Malayalam thespian Thilakan dead

National award-winning Malayalam film actor Thilakan is dead. He was 77.

Thilakan, who had acted in around 200 films and had won the national award for the best actor in a supporting role, died at a private hospital in Thiruvananthapuram around 3.30 a.m. on Monday after battling with multiple organ failure over the last one month.

Thilkan's body would be kept for public viewing at the Victoria Jubilee Memorial Town Hall in Thiruvananthapuram from 11 a.m. and cremated at the electric crematorium around 4 p.m.

Thilakan was born at Ayroor (now in Pathanamthitta district) on July 15, 1938. And he was born to act. His tryst with acting began while he was still at school. Acting – or theatre, to be more precise – was his vocation. It did not take him too long to make a mark as an exceptional performer on stage. His mentor P.J. Antony was his biggest influence in his theatre days.

Sheriff appointed Rajya Sabha secretary general

New Delhi: Shumsher K Sheriff, Secretary to the Vice-President, has been appointed the new Secretary General of Rajya Sabha.

Sheriff, an IAS officer of 1977 batch, would take over on October one on completion of the term of the incumbent, Dr V K Agnihotri, a Rajya Sabha Secretariat release said on Tuesday.

He would hold the office of Secretary General in the rank and status of Cabinet Secretary, on deputation, till August 31 next year.

Thereafter, he would continue in the same capacity for a further period of two years from September 1, 2013, on contractual basis, the statement said.

59-year-old Sheriff has 35 years of administrative experience in government and has held various positions in states, the Centre as well as international assignments.

Currently posted as Secretary to the Vice-President of India, Sheriff began his career as a lecturer in Delhi University in 1974 and joined the Indian Administrative Service in 1977 (AGMUT).

Between 1981 and 1984, he served as Deputy Commissioner in the districts of Tawang, Subansari and Dibang in Arunachal Pradesh, following which he headed Transport Department in the Government of Delhi.

Subsequently, he served as Director in the Department of Economic Affairs in the Finance Ministry from 1990-1992, looking after bilateral assistance from European countries.

Virtual Private Network for over 4,000 Kerala schools

Thousands of students in Kerala will soon be able to scorch the asphalt on cyber autobahns, thanks to a Rs. 4-crore tie-up between the IT@School programme and Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) to put in place a Virtual Private Network (VPN) over broadband for public schools.

The VPN will be realised with a 100 Mbps leased lined connection supported by Multi Protocol Label Switching and with 20 Mbps bandwidth as its backbone. Seventy-five per cent of the project cost would be absorbed by the Union government under the ICT@School scheme. A specialty of the scheme is that BSNL is providing the VPN at one-fifth the market rates.

A memorandum of understanding between the government and BSNL was signed here on Tuesday at a press conference called by Education Minister P.K. Abdu Rabb.

Education Secretary Shiv Shankar said at a press conference that the VPN would be up and running in about a month. The State government has claimed that this would be the first-of-its-kind network in the country for educational institutions in a State.

The facility would be given to 2,495 high schools, 1,236 higher secondary schools, 377 vocational higher secondary schools and 233 upper primary schools. Close to 300 offices of the Education Department — the offices of Deputy Directors, District Educational Officers, and Assistant Educational Officers, District Institutes of Educational Technology, and 35 Block Resource Centres in Kerala — would also be part of the virtual network.

ONGC to invest Rs 11 lakh crore over the next 17 years

Chennai, Sept 24: 

India’s premier oil exploration and production company, ONGC, intends to invest Rs 11 lakh crore between 2013 and 2030. (In the last 15 years, the company had invested Rs 5 lakh crore.)

Thanks to this, ONGC expects to be producing 130 million tonnes of oil and oil equivalent hydrocarbons in 2030. Half of this will come from assets abroad. (Last year, it produced 27 million tonnes of oil and 25 million cubic metres a day of natural gas.)

A ‘perspective plan’ drawn up by the public sector oil major says the company would invest in petrochemicals, LNG re-gasification and alternative energy, so that 30 per cent of its revenues in 2030 comes from non exploration and production activities. It mentions wind, solar and nuclear as the areas of alternative energy it would get into.

A good part of the investments will go into “unlocking domestic yet-to-find reserves”. What this means is, ONGC will step up exploration. “With more than 28 billion tonnes of prognosticated reserves, Indian sedimentary basis has potential. Extra exploratory miles may give desired results,” says ONGC’s Chairman and Managing Director, Mr Sudhir Vasudeva.

The company expects to add 450 million tonnes of oil and oil equivalent hydrocarbons from yet-to-find reserves.

Woman of Pakistani origin is Norwegian Culture Minister

In what can be described as a fitting response to Anders Breivik’s brutal assault on Norwegian multiculturalism, Prime Minister Jens Stoltenberg appointed a 29-year-old Muslim woman of Pakistani origin the new Culture Minister. Hadia Tajik is the first Muslim and youngest Minister ever in Norwegian political history. Ms. Tajik, who has degrees in law and journalism and has been a career politician in Norway’s Labour Party, was appointed in a Cabinet reshuffle.

UN Appoints Aishwarya Rai Bachchan As HIV/AIDS Goodwill Ambassador

The United Nations has selected Bollywood actress and former Miss World Aishwarya Rai Bachchan as the international goodwill ambassador for the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS).

UNAIDS made the announcement Monday on the eve of the 67th United Nations General Assembly in New York. The Indian actress,  touted as one of the most beautiful women in the world, will assist the U.N. project in eliminating new HIV infections among children.
"I strongly believe that every baby should be born free from HIV. And I wish that every woman living with HIV stays healthy and has access to treatment. I promise that with UNAIDS, I will do my utmost to make this happen," Aishwarya said.

The 38-year-old actress, who is married to Bollywood actor Abhishek Bachchan, had her first child last year.
"I am honored to accept this appointment. Spreading awareness on health issues, especially those related to women and children have always been a priority for me. And now, as a new mother, I can personally relate to this - the joys and concerns of every mother and the hopes that we have for our children,” she said.
The Pink Panther 2 actress will promote the cause in 22 countries in Asia, including India, and Africa which account for more than 90 percent of new HIV infections among children.
She has several hit Hindi movies to her credit and has also worked in Hollywood films such as "The Pink Panther 2." A regular at the Cannes film festival, Bachchan was crowned Miss World in 1994 and is considered the most beautiful woman to ever win the crown.

Bihar to use Facebook to promote cattle fair

Patna: Bihar plans to use social-networking sites to popularise Asia's largest cattle fair held annually at Sonepur in the state, a police official said on Tuesday.

Saran district Superintendent of Police Sujeet Kumar said the tourism department, along with the district administration, will use social-networking sites, including Facebook, to popularise the Sonepur cattle fair from this year.

