India’s forex reserves near $300 billion mark 

Continuing to rally for the fourth straight week, India’s foreign exchange reserves swelled by 1.35 billion dollar to 298.64 billion dollar for the week ended 21st of this month. A RBI press release in Mumbai has said that foreign currency assets, a major part of the overall reserves, increased by 1.58 billion dollar to 271.40 billion dollar in the reporting week.

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Thai opposition protesters stage mass rally

Tens of thousands of Thai opposition protesters marched through Bangkok on Saturday calling for the resignation of Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra, who faces a possible ban from politics for alleged negligence.

The new show of strength by the anti-government movement came on the eve of elections for the upper house of parliament, whose members could decide Yingluck’s fate.  “I have come out to preserve democracy,” said protester Jirapa Tantingarmkasem, who joined the march from the rally base in Lumpini Park to the city’s Royal Plaza.  “I ask everyone to come out to protest. Fight! Fight!” Hundreds of demonstrators also swarmed into the grounds of the government headquarters, which have not been used by Yingluck’s cabinet for months because of protests targeting state buildings”.  Yingluck has withstood five months of street rallies seeking to force her from office and end the political dominance of her billionaire family.  Thailand is bitterly divided between opponents and supporters of her elder brother, the fugitive former premier Thaksin Shinawatra.  The billionaire tycoon-turned-politician was toppled in a coup in 2006 after clashing with the royalist establishment.  He fled Thailand in 2008 to avoid jail for a corruption conviction and lives in Dubai.  Political violence, often targeting protesters, has left 23 people dead and hundreds wounded in grenade attacks and shootings in recent months, although the bloodshed has abated since the rallies were scaled back at the start of March.  The kingdom is in legislative limbo with only a caretaker government following incomplete February elections since nullified by the Constitutional Court.  The opposition movement wants to install a temporary unelected government to oversee electoral and anti-corruption reforms before new polls are held.

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Brand Congress ,BJP Image diluters Imran Masood , Sabir Ali

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Congress finding itself on fix and Vice President Rahul Gandhi cancelled his scheduled rally in Saharanpur on Saturday in the wake of party candidate Imran Masood’s arrest for his controversial remark against Narendra Modi.

“Rahul Gandhi’s rally is being postponed. The next date for it will be decided later on,” CLP leader Pradeep Mathur said.  The decision to cancel the rally comes after Masood was arrested by police for allegedly threatening to chop BJP’s Prime Ministerial candidate Modi “into pieces”.  A video footage of the election rally in Saharanpur, showing Masood attacking the BJP Prime Ministerial candidate, had gone viral on the web.  The BJP also demanded strict action against Masood by the Election Commission.  Masood arrested in Saharanpur early today on charges of hate speech Congress Lok Sabha candidate Imran Masood was on Saturday arrested on charges of hate speech in which he threatened to “chop” Narendra Modi “into pieces”, remarks that led to an FIR being filed against him by police besides sparking an outrage.  Masood was arrested in the wee hours, police said.  However, he later apologised for his remarks, saying, “I should have been more cautious with my words” and that the same were said in the heat of electioneering.  UP Inspector General of Police (Law and Order) Amrendra Sengar said an FIR has been registered against Masood at Deoband police station of Saharanpur.  Sengar told reporters in Lucknow that the Congress nominee has been booked under section 125 (promoting enmity between classes in connection with election) of the Representation Of The People Act, and various IPC sections.      BJP too suffered  its image as party leaders Amidst displeasure in the BJP over induction of the expelled JD(U) leader Sabir Ali on Saturday asked the BJP leadership to put his membership on hold till the charges against him are cleared.  The Rajya Sabha MP also offered to quit politics forever if it was proved that he has any connection with terrorist Yasin Bhatkal as alleged by senior BJP leader Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi.  “I have written a letter to Dharmendra Pradhan to keep my membership on hold. I have also asked him to form a committee in this regard and enquire into my case on the basis of these allegations. If they find these allegations true even distantly, I will quit politics forever,” Ali told reporters in New Delhi on Saturday. Naqvi, a Muslim face and Vice President of the party, had termed Ali’s entry into BJP as a “mistake” and demanded its reversal.  BJP spokesman Sudhanshu Trivedi had said the induction was done on the recommendation of Bihar unit of the party and “further action” in the matter will be taken after “verifying all facts and antecedents” of Ali.

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Congress heart beats for Reliance Industries

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The attack on the Election Commission by two union Congress ministers for having deferred the government’s decision to double the prices of natural gas proves beyond doubt that the Congress heart beats for Reliance Industries and not for the people of this country.

The kind of language used by Mr Jairam Ramesh and Mr Anand Sharma in questioning the EC’s decision is a clear indication that the Congress, which is headed for a rout in the Lok Sabha elections, is not bothered about the adverse impact the doubling of gas prices will have on the lives of people, already reeling under the intolerable price rise of essential commodities due to wrong policies of the UPA government.

Mr Ramesh and Mr Sharma, who are counting their days as ministers of a government which will be remembered in history for a series of corruption scams and policies which promoted crony capitalism, have made an unsuccessful attempt to defend an indefensible decision of a desperate government on its last leg.

The use of language by these ministers that the EC is functioning like a parallel government and that it had extended its mandate, only shows that the Congress seems to have forgotten that their tenure is all but over and the people of the country are set to elect a new government in less than two months.

It appears that a string of electoral defeats in the recent past and the possibility of its worst ever performance in the Lok Sabha elections staring it in the face, the Congress seems to have decided to take a revenge on the people.      

Not only did the Congress-led UPA government take a completely unjustified decision to double the gas prices from $4.2 per unit to $ 8.4 with the sole intention of providing huge undue financial benefits to the Reliance Industries Limited     

Both Mr Ramesh and Mr Sharma need to be reminded that their government’s decision has been challenged in the Supreme Court, which is hearing the matter and despite their misinformation campaign, they have not been able to find any legal infirmity in the FIR filed against their colleague and petroleum minister M Veerappa Moily and the RIL by the Anti Corruption Branch of the Delhi government.

The Congress appears to have altered its slogans to please the big corporates like the RIL and seems ready to embrace – Congress ka Haath Ambani ke saath.

The AAP will continue its efforts to expose the unholy nexus between the Congress and the RIL, the only aim of which was to ruin the lives of the people by imposing the burden of price rise on them.

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Cyber safety, gender issues India’s top security challenges: Shivshankar Menon

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By sagarmedia on March 29, 2014 | Leave a comment | Edit

Addressing The Growth Net 2014, India’s National Security Advisor Shivshankar Menon underscores the need for a fixed doctrine to address non-traditional threats and pushes for greater cooperation between New Delhi and Beijing.

New Delhi, March 28, 2014: National Security Advisor Shivshankar Menon identified cyber issues and gender safety as India’s top security challenges, while addressing a session at The Growth Net 2014 today.

At present, nations are witnessing a changing security scenario that is complex, volatile and turbulent. On one hand, terrorism, extremism and fundamentalism have fuelled local and regional conflicts, while on the other, climate change and the advent of modern technologies are triggering destabilisation in global economies. Tackling these challenges requires concerted international cooperation and reshaping existing policies.

Reflecting on the changing dynamics of security, Menon said, “Non-traditional security threats, such as cyber issues, terrorism and extremism, and internal security are one of India’s top challenges. Internal security also includes gender and personal security issues. Also, newer technologies have brought on newer risks for States.” 

“There are three ways to look at the security threats: Hedging, which is safe low risk strategy with low gains; surfing, which is riding the waves of change; and shaping the future, which involves greatest efforts with the highest risks and highest gains. In the Indian context, hedging is no longer safe because we lack capability in shaping our own environment,” Menon added.

Pushing for greater bilateral strategic cooperation between New Delhi and Beijing, Menon asserted,“India and China should start working together on strategic and security issues as both are threatened by regional instability across their peripheries. The latest concern is emanating from Afghanistan post the withdrawal of US troops. It is logical for both India and China to get on the same board to tackle bilateral challenges. The biggest sign of hope at present is that the level of cooperation is much better than it was earlier.”

Nearly 100 speakers from 25 countries have converged at The Growth Net 2014 to discuss global economic imperatives. The key issues being raised in the meeting include global security environment, energy and water challenges; common global priorities; innovations and new technologies; education and healthcare; and foreign investment opportunities.

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Star cast of Film “Dishkiyaoon”

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Star cast of Film “Dishkiyaoon” attended the Press conference in New Delhi

Bollywood actress turned producer Shilpa Shetty Kundra visited hotel JW Marriot  with her movie cast Harman Baweja andAyesha Khanna to attend the press conference  of  her maiden venture ‘Dishkiyaoon’.

On asking  about the first directorial venture to be action drama, Shilpa said, ”The film is good. I never thought that my first film will be an action-mystery. I always thought that if ever I make a film it would be a comedy or a love story. But I loved the script of ‘;Dishkiyaaoon’; so much that I wanted people to know the story “.

Releasing with the tagline “Aadmi bada ho ya chota koi farak nhi padta bas uski kahani badi honi chahiye”. The movie is about the story of two small men who are on their way to make it big in the world of crime. The story revolves around a gangster Viki Kartoos (Harman Baweja) and action man Lakwa (Sunny Deol).

Actor Sunny Deol who is known for angry avtars in bollywood . Would be seen as a powerful man with a Haryanvi touch in the film. Harman Baweja  would be seen as a gangster in the movie. Though from the first promos the movie looks like any other movie of action crime genre but Sunny Deol’s ‘Haryanvi’ avatar can surely be a catch.

Other cast ensembles Prashant Narayanan and Aditya Pancholi.  Captain of the ship being Sanamjit Singh Talwaar,music of film is given by Palash Muchhal. Film is produced by Shilpa Shetty and Sunil Lulla.

Action movie Dishkiyaoon releases on 28^th March 2014.

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Eubiq System- The World’s Most Flexible Power Outlet System

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The Eubiq System, the world’s first-of-its kind electrical power outlet system, that is practical, green, safe and simply beautiful well suited for residential use including kitchens,living rooms,study rooms, AV rooms, masters rooms.

The system is easy to install,easy to use and most importantly safe as all live parts are securely hidden.

GSS viz Ground Sentry Shutter is a patented safety features found in all Power Tracks and Wall Scokets.With prior wiring,GSS effectively grounds all conductive objects in contacts with it. The system is therefore child-safe, virtually impossible for any hazardous shock. Embrace the freedom of Eubiq – because electrical power in now anywhere you want it to be with ultra safe, unique modular concept, architecturally versatile, sleek design, quick and easy installation, universal system, cost-saving, 40 Amp High Current Carrying Capacity plus freedom of movement.

Clients for references are -:

Hotels-:  Ramada Gurgoan,  ITC Maurya Sheraton Delhi, Hilton Delhi, Westin Pune, Duet Pune, Oberoi Hilton Mumbai, Spa, Margaon Goa, Base Hospital Delhi, City Hospital Delhi, Sir Ganga Ram, Dr R M L Hospital,Tata Memorial Hospital,

Other listed are -: L&T Corporate Office Chennai, Siemens Ltd, Chennai, Gurgaon, Cipla India Mumbai & Pune, Nestle Goa and Gurgoan, Crompton Greaves Goa and GlaxoSmithkline Pharmaceuticals Ltd. etc

Distributorship enquiries solicited too.

