An appeal and Seeking support from the people around the world;  share this link by facebook, twitter and email. LINK: http://www.change.org/petitions/un-fact-finding-mission-to-tibet

Tibet is Burning!
Enough is enough!
We cannot stay silence.
Lets unite for Tibet.

 

Call for UN Fact-Finding Mission to Tibet online petition has reached above 1700 and it need your support again to reach the goal.

Calls for UN Fact-finding Mission to Tibet's online petition strongly urge the UN to wake up and feel the people's suffering in Tibet, UN must act fast and right now to show what it is for and to practical prove the reason for the existence of UN as a global organization for Peace & Freedom in the World. There are millions of people around the world supporting Tibet and there are many like you who works continuously for the cause of Tibet. We appreciate the works you do and we believe that with people like you still we can ensure each other that world will improve and justice will stand soon. With your kind support, may we request you to spread this petition links to your circle of networks by emails, facebook and twitter that will definitely make it go further and quicker in reaching the goal. As soon as goal is achieved, we will submit the printed form of this online petition with all the signature to UN offices and to various Human Right organizations stating people of this world wants you to be do something for Tibet.

We request people around the world to unite and show their support to Justice and Freedom. We are witnessing death, casualties, suffering and dying for Freedom in all over the world including Tibet since last year, with your one support by signing a petition like this will UNITE the people's voice for FREEDOM and JUSTICE in our WORLD.

We thank you for for your time and care.

The URL is; http://www.change.org/petitions/un-fact-finding-mission-to-tibet

Regards,


Tom Alyn
Tibet News team
--
Tibet News
Information on Human Right and Freedom Repression in Tibet

E: theTibetNews@riseup.net

Skype: TibetNews

Twitter: TibetNewsOnline

Facebook: TibetNewsOnline
Blogsite: www.tibetnewsonline.blogspot.com

African Science &Technology Ministers Conference

African Science &Technology Ministers Conference & Technology Expo

March 1-2, 2012: Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi

 

Dear Sir/ Madam,

As a sequel to the commitment of Hon'ble Prime Minister at the India- Africa Forum Summit, FICCI in partnership with the Department of Science & Technology in partnership and MEA would be hosting an India-Africa S&T Ministers Conference & Tech Expo on March 1-2, 2012 at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi . The event will be inaugurated by Mr. Vilasrao Deshmukh, Hon'ble Minister for Science & Technology and Earth Sciences, Government of India . This major ministerial level event is being organised in coordination with the African Union Commission and is expected to be attended by about 40 S&T Ministers from across the African continent along with equal number of senior officials from various countries.

The event is expected to provide a platform for the advocacy, outreach and commitment of India under the framework of the New S&T Cooperation Initiative with Africa . Besides showcasing the value based relationship and opportunities which India can offer, the Ministerial Conference will help to develop linkages and also secure the interests and commitments of the African partners to this Indian initiative. The presence of the policy makers from both sides is expected to outline future S&T interactions including collaborative research, exchange programs, knowledge and technology transfer platforms and various capacity building mechanisms which are relevant to the African country's needs.

The conference will also have an exhibition to showcase some of the best Indian technologies/innovations from across the sectors.

I would request you to kindly make it convenient to attend the conference on 1-2 March 2012 at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi .  A copy of tentative program is enclosed for your reference.

Mandela condition fine

Mandela condition fine, leaves hospital

Former South African President Nelson Mandela left the hospital on Sunday after receiving treatment for a stomach complaint.

Mandela entered hospital on Saturday based on advice from a group of doctors who said he needed specialized treatment for a chronic abdominal ailment.

It had been feared that Mandela's condition was deteriorating, given his age of 93.

But South African President Jacob Zuma said in a statement on Sunday that the doctors said there is nothing to worry about and that Mandela is in good health.

Zuma added that Madela was discharged from the hospital.

Zuma told the country not to panic and said Mandela is surrounded by his family and is relaxed and comfortable.

Mandela won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1993 for his campaign to abolish the racist policy of apartheid in the then white-ruled South Africa.

Syria votes on new constitution

Syrian held a referendum on Sunday on a new constitution as part of its democratization effort. At the same time its military continued its crackdown in the central city of Homs.The new constitution would impose a limit of two 7-year terms on the president. It would allow a multiparty system, instead of the current single-party rule by the Baath Party.

