President Pratibha Patil will give Pravasi Bhartiya Samman on Monday January 09, 2012 10:03
President Pratibha Patil will grace the closing ceremony of PBD on Monday. According ot the official sources Pratibha Patil will be in Rajasthan on a 2 day visit. The President will be reaching Jaipur in the afternoon and at the evening around 5 she will be participating in the closing ceremony of Pravasi Bhartiya Diwas 2012 in Birla Auditorium. She will also honour 12 NRI’s with Pravasi Bhartiya Samman for their outstanding achievements and contribution. On Tuesday Pratibha Patil will start from Jaipur for Rajsamand where she will be inaugurating the statue of Marana Pratap and will also give green signal to the rally of ex-army men in Diver village. The President will also visit the statue of Maharana Pratap in Udaipur’s Bandoli village and in the evening she will go back to Delhi.
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Indian economy to grow at 9% - 10% in medium term: Manmohan January 09, 2012 13:24
While India’s growth has been impacted by the global slowdown, given the strong economic fundamentals of the Indian economy the effort is to bring the economy back to 9-10% growth in the medium term, said Dr Manmohan Singh, Prime Minister of India in his Inaugural Address at the 10th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) 2012. The event has been jointly organized by Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs (Government of India), Government of Rajasthan and Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) from 7-9 January at Jaipur. He added that efforts to tackle inflation are producing results. Expressing his appreciation for the contributions made by the Indian community living abroad, he highlighted some of the Government initiatives for the diaspora. On their long pending demand for participation in the country’s election process, Dr Singh informed that the Government has issued notifications for registering NRIs under the Representation of People Act, 1950. This is a first major step to enable Indian residents abroad to participate in the election process, he added. He further highlighted the introduction of a Bill to merge People of Indian Origin and Overseas Citizen of India schemes by amending the Citizenship Act. He elaborated that this would rectify the anomalies in the schemes and also provide for Overseas Indian Cards to foreign spouses as well. Sharing the measures taken to ensure the safety and well being of Indian workers abroad, Dr Singh said that the Government has decided to introduce and sponsor a new Pension and Life Insurance Fund which will provide social security benefits and a low-cost life insurance cover against natural death. He elaborated on the expansion of the Labour Mobility Partnership Agreements to cover students, academic and professionals as well. Such agreements are also being negotiated with Netherlands, France, Australia and the EU as well, he added. Dr Singh complimented the Government of Rajasthan on its proposal to build a Pravasi Bhartiya Bhawan at Jaipur, which will also house the offices of Protector of Emigrants and Migrant Resource Center. Prime Minister also launched the website of India Development Foundation of Overseas Indians (IDFOI), a trust under the aegis of MOIA providing a credible window for Overseas Indian Philanthropy for India’s social development. He also released a OIFC– MOIA publication “Returning Indians - All you need to know”.
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Need to increase the share of healthcare in GDP to 2.5% from 1.0% : Ghulam Nabi Azad January 09, 2012 12:41
There is a need to increase the share of healthcare in GDP to 2.5% from present level of 1.0%, said Mr Ghulam Nabi Azad, Minister for Health & Family Welfare, Government of India in his inaugural Address at the Seminar on “Health and Wellness : Partnering with the Diaspora”. The seminar is being held as part of the 10th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) 2012 organized jointly by Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs (Government of India), Government of Rajasthan and Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) at Jaipur. Mr Azad acknowledged the role played by Indian diaspora in the global healthcare industry and requested their meaningful contribution for improving the health indicators in the country. Government is contemplating on allowing diaspora practitioners having Post Graduate degrees from USA, UK, Canada, Australia and New Zealand to practice in India, he added. He also solicited their views, inputs and suggestions to improve the healthcare system in the nation. Highlighting the shortage of skilled manpower in the Indian healthcare system, Mr Azad pointed out paradoxical situation in the country, wherein there is a surplus of about 5 lakh qualified practitioners in Indian system of medicine and shortage of about 7 lakh doctors in allopath stream. To address this situation, the Government has undertaken taken policy reforms to encourage capacity building in medical institutions. These include rationalization of land use for setting medical institutions, placing FDI in healthcare under automatic approval route, and increasing the faculty student ratio in PG Medical Colleges to 1 : 2 from 1 : 1. Mr T K A Nair, Advisor to Prime Minister of India said that focus of Government of India is to provide accessible and quality healthcare systems to vulnerable and weaker sections of the society and to increase the base of qualified medical practitioners. He urged support of Indian diaspora in promoting India as a hub of innovation, qualified medical experts, and R & D to make the country a great soft power. There is need for exchange of medical professionals among countries, he opined. Mr P K Pradhan, Secretary, Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Government of India talked about the diversity in health indicators across the States and also across districts. There is a need to relook at the system of delivery of quality healthcare services with active participation from the local bodies and communities, he said. Dr Hemant G Patel, Past President – AAPI, called for increased public funding in healthcare. Currently more than three quarters of healthcare expenditure is paid privately with high out of pocket expenses. The growth of the Indian economy will be in jeopardy if preventive and remedial measures are not taken to improve the health of its growing population. Risks posed by rapidly spreading Non Communicable Diseases like cancer, diabetes, cardio vascular diseases is indeed great, he elaborated. The Seminar comprised of Sessions on ‘Wellness and Welfare : Inclusive Growth in the Health Sector’ and ‘Investment in Health Sector’.
