Tibetan self immolations: Why isn't the world listening?

By Vijay Kranti | IANS India Private Limited – 52 minutes ago

Until he became a burning sensation in the international media, the story of Jamphel Yeshi, 27, was no different from the few million Tibetans who live today in what Chinese leaders call a Socialist Haven or China's Tibet. He was one of those 10,000 odd young Tibetans who could smuggle themselves out of Tibet in recent years in search of better education or to find some breathing space for their suffocated souls.

Like most of his fellow young compatriots in occupied Tibet, Jamphel too had never seen the Dalai Lama nor lived under what China brands the 'feudal' rule of the 'Dalai clique' that was dethroned by Mao's army 36 years before Jamphel was born.
Like his father, he too was educated and brought up on a daily overdose of Communist indoctrination which hopes to convert Tibetan and children of other 55 'national minorities' of China into 'patriotic' citizens of the 'great motherland'.
He too was told by his class teacher in school that the Dalai Lama was a 'wolf in the robes of a monk' and hence deserved their hatred for being a 'splitist' and the 'worst enemy' of their Chinese motherland.
However, when he entered his teens and started becoming aware of his ethnic identity, he too began feeling suffocated and lost amidst a new flood of Han settlers (the majority community in China) in his traditionally Khampa Tibetan town of Tawu which was assimilated into neighbouring Sichuan province after Tibet lost its freedom.
Jamphel quietly crossed over to India in 2007 and was going through a computer course in Delhi on the day he decided to take the extreme step of immolating himself during an anti-China, anti-Hu Jintao Tibetan rally near the Indian parliament.
Hu is especially despised by Tibetan masses as the 'Butcher of Lhasa'. As the governor of Tibet, Hu used army tanks and armoured vehicles to effectively crush the Tibetan uprising in Lhasa in 1989. Three months later, it was the same 'Lhasa Model' that was used by his seniors in Tiananmen Square in Beijing to crush the Chinese youth's uprising against the Communist system.
Jamphel was the 32nd in a chain of self immolations inside and outside Tibet in past one year. On Wednesday, he became the 18th among the confirmed Tibetan deaths. The fate of the other 13 is known only to Chinese authorities. Following Jamphel's death, the government in New Delhi has, for obvious reasons, decided to further tighten measures to ensure a comfortable stay for Hu Jintao.
Hu will soon return to China and the stink raised by the immolation is most likely to melt away in the flood of other important news. But Jamphel's moving inferno leaves behind some issues which may haunt a world community that expresses faith in democracy and civilised conduct.
Just a few issues to ponder over:
A long chain of self immolations by Tibetan youths, a majority of them monks and nuns, negates the oft repeated Chinese claims that everything is fine inside Tibet. Or that Tibetans love Chinese rule and despise the 'feudal' Dalai Lama.
One burning and dying immolator after another shouting for 'rangzen' (Tibetan freedom) and return of Dalai Lama to Tibet has exposed another face of Tibetan reality to the millions of YouTube watchers across the world as opposed to what Chinese government claims.
At least 32 cases of self immolation by Tibetan youths and not a single case of stabbing, shooting, bombing or hostage taking against their colonial masters underlines the Tibetan people's deep faith in their leader Dalai Lama and his commitment to 'ahimsa' or Gandhian non-violence.
It also makes a laughing stock of Chinese leadership when they desperately try to paint Dalai Lama as Hitler and a Nazi collaborator of the US.
It establishes beyond doubt that resistance inside Tibet is alive and widespread even 61 years after the Chinese takeover and that the Dalai Lama is, perhaps, more popular that he was on the escape day to exile in 1959.
It also proves that the Communist indoctrination of six decades has failed to cool down the national aspirations of Tibetan masses. And that Tibetan masses today feel pushed to desperation.
Each of the 32 immolations occurred in the erstwhile Tibetan provinces of Kham and Amdo, now parts of Sichuan, Yunnan, Quinghai and Ganzu - this challenges Chinese assertion that these areas are not Tibet or that only Tibet Autonomous Region (TAR) is the 'Real Tibet'.
In most events of these self immolations, the manner in which the Chinese PSB police and agents kicked the man on flames or the local Han bystanders pelted stones over the dying young Tibetan only reflects the deep divide between the Tibetan and the Chinese settlers in Tibetan areas.
In a world where a single self immolation by a Tunisian vegetable vendor can invoke world support and revolution in 15 countries, the absence of any reaction or measure on the part of the UN and governments towards an unending chain of immolations compel sceptics to think the real triggers of world sympathy lie somewhere else rather than in commitment to human and democratic values.
They might start wondering loudly if the world community has not arrived a stage where world opinion is more influenced by economic power of a single government than the collective moral power of the world at large.
And above all, Jamphel Yeshi has left the world community with a question: have we arrived at a stage where thousands of struggling communities across the world might lose faith in the efficacy of democratic and non-violent expression as a valid tool of conflict resolution?
(Vijay Kranti is a senior journalist and a Tibetologist. He can be contacted at v.kranti@gmail.com)

POSCO Judgment of National Green Tribunal

by sagarmedia on March 31, 2012

On March 30, 2012, the National Green Tribunal held in Prafulla Samantra and Anr. vs Union of India and Ors. that the 31.1.2011 final order of the Environment Ministry – permitting the POSCO project to go ahead with certain conditions – should be suspended until a full review of the project can be undertaken (by specialists with fresh terms of reference). The NGT Bench consisted of Justice C.V. Ramulu, Judicial Member, and Dr. Devendra Kumar Agarwal, Expert Member.

