Tuesday, July 31, 2012

ITALIAN Watch brand of repute, GAGA MILANO unveils their new novelty, Napoleone Lady





New Delhi, July 31, 2012: An epitome of creativity, color and elegance, the GaGà brand was incepted at Milan, back in the year 2004.
The brands proffers collections of voluptuously round high-end male and feminine watches with multicolored details inspired by a refined Lifestyle and exudes a touch of irony.
In precise, a fun mix of past and future that’s irresistible to young people, as well as for those people who love to hold the best memories in surpassing of time!
All through a stretch of success, GaGà Milano showcased themselves at Baselworld 2012, the World Watch and Jewellery Show, to preview their latest collections some days back.
The Italian brand recently unveils an Uber-feminine collection titled as ,the NAPOLEONE LADY line which has a fun and absolutely unique take about the legitimacy of luxury and irony of the brand.
Its distinctive rectangular case sets it apart from the other collections, embellished with a row of diamonds set on the body and lugs of the steel case.
Mother-of-pearl dials with contrasting super-sized numbers. The elegant croc - leather strap comes with matching tones with the numbers on the dial.

Talking about the revolution? Adding a strap to an 18th century old pocket watch the brand actually proved that nothing goes obsolete, so that the same can be converted into a quirky wristwatch.
Quartz movement, Innovation and tradition, elegance and irony, and attention to detail in pure made in Italian style are the key attributes in the GaGà Milano philosophy that have enabled the brand to take the market by storm with exclusive, certified products.
In fact, the brand, GaGà Milano makes a statement with their creativity and Italian elegance!


Dr.C.P.Joshi Calls for Shifting Road Safety Activities to Developing and Implementing Sustainable Programmes
State Transport Ministers Meeting on Road Safety Held
The Union Road Transport & Highways Minister Dr. C.P. Joshi has said that the ad hoc Road Safety activities should be shifted to developing and implementing sustainable programmes. Chairing a “Meeting of State Road Transport Ministers of all States/Union Territories on Road Safety” here today, he said that it requires certain conditions to be met such as having a critical mass of competent personnel, prioritising road safety at the political level and as a development issue, securing sustainable funding mechanism and establishing institutional structures responsible for planning, implementing, monitoring and evaluating road safety programme.

He expressed his deep concern on the growing number of deaths due to road accidents in our country and said that the loss of the main bread earner and head of household due to death or disability can be catastrophic, leading to lower living standards and poverty, in addition to the human cost of bereavement. In India more than half of road accident victims are in the age group 20 to 65 years, the key wage earning and child raising age group.

The Minister said that the causes and the simple preventive cures of accidents are well known and the stricter enforcement of vehicle standards and speed limits and separate lanes for different categories of road users are needed for tackling the road traffic crisis in our country. The Union as well as State Governments have a primary role to play in creating safe road traffic conditions through safe infrastructure, legislation, enforcement and education. He emphasised on strict action on the use of goods/commercial vehicles for the purpose of public transport.

He said that the message of Road Safety should be spread to the people to make them aware of the Road Safety practices and in bringing about a change in their attitude and behaviour. He said that the today’s meeting arrived at far reaching conclusions to form the basis for the future work plan as for as road safety is concerned and assured that such meetings will be held more frequently

He stressed on the need for integration of Information Technology in Road Safety measures. He informed the participants that the Motor Vehicles Act has been passed in the Rajya Sabha and is under consideration in Lok Sabha. The number of road accidents are decreasing but number of people dying in road accidents are increasing.

The representatives of the States of Arunachal Pradesh, Chhatisgarh, Kerala, Maharashtra and BSA Corporations Ltd. made their presentations on Road Safety measures and relative issues. The Transport Ministers and Secretaries of various States and Union Territories participated in the meeting. The meeting discussed various issues viz. Spurt in road accident deaths cause of concern; Institutional mechanism at State level to address road safety issues; Status and functioning of State level council and state road safety fund; Status and functioning of district level committee; States’ annual action plan on road safety; Funding of road safety plan; and Central assistance on road safety. 



Change power generation configuration to stabilise the grid
Chandra Bhushan
Two consecutive days of grid collapse has left almost half of India’s population without power. Three major grids – northern, north-eastern and eastern – have crashed. Reportedly, over 20 states have been affected. Trains have stalled, markets have closed down, and institutions and offices have been forced to announce holidays. In short, this is nothing short of a national calamity.
What are the reasons behind this massive grid failure?
The simplest is that states have withdrawn more power than they are entitled to, thereby tripping the grid. As the peak load deficit is about 15,000 MW, without grid discipline, such failures are bound to happen. Most states do not have any system in place that can stop them from withdrawing more power from the grid than what is allocated.
But there is another fundamental reason that we are not addressing. More than 80 per cent of the power generated in the country comes from thermal power plants – coal, lignite and gas-based. Another 3 per cent is from nuclear power plants, hydropower plants produce about 12-13 per cent (including imports from Bhutan), and the remaining 2-3 per cent is from renewable sources – mostly wind and solar.
We therefore rely largely on base load power plants – thermal, nuclear and even some hydropower plants operate at base loads -- to meet our electricity needs. We have very little flexibility on peak load power plants. So when the peak demand surges, we have no source to supply electricity to the grid.
With a drought looming large and no sign of monsoons, millions of air conditioners keep humming in our cities while farmers have begun using more power to pump out groundwater for irrigation. The result: higher demand and low supply even during non-peak periods.
Electricity generation for the month of June illustrates this problem:
§ In June 2012, India produced 8 per cent more electricity than in June 2011.
§ The generation from thermal power plants was 11.4 per cent higher than in June 2011. Coal-based power plants generated 16.7 per cent more electricity.
§ However, with low monsoon, the generation of electricity from hydropower plants reduced by 6 per cent compared to June 2011. In fact, hydropower plants produced 19 per cent lesser electricity in April-June, 2012 than the corresponding months in 2011. As hydro plants are also peak load plants, this reduction seems to have affected the peak power generation in the country significantly.
Apart from grid discipline and setting up systems that ensure that states do not overdraw power, we will have to change our electricity generation configuration for the stability of the grid. In this context, large-scale installation of renewable energy plants like wind and solar plants will play a major role in stabilising the grid, as their power generation profile -- especially that of solar -- matches the peak demand in the country.
Chandra Bhushan is deputy director general of Centre for Science and Environment (CSE), New Delhi. He can be reached at chandra@cseindia.org.