For further details

Eubiq India P Ltd,

Shop no 1 Basement  Sheetla Lane

Sheetla lane,Sector 17-18 Dividing Road,

Gurgoan-12201, Haryana

Tel: 91 0124 4233816

Terrorist to strike Indian Politicians

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Terrorist to strike Indian Politicians

The Election is becoming a celebration events in which more than 88 Cr people are likely to participate and with such huge numbers of people participation to select their governance creed with mounting awareness brings the subject to core of each Indian at its best.But there are many more to this exercise when PR, advertisement agencies, entertainment,media world which enjoy their special place do not lag behind to make great killing.With air waves buzz with greater celebration activities of various mouth pieces speaking as nationalist, communal, paid agency, zonal or regional play their music.

National leaders of the political parties all of sudden has answer to the acute problems of the nation and media get hyper active to get best out of the situation and many found making tons of money by playing their favorite leaders at there vanguard of their dramatic acts.

Mir Nasrulla the retired IAS of 1953 batch ,the son-in -law of Mr Bakshi Ghulam Mohammed PM of J&K, who is 85 year while talking to his friends said he is very confident of Indian politicians restoring the confidence of the people and their despair can be diluted by the leaders taking stock of pan India and giving touch of care to all strata of society in its totality. His concern for trust deficit of common man is attributed to poor quality  of leadership growing with sycophancy, arrogance ,greed has diluted many opportunities of the nation to grow in leaps and bounds.

Further the political dynamics of this country remains feudal with few oasis of lower caste getting arise and awake with their number outgrow thus convergence of various idea can be amalgamated  in  form of nationalism.

Eleection. Events in its fervor brings envious gestures  of some external forces  who in turn wants to be spoil sport make hectic efforts to bring in hatred and fanatism in  this vast civilization of peace thus making attempts of  terrising the Indian  people.

However the  Indian security forces is doing its best to keep the sinister design out and their unworthy plans are unfolding.

People’s Manifesto raises demands and concerns of people before Lok Sabha elections

 

National Platform on People’s Manifesto releases ‘People’s Manifesto’

 

New Delhi, March 27, 2014:

 

• Ensure highest standards of healthcare accessible to and affordable by all
• Prevent health conditions from worsening by ensuring universal access to safe drinking water and sanitation facility
• Inc. funding for education to a minimum of 6% of GDP
• Ensure nutritious food for all through effective implementation of National Food Security Act
• Legislate National Housing Policy and National rehabilitation Policy
• Strengthen implementation of the Mahatma Gandhi NREGA(MGNREGA) Act
• Safeguard land rights of the adivasis by strong implementation the Forest Rights Act(FRA) 2006
• Pass the Women’s Reservation Bill with immediate effect
• Protect the right of every child to survive, be healthy and safe
• Bring a legislation on SCP & TCP to give legal sanction to the plan allocation to SCs & STs
• Prioritise & strengthen human rights and access to justice
• Commit to accountable Governance
•  
   
  People’s Manifesto raises demands and concerns of people before Lok Sabha elections
   
  National Platform on People’s Manifesto releases ‘People’s Manifesto’
   
  New Delhi, March 27, 2014:
   
  • Ensure highest standards of healthcare accessible to and affordable by all
  • Prevent health conditions from worsening by ensuring universal access to safe drinking water and sanitation facility
  • Inc. funding for education to a minimum of 6% of GDP
  • Ensure nutritious food for all through effective implementation of National Food Security Act
  • Legislate National Housing Policy and National rehabilitation Policy
  • Strengthen implementation of the Mahatma Gandhi NREGA(MGNREGA) Act
  • Safeguard land rights of the adivasis by strong implementation the Forest Rights Act(FRA) 2006
  • Pass the Women’s Reservation Bill with immediate effect
  • Protect the right of every child to survive, be healthy and safe
  • Bring a legislation on SCP & TCP to give legal sanction to the plan allocation to SCs & STs
  • Prioritise & strengthen human rights and access to justice
  • Commit to accountable Governance
   
  A group of Civil Society Organizations led by WADA NA TODO ABHIYAAN released  the People’s Manifesto in an effort to give voice to the demands, concerns and aspirations of the people across the country before the upcoming elections. WNTA is a national campaign consisting of more than 4000 civil society organizations (CSO) and people’s organisations working on ‘HOLDING THE GOVT. ACCOUNTABLE TO ITS PROMISE TO END POVERTY, SOCIAL EXCLUSION AND DISCRIMINATION’.
   
  Wider Civil Society organizations formed a ‘National Platform on People’s Manifesto’ and came up with a People’s Manifesto through wider consultations with general public at large by holding direct meetings, signature campaigns, and social media interactions. The manifesto reflects the demands and aspirations of the marginalized and the poor sections living across the country. The representatives of the group have met members of manifesto committees of different political parties to influence political parties’ manifesto to include WNTA agenda in their manifestos.
   
  Representative of different political parties were also present and assured the gathering that they would advocate for the demands of people raised in People’s Manifesto. Sanjay Paswan of Bhartiya Janata Party appreciated the efforts of Wada Na Todo Abhiyan in preparing People’s Manifesto that reflects the demands of the most marginalized section of society. He assured, “Since the BJP manifesto has not been released yet; we would include the demands of people raised in People’s Manifesto.”
• 
  
  While the representatives of political parties said that they agree on most of the demands and would include in their political agenda. Dinesh Vasharney of Communist Party of India said that his party has released its manifesto that covers almost every demand mentioned in People’s Manifesto. He highlighted that there was a need to strengthen public participation in making policies.
  
  
  Nilotpal Basu of Communist Party of India (M) said that his party’s manifesto includes people’s concerns and covers almost all demands of poor and the marginalized. He said that it was a commendable initiative of Civil Society Organisations made a People’s Manifesto with direct consultation with over four lakh people.  
  
  
   
  
  
  Amitabh Behar of WNTA said “Preparing the people’s manifesto is a pro-active engagement of the people to influence the agenda of political parties and eventually hold government accountable at the centre”. Wada Na Todo Abhiyan by itself held direct consultations in 210 Parliamentary constituencies in 24 states.
  
  
   
  
  
   
   
  Through direct and indirect involvement, the manifesto by the CSOs took inputs from about 16 lakh people in 250 parliamentary constituencies in 24 states. In the process, several civil society organisations, people’s networks, women’s organisations, trade unions, student groups, dalit and tribal groups, youth groups, organizations working on children and many other networks representing various marginalized sections contributed to this massive mobilization and participatory discussion.
  People’s Manifesto clearly reflects an urgency to address increasing inequalities and calls for a greater commitment to fulfill the promise of basic services – particularly, health, education, water, sanitation and food security. The poorest and most excluded are systematically deprived of the benefits of development and economic progress. “Key demandcs emerging from the people include the need for greater regulation of the private sector particularly in health, education, land rights and in preservation of forest and natural resources, a strong justice delivery system, protection of rights and entitlements across all sections of marginalized and vulnerable groups including women, children, dalits, muslims, adivasis, persons with disability and the LGBT community. On various service delivery, it has called for time bound commitments and effective grievance redressal mechanism,” Paul Divakar, (national convener) of WNTA said.
  
  
   
  
  
  People’s Manifesto demands to pass the Women’s Reservation Bill with immediate effect; fair and equal resource distribution, employment and income opportunities for women; enforce safe employment conditions and a strong implementation of Prevention of Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace Act, 2013; protect women and girls from all forms of violence by rigorous implementation of legal safeguards such as the Domestic Violence Act, 2005, 498A of the Indian Penal Code, Dowry Prohibition Act and to protect the right of every child to survive, be healthy and safe, rigorous and effective implementation of Pre-Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques (PCPNDT) Act, 1994.
  
  
   
  
  
  The manifesto also demands to strengthen mechanisms for public participation and monitoring through the Right to Information, Social Audit and Vigilance Committees. It demands to abolish all anti-people, anti-democratic laws such as
  AFPSA.  It demanded to engage people politically in conflict regions, strengthen the statutory commissions created to protect the interest of the marginalized and minorities.
  
  
   
  
  
  WNTA, a national campaign consisting about 4000 civil society organizations, steered the process of bringing in key CSOs which were involved in the process of preparation of people-centric manifestos.
  
  
   
  
  
  WNTA and its partners have also met key leaders of different political parties to advocate for the demands raised in People’s Manifesto. AK Antony (Defense Minister and chairperson of congress manifesto drafting committee), Akhilesh Yadav (CM Uttar Pradesh), D Raja, AB Bardhan, Sudhakar Reddy (CPI), Rajendra Gupta (BJP) have assured the members of WNTA to push forward the demands of people for inclusion in the manifestos of their political parties.
  
  
   
  
  
  National Platform on People’s Manifesto: Alliance for Right to Early Childhood Development, Campaign against declining child sex ratio, Child Rights Coalition, CASA, CRY, Indian Social Institute, National Adivasi Solidarity Council, NCDHR, Nine is Mine, OXFAM India, PACS, RTE Forum, Save the Children, Youth- unManifesto, Wada Na Todo Abhiyan, World Vision.
  
  
   
  
  
  For details:
  
  
  Pradeep Baisakh, pradeep.wnta@gmail.com, Mobile no: +91-8447459549, Land line: 011-46082373/ Abhishek Pandey +91-9871397909
  
  
   
   
   

 

 

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Remittances to India up:

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Remittances to India up: Gulf-based int’l money transfer exchange

The UAE Exchange, one of the global money transfer brands has said its total remittances business into India witnessed a growth of 6.44 per cent last year. This is the highest quantum since 2008.  The annual remittance inflows crossed 7.18 billion dollar mark in 2013. Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Maharashtra were the biggest contributors with nearly 60 per cent of total inflows in 2013.  The Vice President, Global Operations of the UAE exchange, Promoth Manghat said that states like Maharashtra, Karnataka and Rajasthan posted growth in remittances faster than others. The surge in remittances has been attributed to rising income levels and sharp fall in the rupee vis-a-vis the US dollar.  The remittance volumes are expected to pick up further with the Reserve Bank of India announcing direct-to-account foreign inward remittance facilities. The move will also help to curb the inflow of money through illegal routes.

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Commotion at Modi’s rally in Gaya,

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Commotion at Modi’s rally in Gaya, police resort to mild lathi charge

In Bihar, police resorted to mild lathi charge at a rally in Gaya today as commotion broke out at the venue shortly before BJP leader Narendra Modi was to address it. The police action came after the crowd at the rally in Gandhi Maidan became restive after waiting for long. They broke down wooden barricades and a section of the crowd barged into the media enclosure. The people at the rally ran helter skelter and flung chappals, as policemen wielded lathis to control the crowd. The situation became calm after Police reinforcements were rushed in and Party leaders appealed for peace Addressing the rally later, Modi said the state government and the center cannot fight terrorism. Earlier, he spoke at Sasaram, where outgoing Lok Sabha Speaker Meira Kumar is the Congress candidate, and said she had not brought any development to Bihar.

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NPP seeks strengthening of security cover for P.A. Sangma

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The National People’s Party (NPP) has sought strengthening of security cover for its president P.A. Sangma contesing from Tura Lok Sabha constituency. Party secretary IB Pandey said in a letter to Chief Election Commissioner of India that Chief Minister and Congress leader Mukul Sangma is threatening Sangma. Sangma is pitted against a young Daryl Momin of the Congress mentored by Mukul Sangma in Tura .

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BSP to contest all 26 LS seats in Gujarat

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Bahujan Samaj Party will contest all 26 Lok sabha seats in Gujarat. This was announced by party’s state in charge Dharma Prakash Bharatiya at a press conference at Ahmedabad today. He said, BSP will also contest by-elections of seven assembly seats in the state. Announcing the name of candidates for 25 Loksabha seats and 3 assembly seats in Gujarat, Bharatiya said that BSP will highlight the issue of social justice in its campaign.  Criticizing ruling BJP and opposition congress party in the state, he promised that BSP will work for justice and empowerment of dalits, backwards and economically weaker sections of the society. AIR correspondent reports that Gujarat will go for polling on 30th April in a single day poll.

