ISRO: Is the great institution falling from grace?
Planning Commission and Home Ministry appeared to have reached a compromise on the UIDAI project over which the two were at loggerheads over the security angle.
India's long hunt for a nuclear submarine is finally over. But it will take the country another 10-12 months to get an operational nuclear weapon triad - the capability to fire nukes from land, air and sea.
Troubled Galaxy Destroyed Dreams, chapter 734
Palash Biswas
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http://basantipurtimes.blogspot.com/
Killing the Democracy and Constitution, the ruling LPG Mafia and Manusmriti Hegemony have Reduced the Indian Republic into Inhuman Draconian FREE Market Economy!Presidential Address to the Nation on the Eve of Republic Day is Betrayal Supreme!
A Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) bus driver barrelled around Pune city in his vehicle for some 16 km and 45 minutes on Wednesday morning, crushing to death eight people, injuring 24 and slamming into several vehicles on the way.symbolic is the Accident!
India's long hunt for a nuclear submarine is finally over. But it will take the country another 10-12 months to get an operational nuclear weapon triad - the capability to fire nukes from land, air and sea.
Planning Commission and Home Ministry appeared to have reached a compromise on the UIDAI project over which the two were at loggerheads over the security angle.
The understanding over the issue of providing unique identity numbers to residents seems to have been reached at a meeting of senior Cabinet colleagues called by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh here today.
"I think we have come to an agreement on how both the projects can proceed together without any difficulty ... the Cabinet Committee (on UIDAI) was rescheduled and will happen on Friday. We are quite hopeful that we will have a resolution of these issues in that meeting," Planning Commission Deputy Chairman Montek Singh Ahluwalia said here after the meeting.
Besides Ahluwalia, the meeting was attended by Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee, Home Minister P Chidambaram, UIDAI Chairman Nandan Nilekani and National Security Adviser Shivshankar Menon.
"We are moving towards a very satisfactory conclusion. There were different views ... We reviewed different issues," Ahluwalia said, adding that the Home Ministry's National Population Register (NPR) project for constructing digital database of residents could continue along with UIDAI.
"I think that there is an agreement that both the projects can move ahead and ways can be found that will avoid avoidable duplication. That was the key issue. I will sent the supplementary note (to Cabinet)", he added.
At the centre of the controversy is the collection of bio-metric data of all residents. While the Home Ministry has maintained that the Registrar General of India (RGI) under it has been mandated to collect the data through the NPR, the Nandan Nilekani-led UIDAI has also been authorised to gather the information.
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In an apparent reference to the civil society movement for a strong Lokpal Bill, President Pratibha Patil on Wednesday said one has to be cautious in bringing about reforms so that the tree of democratic institutions does not come down.But the President has NO Objection on the Reforms drive set Superfast to acomplish the Task of Economic Ethnic cleansing of the Mulnivasi Bahujan!
Justifying the Reforms drive,the President said, "we are living in a world that is complex and challenging. Forces of globalisation have created an interlinked and interdependent world. No country exists in isolation; it is continuously being influenced by external developments".She said all nations, developed and developing, are facing the impact of global economic instability, as well as problems of unemployment and inflation, in varying degrees.President Pratibha Patil on Wednesday said all countries were facing the impact of global economic instability and there were questions about how growth and resources will be shared in an equitable manner.
The President highlights and showcases so called INCLUSION in free market economy which in fact is nothing but the EXCLUSION and Ethnic Cleansing of the Ninety Five Percent NON Aryan NON Brahamin Humanscape consisting of mainly by the Eighty Five Percent of the Population, SC, ST and OBC."We are observing an information explosion and ever-newer technological inventions. These have altered lifestyles and there is also a growing quest for materialism. There are persistent questions about how growth and resources will be shared in a more equitable manner. There are worries about the direction in which the human community is heading in this age of globalisation, knowledge and technology," she said.
President Ms Pratibha Devisingh Patil said India has to build and improve infrastructure to grow into a developing nation and stressed upon the need to integrate agriculture with other sectors of the economy.
"We look at building our country, as one whose economy demonstrates a robustness to grow, so that we can become a developed nation," the President said in her address to the nation on the eve of 63rd Republic day.
"Focus on research and development is an investment in our future. Our agriculture, industry and service sectors need to be working more efficiently, with greater scientific inputs and more inter-linkages with each other," Ms Patil said.