"The Sonepur cattle fair will find a place on social networking sites like Facebook to attract domestic and foreign tourists," he said.

Mr Kumar said it will be the first such move to use Facebook to popularise a cattle fair.

In a bid to attract tourists, the government has decided to hire event managers for the fair this time.

The fair, beginning November 27, is spread across 500 acres near the confluence of two rivers - the Ganga and the Gandak - and has been held every year for centuries.

The event, which begins on Kartik Purnima, is reportedly the only one of its kind in the sub-continent.

Animals like horses, cows, oxen, goats, buffaloes, donkeys, ponies, monkeys, rabbits, bears, cats and guinea pigs are traded at the fair.

Leslee Udwin to launch “People’s Cinema”

Noted filmmaker from the United Kingdom Leslee Udwin unveiled a programme to launch “People's Cinema” which, according to her, is a not-for-profit film education initiative for the youth across India.

Talking to reporters at the Chandigarh Press Club, Ms. Udwin, who produced East is East and its sequel West is West, outlined her plans to bring world-class and thought-provoking works from the independent cinema for India’s youth by creating a mobile film club that would travel throughout the country. Starting from Haryana, the initiative would provide films in accordance with the needs of students from different States and regions.

Ms. Udwin said “People’s Cinema” would provide a single-day event in an educational institution, where two films would be screened, while students got an opportunity to interact with a visiting filmmaker or actor. International as well as indigenous independent films that were different from the Bollywood ‘masala’ mould would be screened.

While students and educational institutions would not be charged for the screening tof these films, “People's Cinema” would expect the youth to set up regular film clubs for more such films.

India ranked 111th in economic freedom list

NEW DELHI: India's ranking in economic freedom list dropped at 111th position from last year's 103rd slot in a worldwide index of 144 nations.

 

India, in terms of economic freedom, falls behind countries like China, Nepal and Bangladesh, according to a global study.

 

The annual ranking, titled 'Economic Freedom of the World: 2012', is topped by Hong Kong, followed by Singapore, New Zealand, Switzerland (8.24) and Australia in the top-five.

 

Canada-based public policy think-tank Fraser Institute has prepared the index, in cooperation with independent institutes in 90 nations and territories. The index claims to measure the degree to which the policies and institutions of countries support economic freedom.

 

Canada secured sixth rank on the list, while others in the top-ten comprise Bahrain, Mauritius, Finland and Chile. The countries with lowest level of economic freedom are -- Myanmar, Zimbabwe, Republic of Congo and Angola.

 

Moreover, India shares its 111th position with two other countries, Iran and Pakistan, while those ranked lower include Guyana, Syria and Nigeria.

 

In the economic freedom index, India secured an overall rating of 6.26 as against an average global score of 6.83. China is at 107th position with a score of 6.35, Bangladesh at 109th with a score of 6.34 and Nepal is at 110th position (6.33).

 

As per the report, Hong Kong offers the highest level of economic freedom worldwide, with a score of 8.90 out of 10, followed by Singapore (8.69), New Zealand (8.36), Switzerland (8.24), Australia and Canada (each 7.97), Bahrain (7.94), Mauritius (7.90), Finland (7.88) and Chile (7.84).

R Lakshmipathy elected as chairman of the Press Trust of India

R Lakshmipathy, the publisher of Tamil daily Dinamalar, was elected as the Chairman of the Board of Directors of Press Trust of India (PTI) on 24 September 2012 after the company's Annual General Meeting (AGM).

Lakshmipathy, has served as PTI Chairman twice earlier and is also a member of press council. He is succeeding M P Veerendrakumar, Chairman and Managing Director of Mathrubhoomi group of newspapers.

Alomg with him K N Shanth Kumar of Deccan Herald was also elected as the Vice Chairman of the Board.

K N Shanth Kumar is a director of The Printers (Mysore) Private Limited, publishers of “Deccan Herald,“Prajavani,” “Sudha” and “Mayura.” He earlier was the president of the Audit Bureau of Circulations which verifies circulation data published by newspapers and periodicals.

Press Trust of India (PTI) is India’s premier and largest news agency, which employs more than 400 journalists and 500 stringers to cover almost every district and small town in India. On an average it puts out more than 2,000 stories and 200 photographs a day which caters the needs of the diverse subscribers, including the mainstream media, the specialised presses, research groups, companies and Government and non-governmental organisations.

Mumbai Film Festival to honour Waheeda Rehman with Lifetime Achievement Award

Veteran actress Waheeda Rehman will receive the Lifetime Achievement Award at the forthcoming 14th Mumbai Film Festival.

The eight-day fest starts here Oct 18 and it is being organised by the Mumbai Academy of Moving Image (MAMI). "This year we have decided to award the Lifetime Achievement Award to Waheeda Rehman for the extraordinary work she has put in the last 60 years," Shyam Benegal, filmmaker and chairman of MAMI, told reporters at a conference here Monday. Sudhir Mishra, Ramesh Sippy and Amit Khanna, chairman, Reliance Entertainment and trustee, MAMI, were also present.

A Reliance Entertainment initiative, the festival will showcase over 200 movies, including nine silent films. Talking about the highlights of the fest, Sippy said: "All I can say is that there is a feast awaiting you. The festival will have a lovely spread of cinema. Festivals are the best time to celebrate and enjoy cinema.

"This year we have eight films from France and many more from Italy. I have been inspired by these films." Some of the other highlights of the fest are screening of silent films with live orchestra, cinema from Afghanistan and restored classics from around the world.

"Prize winning and high quality films will be shown at the festival. It is a dream to have a festival like this," Benegal said

SC issues notice to Centre on PIL challenging appointment of SEBI Chairman

Sep 26
The appointment of U K Sinha as SEBI chairman came under judicial scanner today with the Supreme Court asking the government to respond to a plea alleging various irregularities in his appointment.
A bench headed by Justice S S Nijjar issued notice to the Centre and the SEBI chairman, directing them to file their replies within four weeks on alleged irregularities in Sinha's appointment.The bench also impleaded the President's Secretary Omita Paul, who was the advisor of the then finance minister when the decision to appoint Sinha as SEBI chairman was taken by the government.
The bench impleaded her after it was alleged that she had bent rules to facilitate Sinha's appointment as SEBI chairman by bypassing other candidates who had applied for the post.
The bench, however, refused to issue notice to the Centre on plea for CBI inquiry into appointment of Sinha.
The court passed the order on a PIL filed by one Arun Kumar Aggarwal, seeking to quash Sinha's appointment.