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Kerala with record number of women candidates

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March 27, 2014 by sagarmedia

A record number of 27 women candidates are in the fray this time for Lok Sabha polls in Kerala. The number of women candidates had never crossed 20 before. The number was just one 1952, 1957 and 1962 polls.

The coming April 10th polls in the state will see two women candidates each contesting from mainstream parties – Congress, CPI(M) and BJP. In all, more than 269 candidates are contesting for 20 Lok Sabha seats from the state. Congress has fielded two women leaders- Bindhu Krishna in Attingal and K A Sheeba in Alathur. 

Opposition LDF has opted for veteran leader and former minister P K Sreemathi in Kannur and P K Sainaba in Malappuram ,both CPI(M). BJP leaders Shobha Surendran and Girija Kumari are in the fray in Palakkad and Attingal.

Journalist Anita Pratap and writer Sara Joseph of Aam Aadmi Party are other prominent women candidates, seeking entry into the lower House.

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Naveen: Congress & BJP leaders as migratory birds to Odisha

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Congress & BJP leaders as migratory birds visiting Odisha during elections

BJD leader and Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik has dubbed Congress and BJP leaders as migratory birds visiting Odisha during elections. Addressing a meeting at Aska today he charged them with ignoring the interests of the state and asked them where were they when cyclone Phailin hit the state? Patnaik said his party is committed to the development of Odisha and it has no other agenda than development of the state. Referring to BJP leader Narendra Modi and Congress Vice-President Rahul Gandhi’s statements that Odisha remained backward despite its rich mineral resources, Patnaik said they were simply shedding crocodile tears.

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Usha Jadhav nominated in 3rd L’Oreal Paris Femina Women Awards!

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National Award Winner Usha Jadhav now nominated in 3^rd L’Oreal Paris Femina Women Awards!

After the stellar performance of National award winner, Usha Jadhav in Dhag, she is now nominated in 3^rd L’Oreal Paris Femina Women Awards in 2014 in the Film category!

The L’Oreal Paris Femina Women Awards will have 14 categories including science, business and entrepreneurship, sports, art, education, films among others!

Well, looks like Usha Jadhav is all set to add one more feather to her cap!

Shailesh GiriEffective Communication
(A Division of Shailesh Giri Media Group)

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92.7 BIG FM’S ‘CARVAAN-E-GHAZAL WITH TALAT AZIZ’

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92.7 BIG FM’S ‘CARVAAN-E-GHAZAL WITH TALAT AZIZ’ BECOMES MUMBAI’S MOST HEARD RADIO SHOW; RECORDS SPECIAL EPISODE WITH MELODY QUEEN SHREYA GHOSHAL

Mumbai, March 26^th, 2014: It was a day of celebration for 92.7 BIG FM, India’s No.1 Radio Network today as one of its marquee shows ‘Carvaan-e-Ghazal with Talat Aziz’ became the most heard show in Mumbai (highest time spent listening)! At the special celebration with the 92.7 BIG FM team, ghazal maestro Talat Aziz interacted with the press along with melody queen Shreya Ghoshal who was visiting the studios to record a special episode with him! Catch Shreya Ghoshal on ‘Carvaan-E-Ghazal with Talat Aziz’ on Sunday, 30^th March at 9pm exclusively on 92.7 BIG FM!

92.7 BIG FM’s ‘Carvaan-E-Ghazal with Talat Aziz’ is an exclusive Ghazal show which in a short span of just four months has become the No.1 show in its time band. To captivate its listeners with yet another exciting episode, 92.7 BIG FM has invited Melody Queen Shreya Ghoshal to the show. Shreya has established herself as a leading female playback singer in Indian cinema. She was only 16 when she recorded the song “Bairi Piya” with Udit Narayan for the film Devdas which won her national fame and several awards. Shreya’s talent has been praised by various musical personalities in Bollywood, including veterans and contemporaries. The special show will give listeners an opportunity to get more acquainted with Bollywood’s music icon and discover her musical journey to fame.

‘Carvaan-E-Ghazal’ is a first-of-its-kind show on radio that offers Listeners a unique opportunity to appreciate some of the most beautiful ghazals, qawwalis, sufi music and unheard-of stories behind them. On the show, Talat Aziz sahab plays specially chosen ghazals and shares a treasure trove of anecdotes and trivia from his own life and the music fraternity. The show invites celebrated artists from the music industry for special episodes.

~ Tune in to ‘Carvaan-E-Ghazal with Talat Aziz’- every Sunday at 9pm only on 92.7 BIG FM! ~

Reliance Broadcast Network

Reliance Broadcast Network Limited is a media and entertainment company with interests in radio, television and television production. The Company houses: 92.7 Big FM – India’;s No.1 FM Network with 45 stations, reaching over 4 crore Indians each week; Big Magic – a Hindi general entertainment channel featuring light entertainment shows; Big Magic Bihar & Jharkhand – a Channel with local content tailored for the region; Big Magic International – a channel targeted at the Indian Diaspora in the US and Canada; Big RTL Thrill – an action entertainment channel from the Company’;s joint venture with Europe’;s RTL Group; and Big Productions – its television content production division; For more information log on to www.reliancebroadcast.com

For more information, please Contact:

CONCEPT PR

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Analysis of Criminal Background,of LS Candidates

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Analysis of Criminal Background, Financial, Education, Gender and other details of Candidates

National Election Watch (NEW) and Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR) have analysed the self-sworn affidavits of all 64 candidates who are contesting in the 1^st phase of Lok Sabha, 2014 Elections. Detailed report in English attached with this mail. 

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Phase 1
S.No.	State	Constituency	Date of Poll
1	Assam	5	7th April, 2014
2	Tripura	1
Total		6

Summary and Highlights

Criminal Background

Candidates with Criminal Cases: Out of 64 candidates analysed, 6 candidates (or 9%) have declared a total of 8 criminal cases against them.

Candidates with Serious Criminal Cases: Out of the 6 candidates who have declared criminal cases, 3 have declared serious criminal cases. These include attempt to murder, rape etc.
Candidates with multiple serious IPC counts: Hariprasad Dihingia of AGP from Lakhimpur Constituency, Assam andSubal Bhowmik an Independent candidate from Tripura West Constituency, Tripura have declared the highest count ofserious IPC charges i.e. 4. They are followed by Moni Kumar Subba an Independent candidate from Tezpurconstituency, Assam with 3 serious IPC counts.

Candidates with cases related to Attempt to Murder: Subal Bhowmik an Independent candidate from Tripura West Constituency, Tripura has declared a case related to attempt to murder.

Candidates with cases related to Rape: Moni Kumar Subba an Independent candidate from Tezpur constituency, Assam has declared a case related to rape​.

​ State-wise break up of candidates with declared criminal cases:

State	Total Candidates	Candidates with Criminal Charges	Percentage of Candidates with Criminal Charges
Assam	51	3	6%
Tripura	13	3	23%
Total	64	6	​9%​

Party wise Candidates with Criminal Cases: 1 (20%) of 5 candidates fielded by AGP, 1 (50%) out of 2 candidates fromCPI(M), 1 candidate fielded by Indigenous Peoples Front Of Tripura and 3 (18%) out of 17 Independent candidates have declared criminal cases against themselves in their affidavits.

Party wise Candidates with Serious Criminal Cases: 1 (20%) of 5 candidates fielded by AGP and 2 (12%) out of 17 Independent candidates have declared serious criminal cases against themselves in their affidavits.
​​Financial Background
Crorepati Candidates: Out of the 64 candidates analysed, 16 (25%) are crorepatis.

Party-wise Crorepati Candidates: 5 (83%) out of 6 candidates in INC have assets worth more than Rs. 1 crore. 2 (33%) out of 6 of AITC, 2 (40%) out of 5 of AGP, 1 (25%) out of 4 of AAP and 1 (17%) out of 6 BJP candidates have assets worth more than ​Rs ​1 crore. 4 (24%) out of 17 Independent candidates have assets worth more than Rs. 1 crore.

Average Assets: The average asset per candidate contesting in the 1^st phase of 2014 Lok Sabha Elections is Rs.5.75 Crores.

Party-wise Average Assets: Among major parties, the average asset per candidate for 6 INC candidates is Rs 4.10 crores, 5 AGP candidates have average assets of Rs. 2.30 crores, 4 AAP candidates have average assets of Rs. 1.20 crores, 6 AITC candidates have average assets of Rs. 98.01 Lakhs, 6 BJP candidates have average assets of Rs.49.28 lakhs and 5 CPI(ML)L candidates have average assets of Rs. 26.86 Lakhs.

High Asset Candidates: ​3​ candidates have ​​more than 8 crores worth of assets. Total Assets includes assets of self, spouse and dependents. The following table shows the top three candidates with highest assets.

S.No.	Name	State	Constituency	Total Assets (Rs)
1	Moni Kumar Subba	Assam	Tezpur	3,06,75,35,137 306 Crore+
2	Ranee Narah	Assam	Lakhimpur	8,85,19,819 8 Crore+
3	Hariprasad Dihingia	Assam	Lakhimpur	8,06,59,606 8 Crore+

​Low Asset Candidates: Out of 64 candidates analysed, a total of 10 candidates have declared assets less than Rs.4 Lakhs.  The following table shows the top three candidates with lowest assets.

S.No.	Name	State	Constituency	Party Name	Total Assets (Rs)
1	Hrishikesh Baruah	Assam	Lakhimpur	IND	9,000 9 Thou+
2	Jinti Gogoi	Assam	Kaliabor	AAP	42,000 42 Thou+
3	Hem Kanta Miri	Assam	Lakhimpur	SUCI(C)	69,500 69 Thou+

Candidates who have not given value for Immovable Assets: 9 candidates have not given the value for atleast one immovable asset.

High Liability Candidates: A total of 2 candidates out of 64 analyzed have declared liabilities of Rs.1 crore and above.The following table shows the top three candidates with highest liabilities.

S.No.	Name	State	Constituency	Party Name	Liabilities (Rs)
1	Moni Kumar Subba	Assam	Tezpur	IND	1,40,07,40,132 140 Crore+
2	Navajyoti Kalita	Assam	Dibrugarh	AITC	3,26,50,000 3 Crore+
3	Mantu Saikia	Assam	Kaliabor	IND	61,68,003 61 Lacs

High Income Candidates: 7 candidates out of 64 analyzed declared a total income of more than 20 Lakhs.

S.No.	Name	Party Name	State	Constituency	The financial year for which the last income tax return has been filed by candidate	Total income shown by candidate in ITR (Self+Spouse+Dependent)
1	Ranee Narah	INC	Assam	Lakhimpur	2011-2012	30,50,390 30 Lacs+
2	Moni Kumar Subba	IND	Assam	Tezpur	2012-2013	26,51,095 26 Lacs+
3	Hariprasad Dihingia	AGP	Assam	Lakhimpur	2012-2013	26,08,690 26 Lacs+

​Contacts:​
​

Media and Journalist Helpline +91 80103 94248 Email: adr@adrindia.org

Mr Anil Verma Head National Election Watch, Association for Democratic Reforms 011 4165 4200, +91 88264 79910 adr@adrIndia.org, anilverma@adrindia.org

Prof Jagdeep Chhokar IIM Ahmedabad (Retd.) Founder Member, National Election Watch, Association for Democratic Reforms +91 99996 20944 jchhokar@gmail.com

Prof Trilochan Sastry IIM Bangalore Founder Member, National Election Watch, Association for Democratic Reforms +91 94483 53285 trilochans@iimb.ernet.in

​
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Association for Democratic Reforms“Kiwanis Centre”, 4th Floor,B-35, Qutub Institutional Area(Near Rockland Hospital)New Delhi-110 016
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DID’s L’il Duo Anudita-Anushka floor Varun Dhawan!

