Protest on Uber Taxi represents unfair competition.

16 12 2014

Posted on December 16, 2014 by sagarmedia

France to ban Uber taxi app in 2015

French government has decided to ban the Uber taxi app in 2015, though a court has stated that the service can continue to practice in the country. The decision follows protests from official taxi drivers who say Uber represents unfair competition.
Hundreds of official taxi drivers blocked the main roads from Paris’ Charles de Gaulle airport to the center of the capital on Monday, in a go-slow action to protest against the Uber service, known in France as UberPOP. They claim Uber drivers have an unfair advantage, as they do not need to meet all necessary requirements – including taxes, license, and insurance. The Uber app allows users to share a car with other people, which means the price becomes lower – an attractive incentive for those in need of a ride.
“This is a fight against Uber. We’re fed up. Allowing UberPOP means leaving 57,000 French taxis high and dry, and thus 57,000 families. And that is out of the question,” Ibrahima Sylla, president of France Taxis, said, as quoted by Business Insider.
Uber service lets any driver registered in the system pick up passengers using the smartphone app. Since the drivers do not have pay taxes and other fees, the prices paid by passengers are much lower than in traditional taxis.
The French government has decided to ban the Uber taxi app in 2015, though a court has stated that the service can continue to practice in the country. The decision follows protests from official taxi drivers who say Uber represents unfair competition.
Hundreds of official taxi drivers blocked the main roads from Paris’ Charles de Gaulle airport to the center of the capital on Monday, in a go-slow action to protest against the Uber service, known in France as UberPOP. They claim Uber drivers have an unfair advantage, as they do not need to meet all necessary requirements – including taxes, license, and insurance. The Uber app allows users to share a car with other people, which means the price becomes lower – an attractive incentive for those in need of a ride.
“This is a fight against Uber. We’re fed up. Allowing UberPOP means leaving 57,000 French taxis high and dry, and thus 57,000 families. And that is out of the question,” Ibrahima Sylla, president of France Taxis, said, as quoted by Business Insider.
Ugh.. I only enjoyed Paris b/c of @uber”@loic: France says UberPop to be banned as irate taxi drivers stall traffic
— Peter Pham (@peterpham) 15 декабря 2014
The Uber service lets any driver registered in the system pick up passengers using the smartphone app. Since the drivers do not have pay taxes and other fees, the prices paid by passengers are much lower than in traditional taxis.
Soutien inconditionnel pour Uber face au lobby déraisonné des taxis.
— Milton (@Milton_Brabeck) 15 декабря 2014
The ban is a part of new transport regulation which will come into force on January 1, 2015. Those who break the law can face two years in prison and a fine of €300,000 (US$373,000).
“Currently, people who use UberPop are not protected if there is an accident. So not only is it illegal to offer this service but for the consumer there is a real danger,” French Interior Ministry spokesman Pierre-Henry Brandet said.
Uber’s opponents also mention possible danger for people who use the service, as they do not know whether the driver is trustworthy.
The French court did not stop Uber activity on Friday, but simply ordered that changes be made. It also blamed the service for unfair competition.
Earlier, similar protests were held in Italy and Great Britain, where they were the most violent.
Uber’s opponents also mention possible danger for people who use the service, as they do not know whether the driver is trustworthy.
The French court did not stop Uber activity on Friday, but simply ordered that changes be made. It also blamed the service for unfair competition.
Earlier, similar protests were held in Italy and Great Britain, where they were the most violent. Media agencies

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Categories : Business

16 12 2014

The News Global

December 16, 2014 by sagarmedia

Kiev must stop provoking Donbas detachment – Russian FM

Russia’s foreign minister urged Kiev to refrain from taking steps that would provoke the detachment of the southeastern Donetsk and Lugansk regions from Ukraine. In an interview with Interfax, the FM expressed the hope that Ukraine’s leadership will “switch its course to dialogue with Donbass and the achievement of agreements that will ensure equality and respectful living for all citizens and all regions of Ukraine.” This can only be accomplished through comprehensive and transparent constitutional reform involving all regions and all political forces, he added. According to the UN, the death toll in the Ukrainian conflict that started in April is over 4,700.

At least 44 people dead in Brazilian bus crash

At least 44 people are feared dead after a passenger bus collided with a tanker truck carrying a flammable liquid in Brazil’s northeastern state of Piaui. The accident reportedly occurred when the bus attempted to overtake another vehicle. Police say both vehicles were already engulfed in flames by the time they arrived on the scene. The bus driver and a five-year-old are the only known survivors of the crash, a police officer told the local news portal Globo. It is possible that the number of causalities could rise.

Judiciary, other Turkey state bodies must be ‘cleansed of traitors’ – Erdogan

The judiciary and some other state institutions, including the state scientific agency Tubitak, must still be “cleansed of traitors” following the detention of two dozen opposition journalists and others, Reuters quoted Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan as saying on Monday. Erdogan earlier accused followers of the US-based Muslim cleric Fethullah Gulen of trying to topple the government. Hundreds of police officers, prosecutors and Tubitak scientists have been purged.

New Russian submarines to ‘have underwater drones, keep double-hull design’

Russia’s next-generation nuclear-powered attack submarines will be armed with torpedoes, missiles and underwater drones, Malakhit design bureau’s Deputy General Director Nikolay Novoselov told RIA Novosti on Monday. The drones will be able to detach from the submarine while switched off and power up on command. “The displacement will be roughly similar to that of the Yasen-class subs – some 12,000 tons or even slightly less,” Novoselov said, adding that a double-hull structure will remain.

Turkish President defends raids on media

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Monday defended weekend raids on media outlets closely linked to a US-based Muslim cleric. Sunday’s raids on the Zaman daily and Samanyolu television marked an escalation in Erdogan’s battle with former ally Fethullah Gulen, Reuters said. The president described them as a necessary response to “dirty operations” by the government’s political enemies. “They cry press freedom, but [the raids] have nothing to do with it,” Erdogan said, speaking at the opening of an extension to an oil refinery near Istanbul. “We have no concern about what the EU might say, whether the EU accepts us as members or not, we have no such concern.”

Belgian police storm apartment in Ghent, ‘hostage safe’

Belgian police stormed an apartment in the western city of Ghent on Monday to end a siege and free a hostage, Reuters said. Three other men have been detained, and the victim is safe and well and, a spokeswoman for state prosecutors said. “There were no weapons found. The earlier reports were of four men with Kalashnikovs (assault rifles),” she said, adding that it was not entirely clear “whether someone was in fact taken hostage.” There was no indication of a link in the Ghent case to terrorism, and neighbors say the flat had been used by drug dealers.

Sweden, Denmark summon Russian envoys over air incident

Sweden and Denmark summoned Russia’s ambassadors on Monday over an air incident last week, AFP reported. Sweden said the Russian plane came dangerously close to an SAS jet (less than 9km), and that it was flying invisible to commercial jets. Both Swedish and Danish jet fighters were scrambled in response to the incident. A Russian military spokesman said on Sunday that the plane was “more than 70km” away from the passenger jet and that a NATO reconnaissance plane was also in the area at the time.

Italian PM vows strong campaign to win 2024 Olympics

Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi on Monday vowed a strong campaign to win the 2024 Olympic Games, saying that Rome will spearhead the bid. Italy became the first to announce a bid, as new International Olympic Committee rules allow events to be staged in more than one city, AFP reported. “In September 2015 we will officially present our candidature to host the 2024 Olympic Games,” Renzi said. “All the cities, from Florence and Naples to Sardinia, could be involved,” according to the PM.

Al-Qaeda seizes key army base in northwest Syria

Syria’s Al-Qaeda affiliate on Monday seized the key army base of Wadi al-Deif in the northwestern province of Idlib from government forces, AFP reported, citing a monitoring group. The Al-Nusra Front, backed by Islamist group Jund al-Aqsa, “seized control of the Wadi al-Deif military base, after a fierce offensive that began yesterday morning,” the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said. The move leaves most of Idlib province, which borders Turkey, under Al-Nusra Front’s control. In November, the Al-Qaeda branch drove out mainstream rebels who had Wadi al-Deif under siege for around two years.

4 armed men take hostage in Belgium

Belgian police surrounded an apartment in the city of Ghent on Monday after four armed men were believed to have taken a hostage, AFP said. One person was reportedly held in the incident in a working-class area of the northwestern city. There were no immediate indications of terrorism, according to prosecutors.

