Don’t go for cheap tech, Abdullah tells India Inc

June 6, 2010 By Leave a Comment

Minister for new and renewable energy (MNRE) Farooq Abdullah on Saturday cautioned Corporate India against choosing cheap energy technologies that could jack up their profits in the short term but might not deliver in the long run. He said the Jawaharlal Nehru National Solar Mission (JNNSM) offered opportunities for Indian players to forge technological collaboration with overseas players looking for new markets.

“Do not jump for cheap technology. Technology must be such that it could stand the test of time,” Abdullah said while speaking as chief guest at the FE-EVI Green Business Leadership Award ceremony here on Saturday. “We hope that we will have easier transfer of technology,” he said, adding that the guidelines for capacity addition under the JNNSM would be announced by June 16. Although these guidelines had been finalised after consultations with all stakeholders, the government would take cognisance in case any shortcomings were pointed out, he added.

Under JNNSM, India plans to add 20,000-mw grid-connected solar power generation capacity by 2022. The bulk of this capacity will be solar thermal. While India is a big exporter of photovoltaic solar equipment, it will need to import solar thermal technology, at least in the initial phase.

Speaking on the occasion, guest of honour RK Pachauri, director-general of The Energy and Resources Institute (Teri), and chairman of the Inter-governmental Panel on Climate Change, expressed satisfaction that renewable energy projects were a key component of the recovery packages prepared by countries like the US and China in the wake of the global economic recession.

The first ever FE-EVI Green Business Leadership Awards, distributed by Abdullah on the World Environment Day, felicitated 27 companies at a glittering ceremony attended by who’s who of the policymakers and industry in the Capital.

The event was organised jointly by The Financial Express and Emergent Ventures India, a climate change and sustainable development advisory firm, along with knowledge partner Indian School of Business, Hyderabad.

Top three award winners (not ranked as such) were selected from each of the nine energy intensive sectors like cement, chemicals & fertilisers, iron & steel, metals & mining, oil & gas, paper & pulp, power, banking, and IT/ITeS.

The award winners were chosen after a survey of 66 top-ranking companies selected from these nine sectors. The findings of the survey were released in the form of FE-EVI Green Business Survey 2009-10. The survey found that 83% of the respondent companies considered climate change as an important issue and had a mechanism to track their initiatives in this regard, which implied there was higher awareness and prioritisation of the issue. While every second company monitors its greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, only one out of three companies gets its inventory verified. Three out of every four companies realise that the effects of climate change could still be altered and thus see this both as a risk and an opportunity.

The survey, which is a sequel to FE-EVI Green Business Survey 2008-2009, focuses on actions being taken by the India Inc on climate change management and maps movement of climate change issues from CSR to the central strategy level.

The survey also identifies best practices, highlights trends within business sectors and subsequently identifies green leaders amongst these business sectors.

On the way forward, the survey says companies can start with simple initiatives such as using duplex printing; video conferencing instead of travelling, reducing power consumption and switching to green energy supply. With time, companies can opt for product and/or process initiatives leading to reduction in their carbon footprint. Besides, companies can also increase awareness not just among their employees but also among other stakeholders. Towards the end of the event, eminent industry leaders took the floor and deliberated on ‘Post-Copenhagen: Expectations from Indian Industry’. Panelists included veterans like HSBC CEO Stuart Davis, ONGC CMD R S Sharma, Coal India CMD Partha Bhattacharya and former power secretary Anil Razdan. Senior members from The Financial Express, Bloomberg UTV and Emergent Ventures India also participated in the panel discussion.

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A little Pawar play

May 31, 2010 By Leave a Comment

After having ducked the sniping from both the Congress and Opposition during the recent IPL controversy as well as the price rise debate in the prolonged Budget session, NCP leader Sharad Pawar went on a much needed vacation with his family to France. He also had to proceed to New Jersey to be chief guest at a Marathi cultural festival.

The cultural troupe which was to perform at the function was learnt to have found it difficult to arrange US visas in time. So Pawar intervened and the visas were processed at the earliest.

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India, Kazakh have congruence on regional and international issues: Krishna

May 12, 2010 By Leave a Comment

Astana (Kazakhstan), May 12 (ANI): External Affairs Minister S. M. Krishna, who arrived here on a three-day State visit on Tuesday, said that both India and Kazakhstan have a strong congruence of views on major regional and international issues.