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The naughty twosome demand a horse ride on host Jay Bhanushali’s back

They are barely knee-high but they are taller than most in terms of talent. 11 year old Kolkata girl Anudita Paul and 8 year old Anushka Chetri of Darjeeling danced flawlessly to Banarsiya from Ranjhanaa and swept the judges and the audience off their feet at the shoot of an upcoming episode of ‘Lifebuoy DID L’il Masters Season 3’. What’s more, they even had the celebrity visitor of the day – none other than the cute heartthrob Varun Dhawan on his knees in front of them!

No sooner did they finish their performance, than judge Ahmed Khan sprang to his feet, ran over to them and gifted them a giant teddy bear. Equally overwhelmed by their energy, grace and spirit was the hunky Junior Dhawan who was present on the sets to promote his upcoming film ‘Main Tera Hero’. Kneeling in front of the young ladies, he looked like he was about to propose to them or give them a bunch of flowers, but much to everyone’s amusement, Varun presented the girls with an apple each. Prodding the girls to cultivate healthy eating habits, he tried coaxing them to finish the apples in front of him. But the girls were too excited on seeing him to bother with apples! They caught him completely off-guard when they jumped up into his arms at the same time … Being the fit, gym bunny he is, Varun effortlessly swung them around in his arms.

Varun Dhawan was not the only man Anudita-Anushka targeted at this week’s shoot of the kid’s dance reality show. They next decided it was time to turn show host Jay Bhanushali into a horse. Insisting that they both ride on his back, the two girls had a ball even as Jay huffed and puffed his way all over the stage. As if this wasn’t tiring enough for Jay, Geeta decided she wasn’t one to be left behind. So, she went up on stage and sat on Jay’s back too, asking him for a horse ride. Poor Jay seemed almost crushed under Geeta, but had no choice but to oblige.

Watch the super talented brat-pack of ‘Lifebuoy DID L’il Masters Season 3’ bring the house down with their bachchagiri as Varun Dhawan & Ileana D’cruz come visiting on Saturday, 29^th March and singer Mika Singh pays a visit on Sunday, 30^thMarch at 9 PM, only on Zee TV.    

Ileana’s diet goes for a toss on the sets of DID Lil Masters Season 3!

Bollywood actor Ileana D’cruz, known for her envious svelte figure, is a fitness freak and eats in moderation to keep herself fit. But her diet regime went for a toss on the sets of DID L’il Masters as she was fed bars after bars of chocolates by the adorable little masters! All the 16 bachchas fed her chocolates one by one and Ileana, not wanting to disappoint the enthusiastic brat-pack, couldn’t say no to any of them.

By the end of it, poor Ileana didn’t even realize how many bars of chocolates she had gobbled down …but who is complaining as long as she burns it out in the gym and looks as gorgeous as she does on screen…! While on the sets of DID L’il Masters to promote her upcoming film ‘Main tera hero’, Ileana may sure have gained a pound or two but she certainly won every kid’s heart with her charm and wit.

She was left as much in awe of the kids as they were crazy about her … Watching the bundles of joy demonstrate their superlative dancing skills amidst all their tomfoolery and mischief, Ileana was left saying, “These kids are just something else. No wonder DID L’il Masters is the top-rated show on television!”

Witness the bachagiri of these kids with Varun Dhawan and Ileana D’cruz on Lifebuoy DID Lil Masters on Saturday 29^th March at 9 pm only on Zee TV.

Mirror Mirror on the wall…!

Wowing audiences with her striking good looks and effortless, natural acting in all her movies, Ileana D’cruz clearly does not take her stardom & appearances for granted. The pretty woman, who recently made an appearance on the sets of DID Lil Masters along with her co-star Varun Dhawan, ensured that she looked perfect on the show. Check out this candid shot of Ileana checking on her make-up and hair between takes…Yes, Ileana, you look stunning as ever!

Witness the magic of Varun Dhawan and Illeana D’cruz on Lifebuoy DID Lil Masters on Saturday 29^thMarch at 9 pm only on Zee TV.

__________________________________________________________________________________________

Mika gifts his watch to Mithun Da 
on the sets of DID Lil Masters Season 3!

We have numerous instances of how Bollywood stars have showered their co-stars and friends with expensive gifts … the latest one to join the gang is hit machine Mika Singh. Mika who is a big fan of DID Lil Masters and its adorable l’il contestants, recently made an appearance on the show. He danced and sang with the kids, playing cute li’l pranks on the l’il ones.

A huge fan of Mithun Da right since his childhood, Mika grooved to a medley of the former superstar’s popular songs. He was so overwhelmed to meet Dada and to shake a leg with him that as a token of love, he gave his expensive watch to Dada! Initially, Mithun Da was a bit reluctant to accept  it from him but Mika insisted that he has immense respect for Dada and it was his way of expressing his love for him…After much persistence, Dada accepted the watch from Mika…Everyone on the sets appreciated this sweet gesture..

Mika said, “It’s been a dream come true to spend time with Dada, dance with him, sing for him … The time I spent on the sets of DID L’il Masters was absolutely delightful. I know Dada doesn’t accept gifts easily, but it meant a lot to me to give him something that belonged to me. So I took off my watch after my performance and insisited that Dada accepts it. Even though it would look like I have gifted Dada something, I am obliged that Dada accepted my l’il gift.”

Watch the kids drive Mika mad with their adorable antics and watch the singer join them in all the bachchagiri!

Catch these L’il dance ke baap’s bring the house down with singer Mika Singh in a special episode of Lifebuoy DID L’il Masters on Sunday, 30^th March at 9 pm only on Zee TV.

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Congress moves EC against ‘Har Har Modi’ slogan

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Congress on Thursday moved the Election Commission against BJP for using ‘Har Har Modi’ slogan in Varanasi from where Narendra Modi is contesting the Lok Sabha polls, saying use of religion is against the provisions of the Model Code of Conduct.

Demanding de-recognition of BJP and action against Modi, Congress said despite the opposition party denying that ‘Har Har Modi, Ghar Ghar Modi’ is its official slogan, party workers in Varanasi continue to use it. Congress said Modi addressed a public rally in Varanasi where the portrait of Lord Shiva was used as a backdrop of the stage, which is not permissible under the Model Code.  “Lord Shiva or Mahadev and the ancient Kashi Vishwanath temple at Varanasi have religious sanctity throughout the world. Hindus and all devotees of Lord Mahadev chant ‘Har Har Mahadev, Ghar Ghar Mahadev’ with deep sense of devotion to seek blessings of the Lord. No human being can replace Lord Mahadev in the said chant,” the Congress memorandum signed by K C Mittal of its Legal Department read.  Congress alleged that use of the slogan seems to be part of BJP’s strategy to “present” Modi as Lord Mahadev to exploit religious sentiments of people for electoral gains.  Referring to media reports, it claimed that BJP has organised 400 mobile vans with LCD TVs installed, along with ‘Har Har Modi, Ghar Ghar Modi’ slogan.  It said BJP has now come up with a new slogan ‘Dil mein Modi, ghar mein Modi, Kashi ke kan kan mein Modi (Modi in every heart, Modi in every home; Modi everywhere in Kashi).’ “The new slogan also aims at arousing religious sentiments and feelings of the people…’Kan kan mein Bhagwan (God is omnipresent)’ is a well known religious slogan…” the memorandum said.  It claimed the BJP’s official slogan “Abki baar, Modi sarkar (this time Modi government)” too cannot be used as it is “unconstitutional and undemocratic”. “In Indian democracy, the system of political parties alone has a legal sanction to form government and not any individual,” it said.

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Modi hiding facts on President’s rule in Delhi

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Mr Modi hiding facts on President’s rule in Delhi From: aap party <aapmediacell4@gmail.com> Thu, 27 Mar ’14 3:54pTo:

BJP’s Prime Ministerial candidate Mr Narendra Modi has made an unsuccessful attempt to mislead the people of Delhi by distorting and hiding facts about the imposition of President’s rule in the national capital.

Mr Modi, in his speech on Wednesday evening betrayed nervousness by presenting his half baked facts about the Delhi assembly and the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP).

The Gujarat chief minister referred to Delhi being indirectly ruled by the Congress through its appointed Lieutenant Governor, despite having been routed in the December assembly elections and blamed the AAP for this situation.

Mr Modi, however, conveniently chose not to spell out the BJP’s stand on the imposition of President’s rule in Delhi. His party has been surprisingly silent on the issue since February 14 and the people of the national capital are eagerly awaiting the BJP’s response before the Supreme Court on March 31.

It is the AAP which has challenged the Congress-led UPA’s central government decision of keeping the assembly in suspended animation in the Supreme Court and not Mr Modi and his party, despite a volley of irresponsible allegations levelled by him.

If Mr Modi and his party are seriously concerned about Delhi being under President’s rule then what has prevented the BJP so far in making its stand public on whether it wants fresh assembly elections or not ?

Did the BJP’s Delhi unit and central leadership not inform its Prime Ministerial candidate that its MLAs had joined hands with the Congress in the Delhi assembly on February 14 to defeat the introduction of the Janlokpal bill by the AAP government ?

Is Mr Modi unaware that his party’s Delhi unit has so far shied away from expressing any opinion on the decision of the Arvind Kejriwal cabinet’s recommendation to the Lieutenant Governor to dissolve the state assembly when it resigned after its proposal on Janlokpal was defeated in the assembly ?

Mr Modi is merely shedding crocodile tears on Delhi being under President’s rule since the BJP helped the Congress-led UPA government in getting the interim budget for the capital passed in the Parliament, despite the fact that it included many anti-people measures.

Mr Modi and his party should make public their stand on whether they want fresh assembly elections in Delhi or not and whether they agree with the union home ministry’s affidavit submitted in the Supreme Court that there is a possibility of the BJP attempting to form a government in Delhi ?

Why is the BJP hesistant to come out clean on this issue ? Is it afraid of facing the electorate of Delhi ?

The AAP will not allow the BJP to spread misinformation on the issue of people of Delhi being denied their democratic right to elect a new government.

The AAP will expose the BJP and Congress attempts to keep Delhi under President’s rule and will take its fight to the people, who have suffered due to the unholy alliance between these two parties.

Regards
AAP Media Cell

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STANDARD CHARTERED MUMBAI MARATHON 2014 RAISES RS 20.11 CR

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STANDARD CHARTERED MUMBAI MARATHON 2014 RAISES RS 20.11 CRORES IN CHARITY; CROSSES THE 100 CRORE MARK IN FUNDS RAISED SINCE INCEPTION

                                                                             March 27, 2014

The Standard Chartered Mumbai Marathon (SCMM) keeps breaking records not only while racing against the clock, but even when it comes to raising funds for charity. The event is not only one of the biggest sporting events in India, it is also among the biggest charity event in Asia. This edition of SCMM has already broken all previous charity records with the highest number of donors, donations and participants supporting a cause. SCMM 2014 helped raise Rs 20.11 crores, benefiting 269 NGOs, which also helped the funds raised for charity since the event’s inception in 2004, cross the 100-crore mark. The 11^th edition is particularly special as with it the SCMM has cumulatively raised over Rs 109 Crores for charity since its inception.