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Biomass for Energy Security and Empowerment of Rural India January 09, 2012 12:28
Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) 2012 organized jointly by Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs (Government of India), Government of Rajasthan and Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) at Jaipur saw an interesting session on “Enhancing Rural Energy Access”. The Session focused primarily on outlining possible opportunities for NRIs to invest in solutions / initiatives to meet the basic energy requirements of rural India. Biomass was highlighted as the most promising solution. Biomass is expected to constitute almost 70% of household energy source as early as 2030. Its primary advantages include its abundant availability, its renewable nature, has a built in energy storage like fossil fuel and needs no conversion to produce energy. In addition rural communities have a high comfort level with it due to the familiarity with its raw material. The use of gas derived from gasification of biomass as a fuel is hampered by its lower energy density requiring larger flows of gas, but it is still the next best source of energy after electricity. The post-independence model of large centralized power generations systems have their limitations. De-centralised, local power generation systems managed by the community itself are the way forward. Even where rural electrification has been achieved, availability of power is still an issue as rural areas bear the brunt of the power shortages. The session was Chaired by Mr Deepak Gupta, Former Secretary, Ministry of New & Renewable Energy, Government of India. Mr K Krishan, Chairman, CII Task Force on Bio-Energy & Chairman, MPPPL Renewable Energy outlined the various modes available for NRIs to safely invest in various projects including rural electrification through due diligence provided by IDF, CII and CREWA The session also featured Technology and Business Model presentations on Rural Energy Projects. Dr B C Jain, MD, Ankur Scientific Energy Technologies supported the generation of power derived from biomass at the village level. He expressed that energy from biomass would generate employment, carbon credits and most of all would lead to empowerment of rural areas when connected to the grid. Mr Sanjay Kahzanchi, Consultant, Rockfeller Foundation, shared the unique features of the Smart Power for Environmentally Sound Economic Development (SPEED) programme, which supports the setting up of rural electrification projects through a unique business model. Environmental and social advantages of using pine needles as a biomass source were highlighted through a presentation by Mr Rajnish Jain, Avani. Mr Gyanesh Pandey, Co-Founder, CEO & CTO, Husk Power Systems outlined the models employed by his firm in Bihar with case study examples. Ms Swati Bhogle, Secretary, TIDE, Bangalore discussed the model specifically developed by her organization for research into smokeless Commercial Cook Stoves.
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Indian student missing after New Year Bash in UK, to be traced, family panic January 09, 2012 12:07
Anyone with information is asked to call police on 0161 856 6152 or 101. Indian student went missing from Manchestor, since January 02, family panic and police trying to secure the taxi which last drove…
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Alok Gupta murder: No racist angle in the attack, says Canadian envoy January 05, 2012 18:54
Canada has assured that there will be no repeat of incidents like the murder of Indian student Alok Gupta. It also added that there was “no racist angle in the attack”. In an interview to Headlines Today, the Canadian high commissioner to India, Stuart Beck said: “We regret the tragic incident and will ensure that there is no repeat…There is no racist angle in the attack.” “We value Indian Diaspora…millions of Indians in Canada. I can assure people of India that Canada is safe for Indian students and visitors,” Beck was quoted as saying to Headlines Today. Alok, an Indian student, working part time at a convenience store, was shot dead in the western Canadian city of Surrey, in a shocking Christmas Day attack. 27-year-old Alok had volunteered to work the afternoon shift to allow the store owners celebrate Christmas together, and was killed by an unidentified gunman. It is not yet clear whether Alok was shot during a robbery attempt.Police is yet to make an arrest in connection with the case, but say they do not believe it was gang-related.
