Showing posts with label India. Show all posts
Showing posts with label India. Show all posts
I am happy to be here today, in the historic city of Lucknow, to participate in this function to mark the International Literacy Day 2012, organized by the National Literacy Mission Authority. It is an important event in our calendar, an occasion for rejoicing for the work done, as also for introspection about the distance still to be traversed.पार करना
Needless to say, literacy is a human right, a tool of personal empowerment and a means of social and economic development. It is one of the most important parameters for gauging, in conjunction with other social parameters, the development of a society.
Allow me to mention a disturbing fact. We have the largest number of non-literates in the world. Our literacy rate of 74 percent, achieved in the last decade, is much below the world average of 84 per cent and is in sharp contrast to what has been achieved by some Asian countries like China, Iran, Myanmar and Sri Lanka.
We console ourselves with the fact that our national literacy rate at the time of independence was a little over 12 percent and that significant progress has been made since with the literacy rate going up to 52 in 1991, 65 in 2001 and 74 in 2011.
It is also evident that the vast treasures of knowledge dispensed बांटनाby our sages and scholars down the ages emanated from a very narrow base in numerical terms.
The paradox is that within our own country, uneven progress in the promotion of literacy has been made and wide disparities are noticeable. Thus Kerala has almost 100 percent literacy. Himachal Pradesh and Mizoram have made remarkable progress. On the other hand, some other states record well below the national average. When this is viewed in conjunction with other social indicators like infant mortality and life expectancy, the linkage between literacy and quality of life become evident.
This audience is well aware of the steps taken in the past decade to promote literacy in all age groups in our population. The Constitution (Eighty sixth) Amendment of 2002 and the Right to Education Act of 2009 address the problem at the base of the age pyramid. For those in the higher age groups - 15 to 34 and 35 to 59, together constituting about 67 percent of the population, and particularly its weaker and disadvantaged segments - specific initiatives were required to address the prevalence of non-literates.
This was the purpose of the National Literacy Mission with its objective of imparting functional literacy to all persons in the age group 15 to 35, defined as acquiring the skill of reading, writing and arithmetic and the ability to apply them to one’s daily life and thereby ameliorate their condition by participating in the process of development.
Experience showed the need for further refinement and sharper focusing. Three years ago, on this day, the Saakshar Bharat, the new variant of National Literacy Mission, was launched by the Government. The prime focus of the Mission is to establish a fully literate society through improved quality and standard of Adult Education and Literacy.
The purpose of the Mission is to impart functional literacy to 70 million adults in the age group of 15 years and above focusing mainly on women, SCs, STs, Minorities and other disadvantaged groups of the society in rural areas. The Programme is being implemented in the Mission Mode with institutional framework at national, state, district, block and Gram Panchayat levels. The institution of Adult Education Centre at the Gram Panchayat level is the backbone of the Programme.
The rationale of this emphasis is evident. Schedule Castes, Schedule Tribes and Minorities together constitute 44 per cent of our population. The socio-economic development of women largely depends upon their literacy level. Literacy of women thus plays a critical role in their empowerment. The Saakshar Bharat programme, therefore, gives special emphasis on women literacy. It is to be noted that while the male literacy rate has increased from 75 to 82.14 per cent during the last decade, the female literacy rate in the same period has increased from 53.67 to 65.46 percent. This has reduced the gender gap from 21 to 16 percent.
I am happy to learn that the Saakshar Bharat programme is being implemented in 372 out of 410 eligible districts spread across 25 States and one Union Territory. Adult Education Centres have been set up in one lakh Gram Panchayats and around 570 lakh non literates have been identified through door to door survey. Literacy classes have started functioning in 16 lakh Centres covering around 174 lakh learners. Out of these, around 144 lakh learners have been certified as literates in the assessment tests conducted by the National Institute of Open Schooling.
While quantitative data makes impressive reading, some questions do need to be asked about the quality of literacy imparted. How do we ensure it? If stagnation and quality deficit in educational outputs remain a fact of life, how do we ensure that it will bring forth capacity building and eventual employability? Since this programme is in a mission mode, how do we ensure continuity once the mission is concluded?
To take this initiative further, we need to gear up the machinery at all levels i.e. National Literacy Mission Authority, State Literacy Mission Authorities, Lok Shiksha Samities in Districts, Blocks and Gram Panchayats. The implementation structure needs to be consolidated and strengthened with involvement of not only the Government Authorities but also eminent organisations in the Non-Government and Private Sector.
