India tops the chart in showing attractive women in its movies and as much as 35% of these female characters are shown with some nudity, finds a first-ever UN sponsored global study of female characters in popular films across the world. The study, commissioned by the Geena Davis Institute on Gender in Media, with support from UN Women and The Rockefeller Foundation, reveals deep-seated discrimination, pervasive stereotyping, sexualisation of women and their underrepresentation in powerful roles by the international film industry. Indian films, the study finds, have a significantly higher prevalence of sexualisation of female characters and the movies score low in depicting women in significant speaking roles and as engineers and scientists. While women represent nearly half of the world's population, less than one third of all speaking characters in films are female and UK-US collaborations and Indian films are at the bottom of the pack. Both, the American/British hybrid films (23.6 per cent) and Indian films (24.9 per cent) show female characters in less than one-quarter of all speaking roles. Even the frontrunners (UK, Brazil and South Korea) feature female characters in 35.9-38 per cent of all speaking roles on screen. Sexualisation of female characters in movies is a standard practice across the global film industry and women are twice as likely as men to be shown in sexually revealing clothing, partially or fully naked, thin, and five times as likely to be referenced as attractive. Indian films are third behind German and Australian movies in showing females in "sexy attire" and at 25.2% India tops the chart in showing attractive females in its movies. About 35% of female characters in Indian movies are shown with some nudity, the study finds. The prevalence of female directors, writers and producers in the Indian films was also not at a very high number. India had 9.1% female directors, slightly above the global average of 7%, while its percentage of female writers was 12.1%, significantly lower than the 19.7% global average. Female producers in India were only 15.2%, way below the 22.7% global average. This data of gender prevalence behind the camera translated into a gender ratio of 6.2 males to every one female in the film industry in India. Source: Hindustan Times
35% of female characters in Indian movies shown with nudity: UN report
PM Modi accepts Xi Jinping invitation to visit China ‘at early date’
India and China decided, in a significant joint statement issued Friday, that early settlement of the boundary question would be pursued as a “strategic objective”, even as Prime Minister Narendra Modi accepted Chinese President Xi Jinping’s invitation to visit China “at an early date”. The two sides also decided to “strengthen political communication” and “deepen strategic trust”, while agreeing that “peace and tranquillity on the India-China border areas” is an “important guarantor for the development and continued growth of bilateral relations”. The India-China joint statement comes in the wake of regular Chinese transgressions and incursions into Indian territory, particularly in Ladakh, the latest being the incursions in Chumar and Demchok areas of Ladakh. Apart from agreeing to continue holding joint Army exercises, the two sides also agreed to hold joint Air Force and Navy exercises at “a proper time”. They also decided to hold the first round of a maritime cooperation dialogue within this year. The joint statement was issued at the culmination of President Xi’s three-day visit to India on Friday afternoon. Source: The Asian Age
Narendra sets India for a breakthrough deal in uranium with Australia
India and Australia have agreed upon a framework agreement for the supply of uranium, which is expected to be signed during the visit of Prime Minister Tony Abbott to New Delhi in September.
This was reported by the Indian newspaper “The Economic Times”. Volumes of India's imports of natural uranium and cost of the transaction are not being revealed. India is not a participant of the Non-Proliferation Treaty on Nuclear Weapons (NPT). Because of this, Australia had several times blocked the signing of an almost concluded agreement on export of raw uranium to India. A new attempt was made to finally come out of the situation for the signing of the contract in early 2013. The ongoing negotiations since then, apparently, allowed to overcome differences. The breakthrough is expected in September, during the visit of Prime Minister of Australia, Tony Abbott to India and in course of his talks with Narendra Modi. However, the deal is still under question, considers Anton Khlopkov, director of the Center for Energy and Security Studies and editor in chief of the magazine “Nuclear club”: “This, of course, will be a breakthrough for India, but nevertheless the main contribution for preparation of the document was made under the previous government. But even among experts there is no clear-cut understanding - whether the document is consistent with Australia's international obligations. Namely, not to supply nuclear materials to countries that are not parties to the NPT. These include India”. What is the likelihood this time, of a negative impact of discussions and conclusions of the expert community and of the negative views of a number of Australian politicians to the impending Indo-Australian deal? Anton Khlopkov refrained from predictions, however, drew attention to its commercial component: “I understand that in Australia, a political decision has been taken to develop relations with India in the nuclear field, to begin with, for the supply of uranium. Australia is one of the largest exporters of raw uranium. It is obvious that the current situation in the uranium market, namely - a fairly low demand for uranium and low prices - will certainly encourage the government and the uranium business in Australia to find new markets. And India is a large market. Therefore, this economic motivation of the future agreement, of course, cannot be ruled out”. The future agreement prohibits India to use Australian uranium for military purposes. However, earlier, the countries-participants of the Nuclear Suppliers imposed restrictions on India's cooperation in the nuclear field because of these very violations of the ban. In 2008, the Nuclear Suppliers Group weakened its trade regime with India. Are there any new pitfalls in this area? Anton Khlopkov is of the following opinion: “I do not think that in the present situation India needs Australian uranium to make nuclear weapons. But India had obligations to the Canada-US agreements signed in the 60’s not to use ensuing technologies and materials for the production of nuclear weapons. Despite this, India accepted a research reactor from Canada and heavy water from the United States to produce plutonium. It was subsequently used for the production of nuclear weapons. So, of course, it is important of what is written in the future agreement, and India, in this sense, cannot boast of a most positive record, notes the Russian expert”. The Future agreement on uranium between India and Australia is as transparent as it could be and does not violate the rules of the Nuclear Suppliers Group. It is within the framework of these rules that India is working with Russia, Kazakhstan, Argentina and several other countries for the procurement and enrichment of natural uranium for its nuclear energy needs. Source: Article
Asia Institute Interview with Mr. N R Narayana Murthy
N R Narayana Murthy, Founder and Chairman Emeritus of Infosys Technologies Pvt Ltd., India.
