SC to hear plea to ban water supply to liquor industry in Maha

New Delhi, May 16 (PTI) The Supreme Court today agreed to hear a plea seeking complete ban on water supply to distilleries and breweries in drought-hit regions of Maharashtra.

The Aurangabad bench of Bombay high court had recently asked the state government to curtail water supply to the liquor industry by 60 per cent from May 10, which would be operative till June 27.

A vacation bench of Justices A M Sapre and Ashok Bhushan posted the matter for hearing on May 23 after a lawyer mentioned the plea saying that instead of curtailed water supply, there should be no supply of water at all as the entire region is facing acute water shortage.

The bench, which agreed to hear the plea, said that filing petition on the issue is not going to solve the problem.

"From where the drinking water will come. There is no water. Do you think by filing petition water will come," the bench said.

The counsel further said that people are dying in the region due to the shortage of water supply and there is a limited water stock available.

He said people are being deprived of the drinking water as it is being given to the liquor industries.

Earlier, the Bombay High Court had also asked Maharashtra to cut supply to other industrial units in Marathwada by 25 per cent after May 10.

India to renegotiate tax treaty with Singapore: Jaitley

New Delhi, May 16 (PTI) India will have to renegotiate the tax treaty with Singapore to extend the capital gains tax provisions of the recently-concluded tax pact with Mauritius, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley said on Monday.

Without giving any timeline for such renegotiation, he said it "is a separate sovereign state, it (Mauritius treaty) does not ipso facto automatically extend. The principles will have to be applied, but applied through a process of renegotiation."

Speaking at an Indian Women Press Corps event here, he said further: "But sooner or later, that process will commence and hopefully conclude."

India on May 10 amended the 34-year-old tax treaty with Mauritius. After toiling for almost a decade to redraw the treaty, India will begin imposing capital gains tax on investments in shares through Mauritius from April next onwards.

The redrawn Mauritius treaty will trigger a similar amendment in India's tax treaty with Singapore.

"I am not giving it a timeline, because if you recollect, the renegotiation process of the Mauritius treaty started first in 1996 and it continued till about 2002 and then there was a pause. Singapore was entered into in 2005 and one of the covenants of Singapore was that provisions of what happens in Mauritius treaty would extend to it," Jaitley said.

Mauritius and Singapore accounted for USD 17 billion of the total USD 29.4 billion India received in FDI during April-December 2015.

The minister said that since the discussions are between two sovereign states, he cannot "unilaterally" fix its timetable.

Following the revised agreement, short-term capital gains tax will be levied at half the rate prevailing during the first two-year transition period from April 1, 2017 to March 31, 2019. Short-term capital gains are taxed at 15 per cent at present. The full rate will kick in from April 1, 2019.

In August 1982, India had signed the treaty with Mauritius to eliminate double taxation of income and capital gains to encourage mutual trade and investment.

National Conference on ‘Gaushalas’ Inaugurated

The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change and Department of Animal Husbandry, Dairying & Fisheries organized a day-long national conference on ‘Gaushalas’ (cowsheds) here today. Speaking on the occasion, Minister of State (Independent Charge) of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Shri Prakash Javadekar, said that villages were traditionally planned in such a manner that there were facilities for human beings and fodder for animals. He invited suggestions from the participants for the kind of policy-based decisions that can be taken to improve the situation. The Minister said that the draft of a policy is being prepared, which will include a provision to provide protein-rich fodder free of cost to the people living in villages adjoining the jungles. The Environment Minister also emphasized the need to protect pasture lands. He also suggested that if there is 500 acres of land, 25 acres be set aside for growing good quality grass and fodder. 

Shri Javadekar said that the technical sessions will discuss three issues – (i) how to increase the milk productivity of Indian cows; (ii) Making provision for feed, fodder and ancillary requirements for Indian cows and (iii) Management of cows in the post-productive phase. 

Addressing the gathering, Union Minister of Agriculture, Shri Radha Mohan Singh said that livestock are the backbone of the rural economy. He said that livestock forms the basis of occupation of 60 million people. The Minister also pointed out that the distribution of livestock is much more balanced than distribution of land in rural economy. 

