What's stopping China?

What's stopping China? It has a powerhouse economy, is the factory to the world and has billions in US Treasuries. But still Asia is seeing slower growth. And a large part of this is due to the dragon nation. According to an article in Business Insider, China's problems are two cultural genes that have passed through generations. The first is the Confucian proposal that intellectuals become loyal administrators. The second comes from the writings of Zhuang Zhou, another influential Chinese philosopher. He said that a harmonious society would rise from families that avoid exchange, conflict, and who shun technology.

The consequence is a society that discourages curiosity, challenges commercialization and collaborative technology. Thus, China's lack of innovation stems from its cultural system. This is in stark contrast to the US' entrepreneurial setting where anyone can chase the American dream. The problems that China is facing are pervasive and may take years to resolve. In the cutting edge world of technology time is money. Thus, China's technological edge may forever lag its western rivals. And a similar story is unfortunately playing out in India as well. Change is needed from within. Else the Apples and Googles of the world will continue to be housed in the west. ( By J Mulraj)

SNT revises bus fares GANGTOK, 13 Sept: The Sikkim Nationalized Transport [SNT] has revised its passenger fare for the SNT buses. As per the new rates the charge is Rs 1.50 per passenger per kilometer for a distance upto 20 km; for distances above 20 km, the charge is to be Rs.1.20 per passenger per kilometer. The minimum chargeable amount will now be Rs.5 per passenger. The new rates will become applicable from the month of October, 2012.

Why govt eased 30% outsourcing rule in single brand retail?

Under the new rule, 30% of the value of goods purchased, will be done from India, preferably from MSMEs, village and cottage industries, artisans and craftsmen, in all sectors, "where it is feasible".

Inner Flow’ presents little known stories from the Mahabharatha on canvas

When it comes to the cap on the consumption of subsidised domestic LPG cylinders, the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA), it appears, has two sets of rules — one for the common man, and one for those holding Constitutional posts.

China to 'back' Dalai Lama successor, says top CPC leader

  Agencies : Beijing, Fri Sep 14 2012, 16:05 hrs


China would support the Dalai Lama's successor as long as his selection conforms with its laws, historical rules and the will of the Tibetan people, a top leader of the ruling CPC has said.

Reacting to the Dalai Lama's comments hinting that his successor would don the role of only a religious head for Tibetans and not of a political leader, Xu Zhitao, who is with the United Front Work Department of the CPC Central Committee, said the Dalai's role as political leader ended in 1959, the year he left for India on self-exile.

Xu told state-run Global Times that the central government revoked the Dalai's role as political leader of Tibetans after the "democratic reform of Tibet" in 1959.

"It's ridiculous for the Dalai Lama to say he changed the centuries-old tradition, because the tradition was already changed in 1959," Xu said.

At the same time, he said the Chinese government "will definitely support the Dalai Lama's successor if he or she is selected according to Chinese laws and historical rules, and the Tibetan people's will."

The 77-year-old Tibetan spiritual leader said in his address to the Jamia Millia Islamia in New Delhi on Wednesday that till last year he held the dual position of political and spiritual head of the Tibetans before he transferred all powers to the "Prime Minister of the Tibetan Government-in- Exile".

"I am in a semi-retirement position. I changed a tradition which has been there for four centuries. What was started by the fifth Dalai Lama was ended by 14th Dalai Lama i.e. me. I am happy and proud," he had said.

The succession for the Dalai could become a politically explosive issue as China is currently dealing with unrest in Tibet in the wake of over 50 self immolations in recent months against the Chinese rule and for the return of the Dalai Lama.

The situation in Tibet assumed significance as the CPC leadership headed by President Hu Jintao -- who critics say followed a hard-line policy towards Tibet ruling out any political concessions -- is set to change.

The Dalai in his recent comments had said that Vice President Xi Jinping, officially projected as the one to succeed Hu, could be more flexible.

The 18th Congress of the CPC, likely to be held in the coming weeks, is expected to select the new leadership but reports here say Xi is unwell, sparking speculation about his future prospects.

However, Xu has already rebuffed the Dalai's remarks that there were "encouraging signs" about China changing its attitude towards Tibet after the end of tenure of the present leadership.

On August 31, Xu said there would not be any negotiations at least until the end of the year.

"China will continue to be flexible with Dalai Lama but it seems that no result will come out if he does not change his attitude toward some fundamental issues," he had said reacting to the Dalai Lama's comments about likely change in China's policy towards Tibet.

Chinese government continue to insist that the Dalai Lama or his "Tibet government-in-exile" cannot represent the Tibetan people, he had said.

There can only be discussions on the Dalai's return only if he "stop his separatist speeches and win the trust of the central government as well as the forgiveness of the Chinese people," Xu had said.