The charity effort behind the SCMM is spearheaded by United Way of Mumbai, the Official Charity Partner, who create a structured, organized and efficient platform to give while ensuring high levels of credibility and transparency is maintained in the process.

SCMM 2014 saw participation by 269 NGOs who raised a record Rs 20.11 Croresto further their causes and intervention areas. This figures was possible through the support of 171 participating companies and their employees, 1254 fundraisers and14,742 individual donors.

Right from the inaugural edition, in 2004, the event has advocated the cause of charity, providing a platform for NGOs, corporates and individuals to come together and raise money for causes of their choice. The results, then, were encouraging enough to predict that in the very near future this event would also rank among the top internationally acclaimed marathons that raise sizeable amounts of money for charity.

This response to the charity drive has surpassed the collection of all previous editions, reaffirming that the city of Mumbai and Mumbaikars have a generous heart and a strong social conscience.

The charity figures were announced by Jayanti Shukla, Executive Director, United Way of Mumbai at a special function held to felicitate the fund raisers at the Trident, Nariman Point on Thursday. Gracing the occasion was Shti K Sankaranarayanan, Hon’ble Governor of Maharashtra along with Shri J S Sahariya, Chief Secretary, Govt. of Maharashtra.Hon’ble Governor of Maharashtra

In attendance also were Sumeet Singla Regional Head Corporate Affairs, India & South Asia, Standard Chartered, the title sponsor, and Vishal Jhunjhunwala, Head Corporate Brand, Tata Consultancy Services, the Associate Sponsor, besides representatives of the various partners to the event.

“The Standard Chartered Mumbai Marathon has become the single largest platform for charity funds raising in India. From what started as a dream, over the last decade, the enthusiasm, participation and commitment from all quarters of the society has grown manifold and has enabled the realisation of our vision to create a cornerstone event. Over the last 11 years the Standard Chartered Mumbai Marathon has helped raise 109 crores, benefitting 350 NGOs. We are confident that the people of Mumbai will keep supporting this event with equal zest and vigour as it moves into its second decade of being a catalyst for social change,” said Sumeet Singla.

“In the past seven years, the involvement of our employees in this unique event have increased manifold as has the positive impact on charitable causes. This is very encouraging as it reinforces TCS’ commitment to giving back to the communities in which we operate as well as helps promote a healthy, active lifestyle. We are delighted that this year too Mumbaikars have contributed generously and extended support to worthwhile programmes by participating in The Standard Chartered Mumbai Marathon, which brings this city together in many ways.” said N. Chandrasekaran, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director, Tata Consultancy Services.

As many as 241 NGOs will benefit monetarily from the fundraising effort associated with the Standard Chartered Mumbai Marathon 2014, with Shrimad Rajchandra Love & Care emerging the highest fund raising NGO for the fourth year running, having generated  Rs 1.59 crores. Save the Children India was a second highest, generating Rs 1.04 crore, while Isha Education was a close third highest, raising Rs 1 Crore.

13-year-old Sumer Punjabi emerged the youngest Dream Teamer, raising Rs 2.52 lacs for Concern India Foundation while 16 year oldMeera Mehta was the youngest Dream Champion raising Rs 10 lakh for her NGO, Shrimad Rajchandra Love & Care. The oldest Dream teamer was 83 year old Rumi Taraporevala who raised Rs 11.97 lacs for his NGO, Society for the education of the crippled.

The Corporate Challenge had 265 teams running from across 171 participating companies and who contributed Rs 10.34 crores, amounting to a major chunk of the total funds generated. The highest fund raising company in the Corporate Challenge was Kotak Mahindra Bank who along with their employees raised Rs 37.64 lakhs for the four causes they support- SOPAN, ICMH, CPAA & Kotak Education Foundation. Godrej & Boyce Mfg. Co, Ltd was the second highest, generating Rs. 32.31 lacs in support of the War Wounded Foundation, Republican Sports Club and Vasantha Memorial Trust.  K V S Manian & Shanti Ekambaram, both from Kotak Mahindra Bank emerged as the two highest individual fundraisers in the corporate challenge category.

In the special Dream Team category which is composed of 3 sub categories of individual fundraisers committing to raise above Rs 1.50 lac. Sadashiv Rao was the highest fund raiser among the Dream Champions, raising Rs 18.07 lacs for Isha Education, followed by Sankara Raman Srinivasan, who raised Rs 17.50 lacs in support of Amar Seva Sangam. Rumi Taraporevala raised the highest amount of Rs 11.97 lacs among the Dream Wizards in support of SEC, while Anisha Johri raised Rs 8.36 lacs in support of Family Service Center. The highest fund raiser in SCMM 2014 was Dream Maker Mrs Ramani Sankara Raman who raised Rs 28.77 lakhs for Amar Seva Sangam.

Speaking on the occasion Jayanti Shukla, Executive Director, United Way of Mumbai said “the SCMM has transcended its sporting nature to become one of the most important philanthropy events in the country and the world. At United Way of Mumbai we have the privilege of been at the crest of this extraordinary platform for giving and been witness to the most remarkable stories of human generosity towards the well being of others lesser privileged. The SCMM is over within a few hours in the morning of a very exciting third Sunday of every January but the life altering impact of the event reverberates in the improved lives of the beneficiaries long after the event.”

“The Standard Chartered Mumbai Marathon is an incredible sporting platform with a huge social dimension. It has quickly become the country’s largest charity generator and the driving force for a healthier and fitter India,” said Anil Singh, Managing Director of Procam International, the Promoters of the event.

STANDARD CHARTERED MUMBAI MARATHON 2014 CHARITY AWARDS

DREAM CHAMPIONS

(Individuals who pledged to raise a minimum of Rs. 10 lacs for their chosen charity)

Highest Fund Raiser 2nd Highest Fund Raiser

Sadashiv S Rao – raised  Rs 18,03,802 Sankara Raman Srinivasan – raised Rs 17,50,000

DREAM WIZARDS

(Individuals who have pledged to raise a minimum of Rs. 5 lacs for their chosen charity)

Highest Fund Raiser	Rumi Taraporevala – raised Rs. 11,97,551
2nd Highest Fund Raiser	Anisha Johri – Rs 8,36,856

DREAM MAKERS

(Individuals who pledged to raise a minimum of Rs. 1 lac for their chosen charity)

Highest Fund Raiser	Ramani Sankara Raman–raised Rs.28,77,013
2nd Highest Fund Raiser	Dr.Fr  A. L. Sharada – raised Rs.5,10,684

 CORPORATE CHALLENGE

(Companies who have put up teams and have raised money for their chosen charity)

Largest Fund raising company in Corporate Challenge	Kotak Mahindra Bank Ltd.– raised Rs. 37,64,464
2nd Largest Fund raising company in Corporate Challenge	Godrej & Boyce Mfg Co. Ltd.– raised Rs. 32,31,000
Highest Individual Pledge raiser	K V S Manian-raised Rs. 7,02,100
2nd Highest Individual Pledge raiser	Shanti Ekambaram-raised Rs.5,61,002

WE CARE

(Individual participants who raise any amounts of money for a charity of their choice)

Highest Fund Raiser	Nilesh Lahu Nandoskar raised Rs 6,12,710
2nd Highest Fund Raiser	Aisha Oravec raised  Rs 5,52,330

NGO AWARDS

Highest Fund Raising NGO	Shrimad Rajchandra Love & Care – raised Rs 1,58,90,901
2nd Highest Fund Raising NGO	Save The Children India – raised Rs 1,03,91,277
3rd Highest Fund Raising NGO	Isha Education – raised Rs 1,00,63,069

Title Sponsor:                         Standard Chartered

Associate Sponsor:                 Tata Consultancy Services

Charity Partner:                    United Way of Mumbai

Hospitality Partner:               The Trident, Nariman Point

Promoted By:                         Procam International

For more information, please contact:

George Aikara,

Assistant Executive Director,

United Way of Mumbai, Mobile no: 98200 32883:

Websites: www.procamrunning.in and www.unitedwaymumbai.org

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CBI files 2nd chargesheet in coal scam case before Delhi Court

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Ahead of a Supreme Court hearing tomorrow, CBI today filed its second charge sheet in the coal scam before a Delhi court, naming Rajya Sabha MP Vijay Darda, Nagpur-based AMR Iron and Steel Pvt Ltd and others as accused for fraudulently acquiring coal blocks. According to the CBI sources, the accused, including Darda and his son Devendra, were chargesheeted for the offences under sections 120-B of criminal conspiracy read with 420 of cheating of the IPC and under the Prevention of Corruption Act. The CBI, in its FIR, had named AMR Iron and Steel Pvt Ltd, its directors Arvind Kumar Jayaswal, Manoj Jayaswal, Ramesh Jayaswal and Devendra Darda, son of Vijay Darda, alongwith unknown public servants of Coal Ministry and other unknown persons as accused in the case. Regarding AMR Iron and Steel Pvt Ltd, the CBI had said in its FIR that the firm, in its application form for allocation of coal blocks, had fraudulently concealed the fact that its group companies had previously been allocated five coal blocks.  The chargesheet has been filed a day before the CBI would be informing the Supreme Court about the status of its investigations into the five cases registered by the agency in 2012.

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Citizen a mute spectator in this dance of democracy

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Below is NNFI’s view of the state of affairs.

India’s politics have become murkier with each Lok Sabha election, and the run-up to each Lok Sabha election has seen ever-worsening behaviour by our politicians. This year we are witnessing new lows. The entire focus is on mud-slinging, with the ruling UPA benefitting from its control over the state machinery to discredit and or disable political opponents. Positive debates on how to make the nation prosperous have been discarded.

As before, criminals are being fielded by all parties, due to their ability to win with muscle and power. Despite promises of promoting only clean candidates, tickets are given to law breakers to become law makers, many even charged with heinous crime.

Again as before we are witnessing defections and cross overs by opportunists. 

The marked difference this time is the projected downturn in the fortunes of Congress and its UPA alliance partners. If the crystal-ball gazers are proved right, we may witness a major disintegration of the once great Congress. The sole responsibility for this terminal illness of Congress lies with the UPA chairperson, her family and close associates who have a stranglehold over the entire Congress hierarchy.

Politicians both central as well as regional regard the nation their personal fiefdom, and do not hesitate to increase their personal wealth from funds earmarked for development or looting the nation’s natural resources. All critics and dissenters, including whistle blowers who dare to raise their voice, are decisively silenced.  

State machinery is readily used by those in power to intimidate political opponents and to silence dissent amongst allies. The systematic destruction of state institutions (internal and external security, audit etc.) to subvert any challenge has resulted in the destruction of the very fabric of our democracy and left the nation in a very precarious condition. For a healthy democracy a strong and trustworthy opposition along with strong autonomous bodies, are a fundamental necessity for our democracy to function in the nation’s interest as well keeping the nation and its citizens secure and prosperous.

Congress today stands totally rattled by the NaMo wave sweeping a nation tired of the unfettered corruption and brazen loot of national resources unleashed during UPA 1 and 2. This is compounded by the impotence of governance, burden of high prices and a total disregard for the wellbeing of the aam admi.

In desperation to hold on, Congress today has only one agenda and that is to stop Narendra Modi in any manner possible. To achieve this objective every effort is being made to use the communal card and brand Modi dangerous for the minorities (i.e Muslims) – in order to secure the Muslim vote. It is also allegedly propping up AAP to cut into the BJP votes.

Congress (or UPA with its allies) controls all the investigative and enforcement agencies (e.g. CBI). It has nurtured a pliable judiciary to serve its purpose. With all the state machinery at its beck and call it believes it is well placed to carry on fooling the electorate with trumped up charges against opponents to ensure continuity of its hold on Parliament and prevent its own evil deeds being exposed. No Congress leader has so far been convicted of involvement in the Sikh massacre, whereas many from BJP are facing prosecution following the Gujrat riots.

