Consulate General of India, Vancouver www.cgivancouver.org
Vol. 01, Issue No. 14 December 08, 2017.
India in Vancouver Weekly Newsletter
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Vol. 01, Issue. 14, December 08, 2017. 0
Consulate News Smt. Abhilasha Joshi, Consul General paid a courtesy call on Hon'ble Robert Wanner, Speaker of Legislative Assembly of Alberta in Edmonton. She was accompanied by Shri Amar Jit Singh Consul, Consular, Passport, Visa & Community Affairs. Issues of mutual interest to enhance India-Canada relations with particular focus on the province of Alberta were discussed in the meeting.
Invitation for Welcome Ceremony for Indian students Friday, 22 December 2017 - 1700 hrs. Dear Students, Greetings from Consulate General of India Vancouver. The Consulate is organizing Welcome Ceremony for all Indian students in our jurisdiction who have registered in the MADAD Portal of the Government of India. The Consul General and other officers will interact with the students. The ceremony will be held at the Consulate's premises [3rd floor] on Friday, 22 December 2017, at 1700 hrs. and will include refreshments. Please confirm your attendance by return mail to indiacomsec@telus.net and also help in spreading the information to the other Indian students about the event and the registration procedure in MADAD. PS: MADAD Students Portal for registration is available on https://portal2.madad.gov.in/AppConsular/user/RegistrationBaseAction?request_locale=en&userType=Student . More than 13000 students have registered till date. In case of any difficulties, the Student Guide is also available at http://madad.gov.in/AppConsular/welcomeLink .
Know India Programme (KIP) www.kip.gov.in Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India, is accepting applications for 45TH AND 46TH editions of Know India Programme. For details pls. visit www.kip.gov.in No. 45 KIP 46 KIP
Date 29 January – 22 February 2018 12 February-8 March 2018
State Partner Rajasthan Madhya Pradesh
Last date for receiving applications in the Ministry - 15 December 2017. Points to note: ➢
This programme is open to 3rd generation youth/children [between the ages of 18-30 years] of Indian origin PIO/OCI Card holders who have never visited India before.
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Minimum qualification required for participating in KIP is graduation from a recognized University /Institute or enrolled for graduation; knowledge of English essential – will have to show required documents in this regard.
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The applicants also need to submit the following: • Medical Fitness Certificate; • Information on allergies, if any;
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If selected they will also need to submit: • International Travel and Medical Insurance Cover 1|P a g e
Vol. 01, Issue. 14, December 08, 2017.
Mid-Term Review of Foreign Trade Policy 2015-2020 The Minister of Commerce and Industry, Shri Suresh Prabhu released the much-awaited Mid-term Review of the Foreign Trade Policy (FTP) 2015-20 today in New Delhi. The review was released in the presence of the Minister of State for Commerce and Industry, Shri CR Chaudhary, Finance Secretary, Shri Hasmukh Adhia, Commerce Secretary, Smt. Rita Teaotia, Secretary Department of Industrial Policy & Promotion, Shri Ramesh Abhishek and the Director General of Foreign Trade, Shri Alok Chaturvedi. Shri Prabhu in his keynote address, said that the FTP will leverage the long-term advantages of the historic reform of the GST, in terms of reduced compliance and logistics costs. The FTP will focus on exports from labor intensive and MSME sectors by way of increased incentives in order to increase employment opportunities. Emphasis will be given on ‘Ease of Trading’ across borders. Information based policy interventions will be ensured through a State-of-the-Art Trade Analytics Division. While share in traditional products and markets will be maintained, the focus will be on new products and new markets. The Commerce Minister focused on transparency and trust with the industry and maintenance of Quality Standards to succeed in the international market. The Minister of State for Commerce stated that the revised FTP will help in making Indian exports more competitive. Under the dynamic and visionary leadership of the Prime Minister the government has made schemes for boosting manufacturing and exports. The issue of working capital blockage due to GST has also been resolved. Shri Chaudhary stressed on the need to diversify the export basket. The Export of agricultural products will be encouraged for increasing farmers’ incomes. The Finance Secretary emphasized that the Government has been very sensitive towards exporters. The Export Package was approved by the GST Council resolving the problem of blockage of working capital. He further stated that ITC and IGST refunds for exporters are being expedited and explained in detail the process and procedure for refund of IGST claims for exporters. He reiterated that GST will be very beneficial for exporters in the long run. The Ministry of Finance will continue to work in collaboration with the Department of Commerce and exporters to address their operational issues. The Commerce Secretary stated that the FTP will continue with ‘Whole of Government’ approach involving all Ministries and State Governments. Over the last 10 years, exports have grown at a CAGR of 8 percent which is fairly creditable. The government recognizes that the Medium and Small-scale industries require handholding and thus rates for MEIS for such sectors have been enhanced. An important consideration in framing this Policy has been the need to ensure that the FTP is aligned with both India’s interests in trade negotiations, as well as its obligations and commitments under various WTO agreements. The biggest challenge, however, is to address constraints within the country, such as infrastructure bottlenecks, high transaction costs, complex procedures, constraints in manufacturing and inadequate diversification in our services. Towards this end, she stated, the Department of Commerce has set up a new Division to promote integrated and streamlined logistics development in the country. For addressing gap in infrastructure sector, the Trade Infrastructure for Exports Scheme has been launched Click here to view highlights of the Foreign Trade Policy 2015-2020.