Addressing the media here, Krishna said: “India and Kazakhstan enjoy warm and friendly ties going back several millennia. We both are multi-ethnic, multi-religious and secular societies. We have also forged a strategic partnership to give a qualitative boost to our ties.”

“The landmark visit of President Nazarbayev to India (January 2009) as a chief guest at our Republic Day celebrations provided a significant impulse to our bilateral ties,” he added.

He also said that India have rapidly moved to implement the far reaching initiatives taken during his visit, in diverse sectors like energy, including hydro-carbon, thermal and nuclear, fertilizers, agriculture, information technology, space, pharmaceuticals, trade and investment.

Krishna further said he was confident that an agreement between ONGC Videsh Limited (OVL) and KazMunaiGas on exploration and production in the Satpayev Oil Block would be concluded soon.

He said he is also confident that an Inter-Governmental Agreement on civilian nuclear energy cooperation would be finalized soon.

“This sector has immense possibilities for bilateral cooperation including for supply of uranium ore, investment by Indian companies in mining in Kazakhstan, construction of nuclear reactors and others,” he added.

He said discussions in several other promising areas like thermal power plants, transportation and banking are at an advanced stage.

“Both India and Kazakhstan are factors of peace, stability, development and growth, not only in the region but also in the world,” he added.

Krishna further said: “We would like to invite Kazakh companies to invest in India and take advantage of the huge market that India has to offer.”

India and Kazakhstan will sign an exploration and production agreement for the Satpayev oil block on the Caspian Sea before the new domestic Kazakh law on reviewing contracts of foreign companies comes into force. (ANI)

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Krishna to visit Kazakhstan, to focus on bilateral energy, hydrocarbon cooperation

May 11, 2010 By Leave a Comment

New Delhi, May 11 (ANI): External Affairs Minister S.M. Krishna will undertake a three-day visit to the Central Asian Republic of Kazakstan from May 11 to May 13, during which there will be a review of bilateral ties between the two countries, and an assessment of ways to take sectoral cooperation forward.

Ministry officials told media here on Monday that the visit would highlight and focus on two important sectors of cooperation — hydrocarbon and energy, including civil nuclear energy.

Ajay Bisaria, Joint Secretary (ERS) said both countries would actively be discussing modalities to take cooperation forward in these sectors and in other sectors.

He also said that Krishna and his Kazakh counterpart would review progress in bilateral relations, especially since the January 2009 visit of President Nursultan Nazarbayev, besides discussing regional and international issues of mutual interest.

The spokesman of the Indian Government, Vishnu Prakash, described Kazakhstan as one of India’s most important partners in Central Asia.

“We are both multi-ethnic and multicultural societies. India and Kazakhstan also have a strategic partnership, which was unveiled during the visit of President of Kazakhstan, Mr. Nursultan Nazarbayev, when he had come to India in January 2009. He was also the Chief Guest at the Republic Day Celebrations then. Both countries have an ambitious and forward looking agenda of cooperation,” he said.

He said Latha Reddy, Secretary (East); Jawahar Sarcar, Secretary (Culture); Raghavendra Sastry, Advisor to EAM, Ajay Bisaria, himself and a few other members would accompany the minister.

A delegation of business leaders representing leading organizations and business houses like Tata International Limited, Sun Group, Apollo Hospitals, Punj Lloyd, Tata Motors, BHEL, ONGC, etc. are also accompanying the minister, he added.

“We have a very broad canvas of cooperation that includes sectors like agriculture, energy, including thermal energy, civil construction, mining, fertilizers, information technology, pharmaceuticals, petrochemicals and so on, and of course, the cultural sector, people-to-people contacts. That is a kind of canvas of cooperation that we have been working on,” Prakash said.

During his visit, Krishna will have delegation-level talks with Foreign Minister Kanat Saudabayev. He will also call on the Prime Minister of Kazakhstan Karim Masimov and President Nazabayev.

He will also address the India-Kazakhstan Business Forum.

On his part, Bisaria said that the Indian and Kazakh delegations were expected to take discussions on an inter-government agreement on civil nuclear cooperation forward, but added that he did not envisage an agreement being signed during the minister’s visit.

He confirmed that the draft agreement envisages cooperation in fuel, in terms of uranium, mining, nuclear power plants and construction of nuclear power plants.

On how India was looking at the 18-member Conference on Interaction and Confidence-Building Measures in Asia (CICA), Prakash said: “We believe that CICA is a very important initiative and we have been very closely associated with it.”

