Sri Lanka PM announces resumption of Chinese Colombo Port City project
Standard
Chinese President Xi Jinping met with visiting Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe in Beijing on Friday.
Sri Lankan Prime Minister has announced the resumption of work on the stalled Chinese Colombo Port City project while China has pledged fresh support to the Island nation in infrastructure development.
These announcements were made in the Joint Statement by China and Sri Lanka at the conclusion of the visit of Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe to Beijing on Saturday.
The Joint Statement said that the two sides will use the Chinese initiative to develop a 21st Century Maritime Silk Road to advance infrastructure development in Sri Lanka, the China-Sri Lanka Free Trade Agreement negotiations, to promote joint ventures and expand cooperation in the areas of economy, culture, science and technology.
Sri Lankan Prime Minister’s Beijing visit comes at a time when the country is facing a debt crisis with looming repayments of Chinese infrastructure loans.
Chinese stress on cooperating with Sri Lanka in further developing the infrastructure and Sri Lanka’s commitment to revive the Chinese Port City Project marks an understanding between the two countries to work out solutions to ward off immediate Chinese loan repayment concerns.
North Korea claims to have tested new engine for ballistic missiles
Apr 9
North Korea says it has successfully tested an engine designed for an intercontinental ballistic missile.This nuclear war head is designed to have the potential to attack Japan, South Korea, US. The new type of engine would guarantee the ability to launch a nuclear strike on the US mainland. State media said the test was conducted at the country’s long-range missile launch site near its west coast. It is the latest in a series of tests and launches carried out by the isolated nation.
Leader Kim Jong-un supervised the test, state media reported, during which the engine spewed out huge flames with a deafening boom. Mr Kim was quoted as saying the country would now be able to keep any cesspool of evils in the earth including the US mainland within North Korea striking range.
Paris terror suspect Mohamed Abrini ‘arrested’ in Belgium
The key remaining suspect in November’s Paris terror attacks, Mohamed Abrini, has been arrested in Belgium. Amateur footage said to be of Abrini’s arrest shows a man being bundled into a car in Place Albert in the Anderlecht district of Brussels. Abrini was also captured on CCTV at a service station at Ressons in northern France while driving a car with Paris suspect Salah Abdeslam. The gun and bomb attacks in Paris on 13 November killed 130 people.
Belgian media say Abrini is also likely to be the “man in the hat” seen on CCTV before bomb blasts in the Brussels airport departure hall on 22 March. Five arrests were made yesterday. The two attacks left 32 people dead.
Abrini had not been directly linked to the Brussels attacks until yesterday. Belgian investigators confirmed at a press conference that Abrini was among those detained. Two more suspects were arrested with him. They said the fourth arrested man, named as Osama K, is being investigated for helping suicide bomber Khalid el-Bakraoui at the Maelbeek metro station.
Abrini had not been directly linked to the Brussels attacks until yesterday. Belgian investigators confirmed at a press conference that Abrini was among those detained. Two more suspects were arrested with him. They said the fourth arrested man, named as Osama K, is being investigated for helping suicide bomber Khalid el-Bakraoui at the Maelbeek metro station.
OECD calls a special session on Panama leaks
Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) has called a special session of countries, including India, on April 13 in Paris to firm up cooperation between nations in the wake of the Panama Papers disclosures. A statement by OECD secretariat said that the meeting, to be held in Paris on April 13, will bring together senior tax administration officials from countries worldwide.
It said, government officials from around the world have called on the OECD to convene a special project meeting of the Joint International Tax Shelter Information and Collaboration (JITSIC) Network in light of the ‘Panama Papers’ revelations. The OECD said, the JITSIC is a network of tax administration officials with responsibility for responding to global compliance risks through active collaboration and fast and effective information exchange with other tax administrations.
A senior Finance Ministry official in New Delhi acknowledged that the OECD invite for the meeting is meant for all the countries affected by Panama disclosures but a final decision on an Indian representation in the meeting will only be taken by the government.
