“Threatened Birds of India - Their Conservation Requirements”

BNHS  today release its new book “Threatened Birds of India - Their Conservation Requirements” authors Director, Dr Asad R Rahmani. Reference book, is a comprehensive detail on birds in India, was today released by Smt Jayanthi Natarajan, Minister of State for Environment and Forests, Government of India, viz on 22nd May 2012 at WWF conference hall in New Delhi. This book is a tribute to avian biodiversity, celebrating its beauty as well as campaigning for the plight of the many fantastic species teetering on the brink of extinction. It is the product of the commitment and dedication of its author, the rigorous science and action orientated approach of BNHS and the collective work of numerous contributing researchers, birdwatchers and photographers. The BirdLife International global partnership of conservation organisations in over 100 countries and territories worldwide, of which BNHS is the Indian Partner, has also played an important role. It is based on the most extensive and reliable database on priority sites and species, on the basis of consistent global standards, data which are crucial to setting priorities, to ensure that policy and action should always be informed by good science and good data.

Conservation is a constant struggle, more so in India which is changing rapidly, as we aim to rightfully find our place as a developed nation. However, this development must be sustainable and equitable or it will bring social upheaval and disaster to the remaining wild areas. In India, most conservation actions are tiger-centric, with little attention paid to other taxa. Non-tiger habitats are not so well protected and some are still considered as wasteland. This book shows that nearly 50% of the globally threatened bird species are not found in any of the 39 tiger reserves of India and therefore draw no benefit from tiger conservation. We must look beyond Project Tiger if we want to save all wildlife and all wild areas. If this book helps in changing the focus of conservation to make it more inclusive, it will have served its purpose.

This book published by Indian Bird Conservation Network, an initiative of BNHS and BirdLife International, is a fine example of worldwide collaboration among organisations and numerous individuals. It uses the BirdLife/IUCN 2011 list as a base and provides India-specific information to make it relevant to the Indian public and decision makers. It also includes most recent detailed information on 15 Critically Endangered, 15 Endangered, 52 Vulnerable, 66 Near Threatened and two Data Deficient bird species, along with articles on various aspects of bird protection.

The book will be of interest to researchers, students, professors, policy makers, bureaucrats, bird lovers, corporates, NGOs and the lay reader interested in the natural world in general, and birds in particular. Priced at Rs 3000, this 870-pages book printed on art paper, has a very attractive cover of Satyr Tragopan and includes 155 maps and 645 photos in colour.