With reference to the Satpayev oil bloc, Bisaria said the issue would be discussed during Krishna’s visit.

“We have accompanying the External Affairs Minister, a delegation of experts from the Ministry of Petroleum as well as from ONGC Videsh Limited which is the key corporate involved in these negotiations. We are hopeful that the sides will make progress. There is indeed an exploration and production agreement on Satpayev that is on the anvil. We hope that there would be positive movement on this during this visit,” Bisaria said. (ANI)

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Dharamshala cricket stadium all set to host two IPL matches

April 1, 2010 By Leave a Comment

New Delhi, April 1 (ANI): Preparations for the two Indian Premier League (IPL) cricket matches to be held at the Dharamshala cricket stadium on April 16 and 18 have been completed.

According to President Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association, Anurag Thakur, this is for the first time that international level cricket tournaments are being held in newly constructed Dharmshala cricket stadium that has been constructed with 50 crore rupees cost this year.

Thakur said the cricket stadium set up at height of 4000 ft above mean sea level has been constructed in accordance with international standards and is highest international cricket ground to host IPL matches.

The Dharamshala cricket stadium has a magnificent view in backdrop of mighty Dhauladhar snow peaks which register average temperature of around 25 degree to 30 degrees Celsius during the peak hours in summer while morning and evening temperature is registered around 20 degree Celsius when the entire India experiences the spell of intense heat waves, he stated.

He told that the pleasant weather will add to the glory and popularity of the game and will be
added attraction for cricket lovers who are coming from plain areas to witness the match.

Dharamshala cricket stadium has 20,000 spectators’ seating capacity and state of the art facilities, separate practice session, most modern rehabilitation centre, club lounge, restaurant, bar, banquet hall with 500 capacity and modern media centre with all the facilities.

Tibetan spiritual leader Dalai Lama will be the chief guest during an Indian Premier League (IPL) match to played between Chennai Super Kings vs Kings XI Punjab on April 18 in Dharamshala.

Himachal Pradesh chief minister Prem Kumar Dhumal will be the chief guest on the opening day of the matches between Kings XI Punjab vs Deccan Chargers on April 16 and His Holiness Dalai Lama will be the chief guest on April 18 during the match between Chennai Super Kings vs Kings XI Punjab, he informed.

Thakur informed that the capacity has been created to entertain and accommodate around 700 guests in the stadium.

Sales of ticket have been started and almost half of the tickets have already been sold, he informed.
(ANI)

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Canadian Scholars to Present Indian Arts Concert

March 30, 2010 By Leave a Comment

New Delhi, Mar.30 (ANI): Five Canadian scholars of performing arts, currently studying with their gurus in different parts of India, will come together at 6:00 p.m. on April 1, 2010 to present a concert of Indian art.

This bi-national concert, HARMONY, will take place at Triveni Kala Sangam, 205, Tansen Marg, Mandi House, New Delhi, and is organized by the Shastri Indo-Canadian Institute (SICI), an organization funded by the Governments of Canada and the Government of India, Ministry of Human Resource Development.

The concert will feature Chloe Bennett-Pinel (flute), Richard Tremblay (a presentation on research and creation of Kathakali Dance Theatre), Sasha Ghoshal (Rabindra Sangeet), Sonia St-Michel (Odissi), Tanya Jacob (Hindustani Classical).

Amit Khare, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Human Resource Development, Government of India will be the chief guest at the event.

“HARMONY illustrates the wide variety of exchanges Canada and India have come to develop together. It also proves the vitality of cultural bonds between our two countries, as will demonstrate further the year-long Festival of India in Canada that India has announced for 2011,” said Mr. Joseph Caron, High Commissioner of Canada who is a Guest of Honor at the event.

Sangeet Martand Pandit Jasraj will also be a Guest of Honor.

HARMONY is being held under the aegis of the India Studies Program of SICI. The Program provides fellowships to Canadian scholars, librarians and artistes for research activities, and supplies Indian publications to Canadian universities. (ANI)

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Indo-Kazakh business seminar seeks to bridge trade, information divide

March 5, 2010 By Leave a Comment

Almaty (Kazakhstan), Mar. 5 (ANI): The Embassy of India in collaboration with the Kazakhstan Chamber of Commerce and Industry organized a business seminar titled “Doing Business with India” at Almaty on March 3.