“The ‘Panama Papers’ revelations contain an unprecedented amount of information, including more than 11 million documents covering 2.1 lakh companies in 21 offshore jurisdictions. The ‘Panama Papers’ this week disclosed a list of nearly 500 Indians including celebrities and industrialists who allegedly stashed money in offshore entities in Panama, considered to be a tax haven. After the names of Indians holding overseas accounts appeared, the government set up the MAG comprising officials from the RBI, IT department, Financial Intelligence Unit, Enforcement Directorate and Foreign Tax and Tax Research to investigate whether the money deposited in the tax haven is legal or illegal.
Panama Papers: AAP asks five questions from Jaitley
Free, fair probe not possible with Arun Jaitley at the helm of affairs
Finance Minister has history of shielding the corrupt, hindering investigation
Arun Jaitley’s close family friend suspect of dubious financials dealings in tax haven
Press release
8 April, 2016
The Aam Aadmi Party today demanded resignation of Finance Minister Arun Jaitley for his close and old relationship with one of the key suspects of Panama Papers scandal. The party believes that Finance Minister has a history of derailing probes against the corrupt and misusing his office to influence the investigators. There is no reason to believe that this time he will not interfere in the probe in Panama Papers scandal to shield his close friend Lokesh Sharma, who is now a key suspect in the scandal.
Addressing a press conference today, AAP leader Sanjay Singh said that Panama Papers scandal has shaken many governments in the world, but in India the government is maintaining silence. The names that have come out so far in the scandal include that of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s friend Guatam Adani’s brother Vinod Adani, key figure in 2G scam Niira Radia, Son of Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Raman Singh and now Arun Jaitley’s close friend Lokesh Sharma has been found to be maintaining and promoting business entities in tax haven British Virgin Island.
“Lokesh Sharma is the same individual whose company was handed out contracts worth crores of rupees by the DDCA, when Jaitley was heading the Delhi cricket body. Questions had been raised on the way benefits were given to Lokesh Sharma. Now there is a natural question that everybody needs an answer to. Is the money being circulated by Lokesh Sharma through the companies floated in tax haven is linked to the DDCA scam? Nation today wants to know whom does this money belong to; to Lokesh Sharma or he is just a front for his political masters.” Said Sanjay Singh addressing the press.
He said, Aam Aadmi Party today asks five questions and expects clear and to the point answers from the Finance Minister:
Question 1: Mr. Jaitely, please tell the nation since when have you known Lokesh Sharma and what is your relationship with him and his companies?
Question 2: Mr. Jaitely, did you know about Lokesh Sharma’s dubious financial dealings of in British Virgin Island?
Question 3: Mr. Jaitley, is it not true that Lokesh Sharma and his companies were awarded contracts worth crores of rupees by the DDCA, when you were heading the cricket body?
Question 4: Mr. Jaitley is it not true that even after Chetan Chauhan Committee indicted certain office bearers of the DDCA for illegality and fraud, you wrote to the then Police Commissioner B K Gupta and Special Commissioner Ranjit Narayan saying they had done no wrong and that the case against them should be closed? Was your conduct as Leader of Opposition ethical?
Question 5: With this tainted history of yours, what is the guarantee that you would not interfere with the probe once again to shield your close friend Lokesh Sharma, who is a suspect in Panama Papers Scandal? Why should the nation believe that a free and fair probe is possible with you at the helm of affairs?
Regards
Harendra Gupta steals the show at Pune Open
Harendra Gupta steals the show at Pune Open with final-hole heroics; Bags ninth title
Anura Rohana shoots day’s best for share of second with Rashid Khan
Pune, April 8, 2016: Chandigarh’s Harendra Gupta literally ‘pulled a rabbit out of the hat’ on the final day of the inaugural Pune Open as he conjured two late birdies to dash to the finish line ahead of Sri Lankan Anura Rohana and Delhi’s Rashid Khan. Gupta, who shot a final round of five-under-67, ended the tournament with a total of 15-under-273 to bag his ninth professional title.
Rohana, who came up with the day’s best effort of eight-under-64, had to settle for tied second place at 14-under-274 along with Rashid, who also fired a 67 in round four of the Rs. 30 lakh event.
