Ousted president Mohamed Morsi’s last Prime Minister, Hisham Qandil, proposed a plan to ease tensions in Egypt, as the Islamist leader’s loyalists braced for a showdown with the military.
Qandil, who has kept a low profile since Morsi’s overthrow on 3rd July, proposed in a video posted on YouTube the release of prisoners since the coup and allowing a delegation to visit Morsi, detained by the army.
Qandil’s proposal comes in the backdrop of Egypt’s army chief General Abdel Fattah al-Sisi’s call for a public rally to fight “terrorism and violence”. This has widely been seen as being targeted at Morsi supporters.
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Punjab National Bank performance highlights For Q1 FY 2014
26072013Punjab National Bank performance highlights For Q1 FY 2014
Posted on July 26, 2013 by sagarmedia
Punjab National Bank reported in its first quarter results of 2013-2014 net profit at Rs 1,275 crore, net interest margins remains high at 3.252%, the significant surge in spite of fiscal crisis this quarter with an alarming non-performing assets (NPAs) has its impact but with strategy to lure bulk deposits,education and consumer finance the bank maintained its dignified results said while briefing media, the CMD Mr K R Kamath today in New Delhi.
PNB Chairman and Managing Director Mr K R Kamath said after announcing first quarter numbers
Total business above Rs 7.01 Lac Cr.
Domestic CASA share 39.63%.
Net Interest Margins remains high at 3.252%.
Return on assets stood at 1.04%.
Book Value per share increased to Rs 920/
Net interest income or the difference between interest earned and paid out, grew by 5.7 percent year to year to Rs 3,907 crore.
CMD Mr K R Kamath further said Punjab National Bank is initiating this year to open 500 more branches on question of bank’s strategy to its expansion plan. Bank is requesting Rs 1,500 crore capital support from the government to enhance its capital base. Government’s present stake is 58 percent which will enhance in proportion.
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26072013
Foundation Day Function of Ministry of Earth Sciences
Posted on July 26, 2013 by sagarmedia
The Ministry of Earth Sciences ( MoES) is celebrating its foundation day tomorrow here in Vigyan Bhawan New Delhi. It will be chaired by ShriS.Jaipal Reddy, Union Minister of Earth Sciences & Science and Technology. Prof. Sir Brian Hoskins, Director, Grantham Institute for Climate Change, Imperial College, London, will be the Guest of Honour and will deliver the Earth Sciences Foundation Day Lecture.
This information was given by Dr. Shailesh Nayak, Secretary in the M/o EarthSciences while briefing the media hereToday. DR. Nayak said The mandate of the Ministry of Earth Sciences is to provide the nation with the best possible services in forecasting the monsoons and other weather/climate parameters, ocean state, earthquakes, tsunamis and other phenomena related to earth systems through well integrated programmes and utilizing world class science and technology resources. He also informed that this year following award will be conferred to recognize excellence in the scientific research in Earth Sciences. :-
- 01 Life Time Excellence Award to be conferred to an outstanding Scientist/Technologist/Academician with an exceptionally high life time achievement for a sustained and significant contribution in Earth System Science which carries a cash prize of Rs. 5.00 lakhs and a citation;
- 04 National Awards in the field of Ocean Science & Technology, Atmospheric Science & Technology, Geoscience & Technology and Polar Science & Cryosphere. These awards carries a cash prize of Rs. 1.00 lakh each and a citation; and
- 02 Young Researcher/Achiever Award to be given to encourage excellence in young minds for outstanding research work in the fields related to Earth System Science which carries a cash prize of Rs.50,000/- each and a citation. (This year the award is being given to only one outstanding young achiever).
He said MoES is also recognizing services of its employees by rendering them certificates of merit in various categories.
Following is the background of the ministry and foundation day function
- Late Mrs. Indira Gandhi the then Prime Minister created the Department of Ocean Development) as an independent scientific Department on July 27, 1981.
- Ministry of Earth Sciences ( MoES), came into being on 12th of July 2007 having the Department of Ocean Development (DOD), India Meteorological Department (IMD), India Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM) & National Centre for Medium Range Weather Forecasting (NCMRWF), under it.
