Suu Kyi meets Park Geun-hye on trip to South Korea.

South Korea’s designated and incoming president Park Geun-hye and Myanmar’s opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi have held their first meeting.

Two met in Seoul on Tuesday, one day after the Nobel peace laureate arrived on a five-day visit, her first trip to South Korea.

At the meeting, Park praised Aung San Suu Kyi for her dedication and sacrifice in bringing democracy to her country.

Park expressed her sympathy for the difficulties Aung San Suu Kyi underwent. She said she understands the meaning of giving up personal happiness and living for the sake of the nation.

In response, Aung San Suu Kyi said she hopes the democratic progress in Myanmar will lead to peace and prosperity not only in her country but around the world.

Both Park and Aung San Suu Kyi have become leading political figures in Asia. Both of their fathers met with violent deaths. Aung San Suu Kyi’s father General Aung San was killed by assassins in 1947, while Park’s father was killed by his intelligence chief in 1979.

Park will be inaugurated as South Korea’s first female president on February 25th.

Aung San Suu Kyi was freed in 2010 after spending more than a decade under house arrest. She was elected to Myanmar’s parliament last year as head of the country’s largest opposition party, the National League for Democracy.

The 1991 Nobel Peace Prize laureate will be given a human rights award in the city of Gwangju on Thursday.
She won the award in 2004 but could not receive it as she was under house arrest.NHK inputs

Canon India intensifies marketing plans

Launches a first-of-its kind Out-of-Home initiative in India

New Delhi, January 29, 2013: Canon India Pvt. Ltd., India’s No. 1 complete digital imaging company, today unveiled a first-of-its kindOut-of-Home initiative in India. Proving its reputation as a technology innovator, Canon India went a step further by setting up unique Neon Signs at International Airports in New Delhi, Bengaluru and Mumbai.

This is the first such initiative by any Japanese company in India. Designed by advertising giant, Dentsu India, the concept lies in the growing popularity of Neon Signs in the country that surround consumers with unique and ubiquitous visual impact.

Expressing his views on the launch, Mr. Kazutada Kobayashi, President and CEO, Canon India, said, “Canon is a powerful brand, both in India and worldwide. Today, we have pioneered the ‘Out of Home Media’ initiative by launching the Canon Neon sign at specific locations in three major cities of India becoming the first Japanese Company to create such a major launch in India. This is part of our growth strategy for 2013 to create a powerful brand recall for our customers. This would be the first strategic step to create a positive image for the Brand as well as the Company. As part of our Vision and Mission, we want people to be proud of associating themselves with the Canon Brand; this initiative would pave the way for creating that association together with our state-of-the-art technology and quality service network.”

Expressing his views, Dr. Alok Bharadwaj, Executive Vice President, Canon India said, “As part of the company’s commitment to India and its growth, we, at Canon India, are delighted to launch the Neon signs at prominent international airports in India today. An example of innovation and digital expertise, the Neon signs will help Canon stand out as a company which drives innovation in every aspect of its business – be it product or marketing. Initiatives like these also help improve the brand awareness and are an assurance of the long term commitments.”

In 2012, the company rolled out a new marketing campaign by roping in young Bollywood actress, Anushka Sharma, as the brand ambassador for Canon’s cameras. After it’s highly successful and innovative ‘What Makes Us Click’ campaign, Canon is determined to extend its marketing initiatives to reach out to a niche target audience and retain the exuberance, energy and appearance of the brand. In the past decade, Canon has undertaken several pioneering advertising and marketing campaigns with renowned brand ambassadors from the field of sports and Bollywood.

Canon Hong Kong was also recognized for delivering the first revolving neon sign in Asia and LED lighting wall as part of the Symphony of Light Show in Hong Kong.

About Canon Inc.

