Friday, December 22, 2017
FAC:Food scare in conflict-hit Mid East, N. Africa
Food security in the Middle East and North Africa “is fast deteriorating” because of conflicts, the UN’s food agency said Thursday. Violence in Syria, Yemen, Libya, Iraq and Sudan are leading to “a widening gap in well-being” compared with other parts of the region, the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) said. “The level of undernourishment in the conflict countries is now six times larger than that in non-conflict countries,” it said, as cited by AFP. Yemen is suffering the worst food insecurity and malnutrition of all the conflict-hit countries in the region, followed by Syria and Sudan, according to the FAO’s report.
Bomb explodes outside Athens court
ON DECEMBER 22, 2017 BY NARESH SAGAREDIT
A crude bomb exploded near the Athens Court of Appeal on Friday morning, causing damage to the building, police say. Officers found a bag outside the building which contained explosive material. There are no reports of injuries. Greek media groups received warning calls nearly an hour before the blast, according to police.
ON DECEMBER 22, 2017 BY NARESH SAGAREDIT
A crude bomb exploded near the Athens Court of Appeal on Friday morning, causing damage to the building, police say. Officers found a bag outside the building which contained explosive material. There are no reports of injuries. Greek media groups received warning calls nearly an hour before the blast, according to police.
Pro Independence way ahead in Catalona Election
Media reports play various exit polls,counting in progress results are in favour of Catalan pro independence leaders.
Catalan leader Carles Puigdemont, are on course to win 70 of the 135 parliamentary seats.
Media report parties opposing the region’s independence are likely to gain 57 seats.
Observers say if secessionist forces regain their majority, they could step up pressure for independence, dealing a heavy blow to the administration of Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy.
The Catalan election was conducted after Rajoy’s central government dissolved the regional parliament as it approved the unilateral declaration of regional independence in October.
Young Food Leaders
Dear Nksagar,
We’ve just announced some of our incredible speakers for our upcoming District of Columbia (February 28), Seattle (March 17), and Boston (April 19) 2018 Food Tank Summits.
All three events are going to be incredible, and we hope you will join us in 2018.
Also, we are putting up a limited number of tickets for all three summits at 20-percent off, while supplies last ($239 instead of $299).
Here are just a few of the incredible people you will see:
Washington, D.C. (February 28, 2018, at the Jack Morton Auditorium)
Cultivating the Next Generation of Young Food Leaders
In partnership with The George Washington University, World Resources Institute, the National Farmers Union, Future Farmers of America, and the National Young Farmers Coalition
Cultivating the Next Generation of Young Food Leaders
In partnership with The George Washington University, World Resources Institute, the National Farmers Union, Future Farmers of America, and the National Young Farmers Coalition
30+ speakers including (many more to be announced): M.J. Altman, World Food Program USA; José Andrés, Celebrity Chef and Owner, ThinkFoodGroup; Allison Aubrey, National Public Radio; Eliza Barclay, Vox; Xavier Brown, Soilful City; Blaze Currie, National Future Farmers of America; Caitlin Dewey, The Washington Post; Jill Isenbarger, Stone Barns Center for Food and Agriculture; Roger Johnson, National Farmers Union; Rachel Konrad, Impossible Foods Inc.; Jeremiah Lowery, D.C. Food Policy Council; Kathleen Merrigan, The George Washington University; Edie Mukiibi, Slow Food International; Regina Northouse, Food Recovery Network; Andrew Steer, World Resources Institute; Lindsey Lusher Shute, National Young Farmers Coalition; Dan Simons, Founding Farmers; Lauren Frances Tucker, Kiss the Ground; and Cecily Upton,FoodCorps.
To learn more or purchase tickets for the Washington D.C. Summit click HERE.
Seattle, WA (March 17, 2018, at Pigott Auditorium at Seattle University)
Growing Food Policy
In partnership with Food Action and Seattle University
Growing Food Policy
In partnership with Food Action and Seattle University
30+ speakers including (many more to be announced): Ashley Ahearn, KUOW Seattle; Steve Cohen, City of Portland; Ken Cook, Environmental Working Group; BJ Cummings,Sustainable Seattle; Whitney Ellersick, Portland Public Schools; Mark Freeman, Microsoft; Ben Friedman, Homegrown; Chip Giller, Grist; Rosalinda Guillén, Community to Community Development; Katie Herzog, The Stranger; Stephen Jones, The Bread Lab at Washington State University; Sharon Lerman, City of Seattle; Mike Lufkin, King County Government; Amanda Oborne, Ecotrust; and Nicole Sprinkle, Seattle Weekly.