Furthermore, development of Adult Education in India depends upon the adaptability of the literacy mission to the emerging changes in all segments of the economy. Instead of functioning as a transient agent, the mission needs to take shape of a regular and permanent mechanism. Such mechanism is to be established and continued not only at the level of various administrative authorities, but also at the levels of the civil society organizations, social partners, private sector, community and adult learners’ and educators’ organizations.
The success of the programme would also largely depend upon how effectively it is implemented by the Local Self-Government bodies and Panchayati Raj Institutions.
Finally, we need to create more public awareness and public opinion in favour of our battle against illiteracy. It is the tyranny of circumstances rather than free choice that makes a person non-literate. It is the duty of society to change the conditions in which illiteracy prospers.
Let us not forget that literacy today, with a focus on quality, is essential for social, economic and cultural development of our people and towards the creation of a knowledge society.
I urge every citizen to take up this challenge and contribute to free India from the clutches of illiteracy.
India and China have agreed to resume military exercises, stalled since 2010. Talking to reporters following the Defence Minister Delegation level talks in New Delhi this morning, Defence Minister AK Antony said that it will take place in China next year and then in India in 2014. He will also visit China next year.
General Liang Guanglie, who is the first Chinese Defence Minister to visit India in eight years, said that consensus has been reached on many issues of mutual concern.
It is believed that during the talks New Delhi expressed concerns over Chinese military infrastructure build-up along the border and discussed more Confidence Building Measures . General Liang arrived in Mumbai on Sunday on a five-day visit to the country.
Before the official meeting started, the Chinese Defence Minister thanked his Indian counterpart for the good arrangements made during his visit to Mumbai and Agra.
The Chinese Defence Minister is also to hold a meeting with the Chairman, Chiefs of Staffs Committee, Air Chief Marshal NAK Browne at the South Block before calling on Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.
Our Correspondent reports that Military exercises between the two countries had started in 2007 but were put on hold in 2010 after a series of hiccups
in the defence ties between the two sides. The first exercise was held in Kunming, China in 2007 and the second in Belgaum in India in 2008. The third edition was to have been held in China in 2010 but has since remained stalled. After the denial of visa to the then Northern Army Commander, Lt. Gen. BS Jaswal by the Chinese in 2010, New Delhi had frozen all bilateral defence exchanges with Beijing. General Liang's visit is the first by a Chinese Defence Minister to India since General Cao Gangchuan's trip in March 2004. A Defence Minister-level visit to China from India had last taken place in May 2006.
General Liang Guanglie, who is the first Chinese Defence Minister to visit India in eight years, said that consensus has been reached on many issues of mutual concern.
It is believed that during the talks New Delhi expressed concerns over Chinese military infrastructure build-up along the border and discussed more Confidence Building Measures . General Liang arrived in Mumbai on Sunday on a five-day visit to the country.
Before the official meeting started, the Chinese Defence Minister thanked his Indian counterpart for the good arrangements made during his visit to Mumbai and Agra.
The Chinese Defence Minister is also to hold a meeting with the Chairman, Chiefs of Staffs Committee, Air Chief Marshal NAK Browne at the South Block before calling on Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.
Our Correspondent reports that Military exercises between the two countries had started in 2007 but were put on hold in 2010 after a series of hiccups
in the defence ties between the two sides. The first exercise was held in Kunming, China in 2007 and the second in Belgaum in India in 2008. The third edition was to have been held in China in 2010 but has since remained stalled. After the denial of visa to the then Northern Army Commander, Lt. Gen. BS Jaswal by the Chinese in 2010, New Delhi had frozen all bilateral defence exchanges with Beijing. General Liang's visit is the first by a Chinese Defence Minister to India since General Cao Gangchuan's trip in March 2004. A Defence Minister-level visit to China from India had last taken place in May 2006.
he Prime minister Dr Manmohan Singh today called for reforms at the UN Security Council and global financial institutions. Addressing the NAM summit in Tehran, Dr Singh said NAM should take the lead in building global governance structures that are representative, credible and effective.
