India to mount diplomatic offensive against Pak at BRICS meet

Benaulim (Goa), Oct 14 (PTI) Seeking to further isolate Pakistan on terror, India will mount a major diplomatic offensive against it and push for stepped up cooperation, including support for a comprehensive global convention to tackle the menace, when it hosts the annual summit of BRICS, a 5-nation grouping representing nearly half of the world's population.

The summit, being attended by Russian President Vladimir Putin, his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping and leaders of Brazil and South Africa, is likely to deliberate on a range of key issues including confronting threat of terror and boosting trade and investment.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said the leaders will discuss ways to address "pressing international and regional challenges that stand in the way of our goals".

"I am optimistic that the BRICS Summit will strengthen intra-BRICS cooperation and advance our common agenda for development, peace, stability and reform," the Prime Minister said in a Facebook post.

The five BRICS countries represent over 3.6 billion people, or half of the world population and they have a combined GDP of USD 16.6 trillion.

India is likely to push for unity among the BRICS (Brazil-Russia-India-China-South Africa) members to remove the logjam at the UN on the Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism (CCIT) for effectively dealing with terror. Initiated by India, the CCIT is stuck at the UN due to lack of agreement among its members about the definition of terrorism.

India is also expected to push for enhanced cooperation among BRICS nations in the area of counter-terrorism.

Preceding the BRICS summit, Modi is likely to raise the issue of terrorism with Putin and other leaders tomorrow when a series of bilateral meetings are slated at the seaside venue.

Addressing a press conference today, India's envoy to Russia Pankaj Saran, replying to a question on Russia's recent military exercise with Pakistan, said India expected Moscow to reflect on its concerns.

As the top leaders of the grouping meet within weeks of Uri attack by Pakistan-based terrorists, India will be forceful in its demand at BRICS Summit as also the BIMSTEC outreach meet being held the same day, for intensified efforts to tackle terrorism, including action against countries providing safe havens to terrorists and arming them.

"Representing nearly two thirds of humanity together, we hope to tap the potential for cooperation and the dividends this will bring," Modi said on the first-ever BRICS-BIMSTEC Outreach Summit.

India has made strong references both at UNGA as well as G-20 regarding Pakistan's continued support to cross-border terrorism. .

Russia, India to ink deal on S-400 air defence missile systems

Moscow, Oct 13 (PTI) Russia and India will sign a multi-billion dollar deal for S-400 'Triumf' long-range air defence missile systems on Saturday following talks between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Goa, state media here reported today.

"Following the results of the negotiations between our president and (Indian Prime Minister Narendra) Modi, an agreement will be signed on the delivery of S-400 Triumf anti aircraft missile systems to India, as well as some other documents," Russian presidential aide Yuri Ushakov was quoted as saying by TASS news agency.

India is interested in getting five systems of the most modern air defence system, capable of firing three types of missiles, creating a layered defence, and simultaneously engaging 36 targets.

It has the capability to destroy incoming hostile aircraft, missiles and even drones at ranges of up to 400 km.

If India signs the deal, it would be the second customer of the prized missile system after China which had struck a USD 3 billion contract last year.

The S-400, an upgraded version of the S-300, had previously only been available to the Russian defence forces.

It is manufactured by Almaz-Antey and has been in service in Russia since 2007.

Ushakov said part of the documents will be signed behind closed doors.

The Kremlin aide declined to comment on the details of the deal, suggesting that first the document should be signed.

Russia also plans to sign an agreement on building Project 11356 frigates for the Indian Navy and setting up a Russian- Indian joint venture to produce Kamov Ka-226T helicopters, the agency reported.

Following the results of their talks, Putin and Modi will adopt a joint statement to reflect their common approaches towards solving various global and regional issues.

Both sides will also approve a roadmap of measures timed to coincide with the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries.

Overall, Russia and India are set to sign about 18 documents, he said.

The Russian presidential aide said Putin and Modi will hold their talks in Goa ahead of the summit of the BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa) grouping of leading emerging economies.