Inchcape Shipping Services wins major UN contract in Somalia
Inchcape Shipping Services, a leading independent maritime and supply chain solution provider, has been awarded a major three year contract with the United Nations to supply food and bottled water to thousands of AMISOM troops in Somalia.
The UN chose ISS as the preferred provider to deliver its food rations to the 12,000 troops currently deployed by AMISOM (The African Union Mission in Somalia). AMISOM conducts peace support operations to stabilise the country and is a regional peacekeeping mission approved by the United Nations.
On signing the contract at the UN Building in New York, Jesper Steenbuch, Executive Vice President for ISS Supply Chain Solutions, said: “This award signifies ISS’ continued expansion into supply chain management and is a major milestone directly in line with our overall business strategy. It enables ISS to demonstrate our ability to provide value-added solutions to an even greater pool of clients.”
Added Neil Cheadle, Senior Vice President ISS Government Services: “This contract award showcases our capabilities to other Governments and NGOs in need of a company capable of managing complex supply chain projects in the toughest of environments. Our services include supply chain management, warehouse management, procurement, camp facilities management and inland distribution.”
The contract will be operated by a dedicated ISS project team with the first delivery of food rations scheduled in October.

Navigator Resources Limited


QUARTERLY ACTIVITIES REPORT: JUNE 2012
KEY POINTS
Bronzewing Operations
u Quarterly gold production of 14,780oz
u Gold production for 2011/12 year of 55,128oz
u Mine planning review nearly completed
Bronzewing Exploration
u Intersection of 34m @ 3.98 g/t Au using a top cut of 10g/t Au in Cockburn Pit
u Bower-Harrier heritage survey was completed in April with clearance being given for the planned drilling program
u That drilling program will be delayed until funds are available
Leonora
u Discussions continuing with interested parties
u Auger and soil sampling programs are in progress on a number of tenements at Leonora
Corporate
u Gold sales revenue of $24.9 million for the quarter, with an average selling price of $1,564 per ounce
u Execution of $10 million finance facility with Au Mining Limited which was subsequently increased to $16 million
u Commencement of a 7.2 for 1 pro-rata renounceable rights issue to raise $16 million at an issue price of 0.1 cents
u Andy Tudor appointed as Managing Director 

Extension of the KraussMaffei Group's plant in Slovakia proceeding faster than planned
- Production in the second assembly hall due to start at the end of 2012
- Extension of the production plant in China going to plan


(Munich, July 31, 2012) The extension of the production plant of the KraussMaffei Group in Slovakia is proceeding faster than planned. Production in the second assembly hall can therefore start at the end of 2012. The extension of the production plant in China is going according to plan. The KraussMaffei Group is doubling its production capacities at both plants.
Substantial increase in the range of products at the Slovakian plant
The extension of the production plant of the KraussMaffei Group in Sucany (Slovakia) is progressing very well. "Production in the second assembly hall can probably start at the end of 2012 instead of originally planned in the first quarter of 2013", said Vladimir Boda, Plant Manager. The production plant in Sucany, which only came on stream in fall 2010, will also manufacture in future robots, injection molding machines in the EX series, reaction processing and part trimming machines and systems under the KraussMaffei brand and switching cabinets for injection molding machines under the Netstal brand on a production area of around 13,000 m2 (currently: 6,600 m2). At present, KraussMaffei injection molding machines in the AX series, as well as switching cabinets and molds are manufactured at this location. "By extending our production capacities, we want to cater even more in future for the increasing demand for KraussMaffei electric machines“, said Dr. Hans Ulrich Golz, President of the Injection Molding Machinery Segment.
Start-up of production of injection molding machines in China
The extension of the production capacities at the production plant of the KraussMaffei Group in Haiyan (China) is going according to plan. The existing production area of 12,000 m2 will be increased to around 22,000 m2 by spring 2013. In addition to extending the existing production capacities for reaction process and extrusion machines and systems, the plant in Haiyan will also manufacture injection molding machines for PET applications under the Netstal and KraussMaffei brands. KraussMaffei had already shown a machine, i.e. the MX 850-6100, from the successful large machine series produced in China during its Open House in April 2012. In future, machines in the clamping force range from 8500 to 40000 kN will also be produced at the plant in Haiyan for the Chinese and Asian market. 