SEOUL, KOREA — N R Narayana Murthy, Founder and Chairman Emeritus of Infosys Technologies Pvt Ltd., India. Mr. Murthy is a legendary Indian business known for building Infosys Technologies from a local company to a global leader in consulting and technology services. This Interview concerns the position of SMEs (small and medium-size enterprise) in Korea and in the world. Emanuel Pastreich: A major issue in Korea these days is the proper relationship between major multinational companies and small and medium-size enterprises (SMEs). There are many who see the large firms as a threat to smaller companies, and especially to small mom and pop stores. At the same time, it is not clear that the relationship is innately adversarial. What do you feel should be the proper relationship between small or medium size enterprises and larger corporations? And what role should government play in terms of regulating large companies so as to protect smaller ones? Narayana Murthy: Well, I can say one thing with confidence. Whatever the government does, it has to make sure that there are incentives in place for smaller companies to become big. This point may seem minor, but it is not. Unfortunately, during seventies, the government of India put in place an industrial policy that included many incentives for companies to remain small. Therefore, what the businessmen did in response was to create more and more small companies as they tried to expand their operations. Ironically, the attempt to help small companies created an artificial environment that held companies back from expanding and realizing their full potential. I understand the motivations of governments to offer incentives that make it easier to establish and maintain small-scale companies today. But, at the same time we must be careful not to give so many incentives that the company does not want to grow bigger or to pursue excellence. Emanuel Pastreich: It certainly is true that often policies undertaken with one intention can have almost the opposite effect. Narayana Murthy: Another realm in which I think government can play a meaningful role is in setting out incentives for small companies that create the mindset of a large company CEO among small scale entrepreneurs. I think this point is critical. If you start to think like a big company CEO, no matter how small your business is, suddenly you find yourself in a new world and many opportunities will open up for you quite naturally—opportunities that were previously invisible. Once SME CEOs adapt that perspective, they can take advantage of their relationship with larger firms. Let us consider my own business of software development, and specifically the large-scale development of software and information services. Infosys has invested very heavily in quality processes, tools and training. It is unlikely that a small company could make such an investment by themselves. Infosys spends approximately 350 million US dollars on its training and R & D. which is beyond the means of an SME. Ideally, the government could offer incentives for larger companies to provide access for smaller companies to their quality control programs, their training programs, productivity improvement and research and development infrastructure as long as it is not proprietary. At the same time, it is also possible for the government to create a centralized infrastructure that can be employed by smaller companies for nominal rates. Emanuel Pastreich: The idea is certainly appealing, but I fear that deep cultural traits of competitiveness make it hard to adopt such policies in Korea on a large scale. That said, some places, like Chungnam Techno Park, have already adopted such practices for SMEs with great impact. Narayana Murthy: I feel that government can play a role in promoting a symbiotic relationship between large firms and SMEs. For example, government can help link smaller companies to larger companies through mechanisms that allow a large company to feel comfortable working together with a smaller company because the government has endorsed the relationship and provides support - guarantees the relationship. If something goes wrong in that relationship, larger companies will have the means to resolve the disagreements and claim their losses. Generally, the larger companies say that the consequential losses are more important than actual losses. What they mean is that the losses as a result of damage to a firm’s reputation with customers from a problem involving smaller firms they cooperate with is far more serious than the monetary value of just that transaction. Obviously, nobody can provide complete insurance against all consequential liabilities from work with smaller firms, but at least the government can think in terms of creating a safety net, an insurance mechanism that covers possible problems and thereby means that larger companies will not hesitate about working with the smaller companies. The Japanese offer a very exciting model for how government can help smaller companies to link up with larger companies in a mutually beneficial manner. Japan has created a very positive value chain that places many smaller companies under the care of a large company. I believe that Korea is already taking steps to create a symbiotic relationship between SMEs and major firms. I can imagine an innovative mechanism for marketing and sales of smaller companies in which close cooperation with larger companies plays a significant role. Emanuel Pastreich: So should we assume that SMEs have to be protected, or that large firms somehow owe them something? Narayana Murthy: It is certainly not the case that large firms are the strong player in every respect. I would say that smaller companies have an advantage in innovation because their speed in taking advantage of opportunities is very high in comparison with the larger companies that are slower and more bureaucratic. Smaller companies do not need help in innovation and speed but they do need help in improving quality and productivity, in training their employees, and expanding sales and marketing. Emanuel Pastreich: You suggest that government can play an essential role as a mechanism for cooperation between large and small firms. But there is much talk in Korea about how firms should take their own initiative in creating a symbiotic relationship with smaller firms. For example, Samsung, of its own initiative, has worked to promote a symbiotic relationship with smaller companies for growth. Obviously there can be a role for government, but perhaps there also can be symbiotic relationships that can be worked out between larger and smaller companies? Or, perhaps, between companies and NGOs or local community groups? Narayana Murthy: I have found that in any relationship, even between a husband and wife, both the parties will have to bring sustained complimentary value to each other. Otherwise the relationship will die. Therefore, in a symbiotic relationship between a larger company and a set of smaller companies, the two parties will have to sit down and define the sustainable complementary value each party brings to the other. The larger company may, perhaps, bring the power of its finances, its brand, its access to markets, its marketing and its sales capacity. The smaller company will bring to the table its speed in innovation and its institutional flexibility, its focus, and its