He said there is a need for new instruments of global governance to confront cross-cutting and trans-national challenges through coordinated global action. The Prime minister said these include international terrorism, proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, the menace of maritime piracy, the growing threat to cyber security and the challenge of sustainable development while ensuring energy, water and food security. Dr Singh said today’s structures for global governance remain driven by the power equations of the past and have proved inadequate in dealing with the economic and political crises.
Expressing concern over the deteriorating situation in Syria, Dr Singh urged all parties to recommit themselves to resolving the crisis peacefully through a Syrian-led inclusive political process that can meet the legitimate aspirations of Syrian people.
Dr Singh said the Non-Aligned Movement should renew its pledge to support the Palestinian cause. He called for an early resolution of the issue, so that they can live in peace and dignity in a state of their own. He said developing countries need to have a greater say on matters of global trade, finance and investment. The Prime minister said excessive speculation, structural bottlenecks and lack of coordination are fuelling food inflation at the global level.
Dr Singh said NAM should push for effective food policy coordination and cooperation at the global level in areas such as agricultural productivity, weather forecasting and research and development. Dr Singh said India would be happy to contribute to a NAM initiative on skill development, particularly focused on the knowledge economy.
He urged upon NAM members to work with India in areas of priority to Africa. Dr Singh expressed hope that deliberations will be helpful in restoring this historic Movement to its rightful place on the international stage.
He said there is a need for new instruments of global governance to confront cross-cutting and trans-national challenges through coordinated global action. The Prime minister said these include international terrorism, proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, the menace of maritime piracy, the growing threat to cyber security and the challenge of sustainable development while ensuring energy, water and food security. Dr Singh said today’s structures for global governance remain driven by the power equations of the past and have proved inadequate in dealing with the economic and political crises.
Expressing concern over the deteriorating situation in Syria, Dr Singh urged all parties to recommit themselves to resolving the crisis peacefully through a Syrian-led inclusive political process that can meet the legitimate aspirations of Syrian people.
Dr Singh said the Non-Aligned Movement should renew its pledge to support the Palestinian cause. He called for an early resolution of the issue, so that they can live in peace and dignity in a state of their own. He said developing countries need to have a greater say on matters of global trade, finance and investment. The Prime minister said excessive speculation, structural bottlenecks and lack of coordination are fuelling food inflation at the global level.
Dr Singh said NAM should push for effective food policy coordination and cooperation at the global level in areas such as agricultural productivity, weather forecasting and research and development. Dr Singh said India would be happy to contribute to a NAM initiative on skill development, particularly focused on the knowledge economy.
He urged upon NAM members to work with India in areas of priority to Africa. Dr Singh expressed hope that deliberations will be helpful in restoring this historic Movement to its rightful place on the international stage.
Israel plans to take up agricultural development projects in India. Under the Indo-Israel Action Plan for Horticulture for the period 2011-15, Israel will set up crop-specific Centres of Excellence in Haryana, Punjab, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Gujarat and Tamil Nadu. Minister of State for Agriculture Harish Rawat gave this information in the Lok Sabha today.
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India and Pakistan have agreed to allow two banks each from both the countries to set up branches across the border.
Governor of the State Bank of Pakistan, Yaseen Anwar told PTI in Singapore that discussions were held with the Reserve Bank of India and both sides have agreed to issue a full banking licence to two banks of each country.
The two Indian banks that will be allowed to operate in Pakistan are State Bank of India (SBI) and Bank of India (BoI).
On the other hand, quasi-state owned National Bank of Pakistan and privately-owned United Bank Ltd. will be running full-banking operations across the border, once licensed by India.
Governor of the State Bank of Pakistan, Yaseen Anwar told PTI in Singapore that discussions were held with the Reserve Bank of India and both sides have agreed to issue a full banking licence to two banks of each country.
The two Indian banks that will be allowed to operate in Pakistan are State Bank of India (SBI) and Bank of India (BoI).
On the other hand, quasi-state owned National Bank of Pakistan and privately-owned United Bank Ltd. will be running full-banking operations across the border, once licensed by India.
India and Sri Lanka have agreed to cooperate to resolve all matters related to delays in customs clearances and an Agreement will be signed between the two countries on Customs cooperation very soon.
Briton, found guilty of murdering Indian student Anuj Bidve last year, was today sentenced for life with a minimum term of 30 years before he can be considered for parole. The Manchester Crown Court on Thursday found 21-year-old Kiaran Stapleton guilty of killing Bidve.
