India takes U-turn, cancels visa given to Chinese dissident

New Delhi, Apr 25 (PTI) In a U-turn, India has cancelled the visa given to a leading Chinese dissident to participate in a conference in Dharamsala, apparently buckling under pressure from China.

"We have cancelled the visa given to Dolkun Isa," a Home Ministry spokesperson today said without elaborating further.

Isa, a leader of World Uyghur Congress (WUC), who lives in Germany, had been invited for the conference being organised by US-based 'Initiatives for China'.

Cancellation of the visa is a U-turn on India's part after having issued the visa to Isa only last week.

Reacting to the Indian move, Isa said, "On April 23, I got a very short note by the Indian side that my visa is cancelled. There was no explanation."

He said he did not know what exactly was the reason for it. "May be because of Chinese pressure put on the Indian government. But, I do not know...I did not get any explanation from the Indian side," he said.

India's decision last week to allow WUC leaders whom China regards as backers of terrorism in its volatile Muslim- dominated Xinjiang province had come in the backdrop of Beijing blocking India's bid to get Pathankot terror attack mastermind Masood Azhar designated as a terrorist by the UN.

China's unhappiness about reports that Isa has been given the visa was reflected in Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Hua Chunying saying, "What I want to point out is that Dolkun is a terrorist in red notice of the Interpol and Chinese police. Bringing him to justice is due obligation of relevant countries."

However, Isa's name does not figure in the list of wanted people published by the Interpol.

According to the Interpol charter, if the requesting country wishes, the international organisation does not put up the name of the wanted person in its website.

India seeks time to implement Paris climate agreement

 New York, Apr 25 (PTI) India has sought time to implement the Paris climate agreement, saying it should not be done in "haste" and all countries should be allowed to follow their national processes.

"A debate about early entry into force of the Paris Agreement is unfortunate. Early ratification can be understood, but it will take time as per the national processes of approval," Environment Minister Prakash Javadekar said at the Major Economies Forum Meeting here yesterday.

"We should not make haste because Paris Agreement is to be implemented post 2020. There is enough time for ratification and all countries should be allowed to follow their national processes," he said.

According to reports, the US and China are leading a push to bring the Paris climate accord into force much faster aided by a typographical glitch in the text of the agreement.

India on April 22 signed the historic deal along with more than 170 nations, marking a significant step that has brought together developing and developed nations for beginning work on cutting down greenhouse gas emissions.

"Paris agreement is a historical achievement for mankind.

All countries should implement it in letter and spirit. After signing of Paris agreement, developed world needs to immediately ratify the Kyoto Protocol second commitment period and should present enhanced pre-2020 actions," he said.

The minister also urged developed nations to announce their "enhanced" pre-2020 climate action plans and undertake the "urgent" task of mobilising USD 100 billion, lack of which will hamper implementation of nationally determined contributions of developing countries.

"The second urgent task to be done is Mobilisation of USD 100 billion. Without this crucial mobilisation, many of the developing countries cannot implement their nationally determined contributions," Javadekar said.

He said the need of the hour is to lay out the complete institutional mechanism for building up on the Paris accord.

"The plan to work for the first meeting of Ad hoc group on Paris Agreement (APA) and additional works by Subsidiary Body for Implementation and Subsidiary Body for Scientific and Technological Advice (SBI/SBSTA)...should be prepared in consultation with all stake holders as issues covered under these bodes have a direct bearing on the Provisions of the Paris Agreement. There is a need for coherence between COP, APA, SBI, SBSTA and other institutions," he said.

Observing that India has led from the front as far as pre-2020 action is concerned, he said that though it is not mandated to take pre-2020 actions as per Kyoto Protocol, the government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi has showcased to the world that if there is political will, there is a way.

"India has shown its leadership by action. It is now actions of developed countries which will be watched by the world against the backdrop of India's proactive achievements," he said.

Promotion of Medical Tourism

New Delhi : The development and promotion of tourism primarily is the responsibility of the State Governments/Union Territory Administrations. The Ministry of Tourism as part of its ongoing promotional activities releases campaigns in the international and domestic markets and also undertakes other promotional activities including Promotion of Medical Tourism. 

