the leading global travel search site was awarded the prestigious MOBBY’s award for Best Mobile Application Award in Travel: Flight Trackers category.  The MOBBY’s Award 2012 is an awards program recognizing the best of the mobile industry.  It celebrates outstanding achievement across all aspects of the mobile landscape to recognize and honour the creativity and insight of both individuals and business at the cutting edge of the mobile marketing industry.

Skyscanner’s free mobile app has been downloaded over 11m times worldwide since launching in February 2011, topping the travel app charts in 47 countries and winning accolades globally for its unique technology. The app features pioneering features such as an interactive spinning globe, allowing users to browse for flights in a truly inspiring way, and also boasts ‘Live Tile’ technology which lets users track flight prices from a widget on their Android or Windows Phone home screen. The most popular destination searched on Skyscanner’s apps is “everywhere,” which proves that the app is used by travellers to browse destinations and find their ultimate destination.

The MOBBY’s award ceremony was held on the 22^nd of November at the Taj Land’s End, Mumbai as part of the 2nd ‘Mobile & Digital Marketing Summit’. The glittering awards ceremony saw several industry leaders and influencers who employ the use of the internet and mobile.  Dr. Donald Patrick Lim, Chief Innovation Officer & Managing Director, MRM Worldwide inaugurated the summit with his opening speech on ‘When Marketing Meets Digital: Driving the Future of Brands and Business’.

The ‘Mobile and Digital Marketing Summit’ was organized by the World Brand Congress & CMO Asia with the aim of cultivating, inspiring, and involving the marketing, advertising and media communities.  The Mobile & Digital Marketing is the ideal program for marketers to discover, discuss, & exchange strategies on digital marketing engagement, case studies, & global best practices. The conference brings together Marketing Experts, Strategists, & Media to share & deliver the issues & best practices that shape the digital marketing landscape with like-minded professionals as Summit participants.

Kavitha Gnanamurthy, Skyscanner’s Market Development Manager for India, commented, “We are honoured to have received the prestigious MOBBY’s Award. Mobile is a key part of our ongoing strategy in India, and over 30% of our traffic now comes from our mobile apps, which are downloaded once every five seconds worldwide on mobile devices. We are happy that our efforts and hard work have been recognized by an award that celebrates achievement across all aspects of the mobile marketing industry.  This encourages us to raise the bar higher in terms of our systems and operations and we hope to receive awards of this caliber in the future. ”

About MOBBY’s:

The MOBBY’s Awards represents all walks of the mobile ecosystem from start-ups, studios, content providers, entertainment, entities, sports, apps and handsets, brands and more.

MOBBY’s awards showcase leading mobile achievements through a broad selection of categories.  It covers all sections of the mobile industry from device, hardware and accessories through to content development and innovation.  The Awards are broken up in 6 themes:  Devices, Best Content for device platforms, best content / application across all platforms, Innovation in the mobile industry and mobile marketing and advertising and individual categories for professionals.

About Skyscanner:

Skyscanner is a leading global travel search site providing instant online
comparisons for millions of flights on over a thousand airlines, as well as
hotels, car hire and holidays. Founded in 2003 by three IT professionals,
Gareth Williams, Barry Smith and Bonamy Grimes, Skyscanner is based in
Edinburgh with an Asia-Pacific regional headquarters in Singapore and a
third office in Beijing, China.  The Singapore office launched in 2011 and
the Beijing office launched in September 2012 are indicative of Skyscanner’s
aggressive expansion plans and continuous growth.  The site is currently
available in 30 languages and is offered as a mobile site as well an app for
Blackberry, Android, iPhone, iPad, Windows 8 and Windows phones which have
received over 11 million downloads to date. Skyscanner which was ranked in
the top 20 in Sunday Times Microsoft Tech Track 100 (2011) is focused on
rapid expansion in existing and new markets with the objective of becoming
number one in the world.

A Lifer Appeals Citizens to Exercise Franchise in Assembly Polls

A Lifer Appeals Citizens to Exercise Franchise in Assembly Polls

                            A Lifer Appeals Citizens to Exercise Franchise in Assembly Polls:

                                            How About You, Gentleman?

Vadodara, November, 27: (Information Bureau):

                  Manoj Patel   an ex serviceman, and a lifer in Vadodara Central Jail for the past 15 years, has appealed the citizens of Gujarat to exercise their franchise in the upcoming assembly elections. Significantly, when the well educated voters in the society choose to refrain from casting their votes, an appeal from a prisoner who has been sentenced a life imprisonment, can be proved quite an eye opener for the society.

Though Manoj, who has been in prison for the past 15 years, continued his studies in jail and obtained various certificates.  He keeps himself update with the current political events. He says:” Everybody from each community must cast their vote because it is a duty of every citizen to select a right representative for the development of their state or the country”.

Worried with the lower turn out in general elections, the Election Commission of India, with a view to encouraging people for exercise their franchise on large scale, has initiated a massive voter awareness campaign by introducing Systematic Voter’s Education and Electoral Participation (SVEEP) in this forth coming polls. All the District Election Officers in Gujarat have introduced new and innovative ideas for the implementation of SVEEP in their respective districts. ECI has even planned to utilize the services of Olympians like Saina Nehwal and Mary Com for voter awareness programmes.

Kathudia Dada, a 117 year old senior citizen from Rozdhar village of Dediapada taluka of tribal dominated Narmada district, has been exercising his franchise since the first elections after the freedom, is eager to vote for his favorite candidate in the upcoming polls. Dediapada is a small forest taluka full of flora and fauna.  Impressed by his enthusiastic approach towards democracy the Director General of ECI has asked Narmada Collector Milind Torawane to project him as a brand ambassador for SVEEP in Gujarat, during his recent visit to Gujarat.

Vadodara Collector and District Election Officer Vinod Rao, aiming to create awareness among voters in the district, has planned to organize a curtain raiser of Vadodara Marathon named “City Runs For Healthy Democracy” in the first week of December, in which thousands of young and old people will participate to spread the message of democracy. Significantly, Vadodara Marathon, a renowned organization in Vadodara city, organizes “Vadodara Marathon” in the January month of every year, in which thousands of people including noted sports persons participate, has showed willingness to organize such curtain raiser marathon in the larger public interest.