The Russian and Indian leaders are first expected to talk in a narrow format and then negotiations will be held at the level of delegations.

Russia's delegation will also be represented by Vice- Premier Dmitry Rogozin, the heads of the Industry and Trade, Energy and Economics Ministries, state civil nuclear power corporation Rosatom and others.

After the talks, the Russian and Indian leaders will take part in the ceremony of laying the foundation for the third and fourth power units of India's Kudankulam nuclear power plant via a video conference, make statements for the media and hold a tete-a-tete lunch.

6th Meeting of the BRICS Trade Ministers

The Minister of State for Commerce & Industry (Independent Charge), Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman at the 6th BRICS Trade Ministers’ Meeting, in New Delhi on October 13, 2016

Trade Ministers Communique

1.         The 6^th meeting of the BRICS Trade Ministers was held on 13 October, 2016 in New Delhi on the threshold of the 8^th BRICS Summit on 15-16 October, 2016 in Goa, India. The Meeting was preceded by the 13^th meeting of the BRICS Contact Group on Economic and Trade Issues (CGETI) which was held from 11-12 October, 2016. The Trade Ministers meeting made an assessment of the BRICS economic scenario in relation to areas of cooperation on trade and investment. The Ministers appreciated the work carried out by BRICS Members during 2016 and urged that this momentum be sustained.

Global Economic Development

2.         The global economic order in 2016 has been shaped  by a number of key economic developments such as continued slowdown in global growth and depressed global demand, low commodity and oil prices;  new shocks to the global economy, including BREXIT; volatility in the equity and currency markets; strains on the banking sector; political turmoil in some parts of the globe etc. Given this scenario, the Ministers noted that the October, 2016 World Economic Outlook Update of the International Monetary Fund  projected the global economic growth forecasts for 2016 and 2017 at 3.1% and 3.4% respectively.  The Ministers are of the view that the projected growth rates for 2017 in the Outlook for BRICS countries augurs well when compared with  2016.

3          Ministers recognized the importance of preserving policy space to promote industrialization, industrial upgrading and value addition as a core pillar for structural transformation and sustainable development and BRICS countries integration into the global economy. They agreed to enhance cooperation in this regard.

The Strategy for BRICS Economic Partnership

4          The Ministers appreciated the progress in the realization of the Strategy for BRICS Economic Partnership. They directed the CGETI to put forth initiatives and proposals  towards the implementation of  the Trade and Investment section of the Strategy at the earliest. The Ministers agreed that close cooperation among the CGETI, the BRICS Business Council and New Development Bank is useful for implementing and bringing the BRICS Economic Cooperation to a new high quality level.

Micro Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs)

5.         The Ministers recognised the importance of the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) to the balanced economic development of the BRICS countries.  The Ministers acknowledge the role of  MSMEs as the engines of export led growth and employment generation given the highest rate of employment per unit of investment in MSMEs;  and their crucial role in addressing regional disparity and poverty alleviation.  The MSME sector in many of the BRICS economies contribute directly or indirectly to nearly half of their exports, manufacturing output and GDP.

6.         The Ministers were cognisant of the impediments faced by MSMEs and the need for cooperation among the BRICS countries to effectively address the barriers to trade and investment amongst the MSMEs.

7.         With a view to ensuring greater business engagement amongst MSMEs in the BRICS region, the Ministers emphasised the importance of  developing cooperation among MSMEs in the crucial areas of trade and investment. This cooperation can be in the form of exchange of information on the regulatory framework, rules, regulations and good regulatory practises governing MSMEs; interface among the major chambers of commerce and industry of the MSMEs;  and participation of MSME stakeholders in BRICS economic events such as trade fairs, conferences, seminars etc.

8.         The Ministers welcome continued efforts to foster cooperation and facilitate exchange of experiences between BRICS countries on MSMEs. In this regard, They welcome the “BRICS Micro Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) Cooperation Framework” which encourages MSMEs in BRICS to strengthen mutually beneficial commercial relationship. The Framework sets the agenda of cooperation on SMEs by the BRICS countries.  The Ministers look forward to constructive engagement on the elements of the cooperation framework by all BRICS Members in the future.

