Jane Lauder Promoted to Global President, General Manager of Origins and Ojon, Continuing a Tradition of Strong Family Leadership in the Estée Lauder Companies Inc.

NEW YORK–(Business Wire)–
The Estée Lauder Companies Inc. (NYSE:EL) announced today that Jane Lauder has
been promoted to Global President, General Manager of Origins and Ojon.
Effective July 1, 2010, Ms. Lauder will be responsible for the overall strategic
direction, global development, management and growth of both brands. Ms. Lauder
will continue to report to Lynne Greene, Global President, who oversees the
Clinique, Origins and Ojon brands. Ms. Lauder serves on The Estée Lauder
Companies Board of Directors.

Ms. Lauder brings a highly accomplished track record to her new appointment.
Since July 2008, she has served as Senior Vice President/General Manager of the
Origins brand. In that role, Ms. Lauder has been instrumental in leading a
number of Origins latest achievements, including the development and execution
of Origins new strategic direction “Powered by Nature, Proven by Science,” the
recent launch of Origins in China and several exceptional skin care product
launches including GinZing eye cream, Starting Over moisturizer and Brighter by
Nature skin tone correcting serum.

Fabrizio Freda, President and Chief Executive Officer of The Estée Lauder
Companies Inc., remarks, “I wish to congratulate Jane for her strong results on
Origins and for her significant contributions to our corporate strategy and for
representing the family values which are at the core of our Company. I am proud
to promote Jane to Global President, General Manager of the Origins and Ojon
brands, and I know she will continue to be an important leader in advancing the
Company.”

Ms. Greene comments, “Jane`s dynamic leadership skills, marketing creativity and
financial acumen have been critical in growing the Origins brand and are
important contributors to the Company`s success. She has led strategic
innovation to redefine the brand`s positioning in the natural and sustainable
beauty brand landscape. Jane`s excellent insights and judgment will continue to
expand the Origins brand`s global footprint and strategically develop the Ojon
business.”

Prior to joining Origins, Ms. Lauder served as Senior Vice President, Global
Marketing Clinique, a position she held since July 2006. In this role, she was
responsible for the brand`s overall strategic marketing and positioning,
including developing products and expanding the brand into new channels and
categories globally. Prior to Clinique, Ms. Lauder spearheaded the creation and
launch of the American Beauty and Flirt! brands as Vice President of Marketing
BeautyBank where she oversaw both brands` positioning, product development and
creative direction.

A graduate of Stanford University, Ms. Lauder joined The Estée Lauder Companies
in 1996 after working in the advertising industry. She is a granddaughter of the
Founder and namesake of The Estée Lauder Companies and the daughter of Ronald S.
Lauder, Chairman, Clinique Laboratories, LLC.

Origins is sold in more than 20 countries and territories. Some of its
best-known product lines include Dr. Andrew Weil for Origins, A Perfect World
and Origins Organics, the first full line of prestige skin, body and hair care
products to be certified by the USDA as organic.

Ojon® creates highly-potent beauty rituals featuring naturally-derived raw
ingredients found in the world`s rainforests. Centuries-old harvesting processes
help maintain the way of life for indigenous communities by protecting ancient
traditions and sustaining their natural environment. Introduced in the United
States in 2003, Ojon® is currently sold in five countries including the United
Kingdom, Canada, Australia and Germany.

The Estée Lauder Companies Inc. is one of the world’s leading manufacturers and
marketers of quality skin care, makeup, fragrance and hair care products. The
Company’s products are sold in over 140 countries and territories under the
following brand names: Estée Lauder, Aramis, Clinique, Prescriptives, Lab
Series, Origins, M·A·C, Bobbi Brown, Tommy Hilfiger, Kiton, La Mer, Donna Karan,
Aveda, Jo Malone, Bumble and bumble, Darphin, Michael Kors, American Beauty,
Flirt!, Good Skin, Grassroots Research Labs, Sean John, Missoni, Daisy Fuentes,
Tom Ford, Coach and Ojon.

An electronic version of this release can be found at the Company`s Website,
www.elcompanies.com.

Photos/Multimedia Gallery Available:

http://www.businesswire.com/cgi-bin/mmg.cgi?eid=6346503〈=en

The Estée Lauder Companies Inc.
Media Relations:
Alexandra Trower
(212) 572-4430
or
Investor Relations:
Dennis D`Andrea
(212) 572-4384

Copyright Business Wire 2010

Northland Resources S.A.: William S Wagener retires as EVP Finland

June 16, 2010 Northland Resources S.A. (“Northland” or “the Company”) advises that
William S. Wagener has expressed his wish to retire from the Company to return to North
America and will leave his position as Executive Vice President, Finland, for Northland.
Mr. Wagener will remain with the Company through the end of July to ensure a smooth
transition of his duties and responsibilities.