To learn more or purchase tickets for the Seattle Summit click HERE.
Boston, MA (April 19, 2018, at Royale)
Exploring the Paradox of Hunger and Obesity
In collaboration with the Gerald J. and Dorothy R. Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy at Tufts University and Oxfam America
Exploring the Paradox of Hunger and Obesity
In collaboration with the Gerald J. and Dorothy R. Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy at Tufts University and Oxfam America
30+ speakers including (many more to be announced): Eva Botkin-Kowacki, The Christian Science Monitor; Lindsay Kalter, Boston Herald; Jeff Cole, Mass Farmers Markets; Jennifer L. Harris, Rudd Center for Food Policy and Obesity; Alex Kingsbury, The Boston Globe; Katherine Miller, James Beard Foundation; Michel Nischan, Wholesome Wave; Gideon Porth, Atlas Farm; Noreen Springstead, WhyHunger; and Norbert Wilson, Tufts University.
To learn more or purchase tickets for the Boston Summit click HERE.
Every day we will be making more incredible announcements, and these events will all sell out quickly! Tickets include breakfast and lunch. All of our events are free to watch via live stream, and a limited number of scholarships are still available.
Hope to see you at one of these incredible events!
All the best,
Myanmar denies entry of UN special rapporteur
Myanmar denies entry of UN special rapporteur. A United Nations human rights investigator Yanghee Lee has disclosed that she had been barred from visiting Myanmar to assess the human rights of minority Rohingya Muslims there.
UN special rapporteur Yanghee Lee on Wednesday released a statement saying the declaration of non-cooperation with her mandate can only be viewed as a strong indication that there must be something terrible happening in Rakhine state.
Lee condemned Myanmar’s government, saying she is puzzled and disappointed by the decision. Lee was scheduled to visit the western state of Rakhine next month, where security forces have been accused of abusing the human rights of Rohingya Muslims.
Initiatives of Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises (MSME) in 2017
The Ministry of Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises (MSME) envisions a vibrant MSME Sector by promoting growth and development of the MSME Sector, including Khadi, Village and Coir Industries, in cooperation with the concerned Ministries/Departments, State Governments and other Stakeholders, through providing support to existing enterprises and encouraging setting-up of new enterprises.
The year 2017 has been very significant for the Ministry of MSME during which it took various initiatives to promote MSME Sector including launching of Digital MSME Scheme, augmented the package for supporting MSEs, took various initiatives to support MSMEs in the backdrop of demonetization, work started to establish Technology Centers in eight cities, launched MSME Delayed Payment Portal and Public Procurement Portal among others.
The Major Initiatives of the Ministry during this year are mentioned below:
Digital MSME Scheme launched:
The Digital MSME Scheme is revolving around Cloud Computing which is emerging as a cost effective and viable alternative in comparison to in-house IT infrastructure installed by MSMEs. In Cloud Computing, MSMEs use the internet to access common as well as tailor-made IT infrastructure including software for managing their business processes. Cloud Computing is free from the burden of investment on hardware/software and infrastructural facilities. This Scheme would encourage MSMEs towards this new approach i.e. Cloud Computing for ICT adoption.
Package for supporting Micro and Small Enterprises (MSEs) approved – Corpus of Credit Guarantee Trust Fund for Micro, and Small Enterprises (CGTMSE) augmented:
1. Corpus of the Trust augmented from Rs. 2,500 crore to Rs. 7,500 crore and will be fully funded by the Government of India.
2. Coverage of the loans covered under the Credit Guarantee Scheme from Rs.1 crore to Rs.2 crore increased.
3. Coverage of the Credit Guarantee Scheme for loans being extended to Micro and Small Enterprises by NBFCs increased
Initiatives taken for MSMEs in the backdrop of Demonization:
1. The coverage of the loans covered under the Credit Guarantee Scheme for MSEs implemented by CGTMSE has been increased from Rs. 1 crore to Rs. 2 crore
2. The credit Guarantee scheme has also been extended for loans given to MSMEs by NBFCs.
3. Department of Financial Services (DFS), Ministry of Finance has issued an advisory to Banks regarding raising of working capital/cash credit limit for MSEs.