Syria's state-run TV channel carried images showing President Bashar al-Assad and his wife casting their ballots. It also broadcast interviews with supporters of the new constitution.Meanwhile, the Syrian military continues its crackdown in Homs, which serves as an opposition stronghold.

It attacked residential areas in the city indiscriminately using tanks and mortar shells. A local human rights activist says at least 130 people died across Syria over the weekend.The activist says civilians cannot do anything but try to protect their families and that there is no point in holding the referendum while carrying out the bloodshed.

The Assad regime is apparently seeking to divert domestic and international condemnation by holding a parliamentary election within 3 months as part of its democratization process.

Paswan backs Katju on media freedom "violation" in Bihar

Backing the PCI chairman over his remarks on media freedom in Bihar, LJP chief Ram Bilas Paswan on Sunday made a scathing attack on Chief Minister Nitish Kumar saying those who claim to have fought press censorship during Emergency are now undermining freedom of the fourth estate.

"We welcome what PCI Chairman Justice Markandey Katju has said. He has brought the reality of Bihar government before the people," Paswan said alleging that mediamen are not free to express their views openly in Nitish Kumar's regime.

He said that a delegation of Lok Janshakti Party will also meet President Pratibha Patil shortly over the issue of "violation of media freedom" in Bihar.

"The Bihar government is obstructing the work of mediamen who write against it and forces their transfers. Ironically, it is being done by the same people who claim to have fought against media censorship during Emergency," the LJP chief said.

He also criticised Bihar's deputy Chief Minister Sushil Kumar Modi for his comments against Katju.

"The deputy CM ridiculed the Chairman of an important body like the Press Council of India. Such a thing has never happened in Bihar politics and it is a matter of shame," he said.

Katju had on Friday targeted the Bihar government, alleging the media in the state was harassed if it wrote against it.

"... there was freedom of the press during Lalu's rule... but press doesn't enjoy freedom at present," he had said at a function in Patna University.

"The information I have gathered about the media in Bihar is not good...whatever is happening here is not good," he added.

He said that Katju's observation on the problems being faced by people in Bihar is an eye-opener.

The LJP chief also demanded action against the principal of a Patna college who raised objections while Katju was making his remarks against the Bihar government during an interaction session at the Senate Hall in Patna University.

Paswan claimed that the principal's wife was an MLA from JDU.

"Such political persons should not be made principals," he said.

Katju had also said that information he had gathered about the media in Bihar is "not good" and reminded the Nitish Kumar government that its alleged action against the press was a violation of the Constitution.

A three-member PCI team would be sent to Bihar soon for an investigation, he had said.

"I have been told that people don't muster courage to write against the Bihar government or its officials," Katju said at a function, adding that any attack by the state government on the freedom of press was a violation of Section 19 of Constitution.

"The Constitution is being violated by such people and they don't want the Constitution to function. You are a government, but you are not above the Constitution ... you are below it," he had added.

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar had declined to comment on the PCI Chairman's statement. "I am not required to offer any comment," Kumar told reporters on Saturday.

Anirban Lahiri lift the SAIL-SBI Open 2012 trophy

Bangalore golfer bags second international title

New Delhi, February 25, 2012: India’s Anirban Lahiri outclassed Prom Meesawat of Thailand in a playoff at the Delhi Golf Club on Saturday to lift the SAIL-SBI Open 2012 trophy. Lahiri, who emerged triumphant on the first play-off hole, became the first Indian to win the SAIL-SBI Open.

Anirban Lahiri (65-69-67-73) and Prom Meesawat (72-64-68-70) had ended the regulation 72 holes with matching totals of 14 under 274 after Lahiri had fired a one over 73, punctuated by four birdies and five bogeys, and Meesawat shot a two under 70 in the final round. The two players thus headed for a play-off on the 18^th hole.

Prom, who had overcome a three-shot deficit to take a share of the lead with Lahiri from the 16^th hole in regulation play, hit his tee shot at the first play-off hole into the bushes on the right.

   

He had to take a penalty because of an unplayable lie and played the third shot to the left of the fairway from where his fourth shot just found the green, which left him with a 40-foot putt for par.