“We are going to miss Bill in the Management Team as well as in the Company as a whole.
Northland has many achievements that are the result of Bill’s vision and leadership
skills”, said Northland’s President and CEO, Karl-Axel Waplan.

“We wish Bill and his wife Patty all the best in the years to come in their retirement
and return to North America”, Mr. Waplan continued.

William S. Wagener joined Northland in August 2005 as the Business Manager. He has
served the Company in a number of different roles including Chief Financial Officer,
Chief Operating Officer and since October 2009, Executive Vice President Finland.

For more information please contact:

Karl-Axel Waplan, President and CEO: +46 705 104 239

Anders Hvide, Executive Chairman: +47 92 88 98 58

Patrick Foster, Director Finance: +44 77 101 236 03

Jonas Lundström, VP of Human Resources and Corporate Communication +46 705 493 338

Marguerite Manshreck-Head, Investor Relations, Canada: +1 647 224 7882

Or visit our website at: www.northland.eu http://www.northland.eu/

This information is subject of the disclosure requirements acc. to §5-12 vphl (Norwegian
Securities Trading Act)

MorrisAnderson Promotes Dan Dooley to Chief Executive Officer

CHICAGO, IL, Jun 07 (MARKET WIRE) —
MorrisAnderson announced today that it has named Dan Dooley as chief
executive officer (CEO), effective immediately. In his new role, Dooley
will be responsible for guiding the financial and operational advisory
firm’s strategic growth, as well as overseeing its nine offices
throughout the country.

Dooley joined MorrisAnderson in 1997 and for the past five years has
managed the firm’s operations as chief operating officer (COO). In this
role, he has successfully increased the firm’s focus on industry
specialization, as well as driven its expansion from 25 professionals and
four offices, to 40 professionals and nine office locations. During his
13-year tenure with MorrisAnderson, Dooley has managed more than 50
projects and held interim CEO and CRO positions in numerous client
engagements. In addition, the automotive industry credits him as a top
negotiator as a result of his work with leading U.S. automakers. He also
has negotiated numerous transactions involving the sale, refinancing and
recapitalization of companies, including the closing of four transactions
in 2010.

“Dan’s dynamic leadership skills and ability to develop our consultants,
as well as his expertise in both the operational and financial advisory
sectors, make him the best possible leader to drive MorrisAnderson’s
continued growth,” said Alan Glazer, former CEO of MorrisAnderson and one
the firm’s three founding partners. “Another outstanding quality of Dan’s
is his ability to cultivate meaningful relationships with our clients,
banks, law firms and investors. I am confident these qualities will
ensure he upholds MorrisAnderson’s tradition of excellence our clients
have come to expect.” Glazer served as CEO of Morris Anderson for the
past five years and will remain with the company full time as a senior
principal and project manager.

“Dan has deep knowledge of many industries — from automotive and
aerospace to construction products and restaurants — and understands the
importance of expanding the firm’s footprint to accommodate distressed
middle-market companies in untraditional industries, such as real estate
and oil and gas,” said Ken Yager, chief marketing officer of
MorrisAnderson. “In doing so, we’ll be well positioned to quickly respond
to and better anticipate the needs of our clients, as well as take
advantage of opportunities in new industries.”

Prior to joining MorrisAnderson in 1997, Dooley served as an executive in
both financial and general management roles at several Fortune 500
manufacturers, including Illinois Tool Works and Allied Signal. He also
founded and operated a niche footwear manufacturer. Dooley is a Certified
Turnaround Professional (CTP), past president of the Chicago Chapter of
the Turnaround Management Association (TMA), a past board member and vice
president of the TMA International and a current committee co-chair for
the American Bankruptcy Institute (ABI). He is a frequent panelist and
author in the areas of distressed businesses and insolvency. Dooley
earned his bachelor’s degree in business administration and his M.B.A. in
finance from the University of Minnesota.

About MorrisAnderson
Now celebrating its 30th anniversary, Chicago-based
MorrisAnderson has offices in New York, Atlanta, Milwaukee, Los Angeles,
Cleveland, St. Louis, Charlotte, N.C. and Minneapolis. The firm’s service
offerings include performance improvement, financial advisory, interim
management, turnarounds, workouts, litigation support and insolvency
services and wind-downs. MorrisAnderson emphasizes hands-on involvement
for companies with $50 million to $500 million in annual sales.

Image Available: http://www2.marketwire.com/mw/frame_mw?attachid=1273593

Contact:
Monica Heckman
Reputation Partners (for MorrisAnderson)
(312) 819-5720
monica@reputationpartners.com

Marjorie Dunn
Manager, Marketing & Communications
MorrisAnderson
(312) 254-0892
mdunn@morrisanderson.com

Copyright 2010, Market Wire, All rights reserved.

‘Contender’ White backs Clarke to lead Oz T20 side

Sydney, May 18 (ANI): Australia’s Twenty20 vice captain Cameron White has backed incumbent Michael Clarke to lead the side for his leadership skills, despite selectors toying with the idea of allowing Clarke to focus on 50-over cricket and Tests.