Technology Centres are being established in 8 cities viz., Puducherry, Visakhapatnam, Rohtak, Durg, Baddi, Bhiwadi, Bengaluru and Sitarganj
This Portal will empower Micro and Small entrepreneurs across the country to directly register their cases relating to delayed payments by Central Ministries/Departments/CPSEs/State Governments. The Portal will give information about the pending payment of MSEs with individual CPSEs / Central Ministries, State Governments, etc. The CEOs of PSEs and the Secretary of the Ministries concerned will also be able to monitor the cases of delayed payment under their jurisdiction and issue necessary instructions to resolve the issues. The Portal will greatly facilitate the monitoring of the delayed payment in a more effective manner. The information on the Portal will be available in public domain, thus exerting moral pressure on the defaulting organizations. The MSEs will also be empowered to access the Portal and monitor their cases.
Public Procurement Portal for MSEs – MSME Sambandh htttp://sambandh.msme.gov.in launched:
The Portal will help in monitoring the implementation of the Public Procurement from MSEs by Central Public Sector Enterprises(CPSEs). Using this Online Portal, the Ministries and CPSEs can assess their performance.
MOU signed between India and United Arab Emirates (UAE) for co-operation in the field of Small and Medium Enterprises and Innovation:
The MoU would benefit Indian SMEs and lead to equitable and inclusive development. The exposure to best practices in SME sector abroad would provide an opportunity to Indian SMEs to improve upon them and innovate further. It would also provide to Indian SME sector an opportunity to have a mutually beneficial relation with SME sector of the United Arab Emirates and to explore their markets.
MOUs signed with 4 Sector Skill Councils to provide skill development trainings to SC-ST Entrepreneurs under National SC/ST Hub Scheme.
Report on National MSME Policy submitted.
Evaluation study of the Prime Minister’s Employment Generation Programme (PMEGP) by Management Development Institute (MDI), Gurugram presented.
Darpan Launched For Financial Inclusion Of Rural Population
The Minister of Communications Shri Manoj Sinha today launched DARPAN – “Digital Advancement of Rural Post Office for A New India” Project to improve the quality of service, add value to services and achieve “financial inclusion” of un-banked rural population. He said, the goal of the IT modernization project with an outlay of Rs. 1400 Crore is to provide a low power technology solution to each Branch Postmaster (BPM) which will enable each of approximately 1.29 Lakhs Branch Post Offices (BOs) to improve the level of services being offered to rural customers across all the states. Shri Sinha said that as on date, 43,171 Branch Post Offices have migrated under the “DARPAN”projectwith the aim of financial inclusion to rural population and it is targeted to complete the project by March, 2018.
The Project shall increase the rural reach of the Department of Posts and enable BOs to increase traffic of all financial remittances, savings accounts, Rural Postal Life Insurance, and Cash Certificates; improve mail operations processes by allowing for automated booking and delivery of accountable article; increase revenue using retail post business; provide third party applications; and make disbursements for social security schemes such as MGNREGS.
As part of IT modernization project, the Department of Posts (DoP) has carried out business process reengineering across various functional areas and has created To-Be processes that will enable it to achieve these objectives. As an achievement, Department of Posts has established 991 ATMs across the country, which are interoperable with other banks and the common people has directly benefited with the wide network of Department of Posts especially in rural areas. Till now, 1,12,85,217 transactions have been carried out on the DOP’s ATMs out of which 70,24,214 transactions have been done by the non-DOP customers. Department of Posts is the only Government player in this space.
For more than 150 years, the Department of Posts (DoP) has been the backbone of the country’s communication and has played a crucial role in the country’s socio-economic development. It touches the lives of Indian citizens in many ways: delivering mails, accepting deposits under Small Savings Schemes, providing life insurance cover under Postal Life Insurance (PLI) and Rural Postal Life Insurance (RPLI) and providing retail services like bill collection, sale of forms, etc. The Department of Posts also acts as an agent for Government of India in discharging other services for citizens such as Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS) wage disbursement and old age pension payments. With 1.5 lakh Post Offices (approximately), the Department of Posts has the most widely distributed postal network in the world.
Trends such as urbanization, increased demand for financial services, increased funding by the government for the weaker sections and the rural sector, have opened up new opportunities for the Department of Posts,which in turn has necessitated development of new processes and supporting technology. The Department of Posts is also faced with twin challenges of increasing competition and continuing advances in communication technology, especially in mobile telephony and the Internet. In order to provide the best-in-class customer service, deliver new services and improve operational efficiencies,the Department of Posts has undertaken an end to end IT modernization project to equip itself with requisite modern tools and technologies. The IT modernization project intends to achieve the following:
I. Wider reach to the Indian populace through more customer interaction channels
II. Better customer service
III. Growth through new lines of business
IV. IT enablement of business processes and support functions
Cancer cell killer ‘Disarib’
Indian Researchers from eight different groups spread over labs in Mumbai, Thiruvananthapuram, Bengaluru, and a couple of Indian scientists at the Department of Molecular and Clinical Cancer Medicine, University of Liverpool, have designed and synthesised ‘Disarib’, a drug which induces the death of cancer cells. Preliminary tests have been carried out as well. It has been patented, a first for a home-grown drug developed for targeted therapy of cancer.