However, in order to provide dedicated institutional framework to take forward the cause of promotion of Medical Tourism, Wellness Tourism and Yoga, Ayurveda Tourism and any other format of Indian system of medicine covered by Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha and Homeopathy (AYUSH), a National Medical and Wellness Tourism Board has been constituted. The Board shall work as an umbrella organization that governs and promotes this segment of tourism in an organized manner. The Ministry would drive the promotion of Medical & Wellness Tourism and will act as a facilitator and support the medical/wellness segment in promoting tourism and promoting India as a medical and wellness destination. The Board held its first meeting on 13th January 2016. The issues relating to regulations, monitoring, marketing & promotion of Medical and Wellness Tourism are looked into by the Board. 

The foreign tourists who visited India for medical purpose during 2012, 2013 and 2014 were 171021, 236898 and 184298, respectively. Data for the year 2014 is of visa type by Nationality. Earlier data is of Nationality-wise FTAs by purpose of visit based on the information recorded in disembarkation card. 

This information was given by Dr. Mahesh Sharma, Minister of State for Culture and Tourism (Independent Charge) and Minister of State for Civil Aviation in a written reply in Lok Sabha today. 

E-Tourist VISA Scheme : 150 countries eligible for e-Tourist Visa

E-Tourist VISA Scheme

Government of India introduced e-Tourist Visa (earlier known as Tourist Visa on Arrival enabled by ETA) on 27.11.2014 to facilitate the nationals of the 43 countries visiting India. The e-Tourist Visa as on 26.02.2016 is available for nationals of 150 countries.

The year 2015 witnessed a growth rate of 4.5% in terms of Foreign Tourist Arrivals (FTAs) in India.   During 2015, FTAs were 8.03 million as compared to 7.68 million in 2014.  FTAs during the period January-March 2016 were 25.08 lakh with a growth of 10.0% as compared to the FTAs of 22.81 lakh in January-March 2015.

During January-December 2015 a total of 4,45,300 tourists arrived on e-Tourist Visa as compared to 39,046 during January-December 2014 registering a growth of 1040.4%. 

During the month of January-March 2016, a total of 3,21,049 tourists arrived on e-Tourist Visa as compared to 75,859 during the month of January-March 2015 registering a growth of 323.2%.

The list of 150 countries eligible for e-Tourist Visa to India is given below:-

Albania, Andorra, Anguilla, Antigua & Barbuda, Argentina, Armenia, Aruba, Australia, Austria, Bahamas, Barbados, Belgium, Belize, Bolivia, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Botswana, Brazil, Brunei, Bulgaria, Cambodia, Canada, Cape Verde, Cayman Island, Chile, China, China- SAR Hongkong, China- SAR Macau, Colombia, Comoros, Cook Islands, Costa Rica, Cote d'lvoire, Croatia, Cuba, Czech Republic, Denmark, Djibouti, Dominica, Dominican Republic, East Timor, Ecuador, El Salvador, Eritrea, Estonia, Fiji, Finland, France, Gabon, Gambia, Georgia, Germany, Ghana, Greece, Grenada, Guatemala, Guinea, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Hungary, Iceland, Indonesia, Ireland, Israel, Jamaica, Japan, Jordan, Kenya, Kiribati, Laos, Latvia, Lesotho, Liberia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Madagascar, Malawi, Malaysia, Malta, Marshall Islands, Mauritius, Mexico, Micronesia, Moldova, Monaco, Mongolia, Montenegro, Montserrat, Mozambique, Myanmar, Namibia, Nauru, Netherlands, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Niue Island, Norway, Oman, Palau, Palestine, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Republic of Korea, Republic of Macedonia, Romania, Russia, Saint Christopher and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent & the Grenadines, Samoa, San Marino, Senegal, Serbia, Seychelles, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Solomon Islands, South Africa, Spain, Sri Lanka, Suriname, Swaziland, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, Tajikistan, Tanzania, Thailand, Tonga, Trinidad & Tobago, Turks & Caicos Island, Tuvalu, UAE, Ukraine, United Kingdom, Uruguay, USA, Vanuatu, Vatican City-Holy See, Venezuela, Vietnam., Zambia, Zimbabwe.