Lahiri meanwhile had a good tee shot and managed to reach the green in three. He came within three feet for his birdie putt. Prom then decided to pick up his ball and concede defeat.

  

“I’m disappointed with the way I hit the ball as I’ve hit it much better the last three days. I found two bushes today which I had to chip out and that was something I haven’t done all week. I also dropped five shots which is not something you can get away with at this golf course, especially on the final day,” said Anirban, who bagged his second international title on Saturday.

He added, “I’ve changed my mental attitude towards golf. Practicing meditation has helped me stay in the moment. I was trying not to get ahead of myself and that was one of those few things that helped me to execute things rather than project and think into the future.”

Australia’s Scott Barr looked set to for a grandstand finish until a disastrous triple-bogey six on the 17^th hole put paid to any hopes of a maiden win. The Singapore-based Australian had to settle for third place on 275.

Ben Fox of the United States closed with a 278 to take fourth place while PGTI member Md Siddikur Rahman of Bangladesh was a further shot back in fifth place on 280.

Shankar Das (74-69-70-68), Ashok Kumar (74-68-69-70) and Gaganjeet Bhullar (68-69-70-74) had the next best finish among the Indians as the three of them shared sixth place at seven under 281.

“Golf is fast on its way to become a common man’s sport in India given the wide popularity it is enjoying amongst masses”, said Union Minister Subdh Kant Sahai, Union Tourism Minister at award presentation ceremony of SAIL-SBI Open, a major international golf event sponsored jointly by SAIL, SBI and Ministry of Tourism.

“The Ministry of Tourism will do everything to support the game of golf and increase golf tourism in the country. We need to build more courses across the country and make the sport accessible to many more sport lovers”, Mr Sahai added.

Anirban Lahiri won the event and became the first Indian to win the SAIL-SBI Open in the five year history of the event. Prom Meesawat from Thailand and Scott Barr from Australia were the first and second runners up respectively.

Mr C. S. Verma, Chairman, Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL) said, “We are glad to have once again staged this annual international event, which promotes sporting culture in the country. With SAIL increasing its global footprint steadily, we are happy that this event attracted participants from over 20 nationalities and an Indian has clinched the trophy this year.”

 

Oz Labor party leadership race

Oz Labor party leadership race

Taking up the gauntlet, former Australian Foreign Min Kevin Rudd on Friday said he will contest against PM Julia Gillard in Monday's leadership vote, as the two bitter rivals sparred publicly escalating the row within the ruling Labor party. "Rightly or wrongly, Julia (Gillard) has lost the trust of the Australian people. And starting on Monday I want to start restoring that trust," 54-year-old Rudd told a press conference, ending days of speculation about his intention to challenge the Prime Minister following his dramatic resignation on Wednesday in the US during an official trip. Soon after Rudd's surprise resignation Wednesday, Gillard called a ballot on Monday to end the leadership speculation "once and for all." "And that is why I've decided to contest the leadership of the Labor Party," Rudd said. "It's no secret that our government has a lot of work to do if it is to regain the confidence of the Australian people," he said. "Starting on Monday, I'm going to start restoring that trust," he said. Within hours, Gillard, Australia's first woman Prime Minister, responded to declare that she was the best person to lead the party to victory in the next election. "Talk is easy. Getting things done is harder and I am the person who get things done," 50-year-old Gillard said. Asked to comment on Rudd's resignation and his suggestion that she had lost the trust of Australian voters, Gillard said, "Australians can have confidence in me that no matter how hard it gets, I've got the determination and personal fortitude to see things through." She she was confident that she had the support of the 103-strong Labor caucus to continue as Prime Minister. "I am confident I can lead Labor to a victory at the next election," Gillard said. "This is not an episode of Celebrity Big Brother, this is about who should be Prime Minister," she said, adding that her colleagues needed to decide "who's got the strength, the temperament, the character, the courage to lead this nation." Gillard came to power in June 2010 after launching her own leadership challenge against Rudd, who was then Prime Minister. At the time, she was his deputy and justified the move by claiming "the government was losing its way." Rudd had become Prime Minister after defeating the then Liberal Prime Minister John Howard in a general election in 2007. It was Labor's first win since 1996. Earlier, Rudd, while announcing his resignation, attacked Gillard-led government for its poor relations with business and criticised a number of policy decisions made since he lost the Prime Ministership.