 BRICS Business Council and economic cooperation

10.       BRICS Trade Ministers considered the continuing role of the BRICS Business Council (BBC) and emphasised the need for the Council to focus on the development and realization of joint projects which would on a mutually beneficial basis contribute to the economic development objectives of BRICS Members. To this end, Trade Ministers  urged the BBC to speed up the development of the BRICS Roadmap for Trade, Economic and Investment Cooperation while identifying and implementing suitable projects. In addition, the Council is encouraged to advance key projects as presented by all Member countries. In order to coordinate and advance the BRICS agenda on economic issues, regular engagement by the BBC with BRICS Trade Ministers, as well as the Contact Group on Trade and Economic Issues (CGETI) was requested.

Non-tariff measures (NTM)

11.       The Ministers emphasized that the increase in NTMs constrain the participation of developing countries in global trade. The Ministers commended the CGETI for developing a working document on ‘BRICS Mechanism for NTM Resolution. The Ministers agreed in principle to the concepts in the Mechanism and urged the CGETI to advance this work including on the issue of scope.

Standards

12.       The Ministers endorsed the “Framework for Cooperation on Standardisation that was agreed to by the CGETI.  The Ministers urged the CGETI to work on the elements of the Framework with a view to ensuring that the cooperation leads to a better understanding of each other standards. The Framework aims to promote a better understanding and an open dialogue among BRICS countries in this area.

.

Services:

15.       The Ministers recognised that the Services sector remains important and contributes to more than half of the GDP of many BRICS countries. Since the services sector is of interest for BRICS economies, it is important for the group to cooperate with the aim of promoting complementarities on services trade. The Ministers highlighted the importance of facilitating expansion of trade in services by addressing existing barriers. The Ministers endorsed the “Framework for Cooperation on Trade in Services”.

Trade Promotion

17.       The Ministers expressed their appreciation that India is holding the 1^st BRICS Trade Fair from 12-14 October, 2016 in New Delhi. This Fair is an opportunity for stakeholders in the BRICS region to explore and expand business opportunities and networks.  The theme of the Fair namely “Building Responsive, Inclusive and Collective Solutions” is apt in ensuring that the BRICS region as a whole benefits from such events. The focus areas and the showcasing of technologies are important in the context of ensuring a commercially meaningful participation in the Fair. The Ministers welcome the idea of CGETI discussing the possibility of holding BRICS Trade Fairs on a regular basis.

18.       The Ministers noted that the BRICS Trade Promotion Working Group would create a forum for the Trade Promotion Agencies in the BRICS region to interface towards the promotion of value added trade which would also support integration into global value chains. It is vital that these agencies co-ordinate in other trade and investment events so that the BRICS  value added products and services can be showcased more effectively. The Ministers instructed the working group to effectively coordinate activities] so as to ensure that the BRICS stakeholders can benefit from the participation in such events.

Single Window

19.       The Ministers noted that Article 10.4 of the WTO Agreement on Trade Facilitation  instructs that WTO Members shall endeavour to establish or maintain a single window. They also appreciated the work being carried out in the BRICS countries for development of national single windows . These would facilitate both exporters and importers who would then need a single point interface for all their clearances.

20.       The Ministers endorsed the “Framework for BRICS Single Window Cooperation”  and underlined the importance of closer cooperation among the BRICS countries in the development of their national single windows. They emphasised the need for BRICS countries to operationalize the Framework based on the Guiding Principles, Objectives and Priorities for Cooperation.

IPR Cooperation

21.       The Ministers highlighted the importance of cooperation on intellectual property rights (IPR) towards the development of a BRICS perspective that will be informed by their national priorities.  In this context, they appreciate the formation of and endorse the BRICS IPR Cooperation Mechanism (IPRCM).  They also took note of the existing cooperation mechanism at the level of Heads of Intellectual Property Offices (HIPO). The Ministers urge both the HIPO and IPRCM to co-ordinate and avoid duplication of their work. They instruct the IPRCM to commence their work on the terms of reference decided upon and endeavor to advance cooperation in a more systematic and coordinated manner.