This information was given by Dr. Mahesh Sharma, Minister of State for Culture and Tourism (Independent Charge) and Minister of State for Civil Aviation in a written reply in Lok Sabha today.

UltraTech Q4 profit up 10% at Rs 723 crore, revenue up 5.1%

The cement major hopes for 7-8% growth in demand in FY17 on the back of government's push in infra sector

Workers walk in front of an UltraTech concrete mixture truck at the construction site of a commercial complex on the outskirts of Ahmedabad

Mumbai : UltraTech Cement, India's largest cement maker, has reported an increase of 10% in its consolidated net profitfor the quarter ended March, 2016. The company's profits stood at Rs 723 crore compared with Rs 657 crore in the corresponding period last fiscal.

On the yearly front too, the Birla firm registered growth of 9% in its consolidated profit after tax (PAT) at Rs 2,287 crore in FY16, against Rs 2,098 crore in FY15.

The company's board has declared a dividend of Rs 9.5 per share.

Quarterly net sales grew 5.1% to Rs 6,850 crore, while annual net sales were Rs 25,281 crore, up 5%.

Better growth in sales volume at 15% in the January-March quarter with relatively better prices helped the company post a good show in the March ending quarter.

"The operating costs reduced with operational efficiencies, a judicious fuel mix, and (a) fall in fuel prices," the company said in a statement.

In its outlook, the company said that demand is expected to grow 7-8% next year on the back of government's focus on infrastructure development, housing, and smart cities, all of which augur well for UltraTech.

On the NSE, UltraTech's shares closed strong on Monday at Rs 3,288, up 0.5% or Rs 16.9 in an otherwise weak market. The Nifty closed 44.25 points lower at 7855.05, while the benchmark Sensex on the BSE closed 159.21 points lower at 25,678.93 points.

India revokes passport of missing tycoon Mallya

Kingfisher Airlines Chairman Vijay Mallya speaks with the media after his meeting with Director General of Civil Aviation E.K. Bharat Bhushan in New Delhi March 20, 2012.

The Indian government said on Sunday it had revoked the passport of Vijay Mallya, the embattled tycoon and lawmaker who last month fled abroad as lenders pressured him to repay about $1.4 billion owed by his defunct Kingfisher Airlines.

Mallya has not disclosed his whereabouts since he flew first class out of New Delhi airport on March 2, his departure embarrassing the government at a time when it and the central bank have pledged to crack down on bank loan defaulters.

"After having considered replies (by Vijay Mallya), MEA revokes his passport," Ministry of External Affairs spokesman Vikas Swarup said in a tweet.

The foreign ministry had given Mallya a week to answer why his passport should not be impounded or revoked, and Swarup told Reuters on Sunday that the government was now consulting legal experts about how it could get Mallya deported to India.

A spokesman for Mallya's UB Group declined to comment.

Pressure on Mallya, who has said he is not an absconder, is mounting.

On Monday a court issued a warrant for his arrest and the Enforcement Directorate, a government agency fighting financial crime, has accused UB Group of using 4.3 billion rupees ($64.5 million) of bank loans to Kingfisher to buy property overseas.

Credit banks this month also rejected an offer of partial repayment by Mallya, who had given a personal guarantee for the Kingfisher loan, and have demanded that the former billionaire attend a hearing in India's Supreme Court.

Mallya, a member of the upper house of India's parliament, has said he would comply with the law.

Media reports traced him to the Hertfordshire village of Tewin, north of London, where the man once known as the "King of Good Times" for his extravagant lifestyle owns a house.

(Reporting by Tommy Wilkes and Douglas Busvine; editing by Raissa Kasolowsky and Jason Neely)

Pushkov accuses western countries of "political racism"

According to Pushkov, the America-centered world does not need countries like Russia, which is ‘problematic’, has a vast territory, huge resources and an enormous potential for independence

Alexei Pushkov, the head of the Russian State Duma Committee for Foreign Affairs

MOSCOW, April 24 /TASS/. Alexei Pushkov, the head of the Russian State Duma Committee for Foreign Affairs, has described the West’s neglectful attitude to countries which do not share the "values" of an America-centered world as a manifestation of "political racism."