Twenty three-year-old Bidve, who was studying Micro-electronics at Lancaster University, was walking to the Boxing Day sales with eight friends when he was shot dead on December 26 last year, without warning at Salford. Stapleton, who once called himself 'Psycho' Stapleton in a court hearing, had earlier admitted manslaughter but not murder.
Twenty three-year-old Bidve, who was studying Micro-electronics at Lancaster University, was walking to the Boxing Day sales with eight friends when he was shot dead on December 26 last year, without warning at Salford. Stapleton, who once called himself 'Psycho' Stapleton in a court hearing, had earlier admitted manslaughter but not murder.
India today strongly pushed for early conclusion of a free trade agreement with ASEAN in services and investment and expansion of communication links with the member States of the 10-nation grouping considered one of the world's fastest growing regions.
Addressing the ASEAN-India Ministerial meeting at Phnom Penh the capital of Combodia, External Affairs Minister S M Krishna highlighted the growing congruence समनुरूपता0 in India's ties with the bloc .
He emphasised the need for strengthening private sector participation and encouraging cross-country private-public partnerships in improving connectivity between ASEAN nations and India. He said that economic growth is meeting expectations despite the global economic downturn.
Two-way trade between ASEAN and India in 2011-12 reached 80 billion U S Dollars. Mr. Krishana told the annual meeting attended by Foreign Ministers and top officials of the ASEAN countries he asserted that India believes that the early conclusion of the ASEAN-India Services and Investment Agreements would give a strong fillip to the economic engagement.
India and the ASEAN have already implemented a free trade agreement in goods and are engaged in intense negotiations to widen its base and include services and investments.
Addressing the ASEAN-India Ministerial meeting at Phnom Penh the capital of Combodia, External Affairs Minister S M Krishna highlighted the growing congruence समनुरूपता0 in India's ties with the bloc .
He emphasised the need for strengthening private sector participation and encouraging cross-country private-public partnerships in improving connectivity between ASEAN nations and India. He said that economic growth is meeting expectations despite the global economic downturn.
Two-way trade between ASEAN and India in 2011-12 reached 80 billion U S Dollars. Mr. Krishana told the annual meeting attended by Foreign Ministers and top officials of the ASEAN countries he asserted that India believes that the early conclusion of the ASEAN-India Services and Investment Agreements would give a strong fillip to the economic engagement.
India and the ASEAN have already implemented a free trade agreement in goods and are engaged in intense negotiations to widen its base and include services and investments.
Bilateral, regional and international issues are high on agenda between India and Mozambique during a three day visit of minister of state for Home Mullapally Ramachandran. Mr Ramachandran will leave on Friday to Mozambique. During the visit, Mr. Ramachandran is expected to sign an agreement on Security Cooperation between the two countries with his Mozambican counterpart Vice Minister of Interior Jose Mandra. The minister will also meet the Indian community in Maputo to share their concerns and take up the matter appropriately with the Mozambican authorities.
AIR correspondent reports, Indo-Mozambican relations have been traditionally warm and friendly. India was amongst the first countries to extend recognition to Mozambique after it achieved its independence in 1975 and amongst the first countries to open its diplomatic mission in the country. India and Mozambique have mutually beneficial cooperation in the field of industry, trade, mineral resources, cultural and political.
AIR correspondent reports, Indo-Mozambican relations have been traditionally warm and friendly. India was amongst the first countries to extend recognition to Mozambique after it achieved its independence in 1975 and amongst the first countries to open its diplomatic mission in the country. India and Mozambique have mutually beneficial cooperation in the field of industry, trade, mineral resources, cultural and political.
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New Delhi is committed to the safety and security of Mauritius. External Affairs Minister S M Krishna today said that India and Mauritius enjoy an active programme on cooperation various fields including capacity building, economic and social development, defence and security and trade and investment. In a joint statement with visiting Mauritius foreign Affairs Minister Dr Arvin Boolell, Mr Krishna expressed concern over piracy in the region and said that both sides have decided to enhance there cooperation to prevent it. Noting the regular exchange of high level visits between India and Island nation, Mr Krishna said the Prime Minister of Mauritius Dr Navinchandra Ramgoolam paid a State visit to India in February this year. During his visit India announced an economic package of 270 million dollars which included a line of credit of 250 million US dollars and grant of 20 million US dollars to Mauritius.