Russia, Japan hold joint anti-pirate drills off Vladivostok

Sep 26
Russia and Japan held joint anti-pirate drills off the coast of Russian Far Eastern city Vladivostok today. Two Japanese ships - destroyer Ariake and frigate Oyodo - joined Russian destroyer Admiral Panteleyev and other vessels for the one-day exercises. The warships conducted communications and maneuvering exercises as well as search-and-rescue operations.

India, US officials meet in Washington to strengthen collaboration in energy sector

Sep 26
Top officials from India and the US are holding a series of meetings in Washington to strengthen collaboration in the energy sector with special focus on mobilising clean and affordable sources for their requirements.

The series of meetings that kicked off Tuesday will with culminate in US-India Energy Dialogue on Friday, to be co-chaired by B K Chaturvedi, Member, Planning Commission, and Steven Chu the US Energy Secretary. The officials hope to mobilise secure, clean, reliable and affordable sources of energy for both countries which, at present, depend heavily on fossil fuels.

The meetings are being held in five different working groups -- oil and gas, coal, power and energy efficiency, new technologies and renewable energy and civil nuclear co-operation.

On the sidelines of the energy dialogue, the US India Business Council (USIBC) is hosting industry round-table to discuss the feedback received from industry groups and federations of both sides on the potential areas where collaboration can be synergistic for both sides

Sarah Taylor, Lisa Sthalekar top batswoman & bowler in ICC T-20 rankings

Sep 25
The International Cricket Council has named England’s Sarah Taylor and Lisa Sthalekar of Australia as the top batsman and bowler in the women’s T-20 format. The ranking comes two days ahead of the ICC Women’s World Twenty 20 in Sri Lanka 2012 in Galle on 26 September.

The top 20 list in the Women’s T-20 format includes five batters each from Australia and England, three from West Indies and two each from India and New Zealand. England captain Charlotte Edwards is in second spot in the batting table and trails Sarah Taylor by just nine ratings points at 682. India’s Satr batter Mithali Raj is at number three with 652 points while Harpreet Kaur stands at Sixth position with 587 points. Among the bowlers, Jhulan Goswami is at number two with 653 points after Lisa Sthalekar who leads the table with 666 points. Sthalekar also leads the all-rounders' category with 356 ratings points with 604 runs and 56 wickets. India’s Amita Sharma is in fifth place in the All rounder’s category. with 252 points.

SU-30 MKI inducted intoWestern Air Command

Sep 25
The most advanced fighter aircraft SU-30 MKI was inducted into Western Air Command in a formal ceremony at Air Force Station Halwara, on Tuesday. Halwara station, which is located at a strategic location in Punjab, is the base for 220 Squadron which is known as ‘Desert Tigers’.

AIR Jalandhar Correspondent reports that the base is first one to be chosen to station SU-30 MKI in Western Air Command. The base was actively involved in both 1965 and 1971 Indo-Pak wars.

Air Marshal Arup Raha, AOC-in-C Western Air Command was the chief guest for the induction ceremony. An impressive flypast by the SU-30s led by its Commanding Officer, Wing Commander Sharad Aneja, mesmerized everyone present there.

This frontline aircraft is all-weather air-dominance fighter with multi-role capability, which can undertake varied air combat and ground attack missions.

UP govt to issue bio-metric smart cards beneficiaries of PDS

Sep 25
The Uttar Pradesh government on Tuesday decided to issue bio-metric smart cards to the beneficiaries of Public Distribution System, PDS, and machines at Point of Sale, POS, for the distributors. The decision was taken in a Cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav. The Cabinet also decided to construct Agra-Lucknow Expressway on Public Private Partnership, PPP model.

Shumsher K Sheriff appointed as Rajya Sabha Secretary General

Sep 25
Mr Shumsher K Sheriff, an IAS officer of 1977 batch, has been appointed as the new Secretary General of Rajya Sabha. According to the Rajya Sabha Secretariat release, Mr. Sheriff would take over on 1st of next month on completion of the term of the incumbent, Dr V K Agnihotri. He would hold the office of Secretary General in the rank and status of Cabinet Secretary, on deputation, till August next year. Thereafter, he would continue in the same capacity for a further period of two years from September one, 2013, on contractual basis.

Currently posted as Secretary to the Vice-President, Mr. Sheriff has 35 years of administrative experience in government and has held various positions in states, the Centre as well as international assignments.

TCS wins special prize for training rural Indians

Indian IT major TCS has been awarded a special commendation at the Asian Human Capital Award 2012 here for its initiative to train professionals from the backward community and below poverty line families in rural India.   TCS has got a special recognition for its initiative to the lift of one million people in the inner part of India, by reaching out to the educated among the backward community and training them as well as making them economically-active through employment, TCS' Singapore-based President Vish Iyer told PTI today.

TCS has trained around 13,500 people over the last two years in different parts of India including Kalahandi, Murshidabad, Kovilpatti, Kakdwip and Dediapada.
The award, organised by Singapore's Manpower Ministry, attracted a record number of 63 submissions, spanning a range of industries from consultancy to manufacturing and cover topics such as leadership development, diversity programmes and corporate social responsibility

New SARS-like virus found in Middle East

Global health officials are closely monitoring a new respiratory virus related to Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) that has left a Qatari citizen in critical condition in a hospital in London.

The UN's World Health Organisation (WHO) put out a global alert on Sunday saying a new virus had infected the 49-year-old man who had recently travelled to Saudi Arabia - where another man was killed by an almost identical virus.

Britain's Health Protection Agency (HPA) and respiratory disease experts said there was no immediate cause for concern, although authorities were watching out for any signs of the virus spreading.

The virus, known as a coronavirus, comes from the same family as both the common cold and SARS, the syndrome that killed 800 people in a 2003 epidemic.
The WHO said it was not recommending any travel restrictions at the moment but would seek further information on the virus.
Unknown threat

Health officials said they did not know yet whether the virus could spread as rapidly as SARS did, or if it would be as lethal.

"It's still [in the] very early days," said Gregory Hartl, a WHO spokesman. "At the moment, we have two sporadic cases and there are still a lot of holes to be filled in."

Coronaviruses are typically spread in the air, but Hartl said scientists were considering the option that the patients were infected directly by animals as there was no evidence yet of any human-to-human transmission.

No other countries have so far reported any similar cases to WHO, he said, and so far there is no connection between the two cases except for a history of travel in Saudi Arabia.
Andrew Easton, a virologist at Britain's University of Warwick, told the Reuters news agency that with only two cases so far, it was difficult for experts to estimate the potential threat.

"The important thing is to be aware of the virus and to be on the lookout for any evidence that it is more than a rare chance event," he said.
Hugh Pennington, a professor of bacteriology at the University of Aberdeen, told Al Jazeera that medicine had also advanced since the SARS outbreak, and that technology would allow faster diagnosis.