The Agriculture Minister said that there are 19 crore livestock in the country, which is about 14% of the world’s livestock and out of this, 15 crore are indigenous livestock. He also emphasized that the government has granted funds to establish National Breeding Centres for the promotion and protection of indigenous livestock. He said that the government has granted Rs 582 crore in the last two years for the promotion and protection of indigenous livestock. Shri Singh also referred to the average annual increase in milk production over 10 years was 4.62% in India, while it was 2.2% in the world. He stated that the annual increase in milk production for 2014-15 & 2015-16 is 9.59%. ‘While the availability of milk the world over is 296 grams, in India it is 340 grams’, Shri Singh added. 

Secretary, Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Shri Ajay Narayan Jha made the welcome remarks. A Power Point presentation on “Special characteristics of indigenous cattle & strategies to improve their productivity” was also made on the occasion.

Indian, Japanese officials to discuss bullet train

New Delhi, May 15 (PTI) A high-level delegation led by NITI Ayog vice chairman Arvind Panagariya will meet Japanese officials in Tokyo tomorrow to finalise key issues relating the Rs 98,000 crore Mumbai-Ahmedabad high-speed rail project.

This is the second meeting of the joint committee set up to execute the bullet train project, according to Railway Ministry.

During the meeting, the committee will finalise the schedule of the project, terms related to the appointment of general consultant and procurement conditions, it said.

Besides Panagariya, the Indian delegation will comprise A K Mital, Chairman Railway Board, Shaktikanta Das, Secretary Department of Economic Affairs, S Jaishankar, Foreign Secretary, and Ramesh Abhishek, Secretary, Department of Industry Policy and Promotion.

The Japanese side will be led by Hiroto Izumi, Special Adviser to the Prime Minister of Japan. Other members from Japanese side will comprise senior officials from Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT) and senior officials from Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).

The flagship project is being financed by JICA, which is providing a soft loan of about Rs 79,380 crore, amounting to 81 per cent of the total project cost.

Since the loan negotiation and finalisation of loan agreement will take some time, the government has requested for a proper schedule of project implementation to achieve timely completion, the railways said in a statement.

India had also requested for appointment of general consultant, will enable start of preparatory activities like designing and preparation of tender documents, before the finalisation of loan agreement. .

Aishwarya opts for Ellie Saab gown for third outing at Cannes

Cannes, May 15 (PTI) In a gold lace Elli Saab number with an embellished bodice, actress Aishwarya Rai Bachchan made her third appearance at the 2016 Cannes Film Festival, as she arrived for the screening of Steven Spielberg's "The BFG".

The 42-year-old actress accessorised her look with diamond open-ended neck piece, rings and side swept hair.

She was also captured striking a pose with Hollywood actress Blake Lively. For her first appearance at the ongoing festival, the "Jazbaa" actress opted for a studded champagne coloured couture gown by Kuwait's designer Ali Younes.

Aishwarya experimented with a metallic sheath overlaid by a sparkly floor-length cape. She wore her hair in loose waves.

For her second outing, the actress wore a red Naeem Khan gown. Aishwarya is celebrating 15 years of representing India and L'Oreal at the French Riviera.

PM addresses International Convention on Universal Message of Simhastha

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi shaking hands with the President of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka, Mr. Maithripala Sirisena, at the International Convention on Universal Message of Simhastha, in Ujjain on May 14, 2016. The Union Minister for Mines and Steel, Shri Narendra Singh Tomar, the Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh, Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan and the Chief Minister of Chhattisgarh, Dr. Raman Singh are also seen

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, today addressed the International Convention on the Universal Message of the Simhastha, at Ninaura near Ujjain. 

The Prime Minister received President Maithripala Sirisena of Sri Lanka, at Indore airport. President Sirisena accompanied the Prime Minister from Indore, and both leaders arrived at the Convention together. 

Addressing the gathering, which has also been described as a “Vichar Kumbh” on the sidelines of the Kumbh Mela, the Prime Minister described this convention as the birth of a new effort. He said this was a modern edition of what might have happened in ancient times, when thought-leaders of society would gather at the sites of Kumbh melas, to reflect and provide new vision to society. 

Speaking at length on Indian tradition and culture, he said that the mantra of a ‘Bhikshuk’ is “may good happen to the person who gives me alms, and even to the person who does not.” The Prime Minister gave several other illustrations of the values and humanism which define Indian culture. 

