EU rebuffs Netanyahu’s call
EU’s foreign policy head Federica Mogherini said she told Netanyahu that the bloc supports a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
She said the EU will continue to respect the international consensus on Jerusalem until the city’s final status is determined through direct negotiations between the parties concerned.
She said the EU will continue to respect the international consensus on Jerusalem until the city’s final status is determined through direct negotiations between the parties concerned.
The EU plans to invite Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas to Brussels in January to convey its stance on the issue.
Europe to follow the US in recognizing Jerusalem as his country’s capital. But the EU’s foreign policy chief has rejected the idea.Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu spoke to reporters ahead of a meeting with EU foreign ministers in Brussels on Monday.
He said US President Donald Trump’s decision does not obviate peace but makes it possible.
French President Emmanuel Macron met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Paris on Sunday. Macron expressed disapproval of the US decision.
He urged Netanyahu to make some courageous gestures toward the Palestinians, suggesting that Israel freeze construction of new settlements in East Jerusalem and other occupied lands.
But Netanyahu made no mention of the settlements during the news conference.
He said the sooner the Palestinians come to grips with reality, the sooner they will move toward peace.
Abbas, Sisi agree to revive East Jerusalem capital of Palestine
Abbas and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi have agreed on the need to take concrete action to defend the rights of Palestinians.The agreement was made during a meeting between the two leaders in Cairo on Monday.
Sisi is said to have reiterated his support for Palestinians claiming East Jerusalem as the capital of its future state.
Two leaders also agreed to continue high-level coordination to maintain the rights of Palestinians.
Climate change summit in Paris
World leaders gathered in Paris to discuss climate change on Tuesday, exactly 2 years after the Paris Agreement was adopted.
Attention is focused on whether they will be able to issue a clear message to secure funds from the public and private sectors to combat global warming.
The meeting was called by French President Emmanuel Macron. Leaders and cabinet ministers from nearly 100 countries as well as top United Nations officials were invited.
The gathering is part of efforts to ensure the implementation of the Paris Agreement, which established an international framework to deal with global warming beyond 2020.
French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian, Japanese Foreign Minister Taro Kono and others took part in a morning session. Topics of discussion included how to secure 100 billion dollars per year for climate action in developing countries.
US President Donald Trump has announced his country’s withdrawal from the Paris Agreement. He has also said his country would stop contributing to a fund for developing nations.
Operation in Afghanistan’s north on ISIS
Afghanistan’s military plans to launch a major operation to stop Islamic State (IS, formerly ISIS) making inroads into the country’s northern provinces, officials said on Tuesday. The operation will target the provinces of Sari Pul, Faryab and Jowzjan, Defense Ministry spokesman Dawlat Waziri said. “We know there are foreign fighters among them, but we will eliminate all of them, regardless of their nationality,” he promised. French and Algerian fighters, some arriving from Syria, have joined new IS bases in northern Afghanistan
Heavy snow Belgian flights cancelled
300 flights were cancelled at Belgian airports due to heavy snow on Tuesday, according to media reports. The cancellations affected more than 5,000 passengers. On Monday, high winds and heavy snow in Europe stranded thousands of travelers and kept schoolchildren at home, AFP said. It was the second consecutive day of fierce weather across the continent, with Britain still digging out from its deepest snowfall in four years. Flights were also cancelled in the Netherlands and UK.
6.2-magnitude earthquake hits Kerman, Iran
6.2-magnitude earthquake hits Kerman province in SE Iran
An earthquake of measuring 6.2 on the Richter scale hit Kerman province in southeast Iran on Tuesday, Reuters said, citing state media reports. No damage was immediately reported from the quake, which occurred near the town of Hejdak, according to state TV.
Services Conclave “Serve India and the World”
Tuesday, 19th December, 2017: Hotel Leela Palace, New Delhi
Dear Mr/ Mrs,
It gives me immense pleasure to inform you that Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) with the support of the Ministry Commerce and Industry and Services Export Promotion Council (SEPC) is organising the Services Conclave: Serve India and the World on 19th December in Delhi.