Initial results after the preliminary tests, the molecule was found effective against a range of cancers such as leukaemia, lymphoma, breast cancer, ovarian cancer and colon cancer. Department of Biotechnology will decide when the drug will be available in the market.
ANC Leader Ramaphosa
ANC delegates elected Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa as the party’s new leader. President Jacob Zuma remains head of state.
South Africa’s ruling party says, the country’s embassy in Israel should be downgraded to a liaison office to show support for the Palestinians.
The African National Congress said late yesterday that delegates to a national party meeting endorsed the proposal to the government for an immediate and unconditional downgrade of the embassy in Tel Aviv.
The proposal comes ahead of a UN General Assembly vote today on a resolution urging President Donald Trump to rescind his decision recognising Jerusalem as Israel’s capital.
South African media say, the ANC endorsed a boycott of Israel at a party meeting in 2012 but the government did not implement it.
Thursday, December 21, 2017
Filmmaker Anand Kumar is back with a Hard Hidden film based on the condition of Nation’s farmers from the point of view of a Kid!!
Known for his hardcore movies given for Bollywood Industry, the maker of films like Zila Ghaziabad, Desi Kattey, Delhii Heights, director come producer Anand Kumar is back again with another influential topic of our Nation, based on the condition of farmers in our country, but the special fact of the movie is about a kid, who will showcase the entire struggle, a farmer, and his family faces. And the movie is titled as “Tilli”, on the
Produced by Anand Kumar itself, the movie is directed by Sagar S Sharma. “Tilli” is a story of a naughty boy named Tilli. In the minor villages of India, every year many farmers commit suicide due to the burden of debt and failed to farm. This story revolves around the life of the children of our farmers who live with these tough conditions. Tilli’s father is also facing this extremely worse condition of drought and is in heavy debt. Tilli’s mother always tries to influence his father to leave farming and start doing a labor’s job so that they can have a fixed income.
Tilli is also attached to the postman of the village, who somehow have a grey character in the movie. The Postman himself doesn’t like his job, as he has to deliver bank’s notice to the villagers’ home who defaults on bank’s loan. Due to this burden of debt, many villagers commit suicide every year. On the other hand, there is another important character named Bhola who is connected with Tilli, One of the villagers who holds postman accountable for his son’s death, because after reading the bank notice his son had committed suicide. Bhola becomes mentally unstable after his son’s death.
At this point of the story, Tilli is tensed as he thinks that his father will also commit suicide and there is nothing he can do to help him. So with the help of Bhola, he tries to save his father. And the story takes another heartbreaking twist when Bhola also commits suicide, which raises stress of Tilli as well as questions and negative thoughts in his mind. And this holds the interesting truth and end of the story.
Featuring under the banner of Anand Kumar Productions Pvt.Ltd., “Tilli” have a talented star cast which includes Raghubir Yadav, Atul Srivastav, Niraj Pandey, Rizwan Sheikh in vital roles. And the release date of the movie will be revealed soon.
5.7 quake, strike off NE Japan coast
A series of tremors with magnitudes ranging from 4.9 to 5.7 struck off the coast of Japan within three hours, the US Geological Survey reports. The strongest 5.7 quake hit some 249 kilometers North East from the Japanese islet of Chichijima around 3am GMT, following 5.0, 4.9 and 5.2 shocks in the same area several hours before. Another 5.1 quake, which was also preceded by several powerful shakes, hit some 98 kilometers east of the city of Nishinoomote on the island of Tanegashima. There’s been no immediate reports of any damage or injuries, and no tsunami warning was issued.
Syrian opposition delegates arrive in Astana as peace talks start
A delegation of the armed Syrian opposition has arrived in Kazakhstan’s capital, Astana to participate in the eighth round of talks on Syria, Kazakhstan’s Foreign Ministry said on Thursday.“All the participant delegations have arrived in Astana. The Syrian opposition delegation comprises more than 20 members, they all have arrived,” TASS quoted the ministry’s spokesman, Anuar Zhainakov, as saying. UN special envoy for Syria Staffan de Mistura is expected to arrive on Friday, when the plenary session of the Astana talks opens, the ministry said.