300 Chinese fighting for Islamic State in Middle East

About 300 Chinese people are fighting alongside the Islamic State (IS, formerly ISIS/ISIL) in Iraq and Syria, Reuters said, citing a state-run newspaper’s report. Around 300 Chinese extremists are fighting with the IS in Iraq and Syria, the Global Times said, citing sources that include security officers from Iraq’s Kurdish region, Syria and Lebanon. Chinese members of the East Turkestan Islamic Movement are traveling to Syria via Turkey to join the IS, the paper said.

France dismantles network sending fighters to Syria

French police dismantled a network sending jihadist fighters to Syria in raids across the country early on Monday, AFP reported. Police units descended on around a dozen targets, mostly in the southern region of Toulouse, but also around Paris and in the northern region of Normandy, a source said. It was not immediately reported how many people were arrested. Almost 1,000 French nationals are estimated to have left to join jihadists in Iraq and Syria.

Ukraine closes 3 major airports ‘for security reasons’

Three major airports in Ukraine – Kharkov, Dnepropetrovsk and Zaporozhye – have been closed indefinitely, Ukraine’s State Air Traffic Service said on Monday. Flights are banned “for security reasons,” TASS reported, citing the statement. The service’s chief Denis Antonyuk earlier said the airports would be closed till Tuesday morning.

France to ban UberPop service next year

The UberPop transport service will be forbidden in France beginning January 1, the Interior Ministry said on Monday. Ministry spokesman Pierre-Henry Brandet told iTELE: “Not only is it illegal to offer this service, but additionally for the consumer there is a real danger.” Taxi unions called a one-day action to protest San Francisco-based Uber, vowing to block 260km of roads around Paris with slowly moving taxi motorcades during the morning rush hour, Reuters reported.

Philippines prosecutors charge US Marine with murder of transgender

Philippine government prosecutors charged a US Marine with murder Monday in the killing of a Filipino transgender person, AP said. There was “probable cause” that Marine Pfc. Joseph Scott Pemberton killed Jennifer Laude, whose former name was Jeffrey, in October in Olongapo city, northwest of Manila, according to Prosecutor Emily de los Santos. The prosecutor had filed the non-bailable charge against the 19-year-old Pemberton before a regional court, saying that “it was aggravated by treachery, abuse of superior strength and cruelty.”

Netanyahu vows to fight Palestinian UN bid

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed to “fend off any attempts to dictate unilateral moves,” referring to a Palestinian UN proposal that sets a timetable for an Israeli withdrawal to the pre-1967 lines, Haaretz daily said. The Palestinian leadership on Sunday said it planned to submit a resolution to the UN Security Council setting a two-year deadline for Israel to end its occupation, AFP reported. A draft UN resolution will be presented Wednesday on ending the Israeli occupation by late 2016, senior Palestine Liberation Organization member Wassel Abu Yussef said.

Russian Proton-M rocket blasts off from Baikonur

Russia’s Proton-M rocket with a Yamal-401 satellite of JSC Gazprom Space Systems on board has been launched from Kazakhstan’s Baikonur Cosmodrome. The rocket was successfully launched at 3:16am Monday as scheduled, Roscosmos space agency told TASS. The satellite will allow for the incessant retransmission of telecommunications from Russia, covering Europe and Asia. Media reports

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Categories : world News

Sydney cafe siege incident in Australia

16 12 2014

Nine News Sydney         @9NewsSyd

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Tori Johnson was manager of the cafe. Died a hero, tried to knock gun out of Man Monis’ hand

Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott announced that the Iranian-born hostage taker was mentally unstable.
“He [Man Haron Monis] had a long history of violent crime, infatuation with extremism, and mental instability,” Abbott said. “As the siege unfolded…he sought to cloak his actions with the symbolism of the ISIL death cult.”
Abbott said that Australian authorities knew of Monis’ extremist outlook prior to the hostage siege, from threat letters he sent to Australian soldiers deployed in the Middle East.
“We know that he sent offensive letters to the families of Australian soldiers killed in Afghanistan and was found guilty of offences related to this,” he said. “We also know that he posted graphic extremist material online. Tragically, there are people in our community ready to engage in politically motivated violence.”
At the same time, Abbott praised police conduct during the tense hours of the standoff.
No explosives were found and all 17 hostages were accounted for, police commissioner for the state of NSW, Andrew Scipione, told reporters.
NWS police confirmed three people including gunman were killed, four more injured.
Australian media reports the gunman murdered a hostage before being killed himself. However, this hasn’t been officially confirmed by NSW police.
9 News Oz Media reports , Mother and cafe manager confirmed dead and hero tale emerges in Martin Place siege.

The parents of café manager Tori Johnson, who died along with Sydney barrister Katrina Dawson at the end of the Martin Place siege this morning, have remembered him as “their beautiful boy”.
Johnson died from a fatal gunshot wound as heavily-armed police with riot shields and assault weapons stormed the Lindt café.
The 34-year-old has been hailed as a hero after reports emerged that in the moments before the raid he attempted to wrestle the sawn-off shotgun from the gunman’s hands after he began to doze off.

Johnson’s parents Ken and Rowena released a short statement via radio host Ben Fordham this morning, thanking “NSW Police, armed forces and paramedics for their tireless efforts”.
“We are so proud of our beautiful boy Tori, gone from this earth but forever in our memories as the most amazing life partner, son and brother we could ever wish for.
“We’d like to thank not only our friends and loved ones for their support, but the people of Sydney; Australia and those around the world for reaching out with their thoughts and prayers.”
The couple also offered their “heartfelt sorrow for the family of Katrina Dawson”.
Barrister Katrina Dawson, 38, died of a heart attack on the way to hospital after police stormed the cafe about 2am.
Read more at http://www.9news.com.au/national/2014/12/15/10/00/major-police-operation-in-sydneys-martin-place#zQG54FbV7uRBTa44.99

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Venkaiah Naidu today said that the government is in touch with the Indian High Commission in Australia over the Sydney incident in which some people have been made hostage. He said Minister of External Affairs Sushma Swaraj is keeping a close watch on the development. He said he does not want to discuss further on the issue as there is some information available that an Indian IT professional is also there. However, later, Mr. Naidu said that the exact information about of any Indian being held hostage is not known.
External Affairs Ministry spokesman Syed Akbaruddin said, Deputy Consul General Dr Viond Bahade can be contacted at phone 0061 481 453550 in case of queries about Indian nationals. He said, India’s Deputy High Commissioner in Canberra Surinder Datta can also be contacted for information at 0061 419687008. He said that as a preventive measure they have evacuated staff from the consulate in Sydney. Mr Akbaruddin also said that standard procedures followed in such situations are in place.
Prime Minister Narender Modi has expressed deep concern over Sydney cafe siege incident in Australia, saying that it is an act of inhumanity which is deeply unfortunate. In an official release, Mr. Modi described the incident as disturbing.
Meanwhile, the standoff between a gunman and police at a Cafe in Central Sydney in Australia continues even as five people have been seen running out from the building. It is unclear whether the hostages had been released by the gunman or had escaped. It is also not clear how many remain inside. Deputy Commissioner of New Southwales Police Catherine Burn confirmed that police are in contact with the gunman.
Police confirmed they are monitoring Facebook and Twitter after reports that hostages are tweeting from inside. Police negotiators described the gunman as a man in his late 40s to 50s. Reports suggest the armed offender has demanded to speak to Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott. Mr. Abbott has described the incident as deeply concerning.
The Australian National Imams Council has condemned the siege at a Sydney cafe, describing it as a criminal act. The joint statement with the Grand Mufti of Australia said such actions are denounced in Islam. The Grand Mufti and the Council pledged their full support and solidarity with the victims and their families and aspire to a peaceful resolve to the calamity.

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Categories : Business, CSR

3 gunmen surrender in Belgium armed siege

16 12 2014

Three suspect gunmen surrendered to police today in an armed hostage-taking incident in the Belgian city of Ghent. Armed Police stormed into a flat, hours after the siege began in the Dampoort area today. The city Police had earlier surrounded the apartment after four armed men took a person hostage.

A Television Channel showed, three suspects were taken outside by special armed police, while the fate of the fourth man was still unclear. The Ghent prosecutor’s office told AFP, there is no indication that the incident is linked to terrorism, the Islamic State or what is happening at the moment in Sydney.

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Categories : Media

EU slams mass arrest of journalists in Turkey

16 12 2014

Top European Union officials have sharply criticised a mass arrest of media representatives in Turkey. Foreign affairs Chief Federica Mogherini and the Commissioner heading EU enlargement talks said the arrests went against European values and the raids and arrests are incompatible with the freedom of media, which is a core principle of democracy.

At least 24 people were arrested in police raids on a leading newspaper and TV station said to have close links with opposition parties. Those detained are accused of trying to seize control of the state.