The Services Sector is emerging across the world as an enabler of economic growth and inclusion. The sector contributes almost one third of the gross value added, half of the world employment, one fifth of global trade and more than half of the world FDI flows.
In India, the contribution of the Services Sector has grown to more than half of the country’s output today, from 30 per cent of GDP in 1950, contributing 62 per cent of the gross value addition with the growth of 7.7 per cent in 2016-17. This fast emergence has thrown open huge opportunities and challenges for the sector.
Hon’ble Minister of Commerce & Industry, Shri Suresh Prabhu has agreed to deliver the Inaugural Address at the conclave on the 19th of December.
The Conclave will be attended by Policy Makers, Industry Captains, Academicians and other Stakeholders. The conclave will also address on“How IT and ICT is catalyzing growth through Digital Platforms and Sports as an emerging subsector which will drive growth, development and inclusion”.
The main components of the programme are:
· Conference
· Knowledge Report on Road map on Building Services Competitiveness
· White Paper on India: Leapfrogging with Disruptive Tech for 1.3 billion
· Global Exhibition on Services 2018: Curtain Raiser
The Conclave will attempt to bring in the stake holders: Government and Industry on a common platform to discuss and debate on building competitiveness of the Services Sector by,
- Identifying and addressing key Competitive Differentiators in the Services Sector
- Ideating on bridging the regulatory gaps in the key sub segments of the Services Sector
- Strategizing to develop a holistic framework for an overarching Services Policy
I take the opportunity to invite you to join us for the Inaugural Session and also nominate your senior colleagues to attend the Conclave.
Look forward to receiving you at the Conclave.
Warm regards,
Amita Sarkar
——————————————
Amita Sarkar
Deputy Director General
Deputy Director General
Confederation of Indian Industry
The Mantosh Sondhi Centre
23, Institutional Area, Lodi Road
South Asia positioned to remain the world’s fastest-growing region: UN report
Steady growth outlook supported by robust private consumption and sound
macroeconomic policies
New Delhi, 11 December – An upturn in the global economy—now growing by about 3 per cent— paves the
way to reorient policy towards longer-term issues such as addressing climate change, tackling existing
inequalities and removing institutional obstacles to development, according to the United Nations World
Economic Situation and Prospects (WESP) 2018 Report, launched today.
According to the report, in 2017, world economic growth has reached 3 per cent—the highest growth since
2011— as crisis-related fragilities and the adverse effects of other recent shocks subside. The improvement is
widespread, with roughly two-thirds of countries worldwide experiencing stronger growth in 2017 than in the
previous year. Global growth is expected to remain steady at 3.0 per cent in 2018 and 2019.
Growth prospects in South Asia
The economic outlook for South Asia remains steady and favourable, driven by robust private consumption and
sound macroeconomic policies. The positive outlook will contribute to further gradual progress in labour market
indicators and a reduction in poverty rates. Monetary policy stances are moderately accommodative, while fiscal
policies maintain a strong emphasis on infrastructure investment. Regional GDP growth is expected to
strengthen to 6.5 per cent in 2018 and 7.0 per cent in 2019, after posting an estimated 6.3 per cent in 2017.
Regional inflation is expected to remain stable and at relatively low levels.
Despite a slowdown observed in early 2017, the outlook for India remains positive, underpinned by strong
private consumption, robust public investments and structural reforms. GDP growth is projected to accelerate
from 6.7 per cent in 2017 to 7.2 per cent in 2018 and 7.4 per cent in 2019. Yet, the anaemic performance of
private investment remains a key macroeconomic concern.
Meanwhile, GDP growth in the Islamic Republic of Iran remained relatively robust in 2017 at 5.3 per cent. In
2018 and 2019, growth is expected to reach at least 5.0 per cent. However, the outlook is contingent on the
capacity to attract foreign investments and is subject to significant geopolitical risks.