The tribunal has observed that, “A close scrutiny of the entire scheme … reveals that a project of this magnitude particularly in partnership with a foreign country has been dealt with casually, without there being any comprehensive scientific data regarding the possible environmental impacts. No meticulous scientific study was made on each and every aspect of the matter leaving lingering and threatening environmental and ecological doubts un-answered.” (para 7, page 22)

It has also seriously questioned the appointment of Ms. Meena Gupta as the chairperson of the review committee which was set up by the MoEF in 2010. The judgement states that Ms. Gupta’s appointment was “definitely hit by personal / official / departmental bias, in other words, she supported the decision made by her earlier. This is in gross violation of principles of natural justice.” (para 6.9 page 22)

Key Directions of the Green Tribunal

The Tribunal has directed a “fresh review of the Project” (para 8.1) that has to look at the problems noted in this judgment as well as the majority and minority reports of the earlier Enquiry Committee (see list of dates), etc. In particular it has to look at:

Land and infrastructure: The clearance was given for a 4 million tonnes per annum (MTPA) steel plant, but the land, water etc. were allocated for a 12 MTPA project (which has been POSCO’s stated plan). The judgment directs MoEF to “consider optimizing the total land requirement for 4 MTPA steel plant proportionately.”(para 8.5) Moreover, the impacts of other infrastructure for the plant have not been assessed at all, even though they were planned for a 12 MTPA plant.

Issues that should have been done now, but which MoEF left for future studies: On several points highlighted by the review committee, the MoEF just said future studies should be done and ignored the issue. The Tribunal finds this deeply unsatisfactory, and notes the following among other issues:

Water: The Tribunal said that “We are all aware that … the drinking water is becoming scarce commodity and at every level precaution needs to be taken for protecting the drinking water supply to human habitation and preventing from utilizing such water for industrial use … alternative water source for the present project, like creating/ constructing a small barrage or augmenting any other existing source at the cost of project proponent to avoid the utilizing the water meant for Cuttack city… could be examined.” (para 7.4, page 29)

Pollution: The plant’s discharge was also left for future study by MoEF. The Tribunal says this is a “serious environmental concern.” (para 7.4, page 30)

Impact on surrounding wetlands and mangroves, as well as cyclone risk: This was left for vague future studies without any time frame or modus operandi. In addition, the Ministry has to frame a policy to ensure large projects are assessed in full for a single clearance (rather than being allowed to get piecemeal clearances for each component, as in this case) and for their full capacity at the start (paras 8.7,8.9). It also has to do a strategic assessment of the ports in Orissa. (para 8.8)

POSCO and the government sought to argue that the case cannot be filed as the original clearances were given in 2007 (and, incidentally, will expire in May/July this year). The Tribunal held that the 2011 order can still be looked at even if the 2007 ones cannot be; it therefore directed review and suspension of the 2011 order.

POSCO and/or the government can appeal this decision in the Supreme Court. Meanwhile, MoEF has to constitute a review committee of subject specialists (para 8.3), define timelines for compliance with conditions (para 8.4), establish a committee for monitoring compliance with these conditions (para 8.4). No work can start on the project until the review process is over.

The case was argued by Sr. Adv. Raj Punjwani, Adv. Ritwick Dutta and Adv. Rahul Choudhary for the petitioners.

Key Events

• June 2005: POSCO, Orissa government sign MoU for 12 million tonne steel plant, private port and captive iron ore mines. Protests begin in steel plant area and area is cordoned off by peaceful protesters.
• May 2007: Environmental clearance for port granted by Environment Ministry, then under A. Raja.
• July 2007: Environmental clearance for plant granted by Environment Ministry, then under PM. Secretary is Meena Gupta. Protests continue in the face of violent attacks and numerous arrests.
• December 2009: Forest clearance granted for taking over forest land by Environment Ministry, then under Jairam Ramesh.
• August 2010: Forest clearance suspended following complaints of violations of law, and Enquiry Committee constituted under Meena Gupta.
• October 2010: Three member majority of enquiry committee gives report saying environmental and forest clearances illegal. Meena Gupta dissents, holds clearances legal but recommends additional study and time to ensure compliance.
• January 31, 2011: Environment Ministry disregards both majority and minority reports, upholds environment and forest clearances, while prescribing some additional conditions (mostly consisting of additional studies to be done in future).
• June 2011: Prafulla Samantray challenges final order in National Green Tribunal.
• March 31, 2012: Green Tribunal judgment.