"The lessons we’ve learned from SARS have been extremely useful," he said. "We now have techniques which mean you can do a very rapid fingerprinting of the RNA in somebody’s lungs if they’ve got a very unusual pneumonia.”
Intensive care
The HPA and WHO said in statements that the Qatari national became ill on September 3, after previously having travelled to Saudi Arabia.
He was transferred from Qatar to Britain on September 11 and is undergoing treatment in an intensive care unit at a London hospital for complications, including kidney failure.

The HPA said it had conducted lab testing on the Qatari's case and found a 99.5 per cent match to the virus that killed the 60-year-old Saudi national earlier this year.

David Heymann, chairman of the HPA, said the new virus did not appear that similar to SARS.

"It isn't as lethal as SARS and we don't know too much about its transmissibility yet," he said. "If people are getting infected, they aren't getting serious symptoms."

He added that none of the health workers involved in treating the Qatari patient had fallen ill.

Saudi officials said they were concerned that the upcoming Hajj pilgrimage next month, which brings millions of people to Saudi Arabia from all over the world, could provide more opportunities for the virus to spread.

Oz fest to draw Australia closer to India

The Australian Federal Government has committed one million Australian dollars and raised a couple of million more for Oz Fest 2012, which aims to project contemporary Australia to Indian audiences. Australia’s Minister for the Arts Simon Crean said that the Festival, which will be formally launched on September 25, would showcase Australian culture through shows and exhibitions in theatre, music, dance, cinema and art in a number of Indian cities over a few months.

Speaking to a group of three journalists invited by the Australian government, Mr. Crean said events such as the Oz Fest and the increasing importance that Australia is attaching to cultural diplomacy are signs of Australia’s growing economic confidence and part of a push to usher in greater people-to-people contacts, particularly among countries in Asia.

He expressed himself in favour of the idea of Australia having a separate cultural organisation on the lines of Alliance Francaise and the Goethe Institut.

Asked whether this would be reflected in Australia’s white paper on foreign policy, expected to be made public next month, he declined to comment.

However, he said he has been arguing very strongly that Australia needs to go in the direction of developing a cultural institute on the lines that some European countries have. “We could strengthen that Australia International Cultural Council, which is jointly chaired by the Foreign Minister and the Arts Minister, into something like this.”

The details about the Oz Fest programme are likely to be announced when Australia’s Prime Minister Julia Gillard visits India in mid-October.

NSE opens new membership category for entrepreneurs

Mumbai, Sept. 24: 

The National Stock Exchange today launched a new category of membership called ‘Alpha’.

This category of membership is for firms that do not handle customer funds. It will be effective from September 25.

Targeted at the entrepreneurial class, the NSE feels this category of membership “can bring in innovative trading ideas and strategies that could add to the liquidity of the trading platform.”

The ‘alpha’ category is ‘designed to ‘provide quick, easy and cost efficient access to the trading platform to firms that do not handle client accounts.’ This would benefit retail investors and also improve depth in the market.

For membership in the capital markets segment, a deposit of Rs 20 lakh would be charged. A deposit of Rs 25 lakh would be charged in the Futures & Options (F&O) segment. Membership in both the segments is also available under this category.

Members will be allowed to choose any one or both the segments, as against the existing offer of combined membership of both the segments, for a deposit of Rs 1.10 crore.

Experts Find Role of Science in Water Research Critical

A newly released international study of about 200 water-related projects analyzes the efficacy of 20 years of water research and finds there needs to be a better understanding of the role science plays in water management investments.

The report, which was released on the opening day of the Global Environment Facility International Waters Science Conference in Bangkok, Thailand, was produced by the Global Environment Facility with the United Nations University and the United Nations Environment Programme.
“The crucial role for science and scientific discovery in determining the nature and priority of investments has largely been taken for granted and its role and full potential have not previously been scrutinized,” according to the report.
The Global Environment Facility was originally chartered in October 1991 by the World Bank for helping ensure environmental protection worldwide and promoting sustainable development. It became an independent organization in 1994 and is reputedly the largest public funder of environmental projects worldwide.
The organizations examined a portfolio of major transboundary water projects involving investments of more than US$7 billion through two decades. The resulting report, “Science-Policy Bridges over Troubled Waters,” finds:

The consequences of poor decision-making are dire: we face a ‘water bankruptcy’ in many regions of the world with implications for food and energy security, adaptation to climate variability and change, economic growth and human security challenges.

Among those challenges are what the report calls the “Insufficient and disjointed management of human demands on water and aquatic systems” which has pushed some social and ecological systems into jeopardy or collapse. Continued urbanization is also placing pressures on river basins, which includes decreased water quality and increasing scarcity.
The report finds that investments in science that are well understood by those creating public policy are needed to stave off water bankruptcy. As an example, the “management of groundwater remains isolated from other ecosystems, and the limitations in recharge capacity of aquifers are not well understood by decision makers,” according to the report.

Bihar to establish its first IT park

According to a latest update, the Indian state Bihar is in the process of setting up its first Information technology (IT) park  near the state capital on the lines of Bangalore's International Tech Park and Hyderabad's Software Technology Park. 

It is reportedly said that the IT park in Bihar will be built on public-private partnership basis. The state government has acquired 25 acres of land for establishing the IT park.
Reliable sources informed that the new IT park is likely to be set up at Bihta which is 30 kilometer from Bihar's capital city Patna. This place will be later developed as Bihar's IT hub by taking advantage of other modern infrastructure facilities.
According to a spokesperson from Chief Minister's Office in Bihar, a private consultancy company was hired to survey the land and to prepare a business plan for the proposed IT park.
The spokesperson further assured that the IT park would have high bandwidth facility for high-speed internet and uninterrupted power supply. The work is in progress by a team led by officials of the IT department. Most probably, the construction work will begin by next year. 
Some reliable insiders informed our team that Infosys has shown interest for a plot near Bihta after the state government acquired land for setting up an IIT campus there.

Material that absorbs Green House gases discovered

Sea has been the widely known sink for Carbon di Oxide and its likes that form the Green House Gases which keep the surface of the earth warm, but in excess could precipitate global warming, melting of ice caps and several other calamities. A recent research had given birth to a new porous material, code named the NOTT-300 which is capable of significantly lowering the emissions from fossil fuels like CO2 and Sulphur Di Oxide SO2.

In the Scientific Jounal of Nature Chemistry, NOTT -300 has been described in detail mentioning that it could be an extremely effective alternative for the CO2 and SO2 sinks. This is also an economical solution compared to the ones that are being utilized today.