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Categories : Media

Global buzz

16 12 2014

• Defence cooperation important

  Defence cooperation important pillar of India-Russia ties: President

  President Pranab Mukherjee has said defence cooperation is an important pillar of the strategic partnership between India and Russia and Moscow will remain a trusted and indispensable partner for New Delhi’s defence needs.

  Interacting with Russian President Vladimir Putin last evening, Mukherjee said India welcomes Russian participation in India’s defence sector in joint production, research and development and offsets, a release issued by the Rashtrapati Bhavan said. “Defence cooperation is an important pillar of the strategic partnership between India and Russia. Russia will remain a trusted and indispensable partner for India’s defence needs,” Mukherjee told Putin when the later called on him in New Delhi. The President said the economic dimension of the bilateral relationship has huge untapped potential and expansion of trade and economic cooperation with Russia is a priority for India. Mukherjee told Putin that India considers him as a great friend and the guiding force behind the strategic partnership between the two countries. “India is fully committed to developing and deepening the India-Russia partnership in diverse areas,” he said. Mukherjee said he was happy that during Putin’s present visit, the two countries have outlined a joint document laying out the vision for enhancing the strategic partnership to a qualitatively new level in the coming years, the release said. The President said India appreciates Russia’s support for India’s permanent membership of the UN Security Council and the two countries should work together to make progress in this direction. “India is also grateful for Russia’s support for India’s membership of multilateral export control regimes,” he said. The Russian President told Mukherjee that his visit has been successful and meaningful and bilateral relations between the two countries are developing well. Putin agreed with the President that the two countries can do much better on trade and said Russia would be happy to enhance cooperation in various fields, including energy and defence. The Russian President greeted Mukherjee on his 79th birthday yesterday and gifted him copies of photographs and documentary films relating to Rabindranath Tagore’s visit to Russia in 1930, the release said.

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• Dec

  14

  Japan heads to polls 

  Japan heads to polls with Abe on course to retain power

  Voters began casting vote on Sunday for a general election with the Prime Minister Shinzo Abe hopeful to retain power.

  Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has billed as a referendum on his economic policies after the initial success of his first two years faded as the country slumped into recession. The premier is seeking public blessing for “Abenomics” – his signature plan to fix the country’s flaccid economy – with observers expecting an underwhelming and underprepared opposition will be routed. Opinion polls predict his ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) and its junior partner Komeito will sweep the ballot, probably with an unassailable two-thirds majority, giving them the power to override the upper house. “I have been pushing for Abenomics, the policies designed to create jobs and raise salaries,” Abe told hundreds of voters in Tokyo’s neon-lit Akihabara electronics district on the eve of the election. “Japan can be much richer,” Abe said, sporting a knee-length white windbreaker emblazoned with his campaign slogan: “This is the only way”. Sixty-year-old Abe was only halfway through his four-year term when he called the vote last month. The first two of his “three arrows” of Abenomics – monetary easing and fiscal stimulus – have largely hit their targets; the once-painfully high yen has plunged, sending stocks higher. And prices have begun rising after years of standing still – proof, says Abe, that this is the beginning of a virtuous circle of economic growth, with higher wages soon to follow. However, a precipitous sales tax rise in April snuffed out consumer spending, sending Japan into the two negative quarters of growth that make a recession. Critics say Abe has not been bold enough to take on the vested interests that are the real key to reversing nearly two decades of economic underperformance. A four-year mandate from the electorate may embolden the prime minister’s hand and see off opposition from within a vast and ill-disciplined LDP, too often given to bouts of regicide. But heavy snow across swathes of Japan on Sunday looked set to further dampen enthusiasm among already-uninspired voters, raising fears of a record low turnout. “I have no expectations from politics,” Kanji Takahashi, a 72-year-old fish market worker, said after casting a ballot at a Tokyo polling station.

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• Dec

  14

  Asin rubbishes rumours of returning to the South industry

  ​​

  Twitter seemed to buzz with the news that Asin is returning to South films. Apparently it was posted on a fake handle in Asin';s name and has been picked up by some publications as well.
  Surprised by all this the actress clarifies, “I am not on Twitter and i';d appreciate it if people checked with me before publishing rubbish put up on fake handles.”
  “I';m am not doing nor looking at doing any South projects currently. I am currently not taking up any projects at all. Hope that clears it.”
  Asin who made her big Bollywood debut alongside Aamir Khan in the blockbuster Ghajini, has ever since worked with the top actors in the industry and has several super-hits in her kitty including a record of Four, hundred crore blockbusters.

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Mexican police clash with protesters

In Mexico, Police have clashed with protesters organising a concert in the city of Chilpancingo in support of a group of 43 students who went missing more than two months ago. Police said several officers had been injured, including some who were knocked down by a vehicle. The two groups accused each other of starting yesterday’s violence. The case of the missing students, one of whom has been found dead, has triggered protests across Mexico.

France dismantles network sending fighters to Syria

French police dismantled a network sending jihadist fighters to Syria in raids across the country early on Monday, AFP reported. Police units descended on around a dozen targets, mostly in the southern region of Toulouse, but also around Paris and in the northern region of Normandy, a source said. It was not immediately reported how many people were arrested. Almost 1,000 French nationals are estimated to have left to join jihadists in Iraq and Syria.

Ukraine closes 3 major airports ‘for security reasons’

Three major airports in Ukraine – Kharkov, Dnepropetrovsk and Zaporozhye – have been closed indefinitely, Ukraine’s State Air Traffic Service said on Monday. Flights are banned “for security reasons,” TASS reported, citing the statement. The service’s chief Denis Antonyuk earlier said the airports would be closed till Tuesday morning.

France to ban UberPop service next year

The UberPop transport service will be forbidden in France beginning January 1, the Interior Ministry said on Monday. Ministry spokesman Pierre-Henry Brandet told iTELE: “Not only is it illegal to offer this service, but additionally for the consumer there is a real danger.” Taxi unions called a one-day action to protest San Francisco-based Uber, vowing to block 260km of roads around Paris with slowly moving taxi motorcades during the morning rush hour, Reuters reported.

Philippines prosecutors charge US Marine with murder of transgender

Philippine government prosecutors charged a US Marine with murder Monday in the killing of a Filipino transgender person, AP said. There was “probable cause” that Marine Pfc. Joseph Scott Pemberton killed Jennifer Laude, whose former name was Jeffrey, in October in Olongapo city, northwest of Manila, according to Prosecutor Emily de los Santos. The prosecutor had filed the non-bailable charge against the 19-year-old Pemberton before a regional court, saying that “it was aggravated by treachery, abuse of superior strength and cruelty.”

Netanyahu vows to fight Palestinian UN bid

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed to “fend off any attempts to dictate unilateral moves,”referring to a Palestinian UN proposal that sets a timetable for an Israeli withdrawal to the pre-1967 lines, Haaretz daily said. The Palestinian leadership on Sunday said it planned to submit a resolution to the UN Security Council setting a two-year deadline for Israel to end its occupation, AFP reported. A draft UN resolution will be presented Wednesday on ending the Israeli occupation by late 2016, senior Palestine Liberation Organization member Wassel Abu Yussef said.

Russian Proton-M rocket blasts off from Baikonur

Russia’s Proton-M rocket with a Yamal-401 satellite of JSC Gazprom Space Systems on board has been launched from Kazakhstan’s Baikonur Cosmodrome. The rocket was successfully launched at 3:16am Monday as scheduled, Roscosmos space agency told TASS. The satellite will allow for the incessant retransmission of telecommunications from Russia, covering Europe and Asia.

Thousands flood Cologne streets in protest against racism

Some 15,000 people marched through Cologne on Sunday afternoon under the motto “You are Cologne, no Nazis here,” Deutsche Welle reported. The demonstrations, organized in response to the recent spike in anti-Muslim and anti-immigration protests staged by far-right groups across the country, called for tolerance and an end to anti-Islamic sentiment. Various groups in cities such as Dresden and Dusseldorf held rallies against the “Islamization” of Europe throughout the fall. In October, a far-right protest against Islamic fundamentalism degenerated into a riot in Cologne, leaving 49 police officers injured.

​Libya’s two largest oil ports shut down due to militant clashes

The Tripoli-based National Oil Corps (NOC) has announced that Libya’s two biggest oil export ports, Es Sider and Ras Lanuf, will be granted force majeure – a legal waiver freeing the ports from obligation and liability – due to fighting between rival militant factions representing the country’s dueling governments. The NOC declared that oil production flowing to the ports is to be slowly phased out, and that the ports’ staff will be reduced to a minimum.

