Delhi becomes world’s most polluted city

NEW DELHI, Jan 29: It’s no surprise that pollution is a perpetual problem in India. But it’s definitely disheartening to hear that India has slipped 32 ranks in the global Environment Performance Index (EPI) 2014 to rank a lowly 155 and its capital Delhi has earned the dubious tag of being the world’s most polluted city.

A comparative study of 178 countries on nine environmental parameters released earlier this month by the US-based Yale University shows that one of the world’s fastest growing economies is a disaster on the environmental front.

What’s worse, India’s pollution levels could be playing havoc with the health of its citizens. “A bottom performer on nearly every policy issue included in the 2014 EPI, with the exception of forests, fisheries and water resources, India’s performance lags most notably in the protection of human health from environmental harm,” said a statement issued by Yale.

The study described India’s air pollution as the worst in the world, tying with China in terms of the proportion of population exposed to average air pollution levels exceeding World Health Organisation (WHO) thresholds.

A deeper look at the data gathered by a Nasa satellite showed that Delhi had the highest particulate matter 2.5 pollution levels followed by Beijing. Delhi, with 8.1 million registered vehicles, has repeatedly beaten the Chinese capital on particulate matter pollution.

The high PM2.5 pollution caused by high vehicle density and industrial emissions is the reason for the dense smog that has been engulfing Delhi during the winter months in the last few years, with adverse health implications. And while Beijing’s infamous smog has hogged headlines and prompted government action, even led to the announcement of rewards for cutting back on pollution, the dangers in Delhi have been largely ignored.

According to a study by the Harvard International Review, every two in five persons in Delhi suffer from respiratory ailments. The Lancet’s Global Health Burden 2013 report termed air pollution the sixth biggest human killer in India. The WHO last year termed air pollution carcinogenic.

Particles smaller than 2.5 microns in diameter (PM2.5 in shorthand) are fine enough to lodge deep in human lung and blood tissue and cause diseases ranging from stroke to lung cancer, the Yale study said.

Anumita Roy Chaudhary, executive director of Delhi-based advocacy group Centre for Science and Environment, said policy-makers have failed to take the kind of action needed to check phenomenal growth in air pollution in India. “The gains of the introduction of CNG in 2000 have been lost. We are heading for dark days if policy-makers fail to wake up to the growing environmental health hazard,” she said.

The Central Pollution Control Board’s report of 2011 said only two cities, Kochi and Coimbatore, met the national ambient air quality standards, which are six times higher than WHO standards. Air pollution in half of the 280 Indian cities monitored has been termed critical or hazardous for human health. “Air pollution levels in almost all cities are on the upward trend,” said a CPCB scientist.

Canara Bank bags ‘Golden Peacock Award for Corporate Social Responsibility'

By Deepak Arora

BANGALORE, Jan 17: Acknowledging the yeoman’s services rendered by Canara Bank under its numerous programmes of Corporate Social Responsibility, the Bank has been conferred with ‘Golden Peacock Global Award - year 2013’.

The award is instituted by the Institute of Directors, New Delhi, an independent organization for promotion of good corporate governance.

At a glittering function held here, Kerala Governor Nikhil Kumar handed over award to Mr R K Dubey, Chairman & Managing Director of Canara Bank and Mr S S Bhat, General Manager, Canara Bank H O.

The award has been won amidst stiff competition between a galaxy of public and civil society organizations and was decided by the Jury under the Chairmanship of Justice P N Bhagwati, former Chief Justice of India and Co-Chairmanship of Justice (Dr.) Arijit Pasayat, former Judge, Supreme Court of India.

The efforts of Canara Bank – a financial behemoth for serving the society was lauded by the distinguished gathering of business leaders, jurists, academics, environmentalists and policy makers during the '8th International Conference on Corporate Social Responsibility- 2014' organised to commemorate the Awards ceremony.

Canara Bank success story of promoting Art and culture was presented in the conference. Canara Bank is running three exclusive training Institutes wherein unemployed youth are trained in the art & craft of Wood & metal carving and terracotta. The training is given free of cost with free residential facility wherein any interested youth from any part of the country can take the training.
Bank has published the Institute details in its corporate website.

Richard Howitt MEP, Member of the European Parliament for the East of England and European Parliament Spokesperson on CSR, delivered the Special Address on the occasion.

Shiva Trilogy has sold 2 million copies and movies will further help my books: Amish

NEW DELHI, Jan 21: Amish has written The Immortals of Meluha, The Secret of the Nagas and The Oath of the Vayuputras. Interestingly, more than 20 publishers turned down his first book. However, in 2010 Westland finally published his book and it turned out to be a profitable association. “All three books are contracted for the movie projects. The international rights have been purchased by an American producer and for India the rights are with Karan Johar's Dharma Productions,” Amish said.

Asked about his involvement with the movie projects, Amish said that he is not writing the screenplay.