To view this email as a web page, go here.

Dear Friend:  Last year, we asked our supporters to urge the New York State Legislature to make commercial trade of bear gallbladders and bile unlawful. As a result, the Governor enacted a law to govern the trade of bear products and protect New York's wildlife. Now it is Hawaii's turn - it is currently one of only a few states in the U.S. where the commercial trade of bear bile and products is unrestricted. Senate Bill 2232 (SB2232) and House Bill 2296 (HB2296) will ban the trade of bear bile and body parts. Please act today - urge the Hawaii Legislature to protect bears around the world Bear bile, a digestive fluid extracted from bears' gallbladders, is often used in Traditional Asian Medicines, as well as in non-medical products such as wine and shampoo. Although it is typically produced and used in Asian countries, the high demand for bear bile fosters poaching and illegal trade around the world - including in the U.S. On bear bile farms, bears are confined to tiny cages made of steel bars and bile is extracted by a tube inserted into the gallbladder through an abdominal wound - causing intense pain and trauma. There is absolutely no need for bear bile, as there are effective synthetic and herbal alternatives that are both widely available and affordable. On Feb. 21, the Hawaii Senate Committee on Agriculture and the Committee on Judiciary and Labor voted unanimously to pass SB2232. Now, the Senate and House need to pass the bill before it can become state law. Please take action and urge Hawaii Legislators to support SB2232 and HB2296 . It's time Hawaii takes the steps needed to protect bears all over the world. Sincerely, Karen Vale Campaign Manager, WSPA USA Share:

PRESS RELEASE

Fourth Quarter & Full Year 2011 Results                               

 

 

Core Net Income Increased 18% YoY for FYE2011

 

FYE2011 by the Numbers:

• Revenue:
  • Malaysia       : RM4.47 Billion (up 13% YoY)
  • Thailand         : THB15.87 Billion (up 33% YoY)
  • Indonesia      : IDR3,705 Billion (up 34% YoY)
• Operating Profit:
  • Malaysia       : RM1,199 Million (up 12% YoY)
  • Thailand         : THB1,943 Million (up 5% YoY)
  • Indonesia      : IDR149,654 Million (down 53% YoY)
• Core Net Income   
  • Malaysia       : RM880.78 Million (up 18% YoY)
  • Thailand         : THB1,908.69 Milion (up14% YoY)
  • Indonesia      : IDR94,905 Million (down 61% YoY)
• Deposits, Bank and Cash Balances:
  • Malaysia       : RM2,020 Million (up 34% YoY)
  • Thailand         : THB1,211 Million (up 105% YoY)
  • Indonesia      : IDR32,191 Million (down 20% YoY)
• Ancillary Income per Pax:
  • Malaysia       : RM45 (up 2% YoY)
  • Thailand         : THB383 (up 29% YoY)
  • Indonesia      : IDR136,650 (up 11% YoY)
• Passengers:
  • Malaysia       : 18.0 Million (up 12% YoY)
  • Thailand         : 6.9 Million (up 20% YoY)
  • Indonesia      : 5.0 Million (up 28% YoY)
• Net Gearing Ratio   : 1.43x (reduced from 1.74x YoY)

 

LOW COST TERMINAL SEPANG, 22 February, 2012 – AirAsia Berhad (“AirAsia” or the “Company”) today reported its fourth quarter and full year results for the financial year ended (“FYE”) 31 December 2011.

 

The Company posted a record revenue of RM4.47 billion, up 13% from a revenue of RM3.95 billion reported in 2010. Operating profit was reported at RM1.20 billion, up 12% from an operating profit of RM1.07 billion reported in the previous year. Core net income for the same period was RM880.78 million, up 18% from a core net income of RM749.32 million in 2010.

 

Group CEO, Tan Sri Dr Tony Fernandes said “We are proud to achieve an increase of 12% in operating profit and increase of 18% in core net income for FYE 31 December 2011. This is remarkable in an environment where macroeconomic factors such as fuel prices have impacted us and every other airline. Average fuel prices have substantially increased 36% over the year. Even though fuel costs make up 50% of our total cost, our resilient business model, focus on cost control, and an efficient operation has enabled us to sustain high EBITDAR and EBIT margins”.