Stating that integration of agriculture with other sectors of the economy remained inadequate, the President said "We need to look at models of partnership, of farmers with industry and with R&D institutions in various activities, so that, not only does agricultural productivity increase, but farmers benefit as well."
She emphasised the need to focus on dryland farming, given its enormous potential and, the fact that, a large proportion of farm labour and poor farmers are dependent on it. "At the same time, it is very important to build our physical infrastructure – such as roads, ports and airports, to overcome constraints to rapid growth," Ms Patil said.
The President also highlighted that there is tremendous work to be done to move forward on the social and economic agenda, if India has to achieve fast, inclusive and sustainable growth. "Our foremost priority is the removal of poverty, hunger and malnutrition, disease and illiteracy. All social welfare programmes must be implemented efficiently," she said.
In an apparent reference to the civil society movement for a strong Lokpal Bill, President Pratibha Patil on Wednesday said one has to be cautious in bringing about reforms so that the tree of democratic institutions does not come down.
"While bringing about reforms and improving institutions, we have to be cautious that while shaking the tree to remove the bad fruit, we do not bring down the tree itself", she said in her address to the nation on the eve of 63rd Republic Day.
Patil did not specifically mention the anti-corruption movement of Anna Hazare but the remarks could be seen as a reference to the movement for the anti-corruption ombudsman.
She said India can take pride in its democratic record but as in any functional democracy, it faces pressures and challenges.
Patil said there would be short term pressures, but in this process the long term goals must not be lost sight of, and everyone must work together on core national agenda.
Emphasising that those who believe in democracy must try to see the rationale in the others' point of view, she said concord and not discord is the way forward for a country as large as India.
"All issues, therefore, must be resolved through dialogue and there can be no place for violence. Negativity and rejection cannot be the path for a vibrant country that is moving to seek its destiny," she said.
Patil said Indian institutions may not be flawless but they have coped with many challenges.
Indian Parliament, she noted, has enacted path-breaking laws and Government has put together schemes for the progress and welfare of the people.
Patil said,"our judiciary has a reputable standing. Our media too has played an important role. With all institutions working together for the same national purpose it will create a stream of positive energy."
She expressed the hope that in the spirit of national interest, matters of national importance, are discussed and solutions found between different stakeholders. This would strengthen the roots of our democracy and the foundations of our nation.
"Often, we are quick to find blame with others; but, yet are unable to give constructive responses. There seems to be a tendency to doubt almost everything. Do we not have faith in our own people's strengths and in our institutions? Can we afford distrust amongst ourselves?," she said.
The President said all issues, therefore, must be resolved through dialogue and there can be no place for violence. Negativity and rejection cannot be the path for a vibrant country that is moving to seek its destiny.
She said the Constitution has been and should be the compass guiding in nation-building.
"It is the charter of our democracy. It is the document guaranteeing individual freedoms to its citizens. It is the basis on which institutions of the State have been created and have derived their powers and functions," she said.
Patil said tremendous work needs to be done to move forward on social and economic agenda to achieve fast, economic and sustainable growth.
"Our foremost priority is the removal of poverty, hunger and malnutrition, disease and illiteracy. All social welfare programmes must be implemented efficiently. Agencies involved in the delivery of services should have a strong sense of duty and work in a transparent, corruption-free, time-bound and accountable manner," she said.
The President said India's foreign policy was aimed at the promotion of an environment that is conducive to its socio-economic transformation.
"We seek to build bridges of cooperation and friendship with all countries of the world. We constructively engage with the international community to find responses to global challenges," she said.
Patil said the role and stature of India, has been growing and the nation has been scaling up in the ladder of the comity of nations.
"India seeks an architecture for global institutions that is more reflective of contemporary realities. We are also proud of the contributions of the Indian Diaspora, spread over many countries and across continents, to the economic, professional and political fields of the countries where they live," she said.
The President said, "we are living in a world that is complex and challenging. Forces of globalisation have created an interlinked and interdependent world. No country exists in isolation; it is continuously being influenced by external developments".
She said all nations, developed and developing, are facing the impact of global economic instability, as well as problems of unemployment and inflation, in varying degrees.
"There are growing aspirations of the people, coupled with their expectations of immediate solutions. We are observing, an information explosion and ever-newer technological inventions.
"These have altered lifestyles and there is also a growing quest for materialism. There are persistent questions about how growth and resources will be shared in a more equitable manner," she said.