Both the leaders discussed various issues of International regional and bilateral interest.
New Delhi has asserted that bringing perpetrators of 26/11 Mumbai terror attack to justice will be the greatest confidence building measure between India and Pakistan. In a joint press interaction with Pakistan Foreign Secretary Mr. Jalil Abbas Jilani, after two days of discussions in three sessions, the Foreign Secretary Mr. Ranjan Mathai today said in New Delhi that there is a need of sincere efforts to build greater trust and understanding between the two neighbours. Mr. Mathai said that sufficient evidence of involvement of State actors in perpetrating terrorism in India has been provided to the visiting Pakistan Foreign Secretary and revelations made by Abu Jundal has added urgency to the issue. He said that the investigations in the matter is on and asserted that they will take the issue to a conclusion. He reiterated that fulfillment of commitment made in this regard will be essential for full normalisation of relationship between the two neighbours.
Quoting joint statments, Mr. Mathai both the countries have agreed to work towards eliminating the threat of terrorism from the region and work towards peaceful resolution of all issues including Jammu and Kashmir. Both the sides agreed that the relationship has to be normalised by narrowing divergences and building convergences. He said, both the countries have agreed to continue the resumed dialogue and increase people to people contact.
On his part, the Pakistan Foreign Secretary Mr. Jilani denied involvement of state actors in spreading terrorism in India. He said, Pakistan is even willing for a joint investigation into Mumbai attacks . He said that both India and Pakistan see terrorism as a common threat as both the countries suffering form the scourge of terrorism. Mr. Jilani, however, said that complaining against each other is not going to help solve the issue. He said that terrorism is a serious issue and sincere efforts are needed to resolve it. He said that we are moving towards a positive relationship. He, however, asked India to share information so that action could be initiated.
The Foreign Secretaries reviewed the ongoing implementation of the already adopted Nuclear and Conventional CBMs. It was decided that separate meetings of the Expert Level Groups on Nuclear and Conventional CBMs will be held to discuss implementation and strengthening of the existing CBMs and suggest additional mutually acceptable steps that could build greater trust and confidence between the two countries, thereby contributing to peace and security. The dates for the meetings of Expert Level Groups will be determined through diplomatic channels.
On trade issues, Mr. Mathai said that there is a forward movement on trade and economic cooperation and there is a win-win situation for both the countries. He said that a roadmap has been drawn and agreed upon.
In the joint statement issued after the talks, both the sides said the Foreign Secretaries will meet again in
Islamabad, on a date to be decided through diplomatic channels, to prepare for the meeting of the Foreign Ministers
in September.
The visiting Foreign secretary will also call on External Affairs Minister S.M. Krishna and National Security Advisor Shiv Shankar Menon.
Quoting joint statments, Mr. Mathai both the countries have agreed to work towards eliminating the threat of terrorism from the region and work towards peaceful resolution of all issues including Jammu and Kashmir. Both the sides agreed that the relationship has to be normalised by narrowing divergences and building convergences. He said, both the countries have agreed to continue the resumed dialogue and increase people to people contact.
On his part, the Pakistan Foreign Secretary Mr. Jilani denied involvement of state actors in spreading terrorism in India. He said, Pakistan is even willing for a joint investigation into Mumbai attacks . He said that both India and Pakistan see terrorism as a common threat as both the countries suffering form the scourge of terrorism. Mr. Jilani, however, said that complaining against each other is not going to help solve the issue. He said that terrorism is a serious issue and sincere efforts are needed to resolve it. He said that we are moving towards a positive relationship. He, however, asked India to share information so that action could be initiated.
The Foreign Secretaries reviewed the ongoing implementation of the already adopted Nuclear and Conventional CBMs. It was decided that separate meetings of the Expert Level Groups on Nuclear and Conventional CBMs will be held to discuss implementation and strengthening of the existing CBMs and suggest additional mutually acceptable steps that could build greater trust and confidence between the two countries, thereby contributing to peace and security. The dates for the meetings of Expert Level Groups will be determined through diplomatic channels.
On trade issues, Mr. Mathai said that there is a forward movement on trade and economic cooperation and there is a win-win situation for both the countries. He said that a roadmap has been drawn and agreed upon.