Clarke expects his spot in the Australian Twenty20 team to be reviewed after batting performances at the World Twenty20 that “haven’t been up to scratch”.

Clarke guided Australia to six consecutive victories before the final where Kevin Pietersen hit 47 off 31 balls to inspire England to a seven-wicket win.

White said Clarke deserved credit for his leadership skills. “What Michael’s done for the team, his leadership and captaincy, has been a great effort,” he said.

“We’ve come a long way. There was a stage when we weren’t considered a very good Twenty20 team. But I think we’ve showed in this tournament that we are,” The Sydney Morning Herald quoted White, as saying.

Clarke also said that Australia has taken a big step forward, reaching the World T20 final for the first time at its third attempt. (ANI)

OM’s Lucho hoping for World Cup springboard

Lucho Gonzalez is determined to help Olympique Marseille win their first league title in 18 years and hopes that success will catapult him into contention for Argentina’s World Cup finals squad.

Marseille, who host St Etienne on Sunday, are top of the Ligue 1 table with 68 points from 33 matches, five points ahead of second-placed AJ Auxerre. The Burgundy side travel to Toulouse for their next game.

Marseille have won their last six league matches but Lucho, who joined the club during the close season from Porto, warned against complacency.

“There are still five matches left and we have to take them one by one,” he told Marseille’s website (www.om.net). “We must not think we’re there yet.”

Lucho, who has earned the nickname ‘El Comandante’ for his on-field leadership skills, is keen to earn a place in Argentina’s squad but knows the competition is fierce.

The South Americans have Fernando Gago, Maxi Rodriguez, Javier Mascherano, Esteban Cambiasso and Juan Sebastian Veron vying for midfield places.

However, Argentina coach Diego Maradona stopped by Marseille’s training ground a few weeks ago, suggesting Lucho could make the trip to South Africa.

“Diego Maradona did not tell me anything good or bad,” said Lucho, who made three appearances for Argentina in the 2006 World Cup finals.

“Argentine has a lot of great players and I will have to be good with my club to be picked. I will hope until the end.”

Third-placed Olympique Lyon will host Monaco on May 12 after the French League postponed the fixture to allow the seven-times champions to prepare for their Champions League return leg against Bayern Munich next Tuesday.

Defending champions Girondins Bordeaux, in sixth place with 57 points but with a game in hand, travel to Lorient on Saturday.

Montpellier, who have not won in their last four games, will be at Nancy, also on Saturday.

(Reporting by Julien Pretot; Editing by Peter Rutherford;

To query or comment on this story email sportsfeedback@thomsonreuters.com)

TUI University Partners with U.S. Army Engineers School

Specialized Business Administration degree will focus on management and
leadership skills
CYPRESS, Calif.–(Business Wire)–
TUI University (www.tuiu.edu), a leader in online education, today announced a
partnership with the U.S. Army Engineers School at Fort Leonard Wood, MO to
establish a specially tailored Bachelor of Science in Business Administration
degree for U.S. Army Engineers. The degree will emphasize management and
leadership, providing relevant courses which develop critical thinking, writing,
communication, and other skills necessary to enhance professional success.

“This new partnership with the U.S. Army Engineer School and the specialized
degree available to U.S. Army Engineers demonstrates TUI University`s ongoing
commitment to the higher education of the service-men and -women in this
country,” said Kenneth Sobaski, president and chief executive officer, TUI
University. “By tailoring this new degree to provide the management and
leadership skills required by U.S. Army Engineers, we aim to provide these
students with a practical education that will further their military career.”

This specialized degree is available to students awarded a 12/21 series Military
Occupation Specialty (MOS) by the U.S. Army Engineer School. Courses taken at
institutions prior to TUI University, including the Army Engineer School, will
be reviewed and evaluated for transfer credit according to the guidelines of the
American Council on Education (ACE).

“This partnership with TUI affords Soldiers of the Engineer Regiment the
opportunity to build lifelong skills that will not only be of benefit to the
Soldier now, but also when the Soldier transitions to another calling,” said BG
Bryan Watson Commandant of the U.S. Army Engineer School. “It is essential that
we arm our Soldiers with the skills to be successful in a multi-cultural,
multi-national environment and I think TUI has done a great job of providing
that institutional knowledge. TUI’s learning model allows our Soldiers to
complete their degree wherever in the world the Army demands its Engineers.”

TUI University will admit students into this specialized program at the
discounted military tuition rate. Most graduates of the U.S. Army Engineer
School are active duty and will also utilize military tuition assistance or GI
Bill benefits.

About TUI University

Founded in 1998, TUI University (www.tuiu.edu) has become a leading online
postsecondary university. Its technology-enabled online learning model and
solutions provide a convenient, cost-effective, and high-quality education to
students. TUI University is accredited by the Accrediting Commission for Senior
Colleges and Universities of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges
(WASC) and is based in Cypress, California.