250 protesters march in Moscow against education, medical reforms

Some 250 protesters took to the streets in the Russian capital to demand a stop to education, medical and public utilities’ reforms, which would make these services less affordable. The figures outlined by protesters were presented by Russia’s Interior Ministry in a statement on Sunday. The rally was scheduled for November 30, but was postponed as the city’s authorities authorized only 700 participants instead of the 7,000 requested. In November, at least 1,500 protesters rallied against the reform of the capital’s medical care system, which seeks the closure of some hospitals and that doctors re qualify.

129 feared dead after boat sinks in DRC

At least 129 people have drowned after a boat overloaded with passengers and freight capsized on Lake Tanganika in the south-east of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), AFP reports. The vessel was travelling from Kalemie in the Katanga province to Uvira in the South Kivu province when it sank in the early hours of Friday, survivors speaking by telephone told AFP. 221 passengers have been rescued, according to Katanga’s transport Minister Laurent Kahozi Sumba, who said the boat was carrying excess weight when it sank.

Clashes close largest Libya oil export port

Libya’s eastern Es Sider oil export terminal has been shut this Sunday due to fighting between forces representing the country’s two governments, according to an oil official, Reuters reports. Air strikes on Saturday, launched by forces loyal to Libya’s recognized government, hit targets at the port in an attempt to stop an advance by troops of the rival administration in Tripoli, who want to take control of the oil facilities. Libya’s recognized prime minister has been forced into the East of the country since the Libya Dawn militia seized Tripoli in August.

Japan’s Abe re-elected with two-thirds majority – exit polls

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe comfortably secured re-election on Sunday, according to exit polls. He called the snap election, which he billed as a poll on his economic policies. Media exit polls showed his ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) and its junior partner Komeito had swept the ballot with a two-thirds majority in the lower house of parliament. A low turnout, partly due to heavy snow across the country, will cast doubt on Abe’s claim that the win is an endorsement for his economic policies, which have not been as successful as earlier thought.

US Senate approves $1.1 trillion spending bill

A $1.1 trillion government funding bill has been passed by a 56-40 vote in the US Senate. The bill would provide financing for most US government agencies through September 30, 2015. The exception is the Department of Homeland Security, which only gets money through February 27. The approval of the 1,603-page, long-term bill comes hours after the Senate voted for a short-term one, funding the government only through Wednesday night. The $1.1 trillion spending bill now needs to be signed by President Barack Obama.

US Senate passes short-term spending bill to avert govt shutdown

The US Senate gave the green light to an extension of federal spending authority through midnight on Wednesday, preventing a government shutdown from taking place early on Sunday, Reuters reported. The Senate still needs to decide whether it will be accelerating the vote on a $1.1 trillion spending bill which would fund all government agencies until September 2015, with the exception of the Department of Homeland Security.

​Wife of Thai crown prince relinquishes title over corruption allegations

Thailand’s Princess Srirasm, the third wife of the current heir to the throne, Prince Vajiralongkorn, has asked to give up her royal status, according to a statement released by the palace’s Royal Gazette on Friday. The princess, 43, is the mother of Prince Dipangkorn Rasmijoti, next in line to the throne after his father. The request comes in the wake of revelations that members of her family were arrested amid corruption allegations. At least six of the princess’ relatives have been charged with bribery, extortion, and using the monarchy’s name for personal gain. Last month, they were stripped of their royal titles. The scandal comes amid anxiety over 87-year-old King Bhumibol’s deteriorating health. Following medical advice, the king canceled his annual birthday address last week.

​Russia to take counter measures if US imposes new sanctions

Russia will have to take counter-measures if the US adopts new sanctions, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov has said. US lawmakers have prepared new round of sanctions on Russian weapons companies and oil-industry investors. “We will not be able to let that go without an answer,” Ryabkov stated, without indicating the possible form of counter-measures. The Ukraine Freedom Support Act passed by the Senate, which includes further sanctions, came under fire from Moscow on Friday. The Russian Foreign Ministry accused Washington of doing everything possible to destroy the foundation of cooperation between the countries.

​Suicide bomber kills 6 near Kabul

A suicide bomber has killed six and wounded 14 in an attack on a bus carrying Afghan army personnel on Saturday afternoon, according to a senior defense official, as cited by Reuters. The Taliban has taken credit for the strike, which comes amid surging violence weeks after the bulk of international combat forces withdrew from the country. Earlier on Saturday, Afghan Supreme Court official, Atiqullah Rawoofi, was assassinated by Taliban militants near his home.

​Man arrested after shooting outside Portland high school

Police have arrested a 22 year-old male in connection with a shooting that injured three people outside an alternative high school in Portland, Oregon. Law enforcement officers say they stopped a vehicle and found a hand gun inside. A 16 year-old girl is in a critical condition in hospital while two males are stable. “Based on the investigation thus far, the shooting appears to be gang-related,” Sgt. Pete Simpson said on Friday night in a statement, which was reported by AP.

​Taliban kills 12 demining workers near former UK base

At least 12 workers clearing mines have been shot dead, another 12 wounded by Taliban fighters in southern Afghanistan on Saturday, local police said, according to AP. The attack happened near Camp Bastion, a former British base in Helmand province. Police spokesman Farid Ahmad Obaid said Afghan forces launched a counter attack, killing four of the Islamist militants and capturing three, Reuters reported. It comes after a series of attacks on Friday and Saturday that killed two NATO soldiers and a top Afghan court official.

​Indonesia landslide death toll rises to 17, dozens missing

The death toll in the Indonesian landslide has risen to 17, with 91 people still missing, according to officials, AFP reported on Saturday. “The rescue team have found 17 bodies,” said the national disaster agency’s spokesman, Sutopo Purwo Nugroho, adding that 11 others were badly injured. The country’s main island, Java, has seen torrential downpours that have hampered rescue efforts since Friday, as well as sparking fears of new landslides.

​2 pilots killed as ISIS shoots down Iraqi helicopter

A shoulder-fired rocket launched by Islamic State (formerly ISIS/ISIL) militants shot down an Iraqi helicopter near the Shiite city of Samarra, killing 2 pilots, a senior official at the Iraqi Defense Ministry told AP on Saturday. In recent months at least two military helicopters have been shot down near the northern city of Beiji, where the country’s biggest oil refinery is situated. The US-led coalition commenced air strikes on Iraqi territories held by Islamic State militants in August.

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​2 ISAF soldiers, court official killed in Afghanistan

Two foreign soldiers, reportedly from the USA, were killed in a NATO convoy near Kabul by a Taliban bomb in a Friday-night attack, according to AP. “Two International Security Assistance Force service members died as a result of an enemy forces attack in eastern Afghanistan on December 12, 2014,” a coalition press release said, without naming their nationalities. The number of international troops killed in the country this year is 65, 50 of them Americans.

Early on Saturday, a top court official in Kabul’s northwestern suburbs, Atiqullah Rawoofi, was shot dead, said police chief Farid Afzali. Security in the capital has been recently reinforced amidst Taliban warnings of continuing attacks.

Kiev bans flights to three Ukrainian metropolitan cities

Ukraine’s State Aviation Service has banned all flights to Kharkov, Dnepropetrovsk and Zaporozhye airports, reported national media, quoting the head of SAS Denis Antonyuk. The flights were suspended starting from midnight, December 13. “Safety considerations” were cited as the reason, but no details were given. In May, all flights were suspended to the city of Donetsk. Also in May, the service stopped air communication between the Russian capital and the cities of Kharkov and Dnepropetrovsk.

7 killed, 108 missing in giant Indonesia landslide

At least seven people were killed and 108 others are missing after a flood of mud and water rushed down on dozens of homes from a mountain on the central Indonesian island of Java, Reuters reported, citing local TV. At least 105 homes were destroyed by the landslide in a wooded area of Banjarnegara on the densely populated island. Some 380 people were evacuated, a local spokesman for the National Disaster Mitigation Agency said, adding that rescuers are now struggling to find more victims and clear the evacuation route.

Media agencies

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AirAsia X places firm order for 55 A330neo

16 12 2014

Carrier to benefit from even lower operating costs for long haul services

SEPANG, 15 December 2014 – AirAsia X, the long haul affiliate of Asia’s largest low cost airline, has placed a firm order with Airbus for 55 A330neo aircraft. This is the largest single order to date for the best-selling A330 Family and reaffirms AirAsia X’s position as the biggest A330 airline customer worldwide, having now ordered a total of 91 aircraft. The announcement covers the firming up of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for 50 A330neo signed during the Farnborough Air Show in July 2014, plus an additional five aircraft. Deliveries of the newly-ordered aircraft will begin in 2018.