 

AirAsia reported an EBITDAR margin of 41% and EBIT margin of 27% for FYE 31 December 2011. Cost, measured by cost per available seat per kilometer (“CASK”) was reported at 12.56 sen, a slight increase of 6% YoY. However, CASK, ex-fuel, stood at 5.99 sen, a remarkable reduction of 13% YoY.

 

He added, "The decline in profit after tax was primarily due to the unrealised foreign exchange losses on translation, which is required for reporting purposes under the accounting standards. Our full year results indicated that we were on the right path – that is, we managed matters that were within our control. Furthermore, there was a deferred taxation in 2011 due to the balancing charge on capital allowances and investment allowances as a result of the sale of 5 aircraft to AirAsia Indonesia in compliance with the Indonesian regulations to maintain their AOC”.

 

Fernandes further highlighted, “Non-operating items such as deferred taxation, foreign exchange gains/losses and fair value gains/losses on derivative financial products are included to derive the profit after tax due to FRS139. These are only accounting entries and should not be included when evaluating the performance of the Company. Profitability for a company like AirAsia, that has USD-denominated borrowings but has financial statements in Ringgit, should be measured at the core net income level which has shown an increase of 18% YoY”.

 

“2011 was a momentous year for AirAsia.  We celebrated our 10th year of delivering our brand promise of low fares, living up to our pledge of “Now Everyone Can Fly” to more than 135 million passengers across the region. We flew into new destinations expanding our route network and increased frequencies on high demand routes, reaffirming our leading market share. We achieved our target load factor of 80% underpinning the strong demand for air travel. Results so far are beyond our expectations and thus, we rewarded our loyal shareholders with a maiden dividend payout of 3 cents per ordinary share last year. AirAsia also placed a historic firm order of 200 A320 NEOs with Airbus in line with the huge potential growth, the biggest order in the region”, said Fernandes.

 

He further added, “Our gearing at the end of the year was 1.43 times with a healthy cash balance of RM2.02 billion. This is a sign of operational health and it also provides ammunition in times of financial need. We have done well managing our capital spending and fleet expansion last year, evidenced by our positive free cash flow”.

 

On ancillary income, Fernandes said: “Ancillary is up in all three of our operations for FYE 31 December 2011: MAA at RM45 per pax (up 2% YoY); AirAsia Thailand at THB383 per pax (up 29% YoY); and AirAsia Indonesia at IDR136,650 per pax (up 11% YoY). Although the increase in MAA’s ancillary income per pax is minimal due to the reclassification of AirAsiaGo as a share of profits from associates, ancillary income will continue to be the driving force for AirAsia to grow further as we roll out more exciting initiatives this year”.

 

Fernandes also said “Last year we expanded our adjacency businesses and ventured into businesses with established partners which allowed us to keep our focus on our core business. We are pleased to recognise profits from Asian Aviation Centre of Excellence (“AirAsia-CAE”) and also AAE Travel (“AirAsia-Expedia”) in their first six months of operations”.

 

On the associates, AirAsia Thailand posted revenue of THB15.87 billion, recording a growth of 33% YoY attributed to higher passenger volume, a higher contribution from ancillary income and improving yields for FYE 31 December 2011. Operating profit was reported at THB1.94 billion, up 5% YoY albeit a 61% YoY increase in fuel expenses. For the same period, AirAsia Thailand increased its profit after tax to THB2.03 billion from THB2.01 billion reported in 2010.

 

As for AirAsia Indonesia, it posted a 34% rise in revenue of IDR3,705.30 billion, supported by a 28% increase in number of passengers carried, reflecting a strong demand environment for FYE 31 December 2011. Operating profit decreased to IDR149.65 billion for the same period due to the hike in fuel prices and also the provision for early return of aircraft. In the fourth quarter of 2011, the migration to a fully A320 fleet and also its recent move to Terminal 3, amongst others, have helped lower its CASK (ex-fuel) by 19%.

