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Memories of Another day

Memories of Another day
While my Parents Pulin babu and Basanti devi were living

Thursday, October 22, 2009

India and Netherlands sign Social Security Agreement

Press Information Bureau

Government of India

*****

Mukul Wasnik asks senior citizens to exert their rights

 

New Delhi : October 22, 2009

 

As the elderly population is on the rise and will soon be of considerable size of the total population, Shri Mukul Wasnik, the Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment urged the senior citizens to exert their rights for their due place in the society. While inaugurating a Multi Activity Programme " Reinventing Retirement through Active Ageing organized by National Institute of Social Defence, Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment and Anugraha, he informed that the elderly population in India which was 7.7 crore, as per Census 2001, is projected to be around 9.5 crore in 2011, here today.

 

He further added that the proportion of elderly in the total population has been increasing in all the countries. In India, it is projected to further go up to 17.3 crore in 2026. Rise in the share of elderly in total population poses multiple challenges. These challenges, however, also come with great opportunities, like for the younger generation, who can utilize the vast repository of knowledge that our elderly possess. Simultaneously, our senior citizens too have to think of ways to creatively and usefully occupy themselves.

 

Shri Mukul Wasnik said that the enactment of "The Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act, 2007" has been a major milestone to provide for maintenance, shelter, health and security of senior citizens in the country.

 

Shri Wasnik asked the youth to come forward to celebrate such events as there is a need for in depth sensitivity to reach elderly in order to give them their due respect and sense of connectivity. He urged different organisations that such kind of events should also be celebrated at State and district levels so that all can participate.

 

The Minister also inaugurated Multi Service Exhibition on Age Care which was followed by a session on Healthy Ageing and Seminar on "Reinventing Retirement through Active Ageing". The programme concluded with the Intergenerational Cultural Programme which had performances by senior folk artists. Elderly and young artists staged ballet, drama, song and dance sequences from different States of the country. From vibrant bhangra of Punjab to colourful Kalberia dance of Rajasthan, from Chhau dance of Orissa to martial arts of North East, the programme conveyed an important message that elders are custodians of ancient Indian culture and heritage.

 

Apart from Secretary, Shri K M Acharya and other senior officials of the Ministry, Dr. Abha Chaudhary, Founder Secretary, Anugraha also attended the function.

 

SB/AP  /spandey

 

 

Press Information Bureau

Government of India

*****

India and Netherlands sign Social Security Agreement

 

New Delhi : October 22, 2009

 

India and Netherlands signed a Social Security Agreement here today. The Agreement was signed by Shri Vayalar Ravi, Minister of Overseas Indian Affairs and. Mr. Piet Hein Donner, Dutch Minister of Social Affairs and Employment. On the occasion, Shri Ravi said that this agreement will strengthen the bilateral relations and it will enhance cooperation on social security between the two countries.

 

This Social Security Agreement will facilitate the movement of professionals between the two countries. The detached workers sent by Netherlands-based companies to their Indian subsidiaries, or those sent by Indian companies to their branches in the Netherlands will be exempt from social security contribution in the host country for a period of 60 months. While working abroad, these employees will only be subject to the social security regulations of their home country.

 

This Agreement provides that an employed or self-employed person, other than detached workers shall be subject only to the legislation of the host country. The Agreement provides for portability of the benefits at the time of relocation. It also makes provision for payment of benefits under the legislation of a Contracting State to nationals of the other Contracting State, residing or staying in the territory of a third State, on the same conditions and to the same extent as to nationals of the first Contracting State who reside or stay in the territory of a third State.

 

The Agreement will come into effect after the fulfillment of the national requirements.

 

There are about 21,000 Indians in The Netherlands and there are over 850 Dutch nationals working in India. This bilateral Social Security Agreement will enhance trade and investment between the two countries. India has signed similar agreements with Belgium, France, Germany, Switzerland and Luxembourg in the recent past.

 

DNM/PKM  /spandey

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Press Information Bureau

Government of India

*****

Army Aviation Flight Safety Trophy presented by Army Chief General Deepak Kapoor

 

New Delhi : October 22, 2009

 

Reconnaissance and Observation Flight of Army Aviation Corps located at Udhampur was awarded the Annual Flight Safety Trophy for the year 2008-09 by the Chief of the Army Staff General Deepak Kapoor, PVSM, AVSM, SM, VSM, ADC at a function held today during the ongoing Army Commander's conference at Kashmir House New Delhi. This trophy is awarded annually to the Army Aviation flight achieving the best flight safety record while at the same time meeting its operational task during the year.

 

Army Aviation helicopters have been operating ceaselessly at the heights of Siachen Glacier, the highest battle field in the world and in the counter terrorist operations in Jammu and Kashmir and in the North East. This Corps of the Army is the largest operator of helicopters in the country with over 2300 helicopters and flies approximately 50,000 hours every year. The helicopters of this elite corps are extensively used by the Army in counter terrorist operations and to carry out tasks in support of disaster relief operations during natural calamities like floods and earthquakes.