“This latest deal with Airbus will enable AirAsia X to consolidate its growth rate in 2015-2017 before ramping up deliveries with the new A330neo models with the latest Rolls-Royce Trent 7000 engine option series from 2018 onwards.” said Tan Sri Tony Fernandes, Co-Founder and Director of AirAsia X. 

“The A330 has proven itself to be exactly the right aircraft for our business model as part of our continuous efforts to drive cost down. With the new fuel efficiency its engine will allow us to optimize utilization whilst flying to new long range destinations. We are extremely excited with the new orders of A330neos, which reaffirms my commitment to leading AirAsia X to the next stage of growth and achieving the same level of success as our short haul airline.  The symbiotic relationship between the short haul and long haul businesses will definitely play a key role in enabling AirAsia X to maintain its position as the long haul low cost leader.”

 “This order from AirAsia X is a major endorsement of the A330neo as the most cost-efficient aircraft in its size category,” said John Leahy, Chief Operating Officer, Customers, Airbus. “With the A330neo in its fleet, AirAsia X will benefit from even lower operating costs as it expands it network and reach, enabling more people to fly further more often than ever before.”

Building on the proven economics, versatility and reliability of the A330ceo, the A330neo will incorporate latest generation Rolls-Royce Trent 7000 engines, aerodynamic enhancements and new cabin features. These advances will make the aircraft the most cost-efficient in its size category, with a reduction in fuel consumption of 14% per seat, an increase in non-stop flying range of up to 400 nautical miles and the lowest possible maintenance costs.

The A330 Family is part of the world’s most modern and comprehensive widebody product line, which also includes the larger A350 XWB and double deck A380. Together, the various versions of the aircraft efficiently cover all airline widebody requirements for regional, medium and long haul operations, seating from 250 to over 500 passengers and sharing unique levels of operational commonality.

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The News buzz

15 12 2014

• NEW DELHI TEAMS SET FOR INDIAN SCHOOL & COLLEGE BASKETBALL LEAGUES FINALS·      Kirori Mal College men, Ramjas College women will be city representatives in college league
  The event will see the New Delhi’s city champion basketball schools and colleges competing in four categories – Kirori Mal College in Men';s National College Championships, RamjasCollege in Women';s National College Championships, Modern School in Boy’s National School Championships, and Montfort in Girl';s National School Championships.The total prize purse is valued at Rs.43 lakhs. Besides the prize money and shining trophies, the biggest reward the winning teams would get would be refurbished court in their school or college. Runners-ups would get support on improving basketball infrastructure in their educational institute.There will also be the first ever nationalSkills Challenge where students will compete to be the best in dunking, 3-point shooting and more. To make
• But this is just not going to be about cut-throat competition. Organisers have decided to give the players a time of their lives by getting them involved in other activities too. To start with, the players will attend a training session with National Senior Mens Coach Scott Flemming as well as a nutrition and conditioning session with National Strength & Conditioning Coach Tommy Heffelfinger.
• The league organized by Basketball Federation of India (BFI) in collaboration with IMG Reliance (IMGR) touched over 13000 students across 1100 educational institutes. The structured, pan-India leagues allowed players and coaches to develop their skills through continued performance over the dedicated three month season.
• New Delhi, December 14, 2014: All blood and sweat spent for last three months will be worth it for the four city teams who are now heading to New Delhi’s Thyagaraj Sports Complex for the national finals of the Indian School & College Basketball League starting from December 15, 2014 till December 21, 2014.
• ·      Thyagaraj Sports Complex to host national finals from December 15-21
• ·      Modern boys, Montfort girls to slug it out in school league
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• Posted 16 hours ago by Sagar Media Inc
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• Posted 17 hours ago by Sagar Media Inc
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• Defence cooperation important

• Defence cooperation important pillar of India-Russia ties: President

  President Pranab Mukherjee has said defence cooperation is an important pillar of the strategic partnership between India and Russia and Moscow will remain a trusted and indispensable partner for New Delhi’s defence needs.

  Interacting with Russian President Vladimir Putin last evening, Mukherjee said India welcomes Russian participation in India’s defence sector in joint production, research and development and offsets, a release issued by the Rashtrapati Bhavan said. “Defence cooperation is an important pillar of the strategic partnership between India and Russia. Russia will remain a trusted and indispensable partner for India’s defence needs,” Mukherjee told Putin when the later called on him in New Delhi. The President said the economic dimension of the bilateral relationship has huge untapped potential and expansion of trade and economic cooperation with Russia is a priority for India. Mukherjee told Putin that India considers him as a great friend and the guiding force behind the strategic partnership between the two countries. “India is fully committed to developing and deepening the India-Russia partnership in diverse areas,” he said. Mukherjee said he was happy that during Putin’s present visit, the two countries have outlined a joint document laying out the vision for enhancing the strategic partnership to a qualitatively new level in the coming years, the release said. The President said India appreciates Russia’s support for India’s permanent membership of the UN Security Council and the two countries should work together to make progress in this direction. “India is also grateful for Russia’s support for India’s membership of multilateral export control regimes,” he said. The Russian President told Mukherjee that his visit has been successful and meaningful and bilateral relations between the two countries are developing well. Putin agreed with the President that the two countries can do much better on trade and said Russia would be happy to enhance cooperation in various fields, including energy and defence. The Russian President greeted Mukherjee on his 79th birthday yesterday and gifted him copies of photographs and documentary films relating to Rabindranath Tagore’s visit to Russia in 1930, the release said.

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• Posted 17 hours ago by Sagar Media Inc
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• Japan heads to polls 

  Japan heads to polls with Abe on course to retain power

  Voters began casting vote on Sunday for a general election with the Prime Minister Shinzo Abe hopeful to retain power.

  Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has billed as a referendum on his economic policies after the initial success of his first two years faded as the country slumped into recession.The premier is seeking public blessing for “Abenomics” – his signature plan to fix the country’s flaccid economy – with observers expecting an underwhelming and underprepared opposition will be routed. Opinion polls predict his ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) and its junior partner Komeito will sweep the ballot, probably with an unassailable two-thirds majority, giving them the power to override the upper house. “I have been pushing for Abenomics, the policies designed to create jobs and raise salaries,” Abe told hundreds of voters in Tokyo’s neon-lit Akihabara electronics district on the eve of the election. “Japan can be much richer,” Abe said, sporting a knee-length white windbreaker emblazoned with his campaign slogan: “This is the only way”. Sixty-year-old Abe was only halfway through his four-year term when he called the vote last month. The first two of his “three arrows” of Abenomics – monetary easing and fiscal stimulus – have largely hit their targets; the once-painfully high yen has plunged, sending stocks higher. And prices have begun rising after years of standing still – proof, says Abe, that this is the beginning of a virtuous circle of economic growth, with higher wages soon to follow. However, a precipitous sales tax rise in April snuffed out consumer spending, sending Japan into the two negative quarters of growth that make a recession. Critics say Abe has not been bold enough to take on the vested interests that are the real key to reversing nearly two decades of economic underperformance. A four-year mandate from the electorate may embolden the prime minister’s hand and see off opposition from within a vast and ill-disciplined LDP, too often given to bouts of regicide. But heavy snow across swathes of Japan on Sunday looked set to further dampen enthusiasm among already-uninspired voters, raising fears of a record low turnout. “I have no expectations from politics,” Kanji Takahashi, a 72-year-old fish market worker, said after casting a ballot at a Tokyo polling station.