For further information:

Prafulla Samantray, activist and petitioner in this case, 09437259005

Prashant Paikray, POSCO Pratirodh Sangram Samiti, 09437571547

Kanchi Kohli, activist, 9811903112, kanchikohli@gmail.com

Shankar Gopalakrishnan, Campaign for Survival and Dignity, 9873657844, shankargopal@myfastmail.com

Fonterra charted over 100 projects in S America,Africa,China,Asean,MiddleEast

With demand of milk outstripping supply among aspiring middle classes in China, Asia and Latin America, the Fonterra company has formulated a strategy to invest overseas to expand its footprint. Sharing details of its "Group Strategy Refresh", which aims to grow volumes and value by focusing more tightly on emerging markets and products that meet growing consumer demand for dairy nutrition, Spierings said.

"Strong economic and population growth in emerging markets is driving a situation where global demand for milk is forecast to grow by more than 100 billion litres by 2020, with New Zealand expected to contribute only 5 billion litres of additional supply by that date," he said.

Stressing on raising volumes to protect its position as the world's leading dairy exporter, the company has charted over 100 projects - many of which are already underway. World's largest dairy exporter Fonterra Cooperative Group Ltd. is planning overseas expansion to focus more strongly on fast growing markets in China, ASEAN, Latin America, Middle East and Africa. Fonterra already has established businesses in these regions, so it is a case of really building on these and driving growth with greater intensity, Fonterra chief executive Theo Spierings said Thursday releasing the interim results.

Spierings said global dairy prices remained relatively strong despite a recent slide as more milk production by rivals reached markets.

SC gives time to Centre to decide on nat monument status for Ram Setu

SC gives time to Centre to decide on nat monument status for Ram Setu

The Centre was granted more time by the Supreme Court to decide whether the mythological Ram Setu could be declared a national monument.

Appearing before a bench headed by Justice H L Dattu on Thursday, Additional Solicitor General (ASG) Haren Raval submitted that consultation was needed on the issue with the competent authority and sought more time to file an affidavit on it.

"Take a decision whether or not to", the bench said, while granting the government two weeks time to take a decision. The bench then posted the matter for further hearing on 19^th April.

The bench was hearing a petition filed by Janata Party President Subramanian Swamy seeking the court's direction to declare Ram Setu a national monument.

Earlier, the bench had on 27^th March directed the government to file an affidavit regarding its decision within two days.

"If you say you don't want to file counter affidavit, we can go ahead with the arguments in the case," the bench had said.

The case relating to Ram Setu came under judicial scrutiny after a batch of petitions were filed in the apex court challenging the ambitious Sethusamudram project, which was alleged to cause damage to the mythological bridge.

Sethusamudram project is aimed at constructing a shorter navigational route around India's southern tip by breaching the mythological Ram Setu, said to have been built by Lord Rama's army of monkeys and bears to the demon king Ravana's kingdom Lanka.

As per the Sethusamudram project, the shipping channel is proposed to be 30 metres wide, 12 metres deep and 167 kms long.