According to Xu, a political settlement is difficult as the Dalai Lama seeks to control everything in Tibet except foreign affairs and national defence.

The Tibetan leader also wants Tibet to be in its pre-1959 state.

Since 2002, the Chinese government has negotiated with representatives of the Dalai Lama on 10 occasions, the latest being in 2010, but no breakthroughs were reached because of "sharply divided" views, according to an earlier report by state-run Xinhua news agency.

Xiong Kunxin, a professor of ethnic studies at the Minzu University of China, told the Global Times he doubts whether the Dalai's successor can stay away from politics when he himself could not after Lobsang Sangay, a Harvard-trained legal scholar, was elected leader of the "Tibet government- in-exile" in April last year.

"His (Dalai Lama's) frequent visits to senior officials and leaders of foreign countries obviously show that he is still interfering with political affairs," Xiong said.

The Dalai's frequent visits to foreign politicians also indicate that he is not content with his "semi-retirement position" and is eager to draw others' attention to his political views, he said.

THEY TOO WILL VANISH SOON

"When we choose not to focus on what is missing from our lives but are grateful for the abundance that is present...we experience heaven on earth."

SOON THEY WILL VANISH

Construction of tunnel at Z-Morh for all weather connectivity from Srinagar to Leh

The Cabinet Committee on Infrastructure today approved the implementation of the construction of the 6.50 kms long two lane bi-directional tunnel on a new alignment in between Gagangir and Sonamarg, along the exiting NH-1 at Z- Morh, approved by Public Private Partnership Appraisal Committee for all weather connectivity from Srinagar to Leh on NH-1 (old NH -1D) in Jammu and Kashmir on BOT (Annuity) basis. The length of the tunnel will be 6.5 kms and the length of approaches will be 6.05 kms. The total capital cost of the project will Rs.2716.90 crore, out of which approximately, Rs.36.48 crore will be for land acquisition, rehabilitation, resettlement and pre-construction.