“In both the projects, I am the creative consultant. I am not writing the screenplay. The screenplay work has already begun for the Indian language adaptation by Karan Johar's Dharma. I help the screenplay writers Karan Malhotra and his wife Ekta," he said.

"The books have sold two million copies. All the three books are still in the top three list. Movies will take time but will help my books,” he said talking about the benefits of movie adaptation of his books.

Now, he may be a celebrated author but he had his share of struggle.

“When I had written the book, it was difficult to get it published primarily because it's on a religious topic. I was told such books don't sell. I stopped counting after 20 rejections. I was advised to write a love story or something like that. The book finally got published in 2010,” said Amish, who describes the trilogy as adventure books based on religion.

Busy with his next book on mythology, he is hopeful that both the film projects will be good.

He feels that the Indian film industry, known for focusing more on formula films, is changing and consequently attracting the filmmakers towards the publishing world.

“There was a time when stories were not considered so important in the success of a movie. It was only about star and music. But over the last five to 10 years, the movies, which have strong stories, have shown good results. Movie industry has perhaps realised the importance of good stories and that the good place to pick up good stories is in the book publishing space,” he said.

Pawan Kumar Jain asks Rajasthan exporters to utilise ATA Carnet

By Deepak Arora

JAIPUR, Jan 17: Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) in association with FIEO & GJEPC (Rajasthan Region) organised a workshop on ATA Carnet “Your visa for temporary export/ import of goods between international borders” to highlightits its uses and interact with the local export community to educate them about the benefits of using this facility. The Inaugural address was given by Mr Pawan Kumar Jain, Commissioner of Customs, Jaipur.

ATA Carnet is a temporary admission document which simplifies the customs procedures and clearances in a foreign country, without paying duty or a bank guarantee for temporary import into that country. Like a passport for goods, ATA Carnet allows for the goods for which it was issued to enter any of the participating countries for up to one year. An ATA Carnet holder can avoid customs declaration and can do away with security deposit or guarantees in the country of importation. In India, FICCI is the sole National Guarantor for ATA Carnets.

ATA Carnet covers several areas for use including trade fairs, shows, exhibitions, meetings etc. for temporary export into a country which is a signatory to the conventions governing ATA Carnets. Goods must be re-exported out of every country and re-imported into India within a year. At present 73 countries recognize ATA Carnet, including Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Spain, UAE, UK and USA.

To facilitate Carnet like mechanism for temporary movement of goods/exhibits between India and Taiwan, a protocol was recently signed between FICCI in India and TAITRA in Taiwan. The same is expected to be implemented soon.

The Government is actively considering to expand the scope of ATA Carnet convention. At present, India is a signatory to convention on exhibitors and fairs only. It is proposed to expand the same to cover commercial samples, professional equipment, private exhibitions, film shootings, musical troupes, sports and media coverage etc.

FICCI, which is the National Issuing and Guaranteeing Association (NIGA) for implementing ATA Carnets in India, is pursuing the matter with the Ministry of Finance for the expansion of scope of system to cover professional equipment and commercial samples.

Highlighting the benefits of ATA Carnet at the workshop, Mr. Nirankar Saxena, Senior Director FICCI stated that ATA Carnet is an International customs document created to facilitate duty free and tax free temporary imports of goods in 73 countries. He said that it was a joint initiative of the World Customs Organization (WCO) and the ICC World Chambers Federation (WCF). He also pointed out that the usage of ATA Carnet in India is low whereas in countries like Switzerland and Germany it is five times higher per annum.

S. Vijayalakshmi, Deputy Director, FICCI, in her presentation said that the exporter using carnets should refrain from selling goods under ATA Carnet as it is allowed only “temporary import” of goods into another member country. She further stated that the carnets are intended for re-exportation and not for sale in the country of temporary admission.

Earlier Mr Gyan Prakash, FICCI Rajasthan State Council gave an overview of the activities of FICCI and welcomed the signatories and delegates.

The seminar was attended by large number of participants from the exim and trading and business community from all over Rajasthan.

11 manufacturers bag coveted Carpet Design Awards at DOMOTEX 2014

By Sushma Arora

HANNOVER (Germany), Jan 13: The Carpet Design Awards for 2014 were given to 11 manufacturers at the Domotex Hannover here on Sunday. The presentation of the internationally acclaimed awards took place for the ninth time at the world fair for carpets and floor coverings in Hannover. The Carpet Design Awards are dedicated to handmade carpets of remarkable quality and design. A panel of experts judged outstanding products in a range of categories, including best studio artist designs and modern carpets, as well as everything ranging from traditional to innovative. This year’s Carpet Design Awards also focussed in particular on young talent.

A total of 329 entries from designers from across the world entered the competition for the highly esteemed awards. 33 carpets reached the final round. All these entries were on show on a special display area here for the public. After careful deliberation, the panel of judges were most impressed by 11 designs displaying particular excellence in terms of design, colours and materials. Year after year, the Carpet Design Awards set standards in design trends and ideas.