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• Posted 18 hours ago by Sagar Media Inc
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• Asin rubbishes rumours of returning to the South industry
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• Twitter seemed to buzz with the news that Asin is returning to South films. Apparently it was posted on a fake handle in Asin';s name and has been picked up by some publications as well.Surprised by all this the actress clarifies, “I am not on Twitter and i';d appreciate it if people checked with me before publishing rubbish put up on fake handles.” “I';m am not doing nor looking at doing any South projects currently. I am currently not taking up any projects at all. Hope that clears it.”
  Asin who made her big Bollywood debut alongside Aamir Khan in the blockbuster Ghajini, has ever since worked with the top actors in the industry and has several super-hits in her kitty including a record of Four, hundred crore blockbusters.
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• Posted 18 hours ago by Sagar Media Inc
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• IPR Dead, Industry ICU, Services-Trade Poor, Agriculture Primitive
  December14, 2014 (C) Ravinder Singh ravinderinvent@gmail.comIndian Economists from Manmohan Singh to Raghuram Rajan are like Witch
  Doctors who believe some alien Ghost has invaded the Indian body -
  don’t believe in X-Ray, ECG, Blood Test, and Medicines and Surgery of
  Indian Economy but would blame Foreign Ghosts – China, Japan, Middle
  East, EU for all our problems. Witch Doctors of Indian Economy painted gloomy picture of the world
  when Global Wealth Growth was highest from $243 trillion to $263
  trillion for this year.
  Economists in the Developed Countries are Worried about IPR,
  Environment, FDI, Employment, Wages, Trade Balance, Exchange Rate
  adding up to their Wealth.
  Indian Witch Doctors are happy with Growth Rate, Growth Of Bank
  Deposits, Inflation and Investments but none of Developed Countries
  Priorities > Ignore Wealth Creation.
  In World GDP of $76 trillion 2013 foreign trade accounted for $38
  trillion, IPR blood contribution was $20 trillion. Global Wealth By
  Region for 2013 & 2014 in $T are
  Global    Africa    Asia-Pacific    China    Europe    India    L. America    N. America
  2013    243.134    2.664    48.096    20.689    77.051    3.640    9.124    81.870
  2014    263.242    2.831    49.489    21.404    85.200    3.604    9.113    91.240
  IPR Dead – Technology in IPR is lifeblood of all economies Rich or
  Poor but our Witch Doctors believe Indian Economy run without Patents
  and Intellectual Property. In current World GDP of $76 Trillion –
  value of IPR is $20 Trillion.
  Just like human blood IPR Is Constantly Replaced By New IPR Blood or
  Patents Filings have grown at record pace – so its important that
  India Create IPR on its own or let in Foreign IPR. But crippling India
  Patent Office through which Real IPR enters Indian economy is blocked
  and deficient or fake IPR makes Indian Economy – Unhealthy,
  Inefficient & Uncompetitive.
  Industry in ICU – Witch Doctors didn’t tell us Indian Industry is
  declining when Manufacturing Fell 7.6% when GDP is projected to grow
  at 5% or 6% therefore share of Manufacturing shall decline to 13% by
  year end and that Foreign Companies in India are all doing well
  expanding market share by introducing new Advanced Products & Latest
  Technologies.
  India continues to PUMP MONEY in to Dead Manufacturing & Industry.
  Services -Trade Poor – Foreign Trade volume are enormous $38 trillion,
  in this Developed countries export high tech manufactured goods Poorer
  countries like India export Raw Materials. To buy an Apple iPhone,
  India sell 10 Tones of Iron Ore or 1 tone of Steel or 1 tone of
  Basmati Rice or 1 tone of Fish etc. Railways, Roads, Infa, Logistics
  Health Care & Education are all in poor shape, Homes are built in 5-8
  years.
  Agriculture Primitive – Main role of 800m Farmers is own 500m farm
  animals, plant seeds and harvest crops and hand it over to some Trader
  – farming in India remains primitive. Farmers Can’t Store, Process,
  Market Their Produce Due to Various Restrictions. Per Capita Median
  Farmers’ Income is not even $200 annually.
  Ravinder Singh, Inventor & Consultant, INNOVATIVE TECHNOLOGIES AND PROJECTS
  Y-77, Hauz Khas, New Delhi-110016, India. Ph; 091- 9718280435, 9650421857
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• Posted 18 hours ago by Sagar Media Inc
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• Dear guest,UNICEF India requests the honour of your attendance at the Activate Talk we are holding on 18 December at 11:00 am at Alliance Française(72, KK Birla Marg, Lodi Estate, New Delhi).UNICEF has declared 2014 as the Year of Innovation for Children as we celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Convention on the Rights of the Child.  Our talk, focusing on Innovations to Support Ending Open Defecation in India, is part of a series of events around the world which will bring together inspirational speakers to share innovations that can deliver progress on the major issues confronting the most vulnerable and marginalized children in each country.UNICEF India has chosen sanitation as a theme to focus on for our talks. Five speakers will talk about the issue from different angles including social and behaviour change, public dialogue and advocacy, policy, equity and gender and youth engagement.Nalin Mehta, writer, social historian and columnist, will moderate the talk.Speakers include:Online platforms as a tool to harness the power of youth to create socialUse of innovative communication approaches to change mindsets among children and adolescents (especially girls) from marginalized communities.The role of politicians as innovators and champions for sanitation  From temples to toilets – the power of faith to influence sanitation behavior change Group handwashing with soap in Schools before the mid-day mealPlease RSVP by 16 December using the following email: richa@bace.inWe look forward to seeing you on 18 December.Yours Truly,Sumita Rathore
• 91-9971393304
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• ·         Aruna Rajoria, Indian Administrative Service, Mission Director, Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan – Education for All Campaign, Government of Assam.
• ·         Swami Chidanand Swaraswati, co-founder Global Inter-Faith WASH Alliance.
• ·         Jairam Ramesh, Indian economist and Member of Parliament representing Andhra Pradesh.
• ·         Sonal Kapoor, Founder of Protsahan.
• ·         Anshul Tewari, Founder of Youth Ki Awaaz.
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• Posted 18 hours ago by Sagar Media Inc
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• Raghuram Pathetic, ‘India Manufacturing in ICU’ 8% of GDP
• December13, 2014 (C) Ravinder Singh ravinderinvent@gmail.comEver since Dubiously Qualified Raghuram Rajan who has all the degrees
  but not worked in any Factory or Bank or Management Consultancy -
  Indian or Foreign was engaged by Dr. Manmohan Singh in 2008, India
  Industry is in down slide. ‘The capital goods sector, which is a barometer of industrial
  activity, fell 2.3% year-on-year in October while consumer durables
  contracted 35.2% compared to a decline of 12% same period last year’ –
  This is 50% Crash of Consumer Durable Manufacture by 50% in just 19
  months even as Credit to Manufacturing was increased by 44% since
  April2012.
  October14 Manufacturing is Down (-) 7.6% as GDP growth is expected to
  end the year around 5% thus there is 13% decline in share of
  Manufacturing of 15% pf GDP – so there is 2 Percent Point Decline to
  13%. But Auto Manufacturing growth is up around 12% or 8% of GDP – in
  this more than 5% of GDP is Foreign owned. Reduced petroleum prices
  shall KICK Foreign Dominated Auto Sector.
  Effectively Indian Manufacturing Down 8% of GDP, No Stopping Fall
  1. GOI didn’t Protect IPR of Indian Inventors, MSMEs who are on
  Learning Curve didn’t let them breathe.
  2. GOI didn’t let BANKS TAKEOVER FACTORIES IN COMA for Younger
  Entrepreneurs to Run.
  3. GoI didn’t FUND R&D Companies.
  4. GOI didn’t Support ROOFTOP Solar, Energy Efficiency, LED etc to
  reduce Energy Cost of Factories and avoid power cuts.
  5. No Entry Restrictions for IMPORTS, foreign manufacturers E-Market
  their products Direct to Consumers Leaving Indian Companies Helpless.
  6. GOI didn’t provide INFRA to assist Foreign Manufacturing Plants.
  7.  GOI Funded LOOT PROGRAM of DMIC – Delhi Mumbai Industrial Corridor
  – that shall Charge High Cost for Infrastructure & Services and
  factory shall be uncompetitive.
  Ravinder Singh, Inventor & Consultant, INNOVATIVE TECHNOLOGIES AND PROJECTS
  Y-77, Hauz Khas, New Delhi-110016, India. Ph; 091- 9718280435, 9650421857
• Posted by Naresh Kumar Sagar at 12/14/2014 No comments: Links to this post
• “Raise your voice whenever you see a child in distress”
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  14 December, 2014: New Delhi:Soon after arriving from Oslo after being conferred with the Nobel Peace Prize, Kailash Satyarthi addressing the media at Constitution Club of India said “I have no words to express my gratitude to my country and countrymen. Whatever I am today is because of you and the great culture, traditions and values of my motherland, India. We know that there are millions of children across the world who are victims of exploitation and violence. In spite of all the progress and technological advancement that we have been able to make, the painful paradox that stares in our face is that children are still compelled to lose their childhood and their future. I always say that a single child in danger anywhere means that the whole world is in danger everywhere. If a girl in any village, town, city or anywhere for that matter is not able to walk around freely then the world is not civilised enough.I have had the privilege to work with many people. Today in India and the world, I see change and hope knocking our doors. All we need is to listen to this reckoning and act now. The most important thing that I have imbibed from the Father of the Nation, Mahatma Gandhi, is that he has successfully been able to transform a political movement into a social movement. Likewise, friends, I urge all of you to transform the compassion for children into a global movement. Today, we need to globalise compassion.I am grateful to India’s vibrant democracy that gives space to each and every one to raise a voice. I cannot thank our judiciary enough for pronouncing landmark judgments upholding children’s rights. I am also grateful to the media which has always acted independently and promptly to bring to the fore the issues concerning children of our world. The greatest credit for this honour today goes to the blessings of the mothers and fathers whose children we have been able to rescue and restore. Today the Nobel Peace Prize brings along with it tremendous moral responsibility on me and every citizen of my country. For the sake of the most vulnerable and deprived children and for the sake of God, I appeal to you to raise your voice whenever you see a child in distress. Child labor, sexual abuse, trafficking, slavery, denial of education and the insecurity under which the children reel are all violence. I request you to shed your silence and neutrality. I call upon the polity, the governments, the trade unions, the teachers unions, the businesses, NGOs and all other stakeholders across the world to stand up for the rights of the children.
• Friends, it gives me great pride in saying that today the world is recognising the real power of India. We need to come together in creating an India that is more prosperous, more knowledgeable and high on morals. The core value of our soul is ‘Vasu deva Kutumbakam’. We believe that the whole world is our family and now is the time for this family to march ahead and make this world much safer, happier and peaceful for all children.”
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• Kailash Satyarthi’s Homecoming Address
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• 14th December, 2014
  FINANCE MINISTER ARUN JAITLEY & URBAN DEVELOPMENT MINISTER VENKIAH NAIDU WILL BE FELICITATEDIn support of various issues of traders and non corporate sector, the Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT) and several other national organisations of different verticals of non corporate sector. are holding a massive rally on 18 December 2014 at Ramlila Maidan. Beside CAIT, All India Motor Transport Congress, All India Confederation of Goods Vehicle Owners Association, All India Transport Welfare Association, Federation of Indian Small & Micro Enterprises , National Hawkers Federation, Bhartiya Kisan Morcha,International Society For Small & Medium Enterprises  etc. are organising Rally. Tens of thousands of people from all over the Country will also attend the Rally. CAIT National President Mr. B.C.Bhartia will chair the Rally
• Convener of the Rally Mr. Sushil Goel said that Delhi is a trading centre since ages and its distributive character of trade needs greater protection since it is the largest source of revenue to State Government. The Walled city, largest hub of wholesale commercial markets in the Country, has its unique place. Therefore, every effort must be made by the Government to provide better business environment in Delhi particularly in walled city and therefore the issues like extension of National Capital Territory Act,2011 and resolving the complex issue of parking & conversion charges and providing parking lots is the need of the hour.
• Shri Suresh Bindal, Chairman of the Rally Committee said that since there is a trader friendly government at the centre, it is right time to raise issues in a strong manner in order to obtain solutions. With a slogan ‘ Abhi Nahin To Kabhi Nahin’, large number of traders from all over Delhi will participate in the Rally whereas trade leaders from across the Country shall  also be attending the Rally.
• CAIT Delhi State President Mr. Ramesh Khanna informed that Union Urban Development Minister Mr. Venkaiah Naidu will be felicitated at the Rally for his persuasion of obtaining approval of the Union Cabinet on Draft Bill for extension of National Capital Territory Act till 2017 to protect Delhi from sealing and demolitions. About 5 lakh traders in Delhi will be benefitted with such move of the Government.
• The rally will have special focus on several issues concerning Delhi trade which includes extension of National Capital Territory  (Special Provision) Act to protect people of Delhi from sealing & demolitions, parking & conversion charges, notification of 351 Roads for Commercial & Mixed Land Use etc.
• The rally is being organised to support announcement made by Finance Minister Mr. Arun Jaitley for creation of a separate financial architecture for non corporate sector which was a long standing demand of CAIT, as core banking sector has failed to provide loans to non corporate sector. Only 4% of this sector could able to obtain loans from core banking sector. Therefore, the announcement of Finance Minister is a shot in arm of this sector. The rally will also urge the Government to resolve other core issues on similar lines which includes Rules & Regulations for Online Retail Trade, FDI in Retail E Commerce, Single tax simplified GST, Re-drafting of Delhi Rent Act, removal of anomalies & disparities in current VAT tax regime, Re-drafting of Food Safety & Standards Act, National Trade Policy For Retail Trade & a separate Ministry of Internal Trade, Abrogation of outdated & obsolete Laws governing retail trade, Holistic Road Transport & Safety Bill and implementation of National Urban Street Vendor Policy and Lower Tax Slab in Income Tax for Traders & Non Corporate Sector.
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• TRADERS MASSIVE RALLY ON 18TH DECEMBER AT RAMLILA GROUND AT DELHI 
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• Posted by Naresh Kumar Sagar at 12/14/2014 No comments: Links to this post
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Dec
13