Permitting FDI in multi-brand product retail trading

The Cabinet has approved the proposal of the Department of Industrial Policy & Promotion for permitting FDI in multi-brand retail trading, subject to specified conditions. The proposal had earlier been approved by the Cabinet in its meeting on 24.11.2011. However, implementation of the proposal had been deferred, for evolving a broader consensus on the subject. In pursuance of the aforestated decision of the Cabinet on 7.12.2011, discussions have been held with State Governments, representatives of consumer associations/organizations, micro & small industry associations, farmers’ associations and representatives of food processing industry and industry associations. The Chief Ministers of Delhi, Assam, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Rajasthan, Uttarakhand, Haryana and Governments of the State of Manipur and the Union Territory of Daman & Diu and Dadra and Nagar Haveli, have expressed support for the policy in writing. The Chief Minister of Jammu & Kashmir, through his press statements, has publicly endorsed the policy and asked for its implementation. The State Governments of Bihar, Karnataka, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Tripura and Odisha have expressed reservations. During the consultations with the stakeholders, views for and against FDI in multi-brand retail trading were expressed. On balance, however, the discussions generally indicated support for the policy, subject to the introduction of adequate safeguards. Accordingly, the following proposals have been approved: (i) Retail sales outlets may be set up in those States which have agreed or agree in future to allow FDI in MBRT under this policy. The establishment of the retail sales outlets will be in compliance of applicable State laws/ regulations, such as the Shops and Establishments Act etc. (ii) Retail sales outlets may be set up only in cities with a population of more than 10 lakh as per 2011 Census and may also cover an area of 10 kms around the municipal/urban agglomeration limits of such cities; retail locations will be restricted to conforming areas as per the Master/Zonal Plans of the concerned cities and provision will be made for requisite facilities such as transport connectivity and parking; In States/ Union Territories not having cities with population of more than 10 lakh as per 2011 Census, retail sales outlets may be set up in the cities of their choice, preferably the largest city and may also cover an area of 10 kms around the municipal/urban agglomeration limits of such cities. The locations of such outlets will be restricted to conforming areas, as per the Master/Zonal Plans of the concerned cities and provision will be made for requisite facilities such as transport connectivity and parking. (iii) At least 50% of total FDI brought in shall be invested in `backend infrastructure` within three years of the induction of FDI, where ‘back-end infrastructure’ will include capital expenditure on all activities, excluding that on front-end units; for instance, back-end infrastructure will include investment made towards processing, manufacturing, distribution, design improvement, quality control, packaging, logistics, storage, ware-house, agriculture market produce infrastructure etc. Expenditure on land cost and rentals, if any, will not be counted for purposes of backend infrastructure. (iv) A high-level group under the Minister of Consumer Affairs may be constituted to examine various issues concerning internal trade and make recommendations for internal trade reforms. Other conditions/safeguards, approved by the Cabinet on 24.11.2012, would remain unchanged. The suspension of Government’s decision taken in the Cabinet meeting on 24.11.2011 to permit FDI up to 51% in MBRT, therefore, stands removed. The respective State Governments administer the Shops & Establishment Act within their territorial jurisdiction. “Trade & Commerce within the State” is a subject allocated to the State Governments, under the Constitution of India. State Governments are also responsible for aspects ancillary to MBRT, such as zoning regulations, warehousing requirements, access, traffic, parking and other logistics. As such, the policy provides that it would be the prerogative of the State Governments to decide whether and where a multi-brand retailer, with FDI, is permitted to establish its sales outlets within the State. Therefore, implementation of the policy is not a mandatory requirement for all States. Retail sales outlets may be set up only in cities with a population of more than 10 lakh as per 2011 Census (including an area of 10 kms around the municipal/urban agglomeration limits of such cities). On the other hand, States/ Union Terrritories, which do not have any city with a population exceeding 10 lakhs, but are desirous of implementing the policy, would have the flexibility to do so. Thus, the revised condition gives primacy to the decision of the States in this regard, recognizing that the FDI policy constitutes, at best, an enabling framework for the purpose. Adequate safeguards have been built into the policy, some of which have been further strengthened. A three year timeframe has been fixed for setting up the back-end infrastructure, which includes capital expenditure on all activities, excluding that on front-end units; for instance, back-end infrastructure will include investment made towards processing, manufacturing, distribution, design improvement, quality control, packaging, logistics, storage, ware-house, agriculture market produce infrastructure etc. Expenditure on land cost and rentals, if any, will not be counted for purposes of backend infrastructure. This condition will bind the foreign investors to invest in critical back-end infrastructure, which is a felt need across the country. It would also make the foreign investors accountable for proper implementation of the condition. The decision would benefit stakeholders across the entire span of the supply chain. Farmers stand to benefit from the significant reduction in post-harvest losses, expected to result from the strengthening of the backend infrastructure and enable the farmers to obtain a remunerative price for their produce. Small manufacturers will benefit from the conditionality requiring at least 30% procurement from Indian small industries, as this would enable them to get integrated with global retail chains. This, in turn, will enhance their capacity to export products from India. As far as small retailers are concerned, it is evident that organized retail already co-exists with small traders and the unorganized retail sector. Studies indicate that there has been a strong competitive response from the traditional retailers to these organized retailers, through improved business practices and technological upgradation. Global experience also indicates that organized and unorganized retail co-exist and grow. The young people joining the workforce will benefit from the creation of employment opportunities. Consumers stand to gain the most, firstly, from the lowering of prices that would result from supply chain efficiencies and secondly, through improvement in product quality, which would come about as a combined result of technological upgradation; efficient grading, sorting and packaging; testing and quality control and product standardization. Implementation of the policy will facilitate greater FDI inflows, additional and quality employment, global best practices and benefit consumers and farmers in the long run, in terms of quality, price, greater supply chain efficiencies in the agricultural sector and development of critical backend infrastructure. The high-level group, to be constituted under the Minister of Consumer Affairs, is expected to look into various aspects relating to internal trade, to make recommendations on internal trade reforms to the Government, whenever required. This is in response to a demand articulated by traders’ associations during the course of consultations. Reforms in internal trade will ensure distributional efficiencies and also that the benefits from trade are available to all sections of society. *** RCJ/SC/SKS (Release ID :87767)

LPG Cylinders terms

c) Restrict the supply of subsidized LPG cylinders to each consumer to6cylinders (of 14.2 Kg) per annum. This will help in reducing the under-recovery by about Rs. 5,300 crore for the remaining part of the financial year. The under-recovery on sale of Domestic LPG during 2012-13, even after this measure, is estimated to be above Rs. 32,000 crore. Any number of cylinders will be available over and above the cap of 6 cylinders at market rate. The number of subsidized LPG cylinders available to each consumer in the remaining part of the current financial year will be 3 cylinders.While subsidized cylinders will continue to be available at Rs. 399 per cylinder (at Delhi), the market rate of LPG cylinders at non subsidized rates will be notified by the OMCs on monthly basis. 

. As per Federation of Hotels and Restaurants Association of India (FHRAI), more hotel rooms need to be added to meet the growing demand from overseas and domestic tourists. The apex body for hotel and restaurant industry in India has said that an estimated 1.8 lakh guestrooms need to be added in the organized sector whereas 25 lakh new guestrooms would be required in the unorganized sector. The Ministry of Tourism has set a target to increase foreign tourist arrivals from 6.2 m to 11 m by 2016 with 1,496 m domestic tourist visits. According to FHRAI, the drop in hotel occupancy rates from 66.8% to 62.1% in December 2011 was on account of oversupply in rooms in certain pockets of the country such as Pune, Bangalore and Delhi. The industry body feels that the demand is high in cities such as Mumbai and Chennai.