BHEL tender for BOS Supply, Installation and Commissioning and Operation and Maintenance for 5.04MW (AC) HPPCL SPV Project BHEL has published an advertisement in newspaper on 06.12.2017 inviting two-part bid for "BOS Supply, Installation and Commissioning and Operation and Maintenance for 5.04MW (AC) HPPCL SPV Project. Tender document is available at BHEL website link (uploaded on 06.12.2017): http://www.bhel.com/tender/view_tender.php?tenderid=35995 Request for Quotation No: ANKBOS0014; RFQ Due Date: 27.12.2017 BHEL contact email ID: ankitareja@bheledn.co.in BHEL contact no: 080-26989637 2|P a g e
Vol. 01, Issue. 14, December 08, 2017.
E-tender for Item- Supply and I&C for Balance of Systems for 5MW Solar PV Plant BHEL Haridwar (RFQ SPKSCPV006 Dt. 28.11.2017 Due Dt. 12.12.2017) Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL), Electronics Division, Bangalore has the requirement above mentioned item. In this regard, BHEL has floated an open tender on 28.11.2017. The complete tender document (comprising of technical specification, forms to be filled up, terms / conditions, instructions for tender submission etc.) has been uploaded to following websites 1. 2. 3.
BHEL EPS website - https://bheleps.buyjunction.in/ , click on advanced search, type the RFQ no. in keyword, click search, list will appear and click on the RFQ no. for tender details. http://www.bhel.com/tender/view_tender.php?tenderid=33705 www.tenders.gov.in.
Tender Name: Supply and I&C for Balance of Systems for 5MW Solar PV Plant BHEL Haridwar Kindly note that the tender is due on 12.12.2017, 13:00:00 Hrs. Please submit your offer on e-tender portal https://bheleps.buyjunction.in/
Consulate General of India, Vancouver Press Release Subject: Applicability of Aadhaar for Non-Resident Indians (NRIs), Person of Indian Origin (PIOs) and Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) Unique Identity Authority of India (UIDAI) has been issuing clarifications from time to time regarding applicability of Aadhaar for Non-Resident Indians (NRIs), Person of Indian Origin (PIOs) and Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) on its official website i.e. www.uidai.gov.in 2.
In a recent circular No. 6-1/2016-UIDAI (DBT) dated 15 November 2017, UIDAI has clarified the following: Section 3 (1) of the Aadhaar Act 2016 states that “every resident shall be entitled to obtain an Aadhaar number by submitting his demographic information and biometric information by undergoing the process of enrollment”. Section 2 (V) of the Aadhaar Act 2016 defines ‘resident’ as an individual who has resided in India for a period or periods amounting in all to one hundred and eighty-two days or more in the twelve months immediately preceding the date of application of enrolment. Prevention of Money-laundering (Maintenance of Records) Rules, 2017 and Section 139AA of Income Tax Act 1961 clearly stipulate that the linking of Bank Accounts and PAN respectively is for those persons who are eligible to enrol for Aadhaar as per the Aadhaar Act 2016. In view of above, it has been suggested by the UIDAI to all Central Minsitries/Departments/State Governments and other implementing agencies that (a) Aadhaar as an identity document may be sought only from those who are eligible for it as per the Aadhaar Act 2016; and (b) most of the NRIs/PIOs/OCIs may not be eligible for Aadhaar enrolment as per the said Act.
3. It may also be noted that Aadhaar enrolment is not applied or processed in the Consulate and the same needs to be done only in India. 4. For any further clarification in connection with Aadhaar, the official website of the UIDAI may be visited which hosts all relevant circulars including the one referred in para-2 above.
