Monday, November 26, 2012
THE CONSTITUTION (AMENDMENT) ACTS ( with year)
Saturday, November 24, 2012
Friday, November 23, 2012
Tenth ASEAN-India Summit Concluded at Peace Palace, Phnom Penh, Cambodia
The tenth ASEAN-India Summit that was held at Peace Palace, Phnom Penh,
Cambodia concluded on 19 November 2012. The summit was chaired by the
Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Cambodia- Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei
Techo HUN Sen and attended by the leaders of the ten Member states of
ASEAN and the Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.
During the summit the discussions were held on identifying the future course of action on the ASEAN-India relations. Success was achieved in deciding the convening of the ASEAN-India Commemorative Summit scheduled to be held on 20 December to 21 December 2012 at New Delhi, India, the summit will be held to commemorate the 20th Anniversary of the ASEAN-India Dialogue Relations.
During the 10th Anniversary of the ASEAN-India summit, 20th Anniversary of ASEAN-India Dialogue Relations was also observed at the same venue of Peach Place, Phnom Penh. The ASEAN-India Summit for the first time was observed in the year 2002 at Phnom Penh.
Marked Commemorative Activities
1. The meeting between Heads of Space Agencies
2. Ministerial level meetings in tourism, environment, agriculture, new and renewable energy,
3. The sending of the Sail Training Ship “Sudarshini” on an expedition to ASEAN countries
Some other commemorative activities on which discussions were held included 2nd ASEAN-India Business Fair and Business Conclave, and the ASEAN-India Car Rally, these would be held during the ASEAN-India Commemorative Summit.
Decisions were also made on implementing the Plan of Action and the ASEAN-India Partnership for Progress, Peace and shared Prosperity (2010-2015). These implementations would be followed by the ministers of the ASEAN members and India to contribute in deepening the dialogue relations between the two sides.
Excellent works of the ASEAN-India Eminent Persons Group (EPG) in production of a good and concise report was also commended at the summit. Recommendations for further advancements of the partnership to next levels were also evaluated. Security, peace and stability of the region, along with strengthening of the maritime cooperation via existing mechanism of were recognized and stressed upon. Strict management of the recommendations would bring back security, peace and stability in the region at the time when security challenges like sea piracy, vessel accidents, oil spills, terrorism and natural disasters are becoming a threat and challenge to the security of the region.
Trade between ASEAN and India in 2011
The trade between the ASEAN and India grew by 43 percent in the year 2011 that amounted to 74.9 billion US dollar that also surpassed the bilateral trade target of 70 billion US dollar. Target for achieving the 100 billion US dollar mark by 2015 for ASEAN-India trade was also identified and set at the summit.
Foreign Ministers of all the member nations and India would be working ahead to settle down thing and conclude the ASEAN-India Trade in Services and Investment Agreements before the ASEAN-India Commemorative Summit in December in India.
Before this the Prime Minister of India, Manmohan Singh in April 2012 welcomed the adoption of the Declaration on Drug- Free ASEAN 2015 by the ASEAN Leaders at the 20th ASEAN Summit in Phnom Penh.
India Agreed On
Both the parties adopted of the ASEAN Human Rights Declaration at the 21st ASEAN Summit in Phnom Penh, on 18 November 2012. The two parties also emphasized to contribute supports on realization of the ASEAN Community based on the decided rules of law, democracy, promotion and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms. India will be supporting the ASEAN Community building efforts by Initiative for ASEAN Integration (IAI) in which India will play a role in establishment of the Entrepreneurship Development Centres (EDCs) and Centres for English Language Training (CELTs) in Cambodia, Lao PDR, Myanmar, and Viet Nam.
India made a commitment of supporting the Master Plan on ASEAN Connectivity (MPAC) and connectivity with the wider East Asia Region for establishment of the linkage between the ASEAN and South Asia.
The announcement also cleared that India-Myanmar-Thailand highway that is backed by the U.S., which would be operational by 2016 and would act as the Gateway for North East India to South-East Asia. The same announcement also cleared the fact of the alternative route that would connect the central or North Myanmar with Guwahati and Hanoi, on which the discussions were made during the trilateral meet between, India, U.S. and Japan. Both the parties, ASEAN and India looked forward for better connectivity of the region via highways and made decisions on early construction of new India-Myanmar-Laos-Viet Nam-Cambodia Highway. It also decided about the extension of the India-Myanmar-Thailand Trilateral Highway to Laos and Cambodia.
Concerns towards Climate Change and Environment
Both the parties during the Tenth ASEAN-India Summit that concluded at Peace Palace, Phnom Penh, Cambodia agreed to work together to respond to the issues of climate change and its impact. They also agreed on strengthening steps to respond to natural disasters that has always remained a issue of concern in the region, like fllod and earth quakes.
During the summit the discussions were held on identifying the future course of action on the ASEAN-India relations. Success was achieved in deciding the convening of the ASEAN-India Commemorative Summit scheduled to be held on 20 December to 21 December 2012 at New Delhi, India, the summit will be held to commemorate the 20th Anniversary of the ASEAN-India Dialogue Relations.
During the 10th Anniversary of the ASEAN-India summit, 20th Anniversary of ASEAN-India Dialogue Relations was also observed at the same venue of Peach Place, Phnom Penh. The ASEAN-India Summit for the first time was observed in the year 2002 at Phnom Penh.