The President said education must reach every section of the society, as must access to health.
"We need to expand health services, particularly in rural areas. We need quality medical facilities for our population, which are affordable. In today's era of ICT, technology can be very useful in our mission of health and education," she said.
Patil said science and technology was a critical input for the growth of the nation and all sectors of the economy.
"Focus on research and development is an investment in our future. Our agriculture, industry and service sectors need to be working more efficiently, with greater scientific inputs and more inter-linkages with each other," she said.
The President said agriculture is one sector whose integration with other sectors of the economy remains inadequate.
"We need to look at models of partnership, of farmers with industry and with Research and Development institutions in various activities, so that, not only does agricultural productivity increase, but farmers benefit as well," she said.
Patil said special focus is necessary on dryland farming, given its potential and, the fact that, a large proportion of farm labour and poor farmers are dependent on it.
"At the same time, it is very important to build our physical infrastructure - such as roads, ports and airports, to overcome constraints to rapid growth," she said.
On the issue of women empowerment, the President said it would have a very big impact on creating social structures that are stable.
"An important component of women's development is their economic and social security. Social prejudices prevalent in our society which have led to gender discrimination need to be corrected. Social evils like female foeticide, child marriage and dowry must be eradicated. Status of women is an important indicator of progress in a society," she said.
ISRO: Is the great institution falling from grace?
BANGALORE: From humble beginnings of ferrying rocket parts on a bicycle to launching satellites of other countries and landing a craft on the moon, theIndian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has occupied a pride of place among Indians. However, this now seems to be taking a knock.
Boosting the feel good factor was that ISRO had not landed in a row in over 50 years of its existence, a rare feat indeed when almost every other aspect of life in the country was mired in controversies.
The first rocket was launched in 1963, a proud moment for Indians.
The good image seemed to crash Wednesday, on the eve of the country's 63rd Republic Day, with ISRO's former chairman G. Madhavan Nair launching a blistering attack on his successor K. Radhakrishnan and saying the agency "has gone to the dogs".
Nair's blast is bound to send shockwaves in space agencies around the world as most of them, from the famed NASA of the US to the fledgling space establishments in West Asian countries, were doing business with ISRO's commercial arm Antrix Corporation Ltd.
It is Antrix's deal with a private firm Devas Multimedia, finalised during Nair's term as ISRO chairman, that has set off events culminating in his fusillade against his former organisation as well as the central government.
Antrix came into being in 1992 to commercially exploit India's expertise in space science, satellite launching to mission support services. It became a mini-ratna company in 2008.
The Antrix-Devas deal for providing S-band airwave was cancelled by the central government last February after a controversy that the pact will cause a huge loss to the country.
The Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) has estimated the loss to the exchequer at Rs.2 lakh crore from the deal, under which Antrix was to provide 70 MHz S-Band spectrum to Devas. In Nair's view, the CAG had gone wrong in its estimation of the probable loss of revenue in the Antrix-Devas deal.
"Satellite spectrum cannot be equated with land-based spectrum as its usage is restricted. The CAG has extrapolated the land-based spectrum usage to space-based one," Nair maintained. But, as often happens in such cases, everyone forgot about the controversy and it was business as usual at ISRO.
But it has re-surfaced after the central government banned Nair and three others from taking up any government assignment in future. It is not clear when the government took the decision and why it became public now; particularly after Nair was appointed after he retired from ISRO to head a committee to design a civilian aircraft for Indian needs that can be built in the country.
Nair, who headed the ISRO when it launched the moon mission Chandrayaan-1 in October 2008, has set off an ugly spat with the central government, his successor K. Radhakrishnan and his former colleagues at the space agency.
The reverberations will be heard in the coming days as the central government and Radhakrishnan will have to defend themselves and the ISRO. The war of words will only scar the pristine image ISRO and Indian space scientists hitherto enjoyed, though the battle may not mean loss of business to Antrix.
24 JAN, 2012, 09.52AM IST, RAJAT PANDIT,TNN
India becomes 6th nation to join elite nuclear submarine club
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NEW DELHI: India's long hunt for a nuclear submarine is finally over. But it will take the country another 10-12 months to get an operational nuclear weapon triad - the capability to fire nukes from land, air and sea.