Economic activity in Pakistan is expected to remain vigorous, with GDP growth projected to reach 5.5 per cent
in 2018 and 5.2 per cent in 2019. However, a rising current account deficit coupled with a recent deterioration
of fiscal accounts, pose risks to the baseline projection.
The Bangladesh economy is projected to continue expanding at rapid pace, underpinned by strong domestic
demand, especially large infrastructure projects. GDP growth is expected to remain above 7.0 per cent in 2018
and 2019.
PRESS RELEASE
Embargoed until
Monday, 11:00 am EST
11 December 2017
Issued by the UN Department of Public Information
Risks and policy challenges
Despite the improved short-term outlook, the global economy continues to face risks—including changes in
trade policy, a sudden deterioration in global financial conditions and rising geopolitical tensions.
The world economy also faces longer-term challenges. The report highlights four areas where the improved
macroeconomic situation opens the way for policy to address these challenges: increasing economic
diversification, reducing inequality, supporting long-term investment and tackling institutional deficiencies. The
report notes that reorienting policy to address these challenges can generate stronger investment and
productivity, higher job creation and more sustainable medium-term economic growth.
For South Asia, the region faces several downside risks that can significantly alter the projected growth
trajectory. On the domestic front, the reform agenda could experience setbacks in some countries, while
heightened geopolitical tensions might also restrain investment projects. On the external front, the monetary
normalization process in the United States also poses risks to financial stability across the region.
To promote a more sustained and inclusive development path in the medium term, the South Asian economies
need to address several structural constraints. First, strengthening the fiscal accounts constitutes a key challenge
in most economies. Second, the region needs to tackle large infrastructure gaps in areas such as energy,
telecommunications, sanitation and water access, as well as transport and connectivity. Promoting private
investment in infrastructure projects should be a key policy priority through a range of measures, including
public investments that include private investments, better implementation capacities in public sector, regulatory
changes and structural reforms.
About the report: The World Economic Situation and Prospects report is the UN’s flagship publication on
expected trends in the global economy. WESP is produced annually by the UN Department of Economic and
Social Affairs (DESA), the UN Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), the five UN regional
commissions and the World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO).
For more information, please visit: http://www.un.org/en/development/desa/policy/wesp/
Media contacts:
UN Department of Public Information
Dan Shepard, T: +1 (212) 963-9495 | E: shepard@un.org
Sharon Birch, T: +1 (212) 963-0564 | E: birchs@un.org
macroeconomic policies
New Delhi, 11 December – An upturn in the global economy—now growing by about 3 per cent— paves the
way to reorient policy towards longer-term issues such as addressing climate change, tackling existing
inequalities and removing institutional obstacles to development, according to the United Nations World
Economic Situation and Prospects (WESP) 2018 Report, launched today.
According to the report, in 2017, world economic growth has reached 3 per cent—the highest growth since
2011— as crisis-related fragilities and the adverse effects of other recent shocks subside. The improvement is
widespread, with roughly two-thirds of countries worldwide experiencing stronger growth in 2017 than in the
previous year. Global growth is expected to remain steady at 3.0 per cent in 2018 and 2019.
Growth prospects in South Asia
The economic outlook for South Asia remains steady and favourable, driven by robust private consumption and
sound macroeconomic policies. The positive outlook will contribute to further gradual progress in labour market
indicators and a reduction in poverty rates. Monetary policy stances are moderately accommodative, while fiscal
policies maintain a strong emphasis on infrastructure investment. Regional GDP growth is expected to
strengthen to 6.5 per cent in 2018 and 7.0 per cent in 2019, after posting an estimated 6.3 per cent in 2017.
Regional inflation is expected to remain stable and at relatively low levels.