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10th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas to be Held in Jaipur January 03, 2012 15:07
The 10th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) will be held from 7-9 January, 2012 in Jaipur. Addressing a press conference here today, Shri Vayalar Ravi, the Minister of Overseas Indian Affairs and Civil Aviation announced that the Chief Guest of PBD-2012 will be the Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago, Ms. Kamla Persad Bissessar. The theme of PBD-2012 is “Global Indian-Inclusive Growth”. He further said that Rajasthan will be the partner State of the 10th PBD, which would provide the Diaspora an opportunity to understand the vibrant culture and potential of State. Shri Ravi said that Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh will inaugurate this annual flagship event of the Ministry on January 8, and the President Smt. Pratibha Devisingh Patil will deliver the valedictory address on January 9 and confer the Pravasi Bhartiya Samman Awards. He also informed that two pre-conference seminars on ‘Solar Energy- Investment’ and R&D’ and ‘Social Entrepreneurship-Water’ will also be organized during the event. The Minister said that more than 1500 delegates are expected to participate in PBD-2012 from all over the world. He said that Government is making efforts to make PBD more meaningful and interactive event that would address issues and concerns of the overseas Indian community effectively. He also announced that the event would be webcast online and summary of proceedings put out each day. The interactive website would provide an opportunity for the Diaspora to participate in the conference from any corner of the world. On the occasion, he also launched the PBD website- www.pbdindia.org. Speaking in the conference, Shri Rajendra Pareek the Minister of Industries, NRI’s, and State Enterprises of Rajasthan said that Pravasi Bharatiya Divas is an efforts to bring Indian Diaspora on one forum, which expresses the concept of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam. He also extended all kind of support and cooperation from Rajasthan Government to make the 10th PBD successful. Dr. A. Didar Singh, Secretary, MOIA & Mr Chandrajit Banerjee, Director General, CII were also present on the occasion. The 10th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) will be held from 7-9 January, 2012 in Jaipur. Addressing a press conference here today, Shri Vayalar Ravi, the Minister of Overseas Indian Affairs and Civil Aviation announced that the Chief Guest of PBD-2012 will be the Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago, Ms. Kamla Persad Bissessar. The theme of PBD-2012 is “Global Indian-Inclusive Growth”. He further said that Rajasthan will be the partner State of the 10th PBD, which would provide the Diaspora an opportunity to understand the vibrant culture and potential of State. Shri Ravi said that Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh will inaugurate this annual flagship event of the Ministry on January 8, and the President Smt. Pratibha Devisingh Patil will deliver the valedictory address on January 9 and confer the Pravasi Bhartiya Samman Awards. He also informed that two pre-conference seminars on ‘Solar Energy- Investment’ and R&D’ and ‘Social Entrepreneurship-Water’ will also be organized during the event. The Minister said that more than 1500 delegates are expected to participate in PBD-2012 from all over the world. He said that Government is making efforts to make PBD more meaningful and interactive event that would address issues and concerns of the overseas Indian community effectively. He also announced that the event would be webcast online and summary of proceedings put out each day. The interactive website would provide an opportunity for the Diaspora to participate in the conference from any corner of the world. On the occasion, he also launched the PBD website- www.pbdindia.org. Speaking in the conference, Shri Rajendra Pareek the Minister of Industries, NRI’s, and State Enterprises of Rajasthan said that Pravasi Bharatiya Divas is an efforts to bring Indian Diaspora on one forum, which expresses the concept of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam. He also extended all kind of support and cooperation from Rajasthan Government to make the 10th PBD successful. Dr. A. Didar Singh, Secretary, MOIA & Mr Chandrajit Banerjee, Director General, CII were also present on the occasion.