India's economic output is primarily driven by private consumption demand. In other words, expenditure incurred by people on food, clothing, rent, education, vacations and all other activities that support living. These collectively add up to almost 60% of Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Despite the 2008 crisis, private consumption continued to grow steadily at 7-8% until 2010-11. This helped to set-off the negative impact of a slowdown in investment and government spending on GDP.

Academy Finds Mixed Climate Impacts on Himalayan Glaciers, Water Supplies

Climate Change
Academy Finds Mixed Climate Impacts on Himalayan Glaciers, Water Supplies

By ANDREW C. REVKIN
source: The NewYork Times

David Breashears
The eroding Rongbuk glacier in the Himalayas, in 1921 and today

Given all the oversimplified assertions over the years about Himalayan glaciers in a warming global climate, it’s great to see a committee assembled by the National Academy of Sciences weigh in on the question with some data-based findings in a new report, “Himalayan Glaciers: Climate Change, Water Resources, and Water Security.” The bottom line — in sync with other recent analysis — is that the region is seeing a mix of changes, with glaciers growing in some places and shrinking in others and impacts on water supplies mostly inconsequential for decades to come. In most regions, monsoon patterns, population and consumption pressures and dependence on groundwater pumping will remain the dominant source of water-related risks, the report concludes. Read on for an excerpt from the news release and link to the full report, followed by related background:


Himalayan Glaciers Retreating at Accelerated Rate in Some Regions but Not Others; Consequences for Water Supply Remain Unclear, Says New Report

WASHINGTON — Glaciers in the eastern and central regions of the Himalayas appear to be retreating at accelerating rates, similar to those in other areas of the world, while glaciers in the western Himalayas are more stable and could be growing, says a new report from the National Research Council.

The report examines how changes to glaciers in the Hindu Kush-Himalayan region, which covers eight countries across Asia, could affect the area’s river systems, water supplies, and the South Asian population. The mountains in the region form the headwaters of several major river systems — including the Ganges, Mekong, Yangtze, and Yellow rivers — which serve as sources of drinking water and irrigation supplies for roughly 1.5 billion people.

The entire Himalayan climate is changing, but how climate change will impact specific places remains unclear, said the committee that wrote the report. The eastern Himalayas and Tibetan Plateau are warming, and the trend is more pronounced at higher elevations. Models suggest that desert dust and black carbon, a component of soot, could contribute to the rapid atmospheric warming, accelerated snowpack melting, and glacier retreat.

While glacier melt contributes water to the region’s rivers and streams, retreating glaciers over the next several decades are unlikely to cause significant change in water availability at lower elevations, which depend primarily on monsoon precipitation and snowmelt, the committee said. Variations in water supplies in those areas are more likely to come from extensive extraction of groundwater resources, population growth, and shifts in water-use patterns. However, if the current rate of retreat continues, high elevation areas could have altered seasonal and temporal water flow in some river basins. The effects of glacier retreat would become evident during the dry season, particularly in the west where glacial melt is more important to the river systems. Nevertheless, shifts in the location, intensity, and variability of both rain and snow will likely have a greater impact on regional water supplies than glacier retreat will.

Melting of glacial ice could play an important role in maintaining water security during times of drought or similar climate extremes, the committee noted. During the 2003 European drought, glacial melt contributions to the Danube River in August were about three times greater than the 100-year average. Water stored as glacial ice could serve as the Himalayan region’s hydrologic “insurance,” adding to streams and rivers when it is most needed. Although retreating glaciers would provide more meltwater in the short term, the loss of glacier “insurance” could become problematic over the long term. [Full news release. Full report (clunky viewing method, but it's all there).]

There’s a slide and graphics presentation accompanying the new study. [Justin Gillis has an overview of the study over on the Green blog.] Richard Harris of NPR filed a good report on Himalayan ice, water and climate earlier this year. Mike Ives took a close-focus look at the implications of Himalayan glacier changes for China for Yale Environment 360.

A compilation of world's best investing wisdom

00:00

Warren Buffett is one name that stands out when it comes to value investing. His intelligence and investment methodology have helped him amass a fortune over the years. It would not be wrong to say that value investors across the world are keen to know what the Oracle of Omaha has to say about investing, his methods as well as his own experiences. As a result, the annual letter to investors in which Buffett discusses some of his investments, is a very much awaited document for his followers. For the simple reason that there great insights on investing as a process in each of these letters. Make no mistake, going through each of his letters is essential. However, it can be quite a task especially for someone who prefers to get the knowledge in a single place. For those in search for the same, there is a solution. The book 'The Essays of Warren Buffett: Lessons for Corporate America' is a collection of Buffett essays over the years.