The new material represents a major step towards addressing the challenges of developing a low carbon economy, which seeks to produce energy using low carbon sources and methods.

It has long been established that man has messed up with the nature and the levels of CO2 are the footprints of his activity which also have a negative effect on the climate of the earth. It is essential that these changes are undone now.

NOTT-300 is capable of absorbing CO2 and SO2. Never before has a material been developed that could absorb SO2 to this levels. NOTT-300 is also valued for its selective absorptive capacities while leaving gases like hydrogen, methane, nitrogen, oxygen alone

Ernakulam set to get 'meaningful financial inclusion' district tag

Ernakulam district is set to become the first district having ‘meaningful financial inclusion’.
The district level review committee of commercial banks (DLRC) , which met here, decided to dedicate the district to the nation as the having ‘Meaningful Financial Inclusion’ on 22nd November.

A survey conducted by the Kudumbasree Mission, a government-sponsored women empowerment organisation, stated there are nearly 20 per cent adults in the district without bank accounts.
Ward-wise campaigns by banks to open accounts are now progressing. Banks will also offer remittance services and micro insurance policies in the district. It is intended to complete the process by October-end.
Deposits in the district increased by Rs 3,446.68 crore during April-June of the current fiscal taking the total to Rs 43,911.85 crore. However, advances declined by Rs 1,574.48 crore to Rs 45,695.43 crore. The CD ratio of the district declined to 104.06 per cent from 116.81 per cent.
All eligible non-default farmers will be provided with Kisan credit card and non-default non-farmers with general credit card by March, 2013. Financial literacy centres will be opened in all the blocks by October.

Bhoo Chetana now being implemented in Mysore district

‘Bhoo Chetana', a programme introduced by the State Government in 2009 to boost dryland crop production in the State, is being implemented in Mysore district from 2011-12.

It is being implemented in the district in collaboration with the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT), Hyderabad. Efforts would be made to increase dryland crop production with the application of micro nutrients and use of technology.

S&P cuts India GDP growth forecast to 5.5%

Rating agency Standard & Poor's (S&P) today lowered India's GDP growth forecast to 5.5% despite a slew of plocy measures announced by the government last week.
Earlier, Indian rating agency CRISIL too had slashed its forecast for the country's GDP growth to 5.5% from 6.5% earlier for this fiscal. HSBC has also cut growth forecast for fiscal 2012-2013. 

India’s Plan panel also lowered annual average economic growth rate to 8.2% in the 12th Five Year Plan (2012-17) from earlier average economic growth rate of 9% due to lower economic growth and lack of appropriate policy measures.

It may, however, be recalled that in the April-June quarter, India's GDP grew at 5.5% (compared to 5.3% in the previous quarter) after eight successive quarterly decline.

S&P had cut its outlook on India's sovereign rating of `BBB-' to negative from stable in April. It had upgraded India to investment grade BBB rating in January 2007, after four years of above nine per cent growth.

Meanwhile, it has also cut China’s GDP growth forecast to 7.5%

2012 Secretary's Award for Corporate Excellence Finalists Selected

Eleven finalists have been selected for the Secretary of State’s prestigious 2012 Award for Corporate Excellence (ACE). These U.S. companies were chosen from 82 nominations submitted by U.S. Ambassadors around the world. ACE finalists recognize the vital role that U.S. businesses play abroad as good corporate citizens that promote sustainable development and support local community needs in the countries where they operate. The finalists for this year are:

• Chevron in Turkmenistan: for this hydrocarbon production and distribution company's contribution to local communities through supporting youth entrepreneurship, cultural and athletic initiatives, green technologies, including through partnerships with the Turkmenistan Academy of Sciences; as well as programs to improve the lives of farmers and foster economic transparency.
   
• Esso in Angola: for this hydrocarbon production and distribution company's contribution to improving health by partnering to combat malaria, empowering women through agricultural development programs, fostering environmental protection through reducing greenhouse gas emissions; and supporting employment training and advancement, and education for youth.
   
• General Motors in Uzbekistan: for this automobile manufacturer's efforts to protect the environment by improving water quality through state-of-the art waste water treatment; provide humanitarian assistance for victims of natural and other emergencies; ensure that all workers in its supply chain benefit from adequate health and safety equipment; and empower women through vocational training.
   
• Intel in Vietnam: for this technology company's efforts to lead in environmental protection through the generation of electricity through solar power; and participate in transformative educational programs focusing on faculty and curriculum development, including through sending local educators for university training in the United States; and providing scholarships to disadvantaged children, youth, and women.
   
• Intel in Malaysia: for this technology company's efforts to promote clean alternative energy through use of solar panels; water conservation, waste recycling, and reforestation; protection of endangered species; computer literacy for adults; and educational advancement for disadvantaged youth.
   
• Microsoft in Thailand: for this technology company's partnership with local civil society organizations to improve computer literacy; alleviate poverty through computer technology skills centers for vocational training of youth; assist disadvantaged farmers to enhance the marketing of their crops and expand their consumer base; and support for student talent, creativity, and innovation.
   
• Microsoft in Egypt: for this technology company's efforts to disseminate computer technology for community development in order to empower persons with disabilities, women, and members of other vulnerable communities; expand youth employment training and computer literacy; help small and medium size business owners enhance marketing through website and digital development; and promote internet safety and security for thousands of children.
   
• Microsoft in India: for this technology company's efforts to provide community technology skills for young adults in rural and underserved communities; donate software for non-governmental organization efforts for community development; create and disseminate internet templates so that persons with disabilities can access public information; and develop accessibility guides for educators, governments and businesses to enhance learning opportunities for students with disabilities.
   
• Rosalie Bay in Dominica: for this eco-resort's efforts to support sustainable development through eco-tourism by promoting protection of endangered sea turtles and other community environmental protection initiatives; sourcing locally produced goods; using recycled and sustainably produced materials, including solar and wind power generation; and assisting local hospitals and literacy programs.
   
• Sorwathé in Rwanda: for this tea production company's efforts to support adult literacy; worker association and collective bargaining rights; lead the industry in advancing the abolition of child labor; undertake sustainable forestry and water management; and produce socially and environmentally responsibly grown high quality tea.
   
• Sustainable Mahogany Industries in Fiji: for this mahogany production company's assistance in developing the Fiji Pure Mahogany brand; supporting indigenous forest preservation and conservation through the exclusive use of sustainably produced and certified mahogany; empowering women through employment and professional advancement; and implementing exemplary occupational health and safety processes.

The Secretary of State has awarded the ACE since 1999 to recognize American companies that are leaders in socially responsible activities and contribute to the overall growth and development of the local economy in which they work.