How well Congress succeeds in weakening the NaMO surge is proving  unpredictable. Uncertainty is compounded by the AAP effect. The nation however needs to give a decisive mandate to whoever comes in next, to provide a stable government – but without further influence of UPA.  

Judging by the results in Delhi and other states where people have recently voted, it is increasingly evident that Congress is on the way out. Its leaders realising their plight are showing signs of desperation, fighting for safe seats or jockeying for a safe passage to the Rajya Sabha. The UPA in desperation has adopted a scorched earth policy – bribing the electorate with freebies without concern for how these are going to be paid for. The aim appears to be to create a huge burden on the next occupant of 7 Race Course Road, with little concern for the future of the nation.

BJP which provides the only credible opposition has had its fortune bolstered ever since it adopted Modi as its PM candidate. But due to its association with RSS, BJP is branded a Hindutva party and although with Modi at the helm it has consolidated the Hindu votes, but sadly not done enough to stem the alienation of the Muslim minority who are constantly bombarded with negative propaganda by UPA to create an atmosphere of fear and mistrust. Today it is not seen as an inclusive party – a necessity in our secular democracy. As a consequence of this branding, BJP is forced to emphasise on a developmental record of its PM candidate in Gujarat, and a promise to roll out the same strong progressive model for the rest of the nation. Businesses and investors appear to welcome this and a decisive mandate for NDA is expected to boost India’s fortunes for the better.

Modi is a strong, determined, very ambitious and an autocratic leader who has built up a reputation of delivering through good governance. He is showing a no nonsense approach in his choice of allies, giving of tickets and consolidating his hold on the party machinery.

Modi’s Hindutva credentials due to the RSS link, do give a cause for concern to the many ‘good citizens of India and many have raised their concern about him as the next PM. Every political party in India has been milking the minority vote bank and they in turn have been extracting their pint of blood knowing full well the importance of their vote to retain a hold on government. Muslim minority has been used and abused by all parties and it appears they are happy to be used so. There has never been any program aiming at equality for all citizens, as guaranteed in the Constitution. Many whose thinking is clouded by the secular/communal debate fail to realise that India and Hinduism is and will always remain secular and open to all religions, and that Congress alone over the years has done far more to destroy the secular nature of the nation.

BJP further suffers from governance credibility, at the centre. It has had only a short stint to prove its credentials during the 67 years of independence of India. Under Atal Behari Vajpayee the BJP’s economic policies gave a boost to India and moved it away from the licence raj.

BJP’s actions to open up the economy under Vajpayee were short lived. The UPA soon re-introduced policies under which only a favoured few could progress by leaps and bounds. BJP also suffers the stigma of the Babri Masjid demolition and 2002 riots in Gujarat. It has not done enough to appease and win back the Muslim trust and thus allowed itself to be blackmailed by a desperate Congress. These two issues continue to haunt BJP and Modi today.

Congress has always been well placed to generate negative publicity for its opponents to ensure its continued stranglehold on governance. It has even used every means to scuttle developmental work in states not controlled by it, whilst it carried on schemes to loot the nation. Sonia its undisputed leader and today an unconstitutional authority, has files detailing weak points on every one with the help of agencies such as CBI and this she does not hesitate to exploit whenever there is dissent amongst potential allies and rivals within. This is akin to a mafia controlling the nation.

Sonia’s sister in-law Maneka asked some very apt questions at a recent rally. “She came with no dowry or any other form of wealth but is today ranked as the 6^th richest woman in the world. Where and how did she accumulate such enormous wealth?” she asks. As Maneka explained “this comes from looting your and my money, and our national resources” Yet the vast majority of India’s citizenry is unaware of such antecedents because they are either too burdened by the struggle for survival or are too much in awe of the Nehru dynasty. The Muslim minority conveniently ignores negative facts about Congress leadership, because of the fear factor ingrained in their thinking due to Modi being projected as a mass murderer.

AAP the new entrant, came in with a noble agenda of ridding the nation of corruption so that developmental funds and the nation’s natural resources are utilised for the benefit of all the citizens and not a chosen few. AAP has no religion based politics or any other divisive plank. Its leaders established their credentials under the Anna movement and their pursuance of a citizen centric Lok Pal to act against the evil of corruption. AAP raised hopes and awakening amongst the downtrodden and in Delhi Assembly elections it almost secured a full mandate to govern to every-one’s surprise.  In this achievement it suddenly reinforced the belief in millions of voters that change for the better was possible through the ballot box.  It united all the citizens under its non-divisive banner. It changed the political thinking in the country, with the established parties totally thrown off course not knowing how to deal with this new menace. Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi even adopted many of the practices initiated by AAP – grass roots interaction to listen and understand the real issues of the poor from rural and tribal areas.

In Delhi, since no party had a clear mandate, AAP with tactical support from Congress was given a chance to prove itself. But it failed miserably in the eyes of the literate voter. It made promises and commitments it must have known it could never have been able to deliver on. Its motley bunch of amateur MLAs proved a further liability, continuing as activists rather than graduating to governance mode and proceeding sensibly to deliver against the odds which they knew were stacked against them. Realising the mistake, they looked for and found an unconvincing exit from governance – “if we cannot deliver Lok Pal we do not wish to be in governance”. They always knew that without police, land and an ability to pass laws in Delhi, they could do little in many areas crucial to the aam admi (law and order, jobs, burden of price rises etc). So having quit, they decided to focus on the Lok Sabha elections with the aim of capturing a significant mandate to be able to pursue their agenda (and perhaps to help Congress by cutting the Modi votes). But by not delivering sustainable benefits to Delhi, not launching investigation against Sheila or her administration, and taking support from Congress, indulging in activism when in government, has seriously damaged the credibility of this group. Furthermore some of AAPs economic policies have allegedly left many in industry worried about its disastrous effects. They should have remained focussed to a narrow anti-corruption plank.

The serious negativity (alleged alliance with Congress) which became evident early in the 49 day stint, was their lack of action against Congress. Thus making them Congress stooges in the public eye. A branding difficult to shake off, however hard they persuade people otherwise. The belief that they are indeed working for Congress is further strengthened by the way their total focus remains on Modi. By  cutting into the Modi vote makes them an obvious stooge in the hands of Congress which no doubt hopes to achieve what it did in 2009 in Andhra to help bring YSR Congress back with the help of Chiranjeevi who played the same anti-corruption tune as Kejriwal, to be rewarded later with a cabinet berth.

AAPs success in cutting Modi’s seat share will be disastrous for the nation. The country needs a stable government, with few coalition constraints, to be able to deliver, and this can only come from a decisive mandate for Modi’s BJP (NDA). 

Where does this leave the citizen of India? Criminality is not decreasing from any party (except AAP). Opportunism continues with defections and realignments to win a Lok Sabha seat at any cost. Politics remains closed for ‘good’ people. So what should you and I do?

-cast your vote, do not waste it

-learn about your candidate’s antecedents

-vote sensibly keeping the future of the nation uppermost rather than political ideologies

-Use NOTA to reject all candidates if you do not trust any.

Faced with a Hobson’s choice the voter needs to make an informed logical choice to bring in a stable government.

Anant Trivedi

For National Network For India

26/03/2014

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Sahara expresses its inability to deposit Rs. 10,000 cr

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Sahara Group told the Supreme Court today that it will not be able to deposit 10,000 crore rupees to secure Subrata Roy’s release. The group told the apex court that the bail amount was too high.

The court has adjourned the hearing of appeal against arrest of Roy to the 3rd of next month.

The apex court yesterday ordered that Sahara group will have to pay 10,000 crore rupees to get interim bail for its Chief Subrata Roy and two of its directors, who have been behind the bars since 4th of this month.

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Laureus World Sports Awards 2014

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SEBASTIAN VETTEL IS SPORTSMAN OF YEAR; MISSY FRANKLIN
NAMED YOUNGEST EVER SPORTSWOMAN OF THE YEAR;
SPAIN’S RAFAEL NADAL AND MARC MÁRQUEZ BOTH HONOURED;
BAYERN MUNICH WIN LAUREUS TEAM OF THE YEAR AWARD

· France ski sensation Marie Bochet receives Laureus Disability Award
· BMX star Jamie Bestwick presented with Laureus Action Sports Award
· Afghanistan cricket team wins Laureus Spirit of Sport Award
· Laureus Academy salutes Magic Bus with Sport for Good Award
· Global TV audience watches Laureus Awards Ceremony in Kuala Lumpur

KUALA LUMPUR, March 26, 2014 – Three of the most exciting young sports stars of their generation, who have proved world-beaters despite their age, have been honoured at the 2014 Laureus World Sports Awards in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Germany’s Sebastian Vettel, the youngest four-time Formula One world champion in history at 26, was named Laureus World Sportsman of the Year, US swimmer Missy Franklin, at 18, became the youngest ever winner of the Laureus World Sportswoman of the Year Award, while Spain’s Marc Márquez received the Laureus Breakthrough of the Year Award, after winning the World MotoGP Championship at just 20 years and 266 days.

There was double delight for both Germany and Spain when the Awards were announced. Bayern Munich joined Vettel as winners, taking the Laureus World Team of the Year Award, while tennis maestro Rafael Nadal received the Laureus Comeback Award to celebrate, with Márquez, a wonderful night for Spanish sport.

The Laureus World Sports Awards are the premier honours on the international sporting calendar. The winners are chosen by the Laureus World Sports Academy, the ultimate sports jury, made up of 46 of the greatest living sportsmen and sportswomen. Proceeds from the Laureus World Sports Awards directly benefit and underpin the work of the Laureus Sport for Good Foundation. Since its inception, Laureus has raised €60 million for projects which have improved the lives of millions of young people.

Sebastian Vettel’s success was particularly satisfying for the young German racer, who had been nominated five times for a Laureus Award, before finally winning. His fourth straight World Championship in 2013 saw him join motor racing legends Juan Manuel Fangio, Michael Schumacher and Alain Prost, who all won at least four times, but he did it more quickly than them – at just 26 years and 116 days.

Laureus World Sportswoman of the Year Missy Franklin was the sensation of the World Championships in Barcelona, becoming the first woman swimmer in history to win six gold medals at a single World Championships – three individual and three relay – at the age of just 18. She continues to refuse prize money and endorsements so that she can maintain her amateur status in college.

Bayern Munich were presented with the Laureus World Team of the Year Award after becoming the first football club to complete the treble of UEFA Champions League, Bundesliga and German Cup. Six of their players were nominated for the FIFA Player of the Year Award: Philipp Lahm, Thomas Mueller, Manuel Neuer, Franck Ribery, Arjen Robben and Bastian Schweinsteiger.

Spain’s Marc Márquez was presented with the Laureus Breakthrough of the Year Award after becoming the youngest ever MotoGP world champion, at 20 years 266 days. He also made history by becoming the youngest winner of a Grand Prix, in Austin in April, at 20 years 63 days.

It was Márquez’ first Laureus Award, but his fellow Spaniard Rafael Nadal secured his third Laureus Statuette, when he won the Laureus World Comeback of the Year Award, returning after a seven-month absence because of injury to win the French Open and US Open Grand Slam titles and regain his No 1 world ranking.

France’s Marie Bochet, aged 19, won the Laureus World Sportsperson of the Year with a Disability Award after becoming the first athlete to complete a Grand Slam of all five events at one Alpine Skiing World Championships.