E-commerce

22.       The Ministers reiterated the importance of strengthening
intra-BRICS cooperation on E-commerce and appreciated the progress achieved since the adoption of the Framework for BRICS E-commerce Cooperation in 2015. The Ministers have emphasized the need for cooperation to boost [e-commerce development in the BRICS countries, enhance capacity building and promote cooperation on infrastructure

23.       The Ministers emphasized that the development potential of e-commerce is not fully realized and in this regard they directed the CGETI to  implement all areas of the Framework and explore cooperation in areas of common interests. The Ministers took note of the proposal to conduct a joint study to promote areas of common interest in e-commerce and stressed the importance of enhancing the BRICS countries understanding on e-commerce.

BRICS cooperation in the WTO

24.       The Ministers reiterated the support for the multilateral trading system and the centrality of the WTO in providing a rules based, transparent, non-discriminatory and inclusive global trading system. The Ministers emphasized the importance of implementing the decisions taken at the Bali and Nairobi Ministerial Conferences. They stressed the need to advance negotiations on the remaining DDA issues as a matter of priority. They called on all WTO members to work together with a sense of urgency and solidarity to ensure a strong development oriented outcome for MC 11 and beyond.

BRICS and the G-20

25.       The Ministers commended the work done by China in its current Presidency of the G20.  They emphasized the importance of BRICS Members’ coordination in the G-20. They welcomed the outcomes of G20 Hangzhou Summit and emphasized the importance of continued efforts to implement those outcomes. They also underlined the importance of the G20 Trade and Investment Working Group (TIWG) in addressing various issues confronting the G20 economies and the call for further collaboration under this framework.

'Dragon' and 'elephant' can peacefully co-exist: China

New Delhi, Oct 13 (PTI) Notwithstanding differences in Sino-India relations, China today said "sound and stable" development of ties in recent years has proved that the "dragon" and the "elephant" can join hands and peacefully co-exist.

"Once, predictions about our future relations dwelled on 'rivalry between the dragon and the elephant'. However, the sound and stable development of bilateral relations in recent years has proved that the 'dragon' and the 'elephant' can join hands to dance together," Minister Counsellor of Chinese Embassy Cheng Guangzhong said here.

Cheng, speaking at the inauguration of a China-themed book editorial office in India, said China and India with their distinctive histories, cultures and religions can bring their diversity into full play when cooperating with each other in different areas.

"Cultural exchanges and dialogues are crucial for the two countries to seek common ground while maintaining individual characteristics. Two of the oldest civilisations in the world, China and India, are more than capable of finding ways to achieve peaceful coexistence as giant neighbours," he said.

Noting that China and India are emerging markets with big potential for development, Cheng said, "We are also ancient civilisations with a time-honoured history and brilliant culture. The two neighbours have long engaged in exchanges and mutual learning. As major countries in Asia, China and India have always been a focus of attention." 

Leaders, who have helped forge China-India friendship, have said that a true Asian century will come only when China and India are both developed and that when India and China come together, it will be a big event for Asia and indeed even the world, he asserted.

"The two largest Asian nations bear the historical responsibility and mandate of the times to maintain peace and stability in Asia and achieve its prosperity and renewal," Cheng said.

China-India ties have recently been under stress due to issues like China's opposition to India's efforts to get JeM chief Masood Azhar banned by the UN and Beijing's efforts to scuttle India's membership bid at NSG.

China has also blocked a tributary of the mighty Brahmaputra in Tibet as part of the construction of its "most expensive" hydro-power project, causing concern in India as it may impact water flows into the lower riparian countries.