Konda Laxman passes away

Noted freedom fighter, former Minister and Telangana protagonist Konda Laxman Bapuji died of cardiac arrest at his residence here on Friday. He was 97. He is survived by a son and a daughter.

Born in Wankhidi village in Adilabad district on September 27, 1915, Bapuji participated in ‘Vandemataram’ and Quit India movements and fought against the Nizam’s rule for the liberation of Hyderabad State. Later, he participated in the ‘non-mulki’ agitation in 1952 and gave up his Minister’s post in support of the demand for statehood to Telangana in 1969.

He was active in the Telangana agitation till his death and even tried to convince the leaders of Seemandhra on the need for a separate State. Bapuji was elected to the Assembly four times – twice each from Adilabad and Nalgonda districts -- with his last term being during 1972-78 from Bhongir. He served as a Minister in the Cabinets of Kasu Brahmananda Reddy and Damodaram Sanjivaiah and as Deputy Speaker of the Assembly.

In a statement, the Governor expressed grief over the death of Bapuji and said his death was a loss to the people of the State. Meanwhile, the State Legislature paid rich tributes to Bapuji with Chief Minister N. Kiran Kumar Reddy announcing that a statue of Konda Laxman Bapuji would be installed and a memorial constructed here in his memory. His cremation will take place with State honours.

Ivory Coast closes border with Ghana

(Ghana's President John Dramani Mahama, left, said his country would not be used as a base for rebel operations )

The Ivory Coast has closed its border with Ghana after at least 10 people were killed in attacks on its army and police launched from Ghanaian territory, the country's interior minister has said. "Land, air and sea borders are closed until further notice," Hamed Bakayoko told the Reuters news agency on Friday. "This was organised, ordered, and executed from Ghanaian territory, and the Ghanaian authorities know who these people are," he said.

National Policy on Information Technology approved: Govt

The government on Thursday said the National Policy on Information Technology 2012, which aims to leverage information and communications technology to address nation's developmental challenges, has been recently approved by Cabinet.

"The Cabinet has recently approved the National Policy on Information Technology 2012," ministry of communications and information said in an official statement.

The policy envisages the growth of the IT market to USD 300 billion and creation of additional 10 million employments by 2020, the statement said.
"... increase revenues of IT and ITES (Information Technology Enabled Services) Industry from 100 billion USD currently to 300 billion USD by 2020 and expand exports from 69 billion USD currently to 200 billion USD by 2020," it added.
Under the policy, government has plans to to create a pool of 10 million additional skilled manpower in ICT.
The statement said that one of the thrust areas of the policy will be to enhance transparency, accountability, efficiency, reliability and decentralization in government and in particular, in delivery of public services by using ICT.
The policy will be notified in the gazette shortly and detailed proposals for individual initiatives will be formulated in consultation with the concerned ministries, the statement said.

World Bank agrees to revive scrapped loan deal with Bangladesh

Dhaka, Sept 21:  

 

The World Bank has agreed to revive a controversial $1.2-billion loan to Bangladesh for a major road and rail bridge on Padma river on condition that the Government implements anti-graft measures.

“The Bank has agreed that, upon satisfactory implementation of the agreed measures by the Government (against the corruption), and with the support of the Bank’s governing bodies, the Bank will engage anew in the Padma Multipurpose Bridge,” the World Bank said in statement today.

It, however, added the global lending agency “remains vigilant to any signs of corruption in the Padma Bridge project, and our determination to take a strong line against wrongdoing will never waver’’.

The World Bank in June withdrew a $1.2-billion line of credit for the 6.2-km bridge over the Padma River, saying it had “credible evidence” of high-level corruption among Bangladeshi government officials.

Since then Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s Government pursued a campaign to revive the loan agreement. The Government removed a minister from the Cabinet and sent a senior adviser to Hasina on leave for their suspected involvement in the “corruption conspiracy’’.

The World Bank said “The Government of Bangladesh has now begun to address the evidence of corruption the Bank identified.

“The World Bank understands that all Government employees and officials alleged to have been involved in corrupt acts in connection with the project have been put on leave from Government service until an investigation is completed, and that a full and fair investigation is now underway.”

The World Bank had earlier promised to provide $1.2 billion of the $2.93-billion project but kept suspended the disbursement process raising the graft allegation.

Gogoi visiting Japan on GST-study

Guwahati, Sept 21: 

Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi will be in Japan on a six-day visit as a member of the Empowered Committee of State Finance Ministers to study Goods and Services Tax (GST) and related matters.

Gogoi will be joining the official Indian delegation led by Bihar Deputy Chief Minister and Chairman of the Empowered Committee of State Finance Ministers Sushil Kumar Modi in Tokyo in the deliberations on GST.

Some other members of the Indian delegation will arrive in Tokyo after completing its study on GST in Canada. Gogoi is part of the delegation as he also holds the Finance portfolio.

Gogoi is being accompanied by Commissioner and Secretary (Finance) R. C. Joshi, Commissioner (Taxes) John B. Ekka and Special Protocol Officer to Chief Minister Bipul Gogoi.

The Chief Minister will be returning to New Delhi on September 26

Indian bank signs MoU with National Small Industries Corporation

CHENNAI: Public sector Indian Bank today entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with National Small Industries Corporation (NSIC).
As per the MoU, NSIC will sponsor MSMEs' proposal (for loan) after due scrutiny at at regular intervals to various branches of Indian Bank all over the country, Chennai-headquartered Indian Bank said in a statement.

The arrangement is expected to provide more momentum to the growth of MSME advances of Indian Bank.
As of June 30, 2012, MSME advances of the Bank stood at Rs 10,776.30 crore with an annual growth of 24.32 per cent.
Indian Bank Executive Director Rajeev Rishi exchanged documents with NSIC Director (Finance) Ravindra Nath at a function.

ADB launches $128-m facility to provide partial guarantee on Indian infra bonds

New Delhi, Sept 21: 

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) on Friday launched a first-of-its-kind $128-million facility to provide partial credit guarantee on rupee-denominated bonds issued by Indian companies to finance infrastructure projects.

Providing partial guarantee will boost the credit rating of a typical infrastructure project from BBB- or A to AA. It would lower the cost of borrowing for the special purpose vehicle (SPV).

This would also pave the way for cash-rich insurance and pension funds to buy the bonds issued by the SPV, said Vivek Rao, Senior Finance Specialist, South Asia Department, ADB, from Manila today.

As per the current regulatory norms, insurance and pension funds can be deployed only in instruments with a minimum AA credit rating.

Simply put, ADB will through this new facility take a part of the guarantee risk.

To start with, ADB will provide partial credit guarantee alongside India Infrastructure Finance Company Ltd (IIFCL). ADB is open to partnering with other non-banking financial institutions for providing the same co-guarantee facility, said Rao.