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eNewsletter#5 Language: ไทย   METALEX 2012 is ready to welcome you to discover the largest army of global technology providers for metalworking and machine tools universe in ASEAN. All exhibitors are eager to showcase their “best-of-breed” technologies and innovations with live demonstrations across the show floor. Visiting the show enables you to source and network with major brands while catching up with the new industrial and market trends to get yourself ready for the upcoming challenges. Many international exhibitors will debut the latest offerings for the first time in Asia. Below are some of 2,700 brands from 50 countries awaiting to showcase their highlighted technologies during show days! Lineup of New Knowledge for Powerful Tomorrows! Moreover, there are several different dedicated conferences and activities such as the 2nd METALEX Nano Forum, Japan – Thai Mold & Die Symposium, Asian Welding Federation Meeting, Machine Tools Summit, hot conferences, technology presentations and Business Matchmaking Program. Click here for updated show movement and more details. Therefore, visitors to METALEX 2012 will be able to identify and learn about new products and solutions, understand the effects of industrial trends, realize how cutting edge technologies can enhance their productivity, network and build new contacts and peers and, of course, observe the competition. Click here to pre-register your visit and sharpen your competitive edges with all major global brands who have already chosen their destination to connect with ASEAN metalworking community at METALEX 2012 from 21 - 24 November 2012 at BITEC, Bangkok, Thailand.   Show Movement JAMTAT Ready to Unleash ASEAN’s Industrial Potential with Japanese Technologies! Recently, Japanese Machine Tools Association of Thailand (JAMTAT) hosted an official meeting at Reed Tradex’s office to confirm their participation under the JAMTAT Pavilion in METALEX 2012 with space occupation requirements. Mr. Tsuneyuki Ishii, President of JAMTAT, led the session with over 40 members from 20 companies present and voiced out their confidence towards the show. METALEX Congratulated Mitsubishi’s Open House Ceremony Last week, METALEX team congratulated the opening of an annual open house ceremony by Mitsubishi Electric Automation (Thailand) which featured the debuts of new technologies and machinery such as Wire-Cut EDM MV Series of new wire-cut electrical discharge machines (EDMs) which is suitable for cutting applications for a diverse range of products from product parts to those that require high-accuracy processing, including molding die, and the new Laser Cutting Machine eX Series which features automatic nozzle changer, wide range of piercing application (such as blow pierce or beat pierce) with greater working speed. The ceremony was packed with invited guests who were excited by the presented showcases.   Industry News Ford opens new Thailand plant Ford Motor opened a new US$450 million plant in Thailand that can make 150,000 cars a year, expanding its export hub to meet rising demand in neighboring countries. The automaker will begin producing its new Focus compact at the Rayong factory in eastern Thailand next month. The facility increases Ford's annual capacity in Thailand to 445,000 vehicles as the automaker aims to boost global sales to eight million units by 2015 with one-third of deliveries in Asia by 2020. The Rayong plant is capable of producing six vehicle models as Ford expects to widen its lineup in Asean countries, New Zealand and Australia. New Focus compact cars made in the plant will be exported to ASEAN countries, Australia and New Zealand. Ford's Rayong plant may add as many as 11,000 new jobs, including 2,200 direct jobs with Ford and 8,800 jobs through its supplier and dealer networks. The company estimated local purchases of components will be worth as much as $800 million. Ford last month said it would invest an additional $27 million with partner Mazda Motor Corp in AutoAlliance Thailand, where it makes the Ford Ranger pickup and Ford Fiesta subcompact. The investment will be used to increase capacity by 20,000 units a year. (Source: Bangkok Post) China's SAIC eyes Thai assembly plant SAIC Motor, China's biggest automaker, is planning a venture with CP Group to build passenger cars in Thailand. SAIC intends to develop the new assembly plant as a production centre for right-hand-drive vehicles to sell in the region and in other markets that drive on the right. CP vice-chairman Thanakorn Seriburi said “The entry of the company would mean not only Chinese investment in the assembly plant, but also in auto parts." He expects the Chinese carmaker to introduce the well-known MG series to the Thai car market, or perhaps use the country as a base to assemble modified MGs and Rovers. CP is also studying a plan to make motorcycles in Thailand, hoping to capitalize on the big local market with its 2 million units sold last year. (Source: Bangkok Post) METALEX 2012 will return with a more comprehensive range of exhibits, exhibitors, activities and international participants to deliver an absolute platform for ASEAN metalworking industry. Mark your calendar and get yourself connected to this most anticipated event of the year by simply clicking here to pre-register your visit now!

Real estate industry should come forward to build houses for urban poor: Prof. Saugata Roy

Real estate industry should come forward to build houses for urban poor: Prof. Saugata Roy

New Delhi, May 20^th 2012: To upscale its real estate, India needs to add more cities, while strengthening existing ones, with an effective urban planning strategy which is sympathetic to regional needs and considerations, said Prof. Saugata Roy, Minister of State – Urban Development, Government of India at India Realty 2012 organised by EPC World Media Group.

"The massive urbanisation in the past few decades has led to severe housing shortage for the urban poor... providing affordable housing is one of the most formidable challenges that our country faces today," Roy added.

Raising his concern over the lack of participation from real estate developers on houses for urban poor, Roy said, “The government has sought to create an enabling and supportive environment for expanding credit flow to the housing sector and increasing home ownership in the country.”

Several policies and initiatives like fiscal incentives have been taken to facilitate private sector participation in supply of affordable housing, he added.