Marked Commemorative Activities
1. The meeting between Heads of Space Agencies
2. Ministerial level meetings in tourism, environment, agriculture, new and renewable energy,
3. The sending of the Sail Training Ship “Sudarshini” on an expedition to ASEAN countries
Some other commemorative activities on which discussions were held included 2nd ASEAN-India Business Fair and Business Conclave, and the ASEAN-India Car Rally, these would be held during the ASEAN-India Commemorative Summit.
Decisions were also made on implementing the Plan of Action and the ASEAN-India Partnership for Progress, Peace and shared Prosperity (2010-2015). These implementations would be followed by the ministers of the ASEAN members and India to contribute in deepening the dialogue relations between the two sides.
Excellent works of the ASEAN-India Eminent Persons Group (EPG) in production of a good and concise report was also commended at the summit. Recommendations for further advancements of the partnership to next levels were also evaluated. Security, peace and stability of the region, along with strengthening of the maritime cooperation via existing mechanism of were recognized and stressed upon. Strict management of the recommendations would bring back security, peace and stability in the region at the time when security challenges like sea piracy, vessel accidents, oil spills, terrorism and natural disasters are becoming a threat and challenge to the security of the region.
Trade between ASEAN and India in 2011
The trade between the ASEAN and India grew by 43 percent in the year 2011 that amounted to 74.9 billion US dollar that also surpassed the bilateral trade target of 70 billion US dollar. Target for achieving the 100 billion US dollar mark by 2015 for ASEAN-India trade was also identified and set at the summit.
Foreign Ministers of all the member nations and India would be working ahead to settle down thing and conclude the ASEAN-India Trade in Services and Investment Agreements before the ASEAN-India Commemorative Summit in December in India.
Before this the Prime Minister of India, Manmohan Singh in April 2012 welcomed the adoption of the Declaration on Drug- Free ASEAN 2015 by the ASEAN Leaders at the 20th ASEAN Summit in Phnom Penh.
India Agreed On
Both the parties adopted of the ASEAN Human Rights Declaration at the 21st ASEAN Summit in Phnom Penh, on 18 November 2012. The two parties also emphasized to contribute supports on realization of the ASEAN Community based on the decided rules of law, democracy, promotion and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms. India will be supporting the ASEAN Community building efforts by Initiative for ASEAN Integration (IAI) in which India will play a role in establishment of the Entrepreneurship Development Centres (EDCs) and Centres for English Language Training (CELTs) in Cambodia, Lao PDR, Myanmar, and Viet Nam.
India made a commitment of supporting the Master Plan on ASEAN Connectivity (MPAC) and connectivity with the wider East Asia Region for establishment of the linkage between the ASEAN and South Asia.
The announcement also cleared that India-Myanmar-Thailand highway that is backed by the U.S., which would be operational by 2016 and would act as the Gateway for North East India to South-East Asia. The same announcement also cleared the fact of the alternative route that would connect the central or North Myanmar with Guwahati and Hanoi, on which the discussions were made during the trilateral meet between, India, U.S. and Japan. Both the parties, ASEAN and India looked forward for better connectivity of the region via highways and made decisions on early construction of new India-Myanmar-Laos-Viet Nam-Cambodia Highway. It also decided about the extension of the India-Myanmar-Thailand Trilateral Highway to Laos and Cambodia.
Concerns towards Climate Change and Environment
Both the parties during the Tenth ASEAN-India Summit that concluded at Peace Palace, Phnom Penh, Cambodia agreed to work together to respond to the issues of climate change and its impact. They also agreed on strengthening steps to respond to natural disasters that has always remained a issue of concern in the region, like fllod and earth quakes.
Twenty first ASEAN Summit concluded in Phnom Penh, Cambodia
The 21st ASEAN Summit Phnom Penh was held on 18 November 2012 at Peace
Palace, Phnom Penh in Cambodia. Prime Minister of the Kingdom of
Cambodia- Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo Hun Sen was the Chairperson
for the 21st ASEAN Summit Phnom Penh, Cambodia. The head of states of
the ASEAN members and the Secretary-General of ASEAN participated in the
21st ASEAN Summit and discussed about things like progress of the
Implementation of ASEAN Charter and Roadmap for an ASEAN community.
Issues Discussed
1. Follow-up to the 20th ASEAN Summit
2. The Progress Report on the Implementation of Master Plan on ASEAN Connectivity
3. Signed Phnom Penh Statement on the Adoption of ASEAN Human Rights Declaration
4. Exchange of View on Regional and International Issues
A Leaders’ Statement on the establishment of an ASEAN Regional Mine Action Center (ARMAC) was also issued during the summit.
Document Signed and Adopted
1. Phnom Penh Statement on the Adoption of the ASEAN Human Rights Declaration
2. ASEAN Human Rights Declaration (AHRD)
3. Concept Paper on the Establishment of an ASEAN Regional Mine Action Centre (ARMAC)
4. ASEAN Leaders’ Joint Statement on the Establishment of an ASEAN Regional Mine Action Centre (ARMAC)
H.E. Mr. Le Luong Minh- the candidate from the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam was appointed as the upcoming Secretary General for ASEAN for the next five year term by the ASEAN Head of States. The nomination was done on the basis of alphabetical rotation plan for next five year that would start from January 2013 and end in December 2018.