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Bidve murder accused Kiaran Stapleton due in crown court January 03, 2012 13:38
The man accused of the Boxing Day murder of Indian student Anuj Bidve will appear in court later. Kiaran Stapleton, 20, from Salford, is due to appear before a judge at Manchester Crown Court - his second court appearance in 24 hours. At magistrates' court on Monday he referred to himself as "Psycho Stapleton" when asked his name. Mr Bidve, a 23-year-old micro-electronics student, was shot in the head at close range. He had been studying at Lancaster University and was visiting friends in Greater Manchester over Christmas. As they walked along Ordsall Lane, Salford, at about 01:30 GMT on Boxing Day, Mr Bidve was shot. He died later in hospital. Mr Stapleton appeared at City of Manchester Magistrates' Court following his arrest last Thursday. Mr Bidve's father, Subhash, described Anuj as a "loving son, a super-caring brother and first and forever a friend for many". He was critical of the way British and Indian authorities initially handled the case after learning of his son's death on the social networking site, Facebook. 'Pay our respects' Two senior officers from Greater Manchester Police flew out to India to meet the family in their home town of Pune in India. Assistant Chief Constable Dawn Copley, of Greater Manchester Police, said it was important "to make personal contact with the family and offer them every support". "We need to explain to them in person where we are up to in the investigation and what we are doing to ensure Anuj's body is released to them as soon as possible," she added. On Monday evening a crowd of about 200 people gathered in Ordsall Lane, Salford, to hold a candle-lit vigil for Mr Bidve. Organiser Vikrant Gupta said "a lot people have turned out and mainly the local community has come out and they're showing their support". The student's death was "an incident which has happened out of the blue" and the only thing they could now do was to "support the family back in India and pay our respects".
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Indian student shot dead in Canada January 03, 2012 13:22
An Indian student, working part time at a convenience store, was shot dead in the western Canadian city of Surrey, in a shocking Christmas Day attack. Alok Gupta, 27, had volunteered to work the afternoon…
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4000 Patients Benefited With Free Health Camp in Parkal December 28, 2011 13:11
The North American Telugu Association (NATA) has flagged off a ten-day ‘Seva Days' in Andhra Pradesh, as part of its run up to its bi-annual convention scheduled in Houston Texas on June 29. The service week included a two-day health camp in Nidiguntapelem village, where over 650 villagers were given free consultation by specialist doctors and free medicine, and Guntur where 1,400 patients were covered. Another health camp was held in Parkal in Warangal district, where 4,000 patients were given Rs 12 lakh worth medicines. “More than 45 doctors, 40 pharmacist and 150 volunteers participated in the camp, where 4,000 patients were treated in a single day,” Mr A.V.N. Reddy, President NATA, said. He said the association has also joined hands with the Rotary Club of Hyderabad to fight the incidence of flurosis in Nalagonda district. The programme will culminate with a medical seminar on December 29 in Hyderabad.
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NRI couple loses kids to foster homes over 'emotional disconnect' December 28, 2011 12:52
India has taken up with Norway the issue of an NRI couple whose children have been placed under foster parental care by the local authorities there on grounds of an “emotional disconnect” between the children and their parents. On May 11, two-and-a-half-year-old Abhigyan and four-month-old Aishwarya were taken away from their parents — Anurup and Sagarika Bhattacharya — by Norway’s child selfare services, Barnevarne. A local court on November 30 ordered that the two children be put in separate foster homes till they reach the age of 18. The court permitted the couple to meet the children twice a year, for one hour at a time. The ministry of external affairs, in a statement, said, “Indian embassy in Oslo has been in contact with both the couple and the Norwegian authorities. The ministry of foreign affairs of Norway has been sensitized about the matter informally.” The MEA has also taken up the matter with the Norwegian embassy in New Delhi. The MEA said it has advised legal recourse to the couple. It said the embassy in Oslo would continue to extend possible consular assistance to the couple. The Norwegian authorities claimed Sagarika was incapable of taking care of her children. The evidence cited by them, the couple claim, is that their four-month-old child looked at the faces of other people around her instead of her mother, and that Abhigyan didn’t mix up with other children in kindergarten. The local authorities, the father reportedly claimed, also objected to the fact that they were sleeping in the same bed with the children.
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Indian student killed in UK in 'unprovoked attack' December 28, 2011 12:38
A 23-year-old Indian post graduate student enrolled at Lancaster University in the UK was killed after he was shot in an "unprovoked attack" by two white men, police said. Anuj Bidve was studying a micro-electronics…
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