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• India is projected to grow at 5.9% in 2015: United NationsAccording to United Nation’s report, World Economic Situation and Prospects 2015 (WESP), India is expected to grow at 5.9% in 2015 and 6.3% in 2016, compared with an estimated growth of 5.4% for 2014. The report said that India led the South Asian region to a moderate strengthening in growth during 2014 and it is expected that even in future the recovery will be led by India, which accounts for about 70% of regional output, other economies such as Bangladeshand the Islamic Republic of Iran are also projected to see stronger growth in the forecast period.Among the developing countries, economic growth in South Asia is set to rise to 5.4% in 2015 and 5.7% in 2016, withIndia leading the growth in the region. Economic growth in Latin America and the Caribbean is projected to moderately improve. Meanwhile, Africa’s overall growth momentum will continue, with GDP growth expected to accelerate to 4.6% in 2015 and 4.9% in 2016. East Asia will remain the fastest-growing region, and is projected to see stable growth of 6.1% in 2015 and 6% in 2016. In the CIS, prospects are weak with near-zero growth expected in the Russian Federation.Among the developed economies, the US economy is expected to improve to 2.8% in 2015 and 3.1% in 2016. Only a slight improvement in growth is expected in European Union which is projected to grow at 1.7% in 2015 and 2% in 2016. The region is held back by the travails of the euro area, where the level of GDP has yet to regain its pre-recession peak. In Japan, growth is estimated at 1.2% in 2015 and will decline to 1.1% in 2016; this is mainly attributed to the drop of private consumption due to a higher consumption tax.
• In addition, the global economy is expected to grow at 3.1% in 2015 and 3.3% in 2016, compared with an estimated growth of 2.6% for 2014. Although legacies from the global financial crisis continue to weigh on growth, while new challenges have emerged, including geopolitical conflicts such as in Ukraine and the Ebola epidemic. The report said global economic growth will strengthen subject to risks including the normalization of US interest rates; fragilities in the euro area; vulnerabilities in emerging economies; geopolitical tensions ; and varied monetary and policy stance around the world.
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• At the same time, several countries, notably India, are likely to make progress in implementing economic policy reforms, thus providing support to business and consumer confidence. There are, however, significant downside risks for the region due to the continuing fragility of the global economy and considerable country-specific weaknesses, including political instability and the agricultural dependency on the monsoon.
• Global economy to improve marginally, but mounting uncertainties and risks could undermine economic growth, upcoming US interest rate increases, remaining euro are fragility, a further slowdown in developing economies and geopolitical conflicts pose major concerns for global economic outlook.
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Dec
13

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• 19^th IBSA National Sports Meet for the Blind -2014
• The 19th meet is especially significant as performance in this meet will form the basis for short listing athletes for participating in the 5th World Championships and Games for the blind scheduled to be held in May 2015 in Seoul, Korea.
• Elaborate arrangements for free boarding, lodging and transportation of the participants coming from different parts of India are being made at the premises of the Blind Relief Association.  In the evening cultural programmes are being arranged for the entertainment of the participants.
• All the competitions will be conducted in accordance with international norms for blind sports as stipulated by International Blind Sports Federation.  To ensure highest level of professionalism and fair conduct of competitions services of professional and experienced judges and other technical officials from Athletic Federation of India, Chess Federation and IBSA are being taken.
• The 19^th meet will have about 600 participants, including officials, from such far off places as Manipur, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka.  The meet will continue till 16^th December, 2014 and will witness the budding and some of the finest totally blind and low vision athletes from across the country, several of them with international exposure and medal winners, vying for medals and creating new meet and National marks.  The meet will be divided into Intermediate (14 to 17 yrs and Open (not below 14 yrs) age sections, with separate competitions for male and female athletes under the three sight classifications, namely, B-1 (totally blind), B-2 and B-3 (low vision/partially blind) athletes.  The track events include 100, 200, 400, 800, 1500 and 5000m and relay races.  Field events will have long jump, shot put, javelin and discus throws.  The Chess competition will also form part of the meet and will be held at the premises of the Blind Relief Association, Delhi.
• New Delhi, 13^th December, 2014: Shri Sarbananda Sonowal, Hon’ble Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Youth Affairs & Sports Government of India will inaugurate the 19^th National Sports Meet for the Blind at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday the 13^thDecember, 2014 at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, New Delhi.  and Smt. Meenakshi Lekhi Hon’ble Member of Parliament will be theGuest of Honour.  Over 60 teams of blind sports persons from 14 states will participate in the 4 day event.  The meet is the largest national Sports event for the blind in the country and is held every two years.  These meets are organized by the Indian Blind Sorts Association with the support from the Blind Relief Association, Delhi.  The last meet (18th) was held at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium (New Delhi in December 2012).
• Posted 25 minutes ago by Naresh Kumar Sagar
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Dec
13