While delivering his welcome address, Tejasvi Sharma – Editor-in-Chief & Director, The EPC World Media Group said, “At present, the country have shortages of around 26.7 million units, which is a matter of concern. As the economy shows signs of decreasing GDP growth rate, the Indian real estate industry faces its own share of concerns – rising raw material prices, fluctuating interest rates, inflation, weak governance etc.”

The Realty India 2012 is at right place and at right time, he added. Realty India 2012 held in Delhi and aptly themed ‘Emerging business opportunities & changing trends in the Indian realty market’ aimed at gaining perspectives on factors that could turn India into a global real estate powerhouse in the next few years.

Addressing the inaugural session, Dr Sudhir Krishna, Secretary, Ministry of Urban Development, Government of India, said, “It is necessary to provide better living conditions for people in urban areas whether they are rich class, middle class or poor. And this can be done through only real estate industry as they are facilitator for us.”

"We are looking forward to reciprocate the initiative from the private sector to supply these housing units," he added.

Giving an overview of 12^th Five Year Plan, Dr PR Swarup, Director General, Construction Industry Development Council (CIDC), said, “India requires around Rs55 lakh crore of investment in the next five years to uplift the urban infrastructure, but, at the same time there is a great need for skilled and trained labour. I urge government to take some constructive steps in developing modules and institutions for untrained manpower of India.”

Echoing the same was Ranjeet More, Vice President–BAI (West) & MD, Universal Construction Machinery & Equipment. While delivering his keynote address, More said, “India needs to mechanize the entire process of construction to match the speed and quality of developed countries but for that we should be able to produce skilled labour to deliver the massive infrastructure of the country.”

According to HS Pasricha, Chairman – Delhi Centre, Builders’ Association of India & MD, Winner Constructions Pvt. Ltd, affordable housing is a real problem in India, and the world is well aware of it. “The income pyramid in India is heavy at the bottom, with over 60% of the households earning averagely less than Rs80,000 per year. Nearly 19% of the households can’t afford any type of housing through their income. Another 44.6% of the households in the Lower Middle Income Group can’t afford a house in Tier I or II cities. Builders, architects and government have to plan real estate development which conforms to the needs of the income pyramid of India.”

Housing is a basic need and measures like increasing density by hiking the floor-area ratio and encouraging public-private partnership should be considered in fulfilling the housing need of the country, opines SK Chaudhary, Sr. Executive Director-Projects, HUDCO.

He said availability of land at cheap rates is the greatest challenge in providing affordable housing in the country.

However, Prof Roy, in the second phase of Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission (JNNURM) targets to build around 15 lakhs homes for urban poor. “JNNURM is a reform driven programme and in the next phase of JNNURM, we will build around 15 lakhs of homes for urban poor.”

He also added that under JNNURM, it has sanctioned around 40 solid waste management projects under public private partnership model.

Japan to support Afghanistan's development

Japan has urged NATO member states to continue to support Afghanistan after international troops withdraw in 2014.Japan's foreign minister Koichiro Gemba made the appeal in his speech at a NATO summit in Chicago on Monday.

He said it's important to have a stable Afghanistan and realize the country's potential for development after the NATO troops withdraw.Gemba said Japan will host a ministerial-level meeting in Tokyo on July 8th to discuss the war-torn country's reconstruction and development. He urged the NATO states to assist Afghanistan for 10 years after the troops' pullout.

Japan is not a NATO member, but Gemba attended the summit to promote the Tokyo meeting in July.After the summit, Gemba told his US counterpart, Hillary Clinton, that Japan will continue to help Afghanistan improve its security after 2015.

Thomas Vinterberg on the origins of The Hunt:

Thomas Vinterberg: "Through the internet, the world's become a small village full of rumours."

Mads Mikkelsen

The entire crew for The Hunt, directed by Thomas Vinterberg and presented In Competition this Sunday, responded to questions from journalists.
 