Despite a slowdown observed in early 2017, the outlook for India remains positive, underpinned by strong
private consumption, robust public investments and structural reforms. GDP growth is projected to accelerate
from 6.7 per cent in 2017 to 7.2 per cent in 2018 and 7.4 per cent in 2019. Yet, the anaemic performance of
private investment remains a key macroeconomic concern.
Meanwhile, GDP growth in the Islamic Republic of Iran remained relatively robust in 2017 at 5.3 per cent. In
2018 and 2019, growth is expected to reach at least 5.0 per cent. However, the outlook is contingent on the
capacity to attract foreign investments and is subject to significant geopolitical risks.
Economic activity in Pakistan is expected to remain vigorous, with GDP growth projected to reach 5.5 per cent
in 2018 and 5.2 per cent in 2019. However, a rising current account deficit coupled with a recent deterioration
of fiscal accounts, pose risks to the baseline projection.
The Bangladesh economy is projected to continue expanding at rapid pace, underpinned by strong domestic
demand, especially large infrastructure projects. GDP growth is expected to remain above 7.0 per cent in 2018
and 2019.
PRESS RELEASE
Embargoed until
Monday, 11:00 am EST
11 December 2017
Issued by the UN Department of Public Information
Risks and policy challenges
Despite the improved short-term outlook, the global economy continues to face risks—including changes in
trade policy, a sudden deterioration in global financial conditions and rising geopolitical tensions.
The world economy also faces longer-term challenges. The report highlights four areas where the improved
macroeconomic situation opens the way for policy to address these challenges: increasing economic
diversification, reducing inequality, supporting long-term investment and tackling institutional deficiencies. The
report notes that reorienting policy to address these challenges can generate stronger investment and
productivity, higher job creation and more sustainable medium-term economic growth.
For South Asia, the region faces several downside risks that can significantly alter the projected growth
trajectory. On the domestic front, the reform agenda could experience setbacks in some countries, while
heightened geopolitical tensions might also restrain investment projects. On the external front, the monetary
normalization process in the United States also poses risks to financial stability across the region.
To promote a more sustained and inclusive development path in the medium term, the South Asian economies
need to address several structural constraints. First, strengthening the fiscal accounts constitutes a key challenge
in most economies. Second, the region needs to tackle large infrastructure gaps in areas such as energy,
telecommunications, sanitation and water access, as well as transport and connectivity. Promoting private
investment in infrastructure projects should be a key policy priority through a range of measures, including
public investments that include private investments, better implementation capacities in public sector, regulatory
changes and structural reforms.
About the report: The World Economic Situation and Prospects report is the UN’s flagship publication on
expected trends in the global economy. WESP is produced annually by the UN Department of Economic and
Social Affairs (DESA), the UN Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), the five UN regional
commissions and the World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO).
For more information, please visit: http://www.un.org/en/development/desa/policy/wesp/
Media contacts:
UN Department of Public Information
Dan Shepard, T: +1 (212) 963-9495 | E: shepard@un.org
Sharon Birch, T: +1 (212) 963-0564 | E: birchs@un.org
Longest watercolor painting
75 metre long World Record Live Watercolor Painting at Central Park Today
– Live World Record painting under aegis of 2nd International Watercolor Society India Biennale 2017, New Delhi
– AIFACS is venue from 9th to 14th December, 2017 for 2nd India biennale
– NDMC and Metropolis are partners to International Watercolor Society, India
New Delhi: 11th December, 2017: 75 metre Long Live Watercolor Painting is happening today at the Central Park, Connaught Place, New Delhi. This is a World Record attempt and is in partnership with International Watercolor Society India, New Delhi Municipal Corporation (NDMC) and Metropolis. Face International Book of Records is witnessing and certifying as a World Record Feat.
The World Record Long Live Painting is a part of the 2nd International Watercolor Society India Biennale 2017 being held in New Delhi by International Watercolor Society of India. Apart from this one day attempt at the Central Park the biennale is being organized at AIFACS, 1 Rafi Marg, New Delhi from 9th to 14th December, 2017. Paintings of 450 watercolor artists from 50 different countries including national and international masters will be exhibited during this 6 day art extravaganza.