ASEAN
ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) was created on 8 August 1967 at Bangkok, Thailand after ASEAN Declaration (also called Bangkok Declaration) was signed between the Founding Fathers of ASEAN, namely Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore, Philippines and Thailand. With time 5 more South Asian countries joined the group namely Brunei Darussalam joined on 7 January 1984, Viet Nam on 28 July 1995, Lao PDR and Myanmar on 23 July 1997, and Cambodia on 30 April 1999. Today, ASEAN is a 10-member group by now. The group was formed with a basic idea of promoting social progress, economic growth and cultural development between the member nations and talk on the differences in a peaceful manner.
Issues Discussed
1. Follow-up to the 20th ASEAN Summit
2. The Progress Report on the Implementation of Master Plan on ASEAN Connectivity
3. Signed Phnom Penh Statement on the Adoption of ASEAN Human Rights Declaration
4. Exchange of View on Regional and International Issues
A Leaders’ Statement on the establishment of an ASEAN Regional Mine Action Center (ARMAC) was also issued during the summit.
Document Signed and Adopted
1. Phnom Penh Statement on the Adoption of the ASEAN Human Rights Declaration
2. ASEAN Human Rights Declaration (AHRD)
3. Concept Paper on the Establishment of an ASEAN Regional Mine Action Centre (ARMAC)
4. ASEAN Leaders’ Joint Statement on the Establishment of an ASEAN Regional Mine Action Centre (ARMAC)
H.E. Mr. Le Luong Minh- the candidate from the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam was appointed as the upcoming Secretary General for ASEAN for the next five year term by the ASEAN Head of States. The nomination was done on the basis of alphabetical rotation plan for next five year that would start from January 2013 and end in December 2018.
ASEAN
ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) was created on 8 August 1967 at Bangkok, Thailand after ASEAN Declaration (also called Bangkok Declaration) was signed between the Founding Fathers of ASEAN, namely Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore, Philippines and Thailand. With time 5 more South Asian countries joined the group namely Brunei Darussalam joined on 7 January 1984, Viet Nam on 28 July 1995, Lao PDR and Myanmar on 23 July 1997, and Cambodia on 30 April 1999. Today, ASEAN is a 10-member group by now. The group was formed with a basic idea of promoting social progress, economic growth and cultural development between the member nations and talk on the differences in a peaceful manner.
The Seventh East Asia Summit concluded in Phnom Penh, Cambodia
The seventh East Asia Summit (EAS) was held at Peace
Palace, Phnom Penh, Cambodia, on 19 November 2012. Prime Minister of the
Kingdom of Cambodia, Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo Hun Sen chaired
the meeting. The Leaders of East Asia Summit adopted a joint
declaration for the 7th East Asia Summit following the regional
responses to control Malaria and address the resistance to anti-malarial
medicines.
The Phnom Penh Declaration of the East Asia Summit Development Initiative was also taken on this occasion. Discussions and exchange of views on different regional and international issues was also done between the leaders of the member-nations.
Apart from the 10 members of the ASEAN representatives from eight different countries namely Australia, China, India, Japan, New Zealand, Republic of Korea, Russia and United States of America also participated in the summit.
Issues Discussed
The leaders of the East India Summit discussed on a variety of issues to seek mutual cooperation for growth and to decide the future direction of the member nations.
Priority Areas
1. Environment and energy
2. Education
3. Finance
4. Global health issues and pandemic diseases
5. Natural disaster mitigation
6. ASEAN connectivity
Phnom Penh
Phnom Penh is the capital city of Cambodia and the largest city of the country. It is located on the bank of River Mekong. Phnom Penh is the centre for all types of economic and industrial activities in the nation.
Other summits that concluded at Peace Palace
1. 4th ASEAN-U.S. Leaders’ Meeting Peace Palace, 19 November 2012
2. 15th ASEAN-ROK Summit Peace Palace, 19 November 2012
3. ASEAN Plus Three Commemorative Summit Phnom Penh, Cambodia, 19 November 2012
4. 15TH ASEAN-JAPAN SUMMIT Phnom Penh, 19 November 2012
5. 15TH ASEAN-China Summit Phnom Penh, Cambodia, 19 November 2012
6. 7th East Asia Summit (EAS) Phnom Penh, Cambodia, 20 November 2012
The Phnom Penh Declaration of the East Asia Summit Development Initiative was also taken on this occasion. Discussions and exchange of views on different regional and international issues was also done between the leaders of the member-nations.
Apart from the 10 members of the ASEAN representatives from eight different countries namely Australia, China, India, Japan, New Zealand, Republic of Korea, Russia and United States of America also participated in the summit.
Issues Discussed
The leaders of the East India Summit discussed on a variety of issues to seek mutual cooperation for growth and to decide the future direction of the member nations.
Priority Areas
1. Environment and energy
2. Education
3. Finance
4. Global health issues and pandemic diseases
5. Natural disaster mitigation
6. ASEAN connectivity
Phnom Penh
Phnom Penh is the capital city of Cambodia and the largest city of the country. It is located on the bank of River Mekong. Phnom Penh is the centre for all types of economic and industrial activities in the nation.