India on Monday became the world's sixth country after the US, Russia, France, the UK and China to operate nuclear-powered submarines when theRussian Akula-II class submarine `K-152 Nerpa' was commissioned into Indian Navy as INS Chakra on a 10-year lease under a secretive almost $1-billion contract inked in 2004.
The 8,140-tonne INS Chakra, however, is not armed with long-range nuclear missiles, like the Russian SS-N-21 cruise missiles with an over 2,500-km range due to international non-proliferation treaties like the Missile Technology Control Regime.
The Indian nuclear triad's elusive underwater leg will only come when the homegrown nuclear submarine, the over 6,000-tonne INS Arihant equipped to carry a dozen K-15 (750-km) or four K-4 (3,500-km) ballistic missiles, becomes fully operational by early-2013. India has the land and air legs in the shape of the Agni series of missiles and fighter jets capable of carrying nuclear weapons.
Defence ministry sources said INS Chakra, commissioned at the Primorye region in far south-eastern Russia in a ceremony attended by top Indian and Russian officials, would soon set sail for India. It will be based at Visakhapatnam, next to where INS Arihant is slated to begin extensive sea trials in February-March after the ongoing harbour-acceptance trials.
Though it may not add to India's nuclear deterrence posture, INS Chakra will give some much-needed muscle to India's depleting underwater combat arm, which has only 14 ageing conventional submarines to brandish. India is in talks for the lease of another Akula-II class submarine from Russia, say sources.
Nuclear-powered submarines are stealthy since they can operate underwater at long ranges for months unlike diesel-electric submarines that need to surface every few days to get oxygen to recharge their batteries and have limited endurance due to fuel requirements.
INS Chakra will also be armed with the 300-km range Klub-S land-attack cruise missiles, which India deploys on its Kilo-class conventional submarines as well as other missiles and advanced torpedoes.
"It will be deadly `hunter-killer' of enemy submarines and warships, as also provide effective protection to a fleet at sea. It can also provide cover to the nuclear-armed INS Arihant if required. With a dived speed of 30-35 knots, INS Chakra will be able to outrun any current Pakistani or Chinese submarine," said a source.
The Navy will also use INS Chakra to train its sailors in the complex art of operating nuclear submarines. The `Charlie-I' class nuclear submarine India had leased from Russia from 1988 to 1991 was also named INS Chakra but the expertise gained on it was steadily lost since the Navy did not operate any other nuclear submarine thereafter.
The new 10-year lease flows from the January 2004 agreement, with India funding a major part of Nerpa's construction at Komsomolsk-on-Amur shipyard after Russia stopped it midway due to a fund crunch. It was slated for induction much earlier but technical glitches delayed the process, which included a toxic gas leak in November 2008 that killed 20 Russian sailors.
http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics/nation/india-becomes-6th-nation-to-join-elite-nuclear-submarine-club/articleshow/11612249.cms
Address by the President of India, Shrimati Pratibha Devisingh Patil to the Nation on the eve of Republic Day
The President, Smt. Pratibha Devisingh Patil, addressed the Nation on the eve of the 63rd Republic Day. Following is the text of the President's address on the occasion:
Dear Citizens,
On the eve of our 63rd Republic Day, I convey my warmest greetings to all of you across the country, from every walk of life and in different parts of the world. I convey my special greetings to the Armed Forces and the Para-Military Forces who guard our frontiers with great vigil and valour, in high mountainous terrains, deserts and the plains, on the coasts and the seas. I also convey my best wishes to our internal security forces and to our civil services. I compliment all citizens for their contribution to the process of nation-building.
We are living in a world that is complex and challenging. Forces of globalization have created an interlinked and interdependent world. No country exists in isolation; it is continuously being influenced by external developments. All nations, developed and developing, are facing the impact of global economic instability, as well as problems of unemployment and inflation, in varying degrees. Indeed, the 21st Century has brought in its trail a host of issues at a breath-taking pace. There are growing aspirations of the people, coupled with their expectations of immediate solutions. We are observing, an information explosion and ever-newer technological inventions. These have altered lifestyles and there is also a growing quest for materialism. There are persistent questions about how growth and resources will be shared in a more equitable manner. There are worries about the direction in which the human community is heading in this age of globalization, knowledge and technology.