specialized skills for producing unique components and customizing to meet special needs. But the day the larger company itself develops these competencies, the relationship will fail. No degree of artificial regulation can undo this reality. Therefore, the smaller company will have to constantly innovate and demonstrate how it can bring unique value to the larger company. The same is true for the small firm’s expectation of the value of working with a larger firm. Symbiotic relations are critical but they must be based on this understanding of sustained complimentary value between the two parties subject to constant evaluation. Emanuel Pastreich: In the Korean case, the political debate goes beyond small suppliers in the supply chain who work with large conglomerates. Another critical issue is how large firms are now starting to run chains of outlets that sell products at very low prices and undercut small shops of limited means. We also have large companies who set up direct competitors with local family businesses. For example, SPC Group’s Paris Baguette chain for bread and pastries competes directly with mom and pop bakeries. A large part of the Korean economy is made up of small shops, and there have been lots of calls to limit the ability of large companies to engage in practices perceived as undermining the well-being of these smaller companies. Narayana Murthy: We find the same political issue in India. One of the main reasons why the state governments are so reluctant to bring large foreign retailers into their regions is because they feel such big firms will take away the business from the mom and pop stores. But the reality of business is completely different from the perception. The big retailers can bring the power of technology and the economies of scale in purchasing. Therefore, they can provide better prices to consumers. Because they invest heavily in technology for logistics and for cold storage for food items, they provide fresher produce. Well, entry of large retailers may result in loss of jobs for a million people in India. But, more than 400 million Indians will benefit immensely from cheaper prices and fresher items, thanks to these large retailers. We have to take the utilitarian view in this case. At the end of the day, it is the mom-and-pop stores that are there at the street corner. If you want a carton of milk any time of the day, you can go and get it there. You do not want to drive down to the big retailer. So, there will be a role for both the small and the large retailer in any economy. The answer to the problem of how to protect small retailers is not endless regulation to limit the entry and growth of large retailers. Rather, the smaller stores have to bring in innovation to give them an advantage. For example, small stores can deliver products to the customer’s house. Or, they can keep their shop open until midnight, or they can open their shop in the morning as early as 5 or 6 AM. In other words, small firms can provide a differentiated value proposition that will give them a real advantage. If they can innovate, they can bring better value to the consumer than the large technology-driven retailer. Emanuel Pastreich: You mentioned the question of innovation previously. What is the best way to encourage innovation amongst these smaller shops? Narayana Murthy: About ten years ago, one of the janitors at our company came up to me and said, “Sir, you keep talking so much about innovation. But, I really don’t understand what you mean by it.” I replied, “Friend, sit down with me here. I will explain the meaning of innovation. You are in charge of eight conference rooms here at Infosys. It is your responsibility to make sure that these eight conference rooms are clean and are maintained in good order. Every morning when you come to the office, ask yourself the following questions: What can I do to maintain my conference rooms cheaper, faster and better? The answer is innovation.” He understood the gist of innovation and has become very successful in using innovation to make himself more and more useful day after day.
At a generic level, we have to keep asking ourselves a basic set of questions:
Emanuel Pastreich: Let us hear a bit about your own experience. When you started Infosys, it was not a big company. What were some of the critical issues for you in your evolution? How did you take advantage of your strengths as a small firm? Narayana Murthy: In 1992, we were a firm of about two million dollars (USD) in revenue; last year, 2011, our sales were about seven billion (USD). I recall when IBM, Microsoft, Oracle and a few others came to Bangalore back in the early nineties, my friends told me “your company is going to be in serious trouble! All your best employees will leave you and go to work for those multinationals and it will be very difficult for you to get new employees of that quality”. So, we sat down and thought long and hard about what we could do to attract employees. We realized that these multinational companies would pay much higher salaries. So, we decided that until such a time that we can also pay our youngsters competitive salaries, we would provide them with stock options. Thanks to our stock options scheme, they made a lot more money than they could if they had joined a big multinational company. We went public in 1993 and we gave away about 35% of the company’s equity. We knew that big companies, like IBM, would not be in a position to give stock options in India. So we created a unique differentiation with these big companies. Another important issue we focused in on was improving the working environment. We knew that those multinational companies were able to provide a good working environment. They offered their employees a big office, whilst we had small offices. They had very good technology and recreation facilities. So, we decided to go public as early as possible and raised money to create India’s first software campus. That was something that those multinationals were not able to do. Why? Because, at that time, they were not committed to investing in India to create infrastructure in the country. Most rented offices in city centers. These city centers did not provide enough parking space and cafeterias. So, when we decided to go out of town and create huge office space, invest in the best technology and infrastructure, establish quality food courts, and create an environment like a central research center, not a local branch office, we created differentiation which the multinationals could not match at that time. Also, we decided that we had to provide exciting work opportunities for our young people. That’s why we decided to go public and enhance the brand equity of the company so we could bring home bigger and more complex projects for our employees and also enhance our sales force. These strategic decisions of our company greatly enhanced our position and we were able to attract quality people in larger numbers than most multinational competitors. At the end of the day, no matter how small you are, and no matter what industry you are in, if you ask ‘what differentiation can I create with reference to my competitor that is valued by my customer,’ you will find a way forward. Source: Korea Times
At a generic level, we have to keep asking ourselves a basic set of questions:
- How can I do things faster today as compared to yesterday?