Other summits that concluded at Peace Palace
1. 4th ASEAN-U.S. Leaders’ Meeting Peace Palace, 19 November 2012
2. 15th ASEAN-ROK Summit Peace Palace, 19 November 2012
3. ASEAN Plus Three Commemorative Summit Phnom Penh, Cambodia, 19 November 2012
4. 15TH ASEAN-JAPAN SUMMIT Phnom Penh, 19 November 2012
5. 15TH ASEAN-China Summit Phnom Penh, Cambodia, 19 November 2012
6. 7th East Asia Summit (EAS) Phnom Penh, Cambodia, 20 November 2012
Saturday, November 17, 2012
Thursday, November 15, 2012
Heads of International Offices
Mr Ban Ki Moon-Secretary General, United Nation Organisation
Ms Asha Rose Migiro-First Dy Secretary General UNO
Dr Jim Yong Kim-President World Bank (International Bank for Reconstruction and Development)
Ms Christine Lagarde-Managing Director, International Monetary Fund
Ms Irina Bokova-Director General, UNESCO
Dr Supachai Pantchpakdi-Secretary General, UNCTAD
Mr Hisoshi Owada-President, International Court of Justice
Mr Haruhika Kuroda-President, Asian Development Bank
Mr Kamlesh Sharma-Secretary General, Commonwealth
Mr Pascal Lamy-Director General, WTO
Mr Sharad Pawar-President International Cricket Council
Mr Harshwardhan Singh-Dy Director General WTO
Mr Yukia Amano-Director General, International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)
Mr Mohammed Waheed Hassan Manik-Chairman, SAARC
Ms Ahmed Saleem-Secretary General, SAARC
Mr Salil Sethi-Secretary General Amensty International
Ms Helen Clerk-Director General of UNDP
Mr Klaus Schwed-Chairman, WEF (World Economic Forum)
Ms Asha Rose Migiro-First Dy Secretary General UNO
Dr Jim Yong Kim-President World Bank (International Bank for Reconstruction and Development)
Ms Christine Lagarde-Managing Director, International Monetary Fund
Ms Irina Bokova-Director General, UNESCO
Dr Supachai Pantchpakdi-Secretary General, UNCTAD
Mr Hisoshi Owada-President, International Court of Justice
Mr Haruhika Kuroda-President, Asian Development Bank
Mr Kamlesh Sharma-Secretary General, Commonwealth
Mr Pascal Lamy-Director General, WTO
Mr Sharad Pawar-President International Cricket Council
Mr Harshwardhan Singh-Dy Director General WTO
Mr Yukia Amano-Director General, International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)
Mr Mohammed Waheed Hassan Manik-Chairman, SAARC
Ms Ahmed Saleem-Secretary General, SAARC
Mr Salil Sethi-Secretary General Amensty International
Ms Helen Clerk-Director General of UNDP
Mr Klaus Schwed-Chairman, WEF (World Economic Forum)
Heads of National Offices
Mr Mohd Hamid Ansari- Chairman, Rajya Sabha
Mr PJ Kurian- Deputy Chairman Rajya Sabha
Dr Manmohan Singh-Chairman, Planning Commission
Dr Montek Singh Ahluwalia- Dy Chairman, Planning Commission
Mr Sushil Kumar Shinde- Leader of the house in Lok Sabha
Ms Sushma Swaraj- Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha
Mr Arun Jaitley- Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha
Mr V Sampath-Chief Election Commissioner
Mr Syed Nasim Ahmed Zaidi-Election Commissioner
Mr Harisanker Brahma-Election Commissioner
Mr Pradeep Kumar- Chief Vigilance Commissioner
Mr Ranjan Mathai- Foreign Secretary
Mr Vinod Rai- Comptroller and Auditor General of India
Justice S Ratnavel Pandian- Chairman, National Commission of Backward Classes
Mr Rahul Khullar- Chairman, Telephone Regulatory Authority of India
Mr Ranjit Sinha- CBI Director
Mr Kunwar Singh-Chairman, National Commission for Scheduled Tribes
Mr Wajahat Habibullah- Chairperson National Commission for Minorities
Mr DP Aggarwal- Chairman, UPSC
Mr SC Sinha- Director General National Investigation Agency
Mr Sukhadeo Thorat- Chairman, UGC (University Grant Commission)
Mr K Radhakrishanan-Chairman, Space Commission and ISRO
Mr Srikumar Bannerjee-Chairman, Atomic Energy Commission and Sec. Deptt of Atomic Energy
Mr BK Mishra- Chairman, SSC
Mr KG Balakrishan- Chairman, Human Rights Commission
Dr C Chandramouli- Registrar General of India and Census Commissioner
Mr Prakash Chandra Tripathi- Chairperson, Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT)
Mr Jandhyala Harinarayan- Chairman, Insurance Regulatory Development Authority (IRDA)
Mr UK Sinha- Chairman, Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI)
Mr Pratip Chaudhary- Chairman, State Bank of India
Mr DK Mehrotra- Chairman LIC
Mr Hardeep Puri- India’s Permanent Representative in UNO
Mr Nirupam Sen- Spl Sr Advisor to President of UN General Assembly
Ms Mamta Sharma-Chairperson of National Commission for Women
Mr Vijay L Kelkar- Chairman, 13th Finance Commission
Mr Ashok Chawla- Chairman, Competition Commission of India
Ms Leela Samson-Chairperson, Central Board of Film Certification
Mr Raj Kumar Dhoop- President, ASSOCHAM
Mr N Chandrasekaran- Chairman, NASSCOM
Mr KC Verma- Director General RAW
Ms Nandita Das-Chairperson, Children Film Society of India
Mr S Banerjee-Director, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre
Mr Satyanand Mishra-Chief Information Commissioner
Prof Krishan Kumar-Director, NCERT
Mr Adi Godrej- President, CII
Mr RV Kanoria- President, FICCI
Mr Sam Pitroda- Chairman, National Knowledge Commission
Mr Mamohan Setti- Chairman, National Film Development Corporation
Ms Mrinal Pande- Chairperson, Prasar Bharati
Mr Ratan Tata- Chairman, Investment Commission
Mr VK Sarswat- Scientific Advisor to PM and Head DRDO
Mr Jawhar Sircar- Chairman, Prasar Bharati
Mr Alok Mishra- Chairman, Indian Banks Association
Wednesday, November 14, 2012
President inaugurates the 32nd India International Trade Fair (IITF) 2012
The President of India Pranab Mukherjee inaugurated the 32nd edition of the India International Trade Fair on 14.11.2012 at Pragati Maidan New Delhi. Addressing the function, the President said the fair has been an excellent platform for micro, small and micro enterprises (MSMEs) to showcase their products and penetrate both domestic and international markets at attractive prices. President stressed that MSMEs are a source of rural empowerment, which is one of the key objectives of Government’s agenda of inclusive growth.