These essays are virtually a treasure trove of information on the legendary investor's approach to investing. They touch upon various topics, right from from good corporate governance and value investing to importance of moats and management quality . What more, the book also talks about how conventional accounting can sometimes be grossly misleading. The book is aimed not just at investors. It can also make a very good reading for business managers and entrepreneurs. Simply because it discusses matters like the need for managers to think of themselves as owners of the business. Such an approach is essential if a business has to amass value over time.

We believe the editor of the book, Lawrence A. Cunningham, has done a good job of organizing the topics from various letters and put them in order for the convenience of the readers. All in all, a very highly recommended book from our side. ( By J Mulraj)

Indo-Bhutan relation to flourish, says Thinley

Business Standard  Reporter / Kolkata/ Bhubaneswar Sep 10, 2012, 00:04 IST

“It has been a joyous visit for me and I am confident that this visit will deepen further the special bond of friendship and cooperation that exist between Bhutan and India. The Indo-Bhutan relationship will only grow, deepen and flourish”, Thinley said at the convocation ceremony of KIIT University.The Bhutanese Prime Minister Lyonchhen Jigmi Y. Thinley on Sunday said, the bilateral relationship with India, which is the largest trading partner of Bhutan, will continue to flourish in the future.

Imports and exports trade between the two countries now stand at over Rs 6,000 crore, with Indian exports surpassing exports from Bhutan, which earns mostly through selling hydro energy.

The country, which has large rivers and hilly terrains, generates about 1,500 Mw hydro power through its 27 power plants, built primarily by financial assistance from India and exports about two-thirds of it as per a treaty signed with Indian government. The country was immensely helpful during the massive grid failure in July this year.

To harness the rich hydro power potential of the country Indian companies such as National Hydro Power Corporation of India (NHPC) and Tata Power have evinced interest to generate power in the neighbouring nation, that would provide additional 1,000 Mw power in next five years.

“Hydro-power cooperation is growing. It is a mutual benefit for both the countries as (it brings) revenue for Bhutan and electricity for India,” said the visiting prime minister, who was awarded honorary doctorate degree by the university.

He was awarded D.Litt. & D.Sc. (Honoris Causa). Other personalities who were honoured by the private university were Farooq Wardak, minister of education from Afghanistan, Ham Kee-Sun, president of South Korea’s Hanseo University and Baidyanath Mishra, eminent economist & former vice-Chancellor of Odisha University of Agriculture and Technology(OUAT). Kao Kim Hourn, secretary of state at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs & International Cooperation of Government of Cambodia, who could not attend the event, was awarded the degree in absentia.

At the ceremony, vice chancellor of KIIT, P. P. Mathur said, the university has taken initiative to give impetus to research on the campus. Last year, about 14 research projects from various national and international funding agencies were sanctioned with a total budget outlay of over Rs. 4 crores. Also, the university has achieved cent per cent placement for the 2012 passed-out students, he added.

Total 2,216 graduates were awarded graduate and postgraduate degrees in various disciplines. Saurav Prakash, B.Tech (CSE), Abhaya Kumar Sahoo, M.Tech (CSE) and Girish Kumar Ajmera, B.Tech (E&TC) won Founder’s Gold Medals for securing the highest CGPA across all programmes, in postgraduate courses and in undergraduate courses respectively. Similarly, 12 students were awarded Chancellor’s Gold Medal, while 15 students got Vice Chancellor’s Gold Medal. Eighteen research scholars were awarded Ph.D. degrees at the convocation.

Agartala to be Northeast India's first solar city

 Agartala, Sept 13 (IANS): To reduce dependency on conventional energy, the Tripura government on Wednesday announced ambitious plans to make Agartala a 'solar city', replacing at least 10 percent of usual power use by solar energy.
"Agartala city would be the first 'solar city' in northeast India within the next few years," Tripura's Urban Development Minister Manik Dey said after inaugurating a 50 kilowatt solar power plant at the Agartala Municipal Council head office here.

He said: "Solar power is the sustainable and viable energy for both cities and remote areas. Electricity crisis would not be solved in the country unless we use non-conventional energy like solar power in a big way."

An official of the Agartala Municipal Council said a master plan of Rs.452.32 crore has been undertaken to make Agartala a 'solar city'. The union ministry of new and renewable energy (MNRE) would bear 90 percent of the cost and the remaining would be borne by the Tripura government.

As part of the master plan, solar hot water systems would be installed in all hotels, nursing homes, school hostels, government circuit houses and bungalows, hospitals and health centres, tourist lodges, temples and the governor's residence.

According to the official, the Agartala solar city project is part of MNRE's plan to turn 60 Indian cities into solar cities.

"The Tripura Renewable Energy Development Authority (TREDA) and urban development department, in association with MNRE, would implement the ambitious scheme," the official added.