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Vol. 01, Issue. 14, December 08, 2017.
Laghu Udyog Bharati (LUB) and MSME Department, Govt. of Rajasthan, India jointly organizing IIF 2018 and it’s their great pleasure and honors to invite SME ENTREPRENEURS OF CANADA to join International pavilion & showcase opportunities for Indian MSME’s business owners & Investors at the 5th edition of India Industrial Fair, 2018; the Official Exhibition & Conference run under the patronage of LUB and MSME department, Government of Rajasthan. 2. India Industrial Fair is one of the largest industrial trade show in Rajasthan. IIF offers participating companies unique, never before platform to exhibit products & services. In Rajasthan after the resounding success of IIF 2014 & IIF 2015 at jodhpur (Rajasthan), IIF 2016 at Jaipur (Rajasthan) and IIF 2017 at Rajkot (Gujrat), Laghu Udyog Bharati has decided to organize its fifth edition of India Industrial Fair IIF 2018 at the JECC, Sitapura, Jaipur (Rajasthan). 3. IIF 2018 is organized by Department of Industries (Govt. of Rajasthan) and Laghu Udyog Bharti. Department of Industries promote small scale industries and marketing of their products. The Department also promotes handicraft & handloom products, encourages production of salt and caters to the welfare of the artisans, also registers those Small-Scale Industries (SSI) units which are functioning under various schemes of the Government of India. Laghu Udyog Bharati is a 23 years old National level organization dedicated to serve micro and small industries of the country. Please visit http://iifair.com for more information.
Government of Madhya Pradesh is organizing ‘Friends of Madhya Pradesh Conclave’, at Hotel Marriott, Indore from 3rd to 4th January 2018. Details of the Conclave are attached. The aim of this conclave is to invite people of Indian origin, especially with roots from Madhya Pradesh and those who are interested in developing relationship with the State of Madhya Pradesh, to hold deliberations on the vision and the way forward for 'Friends of MP' and how this initiative can fuel socio-economic growth in the State. Details of the conclave can be seen from its website: http://friendsofmp.com/ The registration can be done from http://friendsofmp.com/FriendsOfMPConclave/ 4|P a g e
Vol. 01, Issue. 14, December 08, 2017.
News from India 1. Indian drumstick tree is the newest health revolution around the world It is interesting to see how most people across the world are steadily turning from cosmetic to more herbal, earthy produces. But who would have thought that something as simple as a drumstick tree would be embraced by people all over the globe as a revolutionary, healthy antidote? The drumstick tree may be native to the sub-Himalayan areas of the Indian subcontinent, but the fast-growing, drought-resistant product is also being capitalized on by people of other regions, including the West, according to an Independent report. Moringa tree, how it is popularly known outside the Indian subcontinent, has various healing properties. According to a study published in the journal, Phyto therapy Research, the bark, sap, roots, leaves, seeds and flowers of a drumstick or moringa tree have been traditionally used to treat ailments like welling, stomach disorders, neurodegenerative diseases, diabetes, asthma, arthritis, epilepsy, thyroid disorder, anemia and sickle-cell disease, and bacterial, fungal, viral, and parasitic infections. The tree is also said to have positive effects on liver function, skin, hair, bones, immunity, cardiovascular health, kidney function and eye health. It also helps in preventing cancer, according to webmd.com. The leaves of a drumstick tree retain a lot of minerals and vitamins, and hence, they are often included in feeding programmes in India and Africa, to fight malnutrition. Besides, growing drumstick or moringa is hassle-free, cheap and easy. And it also has a very pleasant taste. So, how about adding it to your daily diet programme? (Disha Roy Choudhury, India Today, Fri, 08 Dec, 03:19pm)
2. IIT-Kharagpur Odia professor invents device to maintain watch on sleepy locomotive drivers Odia scientist and Professor at IIT-Kharagpur Aurobinda Routray has invented a device that will send alarm signal in case a locomotive train on duty in the engine dozes off while the train is on the move. The device will alert the Railways authorities when a train driver goes into sleep while behind the wheels and also indicate whether he or she is fit enough to drive the train for long hours or not. Disclosing about the invention to OST, Aurobindo Routray said the Railways board had contacted us showing interest in the device developed by us. “The two technologies named ‘Walopi’ (Warning Loco Pilots) and ‘Chemvist’ (Check My Vigilance State), which have been patented by Routray and his team in the Electrical Engineering department, will now be developed for Indian Railways as they asked us to provide five prototypes,” Routray added.The device holds significance as a series of train accidents in the recent past has resulted