The President was happy to note that the theme of the IITF this year is “Skilling India”. He stated that skill building is an integral part of a nation’s economic progress. He said ITPO has done commendable work in bringing all stakeholders together to share their experience at this important event.
At the 32nd IITF, the focus state and country are Andaman Nicobar Islands and South Africa respectively. The partner state and the country are Uttarakhand and the Republic of Belarus respectively. Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Belarus, China, Cuba, Iran, Pakistan, Papua New Guinea, Sri Lanka, South Africa and Thailand have set up their “National Pavilion” at this Trade Fair; and about 480 overseas exhibitors from 22 countries are participating in the event.
Krishna Tirath inaugurates Vatsalya Mela
Smt.
Krishna Tirath, Minister of State (I/C), Ministry of
Women and Child Development (WCD) inaugurated the Vatsalya
Mela at Dilli Haat.
Tirath said that the Vatsalya Mela is
celebrated every year since the last six years to sensitise
the people and spread awareness and information about the various schemes of
the Ministry taken up for the development of women and children. At the Mela various stalls have been set up to explain in detail
the various facets of the schemes of the WCD Ministry and how the benefits can
be availed. Halls providing information on the ICDS, SABLA, IGMSY, and the
activities of various organizations associated with it such as CARA, NIPCCD,
NCW, NCPCR, CSWB, NMEW, RMK etc have been set up at the Mela.
Various NGOs and organizations such as UN Women, UNDP, UNESCO and Nehru Yuva Kendra have come together with this initiative of the
M/o WCD to spread awareness about the issues related to empowerment of women
and growth and development of the children, the Minister informed.
The
WCD Minister also stated that the Ministry has framed legislation such as the
Protection of Children from Sexual Offenses Act 2012 in recognition of the
needs of the society to fight the growing crime against children in the
domestic and other settings. The rules have been notified from today with which
the Act comes into force, she said. She also noted that the Protection of Women
from Harassment at Workplace Bill has been passed by the Lok
Sabha and will be introduced in the Rajya Sabha in the next session.
Amendments are also being brought to the Juvenile Justice Act which will make
it more strong, she stated. These also reflect the
demand of the society to deal with crimes against women and children, she
noted.
The
6 day Vatslya Mela,
Smt. Tirath said is inaugurated to mark the birth
anniversary of Pandit Nehru, 14th
November, which is also celebrated as Children’s Day. Its closing ceremony on
19th November which marks the birth anniversary of the first woman
Prime Minister of the country, Smt. Indira Gandhi shall
be celebrated as ‘Shakti Diwas’ , the Minister noted.
India tops world diabetes sufferers list
There are now more people living with diabetes in Asia
than elsewhere and India is among the list of top five countries with
the most diabetes sufferers in 2009, organisers of World Diabetes Day
have said quoting World Health Organisation (WHO) figures.
According
to them, more than 347 million people suffer from diabetes worldwide.
Since diabetes can be silent and symptoms can easily go unnoticed, early
detection and good management can prevent complications.
International
Diabetes Foundation indicates that the top five countries with the most
diabetes sufferers in 2009 were: India 50.8 million, China 43.1
million, USA 26.8 million, Russia 9.6 million and Brazil 7.6 million.
It
is predicted that the number of adults affected by diabetes will almost
double from 32.6 million to 51.7 million in 2030 in the Middle East and
North Africa (MENA) region.
World Diabetes Day
raises global awareness of diabetes, its escalating rates around the
world and how to prevent the illness and how it is managed.
Started
by the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) and the WHO, it is
celebrated on November 14 to mark the birthday of Frederick Banting who,
along with Charles Best, was instrumental in the discovery of insulin
in 1922, a life-saving treatment for diabetes patients.
Long-term
effects of diabetes can include blindness, gangrene, renal failure and
heart disease. Globally diabetes is consuming an ever greater portion of
medical costs, accounting for approximately 10 per cent of all health
care spending according to the journal Diabetes Research and Clinical
Practice in 2010.