Catalonia holds regional election
Catalonia on Thursday holds a regional election which the Spanish government hopes will strip pro-independence parties of their control of the Catalan parliament. Final polls showed separatist and unionist parties running neck-and-neck, and an effective pro-independence majority remains a likely outcome, Reuters said. Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy called the vote in October, and sacked Catalonia’s previous government for holding a banned referendum and declaring independence. None of the six parties in the Catalan parliament are expected on their own to come close to the 68-seat majority.
S. Korea to buy 20 additional F-35 aircraft
Seoul plans to buy an additional 20 F-35A stealth fighter aircraft from the US, a South Korean newspaper reported on Thursday. US President Donald Trump announced less than two months ago that Seoul would be spending billions of dollars on new military equipment, Reuters said. South Korea’s Defense Acquisition Program Administration has established a process for procuring the 20 additional aircraft, the Joongang Ilbo newspaper reported, citing government sources. In 2014, South Korea announced a plan to buy 40 F-35As from American defense contractor Lockheed Martin.
Netanyahu says UN is ‘house of lies’ ahead of Jerusalem vote
Israel’s prime minister described the UN as a “house of lies” ahead of a vote on Thursday on a draft resolution calling on the US to withdraw its recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital. “The State of Israel totally rejects this vote, even before [the resolution’s] approval,” Benjamin Netanyahu said in public remarks. “Jerusalem is our capital and we will continue to build there, and foreign embassies, led by the US, will move to Jerusalem. It will happen,” Reuters quoted him as saying
Wednesday, December 20, 2017
MESCO Steel at Glance
MESCO Steel (Mideast Integrated Steel Ltd.) is a prominent and recognized player in the steel and mining space in India. The company owns steel plants and mining reserves in Odisha, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh and overseas. The vision of the company is spearheaded by Mrs Rita Singh (Chairperson and Managing Director) and Mr J K Singh (Chairman Emeritus). The company primarily caters to players in the domestic market but is now looking at exporting its products to Middle Eastern markets.
Incorporated in 1992 with assets in coastal Odisha, MISL currently operates an iron ore mine and a pig iron plant in Odisha. MISL’s main products are iron ore fines, calibrated lump ore and pig iron. MISL currently operates two 389 cubic meter blast furnaces at its plant at Kalinga Nagar, Odisha. The plant has a pig iron making facility of 1.2 million tonnes per annum (mtpa). MISL is planning a major expansion at its plant, which will take the finished steel capacity to 3.5 million tonnes in two phases.
The company has a strategic alliance (Marketing and Finance) with Stemcor, UK and is the first company in India to have a technical collaboration with CMIEC (Sino Steel, China). With its strong financials and negligible debt to equity ratio it is the only mid-sized steel player to be essentially debt free.
The company is also committed to its role in upliftment and development of society at large. The company undertakes a large number of community development initiatives. Some of the prominent areas in which the organization actively contributes through sponsorship and developmental work are education, sports, health care, infrastructure development, safety and environment. The organization also runs an NGO called “Krishna Ashram” for welfare of stray dogs and other animals.
Central Asia Digest by Ambassador Ashok Sajjanhar
Ambassador Ashok Sajjanhar
Advisor, Central Asia, Ananta Aspen Centre
Former Ambassador of India to Kazakhstan, Sweden and Latvia
DECEMBER 2017|VOL 02 ISSUE 12| MONTHLY
Advisor, Central Asia, Ananta Aspen Centre
Former Ambassador of India to Kazakhstan, Sweden and Latvia
DECEMBER 2017|VOL 02 ISSUE 12| MONTHLY
H I G H L I G H T S
● Political Developments
● Economic Developments
● India-Central Asia Relations
Political Developments
Political Developments
Kyrgyzstan’s newly-elected President Sooronbay Jeenbekov was sworn into office on 24th November, 2017. Jeenbekov’s assumption of office is the first peaceful transfer of power in Kyrgyzstan’s contemporary history. The two former presidents, Askar Akayev and Kurmanbek Bakiyev, were toppled through revolutions in 2005 and 2010 respectively and fled the country.
Prosecutors in Kyrgyzstan have opened a criminal case against Omurbek Babanov, runner-up in recent presidential elections. He is accused of fomenting ethnic tension during the campaign and inciting overthrow of government.