Canon Inc. (NYSE: CAJ), headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, is a leader in the fields of professional and consumer imaging equipment and information systems. Canon’s extensive range of products includes copying machines, inkjet and laser printers, cameras, video equipment, medical equipment and semiconductor-manufacturing equipment. Originally established in 1937 as Precision Optical Industry, Co., Ltd., a camera manufacturer, Canon has successfully diversified and globalized to become a worldwide industry leader in professional and consumer imaging systems and solutions. With over 200,000 employees worldwide, Canon has manufacturing and marketing subsidiaries in Japan, the Americas, Europe, Asia and Oceania; and a global R&D network with companies based in the United States, Europe, Asia and Australia. Canon’s consolidated net sales for fiscal 2011 (ended December 31, 2011) totalled $45.6 billion (at an exchange rate of 78=US$1). Visit the Canon Inc. website at: www.canon.com

About Canon India

Canon India targets a growth of Rs. 1850 crore in 2012 which is 21% growth over last year. Canon focuses on multiple market segments of consumer, SME, B2B, Government & Commercial. Canon’s product portfolio extends over a vast variety such as copier MFDs, fax-machines, printers, scanners, All-in-ones, digital cameras, DSLR, Cinematic imaging products,  camcorders, cable ID printers and card printers.

Canon India Pvt. Ltd. is a 100% subsidiary of Canon Singapore Pvt. Ltd., a world leader in imaging technologies. Set up in 1997, Canon India markets over 140 comprehensive range of sophisticated contemporary digital imaging. The company today has offices in 10 cities, warehouses in 13 cities across India and employs over 1100 people. Canon has approximately 400 primary channel partners, 14 National Retail Chain partners, and over 6000 secondary retail points. Canon has over 93 own retail stores called the Canon Image Square across 48 cities in the country.  Canon’s service reach extends to over 2800 towns with over 200 service engineers, 7 Canon owned service centers and 37 Canon Care Centers.

For Further information, please contact:                                             

Vani Khurana/ Divya Sibal / Divij Krishna

Corporate Voice | Weber Shandwick

+91-9810947602/ +91-9818259257 / +91-9654776017

Delhi Darts buoyed by Rahil Gangjee, Edfors and Scott Barr

New Delhi, January 28: Delhi Darts will be buoyed by the resurgence of Rahil Gangjee, who will lead their challenge in the Pearls Golf Premier League, which tees off at the Aamby Valley Golf Course from February 8. The three-day event will be preceded by a star-studded Pro-Am.

Gangjee, who returned from Hua Hin, Thailand, where he regained his Asian Tour card at the Asian Tour Qualifying School, is excited about the new concept of a Golf Premier League.

“It is totally new in golf and to have such an event on the lines of the successful IPL in cricket is great. I am looking forward to the event, where our team Delhi Darts will include the flamboyant and long-hitting Johan Edfors, Scott Barr of Australia and the hugely talented Ajeetesh Sandhu, who won his maiden pro title late last year,” said Gangjee.

He added, “We have Ajai Gupta as our coach and that should help even more. He is also my coach, so I expect to benefit a lot from there.

Gangjee, opens his season at the Gujarat Kensville Challenge, following which he will proceed to Aamby valley for the path-breaking event.

Gangjee spent the last two years playing in the United States on the Web,com Tour, where he missed keeping his card this year. He said “I am hoping events like Pearls GPL and then a spate of Asian Tour events in India will help me find my rhythm again and get back to higher Tours. I was runner-up at Kensville last year and am looking at improving on that this time.”

The eight-team Pearls GPL will 32 leading players representing various teams for a prize pool of $ 400,000. The players were picked at the auction held in Mumbai earlier this month.

The field will include five Major winners, who between them have six Majors. The Major champions who will assemble at Aamby Valley will include Angel Cabrera, the 2007 US Open winner and 2009 Masters Champion, Darren Clarke, the 2011 British Open winner, Rich Beem, the 2002 PGA winner, Shaun Micheel, the 2003 PGA winner and Michael Campbell, the 2005 US Open winner.

The eight teams and the players are as follows:

Shubhkamna Eagles: Anirban Lahiri, Daniel Chopra (Sweden), Michael Campbell (New Zealand), Shamim Khan

Delhi Darts:  Rahil Gangjee, Scott Barr (Australia), Johan Edfors (Sweden), Ajeetesh Sandhu,

Maharashtra 59’ers:  Shiv Kapur, Scott Hend (Australia), Angel Cabrera (Argentina), Ashok Kumar

Punjab Lancers: Gaganjeet Bhullar, Thaworn Wiratchant (Thailand), Shaun Micheel (US), Rashid Khan

Gujarat Underdawgs: Digvijay Singh, Jarmo Sandelin (Sweden), David Howell (England), Gaurav Ghei