The Castle Group
Scott MacKenzie, 617-337-9514
smackenzie@thecastlegrp.com

Copyright Business Wire 2010

50 Lessons Adds BTS Thought Leader Interviews to Curriculum

Dan Parisi Shares Wisdom on Experiential Business Learning
SAN FRANCISCO–(Business Wire)–
BTS USA, the global leader in accelerating strategy alignment and execution, and
50 Lessons announce that 50 Lessons has selected BTS Executive Vice President
Dan Parisi as a featured business leader for their video library series. The
featured video segments will focus on three topics: the power of experiential
learning to align the workforce, what makes a successful chief learning officer,
and how learning delivery methods have evolved from basic lecture to behavioral
laboratory. The video segments will be available to all subscribers of the 50
Lessons Library in late spring.

“Dan combines great knowledge, passion and a great delivery style,” says 50
Lessons’ CEO, Matt Burr. “His observations and experience on effective learning
in business are a boost for executives, managers and entrepreneurs alike, or
indeed for anyone who wants to help get strategy across to employees.”

“The Power of Learning to Align the Workforce” focuses on the story of how a
global telecom company quickly and effectively mobilizes its talent around a new
strategic direction. The organization successfully built strategic business
alignment by deploying a customized business simulation program.

In “Successful CLO’s Understand the C-Suite Agenda”, Parisi shares what makes a
CLO a respected business advisor. The best CLOs have a seat at the senior
executive table, do all their work in the context of business problems and
talent needs, and bring their knowledge to bear on business issues such as time
to market, increased productivity, accelerating execution, and growing market
share.

In “How Learning Has Evolved”, Parisi outlines a brief history of adult learning
from lecture-based learning to case study to experiential learning. The latest
innovations, notes Parisi, use experiential learning and simulations to combine
business analytics and leadership skills, enabling business leaders to make
faster, better business decisions.

Parisi said, “50 Lessons recognized that BTS is the global leader in using
experiential learning and simulations to accelerate strategic alignment and
execution in high performing organizations. We believe that simulations and
experiential solutions are the most effective way to help organizations
understand, align and execute on strategies and business initiatives.”

Parisi`s lessons were filmed at the CLO Innovation Network meeting in Chicago in
November 2009. His lesson, “How Learning Has Evolved” will appear in Never Stop
Learning, volume twenty-four of the 50 Lessons – Harvard Business Press book
series, Lessons Learned, Straight Talk from the World`s Top Business Leaders.
Never Stop Learning will be available in August.

About 50 Lessons

50 Lessons is a digital media company that produces, owns, and distributes the
award-winning 50 Lessons library, the world’s pre-eminent collection of
multimedia insights from global business leaders. The library currently holds
over 1,000 videos featuring more than 200 of the world’s leading business
executives, including Michael Dell, Jeffrey Hayzlett, CMO of Eastman Kodak, and
sports legends, Cathy Rigby and Peggy Fleming. 50 Lessons’ content is used in a
wide range of the world’s most successful learning products, including in
Harvard Business School Publishing’s “Manage Mentor.” Visit 50 Lessons at

http://www.50lessons.com.

About BTS

BTS USA is the global leader in accelerating strategy alignment and execution,
innovating how organizations learn, change and improve. We partner with our
clients to build commitment and capability to accelerate strategy execution and
improve business results. The unique BTS process offers fast strategic alignment
and rapid capability building through:

Business Simulations and experiential solutions – the most effective way to help
organizations understand, align and execute. In-depth customization to what is
relevant and actionable on the job. A results-focused approach that
comprehensively and efficiently secures and measures business impact. BTS adds
value to its clients through three practice areas: Strategic Alignment &
Business Acumen, Leadership & Management, and Sales Force Transformation.

BTS has more than 300 professionals serving over 400 clients, including 44 of
the US Fortune 100 companies and more than 25 of the Global Fortune 100 largest
corporations in the world. Select BTS clients include AT&T, Ericsson,
Kimberly-Clark, Nokia, Sony, Toyota, Unilever and Xerox. BTS serves its clients
from offices in New York, Chicago, Philadelphia, San Francisco, Scottsdale,
Stamford, Bangkok, Beijing, Bilbao, Brussels, Helsinki, Johannesburg, London,
Madrid, Melbourne, Mexico City, Oslo, Singapore, Stockholm, Sydney, and Tokyo.
For more information please visit www.bts.com.

Activa PR for BTS
Emma Rosen, 415-385-2843
emma@activapr.com
or
BTS USA
Kristina Rey, Director of Marketing, 203-391-5297
kristina.rey@bts.com

Copyright Business Wire 2010

U.S. ‘optimistic’ on Japan base decision – military

A top U.S. military commander said on Wednesday he was optimistic Japan would soon agree to the planned relocation of a U.S airbase, a dispute that has strained U.S.-Japan ties.