- How can I do things cheaper today as compared to yesterday?
- How can I do things with a higher level of excellence today as compared to yesterday?
Emanuel Pastreich: Let us hear a bit about your own experience. When you started Infosys, it was not a big company. What were some of the critical issues for you in your evolution? How did you take advantage of your strengths as a small firm? Narayana Murthy: In 1992, we were a firm of about two million dollars (USD) in revenue; last year, 2011, our sales were about seven billion (USD). I recall when IBM, Microsoft, Oracle and a few others came to Bangalore back in the early nineties, my friends told me “your company is going to be in serious trouble! All your best employees will leave you and go to work for those multinationals and it will be very difficult for you to get new employees of that quality”. So, we sat down and thought long and hard about what we could do to attract employees. We realized that these multinational companies would pay much higher salaries. So, we decided that until such a time that we can also pay our youngsters competitive salaries, we would provide them with stock options. Thanks to our stock options scheme, they made a lot more money than they could if they had joined a big multinational company. We went public in 1993 and we gave away about 35% of the company’s equity. We knew that big companies, like IBM, would not be in a position to give stock options in India. So we created a unique differentiation with these big companies. Another important issue we focused in on was improving the working environment. We knew that those multinational companies were able to provide a good working environment. They offered their employees a big office, whilst we had small offices. They had very good technology and recreation facilities. So, we decided to go public as early as possible and raised money to create India’s first software campus. That was something that those multinationals were not able to do. Why? Because, at that time, they were not committed to investing in India to create infrastructure in the country. Most rented offices in city centers. These city centers did not provide enough parking space and cafeterias. So, when we decided to go out of town and create huge office space, invest in the best technology and infrastructure, establish quality food courts, and create an environment like a central research center, not a local branch office, we created differentiation which the multinationals could not match at that time. Also, we decided that we had to provide exciting work opportunities for our young people. That’s why we decided to go public and enhance the brand equity of the company so we could bring home bigger and more complex projects for our employees and also enhance our sales force. These strategic decisions of our company greatly enhanced our position and we were able to attract quality people in larger numbers than most multinational competitors. At the end of the day, no matter how small you are, and no matter what industry you are in, if you ask ‘what differentiation can I create with reference to my competitor that is valued by my customer,’ you will find a way forward. Source: Korea Times
Obama: The US will end its mission in Afghanistan in 2016
Photo credit: © RIA Novosti/Sergey Guneev
President Obama said that the United States planned to leave 9,800 troops in Afghanistan in 2014 and complete the withdrawal of all the troops by the end of 2016.
By Tawab Malekzad: Washington (VR)—On Tuesday, May 27, President Barack Obama in the Rose Garden announced the timetable for the United States troop’s reduction in Afghanistan. President Obama said that the United States planned to leave 9,800 troops in Afghanistan in 2014 and complete the withdrawal of all the troops by the end of 2016. The mission for the 9,800 troops remaining in Afghanistan for two year will include providing support for the Afghan National Forces (ANF) and helping the ANF to secure the country against the Taliban. This announcement by the president comes without a signed Bilateral Security Agreement (BSA) with the Afghan government. In regarding to the BSA, Michael O’Hanlon, a senior fellow at the Brookings institute, told Radio VR’s Crystal Park that “the presumption is that once we have a new Afghan government, and that is expected probably in late August, that either of the likely [Afghan presidential candidate] winners, Dr. [Abdullah] Abdullah or Dr. [Ashraf] Ghani [Ahmadzai] would quickly sign such an agreement because they are both in record publicly as agreeing with it and endorsing it.” O’Hanlon also added “on the issue of the numbers. The basic idea, I think is to have 6 or 8 different places in the country where American forces can be present. Partly, to help Afghans where ever they have ongoing difficult military operations … Partly to help with training and the development of the Afghan Ministry of Defense and Ministry of Interior.” Speaking about the ways in which the BSA might not get signed in the near future O’Hanlon said if “the election process for example could somehow be slowed down or interrupted for various reasons in various ways and that is perhaps to most likely way in which we might see a delay in a signing of [this] agreement.” “Russia of course has not had troops [in Afghanistan] but it has been crucial in helping the [US] with the logistics, getting supplies in to Afghanistan through the so called the Northern distribution network, and if it were not for that strength coalition the mission would have been far less successful” O’Hanlon said. For more here is Park’s interview with O’Hanlon: Source: Article
Obama makes surprise visit to Afghanistan
US President Barack Obama landed in Afghanistan on Sunday for a surprise Memorial Day weekend visit with US troops to thank forces who are preparing to withdraw after nearly 13 years of war, Reuters reports. He said his administration was likely to announce soon on how many US troops to keep in Afghanistan after 2014.