Uttarakhand Lions: Shankar Das, Chapchai Nirat (Thailand), Darren Clarke (N Ireland), Mukesh Kumar

Colombo 6’s: Chiragh Kumar, Jason Knutzon (Australia), Simon Dyson (England), Mithun Perera (Sri Lanka)

Tamilnadu Pullees:

Himmat Rai, Siddikur (Bangladesh), Rich Beem (US), Harendra Gupta

Combined Defence Services Examination (I) – 2013

Union Public Service Commission will be conducting the Combined Defence Services Examination (I) – 2013  on17/2/2013 (Sunday) at 41 Centres all over India as per notification dated 10th November, 2012.  E-Admission Certificates are available on the Union Public Service Commission web-site http://www.upsc.gov.in   Candidates are advised to download and check their e-Admission Certificates carefully and bring discrepancy, if any,  to the notice of the Commission immediately.  Rejection Letters citing the ground(s) for rejection have been issued through e-mails or speed post and also put on Commission’s web-sitehttp://www.upsc.gov.in   In case any difficulty faced by the candidates in downloading e-Admission Certificates, they may contact the UPSC Facilitation Counter on Telephone Nos. 011-23385271, 011-23381125 & 011-23098543 on any working days between 10.00 AM to 5.00 PM.  The candidates can also send FAX message on FAX No. 011-23387310.   No Admission Certificate will be sent by post.  In case the photograph is not printed clear on the e-Admission Certificates,  candidates are advised to carry three (3) photographs (one identical photograph for each session)alongwith proof of Identity such as Identity Card or Voter Identity Card or Passport or Driving License and printout of e-Admission Certificate at the venue of the Examination.                                      MOBILE PHONES BANNED (a)    Mobile Phones, Pagers or any other communication devices are not allowed inside the premises, where UPSC Examination is being conducted.  Any infringement of these instructions shall entail disciplinary action including ban from future examination. (b)   Candidates are advised in their own interest not to bring any of the banned items including mobile phones/pagers to the venue of the examination, as arrangements for safekeeping can not be assured.

REJECT ENVIRONMENT CLEARANCE FOR LUHRI HEP: 

Over 50 groups wrtie to MoEF

Over 50 groups individual and groups from all over have written to the Union Minister of state of Environment and Forests Smt Jayanthi Natarajan, Secertary MoEF and members of the Expert Appraisal Committee on River Valley Projects, urging them to reject the Environment Clearance for the 775 MW Luhri hydropower project on Sutlej river in Himachal Pradesh. The letter has been endorsed by over 50 individuals and groups from 15 states all over India, including prominent organisations like the Kalpavriksh, Narmada Bachao Andolan, Kerala Sasthra Sahitya Parishad, Bharat Jan Andolan, National Alliance of People's Movements, All India Forum of Forest People, People's Science Institute, Save Rivers Campaign of Uttarakhand, Matu Jan Sangathan, River Research Centre, River Basin Organisation, People's Union of Democratic Rights, Socialist Party, Bharat Jan Vigyan Jatha, Nature Conservation Foundation and ATREE. The letter has been endorsed by two of the former secretaries of Govt of India, a former ambassador, well known columnist, environmentalists, among others. 

The Luhri project will have the world's longest tunnel (38.14 km), bypassing last 50 km stretch of flowing Sutlej river, in addition to submerging 6.8 km of the river in the reservoir. This is the last stretch of the mighty Sutlej river that is still flowing, in an otherwise over developed river basin. Forgetting its own norms the Expert Appraisal Committee on RVP did not even note that there is zero distance of flowing river between upstream Rampur and Luhri upstream of the project. Similarly there is zero distance of flowing river between downstream Kol dam and Lurhi project, downstream of the project. This is against the recommendation of at least 5 km of flowing river between any two projects by the Himachal High Court appointed committee headed by former additional Chief Secretary of Himachal Pradesh Avay Shukla. Even the EAC has been following the norm of 1 km between two projects, which is highly inadequate, but the EAC has not followed it in this case, the letter says. 

The letter notes that the overdeveloped Sutlej river basin does not have any credible cumulative impact assessment including carrying capacity of the basin from various aspects. Without such an assessment, it is not even possible to know if the large number of projects in the basin are viable or sustainable, as even directed by the Supreme Court in its 2006 order. The project has seen violations of several norms from the stage when it applied for the Terms of Reference in 2007 to when the Expert Appraisal Committee recommended clearance to the project in Nov 2012, the letter highlights. 