Admiral Robert Willard, head of U.S. Pacific Command, told lawmakers he believed Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama would stick to a 2006 accord that included shifting the Marines’ Futenma airbase to a less crowded spot on Japan’s Okinawa island.

“We are optimistic that the government of Japan will fully reaffirm the 2006 (government of Japan)-U.S. agreement by May 2010,” Willard said in testimony on Capitol Hill.

During the campaign that swept his party to power last year, Hatoyama raised hopes Futenma could be moved off the southern island, host to the bulk of America’s 47,000 military personnel.

But there is still no sign of a feasible alternative ahead of Hatoyama’s self-imposed May deadline to resolve the matter.

Willard also said he thought the Japanese government understood the time pressure and would stick to the timetable.

“There is a level of urgency in getting Futenma resolved,” Willard told reporters after a congressional hearing on military construction in the Pacific command. Moving the base elsewhere on Okinawa is a critical element of the Pentagon’s plan to relocate of 8,000 Marines to Guam, Willard said.

“We’re very anxious to hear what the government (of Japan) thinks.”

A poll published in the Sankei newspaper on Tuesday showed nearly half of those who responded said Hatoyama should quit if he fails to resolve the airbase row.

More than 73 percent of voters polled by the Sankei said they were unhappy with his management of the problem, while nearly 85 percent of respondents said they were unimpressed with Hatoyama’s leadership skills overall.

(Reporting by Susan Cornwell, Editing by Stacey Joyce)

CORRECTED – U.S. Marine base row puts pressure on Japan PM – poll

(Corrects paragraph 7 to … Defence Minister Toshimi Kitazawa …, not … Yoshimi Kitazawa)

TOKYO Reuters) – Nearly half of Japanese voters think Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama should quit if he fails to resolve by the end of May a row over a U.S. airbase that is eroding his ratings ahead of a mid-year election, a survey showed on Tuesday.

Adding to his woes, 92 percent of respondents to the Sankei newspaper poll said a series of financial scandals overshadowing ruling party lawmakers, including party No. 2 Ichiro Ozawa, would have an impact on the election, which is expected in July.

With support for the cabinet down to 30.5 percent in the Sankei poll, compared with 42.8 percent in February, the two issues are undermining the Democratic Party’s chances of winning the majority it needs in the upper house election to avoid policy deadlock.

Just over 29 percent of respondents said they would vote for the Democrats this time, compared with 24 percent for the main opposition Liberal Democratic Party.

Graphic on Japan voter support: http://r.reuters.com/myv63g

Hatoyama raised hopes during his election campaign last year that the Futenma U.S. Marine base could be moved off the southern island of Okinawa, but there is no sign of a feasible alternative plan two months ahead of the deadline he set himself.

More than 73 percent of voters polled by the Sankei said they were unhappy with his management of the problem.

Defence Minister Toshimi Kitazawa, Foreign Minister Katsuya Okada and Chief Cabinet Secretary Hirofumi Hirano were set to pull together the government’s proposals on Tuesday, but officials have said they would keep the ideas under wraps.

Nearly 85 percent of respondents said they were unimpressed with Hatoyama’s leadership skills, while about three quarters said they wanted Ozawa to step down as party secretary general over a funding scandal in which three of his former and current aides were indicted.

The Democrats won a landslide victory in the lower house last year, but need a majority in the less powerful upper house to pass bills without delay, something that could be vital as they try to nurture the fragile economy and control public debt.

(Editing by Edwina Gibbs)

HDI certifications for the support industry comes to India

New Delhi, May 28 (ANI/Business Wire India): HDI, USA, (www.thinkhdi.com), the premier certification body and largest membership association for the service and support industry, announced it’s advent into India with two certification courses scheduled for June 22 to June 26 in Bangalore.

HDI has announced these courses in partnership with QAI, (www.qaiglobal.com), a global consulting and workforce development organization. These courses are for the benefit of the Support industry in India.

For most customers, their experience with support services can often be the deciding factor in choosing one company over another. Like all over the world, these certifications, which will now be available in India, train the associates involved with support centers to increase productivity, drive consistent service delivery and thereby increasing customer satisfaction.

Besides the IT and BPO sectors, industries like banking, insurance, telecom, airlines and retail which have significant support centers would directly stand to gain by these certification courses.

The HDI Support Center Team Lead certification course, slated for 22 and 23 June, 2009 in Bangalore, is designed for support center professionals who have been or will be promoted to a team lead position and require fundamental management and leadership skills for their increased responsibilities.

The HDI Support Center Manager certification course, scheduled to take place from 24 to 26 June, 2009 in Bangalore, focuses on best practice standards and the skills necessary to successfully manage the operational, strategic and tactical components of a support organization.

HDI Certification is based on internationally recognized open standards developed by a committee of worldwide industry leaders, help desk and support center experts, consultants, and practitioners for the benefit of the support industry. The courses in Bangalore will be conducted by Katherine Lord, HDI faculty member.