An International Conference titled “Central Asia: Shared Past and Common Future, Cooperation for Sustainable Development and Mutual Prosperity” was organized by Uzbekistan in collaboration with United Nations in November, 2017. General VK Singh, Minister of State for External Affairs led a delegation from India to the Conference. Foreign Ministers of other 4 Central Asian countries, External Relations Commissioner of European Union, Iranian Foreign Minister, representatives from UN, OSCE, SCO, CIS, EBRD and senior delegations from other countries participated. Addressing the Inaugural Session, Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev spoke of necessity to use transit and logistics potential of region more efficiently and ensure advanced development of transport infrastructure. He announced that Uzbekistan will host an international conference on development of transport and transit infrastructure in Central Asia in 2018. Mirziyoyev said that since beginning of 2017, Uzbek trade with region had increased by 20% on average, and almost 70% with certain states. The Conference discussed specific areas for enhancing cooperation in political, trade-economic, investment, transport-communication, water-energy, environmental and cultural-humanitarian spheres, as well as issues of confronting modern threats and challenges.
Kazakh foreign minister announced at the Conference that President Nursultan Nazarbayev will convene Summit of Central Asian leaders in 2018 to give an impetus to regional integration.
On sidelines of the Conference, 13th annual EU-Central Asia ministerial meeting took place. EU leaders identified radicalization of youth, Iranian nuclear program, and achieving stability in Afghanistan as major concerns.
Also, foreign ministers of five Central Asian nations signed a Program on Mutual Cooperation for 2018-19. The document outlines joint efforts to boost security, trade and economic cooperation, investment, transportation, energy, tourism, and culture across the region.
Turkmenistan and EU discussed prospects for cooperation in political, economic and trade spheres. Talks on supplying Turkmen gas to Europe started in 2011. Southern Gas Corridor, which includes the Trans-Caspian project (laying of a 300-km gas pipeline along bottom of Caspian Sea to coast of Azerbaijan), remains a priority for EU.
Another important event was the signing of an agreement on demarcation of junction point of state borders of three states by Foreign ministers of Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan. It creates a solid basis for promoting mutual respect, equality and territorial integrity of the three countries.
Kyrgyzstan’s outgoing-President Almazbek Atambayev indicated in his last press-conference that he might contest elections to Kyrgyz Parliament in 2020. Atambayev charged that restrictions by Kazakhstan on goods from Kyrgyzstan were contrary to provisions of Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU). He accused other EAEU members of “complete indifference” to this “blockade” causing immense hardship to Kyrgyz traders and transporters. He suggested that Russia should intervene to resolve the dispute.
Atambaev signed a law repudiating Agreement of 2016 whereby Kazakhstan would provide assistance of $100 million “to promote integration of Kyrgyz Republic in Eurasian economic Union”. Atambayev rejected this financial assistance from Kazakhstan.
After a massive crackdown on the Islam-following Uyghur community in its Xinjiang province, China started targeting ethnic Kazakhs living on its side of the border – again on grounds of religion to force them to stop following their customs, including praying five times a day.
A radioactive accident reportedly in Russia or Kazakhstan sent radioactive contamination into atmosphere drifting in a cloud over Europe in recent weeks. High levels of Ruthenium 106, an isotope produced by nuclear reactors, which is not found in nature and is not harmful to human health or environment were detected.
Tajikistan has declared that all imams who received their religious training abroad will be sacked. The government hopes that this will prevent radicalization.
Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev visited Uzbekistan to attend the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) meeting in Tashkent. Russia and Uzbekistan confirmed their commitment to further deepen relations and signed a package of new cooperation and investment agreements. Uzbek President also held bilateral meetings with Prime Ministers of Tajikistan, Kazakhstan, Belarus and Deputy Chairman of Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan. Bilateral cooperation and prospects for development of relations were discussed.
Iranian Foreign minister met President and foreign minister of Tajikistan during his visit to Dushanbe. It was agreed to hold meeting of Joint Commission soon in Dushanbe. Foreign ministers of Tajikistan and Iran inaugurated the new building of Iranian Embassy in Dushanbe.
Uzbek President visited South Korea and signed 75 deals covering finance, trade and industry. Contracts in energy, oil and gas sectors amounted to $2.95 billion. Another $1.7 billion were pledged in construction and infrastructure deals, and $2.7 billion in banking and finance sector. Uzbekistan also signed first long-term contract for supply of uranium to South Korea.