Another letter, endorsed by the same groups, on similar lines have been sent to the EAC, asking it to reconsider its decision on the project. The Environment Impact Assessment of the project has been so shoddy that even the EAC noted it is meeting that the EIA is inadequate and the EIA consultant has submitted poor quality material. The letter notes that in spite of this and even as the public hearings of the report had seen numerous violations and the government officials have been manipulating processes to bring pressure on the gram sabhas to give their consent for the project, the EAC recommended clearance to the project without resolving the issues raised by the EAC. This is completely against people, environment and legal norms and the EAC should immediately review the decision and reject the environment clearance to the project. 

The letter and the annexures send to the MoEF and EAC are attached. 

Himanshu Thakkar 

For SANDRP

Naresh --

The President did something big last week.

He proposed a set of major reforms to help protect our children and our communities by curbing gun violence, and he's already announced 23 executive actions that will go a long way in helping keep our kids safe.

This is an important start -- but I have no illusions about what needs to be done and how difficult it will be.

Every step we intend to take will preserve the tradition of responsible gun ownership in our country and uphold the Second Amendment. And while we'll never end gun violence entirely, if we can save the life of even one child, then we have a responsibility to act.

This action includes not only what we can do, but what Congress can do. To make a real and lasting difference, they must act soon. 

The President has called on Congress to act on four specific legislative measures: closing background check loopholes, banning military-style assault weapons and limiting high-capacity ammunition magazines, making our schools safer, and increasing access to mental health services.

Read more about the President's plan to reduce gun violence, and make sure you forward this to friends and family.

The President asked me to work with law enforcement, teachers, parents, sportsmen, Democrats, Republicans, faith leaders, mental health experts, and other organizations and individuals to come up with a set of concrete policy proposals. The plan he put forth is the product of those conversations and recommendations.

Right now, President Obama is counting on you.

Each one of us needs to speak up and demand action. It doesn't matter whether you live in a big city or a small town like Newtown, Connecticut. When our fellow Americans are victims of senseless violence, we all pull together as one American family.

Let's get this done, folks.

Whether the action we take saves one life or 1,000, it matters.

Thank you,

Joe

INTER-FAITH PRAYER MEETING FOR NIRBHAYA'S ONE MONTH DEATH ANNIVERSARY

TUESDAY, JANUARY 29, 2013

11:00 a.m.

New Delhi YMCA,

Heinz Auditorium, Tourist Hostel,

 Gate No. 1, Jai Singh Road, New Delhi-110001.

Nirbhaya is gone and leaves behind a shamed and a mourning nation. In her death Nirbhaya has become the symbol of how we have, as a nation and people let her down and the status of woman-considered to be symbol of SHAKTI. While expectedly there have been debates, discussions and protests on this, including the tendency of the ruling class to blame this on 'social evils', but we must make sure that Nirbhaya's life, her struggles and indeed her painful death isn't in vain.

We at New Delhi YMCA are organizing an Inter-Faith Prayer Meeting on Tuesday, January 29, 2013 at 11:00 a.m in memory of the Braveheart Nirbhaya at the Heinz Auditorium, Tourist Hostel Building,  Gate No.1, Jai Singh Road, New Delhi YMCA. A panel of following eminent speakers and guests from different religions and faiths will be part of the prayer meeting.

• Swami Agnivesh                  Bandhua Mukti Morcha
• Dadi E Mistry                         Parsi Priest
• Dr. Mufti Mohd. Mukram       Shahi Imam, Fateh Puri Masjid
• Rev. Susanna James          Asst. Pastor, St. James Church, Delhi
• Bhante B P Thiru                  Jyoti Buddhist
• Mr. Pushpender Singh        Sikh Member, Delhi Minorities Commission

On the occasion Mrs. Kiran Walia, Education Minister, will be Guest-of-Honor and Bishop Subodh Mondal,Bishop MCI, Delhi & Agra Episcopal Region will be the Chief Guest. There will be presence of other prominent personalities from other sects and faiths.

You are invited to be part of the prayer meeting in remembrance of Nirbhaya- the brave heart.

RITU PRASHAR

PRO

9312699953.