For us in India, the discourse is about how an ancient civilization and a young nation, will move ahead to take India to its destiny. Our vision and our goals are clear. We look at building our country, as one whose economy demonstrates a robustness to grow, so that we can become a developed nation. For us, however, economic prosperity alone is not enough. We look towards an India, where there is equity and justice. We look at democracy, rule of law and human values, as being essential for making our country strong. We want a scientific and technological outlook in our people. We also look towards India as a country which will continue to bring moral force on to the global stage. I believe that there is a unity behind this vision of India. But, yet, sometimes one gets distracted by discordant pulls and pressures. How should we proceed to build our nation and its people? I believe that the answer lies in our age old values; the ideals of our freedom movement; the principles of our Constitution, as also in our unity, a positive attitude and our aspiration to grow.
It is often said, but not fully realized, that we are very fortunate to have a rich legacy of values, traditions and teachings. The ageless spirit of India, the eternal voice of India, has been resonating through millennia. What are those intrinsic qualities which have seen India prosper through centuries and eras? What is the message that should light our path, as we chart our future course? Our civilizational ethos contains the lessons of duty and truth. It tells us to be humane in all our thoughts and deeds. It highlights the qualities of compassion, care and of respect for others. It teaches that human beings and nature must exist in harmony with each other. All issues should be viewed in the context of humanity as a whole. Concepts, like 'समन्वय', 'सर्वे भवन्तु सुखिनः' 'वसुधैव कुटुम्बकम', are the very essence of Indian thought. This philosophy has given succeeding generations the inherent strength to grow, embracing in their fold a vast diversity of cultures, languages, religions and communities. So, when the question is asked, as to what ideals should be placed before the new generation, to take the country forward, should then there be any dithering or doubt in a country like India? As the inheritors of thousands of years of history and culture, we should follow the high ideals of our age-old civilization. More particularly, the youth should understand this, as they are the architects of the future as well. Our past becomes the essential guide for the future as well. In this context, I recall the lines of Gurudev Tagore, "Every great people holds its history so valuable because… it contains not mere memories, but hope, and therefore the image of the future." The past of India has been glorious and so must be its future.
We can also draw inspiration from our independence movement. It was a unique struggle, as it involved non-violent methods and required extraordinary mass discipline, steadfastness and patience. We followed this course, under the leadership of Gandhiji, because we had faith in ourselves and in our strength. Surely, we can demonstrate the same discipline in nation building. But, how do we do this? It is, only when we resolve to make the goal of nation building more important, than anything else and, show strong belief in it. It is then that courage, confidence and determination, shall be our companions in this task, which has to be carefully piloted in a constitutionally acceptable order.
In fact, during various times of difficulties or when searching for an answer, the Constitution has provided us our moorings. It was framed by those who had participated in the freedom struggle, and had a deep understanding of the aspirations of the people, and of our culture. The Constitution has been and should be our compass, guiding us in nation-building. It is the charter of our democracy. It is the document guaranteeing individual freedoms to its citizens. It is the basis on which institutions of the State have been created and have derived their powers and functions. Our Constitution is a living and dynamic instrument, which has demonstrated its ability to be flexible enough to meet the demands of changing times, while retaining its basic features. Dr. Baba Saheb Ambedkar in his closing speech at the Constituent Assembly said, "The first thing in my judgment we must do is to hold fast to constitutional methods of achieving our social and economic objectives." Unquote.
Dear Citizens,
There is tremendous work to be done to move forward on our social and economic agenda, if we are to achieve fast, inclusive and sustainable growth. Our foremost priority is the removal of poverty, hunger and malnutrition, disease and illiteracy. All social welfare programmes must be implemented efficiently. Agencies involved in the delivery of services should have a strong sense of duty and work in a transparent, corruption-free, time-bound and accountable manner.
We have a population which is predominantly young. With education and training, they can become skilled and, thus, capable of finding their livelihoods, starting their own businesses and thus, becoming productive assets. Reinforcing our health and education sectors is fundamental for developing our human resources. Primary education is now a fundamental right for children. There is a commitment to universalize secondary education. Expansion of school education will also require increase in the number of higher education institutions. This process has to be structured with great thoughtfulness, to ensure quality and excellence. Moreover, education must reach every section of our society, as must access to health reach all. We need to expand health services, particularly in rural areas. We need quality medical facilities for our population, which are affordable. In today's era of ICT, technology can be very useful in our mission of health and education. In fact, science and technology is a critical input for the growth of the nation and for all sectors of the economy. Focus on research and development is an investment in our future. Our agriculture, industry and service sectors need to be working more efficiently, with greater scientific inputs and more inter-linkages with each other. Agriculture, however, is one sector whose integration with other sectors of the economy remains inadequate. We need to look at models of partnership, of farmers with industry and with R&D institutions in various activities, so that, not only does agricultural productivity increase, but farmers benefit as well. Special focus is necessary on dryland farming, given its enormous potential and, the fact that, a large proportion of farm labour and poor farmers are dependent on it. At the same time, it is very important to build our physical infrastructure – such as roads, ports and airports, to overcome constraints to rapid growth.