"We'll probably be announcing some decisions fairly shortly," he said. Spirited out of Washington aboard Air Force One Saturday night, Obama flew for more than 13 hours for the brief visit of several hours to Bagram Air Base, the main US base in Afghanistan, where he was to receive a military briefing, speak to the troops, and visit wounded soldiers in a hospital. Obama, making his fourth trip to Afghanistan, arrived at Bagram on Sunday night local time. He brought country music star Brad Paisley with him to provide entertainment for the troops. Obama's Afghan visit is bound to be seen by some critics as an attempt to redeem himself in the eyes of military veterans who are alarmed at allegations that government-run medical facilities in the United States did not provide timely care for veterans. A pool of White House reporters and photographers accompanied the president under the strict condition that they not report on the trip until authorized, due to security considerations. Source: The Voice of Russia
Exit Polls prediction hints: Abki Baar Modi Sarkar
The prediction displayed by various exit polls largely predicted BJP-led National Democratic Alliance coming to power in the Lok Sabha elections but varied in the margin of its lead over the Congress-led United Progressive Alliance. If we rely on the predictions, there is no doubt in making the Modi Sarkar in Center as almost all the exit polls has indicated for a absolute majority for NDA and BJP. Despite the fact that India's exit polls and its authenticity has always been questionable for its incorrectly prediction, there is cases when it has displayed authenticity in its prediction. Some of them also predicted the Bharatiya Janata Party reaching its highest-ever tally and the Congress reaching its lowest-ever numbers.
Here are predictions of various exit polls.
- CNN-IBN-CSDS-Lokniti: NDA 270-282, UPA 92-102; BJP 230-242, Congress 72-82
- India Today-CICERO: NDA 272 (plus/minus 11), UPA 115 (plus/minus five), Others 156 (plus/minus six)
- India TV-CVoter: NDA 289, UPA 101, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) 5 , Others 148.
- ORG-TimesNow poll: NDA 249 seats, UPA 148 seats and others 146 seats.
- ABP News: NDA 281, UPA 97, AAP 4, Others 161
- Today's Chanakya: NDA 340 (plus/minus 14), BJP (291 plus/minus14); UPA (70 plus/minus nine), Congress (57 plus/minus nine); Others (133 plus/minus 11).
Deal: Domestic and overseas expansion on the radar
Fashion United: Women’s wear brand Deal started its journey over a decade ago with a range of formal wear for women and gradually shifted focus to designer denims. The brand is now focusing on larger retail outreach. “Deal plans to make its foothold stronger in metros and Tire II, III cities through EBOs, LFS and MBOs. We recently opened at Phoenix Marketcity Mall in Mumbai and are planning more stores in comingChina fines milk formula makers for price-fixing
China launched a probe into price-fixing conducts of foreign brand dairy companies in early July. [File photo]
China has fined six baby milk formula companies a total of 670 million yuan (US$108 million) for price-fixing, following an anti-trust investigation launched in early July, the country's top economic planner announced Wednesday morning. The six companies are Fonterra, Mead Johnson, Dumex, Abbott, Friesland and Biostime, according the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC). Biostime was fined 163 million yuan, or 6 percent of its sales revenue in 2012, as it "seriously violated the anti-monopoly law and failed to actively take corrective action," said Xu Kunlin, chief of the Price Department of the NDRC, on Wednesday. Mead Johnson was fined 204 million yuan, or 4 percent of its revenue last year, because it "did not actively cooperate with the investigation but did take active self-rectification measures," said Xu. Dumex, Abbott, Friesland and Fonterra each received a fine equal to 3 percent of their 2012 revenue. They were fined 172 million yuan, 77 million yuan, 48 million yuan and 4 million yuan, respectively. According to Xu, these four companies cooperated in the probe and actively moved to correct their improper practices. Three other companies, including Wyeth, Beingmate and Meiji, were exempt from punishment, because they cooperated with the government investigation, provided important evidence and actively took self-rectification measures, said Xu. NDRC's investigation into these nine baby formula makers were initially launched in March this year. During the investigation, the authorities found that involved companies set minimum resale prices for distributors. Distributors will face punishment if they sold their products at a lower price. Source: China.org.cn
China to provide Jordan army with military equipment for a value of $4.9 million
The Jordanian army already uses Chines-made mortar 120mm Type W86.