India, Russia may ink pact to make Kamov choppers

New Delhi, Oct 12 (PTI) India and Russia are expected to sign this weekend a "complex agreement" for production of 200 Kamov 226T helicopters domestically under a nearly USD 1 billion deal to replace the country's the aging Cheetah and Chetak choppers.

The agreement is expected to be inked on the sidelines of the 2016 BRICS Summit in Goa from October 13 to October 16.

A variety of negotiations on the expansion of military- technical cooperation and fortification of trade relations with India will be held.

"The complex agreement to set up a joint production facility of Ka-226T helicopters is expected to be signed at the BRICS forum," said a statement by Rostec State Corporation, an umbrella organisation of about 700 Russian firms founded in 2007 to promote the development, production, and export of high-tech industrial products for civil and military purposes.

This agreement will be the next big step in cooperation between Russia and India in the area of helicopter production and service.

The preliminary contract was signed by the head of Rostec Sergei Chemezov, CEO and Prime Minister Narendra Modi in December last year.

In addition to this, the heads of the state corporations will conduct a series of negotiations on development in the area of Russian helicopter export and after-sales servicing.

Chemezov will head Rostec's delegation to the 2016 BRICS Summit.

"The contract for export and joint production of 200 Ka-226T helicopters is one of the key projects in the framework of trade and industrial relations between Russia and India. We plan to expand them in both military-technical and civilian areas," Chemezov said.

Rostec is currently in negotiations with the Defence Ministry here for a long-term contract for after-sales servicing of Russian-made helicopters, which are widely used in India.

"We are expecting to set up an after-sales service in a profoundly new format. There is an array of other projects, where we see perspectives for mutually beneficial cooperation, which we plan to discuss at the BRICS Summit," Chemezov said.

Parrikar-opposition cross swords over surgical strikes

Mumbai, New Delhi (Oct 12 (PTI) Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar today rubbished Congress' claim of the army having undertaken surgical strikes under it and demanded a "major" share of credit for the military action post-Uri attack for Prime Minister Narendra Modi, escalating a bruising war of words with Congress.

Stung by the attack, Congress accused him of "blatant politicisation" of the issue and demanded an apology.

Speaking at two events in Mumbai, Parrikar said all the 127 crore people of India, including "doubting Thomases", and the army share and deserve credit for the operation as it was done by the armed forces and not by any political party.

At the same time, he said that "major share" of credit does go to Modi and the government for decision-making and planning.

He also made it clear that Congress' claims of such attacks having been carried out when the UPA was in power were wrong as those operations were undertaken by border action teams at local level "without the knowledge" of the government.

"I don't mind sharing the credit, including on surgical strike, with every countryman because it is done by our armed forces and not by any political party. So all Indians, including, those doubting Thomases, can share the credit," he said at a function in Mumbai, adding his statement will settle the nerves of many.

Parrikar's remarks drew stinging criticism from the Congress, which called them "misleading" and said by rejecting the claim that such strikes had taken place in the past, the Defence Minister had "undermined" the sacrifices made by the army.

"Mr Parrikar, Indian Army deserves all credit but why mislead the people and undermine army's sacrifices by denying earlier surgical strikes? 

"Operation Ginger in 2011 was a large-scale surgical strike. Why is Manohar Parrikar quiet on army's valour? Is (it) not blatant politicisation?" Congress chief spokesperson Randeep Surjewala asked and demanded an apology from the Minister.

"Converting national security into an event management exercise to polish the image of Prime Minister Narendra Modi is extremely unfortunate," he said.

Big B turns 74

Mumbai, Oct 11 (PTI) Fourth National Award this year and commercial success and critical acclaim for "Pink", Amitabh Bachchan has reasons enough to celebrate his birthday in a big way but as the megastar of Hindi cinema turns 74 on Tuesday, he seems to have no special plans to ring in the day.

According to sources, he will have a low-key celebration with family.

With each passing year, Bachchan keep surprising fans with his performances. In 2016, he had three releases "Wazir", "Te3n", and "Pink", and though only one of them became a success, it made up for the failure of other two.