Ombudsman: ECB letter did not suggest changes to Spanish Constitution

The European Ombudsman, P. Nikiforos Diamandouros, helped the European Central Bank (ECB) to settle a public access case involving a letter the ECB sent to the Spanish government in August 2011. A Spanish lawyer asked for access to the letter because he wanted to know whether the ECB had suggested an amendment of the Spanish Constitution. When the ECB refused, he complained to the Ombudsman. After inspecting the letter, the Ombudsman agreed that the ECB should not have to disclose it to the public. However, with the consent of the ECB, he confirmed to the complainant that the letter did not suggest any amendments to the Spanish Constitution.
Refusal to give a Spanish lawyer access to an ECB letter to the Spanish government was justified
In September 2011, the Spanish Constitution was amended with the aim of limiting public debt. Shortly before this amendment, in August 2011, the President of the ECB sent a confidential letter to the Spanish Prime Minister, expressing the bank's concerns about the extremely difficult situation of the Spanish economy and the need for swift action.
In September 2011, a Spanish lawyer asked for public access to this letter. He was particularly interested in whether the ECB requested an amendment to the Spanish Constitution. The ECB refused access, arguing that such disclosure would jeopardise the public interest as regards the economic and monetary policy of the EU or a Member State.
During the Ombudsman's investigation, the ECB submitted a detailed description of the content of the letter and its purpose, as well as the reasons for its refusal to disclose it. The Ombudsman also inspected the relevant ECB files and concluded that disclosure of the letter would indeed risk harming the public interests at stake. However, with the consent of the ECB President, he confirmed to the complainant that the letter did not suggest any amendments to the Spanish Constitution. The lawyer was satisfied with this outcome.
In a further remark, the Ombudsman called on the ECB to continue to view transparency not only as a legal obligation, but also as an opportunity to enhance its legitimacy in the eyes of the European citizens.

The European Ombudsman investigates complaints about maladministration in the EU institutions and bodies. Any EU citizen, resident, or an enterprise or association in a Member State, can lodge a complaint with the Ombudsman. The Ombudsman offers a fast, flexible, and free means of solving problems with the EU administration. 

Xstrata Copper commences open pit mining at Mount Margaret Mining project


Production Report for the six months ended 30 June 2012
Highlights:
¡ Newly commissioned expansions and improved productivity delivered stronger second quarter production in coal, copper, nickel, zinc and lead compared to the first quarter
¡ Total mined copper production, up by 7% quarter-on-quarter, included volumes from the Antamina expansion which successfully commissioned in March. We continue our transition to new mines and expansions that herald the start of increased copper production from the second half of 2012
¡ Thermal coal volumes increased across all our regions, Australia, South Africa and Colombia, benefiting from new mines and improved productivity at existing operations compared to the same period in 2011
¡ Mined nickel and ferro-nickel production rose by 5% compared to first half of 2011, following improved volumes and higher grades at our Canadian operations and a full six-month contribution from the Falcondo ferronickel operation
¡ A total of ten major approved growth projects will reach commissioning in 2012: Antamina (already commissioned), Antapaccay, Lomas Bayas, Mount Margaret (copper), Ravensworth North and Ulan open cut (coal), Koniambo (nickel), Tswelopele (ferrochrome pelletising plant) and Lady Loretta and George Fisher (zinc). The commissioning of tier one growth projects will reduce overall operating costs and improve the quality and robustness of our portfolio throughout the commodity cycle.

TODAY BEING THE JOYOUS FEAST OF ST. IGNATIUS OF LOYOLA,
WE EXPRESS OUR GRATITUDE TO THE JESUIT FATHERS,
WHO TAUGHT US THE VALUES OF LIFE.
WISH YOU THE JOYS OF THE FEAST.
MAY ST. IGNATIUS CONTINUE TO INSPIRE AND FIRE US ALL IN EVERY WAY.
WITH REGARDS,
SUVOBRATA GANGULY

Dr.C.P.Joshi Calls for Shifting Road Safety Activities to Developing and Implementing Sustainable Programmes
State Transport Ministers Meeting on Road Safety Held
The Union Road Transport & Highways Minister Dr. C.P. Joshi has said that the ad hoc Road Safety activities should be shifted to developing and implementing sustainable programmes. Chairing a “Meeting of State Road Transport Ministers of all States/Union Territories on Road Safety” here today, he said that it requires certain conditions to be met such as having a critical mass of competent personnel, prioritising road safety at the political level and as a development issue, securing sustainable funding mechanism and establishing institutional structures responsible for planning, implementing, monitoring and evaluating road safety programme.

He expressed his deep concern on the growing number of deaths due to road accidents in our country and said that the loss of the main bread earner and head of household due to death or disability can be catastrophic, leading to lower living standards and poverty, in addition to the human cost of bereavement. In India more than half of road accident victims are in the age group 20 to 65 years, the key wage earning and child raising age group.

The Minister said that the causes and the simple preventive cures of accidents are well known and the stricter enforcement of vehicle standards and speed limits and separate lanes for different categories of road users are needed for tackling the road traffic crisis in our country. The Union as well as State Governments have a primary role to play in creating safe road traffic conditions through safe infrastructure, legislation, enforcement and education. He emphasised on strict action on the use of goods/commercial vehicles for the purpose of public transport.

He said that the message of Road Safety should be spread to the people to make them aware of the Road Safety practices and in bringing about a change in their attitude and behaviour. He said that the today’s meeting arrived at far reaching conclusions to form the basis for the future work plan as for as road safety is concerned and assured that such meetings will be held more frequently

He stressed on the need for integration of Information Technology in Road Safety measures. He informed the participants that the Motor Vehicles Act has been passed in the Rajya Sabha and is under consideration in Lok Sabha. The number of road accidents are decreasing but number of people dying in road accidents are increasing.