DIE GALERIE participates for the 3^rd time in INDIA ART FAIR

 

 

Following an exciting beginning of the new year 2013 that included the opening of the exhibition Igor Mitoraj – Sculptures at the Federal Foreign Office in Berlin, Germany, DIE GALERIE is pleased to announce its soon participation for the 3^rd time in the INDIA ART FAIR, the major art fair in New Delhi.

 

INDIA ART FAIR 2013 runs from January 31 (Press and VIP Preview) – February 3, 2013, at NSIC Exhibition Grounds, which is located in Okhla Industrial Estate, New Delhi. It will be a great honor for gallery owner Peter Femfert and his staff to welcome you personally at INDIA ART FAIR at DIE GALERIE’s 96 sqm booth in the center of the first main hall, No. B5.

 

Surely, DIE GALERIE’s ambitious presentation of European Modern Art will immediately attract the visitor’s attention: The Indian art public can look forward to discovering a selection of fine art with rare original works by the most famous representatives of the 20^th century: Marc Chagall, Pablo Picasso, André Masson and Salvador Dalí.

This presentation will be highlighting, for example, Picasso's small outstanding ink drawing Le Peintre et son Modèle, created in 1970.

 

Furthermore, DIE GALERIE is sparing no efforts and is shipping examples of beautiful bronzes by Igor Mitoraj to New Delhi. His art work is a poetic journey to the long-departed, ancient world of classical art. His sculptures are characterized by a perfectly proportioned physiognomy and are therefore reminiscent of the idealism of classicism. It is not surprising at all that Igor Mitoraj's sculptures, which are greatly admired in important exhibitions around the world, enjoy immense international demand and have found their way into numerous private and public collections.

 

In the field of Contemporary Art, DIE GALERIE will also be highlighting an internationally famous American artist: Sam Francis. Alongside his "debut" at the booth of DIE GALERIE, we will be showing paintings from internationally recognized positions in German Art, including pieces by the renowned artists Volker Stelzmann, Dietrich Klinge, Klaus Zylla and the upcoming Berlin artist Torsten Holtz. New surrealistic landscape paintings by the Spanish artist José Enguídanos as well as a selection of works by the Italian painter Claudio Massini, whose esthetical art has already aroused much fascination at India Art Fair 2012, will complete DIE GALERIE’s presentation.

 

Be welcome at DIE GALERIE at booth B5 !

 

For any inquiries or printable images please do contact gallery manager Ms. Maren Kirchhoff during the fair by mail to maren.kirchhoff@gmx.de or by phone  under +49 172 28 39 910.

 

 

Contact Details:

 

DIE GALERIE

c/o INDIA ART FAIR 2013, Booth No. B5

NSIC Exhibition Grounds

Okhla, Industrial Estate, New Delhi, India

Press Release                                                                          For immediate release

Come Together at the Goa Carnaval, Food & Cultural Festival 2013
Five-day extravaganza will kick-start on February 8, 2013

New Delhi, January 26: The Goa Carnaval, Food & Cultural Festival 2013, a grand celebration of its rich culture and heritage, will take place from 8th to 12th of February, 2013.

Designed to get people to ‘Come together’ for several days of music, dancing and other activities, this public party and float parade is expected to draw tourists from the country and all over the world.

In recognition of Goa’s diverse population including its vast tourist populace, the event promotes a message of tolerance, friendship and inclusiveness. The Opening Ceremony will kick off at D.B. Marg, Panaji on the 9th of February, 2013.

Goa Tourism has left no stone unturned to take the 2013 Carnaval experience to a heightened level of excitement and entertainment. The festival, as usual, will feature float parades in four cities i.e. Panaji, Margao, Vasco and Mapusa.

However, for the very first time, the Carnaval experience will include the Food & Cultural Festival which is envisaged over a period of 5 days, from the 8th to the 12th of February 2013 at the NIWS Grounds, Caranzalem, Panaji. It will offer visitors the opportunity to experience cuisine and culture in a positive way, through a unique blend of food, fun, local and national live music performances, fashion shows, and entertainment.

Visitors can expect live music from national level performers like Anushka  Manchanda, Parikrama, Remo and Indian Ocean spread across five days, as well as more than 70 stalls providing food, beverages and lifestyle products. The festival will also feature a line-up of famous local bands. A fashion show by ace designer Wendell Rodricks is touted to be one of the main highlights.