New facility

The first company that is likely to benefit from this new ADB facility is a special purpose vehicle of GMR Group. Indications are that the bonds would be floated by GMR Jadcherla Expressways. “We expect the first transaction to be completed in the next two months,’’ said ADB officials.

ADB’s new facility will be open for a time period of three years by when the amount allocated is expected to be fully utilised. India is the first country where ADB is launching the partial credit guarantee facility. “We believe India has the right conditions for the launch of this product,’’ Rao said

Most of the funds earmarked for this facility are likely to be used towards NHAI-road projects and also power projects, according to Siddartha Shah, Senior Investment Specialist, Private Sector Operations Department, ADB, Manila.

Rao said that ADB would be able to leverage 4-8 times the $128 million allocated under the facility and support infrastructure bonds worth $600 million to $1 billion.

Citi, Pratham Foundation to build job skills in youth

Mumbai, Sept 21: 

Global bank Citi and Pratham Education Foundation have teamed up to pilot an Education Entrepreneur Development programme that aims to build job skills for 5,400 youth in the rural and urban areas of Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh. The programme has a corpus of Rs 1 crore.

Supported by Citi Foundation, the grant of over Rs 1 crore will equip 120 education entrepreneurs. The latter will be individuals from rural areas with good communication skills and an entrepreneurial inclination to deliver Pratham’s foundation course for employment to young women and men in their villages and communities.

Industry-specific course

The foundation course will provide basic employment readiness training. It is expected that at least half of those trained, as part of the programme, will secure employment in the services industry, and be able to earn Rs 6,000 to Rs 7,000 a month immediately upon training. About 25 per cent of the participants are also expected to opt for an advanced industry-specific course such as hospitality or construction training.

Speaking about the initiative, Madhav Chavan, CEO of Pratham Education Foundation said, “The education entrepreneur model is unique as it does not require us to make large investments in infrastructure or human resources and instead capitalises on a growing wave of young people who seek to be entrepreneurs.”

Education entrepreneurs

Ajay Piramal, Chairman, Piramal Enterprises, is the chairman of Pratham India, a non-governmental organisation in the education sector, which reaches out to 33 million children.

Using the grant, Pratham will support the education entrepreneurs by training them, providing the teaching material and a small stipend in the first year. With no fixed salary, the education entrepreneurs will instead be encouraged to grow their enterprise by mobilising more youth into their training.

Entrepreneurs will also be helped to tie up with schools and colleges in the vicinity, to teach the foundation course to youths and students.

Siemens opens urban development center - the Crystal - in London - World's largest exhibition dedicated to the future of cities

Siemens has opened its first center for sustainable urban development in London.

The heart of the Crystal is the world's largest exhibition dedicated to sustainable urban development. The crystal-shaped building will serve as a conference center, urban dialogue platform and technology and innovation center all in one, bringing together political decision-makers, infrastructure experts and the general public in order to develop concepts for the future of cities and their infrastructures. 'Cities are the engines of the world economy and also have the greatest impact on the environment.

The development of our planet will stand or fall with the development of cities. Looking ahead to the urban future, the Crystal showcases a wide variety of opportunities and concrete solutions,' said Siemens President and CEO Peter Loscher at the opening ceremony.

After a construction phase of about a year and a half, the Crystal brings an architectural highlight and one of the world's greenest buildings to the British capital. Siemens invested some EUR35 million in the project. Designed by Wilkinson Eyre Architects, the building features a 270-seat auditorium as well as the world's largest exhibition on urban sustainability.

Boasting an area of 2,000 square meters, the exhibition presents existing infrastructure solutions that make life in cities more sustainable and environmentally friendly while enhancing its quality. At the Crystal, experts from the Siemens Center of Competence Cities engage in research and development geared to technologies and innovations for tomorrow's urban infrastructures. In addition, the Infrastructure & Cities Sector will coordinate its City Account Managers from the Crystal.

'Cities worldwide are making investments to improve their water supplies, power grids, transportation systems and building infrastructures. Our addressable market alone has a volume of EUR300 billion.

In this growth market, the Crystal will help us intensify dialogue with our customers. The Crystal is our Sector's showcase, contact point and mastermind,' noted Roland Busch, member of the Managing Board of Siemens AG and CEO of the Infrastructure & Cities Sector. With roughly 87,000 employees, the Sector provides sustainable technologies for urban areas and their infrastructures.

Following its inauguration, the Crystal will serve as the venue for two conferences. On September 20, the UN Habitat program will bring together municipal decision-makers and city planners at a conference entitled Urban Planning for City Leaders. On September 21, participants at the future-oriented Digital Life Design Cities conference, sponsored by Hubert Burda Media, will address questions relating to sustainable urban development and visions for smart cities.

Encompassing an area of more than 6,300 square meters, the Crystal is a paragon of energy efficiency. The facility consumes 50 percent less power and emits 65 percent less carbon dioxide than comparable office buildings.

Renewable energy sources meet the Crystal's heating and cooling needs, a photovoltaic system generates green electricity, and rainwater is harvested for use. On the BREEAM and LEED international assessments for energy-efficient buildings, the Crystal will receive top scores (Outstanding and Platinum, respectively) - making it one of the greenest facilities in the world.

Covering 2,000 square meters, the interactive exhibition will guide visitors through the urban infrastructure of the future, focusing on possibilities for sustainable mobility, building technologies, power and water supplies, and healthcare.

The conference center is an independent forum for engineers, architects, city planners and municipal decision-makers.

The Crystal is home to the first and largest of three Centers of Competence Cities. The Center in London offers Siemens experts and external professionals a platform for conducting research and exchanging ideas. The two smaller centers are slated to be built in Shanghai and Washington in the coming years.

The Crystal is located in the Borough of Newham, at the historic Royal Victoria Docks. The facility will be open to the public on September 29.