The representatives of the States of Arunachal Pradesh, Chhatisgarh, Kerala, Maharashtra and BSA Corporations Ltd. made their presentations on Road Safety measures and relative issues. The Transport Ministers and Secretaries of various States and Union Territories participated in the meeting. The meeting discussed various issues viz. Spurt in road accident deaths cause of concern; Institutional mechanism at State level to address road safety issues; Status and functioning of State level council and state road safety fund; Status and functioning of district level committee; States’ annual action plan on road safety; Funding of road safety plan; and Central assistance on road safety. 

Draft Policy for Exploration and Exploitation of Shale oil and Gas in India-Comments/Views Invited

PRESS NOTE


          India is 4th largest oil and gas consumer in the world after USA. China and Japan. Share of crude Oil and Gas in primary energy consumption is about 40.3%, which is second to coal which is meeting 53% of the total requirements. In recent years, natural gas has increasingly become the preferred option globally, as it offers clean and low price energy equivalence to expensive liquid fuel. Demand of natural gas in India was 179 MMSCMD during the year 2010-11 and it is projected to be 473 MMSCMD in 2016-171. As against this, the total production of natural gas from indigenous sources was 146 MMSCMD during the year 2010-11. Thus, there is an express need for availability of natural gas to be enhanced. This has necessitated the need to explore vigorously for unconventional or alternate hydrocarbon resources like Coal Bed Methane (CBM), Shale Gas / Oil, and Gas Hydrates etc. Unconventional gas resources are also natural gas deposits but in a different and difficult environment from the exploitation point of view. Success of the recent specialized techniques such as horizontal drilling combined with fracturing of the rock has led to path breaking development of Shale Gas as an unconventional or alternate gas resource.
          In line with the policy of the Government of India attracting private investment to move towards self reliance in the indigenous production of oil and gas sector, it is important to have a framework to facilitate and regulate Shale Oil and Gas Exploration and Exploitation.
          Government of India has invited suggestions from the general public, all stake holders, experts in Oil & Gas sector, environmental experts, NGOs, other persons and entities concerned, on the draft policy for exploration and exploitation of Shale Oil and Gas in India. The draft policy has been posted in the website of Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas (MoP&NG) and Directorate General of Hydrocarbons (DGH).The comments and suggestions may be sent to the following address not later than 31.08.2012.

The Joint Secretary (Exploration),
Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas,
Shastri Bhavan,
New Delhi -110001


All-India Consumer Price Index Numbers for Industrial Workers on Base 2001=100 for the Month of June 2012

       All India Consumer Price Index Number for Industrial Workers (CPI-IW) on base 2001=100 for the month of June, 2012 increased by 2 points and stood at 208 (two hundred eight).
         
          During June, 2012, the index recorded maximum increase of 8 points each in Mercara andGodavarikhani centres, 7 points in Puducherry centre, 5 points in Madurai, Howrah, Chennai, Lucknowand Warrangal centres, 4 points in 7 centres, 3 points in 13 centres, 2 points in 11 centres, 1 point in 18centres. The index decreased by 2 points each in Ludhiana and Mysore centres and 1 point in 5 centres, while in the remaining 14 centres the index remained stationary.
         
          The maximum increase of 8 points in Mercara centre is mainly due to increase in the prices ofRice, Poultry (Chicken), Tea (Readymade), Coffee (Readymade), Bidi, Refined Liquor, Firewood, Cinema Charges, Bus Fare, etc. In Godawarikhani centre this increase of 8 points is mainly due to increase in the prices of  RiceArhar DalMoong Dal, Groundnut Oil, Vegetable & Fruit items, Firewood, Petrol, Toilet Soap, etc. The increase of 7 points in Puducherry centre is due to increase in the prices of Rice, ArharDal, Poultry (Chicken), Fish Fresh, Fish Dry, Eggs (Hen), Vegetable & Fruit items, Cigarette, Cinema Charges, Petrol, Tailoring Charges, etc. The increase of 5 points in Madurai, Howrah, Chennai, Lucknowand Warrangal centres is due to increase in the prices of Rice, Arhar Dal, Poultry (Chicken), Fish Fresh, Eggs (Hen), Vegetable & Fruit items, Petrol, Tailoring Charges, etc. The decrease of 2 points in Ludhianacentres  is mainly due to decrease in the prices of Onion, Vegetable & Fruit items, Firewood, etc. and the decrease of 2 points in Mysore is due to decrease in the prices of Rice, Vegetable & Fruit items, etc.
          The indices in respect of the six major centres are as follows :
1. Ahmedabad
205

4. Delhi
188
2. Bengluru
211

5. Kolkata
200
3. Chennai
197

6. Mumbai
212

          The point to point rate of inflation based on CPI-IW(General) for the month of June, 2012 is 10.05% as compared to 10.16% in May, 2012. Inflation based on Food Index declined to 10.45% in June, 2012 from 10.61% in May, 2012.
         
          The CPI-IW for July, 2012 will be released on the last working day of the next month, i.e. 31st August, 2012.