- The Ministry of Earth Sciences aims to create a framework for, understanding the complex interaction among key elements of the Earth System, namely ocean, atmosphere and solid earth by including the existing national programmes in meteorology. Climate, environment and seismology.
- The mandate of the Ministry of Earth Sciences is to provide the nation with the best possible services in forecasting the monsoons and other weather/climate parameters, ocean state, earthquakes, tsunamis and other phenomena related to earth systems through well integrated programmes and utilizing world class science and technology resources.
- In addition, the Ministry also works on science and technology for exploration and exploitation of ocean resources (living and non-living), and plays nodal role for Antarctic/Arctic and Southern Ocean Research. The Ministry plays key role in disaster warning from Tsunami, oil spills, cyclones and storm surges.
- During the course of last two decades, the Ministry has achieved several successes in the tasks assigned to it and is poised for making further impressive strides in the near future. Successful demonstration of 10 lakhs liter per day desalination plant at Lakshdweep, Establishment of Tsunami Early Warning Centre at INCOIS, Hyderabad, 29 successful scientific trips to Antarctica, initiation of scientific expeditions to Arctic, Development of deep drilling technology, etc. are few success stories.
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Regional Meeting on Implementation of the WHO FCTC for South-East Asia Region concluded
26072013| The 4-day Regional Meeting on Implementation of the WHO FCTC for South-East Asia Region (23-26 July 2013) concluded in New Delhi today. The meeting was organised by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare in collaboration with WHO SEARO and the Secretariat of the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (WHO FCTC). Technical assistance to the meeting was provided by the WHO Country Office.The key objectives of the meeting were:– (1) to review implementation of the WHO FCTC and major developments related to the treaty in the region and internationally; (2) to facilitate inter country exchanges on implementation achievements and challenges, including identification of the best practices and the ways of further promoting their dissemination and use; (3) to review instruments available for implementation of the Convention, particularly the guidelines and the reporting system adopted by the Conference of the Parties; (4) to discuss international cooperation, resources and mechanisms of assistance for implementation of the WHO FCTC, as enshrined in the Convention and mandated by the Conference of the Parties, and the facilitation of assistance to Parties for implementation of the Convention and (5) to raise awareness of the newly adopted Protocol to eliminate illicit trade in Tobacco Products and to promote its signature and ratification.
The participants of the meeting included representatives from 10 South East Asian Countries (India, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Maldives, Indonesia, Thailand, Timor Leste & Sri Lanka); World Bank; World Customs Organization (WCO); UNDP; Framework Convention Alliance (FCA); State Nodal Officers, National Tobacco Control Programme from 21 states, Consultants; NTCP; Bloomber Initiative (BI) Partners and select Civil Society Organizations working on Tobacco Control. The Secretariat to Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) was led by the Head, Convention Secretariat. Dr. Haik Nokigosian.
The Indian delegation to this meeting was led by Shri Keshav Desiraju, Secretary, Health & Family Welfare that included, Dr. Jagdish Prasad, Director General of Health Services (DHGS), Shri. C.K. Mishra Addl. Secretary, MOHFW, Ms. Shakuntala Gamlin, Joint Secretary, Shri S.K. Rao Joint Secretary, MOHFW, Dr. N.S. Dharamkhaktu, DDG, Shri Amal Pusp, Director, MOHFW and Dr. L Swasticharan, Chief Medical officer, MOHFW.
During the meeting, delegates discussed issues related to the implementation of the WHO FCTC – achievements and challenges and related to the Protocol on Illicit Trade in Tobacco Products –its ratification and entry into force. Participants of SEAR countries shared their experience on implementing Article 8 (smoke-free laws), Article – 11 (packaging and labelling of tobacco products), Article -12 (information, education and communication including training), and Article 13 (ban on tobacco advertisement). The discussion also focussed on other emerging and crucial issues like trade related aspects of tobacco products and integration of WHO FCTC into United Nations Development Assistance Framework (UNDAF), post 2015 development agenda and MDG’s.