"We are being asked: who is on your side? You know, this [such questions] is a variety of western political racism," Pushkov said in an interview aired by the TV-center channel on Sunday.

"Who is supporting you? Bolivia, Cuba…," Russia’s opponents ask.

"No, it’s not only them. It is far from being only them. In fact, the better half of humanity is against the America-centered world. It includes countries like China, India, Brazil, the better half of Latin America and the Arab world - look at Egypt," the Russian deputy said.

According to Pushkov, the America-centered world does not need countries like Russia, which is ‘problematic’, has a vast territory, huge resources and an enormous potential for independence. "And that does not fit into the U.S. global project," the Russian politician explained.

"They [the U.S. - led western world] need the subjects of their world rather than objects with a considerable degree of independence," Pushkov said. "That is why when we say that we need to fight for a new world order, which will not be so centered around the United States and in which there will be a balance of interests, we, in fact, want to guarantee conditions for national existence and survival. But by doing this we carry over many countries, which until recently have not played any leading role in politics, to our side," the politician stressed.

Mann Ki Baat : PM Modi Pitches For Mass Campaign To Save Water

PM Modi expressed gratitude to one crore households which gave up LPG subsidy in response to his call.

HIGHLIGHTS

1. Monsoon predicted to bring up to 110% of rainfall this season
2. Preserve rain water, find other ways to battle water scarcity, said PM
3. PM was addressing nation in monthly radio programme 'Mann Ki Baat'

 Sharing concern over drought in various parts of the country, Prime Minister Narendra Modi today pitched for water conservation through a mass movement as he pinned hopes on the Monsoon which is predicted to bring upto 110 per cent of rainfall this season.

In his monthly radio programme 'Mann Ki Baat', he also talked about efforts to clean Ganga and Yamuna rivers, hoping that these will show results in some time.

Among other several issues, he delved on education, emphasising that the focus should now shift from enrolment to providing quality education.

During his 30-minute broadcast, PM Modi also expressed gratitude to one crore households which gave up LPG subsidy in response to his call and exhorted media to highlight positive news.
Talking about the drought situation in various parts of the country, he said concern over it is natural, particularly since prolonged drought leads to drop in water table in reservoirs.

"To fight the drought and water scarcity, the governments will do their work. But I have seen people also make their own efforts. In several villages, an awareness has been seen with regard to the value of water and in such places, there is sensitivity and a will to do something to conserve," he said.

He referred to the weather forecast which has predicted that the country will receive 106 per cent to 110 per cent rainfall during this Monsoon and said such good news always brings peace.

"But this news brings new awareness also...While the news about good rainfall brings comfort, it also provides an opportunity and a challenge. Can we run a movement from village to village to preserve water?... To whatever extent possible, we must save water.

"The rain water should be preserved. The water of a village should remain in the village. If we make a resolve to do this, it is possible through a mass campaign. So even though we have a water crisis now, we have one and a half month to prepare (before the onset of Monsoon)," he said.

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi inaugurates Joint Conference of CMs & Chief Justices of HCs

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi addressing at the inauguration of the Joint Conference of CMs & Chief Justices of HCs, in New Delhi on April 24, 2016. The Union Minister for Law & Justice, Shri D.V. Sadananda Gowda and the Chief Justice of India, Shri Justice T.S. Thakur are also seen

CJI turns emotional, tells PM not to shift entire burden on judiciary on judges shortage

New Delhi, Apr 24 (PTI) Chief Justice of India T S Thakur today became emotional in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, lamenting government's "inaction" in raising the number of judges from 21,000 to 40,000 to handle mounting cases, saying, "you cannot shift the entire burden on the judiciary".

"Nothing moves", an unusually emotional Thakur said, recalling a 1987 Law Commission recommendation to increase the number of judges from then 10 judges per 10 lakh people to 50.

"Then comes inaction by the government as the increase (in the strength of judges) does not take place," he said in a choked voice while addressing the inaugural session of Joint Conference of Chief Ministers and Chief Justices of High Courts here.