Referring to the launch of the Simhasth Declaration, which was dedicated to the world by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena, and Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, the Prime Minister said this will mark the start of a new discourse not only in India but around the world. 

The Prime Minister suggested that a ‘Vichar Kumbh’ should be held every year, to discuss issues such as afforestation and education of the girl child. 

India and WHO sign a landmark agreement for Global promotion of Traditional Systems of Medicine

The Minister of State for AYUSH (Independent Charge) and Health & Family Welfare, Shri Shripad Yesso Naik addressing at the signing ceremony of the landmark agreement with WHO for collaboration in traditional systems of Medicine, at WHO Headquarter, in Geneva on May 13, 2016.

Ministry of AYUSH, Government of India and the World Health Organization (WHO) have signed an historic Project Collaboration Agreement (PCA) for cooperation on promoting the quality, safety and effectiveness of service provision in traditional and complementary medicine. The PCA was signed by Secretary, Ministry of AYUSH, Shri Ajit M Sharan and Assistant Director General, Health Systems and Innovations, WHO, Dr. Marie Kieny, in Geneva on 13th May, 2016. 

Minister of State (Independent Charge) of AYUSH Mr. Shripad Yesso Naik and the Director-General, World Health Organization, Dr. Margaret Chan witnessed the signing of this landmark agreement at the WHO headquarters. 

The PCA is titled as ‘Co-operation on promoting the quality, safety and effectiveness of service provision in traditional and complementary medicine between WHO and AYUSH, India, 2016-2020’. It aims to support WHO in the development and implementation of the ‘WHO Traditional and Complementary Medicine Strategy: 2014-2023’ and will contribute to the global promotion of traditional Indian Systems of Medicine. 

The PCA for the period 2016-2020 will deliver for the first time WHO benchmark document for training in Yoga, and WHO benchmarks for practice in Ayurveda, Unani and Panchakarma. These will contribute significantly to the strengthening of national capacities in ensuring the quality, safety and effectiveness of traditional medicine including in establishing regulatory frameworks for traditional medicine products and practice and promote their integration in national healthcare systems. 

Speaking at a Reception hosted by India on this occasion, the AYUSH Minister recalled the long history and rich heritage of traditional medicine in India and its growing relevance in providing holistic and comprehensive health care. He reiterated the high priority attached by the Government of India for the promotion of traditional medicine both in India and abroad and highlighted the numerous initiatives undertaken to functionally integrate AYUSH in India’s national health programmes and for achieving Universal Health Coverage. 

The Minister also mentioned that the initiatives and activities undertaken by India within the country align with the WHO Traditional Medicine Strategy 2014-2023. He added that India, in fact, sets a unique example for adopting a pluralistic health care delivery system that allows every recognized medical system to develop and be practiced with a view to provide integrated and holistic healthcare services. 

The PCA with WHO is a further recognition of India’s rich experience in the development and governance of traditional medicine. It will pave the way for India’s long-term collaboration with the WHO in fostering the global promotion and integration of AYUSH systems of medicine including through the inclusion of Ayurveda and Unani in the International Classification of diseases and the International Classification of Health interventions. 

Wrapping up official visit to Portugal, Ban receives ‘Order of Liberty’ medal

President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa of Portugal (right) presents the “Order of Liberty” medal to Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon. UN Photo/Mark Garten

13 May 2016 – On the final day of his visit to Portugal, United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today received a medal in honour of his distinguished services to the cause of democracy and freedom.

President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa presented the “Order of Liberty” medal to Mr. Ban.

The Secretary-General expressed his appreciation for Portugal’s compassionate and positive response to the arrivals of refugees and migrants in Europe, and underscored the need for solidarity and responsibility sharing at the global level.

He also noted there would be a High-level Plenary of the General Assembly on Large Movements of Refugees and Migrants in New York in September.

Mr. Ban commended Portugal’s role as a member of the Human Rights Council, as well as contributions to UN peacekeeping and Law of the Sea and ocean governance. He urged the swift ratification by Portugal and the European Union of the Paris Agreement on climate change.

The Secretary-General and the President also discussed the political situations in Guinea-Bissau, Mozambique and Libya.