Harendra Gupta (72-65-69-67), lying overnight tied second, one off the lead, made a steady start to the day with three birdies on the first 11 holes, to keep himself within striking distance of the leaders Rashid Khan and Anura Rohana. His first three birdies were all on the par-5s, fourth, ninth and 11th where he made some good chip-putts.
Gupta was one stroke behind Anura and Rashid at 13-under when he stepped on the 16th tee. At that stage Rohana and two-time Asian Tour winner Khan seemed all set to battle it out in a playoff.
However, Gupta, who won his last event in Hyderabad in February 2015, had other plans. He first tied the leaders by converting a crucial 10-footer for birdie on the 16th, yet another par-5. The 31-year-old then overhauled his nearest rivals by putting his way to the title with an unbelievable 20-feet birdie conversion on the 18th. Harendra’s curling downhill putt stopped at the lip for a second before falling in.
The dramatic final-hole birdie sparked off wild victory celebrations by Gupta and his friends who joined him on the green to do the ‘champion’ dance which is currently the flavour of the season thanks to the West Indies’ win at the World T20.
Harendra took home the winner’s cheque worth Rs. 4,50,000 and as a result climbed from 21st place to sixth position in the Rolex Ranking.
An ecstatic Gupta said, “I had a feeling that I can make that long putt on the 18thsince I was due for one long conversion, having missed all day. When it did fall in, my emotions got the better of me. It’s great to win it like this, coming from behind right at the end. I’m happy to win after over a year.
“The tough 10-feet conversion on the 16th set it up for me. Since I have the best playoff record on the PGTI, having won three and lost none, I knew I had a good chance even if there was a playoff between Anura, Rashid and myself. I attacked the pin for birdie on the 17th as well but just missed out.
“I had set a target of five to six under for the day and was looking to play my own game and not follow the leaderboard. My approach shots were excellent today. I would like to thank my friend and fellow professional Md Sayum for helping me sort out issues with my swing last week. His advice played a major role in my win this week.
“Last evening, I had decided along with my friends Vinod Kumar and Maniram Sharma, that if I win, we would all do the ‘champion’ dance together just like the West Indian cricket team did after their World T20 win last week.
“I would now look to contend in the race for the Rolex Player of the Year. Qualifying for the Asian Tour next year is also another major goal,” added Gupta, who took home a bicycle from Starkenn as his prize, in addition to the winner’s cheque.
Anura Rohana’s 64 featured an eagle, seven birdies and a bogey. It would’ve been a totally different story had Rohana’s chip for eagle not lipped out on the 16th. He also missed a birdie on that hole from a mere three feet.
“It was a great putting day for me as I sank as many as five birdie putts from a range of seven to 10 feet. However, the birdie miss from short range on the 16th proved costly. Nonetheless, I’m pleased with the final round comeback. The runner-up finish here strengthens my position in the rankings as I move up from sixth to fourth,” said Rohana, who had started round four in tied ninth place.
Rashid Khan, who like Harendra, shot a bogey-free 67 on Friday, shared second place with Anura.
Round three leader Shamim Khan of Delhi slipped to fourth place at 11-under-277 after a final round of 72.
Chandigarh’s Ajeetesh Sandhu (10-under-278) was fifth, rookie Veer Ahlawat (nine-under-279) of Delhi was sixth while round two leader Mandeo Singh Pathania (eight-under-280) of Greater Noida finished seventh.
Kapurthala’s Gaganjeet Bhullar and Bengaluru’s Udayan Mane were joint 10th at six-under-282.
Sagar Raghuvanshi was the highest-placed among the Pune professionals. He secured tied 39th at six-over-294.