Monday, November 12, 2012
Barack Obama won the U.S. Presidential Elections 2012
Barack Obama, the leader of Democratic Party on 7 November 2012 was re-elected as the President of USA. Obama defeated the Republican Challenger, Mitt Romney in the U.S. Presidential Elections 2012 by winning over 332 votes as compared to the 206 votes of Mitt Romney of all the votes declared by the Electoral College declared. Obama was successful in getting around 74000 more votes than the competitor, Mitt Romney out of the eight million votes casted during the Presidential Elections.
The elections were conducted on 6th November 2012 and this was the 57th quadrennial presidential election for the United States. The two, Obama and Romney won 50 percent and 48.1 percent of votes respectively. 53 members in the Senate were from Democratic Party, whereas 45 are from Republican Party. In the House of Representatives, the lead went in the way of Republican Party with 232 seats and the Democratic Party was successful in securing 191 seats. Mitt Romney tied with the President Obama at 49 percent of the Popular Votes.
The Republican Party has lost four Presidential elections of the six Presidential contests and the two won by them was just with narrow margins. At the same time, President Obama, by being back has proved that in the period of austerity and crisis also, an incumbent can survive.
Swing States
President Obama was successful in winning over the eight of the nine swing states including Florida, Ohio, Wisconsin, New Hampshire, Virginia, Colorado and Nevada. He only lost from the seat of North Carolina.
Indians
Ami Bera- the third Indian-American in the U.S. House of Representatives
Dr. Ami Bera is third Indian-American ever to be elected to the U.S. House of Representatives. The 45 years old Bera took a lead of 184 votes against Dan Lungren, the Republican rival from the seventh Congressional District of California. Before Bera, two Indians to be elected for the US House of Representatives include Dalip Singh Saund in the 1950s and Bobby Jindal was the House member before being elected to be the Governor of Louisiana from 2005 to 2008.
Except Dr. Bera, five more Indian-Americans namely Dr. Syed Taj, Dr. Manan Trivedi, Upendra Chivukula and Jack Uppala and Ricky Gill, were candidates, who lost from their seats in the US elections. Except Ricky Gill all the other four were from Democratic Party.
Dr. Syed Taj, who was a representative from Democratic Party, is the younger brother of Syed Shahbuddin and he basically belongs from Bihar. He lost in the tough fight against his opponent K Bentivolio from the seat of Michigan's 11th Congressional District.
Tulsi Gabbard-First Hindu-American to be in the House
Tulsi-Gabbard is the first Hindu-American to enter the U.S. House of Representatives. She defeated the Republican rival K. Crowley from the Hawaii seat in the one-sided contest. Tulsi doesn’t belong to the Indian Heritage and is not an Indian. She is a daughter to the Catholic Father Mike Gabbard, who at present is serving as the Senator from the Hawaii State and her mother Carol Porter Gabbard, who is a Hindu is an educator and a business owner in Hawaii.
Basic Facts
• Before Obama, Bill Clinton was the Democratic Party Representative to serve White House for continuous two terms after World War II.
• Obama is the first President after the wars to be re-elected in the office with an unemployment rate of 7.4 percent in the country.
• Obama in the last Presidential Elections of 2008 won 349 votes, which was higher than the votes he secured in the Presidential Elections of 2012.
History of US elections of 223 years: In the 223 years history of US Presidential Elections only eight Presidents contesting elections being in the White House lost the elections.
Sunday, November 11, 2012
Review meeting of the E-9 Countries concluded in New Delhi
The three-day review meeting of Ministers of Education and heads of delegation of the E-9 countries comprising India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, China, Brazil, Egypt, Indonesia, Nigeria and Mexico ended in New Delhi on 10 November 2012 with the adoption of the New Delhi Commitment. E-9 nations decided to expand their cooperation in Inclusive, Relevant Quality Education for All. It took stock of the progress towards the Education for All goals and to renew cooperation in consolidating the gains and addressing remaining challenges.
The member-states reaffirmed the central role of education in all development endeavours and in promoting peace and social cohesion. E-9 Countries decided to expand their cooperation in the area of Inclusive, Relevant Quality Education for All. They recognised relevance and equity as key dimensions of quality in their future efforts and resolved to address the same by making their education systems more flexible and responsive.
The E-9 Initiative, Background:
The E-9 Initiative was launched in 1993 at the EFA Summit of the Nine High-Population Countries in New Delhi, India. The “E” stands for education and the “9” represents the nine highly populated countries: Bangladesh, Brazil, China, Egypt, India, Indonesia, Mexico, Nigeria and Pakistan. Given that these countries were home not only to over half of the world’s population but also to more than 70 percent of the world’s adult illiterates, about two-third of whom are women and girls, and more than half of its out-of-school children, any significant progress made in these countries immediately would have positive impact on EFA. It was (and still is) rational to prioritise a group of highly populated countries for the attainment of EFA. The E-9 countries also face common challenges such as decentralization and quality assurance. Hence, the heads of E-9 countries signed the Delhi Declaration and showed their commitment to achieving EFA. Since that time, the E-9 Initiative has become a forum for these nine countries to discuss their experiences related to education, exchange best practices and monitor EFA-related progress. It has also become a powerful driver for EFA and South-South Cooperation.