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Economic Developments
7th Regional Economic Cooperation Conference on Afghanistan (RECCA) was held in Turkmenistan to discuss investment opportunities in Afghanistan. Political and business leaders from 40 countries and representatives of 30 regional and international organizations focused on key aspects of economic development of Afghanistan. Afghan foreign minister said that 7th RECCA Meeting had come at a time when need for economic growth, stability and confidence-building in the region was greater than ever before. His inter-alia pointed to launch of Afghanistan-India Air Corridor Programme, through which Afghanistan exported more than 1150 metric tons of goods to India since June, 2017. Indian Minister of State for External Affairs MJ Akbar said that Pakistan has emerged as the “largest wall in history”, inhibiting connectivity between India and Afghanistan. He accused Pakistan of committing crime against Afghan people by blocking normal access between India and Afghanistan. Lapis Lazuli Transit Route agreement was signed between Afghanistan, Turkey, Turkmenistan, Azerbaijan and Georgia. The agreement focuses on two issues viz. transit structure and transportation infrastructure.
Iran and Turkmenistan are discussing possibility of transporting Turkmen gas to Armenia and Azerbaijan via Iran.
Kazakhstan hopes to settle a dispute with global energy companies developing the Karachaganak gas condensate field in the coming weeks. Kazakhstan had filed a $1.6 billion claim against foreign firms developing Karachaganak field in 2015.
Pakistan has asked Turkmenistan to slash gas price by linking it with Brent crude oil rates under a revised pricing formula for shipments through TAPI pipeline.
European Bank for Reconstruction and Development reopened its office, which had been closed since 2007, in Uzbekistan and announced first new financing in the country of four loans totaling $125 million. 15 more projects in next 12 months are planned.
Pakistan’s exports to Tajikistan plunged 40% owing to tariff restrictions and non-availability of cost-effective transportation. Non-availability of direct air links between the two countries is the biggest bottle-neck to restrict trade volume. Exports from Pakistan to Tajikistan dropped to $4.5m in 2015-16 from $7.5m in 2014-15. But imports, mainly of raw cotton, increased to $11.16m from $0.068m during same period.
Kazakhstan is expected to see GDP growth of 3.8% and 3.5% in 2017 and 2018 respectively. Kyrgyzstan will see GDP growth of 4.4% in 2017 and 4.2% in 2018, and Turkmenistan – 5.7 and 5.2% respectively. In Central Asia, highest GDP growth will be witnessed by Tajikistan and Uzbekistan; Tajikistan at 6.5% and 5.0% in 2017 and 2018 respectively, and in Uzbekistan, GDP is expected to rise 5.4% in 2017 and 6.2% in 2018.
Pakistan prevented Afghan trucks from crossing the border and without any prior notification, increased customs tariffs by up to 150% on 120 out of 741 Afghan goods being exported to Pakistan. In retaliation, Afghanistan banned entry of Pakistani trucks via Torkham and Spin Boldak crossings. It decreed that Pakistani trucks should unload at the border and goods carried to their destinations only by Afghan trucks — a practice that Pakistan has been following since 2010 with respect to trade between Afghanistan and India over the Wagah crossing.
Russia has launched oil supplies in test mode to Uzbekistan. Russia plans to construct a new refinery with capacity of 5 million tons in three years. To increase supplies it is necessary to expand capacity of oil pipelines through Kazakhstan Capacity of pipeline through Kazakhstan needs to be expanded from current 10 million tons to at least 18 million tons. Supplies could then be increased up to 3 million tons to Uzbekistan, and 2 million tons to Kyrgyzstan.
Uzbekistan raised gasoline prices by about 40% and diesel by about 70% amid chronic shortages of fuel in the country. The hike brings prices closer to those in neighbouring countries after Uzbekistan devalued its currency by almost 50% in September.
China will build an aluminium factory worth $1.6 billion in Tajikistan. This will further increase China’s influence as it already owns more than half of Tajikistan’s external debt.
As against exports of an average 44,000 metric tons of high-octane kerosene a month by Russia to Kazakhstan in 2016, quantity this year dropped to around 15,000 metric tons. This has resulted in long queues at gas stations and unhappiness amongst common people. Even more acute is the situation with aviation fuel.
In a policy reversal, Uzbekistan announced construction of a major 400 MW hydroelectric power project on river Pskem to produce 900 million kwh of electricity per year, making this the second largest plant in the country. Export-Import Bank of China will reportedly extend a $240 million loan toward the $800 million cost of the project.
Volume of oil production in Kazakhstan in January-October 2017 amounted to 60.172 million tons, which is 12% more than for same period in 2016. Kazakhstan’s Kashagan field is expected to produce 250,000 barrels of oil per day by the end of this year.
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India-Central Asia Relations
India-Central Asia Relations
Indian Army Chief Gen Bipin Rawat held talks in New Delhi with Kyrgyz armed forces chief on ways to expand bilateral security and defence cooperation.
Kyrgyzstan was focus country in annual India International Trade Fair organized in Delhi from 14th-27th November, 2017. 7,000 exhibitors participated in the Exhibition.