An element of competition has also been introduced with entries being invited for the King Momo Contest and the cooking competition. The cooking competition will take place at the NIWS Grounds during the Food & Cultural Festival.

To make the celebration more inclusive, the Carnaval experience will also comprise live musical performances featuring local bands at Colva and Mapusa from the 9th  to the 12th of February, 2013.

The event management agency entrusted with the responsibilities for conducting the 5-day fiesta of fun, food and frolic is M/s Vinsan Graphics, an agency based in Goa with branches in Mumbai and Delhi.

Commenting on the Goa Carnaval, Food & Cultural Festival, a spokesperson from Goa Tourism said, "We strongly urge people to join the festivities and come out in large numbers to participate. We are reviving the yesteryears fervor of the Carnaval  with larger-than-life d飯r, mask installations and a Food & Cultural Festival – the biggest of its kind in Goa.”

For more details, contact:

Neelesh Jayant / Ramakrishna Prayag

Arab Springs at World economic Forum in Davos

Posted on January 25, 2013 by sagarmedia

 

 

At the World Economic Forum in Davos on Friday with Jordan’s King Abdullah II set to address global political and business leaders. The premiers of Egypt, Lebanon, Libya, Tunisia and the Palestinian Territories will discuss transformations in Arab countries, while US Senator John McCain is taking part in a panel on the future of conflict-torn Syria.

Abdullah’s speech comes after preliminary election results Thursday showed pro-regime loyalists and independent businessmen set to sweep a parliamentary vote in Jordan. The poll was touted as a focal point of pro-democracy moves by the king, but was shunned by Islamists who want wholesale reforms.

On Thursday, UN leader Ban Ki-moon used his trip to Davos to make a fresh appeal to members of the Security Council to overcome their divisions and find a solution to the civil war in Syria. Ban said it would be an “abdication” of the world body’s responsibilities if it fails to unify over the crisis that has claimed more than 60,000 lives. “It will be essential for the Security Council to overcome the deadlock, and find the unity that will make meaningful action possible,” Ban told the annual gathering of the global elite in a Swiss ski resort.

“The alternative — letting the sides fight it out, resigning ourselves to Syria’s destruction with all its regional implications — is too costly and unacceptable,” he added. “That would be an abdication of our collective responsibility to protect. The world, and above all the Security Council, must uphold its responsibilities.”

Egyptian Prime Minister Hisham Qandil also spoke Thursday of the need for his country to focus on its economy now that the political transition is moving forward two years after the fall of Hosni Mubarak. “Two years ago the Egyptian people stood against the tyrant of Egypt, and in only 18 days they put down Mubarak and his regime and started a new era,” he told journalists. He said that following the election of a civilian president, the Islamist Mohamed Morsi, and a constitutional referendum Egypt would have parliamentary elections in two or three months. “After that we have completed or ended the transition with all the democratic institutions in place. On the other hand, we have to big time work on the economy,” he said.

Europe has been at the heart of discussions in Davos this week, with British Prime Minister David Cameron on Thursday insisting he was not turning his back on Europe after unveiling plans for a referendum on whether to continue Britain’s membership in the EU.

European Central Bank chief Mario Draghi will address the forum Friday on “The Future of the Euro”, while economists and business leaders will discuss ways to revive the global

ADR REPORT FOCUSES ON ELECTED REPRESENTATIVES

January 24, 2013

ADR has analyzed the self declared affidavits, submitted to the Election Commission of India at the time of contesting election, of 4835 sitting MPs and MLAs across the country. Out of these 4835, 1448 members or 31 % have declared criminal cases against them. Out of these 1448 members who have declared criminal cases, 641 have declared serious criminal cases like rape, murder, attempt to murder, kidnapping, robbery, extortion etc. 

This report focuses on elected representatives who have declared in their self-sworn affidavit corruption cases under Prevention of Corruption Act.

 Executive Summary

 ·         A total of 98 candidates with corruption cases under Prevention of Corruption Act have been given tickets by various political parties during elections in last 5 years (including Lok Sabha 2009 and all the state assembly elections since 2008).