"...And therefore, it is not only in the name of a litigant or people languishing in jails but also in the name of development of the country, its progress that I beseech you to rise to the occasion and realise that it is not enough to criticise. You cannot shift the entire burden on the judiciary," the Chief Justice of India, who was seen wiping his eyes on three occasions, said as the Prime Minister heard him in rapt attention.

Modi, who was not scheduled to speak as per the programme circulated by the Law Ministry, said, "I can understand his (CJI's) pain as a lot of time has lapsed since 1987. Whatever has been the compulsions, but its better to be late than never. We will do better in the future. Let us see how to move forward by reducing the burden of the past," he said.

He said if constitutional barriers do not create any problems, then top ministers and senior Supreme Court judges can sit together in a closed room to find a solution to the issue.

Modi also recalled that in one such conference he had attended as the Gujarat Chief Minister, he had flagged the issue of reducing vacation in courts and holding morning and evening courts but during lunch break during that event he was in for trouble as some judges had questioned the idea.

Later, addressing a press conference on the day's deliberations, the CJI admitted that being emotional is his "weakness".

"One should not be emotional. Justice Kehar (who is likely to be the next CJI) is a strong man. He will not be emotional," he said.

In his address, the Chief Justice said following the Law Commission's recommendation, the Supreme Court in 2002 had also supported increasing the strength of the judiciary. A Parliamentary Department Related Standing Committee on Law then headed by Pranab Mukherjee had also recommended taking the judge to people ratio to 50 from 10.

The CJI also spoke of the "tug-of-war" that goes on between the Centre and the states over funding, infrastructure and other issues.

As of today, the judge to people ratio stands at 15 judges to 10 lakh people which is way less as compared to the US, Australia, the UK and Canada.

Referring to the pressures Indian judges face, Justice Thakur said from a munsif to a Supreme Court judge, the average disposal in India is 2,600 cases per annum as compared to 81 cases per annum in the US.

India Accuses US Of Double Standards On Solar Trade

Power Minister Piyush Goyal says America's WTO victory against India promoting its domestic solar energy players is unjust.

NEW YORK: 

HIGHLIGHTS

1. India accuses US of double standards in solar trade
2. 16 US states have similar Domestic Content Requirements: Power Minister
3. Very unfortunate that US chooses to go against developing world: India

 New Delhi has accused the US of double standards on solar trade, saying its World Trade Organization or WTO victory against India promoting its domestic solar energy players is unjust when it itself uses the same protection in its own states.

Speaking to NDTV in New York, India's Power, Coal and Renewable Energy Minister Piyush Goyal said India has found that 16 states in the US "have similar Domestic Content Requirements when they procure solar panels for their energy needs". The minister also added that "it is very unfortunate that the US on one side continues to have its own Domestic Content Requirement and purchase of solar equipment giving preference to domestic manufacturers and on the other hand, chooses to go against the developing world."

Pointing out to the restraint shown by the government in imposing anti-dumping duties on American manufacturers, even when it had won the right to do so in a recent ruling, Mr Goyal said "domestic manufacturers showed magnanimity" and added that "the US should have reciprocated with a similar gesture." "(It is) very unfortunate that they took this route rather than promoting renewable energy in developing countries," he said.
 A World Trade Organization panel ruled in February in favour of a US claim that India's rules restricting what products can be used in its solar industry breach international trade regulations. WTO's dispute settlement board ruled that India's requirement that only Indian-made products be used in large parts of its rapidly expanding solar power industry were "inconsistent" with a range of global trade regulations.

On Wednesday, India filed an appeal against the WTO decision and is awaiting the final decision of its highest court - the Appellate Authority  - to strike down its lower panel ruling that denied the Indian government's local content requirements for solar cells and modules. India has said it will file 16 cases against the US violations of WTO policies at the United Nations in New York during Minister Goyal's visit, but is yet to do so.

Strongly reiterating that the ruling will not deter India's support to domestic manufacturers, Mr. Goyal said "on the contrary we are coming out with a new policy which will encourage further domestic manufacturing in India and are fully committed to India becoming a leading solar equipment manufacturer in the near future."