The seminar was organized with the support of the Investment and Technology Promotion Division of the Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India.

The objective of the seminar was to inform Kazakh decision and policy makers, and businessmen, to focus on developing and promoting economic and commercial relations with India.

It was also designed to bridge the “information divide” that exists between the business communities of India and Kazakhstan by sharing and exchanging information on the prospects and potential for enhancing business and economic cooperation between the two countries.

Inaugurating the event, India”s Ambassador to Kazakhstan, Ashok Sajjanhar referred to the dynamic and vibrant growth in bilateral economic relations over the last few years, particularly since the visit of President Nazarbayev to India as the Chief Guest at India’s 60th Republic Day celebrations in January, 2009.

He said several important agreements were signed and decisions taken during that visit to promote cooperation in different sectors including hydrocarbons, thermal power generation, healthcare, civil nuclear energy, petrochemicals, IT, pharmaceuticals, infrastructure, agriculture and others.

Ambassador Sajjanhar also noted that significant progress has taken place in several of these areas, particularly pharmaceuticals, domestic and industrial radiators and banking to name a few.

Ambassador Sajjanhar also provided a brief account of the resilience and dynamism of the Indian economy which, notwithstanding the international economic crisis, grew by 6.7 percent in 2008-2009 and is expected to grow at 7.5 percent during the current financial year.

He said that India has continued to receive FDI of around USD 35 billion during the last two years which is testimony to the confidence that India enjoys amongst the international investors and financial community.

India’s savings rate has continued to grow and currently stands at 37 percent of its GDP. He expressed confidence that India will once again be able to achieve 9% growth in the very near future.

Ambassador Sajjanhar noted that Kazakhstan is rich in mineral resources while India enjoys immense advantage in technology and highly skilled manpower. He expressed India’s readiness to collaborate with Kazakhstan in the area of economic diversification and value addition, promote innovation and manufacture and develop its human resources and skilled manpower.
He urged Kazakh policy makers, businessmen and industrialists to upgrade their relations with India and take advantage of the vast opportunities that are available for further strengthening bilateral economic and commercial relations.

In their remarks, the Deputy Governor of Almaty Serik Seidumanov, Ambassador Bakyt Ospanov and Vice President of Kazakhstan Chamber of Commerce and Industry Tatyana Zhdanova extolled the rapid growth of Indian economy over the last several years, notwithstanding the international financial crisis.

They expressed confidence and determination to improve business and commercial relations between India and Kazakhstan. All of them warmly congratulated the Indian Embassy for several programmes and events organised by it to promote economic and commercial cooperation between the two countries.

Presentations were made on the present trends in the Indian economy and advantages of India as an investment destination in different sectors like IT, ITES, biotechnology, infrastructure, automotive components and others.

Indian and Kazakh businessmen spoke at length about the prospects and opportunities available for promoting bilateral cooperation, particularly in sectors ranging from tourism, oil and gas, education, IT and pharmaceuticals to infrastructure, innovation, financial services and energy transmission and distribution etc.

The event was attended by around 100 participants. (ANI)

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Maldives can always count on India as a well-meaning friend, says Antony

August 22, 2009 By Leave a Comment

Male’ (Maldives), Aug 22 (ANI): Defence Minister A K Antony has said India and Maldives are a ‘shining model of how two countries of differing sizes can cooperate with each other as equals’.

Speaking at the concluding session of the India-Maldives Friendship Week here last night, he said: “India would like to share views on issues like climate change, economic development as well as problem areas such as drug trafficking, extremism and the threat of terrorism that is afflicting the region as well as the larger world.”

“We would be happy to work with Maldives in these areas to evolve collaborative and cooperative approaches,” he added.

Antony said: “Both countries have been extremely conscious of each other’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and, at the same time, realize that their destinies are intertwined. Both countries have always emphasized the mutuality of interest and support each other in numerous ways- at the bilateral, regional and International level.”

“India is proud of this partnership and engagement and deeply value the friendship of the people of Maldives. In this quest, the people of Maldives can always count on India as a sincere and well-meaning friend,” he added.

Referring to the democratic transformation that has taken place in Maldives in recent years, he said India would be happy to assist Maldives in any way that is possible in strengthening democracy and democratic institutions that are being built in Maldives.

The event was attended by the top leadership of Maldives including President Maohammed Nasheed.