I strongly believe that women need to be drawn fully into the national mainstream. Empowerment of women will have a very big impact on creating social structures that are stable. The National Mission on Empowerment of Women set up in 2010, should help in the co-coordinated delivery of women-centric and women-related programmes. An important component of women's development is their economic and social security. Social prejudices prevalent in our society which have led to gender discrimination need to be corrected. Social evils like female foeticide, child marriage and dowry must be eradicated. Status of women is an important indicator of progress in a society.
Dear Citizens,
India can take pride in its democratic record, but as in any functional democracy, it faces pressures and challenges. An important feature of a democracy is the constant expression of opinions. This process of incessant dialogue should flow in such a manner, that we are willing to listen to each other. Those who believe in democracy must try to see whether there is rationale in the others' point of view. Gandhiji once said, "Evolution of democracy is not possible if we are not prepared to hear the other side. We shut the doors of reason when we refuse to listen." The purpose of discussions and deliberations is to find solutions. Often, we are quick to find blame with others; but, yet are unable to give constructive responses. There seems to be a tendency to doubt almost everything. Do we not have faith in our own people's strengths and in our institutions? Can we afford distrust amongst ourselves? Nations are built through great patience and sacrifices. Concord and not discord is the way forward for a country as large as India. All issues, therefore, must be resolved through dialogue and there can be no place for violence. Negativity and rejection cannot be the path for a vibrant country that is moving to seek its destiny. Our work, our values and our approach, must be based on the vast capability and capacity that India and its people have.
Our institutions may not be flawless, but they have coped with many challenges. Our Parliament has enacted path-breaking laws. Our Government has put together schemes for the progress and welfare of the people. Our judiciary has a reputable standing. Our media too has played an important role. With all institutions working together for the same national purpose it will create a stream of positive energy. Our effort to improve is an on-going process. While bringing about reforms and improving institutions, we have to be cautious that while shaking the tree to remove the bad fruit, we do not bring down the tree itself. There will be short term pressures, but in this process we must not lose sight of the long term goals, and must work together on our core national agenda. I do hope in the spirit of national interest, matters of national importance, are discussed and solutions are found between different stakeholders. This will strengthen the roots of our democracy and the foundations of our nation. We have a shared future, and we should not forget that it can be achieved if we demonstrate a sense of responsibility and a show of unity. I think India could set an example before the democratic world of progress and growth.
Dear Citizens,
India's foreign policy is aimed at the promotion of an environment that is conducive to its socio-economic transformation. We seek to build bridges of cooperation and friendship with all countries of the world. We constructively engage with the international community to find responses to global challenges. The role and stature of India, has been growing and our nation has been scaling up in the ladder of the comity of nations. India seeks an architecture for global institutions that is more reflective of contemporary realities. We are also proud of the contributions of the Indian Diaspora, spread over many countries and across continents, to the economic, professional and political fields of the countries where they live.
Dear Citizens,
In conclusion, I would like to say that we must build a strong, prosperous nation, based upon a firm system of values. As we remove poverty, let us also enrich our thoughts. As we remove disease, let us all remove ill-will towards others. As our youth study more and acquire more knowledge, let them also learn to be more involved in activities for the progress of the nation, other than only self advancement. As we legislate, let us also understand that the most effective law is the conscience of citizens. As we advance in science and technology, let us realize and understand that it is more for human welfare. As we use the Earth's resources, let us not forget to replenish and renew its vitality. On the eve of our Republic Day, let me once again convey my greetings, to all fellow citizens and end with the following lines which describe an India we should work for:
बहें जहां सदभाव की नदियां।
उगें जहां नैतिकता की फ़सलें।
सब मन एकता का गीत सुनाएं।
पग-पग देश का विकास बढ़ाएं।
मिलकर ऐसा देश बनाएं।
JAI HIND!