Britain’s BMX star Jamie Bestwick, now based in the United States, won the Laureus World Action Sportsperson of the Year Award after becoming the only athlete in X Games history to win eight straight gold medals, two more than legends such as Tony Hawk and Shaun White.

The Laureus World Sports Academy presented two additional discretionary Awards. The Laureus Spirit of Sport Award was won by the Afghanistan Cricket Team, who qualified for the Cricket World Cup for the first time in their history, and the Laureus Sport for Good Award was presented to Magic Bus, the sports-based community project in India.

The Awards Ceremony was held at the Istana Budaya, in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, and was hosted by British actor Benedict Cumberbatch. Oscar and Grammy winner Jamie Foxx performed to the star-studded audience. German actor Daniel Brühl, who played Niki Lauda in the film Rush, was present along with Chinese supermodel and actress Du Juan.

The members of the Laureus World Sports Academy present were: Giacomo Agostini, Bobby Charlton, Sebastian Coe, Nadia Comaneci, Deng Yaping, Kapil Dev, Mick Doohan, Sean Fitzpatrick, Dawn Fraser, Marvelous Marvin Hagler, Tony Hawk, Michael Johnson, Franz Klammer, Edwin Moses (Chairman), Ilie Nastase, Alexey Nemov, Morné du Plessis, Hugo Porta, Mark Spitz, Daley Thompson and Steve Waugh.

Other sports guests included: 
Vitor Baia, Robert Baker, Kenny Belaey, Jamie Bestwick, Marie Bochet, Ronald de Boer, Annabelle Bond, Daniel Brühl, Bob Burnquist, Eric Cantona, Fabio Capello, Dan Carter, Lee Chong Wei, David Coulthard, Johan Cruyff, Nicol David, Deng Yaping, Du Juan, Paulo Ferreira, Nacho Figueras, Emerson Fittipaldi, Missy Franklin, Maya Gabeira, Stephanie Gilmore, Ruud Gullit, Lewis Hamilton, Raphael Holzdeppe, Nico Hülkenberg , Philip Köster, Michael Laudrup, Tegla Loroupe, Steve McManaman, Marc Márquez, Felipe Massa, Gaizka Mendieta, Luis Milla, Hidetoshi Nakata, Antonis Nikopolidis, Sophie Pascoe, Nico Rosberg, Sarah Louise Rung, Axel Schulz, Jimmy Spithill, Angelika Timanina, Sebastian Vettel.

Among other guests present were Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak, Prime Minister of Malaysia; YB Khairy Jamaluddin Abu Bakar, Malaysia Minister for Youth and Sports; YB Dato’ Seri Mohamed Nazri, Malaysia Minister of Tourism and Culture.

The Awards were announced in seven categories. The winners are:
Laureus World Sportsman of the Year: Sebastian Vettel
Laureus World Sportswoman of the Year: Missy Franklin
Laureus World Team of the Year: Bayern Munich
Laureus World Breakthrough of the Year: Marc Márquez
Laureus World Comeback of the Year: Rafael Nadal
Laureus World Sportsperson of the Year with a Disability: Marie Bochet
Laureus World Action Sportsperson of the Year: Jamie Bestwick

There were two additional Awards: the Laureus Spirit of Sport Award was presented to the Afghanistan Cricket Team and the Laureus Sport for Good Award was presented to Magic Bus, the sports-based community project in India. 
For full biographies of Winners and Nominees go to http://www.laureus.com
Yayasan Rakyat 1Malaysia (YR1M) is the Corporate Social Responsibility partner of the Laureus World Sports Awards. Laureus and YR1M have announced an innovative tie-up to benefit young people in Malaysia through the use of sport. The global Laureus Sport for Good Foundation, which currently supports more than 140 sports-based community programmes in 34 countries, will be developing projects in Malaysia, in collaboration with YR1M, as an ongoing legacy for the country, following the Laureus World Sports Awards.

YB Dato’ Seri Mohamed Nazri, Minister of Tourism & Culture of Malaysia, said: “Kuala Lumpur is honoured to have hosted the prestigious 2014 Laureus World Sports Awards and the city has enjoyed staging this internationally-renowned event and welcoming a plethora of sporting legends to Malaysia. This is a sports-loving country and coupled with international events such as the Monsoon Cup and Formula One Grand Prix, we are delighted that Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, has been able to host this sporting event with such global significance. I am positive this has been an event to remember for all those involved.”

Photo Archive: http://www.laureusarchive.com
Video Archive: http://www.digitalnewsagency.com/laureus
Website: http://www.laureus.com
Follow us on Twitter @LaureusSport

TV news access details

Reuters Media Express Login Information
Website Address: http://mediaexpress2.reuters.com

PAL Users
username: VNR_PAL
password: Videonews1

NTSC Users
username: VNR_NTSC
password: Videonews1

Notes to Editors
Laureus-produced video content from the 2014 Laureus World Sports Awards, will be made available to media, via the below accesses:

VNR
Link: laureus-ftp1.iweb-ftp.co.uk
Username: laureus-lwsavnr
Password: laureus

Web Edits
Link: laureus-ftp1.iweb-ftp.co.uk
Username: laureus-lwsaweb
Password: laureus

NOTES TO EDITORS

The first Patron of Laureus was Nelson Mandela. At the inaugural Laureus World Sports Awards in 2000, he said: “Sport has the power to change the world. It has the power to inspire. It has the power to unite people in a way that little else does. Sport can awaken hope where once there was only despair.” This has become the philosophy of Laureus; the driving force behind its work.

Laureus is a universal movement that celebrates the power of sport to bring people together as a force for good. Laureus is composed of three core elements – the Laureus World Sports Academy, the Laureus Sport for Good Foundation and the Laureus World Sports Awards – which collectively celebrate sporting excellence and use sport as the means to promote social change.

The Laureus World Sports Awards is the premier global sports awards honouring the greatest sportsmen and women across all sports each year. The winners are selected by the ultimate sports jury – the 46 members of the Laureus World Sports Academy, the living legends of sport honouring the great athletes of today. The Awards are presented at an annual Awards Ceremony, attended by global figures from sport and entertainment, which is broadcast to 120 countries and territories.

The Laureus Academy Members volunteer their services as global ambassadors for the Laureus Sport for Good Foundation, which was set up to promote the use of sport as a tool for social change. The Foundation addresses social challenges through a worldwide programme of sports related community development initiatives. Since its inception, Laureus has raised over €60 million for projects which have helped to improve the lives of more than one-and-a-half million young people.

The mission of the Laureus Foundation is to use sport as the means to combat some of the world’s toughest social challenges facing young people today such as juvenile crime, gangs, HIV/AIDS, discrimination, social exclusion, landmines awareness and health problems like obesity. The Academy is supported in its work by the members of the Laureus Ambassadors programme, a select group of current and retired sportsmen and sportswomen who have achieved sporting greatness, plus non-sporting personalities who have made significant contributions to the sporting community during their careers.

The members of the Laureus World Sports Academy are: Giacomo Agostini, Marcus Allen, Franz Beckenbauer, Boris Becker, Ian Botham, Sergey Bubka, Bobby Charlton, Sebastian Coe, Nadia Comaneci, Yaping Deng, Marcel Desailly, Kapil Dev, Mick Doohan, David Douillet, Emerson Fittipaldi, Sean Fitzpatrick, Dawn Fraser, Cathy Freeman, Tanni Grey-Thompson, Marvelous Marvin Hagler, Mika Häkkinen, Tony Hawk, Mike Horn, Miguel Indurain, Michael Johnson, Kip Keino, Franz Klammer, Dan Marino, Edwin Moses (Chairman), Nawal El Moutawakel, Robby Naish, Ilie Nastase, Martina Navratilova, Alexey Nemov, Jack Nicklaus, Gary Player, Morné du Plessis, Hugo Porta, Steve Redgrave, Vivian Richards, Monica Seles, Mark Spitz, Daley Thompson, Alberto Tomba, Steve Waugh and Katarina Witt.

There is a two-part voting process to find the winners of the Laureus World Sports Awards. Firstly, a Selection Panel of the world’s leading sports editors, writers and broadcasters from over 120 countries votes to create a shortlist of six Nominations in various categories, including Laureus World Sportsman of the Year, Laureus World Sportswoman of the Year, Laureus World Team of the Year, Laureus World Breakthrough of the Year and Laureus World Comeback of the Year. Then the members of the Laureus World Sports Academy vote by secret ballot to select the Award winners from the shortlist. The Laureus Academy Members also vote for the Laureus World Sportsperson of the Year with a Disabilityand the Laureus World Action Sportsperson of the Year, the Nominations for which are made by specialist panels.

Laureus was founded by its Patrons Richemont and Daimler and is supported by its Global Partners Mercedes-Benz and IWC Schaffhausen.

Mercedes-Benz
Mercedes-Benz, the world’s oldest automaker, can look back on a unique tradition. It is the most valuable automotive premium brand which stands for quality, safety, comfort, design and sustainable mobility. Mercedes-Benz enjoys an excellent reputation, particularly in the field of safety. Many pioneering technical innovations that are standard automotive features today were first seen in a Mercedes-Benz car. The Mercedes-Benz engineers will in the future consistently reinvent the automobile – with the same enthusiasm and innovation as Gottlieb Daimler and Carl Benz in 1886. Moreover, Mercedes-Benz has been actively supporting professional and amateur sport for decades and has become established as a dependable partner in the fields of motor sport, football, golf, horse riding and tennis. Mercedes-Benz is a Global Partner of the Laureus Sport for Good Foundation. Since the beginning of the Foundation’s operations in 2000, Mercedes-Benz has shared and supported the goals and values of this worldwide charity programme where sports play the core role in the fight against social issues – Laureus has become a vital element of the corporate social responsibility programme of Mercedes-Benz.

IWC Schaffhausen
With a clear focus on technology and development, the Swiss watch manufacturer IWC Schaffhausen has been producing watches of lasting value since 1868. The company has gained an international reputation based on a passion for innovative solutions and technical ingenuity. One of the world’s leading brands in the luxury watch segment, IWC crafts masterpieces of haute horlogerie at its finest, combining engineering and precision with exclusive design. As a Global Partner since 2005 and as part of its corporate social responsibility, IWC is one of the driving forces behind the Laureus Sport for Good Foundation. Since 2006, the Swiss watch manufacturer has launched several limited editions in honour and support of the Foundation. These watches are destined to be collector’s items as each edition features an exclusive engraving on the back based on a drawing by one child involved in a Laureus project.

Malaysia
Malaysia is a country which offers a unique look into the rest of Asia as a bubbling, bustling melting-pot of races and religions where Malays, Indians, Chinese and many other ethnic groups live together in peace and harmony. Its multiculturalism has made Malaysia a gastronomical paradise and home to hundreds of colourful festivals. Malaysians are very relaxed, warm and friendly. Being ranked as the 10th most popular travel destination in the world by UNWTO and the 4th best shopping destination in the world by CNN, and 2014 being the Visit Malaysia Year, Malaysia definitely is the most suitable host for Laureus World Sports Awards 2014.

Yayasan Rakyat 1Malaysia
Yayasan Rakyat 1Malaysia (the “Foundation”) is a charitable foundation to benefit Malaysians from all walks of life in line with the principles of 1Malaysia.
The Foundation which was incorporated in January 2013 is geared towards engaging and helping Malaysians, particularly the less fortunate and those in need, and to equip them with building blocks to achieve a better quality of life. Towards this end, the Foundation focuses on three areas – Improving the quality of life of the less fortunate, Education and Sports.