Meanwhile, Nasheed has agreed to a request from Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh to be the chief guest at the Technology Development and Transfer Meeting on Climate Change to be held in New Delhi on October 22.

The request of the Prime Minister was conveyed by Antony to Nasheed in Male’ on Thursday. (ANI)

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Prime Minister arrives in Paris

July 14, 2009 By Leave a Comment

Paris, July 14 (ANI): Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh arrived in Paris late on Monday night to participate in the National Day celebrations of the Republic of France.

Dr. Singh was received by French Justice Minister Michele Alliot-Marie and Ambassador of France to India Bonnafont. He was presented a Guard of Honour by the republican guards. National anthem of both the countries were also played.

Dr. Singh, who will be the Chief Guest of Honour at France’s National Day celebrations on Tuesday, said: “It’s a great honour and a great privilege for me to be in this beautiful country on France’s National Day.

I am very grateful to President Nicolas Sarkozy for giving me this rare honour. India and France are partners in development. We have very good relations with France. Its my ambition to give a further push to our strategic partnership.”

The Prime Minister is the first Indian leader to be bestowed this honour, as France does not have a tradition of inviting foreign heads of state to be chief guests at their Bastille Day or National Day celebrations.

This day commemorates the storming of the Bastille in 1789, which was then seen as a symbol of a rising modern nation.

He will witness the contingent of 400 soldiers from the Indian Army, Navy and Air force march down the Champs-Elysees Avenue along with French infantry troops and motorised troops.

This is the for the first time that all the three services – Army, Navy and Air Force will taking part in the National Day celebrations of another country.

Among the 400 personnel, 300 would be part of the marching contingent, while the rest are from the respective bands.

A prominent feature of the band contingent will be the drummers and bagpipers who would be playing Indian martial music.

Inviting friendly nations to send their troops to participate the Bastille Day parade is a recent phenomenon.

In 2004, during the centenary of the Entente Cordiale, British troops comprising of Grenadier Guards, the Cavalry Regiment and Royal Marines and Royal Horse Artillery, led the parade in Paris for the first time.

The Indian armed forces participation will mark the commemoration of Indian army’s association with its French counterpart during the two World Wars.

The parade itself is a gala event held at what can best be described as the Rajpath of Paris. It begins from the Arc de Triomphe to the Place de la Concorde.

The number of contingents participating in the parade are not as many as seen in the Republic Day parade every January 26 in New Delhi.

While the loudest applause in Delhi is reserved for the ex-servicemen contingent, at the Bastille Day parade it is the fireservice men who get the loudest applause. By Smita Prakash (ANI)

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India to build its partnership with France in nuclear energy: PM

July 14, 2009 By Leave a Comment

New Delhi, July 13 (ANI): Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh on Monday said India would like to build its partnership with France in nuclear energy, defence and other areas.

Before leaving for France and Egypt on a four-day visit, Dr. Singh said: “India and France enjoy a close and wide ranging strategic partnership. Our relations with France encompass a large number of areas, and have served our national interests well.”

“We would like to build upon our partnership in the areas of trade and investment, high technology, space, nuclear energy, defence, education, culture, tourism and scientific research and development,” Dr. Singh added.

Dr. Singh left for Paris this afternoon to participate in the National Day celebrations of the Republic of France on July 14.

“At the invitation of President Nicolas Sarkozy, I am leaving today for Paris to participate in the National Day celebrations. The invitation extended to me to participate as the Chief Guest at the National Day celebrations of France is an honour for the people of India,” he said.

During the four-day visit, Dr. Singh will travel from Paris to Sharm-el Sheikh in Egypt on Tuesday for the 15th Non-aligned Summit which will be held under the chairmanship of President Hosni Mubarak.

Dr. Singh said that the diversity and universality of the Non-Aligned Movement offers NAM a unique opportunity to address the challenges of today.

“India will play its part in helping Non-Aligned Movement to regain its moral high ground to address issues which are of direct concern and relevance to developing countries such as sustainable development, climate change, food security, energy security, terrorism and reform of the architecture of international governance,” he said.

“Non-alignment has been the bedrock of India’s foreign policy since it was enunciated by Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru. Non-alignment remains an article of faith for us. In the post-Cold War era, when the world is no longer divided into two military blocs, the Non-aligned Movement has a renewed role to play in the emerging world order,” he added. By Smita Prakash(ANI)

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Manmohan Singh to be chief guest at French National Day

July 11, 2009 By Leave a Comment

New Delhi, July 11 (ANI): Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh will be chief guest at the French National Day Celebrations in Paris on July 14.