In the joint statement issued after the talks, both the sides said the Foreign Secretaries will meet again in
Islamabad, on a date to be decided through diplomatic channels, to prepare for the meeting of the Foreign Ministers
in September.
The visiting Foreign secretary will also call on External Affairs Minister S.M. Krishna and National Security Advisor Shiv Shankar Menon.
A report says, Chiefs of top mining companies
worldwide are bullish about demand from China and India, which is expected to boost global commodities market worldwide. Global consultancy PwC in its latest report on mining industry has also said that India would require huge increases in coal import to meet its growing power generation and for industrial needs.
It noted mining CEOs remain bullish about demand from emerging economies, led by China and India, which are anticipated to continue to drive demand for commodities. The report is based on an analysis of top 40 mining companies globally -- based on their respective market capitalisation. It includes future perspectives from CEOs of a number of the top 40 entities.
India and Russia are to step up their bilateral trade to 20 billion dollars by 2015. Announcing this at St. Petersburg today, the two countries will double their trade from nine billion dollars in five years. He was addressing a group of political and business leaders from Russia and India at the third India-Russia Business Dialogue.
According to an official release says Sharma emphasised on the need for diversifying trade basket by having more value added products. He said it will help to boost two-way trade as the current profile of trade is dominated by commodities with large imports of iron, steel, fertilisers and oil from Russia. He also stressed on boosting two-way investments.
India and China today agreed to step up their defence and security dialogue and work to take steps to ensure that the two countries achieve a 100 billion dollars trade target by 2015.
A decision to this effect was taken during Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh’s talks with his Chinese counterpart Wen Jibao on the sidelines of the Ri0+ 20 summit at Rio De Janeiro. Briefing reporters after the meeting, Foreign Secretary Ranjan Mathai said that during the discussion on trade and economic cooperation Prime Minister Manmohan Singh invited Chinese investment in infrastructure sector in India. He said India will commence rice exports to China soon
Mr. Mathai said Prime minister Manmohan singh raised the border issue during his talks. He said it was decided that the special representatives of the two countries who had been holding talks on the issue would submit a report on the developments so far by January next year.
The foreign secretary said that India would setup a inter ministerial group on its side while China would have an official team that would periodically exchange views on maritime issues relating to trade and security.
A decision to this effect was taken during Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh’s talks with his Chinese counterpart Wen Jibao on the sidelines of the Ri0+ 20 summit at Rio De Janeiro. Briefing reporters after the meeting, Foreign Secretary Ranjan Mathai said that during the discussion on trade and economic cooperation Prime Minister Manmohan Singh invited Chinese investment in infrastructure sector in India. He said India will commence rice exports to China soon
Mr. Mathai said Prime minister Manmohan singh raised the border issue during his talks. He said it was decided that the special representatives of the two countries who had been holding talks on the issue would submit a report on the developments so far by January next year.
The foreign secretary said that India would setup a inter ministerial group on its side while China would have an official team that would periodically exchange views on maritime issues relating to trade and security.
PM urged G20 Countries to work for reviving sustained global growth. In his statement prior to his departure on an 8 day visit to the two countries, Dr. Manmohan Singh voiced concern over the continuing problems the euro zone and said it will further dampen global market and adversely impact economic growth.
He asserted that there is a need to revive global growth and he will focus on the development dimension in the G-20 deliberations. He said there is need to focus on investment in infrastructure as a means of stimulating growth.
The Prime Minister said this is essential as a world economy is facing the heat in the backdrop of Euro zone crisis. Dr. Singh made it clear that European leaders will have to take resolute action to resolve this crisis. The Euro crisis is affecting the global economic growth as it accounts for a major share of global economy and is also India's major trade and investment partner.
On the coordination on BRICS countries the Prime Minister said that the leaders of grouping have agreed to work with international community to ensure healthy economic recovery.
On the Earth Summit in Rio, the Prime Minister said the cardinal principles of Rio 1992 must not be diluted, particularly the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities as well as equity. The UN Conference on Sustainable Development is an historic opportunity to give meaningful content to paradigm of sustainable development.