His father Harisvanshrai Bachchan was a renowned Hindi poet; mother Teji Bachchan was a close associate of the Nehru-Gandhi family but he had to face lot of hardships to attain stardom in his career that spans more than for four decades now.

It took Bachchan a wait of 13 flops to finally break in the film industry as a lead hero, thanks to Prakash Mehra's action film "Zanjeer".

His angry-young Vijay Khanna enthralled everyone and it marked the start of another era in Bollywood--"Abhimaan", "Namak Haram", "Deewar", "Trishul", "Kabhie Kabhie", "Sholay", "Don", the list is endless. Soon, Bachchan made his way to superstardom.

There were a few hiccups in his otherwise illustrious career, including a near-fatal injury while shooting for Coolie (1983). He returned to the big screen after a five-year absence with the box-office success Shahenshah (1988).

In 1990, Bachchan played the iconic role of gangster Vijay Deenanath Chauhan in Mukul S Anand's "Agneepath".

Despite being a box-office failure, it garnered him his first ever National Film Award for Best Actor and has since developed a cult status.

In 1996, he started his film production company Amitabh Bachchan Corporation whose first release Tere Mere Sapne (1996) was a box-office failure.

This was perhaps the lowest spell in Bachchan's career, by his own admission, and it only broke with Yash Chopra's "Mohabbatein" in 2001, where he featured alongside the reigning star Shah Rukh Khan. Bachchan maintains till today that he will always be grateful to the late filmmaker for giving him the movie when he needed it the most.

The same year, Bachchan made his television debut as the host of the game show "Kaun Banega Crorepati". Like many other things, he became a trend setter on the small screen as well.

Huge success of "Kaun Banega Crorepati" made way for stars like Shah Rukh and Salman Khan to take up hosting on television.

On the big screen, Bachchan by then had deviated towards more character-oriented parts like that of a short-tempered banker in "Aankhen", a disillusioned father in "Baghban" and a conflicted cop in "Khakee".

In 2005, he played the role of a teacher of a blind and deaf girl in Sanjay Leela Bhansali's "Black", for which he received his second National Award. He received another National Award for playing a progeria patient in R Balki's "Paa" (2009).

In the 2000s, one of the most notable characters Bachchan played was in Ram Gopal Varma's "Sarkar". His understated, nuanced performance as Subhash Nagre aka Sarkar is rates as one of his finest acts ever.

His upcoming films are Ram Gopal Varma's "Sarkar 3", and Aditya Chopra's production "Thugs of Hindostan" with superstar Aamir Khan.

Besides his work in India, Bachchan, who was born in 1942 in Allahabad, made his Hollywood debut at the ripe age of 71 in 2013 with Baz Luhrmann's "The Great Gatsby".

Indian government honoured him with the Padma Shri in 1984, the Padma Bhushan in 2001 and the Padma Vibhushan in 2015 for his contributions to the arts.

India conveys to Moscow its opposition to Russia-Pak military exercise

New Delhi, Oct 11(PTI) Ahead of their annual bilateral Summit, India has conveyed its opposition to Russia over its joint exercise with Pakistan, a nation which "sponsors and practises terrorism as a matter of State policy", saying it will create further problems.

"We have conveyed our views to the Russian side that military cooperation with Pakistan which is a State that sponsors and practises terrorism as a matter of State policy is a wrong approach and it will only create further problems," Indian Ambassador to Moscow Pankaj Saran said in an interview to Russian news agency Ria Novosti.

Saran's remarks come ahead of the bilateral meeting in Goa on Saturday between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin, who will be arriving in India on October 14. Apart from bilateral Summit, Putin will attend the Brazil-Russia-India-China-South Africa(BRICS) meet on October 16.

India has been communicating its unhappiness to Russia over its joint military exercises with Pakistan. However, these concerns have been played down by the Russins who maintain that they hold similar military drills with other countries of the region as well.