Dr. Singh was invited by French President Nicholas Sarkozy, who was chief guest in last year’s Republic Day celebrations. His invitation to Dr. Singh is a gesture of reciprocation.

He will reach Paris on his way to the Egyptian city of Sharm-el-Sheikh to attend the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) Summit.

Cambodian President Hun Sen, who will be on a bilateral visit to France, will also be the guest of honour along with German President Horst Kochler.

A contingent of 400 soldiers from the Army, the Navy and the Air Force will also participate in the French National Day Parade.

The French National Day marks the anniversary of the storming of the Bastille fortress-prison on July 14, 1789.

Besides, President Sarkozy will host a working lunch for Dr. Singh where they will discuss a wide range of issues, ranging from bilateral issues like defence ties, counter-terrorism cooperation and civilian nuclear trade to global issues like the global economic crisis. (ANI)

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Indian Armed Forces contingent leaves for Paris to participate in France’s National Day Parade

July 8, 2009 By Leave a Comment

New Delhi, July 8 (ANI): A 270 personnel contingent of the Indian Armed Forces comprising marching columns and a combined military band from the Army, the Navy and the Air Force left here today for Paris to participate in the French National Day.

Yesterday, the first batch comprising 130 personnel left for Paris.

The 400 strong contingent, commanded by Air Commodore RK Mathur, will take part in the march past on the Bastille Day.

Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh will be the Chief Guest at the French National Day Celebrations in Paris this year.

The French National Day marks the anniversary of the storming of the Bastille fortress-prison on July 14, 1789. (ANI)

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Tibetans celebrate Dalai Lama’s 74th birthday in Dharamsala

July 6, 2009 By Leave a Comment

Dharamsala, July 6 (ANI): Tibetans living in exile in Dharamsala celebrated the 74th birthday of Buddhist spiritual leader Dalai Lama today.

Born in 1935 in Tibet, Lhamo Thondup was recognized as the reincarnation of 13th Dalai Lama, at the age of 2.

Scores of Tibetans gathered at main Buddhist temple, Tsugalgkhang and prayed for the long life and health of their leader.

“He (Dalai Lama) himself is in Delhi to attend another meeting where former President of India Mr. Kalam is the chief guest. Here, it is the official’s celebration of the Tibetan government in exile, and six parliamentarians from Australia are also here as chief guest,” said Lobsang Wangyal, a Tibetan youth.

The Central Tibetan Administration organized the function.

Hoping to celebrate Dalai Lama’s birthday in Lhasa one day, thousands of Buddhist monks, nuns and exiled government officials took part in the celebrations.

“All our effort is based on this firm conviction and hope that we will return to Tibet in circumstances which satisfy the majority of Tibetan people and will celebrate both our Losar and his Holiness’ next birthday in Lhasa,” said Thubten Samphel, Spokesperson Of The Government-In-Exile.

The Dalai Lama was brought to Lhasa in October 1939, and formally installed the head of the state of Tibet on February 22, 1940.

About 134,000 Tibetans live in exile, the vast majority in India or Nepal, and of them less than half were born in their homeland. (ANI)

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Defence forces all set to participate in National Day Parade of France

July 4, 2009 By Leave a Comment

New Delhi, July 4 (ANI): A 400-strong contingent of the three wings of Indian defence forces (Army, Navy and Air Force) performed a full-dress rehearsal here today ahead of their visit to France to participate in a parade making National Day celebrations in France on July 14.

This is the for the first time that all the three services – Army, Navy and Air Force will be participating in the National Day celebrations of another country.

Among the 400 personnel, 300 would be part of the marching contingent, while the rest are from the respective bands.

A prominent feature of the band contingent will be the drummers and bagpipers who would be playing Indian martial music.

The members of this contingent have been practicing for the past fortnight at the India Gate.

“We have stood first in the Army Day parade, the reason we have been selected for the French national day parade. And as far this specific practice for French National Day celebration is concerned we have been practicing from past one month and from last 15 days we have been practicing at India Gate,” said Captain Vinay Khanduri of 22 Maratha Light Infantry.