India for avoiding political disruptions that hit trade flow

India for avoiding political disruptions that hit trade flow

India has pitched for avoiding political disruptions that create volatilities in global energy markets affecting trade flow as the BRICS Summit began in New Delhi to discuss ways to enhance intra-BRICS trade and review the situation in the region. Addressing the fourth BRICS Summit, Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh also said that the grouping has agreed to examine in "greater detail" a proposal to set up a South-South Development bank, funded and managed by BRICS and other developing countries. He also urged member countries to speak in one voice on key issues such as UNSC reforms. The Summit is being attended by Brazilian president Dilma Roussef, Chinese president Hu Jintao, South African president Jacob Zuma and Russian president Dmitry Medvedev besides Singh. The BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa) represent over 40 per cent of the world's population and the leaders of the five countries discussed ways to enhance intra-BRICS trade and review the situation in the region. "We must avoid political disruptions that create volatilities in global energy markets and affect trade flow... We must ensure policy coordination to revive economic growth," he said. On UNSC reforms, Dr. Singh suggested that BRICS countries should speak in one voice on issues such as reforms of the international body. He also said in their restricted session, the grouping also discussed the ongoing turmoil in West Asia and agreed to work together for a peaceful resolution of the crisis. Touching upon the issue of terrorism, Dr. Singh said the countries should enhance cooperation against terrorism and other developing threats such as piracy, particularly emanating from Somalia. Emphasising that the global situation presents a mixed picture, Dr. Singh said responses to these challenges by different countries may be different, "but there is much common interest that binds us together". "We are all affected by the global economic slowdown, the volatility in food and energy prices, the challenge of reconciling growth with environmental objectives, the political uncertainty in West Asia and the rise of terrorism and extremism." “Our responses to these challenges may be different, but there is much common interest that binds us together," he said. He cited ten specific issues which he believed concerned all the member countries including creating jobs, energy and food security, revival of global growth, breathing life to Doha round of trade negotitions and facilitation of funds for infrastructure development. Commenting on India's need to generate 8-10 million jobs every year in the next decade, Dr. Singh said India would like to learn from the experiences of other BRICS countries on how they are dealing with these problems. He also sought "room to cooperate internationally" on issues like energy, food and water security, saying "it is clear that constraints such as the availability of energy and food for countries that account for more than 40% of the world population can impede the entire story." "Water is another critical area of scarcity which needs much greater attention than it has received thus far. We have much to learn from each other in how to handle these problems, and there is also room to cooperate internationally," Dr. Singh said. He also urged the member countries as members of G-20 that they must together ensure that appropriate solutions are found to help Europe help itself and to ensure policy coordination that can revive global growth. "As large and diverse economies, we should make a special effort to find ways to exploit intra-BRICS complementarities. We should promote greater interaction amongst our business communities. Issues such as easier business visas must be prioritised. As large trading countries, BRICS have a strong interest in removing barriers to trade and investment flows and avoiding protectionist measures," Dr. Singh said. "To revive global demand and growth, developing countries need access to capital, particularly for infrastructure development. We must address the important issue of expanding the capital base of the World Bank and other Multilateral Development Banks to enable these institutions to perform their appropriate role in financing infrastructure development," Dr. Singh said. Seeking improvement in global governance, the Prime Minister said BRICS should speak with one voice on important issues such as the reform of the UN Security Council. "BRICS countries must also work together to address deficiencies in global governance. Institutions of global political and economic governance created more than six decades ago have not kept pace with the changing world. While some progress has been made in international financial institutions, there is lack of movement on the political side," Dr. Singh said. He emphasised on the need to reduce energy intensity of GDP by promoting energy efficiency and developing clean energy sources. This calls for greater investments in research and development, sharing of best practices, and encouraging transfer of technology, he said. The BRICS nations had during their last summit in Sanya in China signed a framework agreement to enable them to grant credit in local currencies. Though the BRICS countries have sharply varying political systems, they share some common geopolitical, economic and trading interests. BRICS has no fixed agenda, but on certain issues like reform of the United Nations; greater representation in Bretton Woods institutions; managing global financial crisis and boosting intra-BRICS trade and cooperation, they mostly have common positions. BRICS account for 26 per cent of the world's landmass and 42 per cent of the global population, including India and China, two of the world's most populous countries. It accounts for 40 per cent of global GDP (USD 18.486 trillion) and its proportion is rapidly increasing. The first BRICS Summit was held in Yekaterinburg, Russia (2009), followed by Brasilia (2010) and Sanya, China (2011).

Chilean President Sebastian Pinera calls on Japan to join TPP

 

Chilean President Sebastian Pinera has emphasized the benefits of Japan’s full participation in the Trans-Pacific Partnership free trade deal.The visiting president spoke to NHK in Tokyo. Chile is one of the 4 countries that first proposed the TPP.
Pinera said Japan’s participation not only has great significance for itself, but also for all countries involved in the TPP. The President said it is better for Japan to get involved before members agree on a framework because it can discuss and negotiate the outline of the trade deal’s structure.
Pinera also said it’s uncertain whether the 9 countries currently in the negotiations can reach a broad agreement to strike a deal this year.He said that differences remain in areas such as intellectual property and service trade.

Arab league summit to open in Baghdad 

By sagarmedia on March 28, 2012 | Leave a Comment | Edit

The first Arab League Summit in Iraq in for more than 2 decades opens in Baghdad on Thursday.The summit gives the nation, devastated by two wars, the chance to show it is stable and rebuilding, following the full withdrawal of US forces in December.
But that stability does not come easily. Some 100,000 security troops are deployed in Baghdad, effectively blockading the capital to protect it against extremists.
Iraq has seen a string of terrorist incidents ahead of its first league summit in 22 years. More than 40 people died in a series of car bombs last week alone.
Violent crackdowns on civilians and rebel forces by the Syrian government of President Bashar al-Assad is expected to dominate the summit’s agenda.
The Arab League foreign ministers meeting in Baghdad on Wednesday has also highlighted differences within the group.
Libya, which toppled the government of late leader Muammar Qadhafi last year, is demanding that the league harshly deal with the Assad regime.
But Syria’s neighbor Iraq has refused further intervention.
All eyes will be on the Arab league leaders to see if they can pull together and overcome their differences.