During the meeting, Government of India showcased its efforts relating to banning of Gutkha and the implementation of the ‘tobacco-free movie’ Rules.
The campaign “Voice of Tobacco Victims” was presented and some patients shared their personal stories with the participants, which was appreciated by all countries.
Presentations were made by International Agencies like United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), World Bank, UNODC, World Customs Organization (WCO), International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) and Civil Society Organizations.
Regional position on three important issues viz (i) E-cigarettes or Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems (ENDS) (ii) hookah/water pipe and (iii) smokeless tobacco were discussed and policy recommendations were issued.
On the issue of ENDS countries of the Region recognized the adverse impact of ENDS on human health that sustain and perpetrate nicotine addiction and resolve to take appropriate action/measures in line with obligations under Article 5.2(b) of the WHO FCTC to prevent and reduce nicotine addiction including through banning ENDS.
On the issue of hookah/water pipes countries of the Region were unanimous in the fact that hookah/water pipe is a health hazard and agreed to take appropriate legislative, administrative and regulatory measures to prevent the use of water pipes (hookah).
Countries of this Region were unanimous on the fact that Smokeless tobacco including use of areca nut poses serious public health problems in most countries in the Region due to high prevalence of use, the wide diversity, the social acceptance of its use and lack of awareness of its adverse health consequences and called for introducing strong legislations and regulations to control the use of smokeless tobacco. Potential projects employing IARC’s expertise to the advancement of FCTC implementation in the Region under South-South and Triangular Cooperation in accordance with COP 5 decision were also identified.
The WHO World No Tobacco Day (WNTD) awards for 2013 were also presented on the closing day of the meeting. Every year WHO recognises individuals or organisations for their exemplary work in tobacco control. The WNTD award 2013 was presented by the WHO India office to the Directorate of Medical and Health Services, Government of Rajasthan; Ms Shobha John, Healthbridge and Dr. Rakesh Gupta, Rajasthan Cancer Foundation. The WHO South-East Asia Region ‘Regional Director’s Appreciation Award for WNTD 2013’ was presented to Mr. Sanjay Kumar, Secretary Health ,Govt of Bihar; Ms Jyotsna Govil, Indian Cancer Society; Mr. Bejon Mishra, Consumer Online Foundation; Mr. Hemant Goswami, Burning Brain Society; Kerala Voluntary Health Services and Dr. Srinivas Ramaka, Consultant Cardiologist.
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India and France Decide to Broaden Defence Co-Operation
26072013| Following is the Joint Statement issued after the Defence Talks between India and France here today.
“At the invitation of the Minister of Defence of India, the French Minister of Defence Mr Yves Le Drianis on an official visit to India on 25-27 July, 2013.
Shri A.K. Antony and Mr. Jean-Yves Le Drian held detailed and useful talks on regional and international security challenges of mutual interest. They also reviewed the status of various measures for bilateral defence cooperation and the progress in various areas pursuant to their discussions in February, 2013, during the State visit of the French President to India.
The Ministers noted that defence cooperation is an important pillar of the strategic partnership between both countries and that the ongoing dialogue and cooperation is mutually beneficial to both nations. The Ministers also noted that the range and depth of defence exchanges and interactions between the Ministries of Defence and the Armed Forces of both sides is being steadily enhanced in areas of mutual interest and in a spirit of mutual understanding, respect, trust and support, taking account of respective security interests.
The Ministers agreed that exchanges between respective defence institutions and armed forces should continue to be progressed, including in the areas of military education and training and through the conduct of military exercises.
In this respect, the Ministers welcomed the upcoming bilateral exercise ‘Shakti’ in September 2013 in France between both Armies. The Ministers noted with satisfaction that the Navies of both countries are working towards finalising the schedule for the conduct of Exercise ‘Varuna’ off the coast of India and also that the next Air Force exercise ‘Garuda’ would be held during the first half of 2014. With regard to training exchanges, the Ministers noted with satisfaction that officers of the Indian and French Armed Forces have been attending courses in each other’s institutions, including at the French War College in Paris and the National Defence College and Defence Services Staff College in India.It was agreed that such exchanges were beneficial to the building of relations between the Armed Forces of both sides and should continue.