French President Nicolas Sarkozy has invited Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh to be the chief guest at the French National Day celebrations. (ANI)

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TERI chief says Indian Army’s biggest enemy is climate change

June 28, 2009 By Leave a Comment

New Delhi, June 28 (ANI/ Business Wire India): Dr. R.K. Pachauri, Director General of The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) and Chairman of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), has warned the Indian Army that climate change could prove to be their biggest enemy, as melting snow could open a new passage for terrorists.

“Climate change poses new threats to India. Melting snows in the north open up passages for terrorists, just as melting glaciers affect water supply in the subcontinent’s northern part, sharpening possibility of conflict with our neighbours. Changing rainfall patterns affect rain fed agriculture, worsening poverty which can be exploited by others,” Dr. Pachauri said while delivering the keynote address at the convocation ceremony at the Military College of Telecommunication Engineering, Mhow.

He cautioned that climate change might force millions of ‘climate refugees’ across India’s border, posing a new challenge to nation’s armed forces.

“Our defence forces might find themselves torn between humanitarian relief operations and guarding our borders against climate refugees, as rising sea-levels swamp low-lying areas, forcing millions of ‘climate refugees’ across India’s border,” he added.

As the Chief Guest, Pachauri presented the Chief of Army Staff Trophy and other awards to the winners.

In his Valedictory Address, Dr. Pachauri complimented the officers for the exemplary work they have done during various natural calamities across the length and breadth of the country.

He praised the Corps of Signals for their good work in the field of modern communications and computer networks and their remarkable use of advanced systems of Optical Fiber, Satellite Communications, and other networks to conduct its operations, including Low Intensity Conflict Operations and UN missions.

The Commandant, Military College of Telecommunication Engineering in his farewell address, exhorted the passing out officers to apply their knowledge in their units and to keep abreast with the latest in the field of technology. (ANI)

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ITBP team returns from Mount Abi Gamin peak to a grand welcome

June 27, 2009 By Leave a Comment

New Delhi, June 25 (ANI): Having conquered 24,130-feet Mount Abi Gamin peak on the Sino-Indian border, the mountaineering and skiing team of Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) returned to the national capital on Thursday and was accorded a warm reception.

The team skied down the peak, despite heavy snow accumulation and high velocity blizzards.

Renowned Everester Harbhajan Singh led the 47-member team. Earlier, Singh had led a successful ski down expedition from Mount Abi Gamin in 2006.

Director General of Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) on this occasion appreciated the team and described their feat as “a big achievement” for the team.

“This is a very big achievement this very team was to scale Mount Everest in April-May but due to some reasons it could not go there so we had sent them to the Mount Abi Gamin and Mount Kamet. As you (the media persons) can see the equipments are world class,” said Vikram Srivastava, Director General, Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP).

The chief guest, G.K. Pillai, designated Home Secretary; Heads of Paramilitary Forces, government officials were present on the occasion. (ANI)

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First naval air squadron ‘the flying fish’ celebrates golden jubilee

June 20, 2009 By Leave a Comment

Kochi (Kerala), June 19 (ANI): Indian Navy’s First Air Squadron, INAS 550 celebrates its Golden Jubilee of National Service by cutting a symbolic cake with a sword, which took place at the hanger based at INS Garuda in the Kochi Naval base.

Raised as a Fleet Requirement Unit (FRU), the Indian Naval Air Squadron 550 was commissioned on June 17, 1959 under the command of Lt PKK Menon at Kochi.

The Squadron the- ‘The Cradle of Naval Aviation’- has been witness to the growth of the Naval aviation over the past five decades. Over the years, INAS 550 has the unique distinction of having operated over thirteen different types of aircraft.

The aircraft operated by the Squadron includes the Sealand, Firefly, HT-32, Dove, HJT-16 Kiran, different versions of Islanders and the Dornier 228. The Squadron has also for a time operated a Mi 4 helicopter.

The INAS 550 or “The Flying Fish” as they like to call themselves has since its inception, contributed immensely to nation building.

The Squadron has undertaken surveillance missions for the rocket firings from the Thumba Equatorial Rocket Launching Station in the sixties and seventies.

Among the various operations in which the Squadron has participated, notable is the Squadron’s deployment in Sri Lanka post-Tsunami, 2004 where the squadron’s aircraft was the first foreign aircraft to land with relief material. Another important contribution of the squadron has been providing casualty evacuation and distress relief.

Several veterans of the Squadron visited Kochi Naval base to participate in the celebrations. Vice Admiral Mihir K Roy (Retd), was the Chief Guest of the anniversary celebrations which was celebrated on June 17.