 

Army Aviation Corps, the youngest Corps of the Indian Army will be celebrating its 23rd Anniversary on 01 Nov 09. The arm is presently headed by Maj Gen PK Bharali, Additional Director General, Army Aviation Corps at the Army Headquarters.

 

S Om Singh/Rajendra  /spandey

 

 

Press Information Bureau

Government of India

*****

IREDA pays double digit dividend

 

New Delhi : October 22, 2009

 

Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency Limited (IREDA), a Public Sector Enterprise under the Ministry of New & Renewable Energy(MNRE), has presented the dividend of Rs.11.25 crore for the financial year 2008-09. The dividend cheque was presented to Union Minister for New & Renewable Energy, Dr. Farooq Abdullah by CMD, IREDA, Shri Debashish Majumdar in New Delhi today. Congratulating the PSU on its achievement, Dr. Abdullah said that he was happy to note that it had registered the dividend in double digits for the first time. Shri Deepak Gupta, Secretary, MNRE and other senior officials were also present on the occasion.

 

During the year 2008-09, IREDA's performance has been rated as 'Excellent' in terms of MoU signed with the Government of India. IREDA sanctioned 47 projects involving loan commitment of Rs.1489.93 crore registering an impressive growth of 80.35%. IREDA disbursed a sum of Rs.770.95 crore during the year registering a growth of 39.25%. Cumulatively, it has sanctioned 1892 projects involving loan commitment of Rs.10,355.58 crore and cumulative disbursement of Rs.5754.05 crore till 31st March, 2009.

 

The loan sanctioned during the year 2008-09 will result in establishment of additional renewable power generation capacity of about 403.75 MW.

 

IREDA is poised for further growth reflecting the need for increased power generation through Renewable Energy Sources in line with the National Action Plan on Climate Change.

 

PRA/SKK  /spandey

 

 

Press Information Bureau

Government of India

*****

India and Norway signs agreement on Cooperation on Climate Change and Implementation of the Clean Development Mechanism Projects

 

New Delhi : October 22, 2009

 

            India and Norway signed a Memorandum of Understanding on Co-operation in the Area of Climate Change and Implementation of the Clean Development Mechanism Projects of the Kyoto Protocol here today. Shri jairam Ramesh, the Minister of State for Environment and Forests and Ms Erik Solheim, Minister of the Environment and International Development, Norway  signed the MOU.The Agreement would strengthen the efforts to conserve and improve the environment for present and future generations,sustainable development,and implementation of CDM project activities.

 

            Following is the text of the Agreement:

 

"The Ministry of Environment and Forests, Government of India, being the competent authority for the purpose of this Memorandum, herewith,

 

and

 

 

The Norwegian Ministry of the Environment, being the competent authority for the purpose of this Memorandum, hereinafter referred to as the "Parties";

 

Recalling the existing co-operation and stressing the need to conserve and improve the environment for present and future generations, and the need to achieve sustainable development;

 

Recalling that both India and Norway are Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (hereinafter referred to as the "Convention") and the Kyoto Protocol to that Convention (hereinafter referred to as the "Protocol");

 

Considering that the Preamble to the Convention acknowledges that the global nature of climate change calls for the widest possible cooperation by all countries and their participation in an effective and appropriate international response, in accordance with their common but differentiated responsibilities and respective capabilities and their social and economic conditions;

 

Recalling the importance of co-operation between developed and developing countries in addressing the challenges posed by climate change;

 

Bearing in mind Article 12 of the Kyoto Protocol, which provides for the transfer of certified emission reductions (CERs) resulting from Clean Development Mechanism project activities from Parties not included in Annex I to Parties included in Annex I, that may be used by the latter Parties for purposes of compliance with part of their quantified emission limitation and reduction commitments under Article 3 of the Kyoto Protocol;

 

Recognizing that cooperation on climate change issues, including in the implementation of project activities, can be instrumental in mitigating greenhouse gas emissions on a global scale, and have a positive impact on community, social and economic development;

 

Expressing the political will to develop a lasting process of co-operation on matters relating to climate change, in the light of the objective and the principles of the Convention and the Kyoto Protocol, particularly with regard to the implementation of the Clean Development Mechanism of the Kyoto Protocol;

 

Have reached the following understanding:

 

 

Article 1 Objective

 

1.            The objective of this Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) is to foster co-operation between India and Norway in the area of climate change, by providing a forum for regular bilateral consultations, by stimulating the development and implementation, by Indian and Norwegian entities of project activities under the Clean Development Mechanism,

 

according to Article 12 of the Kyoto Protocol, as adopted on 11 December, 1997 (hereinafter referred to as "CDM project activities"). The project activities undertaken shall contribute to Sustainable Development, and in accordance with the Marrakech agreement, no Official Development Agency (ODA) funds shall be used to purchase CERs from the CDM project activities.