Chairman of the Joint Chiefs-of-Staff Gen. Mashal Al Zaben on Monday, December 30, 2013, received China's Ambassador to Jordan Gao Yusheng and China's Deputy Military Attaché Lu Jun to discuss about joint military cooperation and the purchase of Chinese military equipment for a value of $4.9 million. Source: World Defence News
Jay Chou: Complete showman
FIFA extends China match-fixing bans
Match-fixing bans on 58 Chinese soccer officials and players will be extended worldwide, the sport's
governing body FIFA said on Monday. The Chinese Football Association's (CFA) disciplinary committee this month banned 33 people for life and a further 25 for five years for domestic match-fixing and bribery for cases going back to the 1990s. "The Chairman of the FIFA Disciplinary Committee has extended the sanctions to have worldwide effect," a FIFA statement said. "In taking those sanctions and notifying FIFA of them, the CFA has emphasised its on-going commitment to stamping out all forms of match-fixing and corruption in the game. The CFA set up a special task force consisting of members of the CFA disciplinary committee in March 2012 to make recommendations based on the investigations." Source: China.org.cn
governing body FIFA said on Monday. The Chinese Football Association's (CFA) disciplinary committee this month banned 33 people for life and a further 25 for five years for domestic match-fixing and bribery for cases going back to the 1990s. "The Chairman of the FIFA Disciplinary Committee has extended the sanctions to have worldwide effect," a FIFA statement said. "In taking those sanctions and notifying FIFA of them, the CFA has emphasised its on-going commitment to stamping out all forms of match-fixing and corruption in the game. The CFA set up a special task force consisting of members of the CFA disciplinary committee in March 2012 to make recommendations based on the investigations." Source: China.org.cn
Indian economy will bounce back to 8% growth level: President
NEW DELHI: President Pranab Mukherjee today exuded confidence that the Indian economy will bounce back to 8 per cent growth levels and said engineering sector could play a vital role in propelling it. "Though our economic growth has recently declined somewhat, I am confident that we will be able to bring the deceleration to a halt and revert to the eight per cent growth levels that we attained many times in the past," Mukherjee said inaugurating the 20th International Engineering and Technology Fair (IETF) by CII. The underline growth impetus remains strong due to factors like continued rise in per capita income and expanding middle class consumers, he said adding, engineering sector could facilitate faster economic development. "Our thrust on infrastructure development and industrial production provided further filip to this (engineering) sector...Large amount of investments is envisaged in the key sectors such as power and transportation," Mukherjee said while calling for private sector investments. These investments would create opportunities for business operating in the engineering sector, he said. At the same time he urged the companies to focus on "productivity and competitiveness" saying new operating models were needed to promote the manufacturing sector. "The contribution of manufacturing to total employment in India is about 11 per cent which is much lower than that of the emerging countries. The shares of the manufacturing in total employment is between 15 to 30 per cent (in those countries)" he said. Stressing that the National Manufacturing Policy 2011 envisaged creation of 100 million additional jobs in the manufacturing sector by 2025, he said India needed to enhance its "capabilities on major fronts like primarily human skill , hardware and knowledge technology". Source: Punjab News Line
Nissan Resonance Concept is a Futuristic Design Proposal Hinting at the Next Murano
Created by Nissan Design America in San Diego, California under the direction of chief designer Shiro Nakamura, the Resonance concept that was unveiled today at the Detroit Motor Show hints at the design philosophy that will be adopted by the Japanese automaker in its future crossovers and especially the Murano. The concept features a “floating” roof and what its designers call a “V-Motion”, which starts from the grille, moves through the bonnet and “resonates” with the boomerang-shaped headlights that extend almost to the base of the steeply-raked A-pillars. The bodywork is full of aggressive lines that are accentuated by the “Flair Orange” golden paint and the satin-chromed 22-inch alloy wheels. “When the designers were first working on the Resonance, they were inspired by scientific advancements in technology and material innovations”, said Francois Bancon, Nissan general manager for product strategy and planning. “They were also inspired by the aspirations of those people who embrace innovation”, he added. “It was 
about serving those people a concept vehicle that is forward-looking and fuses style with an athletic ride.” We, on the other hand, venture a guess that the initial brief was about designing a possible replacement to the next-generation Murano that will be manufactured in the U.S.; but then, that’s just our two cents… In crafting the cabin Nissan wanted to explore “what the future of first-class space travel might be”. Admittedly, they were pretty restrained, since there is a proper steering wheel, normal seats and even a center console. In fact, take away the “VIP lounge” holographic infotainment experience, put in some conventional controls and it could very well make it into production. The same stands for the hybrid powertrain that comprises a 2.5-liter internal combustion engine, two high performance electric motors, a next-generation continuously variable transmission (CVT) and a compact laminated lithium-ion battery pack. Source: Carscoop