Ten teams confirm for the inaugural Louis Philippe Cup

The unique league that will see city based teams gunning for the biggest prize money in domestic golf has got players and fans excited

New Delhi: Inspired by the success of league based tournaments featuring city-centric teams in other sports like cricket, hockey and boxing, the Professional Golf Tour of India (PGTI), Louis Philippe and RNGM have come together to conceive the Louis Philippe Cup. The revolutionary concept features 10 city based that will fight for the total prize fund of Rs. 1.24 crore — the biggest purse on the Indian tour at the Karnataka Golf Association from March 5-10 2012.The unique format of the tournament will see 30 top professionals representing the 10 teams, besides an equal number of amateurs, who will play in the pro-am category for the first two days of the tournament for the Inter-City Pro-Am Cup.  The aim of the Louis Philippe Cup is to create a city based fan following and encourage more people to play the game.

Star Indian players who will be seen in action include Puravankara  Bangalore's Asian Tour winner Anirban Lahiri, DLF Gurgaon's three time Indian Open champion and former Asian Tour No. 1 Jyoti Randhawa and winner of Singapore Classic Himmat Rai, two-time European Tour winner SSP Chowrasia representing Take Chennai, the 2002 Busan Asian Games individual gold medallist and Asian Tour Newcomer of the Year, Shiv Kapur, turning out for 3C Delhi and  two time Asian Tour winner Gaganjeet Bhullar representing Dev-Ellora Chandigarh. Apart from these marquee players, other seasoned campaigners of PGTI will take their best shot at glory.  

Each city team will consist of three players. Two of whom have been selected on the basis of their 2011 Rolex Rankings as of December and the third player was chosen by the sponsor. This was done in order to give the team sponsors a chance to pick players who primarily play on international tours and are unable to maintain their domestic rankings like Kapur, Randhawa and Chowrasia.The cities selected to field teams are Ahmedabad, Bangalore, Chennai, Mumbai, Kolkota, Lucknow, Delhi, Gurgaon, Chandigarh and Noida.  

Commenting on the exciting development in Indian golf, Padamjit Sandhu, Director, PGTI said: “This is an important new innovation in format in professional golf and could potentially be a game changer in the way fans relate to India's top golf stars. We would like to thank Louis Philippe and Rishi Narain Golf Management for creating this new event on the PGTI Tour and we know that India's top players and members of the PGTI are excited to participate in the tournament, rooting for their team to finish at the top.”

Speaking about their association with golf, Jacob John, Brand Head, Louis Philippe, commented: “Pioneering an innovative format in professional golf, we plan to position Louis Philippe Cup as the No. 1 Golf tournament in the country. It is our endeavour to bring together golf enthusiasts at a single platform and create a base for established players as well as upcoming talent in the country.”

The sponsors of the ten teams expressed their solidarity and excitement of wanting to win the Trophy. They included Devang Shah of Navratna Developers (Ahmedabad), Jack Bastian Nazareth of Puravankara Projects(Bangalore), H. R. Srinivasan of TAKE Solutions(Chennai), Vidur Bharadwaj of The 3C Company (Delhi), Aakash Ohri of DLF Ltd (Gurgaon), Sushil Ansal of Ansal API (Lucknow), Rohan Seolekar of Oxford Group (Mumbai & Pune), Piyush Tiwari of Shubhkamna-Advert (Noida) . Kapil Dev mentioned that he felt this would help put the Indian pro golfers on an unprecedented pedestal and Dilip Thomas said for him this event created a national media platform which was part of a larger brand building strategy for AVT Group.

This latest innovation in Indian golf has got the golfing community and professional players excited.  Gaurav Ghei, a veteran of 20 years on the Indian and other international tours said: “As professional tour players we don’t get many opportunities to play team formats and it does add an entirely new exciting dimension to the game. On the global golf platform, the most appealing events for fans and players alike are team events like the Ryder Cup (USA v Europe); the President's Cup (USA v Rest of World outside Europe), Royal Trophy (Asia v Europe) and Dynasty Cup (Asia v Japan). We enjoying playing in team events and fans are extremely excited to watch and cheer for their teams.”