Since the launch of the initiative, the E-9 countries have made significant socioeconomic progress. Mexico has become an OECD member, while China is now the second largest economy in the world. Brazil and India are also the top ten economies and expected to be the top five economies in the coming decades. Indonesia has also been growing fast and now is a G-20 country. In 1993, the E-9 countries accounted for only 16.5% of world’s nominal GDP. Now, they represent almost 30% of world’s nominal GDP. Some E-9 countries, such as Brazil, China, India and Mexico, have emerged as aid donors and are seen to exercise leadership not only in the E-9 Initiative but all aspects of EFA.
The E-9 countries have also made advancement in the six EFA goals. Between 1999 and 2009, the gross enrolment rate in pre-primary education increased. During the same period, the net enrolment rate in primary education improved from 84% to 89% as the number of out-of-primary school children within the E-9 countries was reduced from almost 50 million to less than 30 million between 1999 and 2009. Youth and adult literacy grew better from 85% to 89% and 76% to 79% respectively. The gender parity indices (the rate of girls to boys in school) ameliorated from 0.92 to 0.97 at the primary level and 0.96 to 0.97 at the secondary level. Two-thirds of the E-9 countries now have over a 90% net enrolment rate in primary education. Adult literacy rates are also above 90% in Brazil, China, Indonesia and Mexico.
Despite these positive outcomes, a number of problems remain to be tackled. The E-9 countries still represent two-thirds of the world’s illiterate adults and 42% of the world’s out-of-school children. Along with the quantity, the issue of the quality of education remains to be addressed: the vast majority of children do not receive quality instruction and leave school without acquiring basic skills in these countries due to a number of factors such as teacher development, curriculum and learning environment. Therefore, it is still essential to tackle educational problems of these countries for achieving EFA.
In order to accelerate efforts towards EFA, the E-9 countries work together primarily based on the action frameworks agreed upon during the biennial Ministerial Review Meetings. Since 1993, the Ministers of Education from the E-9 countries have held eight Ministerial Review Meetings to debate selected themes of common interest:
| Event | Theme |
| Eighth E-9 Ministerial Review Meeting Abuja, Nigeria, June 2010 | Literacy for development |
| Seventh E-9 Ministerial Review Meeting Bali, Indonesia, March 2008 | Improvement of teacher education and training as a focus of educational system reform |
| Sixth E-9 Ministerial Review Meeting Monterrey, Mexico, February 2006 | Assessment of quality in education |
| Fifth E-9 Ministerial Review Meeting Cairo, Egypt, December 2003 | Early childhood care and education |
| Fourth E-9 Ministerial Review Meeting Beijing, China, August 2001 | The role and use of distance education and information technologies in basic education |
| Third E-9 Ministerial Review Meeting Recife, Brazil, January 2000 | E-9 countries 2000 EFA assessments: New avenues for action |
| Second E-9 Ministerial Review Meeting Islamabad, Pakistan, September 1997 | Social and political mobilization |
| First E-9 Ministerial Review Meeting Bali, Indonesia, September 1995 | From Delhi to Bali |
| New Delhi Summit on EFA New Delhi, India, December 1993 | The Delhi Declaration and Framework for Action |
In addition to these regular conferences, the E-9 ministers meet and dialogue whenever there is an opportunity, such as during the annual EFA meetings and the sessions of UESCO’s General Conference.
In 2004, a Chair of the E-9 Initiative was established with the support of UNESCO in order to improve follow-up, coordination and continuity in-between meetings. The Chair has been held by Egypt, Mexico, Indonesia and, since 2010, Nigeria.
While the E-9 countries have ownership over activities pledged during the Ministerial Review Meetings, the rotational E-9 Chair, along with UNESCO Secretariat, takes leadership of coordination. UNESCO provides technical support and helps the E-9 countries review progress of the ongoing activities during occasions such as bimonthly meetings, teleconferences, senior official meetings and written reports.
During the last biennium, in light of insufficient gains towards EFA Goal 4 on adult literacy by 2015, the Government of Nigeria and UNESCO convened the Eighth Ministerial Review Meeting on EFA in Abuja, Nigeria (June 2010) focused on the theme of ‘Literacy for Development.’ The E-9 countries currently make efforts to implement the Abuja Framework for Action and Cooperation and periodically review their progress through meetings and teleconferences.
A number of activities within the framework have been launched or are in process, such as the Revitalizing Adult and Youth Literacy Programme by Nigeria, the International Seminar on Improving Female Literacy in Cooperation with Women NGOs by Indonesia and preparations for an International Conference on Literacy for Inclusive and Sustainable Development by India. In order to continue the momentum on these l activities and to ensure their achievement, a Senior Officials Meeting was hosted by Nigeria in December 2011.
The low quality of education, including that of literacy, has long been a key challenge facing EFA. While many countries have successfully enrolled millions of learners in schools, a significant majority of them are actually not learning, at least, not to levels commensurate to their educational attainment. The challenge persisits, and the EFA quality goals are dauntingly off track. Thus, addressing the issue of quality will be on the top of the future education agenda.
During the 36th General Conference of UNESCO in 2011, the E-9 Ministers Meeting reached a consensus that quality education, inclusive of everyone where the content is relevant to learners, is vitally important in all E-9 countries. In this context, the E-9 Meeting on Teacher Development for Inclusive Quality Education in New Delhi, India on 31 May 2012 was held to address the issue of insufficient quality of teaching.