Carmakers eye sales at Thai Motor Show

By sagarmedia on March 28, 2012 | Leave a Comment | Edit

Carmakers from around the world are showcasing their latest models at Thailand’s annual motor show.25 carmakers are taking part in the 10-day event, which opened in the outskirts of Bangkok on Wednesday. Competition for eco-friendly compacts is expected to be particularly intense.
Mitsubishi and Suzuki have unveiled compact cars they began selling in Thailand on Wednesday, to coincide with the start of the motor show.
Toyota’s natural-gas pickup truck gained a lot of attention amid soaring gasoline prices.
Floods in Thailand last year forced Japanese carmakers to suspend operations in the country.Production fully resumed only after Honda restored its production lines this week, the last Japanese carmaker to get back on its feet.The makers are anxious to bounce back.The motor show is expected to bring a record 2 million visitors.

Syria accepts Annan's six-point proposal

Syria accepts Annan's six-point proposal to end violence

Syria has accepted joint UN- Arab League envoy Kofi Annan's six-point peace proposal to end the violence, a move which the former UN chief described as an "important initial step" to begin an inclusive process of political dialogue in the country hit by deadly protests.

"The Syrian government has written to the Joint Special Envoy Kofi Annan accepting his six point plan, endorsed by the United Nations Security Council," Annan's spokesman Ahmad Fawzi said in a statement.
Annan in turn has written to President Bashar Al-Assad urging the Syrian government to put its commitments into immediate effect.
Annan "views this as an important initial step that could bring an end to the violence and the bloodshed, provide aid to the suffering, and create an environment conducive to a political dialogue that would fulfil the legitimate aspirations of the Syrian people," his spokesman added.
Last week, the UN Security Council had supported Annan's six-point proposal, which he had submitted during his visit to Damascus earlier this month, and had called on both Syria's government and opposition to immediately implement it.
The proposal seeks to stop the violence and the killing, give access to humanitarian agencies, release detainees, and start an inclusive political dialogue to address the legitimate aspirations and concerns of the Syrian people.
Annan has stressed that implementation of the proposal will be key, not only for the Syrian people who are caught in the middle of the crisis, but also for the region and the international community.
"As the Syrian government acts on its commitments, Annan will move urgently to work with all parties to secure implementation of the plan at all levels," the spokesman said

Posted just now by Nksagar

Gary Player to receive PGA TOUR’s Lifetime Achievement Award

PONTE VEDRA BEACH, Fla., March 28, 2012: World Golf Hall of Fame member Gary Player, considered by many to be the greatest international golfer of all time, has been named the 10^th recipient of the PGA TOUR’s Lifetime Achievement Award.  The winner of nine major championships, the modern Grand Slam and 165 tournament titles around the world, including 24 on the PGA TOUR and 19 on the Champions Tour, Player will be honored on May 9 at THE PLAYERS Championship in Ponte Vedra Beach, Fla. 

Created in 1996, the Lifetime Achievement Award honors individuals who have made an outstanding contribution to the TOUR over an extended period of time through their actions on and off the course.  Player joins a distinguished list of past Lifetime Achievement Award recipients: Gene Sarazen; Byron Nelson; Arnold Palmer; Sam Snead; Jack Burke Jr.; Pete Dye; Deane Beman; Jack Nicklaus; and President George H.W. Bush.  

“This is a great honor,” said Player.  “Golf has allowed me to live a truly blessed life, and I have tried my best to give something back to the sport.  Being recognized with true gentlemen of the sport like Gene Sarazen, Byron Nelson and Jack Nicklaus is humbling, and I will continue to help promote and support this wonderful game until the day I die.

“When I first arrived in America, I was not sure how I would be received as a foreign-born player, but the PGA TOUR and the American fans were absolutely fantastic and made me feel like one of their own.  It is difficult to put into words what that meant to me and my family, and I will always be thankful for the love and support I have received from this great country.”

“As one of the most accomplished – not to mention most-traveled – players in all of sports, Gary Player’s love of golf and his desire to use his talents to help everyone he comes in contact with make him most deserving of the PGA TOUR’s Lifetime Achievement Award,” said PGA TOUR Commissioner Tim Finchem.  “You would be hard pressed to find an aspect of the game or corner of the world that hasn’t been influenced by Gary and his positive attitude over the past 50-plus years.  He epitomizes the phrase ‘lifetime achievement,’ and it will be an honor to recognize him for all of his accomplishments at THE PLAYERS in May.” 

Player was born Nov. 1, 1935, in Johannesburg, South Africa, the third of three children to Harry and Muriel Player. His father was a captain in a gold mine. His mother was a well-educated woman who died of cancer when Gary was 8. Player wrote that her loss “has been a means for me, as it were, to settle some unfathomable debt.”

He chose to try to pay it back as a golfer, although he didn’t take up the game until he was 14. He turned professional four years later, in 1953, and quickly won several times in Africa, Europe and Australia. He came to the United States in 1957, and upon seeing how far the game’s best professionals hit the ball, the 5-foot-7, 160-pound Player intensified his exercise regimen, weakened his strong grip, which encouraged a hook, and set about learning how to carry the ball farther.