One Crore Led Bulbs Distributed in Uttar Pradesh
Over 1 Crore Led Bulbs Distributed in Uttar Pradesh Under “Ujala” Programme , Consumers to Get Bulbs at Rs 80
Shri Piyush Goyal Announces Achievement And Drop in Led Bulb Prices for Up
Minister Also Launches National Energy Efficient Fan Programme for Consumers in Up
The citizens of Uttar Pradesh (UP) have replaced one crore inefficient bulbs with energy efficient LEDs, distributed under the Unnat Jyoti by Affordable LEDs for All (UJALA)programme. Shri Piyush Goyal, Union Minister of the State (IC) for Power, Coal and New & Renewable Energy , distributed the one crore oneth bulb to Sh. A.K. Singh, Managing Director ofPurvanchal Vidyut Vitaran Nigam Ltd. (PUVVNL) in Varanasi yesterday late evening . Given a total target consumer base of approx. 45 lakhs, UP has been the fastest state in the country to achieve this remarkable feat.
On the occasion, Shri Goyal also announced that the price of the LED bulb in Uttar Pradesh will now be only Rs. 80. The prices of LED bulbs have dropped to Rs. 80 in the state of Uttar Pradesh because of the transparent procurement by EESL and the removal of VAT in the state. UP was the first state in the country to remove VAT on LED bulbs.
Shri Goyal also took the opportunity to launch the National Energy Efficient Fan Programme(NEEFP) in the UP. Under this Scheme, BEE 5 star rated ceiling fans of 50 Watt will be distributed to the consumers at an attractive EMI model. The Minister distributed energy efficient fans to 15 consumers at an event held in the city. The energy efficient ceiling fans will be distributed byEnergy Efficiency Services Limited (EESL) in collaboration with PUVVNL in the city.
UP will also be the second state in the country to adopt the energy efficient fan programme. With the usage of 50 Watts BEE 5 Star rated ceiling fans, distributed under the National Energy Efficient Fan Programme, it is estimated that consumers’ electricity bills will reduce by about Rs. 700-730 per year. Therefore, the cost recovery of purchasing these fans is less than 2 years. These fans are 30% more energy efficient as compared to conventional fans, which range from 75-80 Watts. At present, two energy efficient fans will be provided to each consumer at Rs 60 a month per fan on EMI basis. This scheme will be available to the consumer on providing a copy of latest electricity bill at the designated distribution centre. The consumer can also purchase the fan by paying Rs. 1300/- upfront. A consumer can replace the technically faulty FAN up to a period of 2 years. EESL aims to distribute 1 lakh energy efficient fans over the next few months in Uttar Pradesh.
| FEATURES OF NATIONAL ENERGY EFFICIENT FAN PROGRAMME |
| Energy-Efficient, 50 Watts and 5-Star Rated Ceiling Fans. 2 years Warranty |
| These fans are 30% more energy efficient as compared to conventional fans, which range from 75- 80 Watts. |
| Fans being procured form leading companies. |
| At present, two energy efficient fans will be provided to each consumer at Rs 60 a month per fan on EMI basis. |
| Scheme will be available to the consumer on providing a copy of latest electricity bill along with a copy of residence proof at the designated distribution centre. |
| Consumers can also purchase the fan by making UPFRONT payment of Rs. 1300 for 50 watts fan |
| It is estimated that consumer’s electricity bill will reduce by about Rs 700-730 per year- which means that the cost of this fan can be recovered in less than 2 years. |
Speaking on the occasion, Shri Piyush Goyal, said, “Uttar Pradesh is a big contributor to our vision of an energy efficient India. Distribution of over one crore LED bulbs is testimony to that. Along with LED bulbs, we now offer you energy efficient fans. Energy consumption of the entire state will reduce further which will result in generating more power to be distributed to villages and other rural areas. Through the National Energy Efficient Fan Programme, you can change your old, inefficient fans to energy efficient ones, with an easy installment scheme. This will not only help you save on your electricity bill, but will also help reducing load on DISCOMs which in turn can light up many towns & villages in your state and the country”.
EESL through aggregation and transparent procurement has achieved a rapid decline in LED prices. EESL, in the past has pooled all the prices and successfully passed on this price advantage to the consumers and it will continue to do so in future as well.
The UJALA scheme is being monitored in a transparent manner through a national dashboard (http://www.delp.in). As of now, EESL has distributed over 9 crore LED bulbs and the programme has led to significant savings to the country and consumers who are using these bulbs.
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