“The Carpet Design Awards provides a snapshot of the best and most innovative carpets being made today. The experience of the jury members ranges from interiors and product design, through to artists to rug retailers, however it is interesting for me to note that they always find themselves excited and inspired by the constant inventiveness of the best rug designers,” said Ben Evans, executive editor of Cover magazine.

The emphasis on upcoming, next-generation talent is another new feature involving the introduction of two new categories. The AfghanMade initiative called for young designers (aged below 25) and design students to create and submit their own original work. Six designs were then handcrafted in Afghanistan and will be on view at DOMOTEX.

In the design student category the contestants Sheefalika Misra from India, Evrim Terkesli from Turkey and Aoi Yoshizawa from Japan reached the final round. The winner was Sheefalika Misra. The finalists in the young designer category were Isobel Morris and Allistair Covell, both from the United Kingdom, and Sanja Peric from Serbia. The winner of this category was Allistair Covell.

The winners of the Carpet Design Awards for 2014:

1. Best Student Design: Sheefalika Misra, AfghanMade

2. Best Young Designer: Allistair Covell, AfghanMade

3. Best Studio Artist Design: Shore Line by Studio Claudy Jongstra

4. Best Modern Design Standard: Taala by Naziri

5. Best Modern Design Superior: Peacock by New Moon

6. Best Modern Design Deluxe: Prince of Wales by Zollanvari

7. Best Traditional Design: Tree of Life by Rug Star

8. Best Transitional Design: Garden Antracid by Global Overseas

9. Best Modern Collection: Manhattan Collection by Wool & Silk Rugs

10. Best Traditional Collection: Haîk Collection by Jan Kath Design

11. Best Innovation: Cross me (k)not by cc-tapis

Seema Dubey opens Mega Canara Utsav in Bangalore

By Deepak Arora

BANGALORE, Jan 9: Canara Bank, a leading nationalised Bank, is also a pioneer in carrying out its Corporate Social Responsibility. As a part of CSR activity, the Department of Women Empowerment, Priority Credit and Financial Inclusion Wing, Canara Bank, Head Office, Bangalore has organised yet another mega Canara Utsav, an exhibition and Sale of products manufactured by Women Entrepreneurs from January 9 to 12 at Sri Avani Sringeri Shankar Mutt, West of Chord Road, Mahalakshmipuram, Bangalore.

The upcoming women entrepreneurs are provided stalls free of cost to market the products made /dealt by them.

The Utsav was inaugurated by Mrs Seema Dubey, wife of Mr R K Dubey, Chairman and Managing Director, Canara Bank.

Mrs Seema Dubey encouraged the women Entrepreneurs and said “A change is a must to achieve success and women are changing for the better everyday. Women have excelled in all fields of Life. Women Entrepreneurs need to strive for attaining self reliance and rise to greater heights in life. The Bank has and will support the needs of women in all possible ways.”

Presiding over the function, Mr S S Bhat, General Manager, PC & FI Wing, H O made a note about the the various facilities provided to women to establish and run their business under the Corporate Social Responsibility by the Bank.

Mr Ravindra Bhandary, General Manager of Bangalore Metro Circle, said that the Bank will provide need based financial assistance to women entrepreneurs to set up and run their business.

Mr Unnithan, General Manager, Canara Bank, HO, Deputy General Managers Mr K Virupaksha and Mr Ramesh and Mrs Suseela K, AGM who were present on the occasion also appreciated the women for their talents and wished them all success in life.

Mrs Ankur Chaturvedi, H R Consultant who was present during the Occasion appreciated the creativity of women entrepreneurs and wished them all success.

All the Dignitaries interacted with the women and encouraged them by buying their products.

Dhoom 3: the first Indian film to earn Rs. 500 crore worldwide

MUMBAI, Jan 9: With Bollywood films setting new landmarks everyday, Rs. 100 crore seems like a forgotten figure! Dhoom:3, the latest instalment of one of our most successful action adventure franchises, has grossed Rs. 501.35 crore ($83.56 million) worldwide since its release on December 20, 2013.

On Monday, Yash Raj Films (YRF), the production house of Dhoom franchise, issued a statement citing figures for the worldwide collections.

"Dhoom:3 continues to create history at both the Indian and overseas box office. It is now officially the first Indian film to cross Rs. 500 crore worldwide," read the statement from YRF.

The movie also broke the record for fastest entry into Rs. 100 crore, earlier held by Shah Rukh Khan-starrer Chennai Express.

According to the breakup of the gross box office collections, in India, the action adventure movie, starring Aamir Khan, Katrina Kaif, Abhishek Bachchan and Uday Chopra, has grossed Rs. 351.29 crore, while in the overseas market, it has collected Rs. 150.06 crore ($25.01 million).