The Rio+20 Conference is likely to debate complex and contentious issues such as green economy and Sustainable Development Goals. During his visit, the Prime Minister is expected to hold
separate meetings with Russian President Vladimir Putin, German Chancellor Angela Merkel, French President Francois Hollande, British Prime Minister David Cameron, Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper, Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao, Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa, Nepalese Prime Minister Baburam Bhattarai and other leaders.
He asserted that there is a need to revive global growth and he will focus on the development dimension in the G-20 deliberations. He said there is need to focus on investment in infrastructure as a means of stimulating growth.
The Prime Minister said this is essential as a world economy is facing the heat in the backdrop of Euro zone crisis. Dr. Singh made it clear that European leaders will have to take resolute action to resolve this crisis. The Euro crisis is affecting the global economic growth as it accounts for a major share of global economy and is also India's major trade and investment partner.
On the coordination on BRICS countries the Prime Minister said that the leaders of grouping have agreed to work with international community to ensure healthy economic recovery.
On the Earth Summit in Rio, the Prime Minister said the cardinal principles of Rio 1992 must not be diluted, particularly the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities as well as equity. The UN Conference on Sustainable Development is an historic opportunity to give meaningful content to paradigm of sustainable development.
The Rio+20 Conference is likely to debate complex and contentious issues such as green economy and Sustainable Development Goals. During his visit, the Prime Minister is expected to hold
separate meetings with Russian President Vladimir Putin, German Chancellor Angela Merkel, French President Francois Hollande, British Prime Minister David Cameron, Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper, Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao, Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa, Nepalese Prime Minister Baburam Bhattarai and other leaders.
The White House has said US President Barack Obama and India’s Prime Minister Manmohan Singh had broad agreement on the steps that needed to be taken to spur the global economic growth.
Speaking at a news conference in Washington, Deputy National Security Advisor Ben Rhodes said Obama spoke to Dr. Singh a day earlier over phone ahead of the G-20 Summit.
They talked about the G-20 agenda. Both the leaders would be attending the next week's G-20 summit in Los Cabos in Mexico.
However, no bilateral meeting between the two has been scheduled.
He said the US had continued its strategic dialogue with India that ran across a range of different sectors.
Rhodes said the two countries wanted to see deeper strategic and Economic cooperation in dealing with the future security of South Asia and Afghanistan as the United States draws down there.
In reply to a question, he said Washington would like to see deeper economic cooperation, including increased US exports and commercial ties, with New Delhi.
And that's something that was discussed in recent days and the President is personally very supportive of those efforts, Rhodes added.
Los CAbos
External Affairs Minister S M Krishna held a meeting with Chinese Vice Premier Li Kaqiang in Beijing on Wednesday and discussed bilateral relations with him. After the 45 minute meeting, Li said, this was an important opportunity to enhance the bilateral relations. Reciprocating the sentiments, Krishna recalled the recent
visit of President Hu Jintao to New Delhi to take part in the BRICS summit and the positive momentum it had helped maintain in bilateral ties.
Mr. Krishna is scheduled to meet Chinese Foreign Minister, Yang Jeichi tomorrow. The External Affairs Minister is in Beijing to take part in the Shanghai Cooperation Organistion summit (SCO).
Earlier, Krishna met the two Indian traders, Shyam Sunder Agrawal and Deepak Raheja, who have been stranded in Yiwu after being caught in a business dispute. He assured Indian nationals in China of all help to fight their legal cases.
India and Japan are to hold their first bilateral naval exercise off Tokyo starting Saturday. Navy Officials said in New Delhi on Monday that four Indian warships including the INS Rana, INS Shakti and INS Shivalik are in Tokyo harbour to commemorate 60 years of establishment of diplomatic relations between two countries and while coming from there, they will hold basic bilateral exercises with Japanese self-defence force.
The two-day-exercise will be held after the Indian warships start exiting Tokyo after a four-day port call. Japan had in 2007 taken part in Malabar series of naval drills involving Indian and US warships in the Pacific Ocean.
The decision to hold the bilateral exercise was taken during the 6th India-Japan Strategic Dialogue held in April between External Affairs Minister S M Krishna and his Japanese counterpart Koichiro Gemba.
The two countries have also decided to enhance cooperation in anti-piracy operations off the coast of Somalia in the Gulf of Aden and launch a maritime dialogue mechanism. The warships of the two navies have started coordinated patrolling in the Gulf of Aden to be able to escort a larger number of cargo vessels passing through the troubled waters there.
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