The Ninth E-9 Ministerial Review Meeting will be held in New Delhi, India on 9-10 November 2012. The focus of this meeting will be “Inclusive, Relevant and Quality Education for All.” India will hold the Chair after the 2012 E-9 Ministerial Review Meeting.
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Saturday, November 10, 2012
Schemes & Facilities for the Senior Citizens
A demographic
revolution is taking place throughout the world indicating a phenomenal rise in
the population of the elderly. According to a UN
estimate, the population of the people aged 60 years and above is expected to
grow to 1.2 billion by 2025 and to 2 billion by 2050. Today, about two thirds
of all the older people are living in the developing world. As per the Census
2001, in India, there were 77 million persons
above 60 years constituting 7.5% of the total population of the country. This
number is projected to go up to 12.4% of the population in 2026. Such an increase
obviously will throw up numerous challenges in designing old age specific
programmes and schemes and addressing their issues in a comprehensive manner.
The
Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment announced a National
Policy for Older Persons in January,
1999. This policy reaffirmed the commitment of the Government to ensure
the well-being of the older persons in a holistic manner. The National Policy
for Older Persons essentially envisages support from the State to the older
persons to ensure their financial and food security, health care, the need for
shelter as well as other needs of the older persons, providing them an equitable
share in development, giving them protection against abuse and exploitation,
and ensuring the availability of services
to improve the quality of lives of the older persons.
Thirteen years
have elapsed since this policy was announced. Keeping in view the changing
demographic pattern, the socio-economic conditions and the technological development
in the country, the Government is in the process of bringing out a new National
Policy. The draft of the new policy is ready. The new Policy is expected to cover
a wider spectrum of the issues and challenges facing the elderly.
An institutional
mechanism has been put in place to monitor the implementation of the existing national
Policy for older persons and to
advise the Government regarding the formulation and implementation of the policy
and programmes for the aged through a National Council for Older
Persons, under the Chairmanship of the Minister of Social Justice &
Empowerment. The Council was
first constituted in the year 1999 for a period of five years. It was
reconstituted for another period of five years in the year 2005. However, the
composition of this Council was not comprehensive enough as it did not contain sufficient
non-official
members to maintain regional balance. Besides, it also did not include the
representatives of some of the Ministries/Departments dealing with issues
related to the senior citizens. With a
view to address these issues, the Council has been re-constituted and has now
been renamed as the National Council of Senior Citizens. A Resolution to this
effect has been issued in the Gazette of India (Extraordinary) on 22nd
February 2011.
The Parliament
enacted the Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act in
December 2007, a landmark development. This Act has made the maintenance of parents and senior citizens by children, and where there
are no children, then by the relatives, obligatory and justiciable through
Tribunals. The Act has to be brought into force by the individual
State Governments. It is not applicable to the State of Jammu & Kashmir,
while Himachal Pradesh has its own Act, with the concerted efforts made by the
Ministry, all the States and UTs have been persuaded to bring the Act into
force in the respective States.
For the effective
implementation of the various provision of the Act, the States and UTs are
required to take further steps, such as framing Rules, appointing Maintenance
Officers, and constituting the Maintenance and Appellate Tribunals. As per
information available in the Ministry, 14 States and 5 UTs have taken all these
necessary steps.
The Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment is also implementing the
“Integrated Programme of Older Persons" since 1992 with a view to improve
the quality of life of older persons by providing basic amenities like shelter,
food, medical care, entertainment opportunities, etc. Under this Scheme,
financial assistance up to 90% is provided to Governments/Non-Governmental
Organizations/ Panchayati Raj Institutions/ local bodies etc. for running and maintaining old age homes, day care centres, mobile medicare units, day care centres for Alzheimer's disease/Dementia patients,
physiotherapy clinics for older persons, sensitization programmes for
children, particularly in schools and colleges, Regional Resource and Training
Centres, etc. About 350 NGOs are
being supported every year for running and maintaining around 550 projects.
In order to address the increasing demand for care
givers, the National
Institute of Social Defense (NISD), an autonomous body under the Ministry of
Social Justice and Empowerment, has been conducting One-Year, Six-Month and One-Month
Courses on Geriatric Care. Besides, the Institute also collaborates with
reputed institutions for organising short term training programmes for the
caregivers.
To ensure effective implementation of the policies and programmes of the
Ministry and also to augment the activities of the NISD, the Ministry presently
supports 3 Regional Resource Centres (RRTCs) namely, (i) Anugraha, New Delhi,
which caters to the requirements of the northern States, (ii) Nightingale
Medical Trust, Bangalore, which caters to the requirements of the southern
States, and (iii) Integrated Rural Development and Educational Organization
(IRDEO) which caters to the requirement of the north eastern States. These
RRTCs undertake (i) Training of functionaries of grantee organizations under
IPOP and monitor their work; (ii) Advocacy and awareness generation; (iii)
Liasion with the concerned State Governments in the field of old age care, with
specific reference to the implementation of the Maintenance and Welfare of
Parents & Senior Citizens Act, 2007, and the National Policy for Older
Persons, 1999 and the other programmes and interventions for the senior
citizens; (iv) Maintain a data-base of the institutions working in the field of
old age care; and (v) Research and such other functions as the Ministry
may assign from time to time.
The need of the
hour is to create a caring society, especially for the ageing population with
the help of representatives from the Central Ministries and Departments, the
State Governments, experts, academicians and many other stakeholders.
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