Under the larger thought of Harmony through Watercolor, the theme for the Live Painting where over 75 watercolor painters including national and international masters are participating is“Smart City Delhi” and “Clean Delhi, Green Delhi”. At the inauguration were present Shri Naresh Kumar, IAS & Chairman, NDMC and Shri Atanur Dogan (Turkey), President, International Watercolor Society. Colors are being sponsored by Top brands like Daniel Smith and Mission Gold, Papers by Magnani 1404 – Italy and Strathmore and Escoda from Portugal for brushes. The final location of Display is yet not decided.
Amit Kapoor, Vice President, International Watercolor Society and Country Head, said on the occasion, “We regularly travel across various countries and we see long paintings are much in vogue. Most probably the last record for world’s longest painting was in Indonesia of 40 or 45 meters. But as far we know it was not in water color. This inspired us to take up painting the world’s longest water color painting.75 big watercolor painters like Atanur Dogan (Turkey), La Fe (Thailand), Agus Budiyanto (Indonesia), Helidon Doni Haliti (Albania), as well as artists from China, Iraq, Yemen, England, Spain, Brazil, Russia, Italy, Portugal will be present to paint 1 meter each. We are assuming this will take around 2 to 2 and half hours to paint this. ”
Exhibitions, Discussions, Seminars, Demonstrations by World Master Artists are the highlights of the 6 day 2nd International Watercolor Society India Biennale to share and get enriched in the process of watercolor paintings and techniques. International Watercolor Society (IWS) is the sole international organization representing the most prestigious and talented watercolor artists in more than 90 countries in the world. This second edition of the India Biennale is being organized by the Indian chapter of International Watercolor Society in New Delhi. This Festival can be thoroughly enjoyed by all art buyers, artists, art students and above all watercolor painting lovers.
To promote in India this most traditional medium of art– watercolor painting and its artists since the genre is on a decline is the intention of organizing this biennale. International Watercolor Society is working towards the promotion of this declining genre and for this it is organizing free demonstrations, festivals and seminars to promote this art form, this biennale is also a part of the same initiative. We at IWS want to spread love, peace and harmony through the usage of watercolor. Works of watercolor painters of more than 60 countries is being exhibited and all these painters are interested in knowing each other and promoting love and harmony more than increasing competitiveness.
Shri Atanur Dogan from Turkey, Founder and President, International Watercolor Society said on the occasion “When so many artists come together, so many castes, so many creeds, so many colors, so many races, so many nationalities, so many religions also come together. And if this togetherness is for spreading love and peace and the goal is to work together towards promotion of a particular genre of art and art itself. Harmony is achieved. This is what we call Harmony through watercolor. This year artists from China, Russia, Iraq, Turkey, Yemen, Turkey are all converging in India – in total 25 to 30 nationalities are going to be present here together, some would not look each other in eye but for the love of watercolor they are going to be here together, Watercolor is our language and the message is Harmony.”
14 th Inclusive Finance India Summit
14th Inclusive Finance India Summit takes off in the capital
- Releases the Inclusive Finance India Report 2017
- Release of a book- ‘Talking financial inclusion in liberalized India: Conversations with Governors of the RBI’
- Launch of ‘Buddhi Money’, an animated iconic character developed by Access
December 11, 2017, New Delhi: The 14thInclusive Finance India Summit was inaugurated today at 9.00 AM at The Ashok Hotel. The Summit seeks to build consensus on strategies and helps in building a unified vision for achieving universal financial Inclusion in India. The summit witnessed the release and presentation of the Inclusive Finance India Report, which provided an insightful analysis and an honest critique of the financial inclusion progress during the course of the year.