Commenting on HDI’s advent into India, Navyug Mohnot, CEO, QAI, said, “The support center manager must act as a support leader and strategically align the support center to the organization. We are very happy to partner with HDI and bring their courses to India where the Indian industry can benefit from the global best practices.” (ANI)

Future of India lies with youth: Rahul Gandhi

Kochi, Apr 13 (ANI): Congress General Secretary Rahul Gandhi on Monday said that the future of India lies with the youth.

Addressing a press conference in Kochi, Gandhi expressed his firm belief on the power of youth in politics.

“The difference between a young person and an old person is that a young person looks towards the future, okay! An old person looks in the past,” said Gandhi.

Speaking to reporters, Gandhi admitted that the lack of youth participation in politics was due to the absence of an appropriate system in the country.

He assured that he is trying to build the mechanism to attract youth in politics but clarified that it would take some time.

Gandhi mentioned the presence of ‘dynastic politics’, where people with official connections proceed. Explaining the reason for dearth of youth in Indian politics, he said, “Part of the reason is there’s no system, it’s arbitrary. Building the system takes time, I can tell you three to five years from today, Youth Congress and NSUI (National Students Union of India) will be producing youth leaders by the hundreds.”

Meanwhile, addressing a press conference in Mumbai today, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh expressed confidence on Rahul Gandhi and said that he has ” all the qualities to become a good Prime Minister.”

Singh said that Gandhi was a “declared candidate” of the Congress for the post of Prime Minister.

Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Sunday had also said her brother Rahul Gandhi has leadership skills and could one day become the Prime Minister of the country. (ANI)

Obama, Manmohan Singh pitch for enhanced Indo-U.S ties

London, April 2 (ANI): The much-awaited meeting between U.S President Barack Obama and Indian Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh took place here on Thursday on the sidelines of the second Group of 20 (G-20) leaders summit, and at the end of it, both leaders pitched for improved and enhanced bilateral ties.

Both leaders met for about 45-minutes with key aides and used the occasion to highlight each other’s leadership skills and contribution to national and international developments.

President Obama told Prime Minister Singh that the United States sees India: “U.S sees India as a global power and a critical partner in helping to deal with the challenges of 21st century such as in climate change, trade, science and innovation.”

Obama further said : “Much of the growth and rise of India can be attributed to the wisdom of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.”

Acknowledging Dr. Singh’s leadership in unleashing India’s economic prowess, President Obama said: ” I express my admiration for Prime Minister Singh. I am grateful for the opportunity I had at the summit to have met the Prime Minister Singh. I hope by the time the summit is over I can call him my friend. I hope to visit India in near future”

In his response, Dr. Singh said: “Mr. Obama there is enormous admiration and respect for what you stand for. You are a ray of hope in countries such as ours and indeed the world. Under your distinguished leadership in India-U.S relationship will grow further.”

He further described the United States and India as: “We are two democracies which believe in the rule of law. We are two civil societies. There is hardly any middle class family in India that doesn’t have a son or a daughter, brother or a sister studying in the U.S. This itself is a very important link. We want to further strengthen the India-U.S relations.”

“Under your leadership, we will chart out a new path in dealing with economic issues, climate change, challenges from terror, and how to make the world safe of terror. We will work together in bi-lateral and multi-lateral fora,” Dr.Singh added.

At a personal level, Dr. Singh informed President Obama about a conversation that he had had with his daughter.

When he told his daughter that he would be meeting with Obama, his (Dr.Singh’s) daughter said: “I would cherish if you could get Mr.Obama to autograph the book.”

Dr.Singh told President Obama: “The people of India look forward to your visit to our country and a very warm welcome awaits you, yours wife and daughters.”

Among those who attended Thursday’s bilateral interaction were U.S Secretary of State Hilary Clinton, U.S National Security Advisor James Jones, U.S. Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner and from the Indian side Deputy Planning Commission Chairman Montek Singh Ahluwalia, National Security Adviser M.K.Naryanan, Foreign Secretary Shiv Shankar Menon and others. By Smita Prakash (ANI)

Oz Government distributes 5.8 lakh rupees for two youth sports programs in India

New Delhi, Mar.31 (ANI): Through the Australian Sports Outreach Program (ASOP), Australia has distributed 5.8 lakh rupees this year to support two youth sports programs in India.

Australia has provided 463,800 rupees to the Naz Foundation’s Goal – Reaching New Heights netball program for disadvantaged girls. This program is unique in that it challenges girls to learn new skills and improves confidence through a non-contact, women-only sport.

For many of the participants it is the first time they have been involved in any form of organised physical activity. ASOP has provided funds to expand the program through a ‘training of trainers’ workshop for potential coaches, and to refurbish local netball courts.