Indian National Commission for Cooperation with UNESCO meets: Appreciates Establishment of Mahatma Gandhi Institute of Education for Peace and Sustainable Development
Union Minister of Human Resource Development Shri Kapil Sibal chaired the meeting of the Indian National Commission for cooperation with UNESCO, here today. The Commission deliberated on India’s future strategy for strengthening the networking and leadership role in UNESCO priority areas. The members also expressed their great appreciation for the establishment of the Mahatma Gandhi Institute of Education for Peace and Sustainable Development (MGIEP) in India that will promote independent and collaborative research within and between the areas of peace, human rights, moral sciences, ethics, ecology, environment and other professional fields with the objective of facilitating global efforts towards building a new world order based on the principles of social justice, equity, good governance and sustainability. Shri Sibal underlined that the Institute will showcase the Indian philosophy of both peace and sustainable development that are deeply engrained into India’s traditions, culture and thoughts.

Dr. Karan Singh, the designated member of India on the Executive Committee of UNESCO stressed on protecting and maintaining the cultural diversity including intangible heritage. He also highlighted the celebrations for Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore’s 150th Anniversary and also highlighted the commemorative programmes planned with UNESCO for 150th Anniversary of Swami Vivekanand and 100th Anniversary of Amrita Shergil. He also stressed on value based education and the role of universities in UNESCO programmes and collaborating with the developing countries.

The discussions in the Commission also focused on India’s achievements and future strategy for education for all, technical and vocational education and training, India’s alliance in Literacy with UNESCO, use of ICT in education, open education resources, linguistic diversity, preservation of tangible, intangible heritage, India’s leadership role in Oceanographic and Earth Sciences, freedom of press, empowering community through communication, development of tribal, classical and contemporary art as well as preservation and sharing of historical archival documents.

The Indian National Commission for UNESCO comprises of five different Sub-Commissions, namely, Education, Culture, Communications, Social Sciences and Natural Sciences in tune with the UNESCO priority areas. The Commission has eminent persons from these fields as members. India has been actively engaged with UNESCO by assisting the UNESCO programmes and activities through annual contribution of about Rs.10 crore towards its regular budget. Extra-budgetary support and capacity building programmes are also taken up by India like contribution of US $ 1 lakh to World Heritage Committee for specific projects; special contribution of US $ 5 lakh to international programme for development of communication etc. International Oceanographic Commission of UNESCO has assigned India the role of development of international training school for operational Oceanography on which India will be spending Rs.150 crore. 

CBDT Relaxes Compulsory E-Filing of Return of Income for Assessment Year 2012-13 - for Representative Assessees of Non-Residents and in the Case of Private Discretionary Trusts
Rule 12 of the Income-tax Rules, 1962 mandates that an individual or Hindu undivided family, if his or its total income or the total income in respect of which he is or it is assessable under the Act, during the previous year, exceeds ten lakh rupees, shall furnish the return electronically for the assessment year 2012-13 and subsequent assessment years.

It has been brought to the notice of the Board that the agents of non-residents, within the meaning of section 160(1) (i) of the Income –tax Act, are facing difficulties in electronically furnishing the returns of non-residents. This is because there may be more than one agent of the non-resident in India for different transactions or a person in India may be an agent of more than one non-resident. Such situations are not covered by the existing e-filing software which functions on the principle of one assessee-one PAN-one return.

It has also been brought to the notice of the Board that ‘private discretionary trusts’ having total income exceeding ten lakh rupees are facing problems in filing their return of income electronically in cases where they are filing their return in the status of an individual. This is because status of a private discretionary trust has been held in law as that of an ‘individual’. The existing e-filing software does not accept the return of a private discretionary trust in the status of an ‘individual’.

Accordingly it has been decided by the Board that:

(i) it will not be mandatory for agents of non-residents, within the meaning of section 160(1) (i) of the Income –tax Act, if his or its total income exceeds ten lakh rupees, to electronically furnish the return of income of non-residents for assessment year 2012-13;

(ii) it will not be mandatory for ‘private discretionary trusts’, if its total income exceeds ten lakh rupees, to electronically furnish the return of income for assessment year 2012-13. 

Due Date of E-Filing of Income Tax Returns for Assessment Year 2012-13 Extended up to 31st August, 2012
On consideration of the reports of disturbance of general life caused due to failure of power and further in consideration of the fact that the e-filing of returns for a specified category of individuals and HUF has been made mandatory, the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT), in exercise of powers conferred under section 119 of the Income Tax Act, 1961, has extended the ‘due date’ of filing of returns of income for the Assessment Year 2012-13 to 31st August 2012. This has been done in respect of assesses who are liable to file such returns by 31st July 2012 as per provisions of section 139 of Income Tax Act, 1961 .

INS ‘Baaz’ – Commissioned by Admiral Nirmal Verma as First Naval Air Station in Nicobar Group of Islands
“INS Baaz Overlooks Strait of Malacca While Also Dominating the Six Degree Channel”: Admiral Nirmal Verma
Campbell Bay, Andaman and Nicobar Islands
The Naval Air Station at Campbell Bay on Great Nicobar Island, was today commissioned as Indian Naval Ship ‘Baaz’ by Admiral Nirmal Verma, Chairman Chiefs of Staff Committee and the Chief of the Naval Staff. INS Baaz is situated at a distance of about 300 nm from Port Blair and is the southernmost air station of the Indian armed forces.