The next year, he won the Kentucky Derby Open and finished second at the U.S. Open.  From there, Player was off – in his trademark all-black outfits (inspired by one of his favorite American TV characters, Paladin, from the show “Have Gun Will Travel”); fit and trim physique (from a weight-lifting program and vegetarian diet that were both 30 years ahead of their time); and bunker game (considered one of the greatest ever developed).  He won the 1959 British Open at Muirfield for his first major, made the 1961 Masters his second and the 1962 PGA at Aronimink his third. At the 1965 U.S. Open at Bellerive, Player defeated Kel Nagle in an 18-hole playoff to complete the modern Grand Slam by age 29. 

His other majors included the 1972 PGA Championship, the 1968 and 1974 British Opens and the 1974 and 1978 Masters. The last is perhaps Player’s proudest victory. He began the final round seven strokes out of the lead. But at age 42, he birdied seven of the final 10 holes to shoot 64 and win by a stroke.

As an international ambassador to the game, Player has spent more than three years of his life in airplanes and traveled more than 15 million miles. In each year from 1955 to 1982, Player won at least one sanctioned international tournament, an unequalled 27-year streak. He won the World Match Play title five times, the Australian Open seven times and the South African Open 13 times. In winning the 1974 Brazilian Open, he shot the only 59 ever in a national open.

Player is a renowned golf course architect with more than 300 design projects located throughout the world, including The Links at Fancourt in South Africa, the site of The Presidents Cup 2003.  Player served as International Team captain at that event, as well as in 2005 and 2007. 

Founded in 1984, The Player Foundation built the Blair Athol Schools in Johannesburg, South Africa, which has educational facilities for more than 500 students from kindergarten through grade eight.  The foundation, which has raised more than $50 million in its time, has expanded efforts in all corners of the globe, raising funds for impoverished children through four Gary Player Invitational events – in Europe, China, the United States and South Africa. 

Player was inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame in 1974.  He was awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Law from the University of St. Andrews in 1995 and was named South African Sportsman of the Century in 2000.  He earned the Laureus Lifetime Achievement Award in 2003 for his dedication to charity and the Order of Ikhamanga (in gold) by President Nelson Mandela of South Africa for excellence in golf and contribution to non-racial sport in his home country.  In 2006, the PGA TOUR honored Player with the Payne Stewart Award, in recognition of philanthropic achievements and the exemplary manner in which he has conducted himself on and off the golf course.

About PGA TOUR

The PGA TOUR is the world’s premier membership organization for touring professional golfers, co-sanctioning nearly 100 tournaments on the PGA TOUR, Champions Tour and Nationwide Tour.

            The PGA TOUR’s mission is to entertain and inspire its fans, deliver substantial value to its partners, create outlets for volunteers to give back, generate significant charitable and economic impact in communities in which it plays, and provide financial opportunities for TOUR players.

            PGA TOUR tournaments are broadcast to approximately 715 million households in 225 countries and territories in 29 languages. Virtually all tournaments are organized as non-profit organizations in order to maximize charitable giving. In 2011, tournaments on the three Tours generated more than $118 million for local charitable organizations, bringing the TOUR’s all-time total of charitable contributions to more than $1.7 billion.

---

From: Unic Registry <unicindia@unicindia.org>

Date: Wed, 28 Mar 2012 11:00:18 +0530

To: unic.india@unic.org<unic.india@unic.org>

Subject: MEDIA INVITATION: Press Conference with UN Special Rapporteur Christof Heyns on Friday, 30 March 2012

 

MEDIA INVITATION

At the conclusion of his fact-finding mission to India, 19-30 March 2012,

 

UN Information Centre

cordially invites you to a

 

Press Conference

with

 

Christof Heyns

UN Special Rapporteur on Extrajudicial, Summary or Arbitrary Executions

3:30 p.m.

Friday, 30 March 2012

UN Conference Hall, 55 Lodi Estate

 

*

rsvp:  46532242

unicindia@unicindia.org

 

Please carry a photo ID with you to facilitate your entry into the UN Premises; 

You

Singh, Gilani express desire to intensify dialogue process

PM Manmohan Singh and his Pakistani counterpart Yousuf Raza Gilani on Tuesday expressed their desire to intensify the bilateral dialogue process for further engagements as they had an informal chat at Seoul, their second in two days at the Nuclear Security Summit.

Singh and Gilani had an informal meeting in Seoul, a brief statement issued by the Pakistan Prime Minister's media office said.

"Both the leaders expressed their desire to intensify the dialogue process for further engagements," it added.

Singh and Gilani shook hands as they greeted each other during the photo-op for the top world leaders attending the summit in the South Korean capital.

Singh was later seen having a longish chat with Chinese President Hu Jintao, who is set to visit India for the BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa) summit in New Delhi this week.

Monday night, the Prime Minister and his Pakistani counterpart Gilani had a meet and greet encounter prior to a dinner hosted for dignitaries attending the summit at Seoul.