Highlights of ‘Intl Day of Peace & Peace Pole’

The United Nations (UN) International Day of Peace is annually held on September 21 to recognize the efforts of individuals, organizations and governments to end conflicts and promote peace in the world. This International day program was organized by the NPPC, Nihoto Village through the official communication from Administration United Nations, Information Center, New Delhi and duly permitted by deputy commissioner, Dimapur to organize the celebration on September 21.
Highlights:
1981-30th November: The International Associations of University Presidents at its Sixth Treinnial meeting, held at San Jose, Costa Rica, in July 1981, to propose the declaration of peace year, a peace month and a peace day. And adopted 3 Resolution- Economic, peace day & Year and International Observance.
1986: The year 1986 was declared as year of international peace by United Nation.
2000: November: Recalling its Resolution on 30th November, 1981-the UN General Assembly Officially and observed as International Day of Peace on 3rd November 2000. Reaffirming the contribution that the observance and celebration of the International Day of Peace makes in strengthening the ideals of peace and alleviating tensions and cause of conflicts.
2001- September: The UN-Gen. Assembly during its 111th Plenary meeting on 7th September- 2001, Agenda item No. 33 Resolution No.2 declares that the International Day of Peace shall henceforth be observed as a day of global ceasefire and non-violence, an invitation to all nations and people to honour a cessation of hostilities for the duration of the day.
June-2012: Mr. Ban Ki-moon, Secretary General’s Message for 100-day count down to International Day of Peace on 13th June, 2012- to the observance of the International Day of Peace, to combatants the world to put down their weapons and try to find peaceful solutions to their conflicts.
The UN has great concern for future generations-that is why this year’s theme is “Sustainable peace for a Sustainable Future”. It highlights the face that we cannot possibly think about building a sustainable future if there is no sustainable peace. As armed conflicts attack the very pillars of sustainable development, robbing people of the opportunity to develop to create jobs, to safeguard the environment, to fight poverty, to reduce the risk from disasters, to advance social; equity and to ensure that everyone has enough to eat etc.
The UN wants a future where natural resources are protected and valued rather than used to finance wars, where children can educated at school and colleges and not recruited into armies or militant activities, where economic and social inequalities are resolved through dialogue instead of violence.
What do people do?
On the IDP, people around the world take part in various activities and organized events centered on the theme “Peace” events from private gathering to public concerts and forms involving large audiences- Activities include: Interfaith Peace ceremonies, a peace pole, a toast for peace, a peace choir, lighting candles, peace prayer, a peace convoy of vehicles, and tree plantation.
What is a Peace Pole?
A peace pole is a hand -crafted monument that displays the message and prayer “May Peace Prevail on Earth”- on each of its four or six sides, usually in different languages. There are ten thousands of peace pole in 180 countries all over the world dedicated as monuments to peace. They serve as constant reminders for us to visualize and pray for world peace.

Sri Lankan President lays the foundation stone for the Sanchi Buddhist University

President Mahinda Rajapaksa laid the foundation stone for the construction of the International University of Buddhist and Indic Studies in the ancient Buddhist city of Sanchi in the presence of dignitaries from Bhutan, Myanmar, Thailand, Japan, Cambodia, Mongolia, Nepal and India.

Prime Minister of Bhutan Jigmy Thinlay graced the occasion as a special guest. Chief Minister of India’s Madhya Pradesh Shivraj Singh Chouhan and Cultural Affairs Minister of Madhya Pradesh Lakshmi Kanth Sharma were among those present. President of the Sri Lanka Mahabodhi Society and Chief Sanghanayake of Japan as well as the Chief Incumbent of the Sanchi Buddhist Temple, Venerable Baanagala Upatissa Nayaka Thero was also present.

In the meantime, before the laying of the foundation stone for the Buddhist University, dignitaries paid homage to the Holy Relics of Arahath Seriyuth Mugalan, the chief disciples of Lord Buddha. The President also joined in an observation tour of the Sanchi Stupa precincts after participating in religious observances. President Rajapaksa together with Bhutan's Prime Minister Jigme Yoser Thinley planted a sapling of the sacred Sri Maha Bodhi Tree in Mahamevna Uyana, Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka which is believed to be a sapling of the original Bodhi tree in Boddhagaya under which Buddha attained enlightenment 2600 years ago. It was specially brought from Sri Lanka to plant near the Sanchi Stupa

Addressing the ceremony, President Rajapaksa said that his journey to Sanchi, is primarily an act of gratitude on behalf of the people of Sri Lanka. Thanking for the historic opportunity to lay the foundation stone, the President said the Buddha's message of tolerance and understanding is of great relevance today, as the "tragic results of enmity and hatred towards other faiths leading to violence and destruction, and great loss to societies" are seen. "It is of equal importance in the East and West alike," said the President adding that undoubtedly there is a need to go back to the roots of civilizations and search for the wisdom that prevailed in the ancient world.
"The Buddhist and Indic value systems that paved the way to modern concepts of human rights and fundamental freedoms need to be revived," the President noted.

He expressed the hope that the University of Buddhist and Indic Studies will grow strong and the graduates of the University will be inspired by the Buddha's teachings.

Recalling Mahatma Gandhi as the greatest son of modern India, he said people on both sides of the country have duty to spread the message of non-violence, peace and compassion to the world which is "trapped in material-based progress".

The President pointed out profound contribution by Dr B.R. Ambedkar for the revival of Buddhist thought in India and his efforts to incorporate Buddhist and Indic values in the modern day governance systems of the country.

"The Government and people of Sri Lanka and I will continue to contribute towards the success of this University," he finally assured.
As a special feature, a group of artists of Police band played national anthems of three nations- Sri Lanka, Bhutan and India at the end of the programme. Artists also presented various colourful folk dances by Goud and Korku tribal dancers.  Scores of Buddhists and villagers from nearby areas have put colourful flags and other decorative items along the roads leading to Sanchi from Bhopal and other areas. President Rajapaksa also visited the Mahabodhi Society of Sri Lanka at Sanchi before leaving for Delhi via Bhopal.

Governor of Madhya Pradesh Ram Naresh Yadav, Sri Lanka's External Affairs Minister Prof. G. L. Peiris, MP Sajin Vaas Gunawardena, Secretary to the President Lalith Weeratunga, Foreign Secretary Karunathilaka Amunugama, Indian High Commissioner in Colombo Ashok K. Kantha and Sri Lankan High Commissioner in New Delhi Prasad Kariyawasam also participated in the ceremony.

Elaborate security arrangements are put in place for the President’s visit in view of the protest by pro Tamil Tiger groups. Borders of Sanchi town have been sealed as part of the security measure. However Police have arrested with the mediation of the Indian Central Government a group of nearly 1000 LTTE loyalists for attempting to sabotage the President’s Indian visit.

Reports emanating from India said that 700 persons along with MDMK Party Leader of India Y. Gopal Swamy alias Vaiko were apprehended on Friday morning when they attempted to forcibly enter the Sanchi City.

Buddhist studies and research will be carried out at this University which is being established in the Sanchi City where places of Buddhist worship prevailed since third century BC. In addition to the conduct of Buddhist research and the provision of Post Degree in the field of Buddhist education, teaching in relation to the Buddha Dhamma on archaeology and Arts will also be undertaken at this University. It will also have a Buddhist Library of international standard.

Plans are underway for the construction of a conference hall and a sports complex to bring about a renaissance in the Sanchi area. Sri Lanka will contribute to the architecture of the Project