Vice Admiral SK Damle, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Southern Naval Command, who was also a part of the squadron in 1978-79, was also present at the functions held to mark the occasion. By Juhan Samuel(ANI)

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India to have year-long festival in Canada

June 11, 2009 By Leave a Comment

Toronto, (IANS) India is all set to hold a year-long ‘Festival of India in Canada’ in 2011, showcasing the country’s rich cultural heritage, said Indian High Commissioner to Canada S.M. Gavai.

‘It could be called the Festival of India or the Year of India. There will be across-the-board activities – performances by Indian artists, exhibitions and seminars on India,’ Gavai said to thunderous applause at the annual gala dinner of the Indo-Canada Chamber of Commerce (ICCC) here Saturday night.

The envoy also announced $5 million to Canada’s HealthyKids International for its three-year programme to help India meet the shortage of paediatric specialists. He presented the first of the three cheques for $1.5 million to HealthKids International.

Under this programme, Indian doctors will be trained at Toronto’s Sick Kids Hospital for one year.

‘Five Indian specialists will spend one year at the Sick Kids Hospital and then go back to India,’ Gavai said.

Speaking as chief guest, Canada’s Minister for International Trade and the Asia-Pacific Gateway Stockwell Day said the two-way trade between India and Canada rose by 22 percent last year despite the economic downturn.

He also announced $6.7 million for four initiatives to increase cooperation with India in the field of health sciences, including cancer and AIDS.

Under this initiative, Canadian universities and medical institutes will collaborate with their Indian counterparts in various fields.

The minister presented awards to 10 Indian Canadians including ICICI Canada founding president and CEO Hari Panday for excellence in their fields.

Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty, who was also present at the event, said he was looking forward to his visit to India in December.

McGunity, who led a trade mission to India in 2007, said this time he will lead a green mission to Mumbai and New Delhi. Quoting Rabindranath Tagore, the premier of Canada’s biggest and most powerful province said: ‘India is aware.’

Indians are working with a clear purpose ‘to build a better India for India and for the world’, he said.

The premier said India recently announced a plan to fight climate change, and his mission will promote business opportunities for Canadian companies, which are world leaders in green technology.

McGuinty said the two-way trade between India and Canada has grown, but ‘we need to do a lot better’.

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Kumar Sanu captivates audience at Mumbai award show

May 24, 2009 By Leave a Comment

Mumbai, May 24 (ANI): Playback singer Kumar Sanu enthralled an audience at a production award function, where he was the chief guest on Saturday in Mumbai.

Speaking on the occasion, Kumar described the production unit as the main pillar of the film industry, and appealed to the film fraternity to come forward and support them.

“From the beginning of the film till the end, the production people work hard on it. They rarely get acknowledged for their hard work. It is a thankless job. Even a hairdresser and dress man gets an award, but they are not awarded as there is no category for them,” said Kumar Sanu.

Among the awards handed out were for best production manager, best production controller and a lifetime achievement award. The production awards were organised by Association of CINE TV and Advertisement Production Executives. (ANI)

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NHRC seminar on “Right to Information, Human Rights ends

May 22, 2009 By Leave a Comment

New Delhi, May 22 (ANI): A two day national seminar on “Right to Information, Human Rights: The Present Scenario”, organized by the National Human Rights Commission concluded in New Delhi today.

Addressing the concluding Session, the noted Hindi Litterateur Kunwar Narayan as Chief Guest observed that literature is a mirror to society and in this context it has close links with Right to Information.

He underscored the importance of Hindi in brining awareness about Right to Information.

Renowned Journalist and Special Guest, Prabhash Joshi stated, it is ironical that the country seems to be governed by the age old rules framed by the British and which have orientation for denying the information.

A change in the society cannot be effected with the introduction of a law, first the society has to accept it, he added. Recalling the efforts behind the enactment of Right to Information Act in the country, he observed that it needs to be implemented in a more transparent manner in which no institution remains beyond its purview.

During the two day seminar, several writers, academicians, Senior Government Officers, Members and Officers of the Commission participated in the discussions on the issue of Right to Information and human rights.

It was largely hailed that the Right to Information has brought in a change in the culture of the governance in the country.

However, it was also felt that unless the people in the governance and the society as a whole are sensitive about the need to be transparent, mere implementation of Right to Information will not be successful. (ANI)

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