Speaking on the occasion Admiral Nirmal Verma said that “the archipelago, separated as it is by more than 650 nm from our mainland, offers a vital geo-strategic advantage to India. Not only do they provide the Nation with a commanding presence in the Bay of Bengal, the Islands also serve as our window into East and South East Asia”. He added that “They also sit astride some of the busiest shipping lanes of the Indian Ocean, most carrying strategic cargo for East Asian economies”.

Bringing out that the Navy has been progressively increasing the number of warships based in the Andaman and Nicobar Command, Admiral Nirmal Verma said Port Blair will be home to amphibious platforms, Naval Offshore Patrol Vessels and Fast Attack Craft as the Navy’s robust acquisition plans progress”. Emphasizing upon the strategic location of INS Baaz Admiral Verma reminded those gathered that INS Baaz, overlooks the Strait of Malacca, while also dominating the 6 degree channel”.

INS Baaz is currently equipped to operate light to heavy aircraft capable of short field operations from the runway of about 3500 feet. The runway will be progressively lengthened to enable unrestricted operation of all category of aircraft including heavy aircraft. The base will also be bolstered with modern airfield instruments and navigation aids.

Congratulating the Commanding Officer, Commander SK Singh Deo, Admiral Verma acknowledged the contribution of the men in resolutely manning the remote island territories. Admiral Verma said “the work undertaken by each one of you, allows optimum exploitation of this strategic air station”. Talking about its Admiral Verma said “One of the primary functions of INS Baaz will be to provide information, based on ‘airborne’ maritime surveillance”. Admiral Verma added that airborne surveillance using aircraft and UAVs remains invaluable to building Maritime Domain Awareness.

The commissioning ceremony was attended by Lt Gen Naresh Marwah, (CINCAN) Commander-in-Chief Andaman and Nicobar Command and Vice Admiral Shekhar Sinha, (CISC) Chief of Integrated Defense Staff to Chairman Chief of Staff Committee.

It may be recalled that the Government of India had recently sanctioned numerous steps to fortify infrastructure in the strategically located Andaman and Nicobar chain of Islands with forward operating bases in Kamorta (Nicobar Islands) and Diglipur (Andaman) as well.

Pivoted around the Andaman and Nicobar Command, headquartered at Port Blair, co-operative maritime engagement with South East Asian and East Asian countries is also being constantly enhanced through initiatives like the MILAN series of exercises, co-operative patrols with countries like Indonesia and Thailand and other Navy-to-Navy linkages with ASEAN countries as distant as Vietnam. 

Election Commission of India Hosts AAEA Executive meet for Greater Electoral Cooperation Among Asian Countries
Election Commission of India, which is currently the Vice Chair of the Association of Asian Election Authorities (AAEA), hosted the Association’s Executive Board Meeting in New Delhi on 30th and 31st July, 2012. The five-member Executive Board of the 17-member AAEA meets annually to discuss important issues of collaboration in election management.

Shri V.S. Sampath, Chief Election Commissioner of India, Shri H.S. Brahma, Election Commissioner and other senior officials of ECI attended the meeting besides Chairperson of the National Electoral Commission of the Republic of Korea and Chairperson, AAEA, Justice Nung-Hwan Kim who presided over the meeting. The other three Executive Board member-countries were represented by the Chief Election Commissioners of the Kazakhstan and Republic of China (Taiwan) and Commissioner of Elections from the Philippines. Besides this, Executive Secretary and officials of AAEA, and senior officials of each Executive Board member also participated.

The AAEA Board discussed the ways to strengthen the exchange of information and experience amongst member countries. The Election Bodies decided to work towards establishment of an Association of World Election Bodies, as already proposed by AAEA. The Executive Board also noted and welcomed the establishment of the Forum of Heads of Election Management Bodies of SAARC Countries with India as its first Chair. Matters relating to Financing and location of the Secretariat were also discussed. It was decided that the 2013 Executive Board meeting will be hosted by the Philippines.

India is a founding member of AAEA which was established in 1998 and currently has 17 member-countries. The organisation was conceived to promote and institutionalise open and transparent elections, independent and impartial election authorities, professionalization of Asian election authorities, citizen participation in the electoral and civic process, information sharing, and the development of resources for election-related information and research. 

PM’s address at DRDO Award Function
The Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh gave away DRDO Awards in New Delhi today. Following is the text of the Prime Minister’s address on the occasion:

“It gives me immense pleasure to be amidst the scientific fraternity of the Defence Research and Development Organization once again to honour distinguished scientists and technologists who have made outstanding contributions to defence research and development. I extend to the awardees my heartiest congratulations. The nation is grateful to you for your dedication and committed service to our national causes.

Ever since its establishment in 1958, DRDO has made significant contributions in putting India on the path of achieving self-reliance in critical defence technologies. DRDO scientists have worked tirelessly in developing military technologies and infrastructure in a wide range of areas and activities.

The recent successful test firing of the Agni-5 missile is a particularly significant milestone. It shows the depth of our technical talent and our capacity to manage large and complex projects when we put our heart and mind to them. I congratulate Dr Saraswat and his dedicated team for this spectacular achievement.

The initial operational clearance of the Light Combat Aircraft Tejas and the first flight of a fully modified Aircraft for the Indian Airborne Early Warning and Control System are also noteworthy and praiseworthy achievements.

Nevertheless, I am sure you would all agree that we cannot afford to rest on our laurels.

As we look around us, a net deterioration in the international strategic and security environment becomes so obvious. Political uncertainties in our immediate and extended neighbourhood, civil strife and turmoil in the Middle East, terrorism and threats to cyber security present complex challenges that require both conventional as well as technological responses.