The city's street lights and other lights in public places would also be operated on solar energy.

"Theft of battery and solar panel is a major problem facing the authorities in implementing the solar electrification programme," Tripura's Science, Technology and Environment Minister Joy Gobinda Debroy said.

The minister said 700 hamlets and 50 villages in remote areas in the northeastern state have already been provided solar energy, benefiting more than 35,000 families, mostly tribals.

"Solar energy would also be provided to hundreds of more remote villages in the state under the remote village electrification (RVE) scheme during the current financial year," the minister said.

According to Debroy, through the TREDA, 80,000 solar lanterns have been distributed among poor people residing in urban as well as rural areas in Tripura. Over 66,000 small and medium hot water plants have been installed across Tripura.

"To popularise 'solar energy', lakhs of specially-designed 'solar caps' and 'solar torches' would be distributed among students in the state," he stated.

Of India's 60 proposed solar cities, eight cities have been identified in the northeastern region by MNRE.

The cities include Itanagar in Arunachal Pradesh, Agartala in Tripura, Guwahati and Jorhat in Assam, Aizawl in Mizoram, Imphal in Manipur and Kohima and Dimapur in Nagaland.

BLOCKS IN THE DOCK Companies whose coal blocks may be deallocated

CASTRON MINING Bramhadih block, Jharkhand

FIELD MINING & ISPAT Chinora & Warora Southern blocks, Maharashtra

DOMCO SMOKELESS FUELS Lalgarh North block, Jharkhand

Shri Justice Kabir to be the new Chief Justice of India

Shri Justice Altamas Kabir will be the new Chief Justice of India. He will assume the new charge on 29th of this month. Born on July 19, 1948 at Kolkata, Justice Kabir did his LLB and MA from University of Calcutta. He was enrolled at the Bar on August 1, 1973 and was made a permanent judge of Calcutta High Court on August 6, 1990. Justice Kabir assumed the office of acting Chief Justice of Calcutta High Court on January 11, 2005. He was elevated as Chief Justice of Jharkhand High Court on March 01, 2005 and was made a judge of the Supreme Court of India on September 09, 2005. Justice Kabir was responsible for the computerization of the Calcutta High Court and the City Civil Court and other Courts in Kolkatta. He was appointed as Executive Chairman of National Legal Services Authority on January 14, 2010. Samir:CP release 13.9.2012 (Release ID :87739)

Tibetans protest in front of the UN Information Center in New Delhi demanding the UN to press China for grant of immediate access to the media and international organisations for access to Tibet. (PTI)

Olympic bronze medallist and five time world champion Mary Kom with Olympic bronze medallist Gagan Narang during the inauguration of the shooting championship organised by Gun for Glory shooting accademy at Balewadi. (IE Photo: Arul Horizon)

Cartoonist Aseem Trivedi addressing the media after coming out of Arthur Road Jail in Mumbai, Maharashtra on Sept. 12, 2012.

One day passes, you will lose one day; One day passes with happiness, and then you gain one day.

Tourism & Civil Aviation Department is organising Sikkim Paragliding Festival at Gangtok. Paragliders from India and abroad are participating in the Festival.

Altaf Qadri/Associated Press

Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama, left, talking to India’s former president A.P.J. Abdul Kalam during a seminar on world peace and harmony organized by the Ramakrishna Mission in New Delhi.

economic center of gravity has moved from West to East.

It needs no telling that the economic center of gravity has moved from West to East. Asian countries, thanks to their high savings rate and a low base of GDP per capita, will continue to log in higher growth rates than their western counterparts for many more years to come. But what goes unnoticed perhaps is another important fact. As pointed out by the Economist, by 2030, Asia (excluding Japan) will be home to half of the world's elderly. And by virtue of this, it will also host most of the world's pensioners and patients.

Thus, it goes without saying that these countries will certainly have a big challenge on their hands. They will have to ensure that the elderly get all the help they need. This is not the only challenge though. As income levels rise, there will be a clamour for other Government sponsored schemes too like health insurance and unemployment benefits. Needless to say, this is going to put a big strain on the Government exchequer. Thus, it is imperative that a fine balance is achieved. The balance between making the schemes fiscally feasible and also ensuring that every citizen gets to lead the dignified life he /she deserves. As The Economist rightly points out, the welfare state should not only free the continent from squalor. It should also not sink it in too much debt.

Data source: Business Standard *Pig iron, Coal to Liquid and Commercial

Ushering autumn

• September 11, 2012 
• By Swami Tejomayananda

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 In My earlier columns on the vision behind the Ramayana, we dealt with Sri Ram sharing his thoughts with Lakshman on the natural phenomenon around them — the monsoons. He speaks about devotion, knowledge, dispassion and right conduct. Now that rains are giving way to autumn, we will consider what Sri Ram says pointing out the signs and the significance of the season to Lakshman.