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Gujarat model not needed: Rahul

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Rahul Gandhi has accused BJP of unleashing the politics of anger before elections by pitting Hindus against Muslims and the rich against poor and said the ‘Gujarat model’ cannot be imposed on the country.

Terming as “marketing exercise” media reports of a likely BJP victory in the polls, Gandhi said this balloon floated by BJP will burst when votes are counted as it did in 2004 and 2009 when Congress had been written off by pollsters.  “BJP’s politics is about two things. First, pit Hindus against Muslims, the rich against the poor and people of Maharashtra against those from UP. Just before the elections, riots started in UP.  “Second, they fail to see the pain of the poor. So they talk of things like ‘India Shining’ which I will never because I meet you everyday and understand your suffering,” he told a public meeting in Sonitpur district of Assam on Thursday.  India Shining was the campaign theme of the then NDA government in 2004 elections in which it was roundly defeated.  Congress, he said, believed in politics of love and empowerment of the poor. It is the poor who will burst the BJP’s marketing balloon this time too, he said.  He also took on BJP’s prime ministerial candidate Narendra Modi over his claims that Gujarat feeds milk to the entire country, saying the state has had big dairy produce since 1950s and he deserves no credit for it.  BJP, he said, believed that one Gujarat model can be replicated across the country but it was not so and added that different states need their own models specific to their needs.  “Assam does not need Gujarat model. It needs Assam model… BJP think one ideology can run the entire country but the truth is that this country is not made of one thought or ideology but of thousands and lakhs of thoughts,” he said.  Congress, he said, would focus on the needs of 70 cr Indians, who are presently below the middle class level, and work for their development and prosperity.  Gandhi said that during his travels in Gujarat he had talked to farmers, women, adivasis, OBCs and the poor who appealed to him to look into their problems as nobody listened.  “The Gujarat model has benefited a few companies with farmers’ land taken. We do not want such models for other states,” he said.  The BJP’s ‘India Shining’ ‘hot air balloon’ burst in 2004, another did so in 2009 and the one sent up by the party this time would deflate ‘with noise three times louder’, he said.  “The NDA had launched the ‘India Shining’ campaign in 2004 which was like a hot-air balloon that went up and burst in the air and who burst it …. not the Congress, but the poor of the country did it,” he said.  “Again in 2009, another balloon went up with even the media also saying that the Congress cannot form the government, but the balloon was against burst by the people,” he said.  “Similarly, this time also a fully pumped up balloon has been sent up and this will burst with a noise three times louder,” he said.  The BJP, he alleged, believed in Hindus fighting Muslims, conflict between the poor and the rich … the Marathas against people from Uttar Pradesh, leading to riots before the general elections in Uttar Pradesh.  “Their’s is a politics of anger and they cannot see the poor and their pain and problems,” he said.  The Congress, Gandhi said, believed in the politics of love, unity and peace which was evident in Assam which witnessed violence, insurgency and no peace or development for several years.  “When Congress came to power in 2001, the state witnessed a change with love removing violence, peace returning and growth rate increasing from two per cent to 13 per cent,” Gandhi said.  “You cannot wipe out darkness with darkness, but only light can eliminate it. Assam has done it and the rest of the country should learn from this,” he added.  Criticising the BJP for stalling the passage of the women’s reservation bill, Gandhi said “We will definitely pass the bill.”  Referring to the increase of nine LPG cylinders to 12 a year, he said that women across the country had asked him to raise their number.  “I talked to Soniaji and the Prime Minister and it was increased in two minutes.”

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RBI extended transitional period for full implementation of Basel III Capital Regulations in India

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RBI extended transitional period for full implementation of Basel III Capital Regulations in India

upto March 31, 2019 from March 31, 2018

In view of the implementation of Basel III Capital Regulations, banks need to improve and strengthen their capital planning processes. While conducting the capital planning exercise, banks may consider the potential impact of the changing macro-economic conditions and the outcomes of periodic stress tests on the adequacy and composition of regulatory capital. A forward looking capital planning process will enable banks to appropriately assess the level of capital needed to support their business strategies over the medium-term. The capital requirements may be substantially lower during the initial years as compared to later years of full implementation of Basel III Guidelines.

During the recent times, industry-wide concerns have been expressed about the potential stresses on the asset quality and consequential impact on the performance / profitability of the banks. This may necessitate some lead time for banks to raise capital within the internationally agreed timeline for full implementation of the Basel III Capital Regulations. Accordingly, the transitional period for full implementation of Basel III Capital Regulations in India is extended upto March 31, 2019, instead of as on March 31, 2018. This will also align full implementation of Basel III in India closer to the internationally agreed date of January 1, 2019. Certain other aspects of the guidelines, more specifically, those relating to the loss absorption features of non-equity capital instruments have been reviewed in response to clarifications sought in this regard.

The revised transitional arrangements along with other modifications have been furnished in the Annex enclosed for your reference. These guidelines become applicable with immediate effect.

Warm regards,

Dr. S P Sharma

Chief Economist

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Modi slams Centre, Nitish

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Modi slams Centre, Nitish govt for lack of progress in Bihar<

With promises on rise by all political parties  each attacking the other on ground of others inert attitude towards the common man. Modi with his firebrand move to nearly two hundred constituencies with crafted rallies pan India and his synergy on online is buzz word around the globe.

Events happening on eve of election in India brings an envious gesture by dignitaries visiting from abroad. India’s governance with rampant corruption has irked many foreign companies and their executives ,they are more interested if corruption could fade to bring  congenial atmosphere for MNC to settle in India.

Narendra Modi has blamed the Centre and the Nitish Kumar government in Bihar for lack of progress in the state and said development will be fast tracked in the entire eastern region if BJP comes to power.He also took a jibe at Lok Sabha Speaker Meira Kumar, saying despite being a woman, she has given little attention to the plight of women in the region.

“When Jharkhand was part of Bihar, you had plenty of coal but they have consumed the coal. Both the Centre and the state government have done little to improve the power scenario,” he said while addressing a public meeting in Sasaram (Bihar) on Thursday.

The BJP’s Prime Ministerial candidate said while leaders talk of 21st century, Bihar remains in darkness.

“When I became the Chief Minister, Gujarat had a very bad power situation. People requested me to ensure that they get power at least during dinner time. Today there is 24-hour power supply. In villages, people can run internet, television and small factories….How will India progress without power,” he said.

While the Centre and the state government blame each other for the scenario, it is the farmer which suffers, he said, adding after the counting of votes, the country and the region will see spring of development.

He also attacked Congress for it election manifesto and accused it of lying to the people.

“In 2009, they had promised to bring down price rise in 100 days. This time again, they have made a similar promise. They are indulging in a new experiment of putting chilli powder in people’s eyes,” he said.

Attacking Rahul Gandhi over Congress’ decision to replace the party’s candidate against him in Vadodara, Modi said though he was elected through primaries, he was denied an opportunity to contest as he is a Dalit.

Hitting out at Meira Kumar who represents the Sasaram constituency, Modi said the foodgrain produced in the area is used to make alcohol and not to feed the hungry.

“Women are a worried lot despite their public representative being a woman herself. The MP has little time to listen to the problems of the people,” he said. Modi promises to carry forward Vajpayee’s policies in Kashmir.

Against the backdrop of parties in Kashmir praising the previous NDA government’s initiatives in the Valley, Narendra Modi promised to carry forward the policies of Atal Bihari Vajpayee to change the fate of Kashmir.

“The path shown by Vajpayee — humanity, democracy and Kashmiriyat — we will carry forward,” the BJP’s Prime Ministerial candidate said addressing the first “Bharat Vijay Rally” at Hira Nagar near Jammu on Wednesday.

He said that if Vajpayee government had got another five years, it would have changed the face of Kashmir and problems would have ended.

His comments assume significance as mainstream political parties of the state including ruling National Conference and opposition PDP as well as moderate separatist — Hurriyat Conference led by Mirwaiz Umer Farooq — have, of late, been praising the Vajpayee government for its initiatives relating to Kashmir.

Modi, who paid obeisance at Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine ahead of his address, neither made any reference to Article 370 this time nor replied to the challenge thrown by state Chief Minister Omar Abdullah for discussing it.

This was the second rally being addressed by Modi in Jammu region. He had addressed a rally on 1st December last year during which he had stirred a controversy by demanding a dialogue on Article 370 which guarantees a special status to the state.

However, after he was challenged by state Chief Minister Omar Abdullah for a discussion on Article 370, both BJP as well as Modi never raked up the issue again.

During Wednesday’s rally, retired IPS officer Farooq Khan, who has been in the forefront of anti-militancy operations in Jammu and Kashmir, joined BJP.

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Categories : Business, CSR, Media, Uncategorized

SC proposes Srinivasan removal and Gavaskar as BCCI President

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N Srinivasan scoring points on each move asking him to quit his office enabling free and fair enquiry, law enforcing agencies after collecting datas on scandals in ongoing IPL  and putting before the apex court to take cognizance of the facts. Supreme Court thus giving  a big setback to BCCI President N Srinivasan, the Supreme Court proposed his replacement by Sunil Gavaskar and suspension of Chennai Super Kings (CSK) along with Rajasthan Royals (RR) from IPL 7 till the pendency of case of betting and spot fixing scandal before it.

The court on Thursday said it is intending to bar CSK, owned by India Cements, which is promoted by Srinivasan, and RR, whose players and team officials are allegedly involved in the scandal, from participating in the IPL 7 tournament slated to begin from 16th April.A bench headed by Justice A K Patnaik proposed the name of veteran cricketer and commentator Sunil Gavaskar to head the Board during the pendency of the case in the apex court.

The bench asked the Board to give its response by Friday on its proposals after which it will pass an interim order.

The bench also proposed to pass an order barring India Cements officials from getting involved with the functioning of BCCI after senior counsel Harish Salve, appearing for Cricket Association of Bihar, pointed out that many such officials are at present part of BCCI team.

Salve also raised questions on the conduct of captain of Indian Cricket Team, M S Dhoni, who is also vice president of India Cements, saying that he is guilty of corrupt practices.

At the beginning of the proceedings, BCCI placed before the apex court its proposal and assured that it will initiate disciplinary proceedings against persons concerned on the basis of Supreme Court-appointed Mudgal committee’s report.

BCCI, which was rapped day before Wednesday by the apex court, came out with the proposal saying that it agrees to conduct proper probe in the IPL betting and spot fixing scandal.

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Categories : Media, Pact, Politics, sports, Uncategorized

SC directive  on illegal IPL betting

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Learned Supreme Judiciary directing Mr Srinivasan, the head of a powerful institution like BCCI, to resign to enabling a fair enquiry into the allegations of illegal betting in IPL and suspending the involved IPL teams viz. Chennai Super King and Rajasthan Royals is an admirable and welcome move forward.Thus in setting right the prevailing ills in the sport of cricket germinating corruption and maligning the noble sport. The move shall surely restore the old glory and reverence of the game and faith of the people.

K C Agrawal

Author of, ‘INDIA IN SHAMBLES, ONLY THE JUDICIARY CAN SAVE US’

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Website: indiainshambles.com

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Dr. Oscar Arias Sanchez: ‘At the Dawn of the Century of Reason’

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The Nehru Memorial Museum and Library

cordially invites you to a

Public Lecture

in association with

Indian Council for Cultural Relations

by

Dr. Oscar Arias Sanchez,

Former President of the Republic of Costa Rica and

 Nobel Peace Prize Laureate (1987)

on

‘At the Dawn of the Century of Reason’

at 4.30 p.m., Friday, 28^th March, 2014

in the Auditorium, Library Building,

 Teen Murti House, New Delhi

                                                                                                          Tea: 4.00