 ·         Of the major political parties who have given tickets (in Lok Sabha and State Assembly elections in last 5 years) to candidates facing cases under Prevention of Corruption Act, INC has given tickets to 24 such candidates, BSP to 9 such candidates, AIADMK to 7 such candidates, SAD to 6 such candidates, DMK to 5 such candidates, BJP to 5 such candidates, INLD to 4 such candidates and RJD also to 4 such candidates.

 ·         Out of these 98 candidates, 36 candidates won the elections. These include 4 sitting MPs in Lok Sabha 2009, 3 sitting MPs in the current Rajya Sabha and 29 MLAs in various state assemblies.

 

Lok Sabha 2009 and Rajya Sabha

 ·         In Lok Sabha 2009 elections, a total of 15 candidates with cases under Prevention of Corruption cases were given tickets by various political parties.

 ·         Of these 15 candidates, INC gave tickets to 4 candidates with cases under Prevention of corruption Act. BSP and BJP each gave to 2 such candidates and AIADMK, SAD, DMK, RJD,  INLD, JDU, SP each gave ticket to 1 such candidate

 ·         Of these 15 candidates who have declared cases under Prevention of Corruption Act , 4 MPs won.  These are: Jagdis Sharma of JDU from Jahanabad constituency, Rajaiah Siricilla of INC from Warangal constituency, Dr. Rattan Sign Ajnala of SAD from Khadoor Sahib constituency and Lalu Prasad Yadav of RJD from Saran constituency.

 ·         Also, in the current Rajya Sabha, 3 MPs have declared Prevention of Corruption cases against them. These are T. M. Selvaganapathi of DMK, Faggan Singh Kulaste of BJP and Rashid Masood of INC.

Current State Assemblies

 ·         80 candidates with cases under Prevention of Corruption Act have been given tickets by various political parties in elections to various state assemblies that have been held in last 5 years.

·         Out of these 80, 29 won and are currently MLAs

·        Of these 29 MLAs who declared criminal cases on them, state-wise distribution is as follows:  7 MLAs are from Tamil Nadu and 3 each from Haryana, Jharkhand and Punjab. Current Himachal Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh and Orissa assemblies have 2 MLAs each who have cases under Prevention of Corruption Act.

·         Of these 29 MLAs who declared criminal cases on them, party-wise distribution is as follows: 8MLAs won on INC ticket, 6 on AIADMK ticket, 3 on INLD ticket and 2 on SAD ticket. BJP, BJD, DMK, JMM, NCP each have 1 such MLA who has declared cases under Prevention of Corruption Act.

ADR Recommendations

 ·         All the political parties should stop giving tickets to candidates facing criminal cases under Prevention of Corruption Act.

·  Fast tracking of the cases should be done against all the sitting MPs and MLAs who are facing criminal charges under Prevention of Corruption Act.

Regards

Media and Journalist Helpline +91 80103 94248 adr@adrindia.org

Mr. Anil Bairwal National Coordinator National Election Watch & Association for Democratic Reforms 011 4081 7601, +91 9999310100 adr@adrIndia.org anil@adrIndia.org

Prof. Jagdeep Chhokar IIM Ahmedabad (Retd) Founder Member, National Election Watch & Association for Democratic Reforms +919999620944 jchhokar@gmail.com

Prof. Trilochan Sastry IIM Bangalore Founder Member, National Election Watch & Association for Democratic Reforms +919448353285, trilochans@IIMB.ERNET.IN

 

– 

Association for Democratic Reforms

“Kiwanis Centre”, 4th Floor,

B-35, Qutub Institutional Area

(Near Rockland Hospital)

Advances in Digital Publishing Technologies Help Brands Tap into Mobile Consumers

Shopping and Catalog Apps Provide More Tailored Experiences than Mobile Browsers

INDIA — Jan. 23, 2013 —  Increased consumer interest in using shopping applications means retailers must adapt to meet the rising expectations for specialized mobile shopping experiences, according to research released today by Adobe Systems Incorporated. The U.S. study, 2013 Digital Publishing Report: Retail Apps & Buying Habits reveals insights on perceptions and attitudes toward mobile shopping using retail apps and browsers, providing new direction for retailers to develop their digital publishing strategies. The research is based on an online survey with a nationally representative sample of 1,003 consumers who own a smartphone and/or tablet.