A book- ‘Talking financial inclusion in liberalized India: Conversations with Governors of the RBI’, edited by Prof. MS Sriram was also released during the inaugural session. Another important launch during this session was of “Buddhi Money”, an animated iconic character developed by Access. She is a youthful, neighbourhood superwoman who is chisel sharp, energetic, and wise on matters of finance and business. She has a ubiquitous presence and helps in solving problems that the community constantly grapples with on matters relating to their enterprises.
Speaking at the inaugural, Mr. Vipin Sharma, CEO Access Development Services said, “We are delighted to welcome the delegates to the Summit and also thank all the stakeholders for their support and contribution. The summit offers a platform for a plethora of information to all the thought leaders and industry veterans to debate and discuss the issues and challenges involving the Financial Inclusion in the country.
Dr. C. Rangarajan, Former Governor, RBI, in his inaugural address highlighted the importance and need for financial inclusion in the country. During the event, he commented that, “financial inclusion is not an option but a compulsion”.
The day unfolded with a session on the changing contours of the financial sector architecture. The session started with the discussion on the tectonic shift in the financial inclusion landscape with the emphasis of the government on Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) and UPI. Taking the discussion further, Mr. Amitabh Kant, CEO, Niti Aayog suggested that DBT & UPI will create a vast trail of data and will allow data analysis leading to an extension of credit to the unbanked sector. Credit is only one element of creating a viable scheme for India’s vulnerable. Therefore, a multi-dimensional approach is required to pull them out of the vicious circle of poverty.
Mr. HR Khan, Former Governor, RBI emphasized on the huge gap in the inclusion of the agriculture sector. Adding to the same, he said “Credit dimension for Agriculture and MSMEs is crucial and technology must focus on addressing this concern.
The 2 day summit divided into 17 sessions will see the participation of 90 thought leaders from across the world who would discuss, deliberate and debate on the evolution of financial inclusion in the country highlighting the various trends and challenges.
Photohgraph: Some of the eminent panellists – Radhika Agashe, Executive Director-Access Assist; Alison Eskesen, Asia Pacific Regional Director-Mastercard; Vipin Sharma, CEO- ACCESS; C Rangarajan, Former Governor-RBI; Subir Gokarn, Executive Director, International Monetary Fund & Former Deputy Governor, Reserve Bank of India; Prof. M S Shriram, Faculty Member, IIM Bangalore
Anushka-Virat wedding
Anushka Sharma, Virat Kohli wedding is in all likelihood set to take place on December 12.
Confirming this, a friend and co-star of actress Anushka Sharma, who does not want to be named added, “She has mentioned her wedding plans, but there was no invitation. She made it very clear that the wedding would be a very intimate family affair.”
Apparently both Anushka’s and Virat’s families want to keep the marriage as low-key as possible. “The decision to move the venue of the wedding outside India and to keep the guest list extremely restricted was taken by both the families, who met and agreed on the venue and the date,” says the source.
Though Anushka’s spokesperson denied reports about her wedding, she was spotted at Mumbai airport on Thursday night with her family and their family guru Maharaj Anant Baba.
The Sharmas were reportedly flying to Milan with Virat and his family scheduled to join them from Delhi.
Rahul Gandhi, The President-elect of the Congress:
Rahul Gandhi has been elected Congress president unopposed, announces Mullappally Ramachandran, Congress leader. “Eighty-nine nomination proposals were received, all were valid. Since there was only one candidate. I hereby declare Rahul Gandhi elected as the president of Indian National Congress,” he said.
The 47-year-old Gandhi will be the sixth Nehru-Gandhi scion to helm the party. His mother and incumbent party president Sonia Gandhi had signed the first nomination paper for the election of her son.
In all, over 90 sets of nominations were said to have been filed supporting Gandhi before the deadline expired at 3 pm on December 4. Had there been any contest, today (December 11) would have been the last date for withdrawal. Since there was no other nomination, Rahul has been declared elected today.
The BJP says this was an election that he was bound to win since dynastic succession is the norm.
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