Saran also said, "There are some burning issues before the world today which the BRICS countries will certainly address and this includes the question of terrorism and the threat of terrorism faced by all the countries in the BRICS group. So this will be a major item of discussion during the Summit apart from the regional conflicts and the global situation." 

On Indo-Russia ties, the envoy said as far as India s relations with Russia are concerned, the two countries share a special and privileged strategic partnership.

"We see no change in this. On the contrary, this has only strengthened in all areas, including in the field of military-technical cooperation. This partnership is an anchor of peace and stability in the region and the world.

"We have a regular system of military exercises with Russia. We have been holding these exercises for the last few years with Russia and we will continue to do so. The plan for these exercises is drawn up between the relevant agencies of the two sides. This will continue even next year," he said.

Saran also talked about the cooperation in the field of civil nuclear sector, trade and investments. .

PM addresses gathering at Dussehra Mahotsav, Aishbagh Ramleela Ground, Lucknow

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi watching Ram Leela, at Aishbagh, in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh on October 11, 2016.

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, addressed a public gathering at the Dussehra Mahotsav at Aishbagh Ramleela Ground in Lucknow today. 

Greeting the people on Vijaya Dashami, the Prime Minister said, he is fortunate to be a part of this ancient tradition of Ramleela. He described Ramleela as the festival of victory of truth over falsehood; and of defeating the oppressor. He said that as we burn Ravana every year, we should all resolve to remove the ills from ourselves, our social structures and our nation. He asked the people to resolve to end ten shortcomings within themselves, each Dussehra. He emphasized that all of us have the strength to try and ward off these evils, and make this nation great. 

Describing terrorism as the enemy of humanity, the Prime Minister said that Shri Ram represents the best of humanity, and is an epitome of sacrifice and dedication. The Prime Minister said that it was Jatayu - a character in the Ramayana - who fought terrorism first. Jatayu gives us the message of fearlessness, the Prime Minister said, exhorting 125 crore Indians to be Jatayu in the face of terrorism. He said if everyone is alert, the evil designs of the terrorists can be foiled. The Prime Minister said that the forces of humanity across the world must now unite against terrorism. He added that even those who provide sanctuary to terrorists must not be spared now. 

The Prime Minister said that day is also observed as the International Day of the Girl Child. Speaking out strongly against female foeticide, he said we must strive hard to bring an end to such an evil practice. 

IIP remains in negative zone; contracts 0.7 pc in August

New Delhi, Oct 10 (PTI) Remaining in the negative for the second month in a row, industrial production contracted by 0.7 per cent in August due to slump in manufacturing, mining and capital goods segments.

The factory output, measured by movement in Index of Industrial Production (IIP), had slipped to 8-month low of (-)2.49 (revised) in July on account of declining output in manufacturing and capital goods sectors.

The IIP slump in August is lower than July.

On cumulative basis, the factory output in April-August contracted by 0.3 per cent, compared to growth of 4.1 per cent in the year-ago period.

The official data released today showed the manufacturing sector, which constitutes over 75 per cent of the IIP index, contracted by 0.3 per cent in August as against 6.6 per cent expansion in the same month last year.

The capital goods output registered a steep decline of 22.2 per cent in the month, against a growth rate of 21.3 per cent in last year.

The data revealed that mining activities shrunk by 5.6 as in August this year as against a growth of 4.5 in August 2015.

Power generation remained almost flat (0.1 per cent) in compared to an expansion of 5.6 per cent in the year ago period.

Output of consumer durables registered a growth of 2.3 per cent while growth in non-durables segment was almost flat.

Overall, consumer goods production recorded a growth 1.1 per cent in August compared to 6 per cent a year ago.

In terms of industries, seven out of 22 industry groups in the manufacturing sector have shown negative growth during August year-on-year.

Some important items showing high negative growth during the current month include cable, rubber insulated, sugar machinery, woollen carpets, gems and jewellery, and rice.

Some important items that have registered high positive growth include fruit pulp, air conditioner, instant food mixes, ship building and repairs, scooter and mopeds, stainless/alloy steel and boilers.