On March 24, Deputy High Commissioner Dr Lachlan Strahan participated in a Goal workshop at the Deepalay School, Govindpuri. “I think sport is a wonderful vehicle to empower girls and young women” said Dr Strahan. “Apart from improving physical fitness, which is important for doing well in academic studies, sport teaches girls leadership skills and gives them greater confidence in themselves.”

Australia has also provided 115,517 rupees to the Youth Football Club of Rurka Kalan in the Punjab to develop a coaching program and translate training material into local languages. This program will facilitate a structured approach to physical education in the region.

Australia and India share a common sporting heritage and have a long history of competition at the international level, including in forums such as the Commonwealth Games. As Delhi 2010 approaches, the Australia Government is pleased to encourage further sporting excellence and the development of grassroots sport in India through ASOP.

ASOP was launched in July 2006 and this year provided around 10 lakh rupees in funding to countries across the Asia Pacific region for grass roots sport development.

The goal of ASOP is to increase community participation in sport and physical activity while providing an avenue for broader community development in areas such as health promotion, leadership and social cohesion. Youth, women and girls, and people with disability are focus groups for ASOP. (ANI)

Many takers for Ranchi’s ‘Netagiri School’

Ranchi, Mar. 3 (ANI): With the General Election 2009 just a few weeks away, a number of political candidates must be seeking to polish their leadership skills. There is a school in Ranchi, which promises to groom politicians into the leaders of tomorrow.

‘Netagiri School’, brainchild of Raj Ranjan, brother of Congress leader Gyan Ranjan, was established in 2001. It runs a three-month course, covering subjects like political science, sociology, social psychology and economics.

“This school will help make the society aware about the politics in our country. Those who want to enter the political field, political education will be imparted to them in order to avert their unemployment, confer their services to the country and create a mark in this field,” said Ranjan.

The aspiring politicians don’t need to pay big bucks to take admission in Ranchi’s ‘Netagiri School’. Just an enrollment fee of rupees 50 would do. There is no age criteria to apply in this school.

“Netagiri School” has produced several state level politicians.

“I am attending this school so that I can serve the nation and its people. To offer your services to someone is considered to be everything. Yes I want to fight elections too,” said Murtaza Ansari, a budding politician.

In the backdrop of upcoming Lok Sabha elections, popularity of the ‘Netagiri School’ is greatly increasing. (ANI)

Jindal, Palin still on GOP leaders short list for 2012

Washington, Mar.1 (ANI): Alaska Governor Sarah Palin and her Indian-origin Louisiana counterpart Piyush `Bobby’ Jindal are still seen as potential leaders for the Republican Party when its bids for the US presidency in 2012.

According to the Washington Times, while both have not really set the GOP house on fire with their leadership skills, experts and consultants have identified them as the party’s future because the list of suitable candidates available is short.

Craig Shirley, a prominent Republican consultant and author of two books on Ronald Reagan, says of Jindal that: “Still, he’s on the short list of possible GOP leaders, mainly because the list is so short.”

Jindal has been the subject of assessment since he delivered the GOP’s response to Barack Obama’s address to a joint session of the US Congress.

“Unfortunately, Governor Jindal showed he is not ready for prime time,” longtime conservative activist Richard Viguerie said.

“Presently, it is clear that other than some high-profile talk-show hosts, conservatives have no nationally known, articulate leader or spokesman,” he added.

“Emerging Republican leaders for 2010 and 2012 have something in common,” said GOP campaign strategist Patrick Davis.

“They are not from Washington. Look to governors like Jindal, Perry, Barbour, Palin, [Minnesota's Tim] Pawlenty. They are connected to reality and the struggles of ordinary citizens. Washington still doesn’t get it,” Davis said.

Davis agrees that Jindal’s response to Obama’s address was below average.

“It was not Jindal’s finest moment. He is smart, and this wasn’t the Jindal we know. He looked to be too scripted and almost robotic. He is capable of so much more,” he said.

Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich has predicted that 20 to 30 “significant players” within the Republican Party will emerge as 2012 draws closer.(ANI)

Jindal, Palin still on GOP leaders short list for 2012

Washington, Mar.1 (ANI): Alaska Governor Sarah Palin and her Indian-origin Louisiana counterpart Piyush `Bobby’ Jindal are still seen as potential leaders for the Republican Party when its bids for the US presidency in 2012.

According to the Washington Times, while both have not really set the GOP house on fire with their leadership skills, experts and consultants have identified them as the party’s future because the list of suitable candidates available is short.

Craig Shirley, a prominent Republican consultant and author of two books on Ronald Reagan, says of Jindal that: “Still, he’s on the short list of possible GOP leaders, mainly because the list is so short.”

Jindal has been the subject of assessment since he delivered the GOP’s response to Barack Obama’s address to a joint session of the US Congress.

“Unfortunately, Governor Jindal showed he is not ready for prime time,” longtime conservative activist Richard Viguerie said.

“Presently, it is clear that other than some high-profile talk-show hosts, conservatives have no nationally known, articulate leader or spokesman,” he added.