The survey results indicate that tablet users (55%) are almost twice as likely as smartphone users (28%) to use their device to purchase products and services. Across both mobile platforms, the use of retail apps and catalogs is increasing – more than half of all mobile shoppers are likely to make a purchase using a shopping app in the next year (56% of smartphone shoppers and 60% of tablet shoppers).

The findings also reveal that retail and catalog apps are rapidly catching up to mobile browsers as a viable shopping channel: nearly half of all mobile shoppers are interested in using apps instead of a mobile browser (45% of tablet shoppers and 49% of smartphone shoppers). Smartphone shoppers cite the slow speed of browsers and the ease of navigation on apps as reasons for their interest in using apps and digital catalogs. Of people who don’t currently shop on mobile devices, one in four intends to use mobile apps to shop in 2013.

“Our research shows retail apps and catalogs serve different purposes on tablets and smartphones, providing value to the consumer depending on the device they’re using,” said Terry Fortescue, director of product marketing, Digital Publishing at Adobe. “Using Adobe Digital Publishing Suite, leading companies like Sotheby’sand ASOS are producing tablet and smartphone catalog apps to engage customers with their brands and bring their content to life as shoppers become increasingly mobile.”

Retail Apps & Catalogs Increase Brand Affinity

Retail apps and catalogs provide a platform for retailers to develop deeper connections with their customers. Survey results show 67% of tablet and smartphone shoppers only use apps for their favorite stores. Additionally, 38% of tablet shoppers and 42% of smartphone shoppers responded that app interactions strengthened their connection to the brand, providing a chance for retailers to foster more meaningful relationships with their most valued, repeat customers.

Friends and Social Media Influence Mobile Shopping

When asked what influences their mobile purchasing decisions the most, a significant majority of respondents (88% of tablet shoppers and 87% of smartphone shoppers) named their friends as the primary influence, followed by emails from the retailer, online ads and videos and Facebook. Similarly, respondents share opinions of new apps with their friends in-person (53%), via Facebook (21%) and in email (19%). The data shows that a recommendation from a trusted friend is most valued, which creates the need for social sharing features in retail apps and catalogs – such as sharing products, reviews and news – to be effective in driving purchases and app downloads.

Shoppers Value Function and Overall App Experience

While money-saving offers are the most highly valued app characteristic for all mobile shoppers (52% of tablet shoppers and 67% of smartphone shoppers), tablet shoppers also want interactive images and slideshows (49%) that help them better understand product offerings in a virtual environment. Conversely, smartphone shoppers want the ability to locate physical stores through an app (60%), as well as take advantage of geo-based offers. This demonstrates the distinct roles retail apps and catalogs play for different devices, such as the desire to obtain comprehensive product information on tablets and the considerable potential for smartphone apps to drive in-store purchases.

About 2013 Digital Publishing Report: Retail Apps & Buying Habits
The data points referenced above come from a study commissioned by Adobe, produced by research firm Edelman Berland and conducted as an online survey among a nationally representative sample of 1,003 American adults, 18- 54 years old who currently own a smartphone and/or tablet. Interviewing took place from Nov. 28 to Dec. 3, 2012. The margin of error is +/-3.1%.

For more information on the research results visit 2013 Digital Publishing Report: Retail Apps & Buying Habits and 2013 Digital Publishing Report: Retail Apps & Buying Habits Infographic.

About Adobe Digital Publishing Suite

Digital Publishing Suite is a set of turnkey hosted services and viewer technology that tightly integrates with Adobe Creative Suite® 6 products and Adobe Creative Cloud™. Using Digital Publishing Suite in combination with Adobe InDesign® CS6 allows traditional media publishers, corporate organizations, retail catalogers and ad agencies as well as individual freelance designers and small design firms to publish, distribute, monetize and optimize a new class of innovative digital magazines, newspapers, catalogs, ads and corporate publications as apps on leading tablet devices. The Digital Publishing Suite is available in Enterprise, Professional and Single Edition offerings. 

For more detailed information about product features, pricing and language versions, please visit www.adobe.com/digitalpublishing. Additional information about Digital Publishing Suite is on the Digital Publishing Blog. Connect with the team on Facebook at www.facebook.com/adobedigitalpub and on Twitter atwww.twitter.com/adobedigitalpub.

About Adobe Systems Incorporated

Adobe is changing the world through digital experiences. For more information, visit www.adobe.com.

Bhawana Suri   | 

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