******
SC/SH/SK
(Release ID :79893)
http://pib.nic.in/newsite/erelease.aspx?relid=79893
Speech of the Minister of state for External Affairs and HRD at a business meeting with Thailand PM
Following is the text of the Key Note Address by Shri . E. Ahamed, Minister of State for External Affairs and HRD delivered at the Business Meeting with H.E. Ms. Yingluck Shinawatra, Prime Minister of theKingdom ofThaland jointed organised by CII, FICCIand ASSOCHAM at Hotel Taj Palace, New Delhi today 25th January, 2012.
"Her Excellency Ms Ying-luck Shin-waat, Hon'ble Prime Minister of Thailand
Members of Thai Delegation
Shri Anand Sharma, Honorable Minster of Commerce and Industry, Government of India
Members of CII, FICCI andAssocham
Ladies and gentlemen,
It gives me great pleasure to be present here today at the business luncheon organized by FICCI, CII &Assocham. We are very happy to have Prime Minister of Thailand, Her Excellency Yingluck Shinawatra, as ourhonoured Chief Guest for our Republic Day ceremony.
India and Thailand are close friends who enjoy a mutually rewarding and enriching relationship based on multidimensional commonalities, including shared geographical space. We have built a strong structure of cooperation in many spheres of activity, including agriculture, industry, science and technology, education and cultural exchanges.
Excellency
Your visit as Chief Guest for Republic Day celebrations will set a new dimension to our close partnership.
Excellency
Our relations are excellent and stable but we want to do better. We are keen to give contemporary content to our age-old links in all areas of mutual benefit. The presence of large number of Thai and India businesspersons here today is an indication of the strong interest of both countries to explore and exploit the potential that exists for mutually beneficial partnerships.
Economic and commercial linkages form an important aspect of India's partnership with Thailand. I am happy that the business communities of our two nations are looking to expand their trade and investment ties into newer and diversified areas such as food processing, infrastructure, hospitality and manufacturing sectors. We welcome the growing engagement and we are working to build upon it.
Our bilateral trade and investments are growing rapidly. Bilateral trade has multiplied more than six times since 2000 to cross US$ 8 billion. The year 2011 saw trade rebounding to US$ 8.19 billion. The India-ASEAN FTA on goods, in force since January 2010 and the comprehensive bilateral FTA being negotiated will further contribute to healthy trade figures. We've set for ourselves the target of doubling it by 2014. There is considerable anticipation among the business communities on both sides to make these Agreements broad-based and to include in its ambit services and investments.
The growing investment by Indian and Thai companies in each others' businesses is another indicator of the realization of the existing and rapidly growing business opportunities. Indian FDI into Thailand is estimated to be around $US 2 billion since 1970s whereas Thailand's FDI in India is approximately $US 91.4 million since 2000. Complementary strengths of our industry make us natural partners and the advantages of geography only reinforce this relationship. We are keen to have more Thai companies participate in India's growth story, in particular in infrastructure sector, pharmaceuticals, food processing, automobiles, information technology hospitality sectors, chemicals and allied industry.
The field of infrastructure is an area of high priority for India. India today, along with international partners, is developing its road network, airports, ports, railways and power grids. The challenge of overcoming the bottleneck of infrastructure deficiencies is being turned into a great business opportunity. We look forward to partnership from Thai companies in this sector as the next 5 years will see investments of over US$ 1 trillion in this critical sector. Investment is also needed in the agro-processing sector to curb post-harvest wastage, which is unacceptably high (30-35% of total produce). Thai investors with their strengths in food processing would be welcome in developing cold-chains, warehouses etc. 100% FDI is allowed in this sector. We expect investments of US$ 200 billion in this sector and growth of 20% in the next five years.
We emphasize our connectivity with ASEAN in our 'Look East Policy', as we have maritime boundaries with Thailand, which we want to develop in the future. A trilateral highway project linking India, Myanmar and Thailand is also under active consideration. This land connectively would provide immense boost to India's trade with Thailand and the region.
Excellency
Let me conclude by saying that India is committed to building ever closer links with Thailand which is our extended neighbourhood. We are working closely with Thailand on a bilateral level as also in the context of regional cooperation frameworks. I am confident that the partnership will continue to grow stronger over the coming years and decades."
Thank you.
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MV/DK/SK
(Release ID :79894)
http://pib.nic.in/newsite/erelease.aspx?relid=79894
Palash Biswas
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