“Emerging Republican leaders for 2010 and 2012 have something in common,” said GOP campaign strategist Patrick Davis.

“They are not from Washington. Look to governors like Jindal, Perry, Barbour, Palin, [Minnesota's Tim] Pawlenty. They are connected to reality and the struggles of ordinary citizens. Washington still doesn’t get it,” Davis said.

Davis agrees that Jindal’s response to Obama’s address was below average.

“It was not Jindal’s finest moment. He is smart, and this wasn’t the Jindal we know. He looked to be too scripted and almost robotic. He is capable of so much more,” he said.

Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich has predicted that 20 to 30 “significant players” within the Republican Party will emerge as 2012 draws closer.(ANI)

Jindal, Palin still on GOP leaders short list for 2012

Washington, Mar.1 (ANI): Alaska Governor Sarah Palin and her Indian-origin Louisiana counterpart Piyush `Bobby’ Jindal are still seen as potential leaders for the Republican Party when its bids for the US presidency in 2012.

According to the Washington Times, while both have not really set the GOP house on fire with their leadership skills, experts and consultants have identified them as the party’s future because the list of suitable candidates available is short.

Craig Shirley, a prominent Republican consultant and author of two books on Ronald Reagan, says of Jindal that: “Still, he’s on the short list of possible GOP leaders, mainly because the list is so short.”

Jindal has been the subject of assessment since he delivered the GOP’s response to Barack Obama’s address to a joint session of the US Congress.

“Unfortunately, Governor Jindal showed he is not ready for prime time,” longtime conservative activist Richard Viguerie said.

“Presently, it is clear that other than some high-profile talk-show hosts, conservatives have no nationally known, articulate leader or spokesman,” he added.

“Emerging Republican leaders for 2010 and 2012 have something in common,” said GOP campaign strategist Patrick Davis.

“They are not from Washington. Look to governors like Jindal, Perry, Barbour, Palin, [Minnesota's Tim] Pawlenty. They are connected to reality and the struggles of ordinary citizens. Washington still doesn’t get it,” Davis said.

Davis agrees that Jindal’s response to Obama’s address was below average.

“It was not Jindal’s finest moment. He is smart, and this wasn’t the Jindal we know. He looked to be too scripted and almost robotic. He is capable of so much more,” he said.

Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich has predicted that 20 to 30 “significant players” within the Republican Party will emerge as 2012 draws closer.(ANI)

Delhi University students take out streets march for social change

New Delhi, Feb. 24 (ANI): To bring social change, hundreds of students on Tuesday took out a street march to create public awareness bringing a feeling of social change among youngsters and draw government’s attention towards important issues concerning the present day youth including student fraternity.

“It’s about telling the government that we won’t hesitate from taking initiatives, making the ideas more innovative and we won’t shy away from coming to people and asking them to do work in a better way,” said Ravneet, a college student.

Non-governmental organization (NGO) representing youth and student unions took part in this rally. Leading media personalities also encouraged the students participating in the march to bring a social change.

President of ‘Leaders of Tomorrow’, which is a platform set up by students of Delhi University, said that the rally was an expression of youth power.

“The motive of this rally is very simple we want to show that the youth of today are getting awakened. This rally has provided a platform to various student unions for putting forward their demands,” Bhanu Joshi, the President of Leaders of Tomorrow of Delhi university.

‘Leaders for Tomorrow’ aims at infusing leadership skills into young minds, by organizing talks and discussions with political leaders and famous personalities. (ANI)

Lalu Yadav hopeful about alternate Government in Jharkhand

New Delhi,Jan 19 (ANI): Though the Union Cabinet has decided to impose President’s rule in Jharkhand, Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) supremo Lalu Prasad Yadav today, said that an alternate Government could still be formed.

When asked about the possibility of fresh elections in the state, Prasad diplomatically answered that President’s rule is not a solution.

On whether the Jharkhand Murli Morcha (JMM), having the maximum number of MLA’S among the UPA, should be given an opportunity to form a Government, he said “nobody can form a government with just 17 MLAs. We made Soren Chief Minister twice. The situation is, however, not the same now.”

“I was against the formation of Jharkhand state. Now when the state has been formed, nobody is able to run the government. There are many parties with just one or two MLAs in the House,” he said.

He claimed that the Jharkhand was better managed during the undivided Bihar regime, but quickly added that there is no point in crying over split milk.

Yadav also said that neither he nor Shibhu Soren had the authority to decide who would be the next Chief Minister.

On being asked what action his party would take in the near future, he said fresh polls is the only solution.

He expressed his disappointment over Soren’s defeat in the Tamar by poll saying that he should not have fought from a constituency, where he had a weak base.

He, however refused to comment on Madhu Koda’s leadership skills and prospects.

Meanwhile, the National General Secretary of the JMM Suman Mahato said that all options are open and believed that all three constituents- JMM, RJD AND Congress will sit together and find a way to form an alternative government. (ANI)