Rishi Narain, the 1982 Delhi Asian Games team gold medallist and founder of Rishi Narain Golf Management, who has been the moving force for developing the concept from the drawing board stage to the implementation of the event, said: “We would like to thank the team of Louis Philippe for embracing the Pro Team Golf concept and are looking forward to producing an event with unparalleled fan appeal on the domestic golf scene. Our aim is to establish India’s immensely talented golf pros as genuine superstars in the eyes of sports fans across India. They deserve the recognition and fan following considering their consistent international victories over the past fifteen years. Among Indian sportsmen, golfers outperform almost every other Indian sportsman consistently. Indian pro golfers face intense competition against players from over 100 countries every time they compete overseas and with winner’s prizes regularly crossing Rs. 1 crore on the international circuit, the quality of players and intensity of competition our golfers face every week

is far greater than in most other sports. We hope the Louis Philippe Cup will create true superstars out of our pro golfers and connect fans like never before.”

The unique format of the five day event features one day of pro-am followed by two days (36 holes) strokeplay in which all 10 teams will compete. The four teams with the best total team scores over 36 holes will advance to the semi-finals. From the semi-finals onwards the top four teams will play in Matchplay format. One-on-one matches between the three players of each team will earn each team one point for a win and zero for a loss. No match will be halved and tied matches after 18 holes will be decided on the basis of sudden-death playoff. The two winning semi-finalists will go head-to-head in the finals on March 10.

As India’s richest golf tournament, the winning team stands to win Rs.36 lacs, while runners-up will earn Rs. 24 lacs, team finishing in third place will earn a purse of Rs.18 lacs and the team placed fourth will receive Rs. 12 lacs. 5th – 10th place team earn Rs.9.5lacs, Rs.7.00 lacs, Rs.5.5 lacs, Rs.4.5 lacs, Rs.3.5 lacs and Rs.3 lacs respectively in order of their final standings.To encourage the involvement of fans directly with the teams, each of the 10 teams will also field a team of three amateur club golfers who have been selected by local clubs on the basis of club qualifying tournaments. The three club amateurs will play alongside the professionals during the first two official rounds of strokeplay in the Louis Philippe Cup. The three amateur scores will be added to the pros scores to determine the Inter-City Pro-Am Cup, which will be presented after the first 36 holes of the tournament. However, the amateur scores will not be counted in determining the four top teams advancing to the semi-finals for the Louis Philippe Cup. 

Road Show on

Advantage Karnataka: Global Investors Meet 2012

1800 Hrs: 29 February 2012: Hotel The Oberoi, New Delhi

Encouraged by the outstanding response to the Global Investor Meet (GIM) in 2010, Government of Karnataka and CII as the leading partner is organizing the 2^nd Edition of Global Investors Meet 2012 on 7-8 June 2012 at Bangalore International Exhibition Centre (BIEC), Bangalore.

The ob-jective of the Investors Meet is to showcase the investment potential of the State in various sectors. The summit will witness the participation of Prospective Investors, Industry Leaders, Governments, Trade Bodies & Associations, Entrepreneurs and Academic & Research Institutions.

With a view to promote the event, a Road Show on Advantage Karnataka: Global Investors Meet 2012 is being organized on 29 February 2012 at 1800 - 2000 Hrs at Hotel The Oberoi, Dr Zakir Hussain Road, New Delhi. The Road Show will conclude with Networking Dinner.

Shri D V Sadananda Gowda, Hon’ble Chief Minister of Karnataka will address the Meet. The CM will be accompanied by the Industry Minister Mr Murugesh R Nirani and other Senior officials, Government of Karnataka.

Government of Karnataka is committed to play the role of a catalyst and facilitator to maintain the State as India’s preferred investment destination.

In this regard, I have great pleasure in extending a cordial invitation to you to attend the GIM 2012: Road Show along with your senior colleagues.

Should you be interested to expand your business / to invest in Karnataka, we would be pleased to facilitate a meeting for your organisation with the concerned senior officers of the State Government on 29 February in New Delhi.

Please use the attached Registration Form to confirm participation and requests for one–to–one meetings.

Looking forward to your active participation.

Kind regards,

S Chandrasekhar

Chairman, CII Karnataka State Council and              

Gillard calls Labor leadership ballot

The battle within Australia's ruling Labor party has escalated, with Prime Minister Julia Gillard on Thursday announcing a ballot for its leadership asking former leader Kevin Rudd to accept its outcome as final.

"I have decided that at 10:00am Monday (2300 GMT Sunday) a ballot for the Labor leadership will be conducted," Gillard told reporters.