Thomas Vinterberg on the origins of The Hunt:
We carried out an enormous amount of research before shooting the film. We were inspired by a number of cases of sexual abuse that appeared in the press. In a case like this, the children are victims too as they suffer from having to lie to adults to satisfy them. In Denmark, we have a saying that only children and drunks always speak the truth. This is false. Many doors are opened in this film. We leave the choice to the viewer.
 

Mads Mikkelsen on the film and his character, Lucas:
Lucas's character is stubborn. Yet paradoxically, he finds it hard to say no and move forward in life. He loves children, but this love will lead him to a feeling of fear. We are not questioning the fact that too many children are victims of paedophilia. Lucas is the innocent adult victim of a witch hunt. It is this situation that we wanted to present.
 

Thomas Vinterberg describes the rumour theme:
The film takes place in the microcosm of a village where information spreads quickly, like a virus. Through the Internet, the world's become a small village full of rumours. But what matters most in this film is the love between the characters. They try to get close to one another despite the misunderstandings.
 

Northern Italy quake kill seven people

A magnitude 6 earthquake has hit northern Italy, killing at least 7 people.

 US Geological Survey says the quake struck around 4 AM local time on Sunday.

The epicenter was 36 kilometers north-northwest of the medieval city of Bologna. The focus is estimated to be 5.1 kilometers deep.Buildings near another medieval city, Ferrara, were destroyed in the quake. Local disaster authorities say at least 7 people were killed and 50 injured.

  Historic buildings are said to have collapsed in towns near the epicenter. Rescue workers are searching the debris for survivors.

All India Confederation of SC/ST Organisations,organise demonstration in Delhi

All India Confederation of SC/ST Organisations,organise demonstration in Delhi

All-India Confederation of SC/ST Organisations, organise demonstration on 21 May 2012 ,Monday at 11 AM at Jantar Mantar,Parliament Street,New Delhi with their charter of demands .“Every person who participated in the publication of the cartoon should be penalised and a criminal case should be registered against them,” K P Chaudhary, Secretary-General of the organisation said.Prominent National Leaders of Confederation Shri A R Joshi,Shri B S Bharti,Shri Ashok Kumar Shri kanwar Singh and Shri KP Chaudhry  and former Union Minister Shri Ramvilas Paswan,MP Dr P L Punia Chairman National Commmission for SC,Vice Chairman Dr Raj Kumar Verka,member Shri Raju Parmar,Shri praveen rashtrapal, M.P.,Shri Kamal Kishore Commando,M.P.,Shri Ghanshyam Anuragi,M.P. and Shri Pradeep Tamta,M.P., will address the gathering.

 DEMANDS OF CONFEDERATION
1.The culprits responsible for dishonouring of Bharat Ratna Baba Saheb Dr B R Ambedkar by Publishing his cartoos in N.C.E.R.T. Books should be panelized,arrested and must be sent to Jail by registering Criminal Case demanded strict action against officials involved.
 2.Union HRD Minister,Shri Kapil Sibal must be removed from the Union Cabinet and criminal case must be registered against him.
3.Govt.should amend the constitution for quashing the impact of Supreme Court Judgement dated 27.04.2012 delivered against the reservation of SC/ST communities in promotions.
4.Reservation Act should be enacted and should be kept in the 9th Schedule of Indian Constitution.
5.The reservation of SC/ST communities should be increased in the ratio of present population from 22.55 to 32%.
6.Reservation should be made in Private Sector,Higher Education,Judiciary,Army.
7.The SC sub plan and tribe sub plan funds should be utilized for the welfare of these communities and from these funds Residential Schools of Minimum 1000 Children should be established   by Government of India /State Government at tehsil leve;l for providing free education to each and every child of SC/ST from nursery to 12 th class.
8.National Commission for SC and National Commission for ST should be given more powers and their recommendations should be made mandatory to safeguards the interest and welfare of SC/ST communities.
9.At the pattern of other countries like USA,the principal of diversity should be implemented in india for providing proportional employment to people of SC/ST Communities.
10.More than 1- Lac backlog/shortfall vacancies of SC/ST community should be filled up by launching special drive.