about serving those people a concept vehicle that is forward-looking and fuses style with an athletic ride.” We, on the other hand, venture a guess that the initial brief was about designing a possible replacement to the next-generation Murano that will be manufactured in the U.S.; but then, that’s just our two cents… In crafting the cabin Nissan wanted to explore “what the future of first-class space travel might be”. Admittedly, they were pretty restrained, since there is a proper steering wheel, normal seats and even a center console. In fact, take away the “VIP lounge” holographic infotainment experience, put in some conventional controls and it could very well make it into production. The same stands for the hybrid powertrain that comprises a 2.5-liter internal combustion engine, two high performance electric motors, a next-generation continuously variable transmission (CVT) and a compact laminated lithium-ion battery pack. Source: Carscoop'English Vinglish' star wins best actor award at US fest
Adil Hussain, who has films like "Ishqiya", "Life of Pi" and the recent "English Vinglish" to his credit, has bagged the best actor award at a US festival for his role in Unni Vijayan's "Lessons in Forgetting". Directed by Vijayan, the film is an adaptation of Anita Nair's book by the same name and is a gripping and heart warming story of redemption, forgiveness and second chances. The film bagged two awards at the recent New Jersey Independent South Asian Cine Festival (NJISACF). While Hussain was named the best actor for his role of J A Krishnamurthy, Roshni Achreja was feted as best supporting actress. Meera's (Achreja) life is shaken up when her husband walks out on their marriage. Responsible not just for her children but her mother, grandmother and their rambling old family home in Bangalore, Meera takes up a part time job with Professor J A Krishnamurthy, or JAK, a renowned cyclone studies expert (Hussain). What she doesn't know is that JAK is seeking the truth behind the vicious attack on his 19-year-old daughter, Smriti (Maya Tideman). However, a wall of silence and fear surrounds the incident. Driven by the need to know the truth he explores the events that lead up to the incident. In the process he gains an insight into his daughter's world. Through a series of coincidences, Meera and JAK find their lives turning and twisting together and as the days pass, fresh beginnings appear where there seemed to be only endings. The annual NJISACF is held to promote and recognise the talents of the new, the established, the underrepresented, the best and the brightest independent South Asian filmmakers from across the globe. 'Source: Screen India
China to become world's biggest economy
Those who are strong today will lose their strength. The US will yield to China in the economic leadership in 2017. Such is the forecast made by experts of the PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) consulting services. They also say that this will not be the final step in the re-arrangement of forces in the world economy and that less than in 40 years Russia will play one of main roles while Europe’s largest economies will be lagging behind. The PwC experts forsee that by 2050 three leading economies will be China, the USA and India. Thus, the USA will yield the palm to the Chinese and that India will move to the third from the tenth place. The size of the future leader’s GDP, meaning China, will be about 54 trillion dollars. Just to compare: today it is under 6 trillion dollars. Executive Secretary of the Russian-Chinese Chamber Sergei Sanakoyev also says that China will be giant No. 1 in the world in the future. He says: "The nation is working which means that it is producing goods. This is a very important factor of growth. Of course, under the conditions of the world financial crisis, when the demand for Chinese goods dropped around the world, had a bad impact on the Chinese economy. However, quick measures on the reorientation towards domestic demand and a flexible credit policy have enabled China to maintain average yearly economic growth rates within the 7 to 10 per cent limits. It is absolutely clear that it is enough for becoming the world’s economy No. 1 by 2017." Experts mention certain risks as well. One of them is an increase in the share of city dwellers. Hence, the issue dealing with the growth of food prices and the cost of work force is becoming urgent enough. A hike in both indices will do damage to the competitiveness of Chinese goods. The Chinese authorities are doing their utmost to prevent this. Meanwhile, Russia’s government reports about economic victories. Russia’s GDP per capita has doubled since 1999, and the unemployment rate in this country was only 5.4 per cent in the end of the year which is very low according to the world standards. Experts from PricewaterhouseCoopers say that Russia’s GDP will increase by many times to reach 8 trillion dollars by 2050. Thus, Russia will rank sixth among the world’s economies, outstripping Germany, France, and Britain and coming close to Japan. This is possible, Director of the Institute of International Business at the National Research University - Higher School of Economics (HSE) – Natalia Karpova says. "Russia and China - two superpowers of the future – are on the rise, and should serious contradictions or cataclysms be non-existent, they will develop faster than all the other countries." The industrialized countries got the hardest hit by the current crisis because all of them relied on excessive loans to stimulate their growth, experts say. Therefore, the industrial growth of the developing markets not burdened with debts will become logical in the future. Especially that of the countries of raw materials – such as Russia and China. Source: Voice of Russia
Luxury houses raise prices
Ferragamo is expecting its goods to be more expensive, with increases in costs, such as higher manufacturing rates and expansion, being passed on to the consumer. Ferragamo is thought to have one of the most extensive, long-time retail networking in Asia, particularly in China. The company recently acquired an additional stake in its long time distribution partner in China, reaching a total of 75 percent of shares. According to Pambianco, Ferragamo is increasing prices in Europe by as much as 11 percent. In China, prices of luxury goods are, on average, 20 percent more expensive than in Europe due to taxes. Ferragamo is focussing on its expansion strategy with mono-brand store openings set for mainland China, Hong Kong and Taiwan. Indonesia and South Korea are also included in Ferragamo’s expansion plans. Foreign shoppers in the UK and in Europe can purchase luxury products cheaper if they apply for a Global Refund. Residents outside of the EU can apply to have their VAT returned for purchases over 30 British pounds. Generally, the procedure for obtaining a valid customs stamp is 3 months from the issuing month. A Tax Free Form must be stamped by a valid customs stamp and the rebate must be sent for by post. Images: Ferragamo, Source: Fashion United