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• Indonesia emerges winner at the 11th Yamaha ASEAN Cup Race 2014Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Ravinder Singh, Vice President – Sales Strategy and Planning, Yamaha Motor India Sales Pvt. Ltd., said, “We at Yamaha Motor India Sales have constantly endeavored to provide Indian racers the best of facilities and opportunities to realize their dreams of racing and during this process touch many more lives and inspire them to share their dreams. While motorcycle racing is still at a nascent stage in India, we are satisfied with the improvement in the performance of the Indian riders. Further, the exposure and experience earned by our riders in this championship would prove to be very prolific to them and to others as well who aspire to make a mark in this profession and wish to represent India in such competitions. We are confident that with our continued efforts in this direction, Indian riders would make a mark in the coming years on an international platform.”Objectives of the YAMAHA ASEAN CUP RACE
• Presently, YMIS supports IYM to market and sell its two-wheelers including YZF-R15 Version 2.0 (150cc), Fazer (153cc), FZ-S (153cc), FZ-S FI Version 2.0 (149 cc), FZ (153cc), FZ FI Version 2.0 (149 cc), Fazer FI Version 2.0(149 cc), SZ-RR Version 2.0 (149 cc), SZ-S & SZ-RR (153cc), SS125 (123cc), YBR125 (123cc), YBR110 (106cc), Crux (106cc) and scooters Ray (113cc), Ray Z (113cc) and Alpha (113 cc) and its import portfolio VMAX (1,679cc), YZF-R1 (998cc) and FZ1 (998cc).
• Yamaha made its initial foray into India in 1985. In August 2001, Yamaha India became a 100% subsidiary of Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd, Japan (YMC). In 2008, Mitsui & Co., Ltd. entered into an agreement with YMC to become a joint-investor in India Yamaha Motor Private Limited (IYM). YMC has established its wholly-owned subsidiary – Yamaha Motor India Sales Pvt. Ltd. (YMIS) in India to independently support IYM in Sales & Marketing of its products.
• About Yamaha Motor India Sales Pvt. Ltd.
• The ASEAN region represents the most important market for Yamaha Motor’s motorcycle business, where major growth has been achieved through the early introduction of models equipped with automatic transmissions, fuel injection systems, etc. Among the reasons behind this success is Yamaha’s sporty brand image, the sporty designs and performance of the products introduced and the active efforts across the region to promote the spread and development of sports. Since its launch in 2003, the YAMAHA ASEAN CUP RACE motorcycle race event has emerged as a prominent symbol of these efforts, along with the YAMAHA ASEAN CUP U-13 FOOTBALL tournaments. Also, by using production models as the base race machines for this event, Yamaha aims to fulfill its objectives of strengthening the brand image, widely popularizing the race among communities across the region, developing motorcycle sports and contributing to youth development.
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• Top four performing riders of the YZF-R15 One Make Race Championship held in India, represented Yamaha Motor India Sales at the Yamaha ASEAN Cup 2014. All the four Indian contestants namely Mr. Jagan Kumar, Mr. Deepak Ravikumar, Mr. Padmanaban, Mr. Padmanaban competed in the ST class. In ST 150 class, 25-year-old Jagan Kumar, who started fourth at the grid, crashed out in final Race 1 after completing his fifth lap and then ended 13th in the final Race 2 with a total time of 23:36.509 in 12 laps. Deepak Ravikumar, who started at eighth at the grid, did better as he finished 10th and 12th in Race 1 and Race 2 respectively. The third in fray in the same class, Padmanabhan crashed out of Race 1 in the first lap while he did not start in Race 2. In the ST 250 class, Rajini Krishnan, who had his bike replaced with a new one after his vehicle developed problems in the Electric Control Unit in the qualifications, started 17th and last at the grid and ended the final race at 12th with a total time of 21:37.660 in 12 laps.
• *”JUPITER Z1″ is the model’s Indonesian market name.
• Some 60,000 spectators gathered over the two days for this holding of the YAMAHA ASEAN CUP RACE. The competition was held in three classes: the ST15 Class competed on the “YZF-R15″ street sports model, the MT Class competed on the “JUPITER Z1″* sporty underbone model and the ST25 Class (exhibition race) using the “YZF-R25″ supersport model. Fifty-one riders from the five participating countries of India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines and Thailand and six riders from Japan joining as special entries were organized into the various classes for the competition, resulting in plenty of exciting racing. Racing under optimum conditions in an exciting and competitive atmosphere, the riders battled aggressively in these thrilling races. When the competition was over, the ST Class (YZF-R15) was won by Mr. Rheza Danica (Indonesia) who finished 1st and 20th in the two heats in front of the cheering home crowd while the MT Class (JUPITER Z1*) was won by Mr. Peerapong Luiboonpeng (Indonesia) who placed 1st and 18th in two heats. The ST25 Class (exhibition race) won by Mr. Sudarmono(Indonesia) who placed 1st and 14th in the two heats. The event was also graced by two-time MotoGP world champion and Yamaha racer Mr. Jorge Lorenzo and Moto GP rider Mr. Pol Espargaro who gave a circuit demo run using the YZF-R25 bike and also communicated about the exciting world of motorsports to the many spectators at the event.
• New Delhi, 13^th December 2014: The 11th Yamaha ASEAN Cup Race 2014, organized by Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd. and P.T. Yamaha Indonesia Motor Manufacturing came to an exciting end at the Sentul International Circuit (Overall length: approx. 3.96 km) in West Java, Indonesia. Team Indonesia emerged as the winner of the two day event, 6th – 7th December, 2014. This event is an international one-make championship competition that aims to crown the No. 1 rider in the ASEAN region. Indian racing team put up with a creditable show.
• ~Indian Riders put up an improved show
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Dec
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• *The Nehru Memorial Museum and Library*cordially invites you to a* Seminar* at 3.00 pm on Monday, 15th December, 2014
  in the Common Room, Annexe Building
  on
  *‘Peasants, Spies and Stolen Harvests:*
  *The making of the Northeast India East Pakistan border, 1930-1970’*
  by
  *Dr. Malini Sur,*
  National University of Singapore,
  Singapore.
  *Abstract:*
  In this talk, the speaker engages with overlapping and contested claims
  over land and rice along South Asia’s northeastern borderlands. She shows
  how the conversion of agricultural land into provincial and national
  territories, and religious and political mobilizations that defined
  affiliations and citizenship, altered prior conceptions of locality and
  belonging. The entangled histories of two peasant and border communities
  who may be broadly described as Muslim cultivators of Bengali origin and
  the mostly Christian Garos tells the story of rice wars along the
  edges of colonial
  Assam and eastern Bengal. These provincial margins were fought over,
  redrawn and mapped to form the post-colonial borders of Northeast India and
  East Pakistan (1930-1970). As intersecting projects surrounding land came
  to mark borders, evicted and displaced peasants not only lost but also
  acquired each other’s land and rice harvests. Combining a close reading of
  late colonial and early post-colonial archives with ethnographic fieldwork,
  the speaker shows how the politically charged semantics of rice complicates
  the romantic pastoral of land loss, disrupts the “citizen-refugee” analytic
  that South Asia’s partition historiography has privileged and connects
  disparate histories of migration and settlement.
  S*peaker:*
  Dr. Malini Sur is a Postdoctoral Fellow at the Asia Research Institute,
  National University of Singapore. Her research interests connect three
  broad areas—borders, mobility, and citizenship—with a focus on South Asia.
  She has lectured at the University of Amsterdam, held a writing fellowship
  at the University of Toronto and worked for Social Science Research Council
  (New York). Dr. Sur has published in anthropology and interdisciplinary
  journals including HAU, *Mobilities*, *Indian Journal of Gender Studies*
  and *The Economic and Political Weekly*.