The Government is fully committed to modernizing India’s Armed Forces and providing them with the wherewithal they need to secure our frontiers. The question is how we can procure the requisite cutting edge technologies and platforms, even while promoting indigenously developed technologies that meet the required time and quality assurances standards.

The reality is that the share of indigenous content in defence procurement continues to be low. We need to take a hard look at the pipeline of our projects and focus our time and material resources on selected areas where we have demonstrated capacity to deliver projects within reasonable time and cost.

In the longer term, we have to build our domestic defence industry, in the public as well as in the private sectors, to a level where it can compete with global players not only in terms of developing state of the art technologies but also on commercial parameters and customer satisfaction.

Some of our companies already have the capacity to develop large sub systems. The challenge now is to create greater incentives for domestic industry to develop capabilities for system integration, which at present only a few companies have. We need to give the industry a boost and quicken the pace of development. The role of DRDO in this regard is truly critical, given that there are 800 enterprises supporting its projects and programmes.

The Government is currently examining the Naresh Chandra Committee Report, which has also made a number of important recommendations with regard to defence procurement. It calls for a long term policy for increasing indigenization of defence production and high tech industries in consultation and collaboration with the private sector. A committee led by Shri Ravindra Gupta is looking into this specific aspect and I look forward to receiving its findings soon.

I was very happy to learn that DRDO in collaboration with FICCI has developed a bio-toilet that promises to solve the problem of open defecation in rural India. If this green, cost effective “flush and forget” technology is successfully implanted, it will give a big boost to our Total Sanitation Campaign. Application of technology to social benefit programmes should be expanded further.

I would like to see a flagship national project on a major system in which DRDO can use its R&D expertise and synergize it with the production and project management skills available in our private industry. Such collaboration will bring greater efficiency to the work of DRDO and also allow it to focus on its core mandate of research & development.

The Rama Rao Review Committee Report on Redefining DRDO has made a number of useful recommendations. One of the recommendations was to rejuvenate the culture of research in the organization and set apart a certain percentage of the budget for R&D activities.

The Report also highlighted another issue that could slow down our ambitious plans for development of our high technology sector, namely, the growing difficulty in attracting and retaining high quality scientific manpower. There are no easy solutions to this problem. What is clear is that we have to change our current bureaucratic system of administering scientific and technical departments, particularly if we have to inspire young scientists to participate enthusiastically in the task of building India into a scientific and technological powerhouse. Organizationally too, DRDO should aim at becoming leaner and making the best use of its human, financial and technological resources.

Let me end by saying that I am very confident DRDO will continue to serve the nation with excellence in year that lies ahead. The presence of so many distinguished scientists here today is proof of that assertion. All of you have my best wishes and those of the nation for your future endeavours. 

CHIEF OF ARMY STAFF VISITS JAIPUR MILITARY STATION


Gen Bikram Singh, Chief of Army Staff (COAS) accompanied by Mrs Bubbles Singh, President Central FWO(Family Welfare Organisation) arrived at Jaipur on a two day visit to Sapta Shakti Command.
During his first visit to Sapta Shakti Command, the COAS interacted with all officers of Jaipur Military Station. In his address, the COAS reiterated the external and internal challenges facing the Army and the collective efforts required in overcoming the same through a sense of commitment and professionalism. He emphasised on maintaining a high threshold of operational readiness to enable fulfillment of our constitutional obligations and assigned roles. He desired that force modernisation conforming to stipulated timelines should be given due impetus in a joint service environment. The COAS also later interacted with a large congregation of veterans and apprised them of the holistic initiatives being taken by the Indian Army towards the welfare of Veterans, ’Veer Naris’ and widows.
The Army Commander SW Command briefed the COAS on the operational preparedness and training activities of the Command. The Army Commander also dwelt upon institutionalized measures undertaken to upgrade the quality of life of all ranks as also various welfare measure for the Veterans and Veer Naris. The COAS applauded the sustained progress, made by all ranks in multi faceted activities towards upgradation of operational and administrative excellence.
The COAS accompanied by the Army Commander, SW Command also interacted with HE Smt Margaret Alva, Governor of Rajasthan at the Raj Bhawan.
Mrs Bubbles Singh, President Central FWO complimented the families of the Sapta Shakti Command on the implementation of several innovative welfare schemes. She also impressed upon all families to lead happy and progressive lives in an enriching and a conducive environment.

Actor Anupam Kher on Cloud 9 with his Book –‘The Best Thing About You Is You’
Mr Anupam Kher is ecstatic with the soaring success of his book –The best thing about you is you’ which was launched early this year.
The book was launched in January 2012 and in less than seven months it has gone into its 9th re print.
Mr Ashok Chopra, C.E.O & Managing Director of Hay House Publishers India wrote a personal congratulatory message to Mr Anupam Kher stating the commendable response the book has received in India and over seas.
About the book:
THE BEST THING ABOUT YOU IS YOU!! Contains Kher’s views on a wide variety of topics such as the anger syndrome,the phenomenon of change, thought control, dealing with relationships, being detached, conquering stress, getting rid of fears, coming to terms with failure, realizing the power within oneself, the importance of forgiveness, coping with loss and death… and much more.
Using examples from his own life and experiences, Kher subtly motivates and inspires by providing a handy guide to discovering your real self and finding peace of mind and contentment in today’s chaotic times! He feels that the best way to counter the negativity that exists in the world these days, where people are gripped by fear, insecurity, stress, frustration and unhappiness is by acquiring a positive outlook. Citing his own example, he reveals how a humble background need not be an obstacle to attaining the dizzying heights of success, but simultaneously, speaks of the importance of handling such success.
Here’s a book you will find yourself turning to for soothing, insightful guidance and practical advice no matter what situationyou’re in. You WILL come to realize that the best thing about you is YOU!