The kasha-grass with white flowers has spread like a carpet over vast areas, suggesting the advent of old age for the rainy season. The constellation of Agastya (Canopus) appears and the waters dry up, just as greed dries up the contentment of mind. When greed enters the mind, contentment is pushed out and when contentment comes in, greed has to beat a hasty retreat. The only way to remove greed from the mind is to cultivate the virtue of contentment, by entertaining yourself with the wealth earned by your own hard work through righteous means.

The waters of rivers and lakes have become clear as the rains wash away all the dirt and dust, reminding Ram of the hearts of saints, which become pure as negativities are given up. During the rains the water is turbid and there is flooding; but slowly the waters settle down at the right level, like a wise man who gives up attachment and gradually gets established in knowledge. The more he gives up desires for outer things, the more clarity he gains in his vision of the self. Gradually, as we develop interest in this self-knowledge, slowly our desires wither away. Then, there will be no further interruption in our awareness of the self even in the midst of activities.

With the coming of autumn, the khanjana (wagtail) bird also comes, just as the punyas (meritorious actions) start bearing fruit at the right time and good things start happening. 

Swami Tejomayananda, head of Chinmaya Mission Worldwide, is an orator, poet, singer, composer and storyteller. Visit www.chinmaya mission.com

Arunachal Pradesh
The ‘land of the dawn-lit mountains’ is the largest of North-East states, but the least densely populated in India, with about 17 people per sq.km. It has 30 distinct languages. One reason to go: Some of the best white-water rafting in the world.

Assam
Since we tend to know a little more about this state, we’ll just say check out the world’s largest riverine island, Majuli, in the Brahmaputra, in Jorhat district. It is home to Assamese Vaishnavite monasteries called Satras.

Manipur
Its Keibul Lamjao reserve is the world’s only floating national park: People live on ‘islands’ that are clumps of floating vegetation. The park is the last natural habitat of the sangai, the endangered brow-antlered deer.

Meghalaya
Capital Shillong hosts the Autumn Festival, which is in the Guinness World Records for the largest musicians’ ensemble: 7,951 drummers notched up the record in 2006, while 1,730 guitarists achieved the feat in 2007.

Mizoram
True to its name, (‘mi’ people, ‘zo’ hill, ‘ram’ land) it has 21 major hill ranges or peaks. Its dense vegetation makes it a birder’s paradise. It has a set of mysterious carved menhirs in Vangchhia, possibly pre-dating current inhabitants.

Nagaland
Its 16 tribes speak at least 20 dialects, English, and Nagamese. A good time to visit is early December, for the Hornbill Festival. Kohima saw a famous WWII battle that marked a turning point for the Allies against the Japanese.

SIKKIM
India’s least populous state (607,000 people) and its  11 official languages, climate ranging from the subtropical to the alpine, and huge biodiversity: Nine conifers, 300 ferns, 144 mammals, 550 birds, 650 butterflies, over 4,000 flowering plants and 550 varieties of the famous Sikkim orchids. Just in 7,096 sq.km.

Tripura
It is almost entirely surrounded by Bangladesh, with only a bit of its eastern border contiguous with Assam and Mizoram. And there are the huge images cut into the living rock in Unakoti, Debtamura and Pilak, dating back over a thousand years. ‘Unakoti’ means one less than a crore; the story is that that’s the total number of these carvings in the area!