The Ministers had detailed discussions regarding current and future co-operation in the areas of defence equipment and technology collaboration. They agreed that such cooperation should continue to be progressed to the mutual benefit of both countries, including in high technology areas involving joint research and development and transfer of technology.
The Ministers tasked the High Committee on Defence Cooperation (HCDC), which is scheduled to meet in France in October 2013, to follow up the above points and to finalise practical measures to expand and deepen the bilateral partnership in defence.
The French Defence Minister also conveyed that on the 100th anniversary of World War I, France is planning various projects to pay tribute to Indian soldiers who were killed in France during the War. The Indian side appreciated the same.
The Ministers also exchanged views on issues relating to UN peace keeping operations and maritime security.The French Defence Minister also presented France’s new White Paper on Defence and National Security”.
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CIL Signs 82 FSAS for about 34,793 MW capacity Power Plants
26072013| Providing a big boost to the power sector, Coal India Limited (CIL) has signed 82 FSAs as on 25.07.2013, with power stations with a capacity of 34,793 MW. This includes 16 power stations belonging to NTPC and its Joint Venture companies (JVs).
11 more FSAs are ready to be signed shortly with NTPC or its JVs, while another 23 FSAs with State and private sector entities are in the pipeline. These FSAs were part of the 131 FSAs for a capacity of 60,678 MW which CIL was directed to sign in February, 2012. This will substantially increase the power generation during the current and subsequent years.
In yet another fillip to the power sector, Ministry of Coal has issued another Presidential Directive to CIL on 17.07.2013 for signing of FSAs for a capacity of 78,000 MW instead of the earlier 60,678 MW. This will not only increase the power generation further but will also fast track several power projects which are under development.
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India’s Advanced Weather Satellite INSAT-3d Successfully Launched
26072013
India’s Weather Satellite INSAT-3D, carrying advanced weather monitoring payloads, was today launched successfully by Ariane-5 (VA214) launch vehicle fromKourou, French Guiana. According to a Press Release issued by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) ,after a smooth countdown lasting 11 hours and 30 minutes, the Ariane-5 launchvehicle lifted off right on schedule at the opening of the launch windowat 01:24 hours IST today. After a flight of 32 minutes and 48 seconds,INSAT-3D was placed in an elliptical Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO),very close to the intended one.
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Soon after the separation of INSAT-3D from the Ariane-5’s upper cryogenic stage, the satellite’s solar panel automatically got deployed. ISRO’s Master Control Facility (MCF) at Hassan in Karnataka took over the control of INSAT-3D immediately. Preliminary health checks of all the subsystems of INSAT-3D bus were performed and the satellite’s health is satisfactory. In the coming days, orbit raising manoeuvres will be performed on INSAT-3D using the satellite’s own propulsion system to place it in the 36,000 km high Geostationary Orbit.
After placing the satellite at 82 deg East orbital slot, it is planned to turn on the meteorological payloads of INSAT-3D in the second week of August 2013 and to extensively test them.
With a lift-off mass of 2060 kg, INSAT-3D carries four payloads – Imager, Sounder, Data Relay Transponder and Satellite Aided Search & Rescue payload. Among them, the six channel imager can take weather pictures of the Earth and has improved features compared to the payloads in KALPANA-1 and INSAT-3A, the two Indian Geostationary Satellites providing weather services for the past one decade.
The 19 channel sounder payload of INSAT-3D adds a new dimension to weather monitoring through its atmospheric sounding system, and provides vertical profiles of temperature, humidity and integrated ozone.
Data relay transponder, the third payload carried by INSAT-3D, receives the meteorological, hydrological, oceanographic parameters sent by Automatic Data Collection platforms located at remote uninhabited locations and relays them to a processing centre for generating accurate weather forecasts.