 

Article 2 Coordination between the Parties

 

 

1. The Parties agree to review the progress of the implementation of the present MOU through regular bilateral consultations, i.e. in the Indo-Norway Joint Working Group on Environment.

 

2. The Ministry of Environment & Forests, designated as the National authorities for CDM, will be the focal point on the Indian side. Secretary General of the Norwegian Ministry of the Environment, responsible for climate change issues, will be the focal point on the Norwegian side, jointly with representative from the Norwegian Ministry of Finance, responsible for CER activities.

 

Article 3 Scope of CDM project activities

 

 

1.            This MOU encompasses eligible CDM project activities in all areas, according to Article 12 of the Kyoto Protocol, and is aimed at the prompt development and implementation of CDM project activities.

 

2.            The Parties may jointly agree to define areas of priority for the development and implementation of projects under the Clean Development Mechanism. Approval and implementation of project activities of interest will also depend upon the conformity of such project activities with environment laws and regulations of both countries.

 

Article 4

 

  Exchange of information and support for the development of CDM project activities

 

1.            The Parties shall exchange information and views on a regular basis, on the following topics relating to CDM project activities, while preserving the appropriate confidentiality.

 

·         Potential investors and project participants;

 

·         The progress of projects and other activities that occur under this Memorandum;

 

·         Sources of project funding and the policy framework needed to facilitate access to such funding sources;

 

·         Project criteria , approval procedures and guidelines applicable to CDM projects;

 

 2.            The parties will also facilitate Indian and Norwegian companies with information about domestic CDM regulations and procedures, as well as information about market opportunities in India.

 

 

 

Article 4 bis – Contribution of the Norwegian Party to CDM project activities

 

1.                         The Norwegian Party in principle is willing to acquire certified emission reductions (CERs) from project activities provided that such activities conform with all relevant international rules and guidelines, criteria of the Indian national CDM programme, as well as Norwegian law and international regulations regarding public procurement.

 

2.                         The Norwegian Party will contribute to the development and implementation of emission reduction projects by facilitating Norwegian investors/participants aiming at developing CDM projects in India and supporting CDM projects jointly with India.

 

Article 4 tris – Contribution of the Indian Party to CDM project activities

 

 1.            The Indian Party will contribute to the prompt development and implementation of CDM project activities by supporting interested project participants (e.g. by granting or issuing of Letters of No Objection, Letters of Endorsement, etc.) by the formal approval of the project in accordance with relevant provision under the Kyoto Protocol.

 

2.            The Indian Party agrees to allow transfer of the resulting certified emission reductions from the project to the project developers in accordance with article 12 of the Kyoto Protocol and the guidelines adopted by COP/MOP.

 

3.              If changes in national policy  (energy, environment etc.) of the host country that result in the impossibility of the delivery of the Certified Emission Reduction by the project participant, both Parties will do their utmost that the emission reduction units agreed upon with the project participants will be transferred in a practical manner.

 

Article 5 Intellectual property rights

 

1.               In the event that any joint activity involves access to, sharing, transfer or joint development of technology that is subject to patents or other intellectual property rights, the Participants or their representatives will decide in advance as to the adequate consideration of intellectual property rights, in accordance with relevant legislation in both countries.

 

Article 6  CDM procedures

 

 1.         Both the Parties agree to work together on different aspects of the CDM procedures, including simplification of procedures, and to further enhance the credibility of the CDM as a market mechanism and as a tool to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions.

 

 

Article 7 Other area of Cooperation

 

 1.      Recognizing that cooperation on climate change issues, including in the implementation of project activities, can be instrumental in social and economic development and cooperation to address the adverse effects of climate change and the implementation of adaptive measures. The parties may jointly agree to define areas of priority for further development including adaptation to the impacts of climate change, research, development, development and scientific collaboration, and capacity building.

 

Article 8 Final provisions

 

1.            This Memorandum will come into effect on the date of signing and will remain in effect until the end of the first commitment period of Kyoto Protocol, in 2012, unless one Party notifies the other Party its intention to terminate it, through diplomatic means at least (6) six months in advance.

 

2.            Amendments can be made by mutual written consent of the Parties through exchange of written communications specifying the date of the entry into force.

 

3.            Any difference of opinion in the interpretation, management or execution of the Memorandum will be resolved by mutual agreement and diplomatic channel.

 

4.            Termination of this Memorandum of Understanding shall have no effect on ongoing cooperation projects or on the acquisition of the certified emission reductions, already agreed upon by the Parties. This MoU shall be without prejudice to the obligation of India and Norway under any other multilateral treaty or agreement.

 

 5.         This Memorandum of Understanding is not intended to create legal obligations for either Parties."

 

            The Ministry of Environment and Forests and the norwagian Ministry of the Environment will be competent authority for implementation of this Agreement.

 

KP/spandey

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

PIB Kolkata

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