"Prime Minister said hello to Mr. Gilani," Indian sources had said.

BRICS Trade Minister to meet on 28th March

Anand Sharma Expresses Optimism on Growth in BRICS Countries India is hosting the Fourth BRICS Summit in New Delhi 29 March 2012. On the preceding day, i.e. tomorrow the trade Ministers of the five BRICS nations are meeting for the Second Trade Ministers Meeting. The First BRICS Trade Ministers meeting was held in Sanya, China on 13 April 2011 on the sidelines of the 3rd BRICS Summit. Trade Ministers also met on the sidelines of the 8th WTO Ministerial Conference in Geneva in December 2011. Highlighting the context of the meeting, the Union Minister of Commerce Industry and Textiles Shri Anand Sharma said “While the new risks to global economy emanating from euro zone debt crisis and uncertainty in global energy markets will have their impact upon economic growth in the BRICS countries, I am confident BRICS countries will continue to register strong growth.”
Elaborating on the growing momentum of BRICS cooperation Shri Sharma further stated “There is a large untapped growth potential of intra-BRICS trade and investments which we are presently focusing on for exploitation. BRICS Development Banks are in the advance stages of concluding Agreements on Extending Credit Facility in Local Currencies, and Multilateral Letter of Credit Confirmation Facility Agreement to facilitate further consolidation of trade and investment ties. Such intra-BRICS initiatives will not only contribute to enhanced intra-BRICS trade and investments but would also facilitate our economic growth in difficult economic times.” (A copy of last Ministerial Declaration by the BRICS Trade Ministers in Sanya can be seen at http://bricsindia.in/trade.html)
Contact Group on Economic and Trade Issues (CGETI) was established following BRICS Trade Ministers meeting in Sanya. The CGETI is entrusted with the task of proposing an institutional framework and concrete measures to expand economic cooperation both among BRICS countries and between BRICS countries and all developing countries, within a South-South perspective. The CGETI has met twice so far i.e. on 2 December 2011, in Beijing, China and on 6-7 March, 2012 in New Delhi.
A number of new areas for deepening intra BRICS cooperation are expected to be discussed at the meeting of the Ministers on 28 March. The recommendations of the Ministers would feed into the Summit being hosted by India on 29 March.
The five Trade Ministers are also expected to jointly inaugurate the Business Forum that is being organized jointly by the three major India Chambers of Commerce and Industry ASSOCHAM, CII and FICCI). Over 500 business leaders from the five countries are expected to attend this forum.
As per UNCTAD data the share of BRICS economies in the Global Trade has been increasing over the years. In 2010 it stood at 15 per cent up from 13.7 per cent the year before. In 2010-11 India had total trade worth USD 7519 million with Brazil. During the same period trade with Russia was USD 5179 million, with China USD 63095 million and with South Africa USD 11,125 million.
The last BRICS Summit was held in Sanya, China in April 2011. The theme of the Third Summit was “Broad Vision and Shared Prosperity”. The Sanya Summit was the first after inclusion of South Africa in BRICS. A Framework Agreement on `Financial Cooperation within the BRICS Interbank Cooperation Mechanism` was signed on 14 April in Sanya; the agreement envisages extending Line of credits in local currencies. An MoU was also signed at the Business Forum in Sanya establishing permanent business contact points; FICCI signed from India. A Plan of Action was endorsed at the Sanya Summit to strengthen cooperation among BRICS countries in areas of security, finance, business links, agriculture, health, culture, sports, science and technology and green economy.
The Delhi Summit is to build on these measures and also identify new areas for intensive cooperation. The theme of the BRICS summit is Partnership for Stability, Security and Growth.

Posted 1 minute ago by Nksagar

  

Team Aana Lokpal version Incongruous

Press Council Chairman Justice Markandey Katju today trashed the idea of setting up Lokpal saying it was "completely unworkable" and the proposed anti-graft body would not be able to cope with the lakhs of complaints it may receive."Lakhs of complaints will come which cannot be handled by one person, therefore 55,000 Lokpals would be required. Lokpal would be required in every district," Katju told reporters, adding he had been silent on the issue till now as people would say that he was "supporting corruption".
"What is the guarantee that they would not turn corrupt? I feel that they would definitely become blackmailers," Katju said. You want to create a parallel bureaucracy then how will the government function.
Incongruous,this is completely unworkable," he said.
Katju said that as there are over 50 lakh government employees and lakhs of complaints may be filed which cannot be handled by one person.
Justice Katju said this would involve infrastructure and expenditure including salary, accommodation, staff and office place."Till now I was silent as I thought people would say that I am supporting corruption, but common sense has to be used," he said.