She said the squabbling within the party must cease for the sake of the nation.

"Australians are rightly sick of this and they want it brought to an end," Gillard was quoted as saying by The Australian newspaper.

Gillard said she "expects" to win but ruled out a future challenge if she lost, and asked Rudd to make a similar commitment.

"If I do not receive the support of my colleagues I want to make it clear that I will go to the back bench and renounce any leadership ambitions... I anticipate that Kevin Rudd will be a contender in the leadership ballot and I ask him to give the same undertakings that he will go to the back bench and renounce leadership ambitions."

Gillard accused her colleague Rudd of a "a long running destabilisation campaign" and, referring to damaging leaks against her, said the 2010 election "was sabotaged".

Earlier, Rudd resigned his post as foreign minister at a dramatic press conference in Washington and attacked Gillard-led government over its poor relations with business, and criticised a number of policy decisions made since he lost the prime ministership.

He was ousted as prime minister in a shock party-room coup in June 2010.

Then his deputy, Gillard challenged Rudd and went on to take the prime ministership unopposed.

Rudd said Gillard could not win the next election and he would make an announcement on his intentions soon.

Instituto Cervantes Nueva Delhi

3 de marzo de 2012 / March 3rd, 2012

El Instituto Cervantes de Nueva Delhi, en colaboración con FECYT, Interprofesional del Aceite de Oliva y Foods and Wines from Spain, tiene el placer de invitarle al:  The Instituto Cervantes of New Delhi, in collaboration with FECYT, Olive Oil Professional Association and Foods and Wines from Spain, is pleased to invite to the:    TALLER: “ACEITE DE OLIVA” (2 HR.) WORKSHOP: “OLIVE OIL” (2 HR.) Sábado 3 de marzo a las 4:30pm Aula 5 Entrada gratuita Español con traducción simultánea al inglés Saturday March 3 at 4:30 pmClassroom 5 Free admission Spanish with simultaneous English translation Sinopsis: El aceite de oliva, clasificado por la UNESCO como Patrimonio Inmaterial de la Humanidad en noviembre de 2010, es un ingrediente esencial de la dieta mediterránea y, según las últimas investigaciones, poseedor de beneficiosas propiedades para nuestra salud, tales como la prevención y lucha contra el cáncer de mama, entre otras enfermedades. Con este taller trataremos de dar a conocer los valores nutricionales, los estudios científicos sobre las propiedades saludables y la herencia cultural del aceite de oliva español. Como parte de la actividad se presentarán las propiedades organolépticas del aceite y sus usos en gastronomía, que culminarán con la cata de diversas variedades de aceite de oliva virgen extra español. Biografías: Javier Delgado Lista, médico y profesor del Departamento de Medicina-ORL-Dermatología de la UCO, es además especialista e investigador de la Unidad de Lípidos y Arteriosclerosis, del Servicio de Medicina Interna del Hospital Universitario Reina Sofía. Wenceslao Moreda, químico especialista en aceite de oliva, desarrolla su labor de investigación en el Instituto de la Grasa de Sevilla.  Synopsis: Olive oil, classified by UNESCO as Intangible Heritage of Humanity in November 2010, is an essential ingredient of the Mediterranean diet and, according to recent research, possesses beneficial properties to our health, such as the prevention and fight against breast cancer, among other diseases. This workshop will try to raise awareness of nutritional values, the scientific studies on health claims and the cultural heritage of Spanish olive oil. As part of the activity, there will be a presentation of the organoleptic properties of oil and its uses in gastronomy that will culminate with a tasting of several varieties of Spanish extra virgin olive oil. Biographies: Javier Delgado Lista, doctor and professor of the Department of Medicine, ORK – Dermatology of the UCO, is also an expert and researcher at the Lipid and Atherosclerosis Unit, of the Internal Medicine Service of University Hospital Reina Sofia. Wenceslao Moreda, chemist specialized in olive oil, develops his research at the Instituto de la Grasa in Seville.

Instituto Cervantes Nueva Delhi 48, Hanuman Road Connaught Place 110 001 Nueva Delhi India Tel. : 91 11 4368 19 00 Fax: 91 11 4356 86 92 cenndel@cervantes.es