INSAT-3D is also equipped with a search and rescue payload that picks up and relays alert signals originating from the distress beacons of maritime, aviation and land based users and relays them to the mission control centre to facilitate speedy search and rescue operations.
ISRO has taken up the responsibility of end-to-end reception and processing of INSAT-3D data and the derivation of meteorological
parameters with India Meteorological Department (IMD), New Delhi. An indigenously designed and developed INSAT-3D Meteorological Data Processing System (IMDPS) is installed and commissioned at IMD, New Delhi with a mirror site at Space Applications Centre, Bhopal and Ahmedabad.
parameters with India Meteorological Department (IMD), New Delhi. An indigenously designed and developed INSAT-3D Meteorological Data Processing System (IMDPS) is installed and commissioned at IMD, New Delhi with a mirror site at Space Applications Centre, Bhopal and Ahmedabad.
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CM Modi condoles the passing away of Arun Nehru
26072013
Chief Minister Narendra Modi has expressed deep grief over the passing away of former Central Minister Arun Nehru.
In his condolence message the Chief Minister lauded the contribution of lateArun Nehru as a member of parliament
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Indian visa application process tourist-friendly now online
26072013
Dr. K. Chiranjeevi, Union Minister of State for Tourism (Independent Charge) today hailed the Union Home Minister and the Ministry of Home Affairs for the commendable progress achieved in the standardization of visa application forms and the integrated online application system in 120 Indian Missions abroad.
Dr. Chiranjeevi described the progress as yet another major milestone towards making the Indian visa application process tourist-friendly and a boost to Indian tourism.
The Government of India is implementing a Mission Mode Project on Immigration, Visa and Foreigners’ Registration and Tracking (IVFRT) Project with a vision to develop a secure and integrated service delivery framework that facilitates legitimate travellers while strengthening security. This project has global outreach since the scope of the project seeks to network 169 Indian Missions abroad, Immigration Check Posts in India and FRROs/FROs. The envisaged outcomes from the project include authentication of traveller’s identity at the Missions, Immigration Check Posts, FRROs/FROs through use of intelligent document scanners and biometrics, online registration of foreigners at the time of grant of visa and automated updation of the particulars of the foreigners at entry and exit points, improved tracking of foreigners, software aided passenger profiling etc. The project is expected to cost approximately Rs. 1011 crore.
Under this project, visa application forms have been standardized and integrated online visa application system for visa applicants has so far been implemented in 120 Indian Missions abroad.
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Categories : Business, culture, Education, Entertainment, Law, Tourism, Uncategorized, world News
President Truong Tan Sang visit to US
25072013
President Truong Tan Sang statement at his meeting with U.S. Secretary of Commerce Penny Pritzker and Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack in Washington D. C on Wednesday, the first working day of his 3-day visit to the United States.
The future Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) must take into account the differences in the development levels of member countries, the Vietnamese leader emphasized.
Sang also asked the United States to remove any barriers preventing Vietnamese goods from entering the country, reported the newspaper.
Cases of price dumping had negatively affected millions of Vietnamese farmers and the country’s efforts in poverty reduction. The United States should soon recognize Vietnam’s market economy status, state-run Vietnam News reported, quoting Sang’s proposal at the meeting.
Vietnamese Ambassador to the United States Nguyen Quoc Cuong who said ahead of the President’s departure that a new framework on the Vietnam-U.S. partnership is expected to reach during the President’s U.S. visit.
“Nearly one decade has passed since the two nations established the current framework of constructive, friendly partnership and multi-faceted cooperation on the basis of equality, mutual respect and benefit,” said the ambassador.
President Sang’s trip is the second official visit made by a Vietnamese head of state in nearly two decades since the normalization of ties with the United States, and the first exchange of high-level delegation in five years, Vietnam News reported, adding that the visit comes at a time when the two nations are diversifying their relations in the drive for development.
Sang’s visit is made on July 24-26 at the invitation of President Barack Obama.
Since 2005, the United States has become Vietnam’s largest export market. Two-way trade turnover has increased continually in recent years. As of May this year, it reached over 11 billion U.S. dollars, an increase of 16 percent year on year
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