Read more: http://forbesindia.com/

21 FDI Proposals Amounting to Rs. 2410 Crore Approved

Based on the recommendations of Foreign Investment Promotion Board (FIPB) in its meeting held on August 24, 2012, Government has approved 21 proposals of Foreign Direct Investment amounting to Rs. 2410 crore approximately.  These include 8 proposals worth Rs.1842.55 crore relating to FDI in brownfield pharmaceuticals sector, mentioned at S. Nos. 13 to 20, which were deferred in earlier meetings. The pharma cases have been approved, subject, inter alia, to the following three conditions: (i) The quantitative level of NLEM (National List of Essential Medicines) drugs production annually at the time of induction of foreign investment will be maintained at that level for the next 5 years. The level would be defined as the highest annual production level of NLEM drugs in quantitative terms, in any of the three years preceding the induction of foreign investment. Appropriate information, in the form and manner as prescribed in this regard by the administrative ministries concerned, must be supplied; (ii) The Research & Development expenses annually incurred by the investee company at the highest level in the 3 preceding years to the induction of foreign investment will be maintained in value terms annually over the next 5 years post induction of FDI. The Investee Company would be required to provide appropriate information, in the form and manner as prescribed in this regard by the administrative ministries concerned; and (iii) the administrative ministries concerned and the FIPB secretariat will be provided complete information pertaining to the transfer of technology, if any, along with induction of foreign investment into the investee company.                                                                                                                                                             Following 21 (Twenty one) proposals have been approved. Sl. No. Name of the applicant Particulars of the proposal FDI/NRI inflows (` In crore) AGRICULTURE & COOPERATION 1 M/s Everton Tea India Pvt. Ltd.,Bangalore Ex Post-facto approval for transfer of equity shares to foreign collaborator to carry out the business ofmanufacturing black and green tea bags, herb tea bags and instant tea bags. 0.98 (already brought in) FINANCIAL SERVICES 2 M/s City Union Bank Limited, Tamil Nadu To issue and allot partly-paid up shares, under rights issue to carry out the business of banking operations in private sector. 61.5 (approx) INDUSTRIAL POLICY & PROMOTION 3 M/s Menzies Bobba Ground Handling Services Pvt. Ltd.,Hyderabad Increase in foreign equity participation to carry out the business of Ground handling services. 2.58 (approx.) MINES 4 M/s Leighton International Projects (India) Pvt. Ltd., Mumbai Ex post facto approval for transfer of partly paid shares to non resident entities, which have since been made fully paid up to carry out the business of development of infrastructure projects in India. No fresh inflow COMMERCE 5 M/s Rickshaw Delivery To enhance the NRI investment on non-repatriable basis to carry out the business of export trading through partnership firm. 1.25 CONSUMER AFFAIRS 6 M/s Arani Agro Oil Industries Ltd Ex post facto approval for issue of shares for other than inward remittances to carry out the business of manufacture of  Hydrogenated Oils and Vegetables & Vanaspati, Vegetables Oils & Fats and hydrogenated oils, mono carboxylic fatty acids, acids oils from refinery & industrial alcohols & manufacturing of glycerine and other non compliance with the conditions of original FC approval. Not applicable INDUSTRIAL POLICY & PROMOTION 7 M/s D B Corp Ltd. To increase the foreign equity participation from 20 % to 20% to carry out the business of publication of newspapers including the business of developing, editing, publishing, printing, distributing and marketing newspapers and other publications and FM radio business. Not quantified 8 M/s Praxair IndiaPvt., Ltd. To issue shares for consideration other than inward remittance. No inflow INFORMATION & BROADCASTING 9 M/s Wall StreetJournal India Publishing Pvt., Ltd. Change in the foreign collaborator by way of overseas merger within group companies.  The company is engaged in the business of publishing of facsimile editions of newspapers in India. Nil TELECOMMUNICATIONS 10 M/s Asergis Telecom Services Pvt., Ltd To undertake the additional activity of Infrastructure Provider-I Services (IP-I Services). Nil ECONOMIC AFFAIRS 11 M/s Al Shukur Company For Engineering And Construction LLP, Vadodara Induction of foreign direct investment into an LLP to carry out the business of engineering services and engineering products. 0.009 FINANCIAL SERVICES 12 M/s Paragon Asset Reconstruction Pvt. Ltd., Mumbai Induction of foreign equity upto 19.99% in the company engaged in the business of Asset Reconstruction. 0.57 HEALTH & FAMILY WELFARE 13 M/s Ordain Health Care Global Pvt. Ltd., Chennai Induction of foreign investment in an existing company engaged in the business of manufacturing, research & development for technology advancement, and marketing of pharmaceutical finished dosage formulations. 58.85 14 M/s Sutures India Private Limited,Bangalore Induction of foreign investment in an existing company engaged in the business of manufacturing and export of sutures, surgical tapes, mesh bone wax, atraumatic needles, skin staplers and surgical gloves. 200.00 15 M/s Arch Pharmalabs Limited, Mumbai Induction of foreign investment in an existing company engaged in the business of manufacture and sale of Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients and contract research and manufacturing services. 372.36 16 M/s B Braun Singapore Pte Limited,Singapore Acquisition of shares of the company engaged in the business of life saving intravenous fluids and ophthalmic products. 248.40 (approx) 17 M/s Stellence Pharmscience Pvt. Ltd.,Bangalore Induction of foreign equity by way of transfer and issue of equity shares and compulsory convertible preference shares to carry out the business of manufacture and sale of Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients and advanced intermediates. 100.00 18 M/s Pfizer Limited, Mumbai Induction of foreign equity in an operating cum investing company to carry out the business in pharmaceutical sector. 800 19 M/s Vyome Biosciences Private Limited, Delhi Induction of foreign equity to carry out the activities relating to pharmaceuticals sector. 12.50 20 M/s Zim Laboratories Limited, Nagpur Induction of foreign equity to carry out the activities relating to pharmaceuticals sector. 50.44 TELECOMMUNICATIONS 21 M/s Sterlite Networks Limited, Dadar and Nagar Haveli To engage in additional activities of telecom sector. 500.00           RS/GN