The 14-day long joint training exercise between defence forces of India and Kazakhstan titled “Prabal Dostyk – Robust Friendship – 2017” was held in Himachal Pradesh. A mock drill to repel terrorist attack on “United Nations office” marked the culmination of the exercise. This was second edition of “PRABAL DOSTYK” series, the first having been conducted in Kazakhstan in 2016. Exercises included basic mutual orientation between contingents of two armies, joint training in counter-insurgency/counter-terrorist operations under UN mandate and culminated with a validation exercise. Overall aim of the exercise was to understand each other’s operational methodology and develop interoperability to enable joint operations.
India held talks with EAEU on starting negotiations for establishing a Free Trade Area. Current Indian trade with EAEU is $8.4 billion which is well below potential. EAEU has so far concluded only one FTA with Vietnam. During his first visit to Russia as Commerce Minister, Suresh Prabhu attended first ministerial conference on trade organised by Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) after India became full member in June 2017.
Kazakhstan will simplify visa regime for Russia, China, India, EU and the Persian Gulf countries in the coming years.
Kazakhstan’s flag carrier Air Astana will add Mumbai as its second destination in India by 2019. Air Astana currently operates 10 flights between Kazakhstan and India every week – a daily service between Almaty and New Delhi and thrice weekly between Astana and New Delhi. Its first priority is to institute daily flights between Astana and Delhi. Total number of passengers carried between Kazakhstan and India during 2017 reached 43,459, representing an increase of 43% compared with 2016.
India approved protocol amending Agreement with Kyrgyzstan for avoidance of double taxation and prevention of fiscal evasion with respect to taxes on income. New clauses are being added to existing DTAA with Kyrgyzstan regarding exchange of information.
Uzbekistan is keen on Indian companies taking advantage of country’s attractive investment climate and is willing to offer far-reaching incentives to Indian pharmaceutical companies in particular. At first stage it is suggested that Indian companies open packaging facilities for some value addition. Demanded level of localization is 36% which could be achieved in next 3-4 years.
Germany Assists UN Migration Agency in Iraq
Germany Assists UN Migration Agency’s Humanitarian Operations in Iraq as Winter Advances
Iraq – As the winter temperatures continue to drop in Iraq and nearly 2.9 million people are still living in displacement across the country, the Government of Germany has extended its partnership with IOM Iraq by injecting another 7 million euros to address the urgent humanitarian needs of those who remain internally displaced.
With these additional 7 million euros, the total contribution of Germany to IOM Iraq’s emergency operations reaches 18 million euros from 2015 through 2019. Since 2015, Germany’s support has enabled IOM to respond to critical humanitarian needs of internally displaced persons (IDPs), especially in areas such as Mosul, Fallujah, and Ramadi, which had recently been retaken from ISIL.
The funding also supports the rehabilitation of residential areas ravaged by conflict and help returnees upon their arrival to settle in their areas of origin. Many of these beneficiaries still face urgent needs for shelter and health care, including mental health and psychosocial support.
“The German Government is very happy to support returnees in areas of return and strengthen government authorities in their efforts to restore essential services in the most affected areas of return,” said the German Ambassador in Iraq, Cyrill Nunn. “Our scaled-up support includes restoring the electricity grid and water supply in retaken areas, as these services have been heavily damaged and are prioritized for immediate rehabilitation by host communities and returnees,” the German Ambassador added.
The German funding will enable IOM Iraq to include 1,200 vulnerable displaced families in its essential winter assistance programme, supporting them with emergency kits to cope with winter conditions. Each emergency kit includes a carpet, plastic mat, thick blankets, rechargeable light, and a hygiene kit.
“With the winter setting in, we really need this heater, blankets and winter clothes,” said Abu Mashari, a displaced man from Hatra district, around 170 kilometres south of Mosul, pointing to the winter kit he received from IOM.
“We left all our belongings behind in the middle of the night, as we were in hurry to leave our home. We didn’t bring anything other than what we were wearing in the beginning of summer,” he added. “We don’t have enough money to buy clothes and other items to warm ourselves and our tent during the cold nights.”
The additional financial support also allows the population of the two emergency sites constructed by IOM, in Haj Ali and Qayara, southeast of Mosul which, combined, currently shelter more than 73,000 IDPs, to access medical services and receive quick support and referral in case of medical emergencies.
IOM has mental health and psychosocial centres in selected IDP camps to reach out to the IDP community through mental health and psychosocial assistance, raising awareness on mental health issues and specialized care when needed.
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