Posted j

It's Tuesday Connect with us on    27 March 2012 | Edition:86

Greetings We are constantly working at bringing people together, linking potential partners and enhancing business. This week we bring to you a call for applications for this year's publishers trip to Germany. Over the years these trips have been very well received and are a key initiative of the GBO to link up the German and Indian book publishing professionals and to increase the exchange of rights between the two countries. Jumpstart is back with a bang. Avail special discounts by registering now! We also announce a new job opportunity at the German Book Office. Come and be a part of this exciting team! Best regards The German Book Office New Delhi Team Publisher's/ Editor's Trip 2012 Editor’s trip to Germany 2012: “Crime Fiction” One of the key aims of the German Book Office in New Delhi is to link up the Indian and the German Publishing Industry. Therefore the GBO New Delhi will organise again a publisher’s trip to Germany in June 2012. Meeting publishers from Germany in person will give the participants a unique insight into the German publishing industry. The Focus of this year’s trip will lie on the theme “Crime Fiction”. You will visit publishing houses from this field in Berlin and Hamburg to get to know the German key players. All publishers from South Asia, publishing in the field of “Crime Fiction” are encouraged to apply from today onwards. Date: 11 to 15 June 2012* WHAT THIS TRIP INCLUDES A fully organized trip to meet all the main publishers of Crime Fiction books in Germany. You will visit all the important publishing houses and meet with publishers, rights managers, editors, authors and marketing managers, etc. to gain invaluable insights into this segment of the German market while exchanging ideas, new concepts and negotiating rights. This is an all-expenses paid trip for travel and accommodation in Germany. Selected candidates will have to bear the cost of their international travel (India-Germany-India) and will apply for their visas independently and well on time. WHO CAN APPLY Any South Asian (India, Nepal, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka) publishing professional working in the field of crime fiction books. You must have several years' experience in publishing You must submit a recommendation from your current employer You must be comfortable with speaking in English HOW  TO APPLY 1. Completed application form, please write to Saloni Grover (grover@newdelhi.gbo.org) with the subject line: EDITORS TRIP 2012 to request an application form 2. Current and backlists of books 3. Letter of recommendation from your company management (i.e. CEO, Managing Director, Publisher) 4. 2 book samples 1, 2 & 3 need to be emailed to info@newdelhi.gbo.org  with the subject line: EDITORS TRIP 2012_Application And 4 should be sent to:                     German Book Office New Delhi 4/9 Shanti Niketan GF, Back Unit Flat New Delhi 110021 India Deadline for applications is April 20, 2012. The applications can come from Publishers nominating an individual, or directly from an individual currently working in publishing. *It is recommended to arrive in Germany at 10 June and leave on 16 June. Announcing Jumpstart: Off The Page 2012 For further information, please write to gbo.jumpstart@gmail.com Job advertisement Manager : Sales and Marketing m/f  The Frankfurt Book Fair is running, in cooperation with the Federal Foreign Office, German Book Offices (GBO) in Beijing, New York, New Delhi, Moscow and Bucharest. The GBO New Delhi is looking with immediate effect for a Project Manager. This is a full-time position with a fixed term contract of 2 years. Your tasks would include: ∙             Marketing, Sales and Client Management for the Frankfurt Book Fair ∙             Organizing events in India and at the Frankfurt Book Fair ∙             Planning and executing individual projects of the GBO like Jumpstart ∙             Fund raising and sponsor relationship ∙             Regular market reports on the developments in Indian and international publishing ∙             Conducting surveys with clients as well as other relevant people ∙             General office management What you have to offer: ∙             Independent and solution-driven way of working as well as creativity ∙             Good sales and marketing skills ∙             Team working skills and ready to take initiatives ∙             Communicative and social competence Your qualifications: ∙             3-5 years experience in Project Management, Marketing and Sales. ∙             Experience in the Publishing and Media sector in India ∙             Strong communication skills ∙             Fluent in spoken and written English and Hindi. Knowledge of German preferred. ∙             Adept at using Microsoft Office and other related software. ∙             Social media marketing skills Our offer: We offer you excellent working conditions in an international environment and salary as per industry norms. You want to accept the challenge? Then we want to meet you and are looking forward to hearing from you soon. Please send your application (CV, reference of work experience, 2 letters of recommendation) until 30th April to application@book-fair.com. For more information about our office please visit www.newdelhi.gbo.org. Please note that the recording of your application will be conducted by our Partner CONNECT considering the Data Protection Law.   German Book Office New Delhi 4/9 Shanti Niketan | GF, Back Unit | New Delhi 110021 | India t +91 11 40201100 f +91 11 40201107 e info@newdelhi.gbo.org www.newdelhi.gbo.org German Book Office New Delhi is a joint venture between the Frankfurt Book Fair and the Federal Foreign Office, Berlin. FRANKFURT BOOK Fair: 10-14 OCTOBER 2012 GUEST OF HONOUR: NEW ZEALAND Associated links: www.book-fair.com  |  www.adbookfair.com  |  www.capetownbookfair.com   |  www.publishingperspectives.com Click here if you do not wish to receive this communication