22 young heroes to get National Bravery Awards 2013
New Delhi, Jan 18 (IANS) Young bravehearts who saved their friends and others from drowning and exposed social evils will be among the 22 children, including four girls, who will be conferred the National Bravery Awards for 2013, it was announced Friday. One of the award would be given posthumously to Ramdinthara of Mizoram, who died while trying to rescue his friend from drowning, the Indian Council for Child Welfare said Friday. The Bharat Award has been conferred on 17-year-old Tarang Atulbhai Mistry of Gujarat who saved four people from drowning in the Narmada River. Eleven-and-a-half-year-old Renu will be given the
prestigious Geeta Chopra Award for exposing the perpetrators of inhuman treatment of a children's home. The Sanjay Chopra Award has been given to 11-and-a-half-year-old Gajendra Ram of Chhattisgarh who saved a child from drowning in a well. Vijay Kumar Sainik, 17, of Uttar Pradesh, Akanksha Gaute, 16, of Chhattisgarh and Hali Raghunath Baraf, 16, of Maharashtra will receive theBapu Gaidhani Awards. Other recipients are Devansh Tiwari and Mukesh Nishad (Chhattisgarh), Lalrinhlua (Mizoram), E. Suganthan (Tamil Nadu), Ramith.K, Mebin Cyriac and Vishnu M.V. (Kerala), Koroungamba Kuman (Manipur), Sameep Anil Pandit (Maharashtra), Viswendra Lohkna, Satendra Lohkana and Pawan Kumar Kanaujiya (Uttar Pradesh), Stripleaseman Mylliem (Meghalaya), Sapna Kumari Meena (Rajasthan) and Suhail K.M. (Karnataka). The children will receive their Awards from Prime Minister Manmohan Singh prior to Republic Day 2013 and will also participate in the Republic Day Parade atop an elephant. The awardees will receive a medal, certificate and cash. A reception in honour of the children will also be held by President Pranab Mukherjee, and Defence Minister A. K. Antony. Since the inception of the scheme in 1957, the Indian Council for Child Welfare has given awards to 846 brave children - 602 boys and 244 girls. Image Screen Shot On Youtube, Source: News Track India
I'm not superstitious, only have beliefs: Ekta
Mumbai: TV and film producer Ekta Kapoor is known for her obsession with the letter 'K' and is often called superstitious. However, she says these are only her beliefs. "I actually don't think I am very superstitious because I think I have very strong beliefs. It depends on how you look at a belief. If you don't believe, for you it's superstition. If I believe, for me, it's my belief," the 37-year-old said here Wednesday at the first look launch of her co-production "Ek Thi Daayan". "I really don't think I can scale myself on 1-10 (scale), that's not my job. Anyone else has full right to scale me as very superstitious, slightly superstitious, not superstitious. For me, it will still be my belief," she added. Names of most of Ekta's TV serials start with the alphabet 'K'. She can even be seen sporting a lot of rings and other such things. Ekta is currently busy with her productions "Once Upon A Time in Mumbai Again", and "Shootout at Wadala" and "Ragini MMS 2."'Source: News-Bullet
US, China compete for the role of “king of sea”
In 2012, the US announced that it is starting “to return to Asia” – that is, to broaden its military presence in the south of the Asia-Pacific region. This is the US’s response to China’s increasing military activity in disputable waters in the East China and the South China Seas. The US is going to move up to 60% of its navy to the Asia-Pacific region. That would increase the US’s military presence there 3 times in comparison with the current situation. At present, about 60 to 70 US military ships and from 200 to 300 planes are constantly present at US naval bases in Japan and South Korea. Besides, at least 2 US aircraft carriers are constantly keeping watch in the region. Now, according to President Obama’s order, US naval forces are to increase in Australia, Singapore and the Philippines. In Australia, the number of US marines will be increased 10 times and will reach 2,500 people. Besides, the US will have broader access to the Australian naval base on the coast of the Indian Ocean, to the south of the city of Perth. Up to 4 US navy ships will be deployed near Singapore’s coast. The US is also planning to deploy up to 500 servicemen and reconnaissance aircraft in the Philippines and to create a center for repairing US navy ships there. Moreover, the US does not rule out that in some time from now, the Philippines may become the center of commanding US forces in the Asia-Pacific region. “In such conditions, the Chinese are starting to feel surrounded by US forces from all sides,” Russian expert in Eastern affairs Yuri Tavrovsky said in an interview with the Voice of Russia. “After all, the US does not hide that the reason why it is strenthening its military presence in the Asia-Pacific region is the growing influence of China there.” “In its turn, China is actively developing its navy,” Mr. Tavrovsky continues. “It is hard to deny that within the last few years, China’s economy has been rapidly developing, which has allowed China to considerably increase its military might. It would probably be an exaggeration to say that China is becoming aggressive, but it is obviously starting to realize that it is getting strong enough to afford dictating its will to other countries.” Another Russian expert, Evgeny Kanaev, is predicting that the US-Chinese relations will most probably aggravate even further: “I don’t think that China’s leaders today want to make compromises with the US. It is unlikely that China will agree to create a program of developing its navy that would satisfy the US. In its turn, the US also doesn’t want to be ousted by China from its positions in the Asia-Pacific region. Besides its military presence there, the US also wants to maintain control over all the transport routes in this region, and China is now becoming a serious rival for the US from this point of view as well.” Experts are concerned that the US’s policy of regaining military control over the Asia-Pacific region and its competition for this role with China may aggravate the situation in this region to a very dangerous point. Source: Voice of Russia