The Secretary-General also met with Eduardo Ferro Rodrigues, President of the Assembly of Portugal, and raised the importance of the swift ratification of the Paris Agreement by that country.

They also discussed the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

Mr. Ban commended Portugal’s compassionate leadership regarding refugees and stressed the need to forge a common response to the large movements of refugees and migrants towards Europe.

They also discussed the role of parliamentarians as the voices of their constituencies and the importance of strengthening the cooperation between the UN and the Inter-Parliamentarian Union (IPU).

China has deployed more troops near Indian border: Pentagon

Washington, May 14 (PTI) China has increased defence capabilities and deployed more troops along the Indian border, the Pentagon has said, as it warned of increasing Chinese military presence including bases in various parts of the world, particularly Pakistan.

"We have noticed an increase in capability and force posture by the Chinese military in areas close to the border with India," Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defence for East Asia Abraham M Denmark told reporters during a news conference here after Pentagon submitted its annual 2016 report to the US Congress on 'Military and Security Developments Involving the People's Republic of China'.

However, Denmark said it is difficult to conclude on the real intention behind this.

"It is difficult to say how much of this is driven by internal considerations to maintain internal stability, and how much of it is an external consideration," he said in response to a question on China upgrading its military command in Tibet.

Referring to US Defence Secretary Ashton Carter's recent trip to India, Denmark said he had a very positive and productive visit.

"We're going to continue to enhance our bilateral engagement with India, not in the China context, but because India is an increasingly important player by themselves. And we are going to engage India because of its value," he said.

The Defence Department also warned of China's increasing military presence including bases in various parts of the world, in particular Pakistan - with which it has a "longstanding friendly relationship and similar strategic interests".

China's expanding international economic interests are increasing demands for the PLA Navy (PLAN) to operate in more distant seas to protect Chinese citizens, investments, and critical sea lines of communication, it said.

"China most likely will seek to establish additional naval logistics hubs in countries with which it has a longstanding friendly relationship and similar strategic interests, such as Pakistan, and a precedent for hosting foreign militaries," the report said.

The Pentagon in its report expressed its concerns about Chinese military buildup near the Indian border.

"Tensions remain along disputed portions of the Sino- Indian border, where both sides patrol with armed forces.

"After a five-day military standoff in September 2015 at Burtse in Northern Ladakh, China and India held a senior-level flag-officer meeting, agreed to maintain peace, and retreated to positions mutually acceptable to both sides," it said.

The Pentagon said tensions remain with India along their shared 4,057-km border over Arunachal Pradesh (which China asserts is part of Tibet and, therefore, of China), and over the Askai Chin region at the western end of the Tibetan Plateau, despite increases in China-India political and economic relations. .

India is ready for NSG membership: US

Washington, May 13 (PTI) Amid reports that China and Pakistan are jointly opposing India's bid for the Nuclear Suppliers Group membership, the US today said India meets missile technology control regime requirements and is ready for entry into the exclusive club.

"I'd point you back to what the president said during his visit to India in 2015, where he reaffirmed that the US view was that India meets missile technology control regime requirements and is ready for NSG membership," State Department Spokesman John Kirby told reporters at his daily news conference.

His remarks came in response to a question on reports that China and Pakistan have joined hands to oppose India becoming a member of the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG).

"I'm going to refer you to the governments of China and Pakistan with respect to their positions on India's membership," Kirby said.

"Deliberations about the prospects of new members joining the Nuclear Suppliers Group are an internal matter among current members," he said.

Defending its move to block India's entry into the NSG, China today claimed that several members of the 48-nation bloc shared its view that signing of the NPT was an "important" standard for the NSG's expansion.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lu Kang said in Beijing that not only China but also a lot of other NSG members are of the view that Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) is the cornerstone for safeguarding the international nuclear non-proliferation regime.

Asked about reports that China is pushing Pakistan's entry into NSG linking it to India's admission into the bloc, Lu said the NSG is an important part of NPT, which has been the consensus of the international community for long.

Although India is not part of the NSG, Indian side recognises this consensus, he claimed.

India, Pakistan, Israel and South Sudan were the four UN member states which have not signed the NPT, the international pact aimed at preventing the spread of nuclear weapons.

Last month, Pakistan Prime Minister's Advisor on Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz had said China has helped Pakistan to stall India's bid to get NSG membership.