Endocoal Limited [ASX:EOC] - UPDATING JORC RESOURCE – ROCKWOOD, July 2012

1. Highlights

- Rockwood JORC Resource increased 33% by 109.8Mt to 447.1Mt
- 47.1Mt of the Rockwood JORC Resource is at ‘Indicated’ status
- Continuity of geological structures and coal seams has been confirmed
- Future drilling to focus on proving-up potential mine development areas
- Preliminary mine investigations to target prospective locations for development of a PCI product coal mine
- Total EOC JORC Resource increased to 498.5Mt – with 90.5Mt now at ‘Measured’ and ‘Indicated’ status


2. Rockwood JORC Resource Update

Endocoal Limited (Endocoal) (ASX: EOC) is pleased to announce a further increase of 109.8Mt in the JORC Resource at the Rockwood (EPC1514) tenement – increasing the total resource to 447.1Mt. This represents a one-third addition to the 337.3Mt resource base previously announced on 1 March 2012. 

Barker Minerals [TSXV:BML] - Barker Minerals Discovers Epithermal Style Mineralization and Alteration in Drilling at its Providence Silver/Gold Prospect in the Black Bear Project Area

Barker Minerals Ltd. (“BML” on TSX/V) (the “Company”) is pleased to report that the 2012 drill program on its Providence prospect on the Black Bear silver/gold project has discovered significant alteration and mineralization which is typical of epithermal style gold deposits. The 100% owned project is located 74 km northeast of Williams Lake, in the Cariboo region of British Columbia, Canada. The project has excellent access and infrastructure nearby. 

Clinton Calls on Global Community to Promote Religious Tolerance

By MacKenzie C. Babb
Staff Writer
Washington - Protecting religious freedom in countries around the world promotes peace, stability and security for the international community and remains a fundamental concern of the United States, Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton said at the rollout of the State Department's 14th annual International Religious Freedom Report.
"Religious freedom is both an essential element of human dignity and of secure, thriving societies," Clinton said July 30 at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace in Washington. "It's been statistically linked with economic development and democratic stability, and it creates a climate in which people from different religions can move beyond distrust and work together to solve their shared problems."
Clinton said President Obama's administration has elevated religious freedom as a diplomatic priority.
"Together with governments, international organizations and civil society, we have worked to shape and implement United Nations Human Rights Council Resolution 1618, which seeks to protect people under attack or discriminated against because of their faith," the secretary said.
She called on countries around the world to join in a global effort to promote religious tolerance and protect religious freedom, saying that governments "have solemn obligations to protect the human rights of all citizens, no matter what religions they believe or don't believe."
Clinton said the State Department's latest report comes as an urgent reminder that religious freedom is shrinking around the world.
"More than a billion people live under governments that systematically suppress religious freedom," she said. "When it comes to this human right ... the world is sliding backwards."
U.S. Ambassador-at-Large for International Religious Freedom Suzan Johnson Cook introduced the report, which reviews the status of religious freedom in 199 countries and territories, earlier in the day at the State Department.
She said the document "details increasing intolerance against a range of religious communities," such as a rise in anti-Semitism in several countries, demonstrated by increased attacks on adults and children as well as the desecration of cemeteries.
Other troubling trends during the year included a number of governments detaining and imprisoning individuals because of their religious beliefs. Some countries used blasphemy and apostasy laws to curb religious freedom, Cook said, and others misused laws to restrict the freedoms of religion, expression and assembly.
Cook said governments limited citizens' right to wear or not to wear religious attire, as some countries passed laws to ban attire covering the face while others forced women to cover themselves entirely.
She said many governments used registration laws to restrict the rights of religious communities, including rigid rules making it impossible for groups to own property or to receive state financial support.
"This type of favoritism by governments can empower societal abuse of religious minorities," the ambassador said.
She said the report shows that while the challenges of religious intolerance are daunting, change is possible.
"It takes all of us - governments, faith communities, civil societies - working together to ensure that all people have the right to believe or not to believe," Cook said. "Each of us has a role to play in promoting religious freedom."
The ambassador celebrated the State Department's launch of the 2012 Hours Against Hate campaign, which aims to promote respect regardless of religion, culture, gender, disability or sexual orientation.
The department's latest religious freedom report said the campaign calls upon young people "to volunteer their time to assist persons from other communities - a Jew for a Muslim charity, a man for a women's shelter, a Muslim for a Jewish clinic, a Christian for a Baha'i food pantry." It added that the campaign generated so much interest and so many hours of volunteer time that it has now been endorsed as one of the London Olympic and Paralympic Games Organizing Committee's tolerance campaigns for the 2012 Summer Olympic Games.
The annual report calls attention to steps taken to improve religious freedom and promote tolerance while also shining a spotlight on violations of religious freedom.
The document is submitted each year to Congress in compliance with the International Religious Freedom Act of 1998. The latest edition catalogs major developments in religious freedom and tolerance around the world from January to December 2011.
(This is a product of the Bureau of International Information Programs, U.S. Department of State.)