in deaths of hundreds of people and damaging properties worth crores of rupees. Aurobindo Routray along with his two other members in his research team had been conducting research to develop the device since 2004-05. Explaining in detail about the technologies, the IIT-Kharagpur scientist said the two devices are based on what is globally called PERCLOS or percentage of eyelid closure over the pupil over time, and reflects slow eyelid closures (“droops”) rather than blinks. He said the PERCLOS drowsiness metric has been used since the mid-1990s to develop various tools to heck industrial fatigue. Further explaining the acclaimed researcher said ‘Chemvist’ uses Electrooculography (EOG) signals to check the alertness of drivers, who will have to wear a headband while playing a video game. The headband detects the voltage difference between the cornea and retina of the driver’s eyes, and subsequently determines if the person will remain alert for the next few hours. (Odisha Samaya, Mon, 04 Dec, 03:19pm)
3. Thousands of Indian cows have been fitted with tiny sensors to give farmers real-time data Hundreds of thousands of Indian cows are constantly transmitting information about their health directly to their farmers. For instance, Chitale Dairy in Bhilawadi, Maharashtra, produces 400,000 litres of milk every day, along with data from 10 generations of cows—200,000 of them—through unique radio frequency identification device (RFID) labels. These sensors deliver an array of information, including news of pregnancy, vaccination reminders, and even diet-change recommendations. Dairy officials can access the records through their smartphones and act accordingly. Herdman, a mobile app created by veterinary software firm VetWare, captures cattle data with quick response (QR) codes, FactorDaily reported. The app builds a repository for all metrics—feed data, days to puberty and calving, weight, health and disease-tracking, milk yields, and quality of milk, etc. This data is then mined to assess cattle health and find the right bulls, helping create a healthier new generation. The benefits of such a data-first approach to genomics have been significant for Chitale. Milk productivity surged from 350,000 litres a day three years ago to over 750,000 litres daily today, despite the number of cows remaining more or less unchanged, FactorDaily reported. Chennai’s Hatsun, India’s largest dairy operation with 220,000 cows, is also adopting the technology. However, even as “connected cows” are becoming more common among larger dairy farms, as well as individual farmers, other best practices from around the world are yet to make inroads in India. Austrian startup SmaXtec, for example, places connected sensors inside cows’ stomachs to transmit data about temperature, the acid-alkaline content, movement, activity, and signs that the animal is in heat—all through wifi. This covert measurement system is safer and reduces the chance of missing specific signs. Another way to improve overall health is to maximize grazing, for which US-based electronic compass-maker True North Technologies and Cambridge Industrial Design paired up to develop a connected collar. This collar tracks a cow’s location and movements and data from it can be used in conjunction with IoT grass-length monitors and electronic fencing to guide cows towards greener pastures. (Ananya Bhattacharya, Quartz, Thu, 07 Dec, 02:14pm)
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Vol. 01, Issue. 14, December 08, 2017. 4. Two Indian Americans among “CNN Hero of the Year” Two Indian Americans, Mona Patel and Samir Lakhani, have been selected among 10, to be honored at the “CNN Heroes: An AllStar Tribute” on Sunday, Dec. 17. In 1990, Patel was struck by a drunken driver at the age of 17 when she was walking to class at Cal Poly University and “flew up about 12 feet” when she was pinned between the “car and a metal railing” which “smashed my leg and my foot,” she told CNN. Patel had to undergo her first amputation when she got out of the ICU weeks later, which was just the start of “seven years’ worth of surgeries in attempts to salvage the rest of her leg.” Since then she has earned a bachelor’s and two master’s degrees, and became a social worker, though she has come a long way as she has continued to struggle physically with her disability. She also struggled to find a support group for amputees and decided that she would start one very soon, and sure enough she has founded the San Antonio Amputee Foundation, which aims to help amputees rebuild their lives by offering peer support, education and recreation opportunities, as well as financial assistance for basic home and car modifications along with prosthetic limbs. Every month, 30 to 60 amputees get together to shares stories and testimonies of strength and resilience and Patel estimates that more than 1,100 amputees have attended the meetings. “When somebody becomes an amputee, maneuvering through the system is sometimes just scary. I think the big catalyst of me doing what I do to help the amputee community is because I lived it,” she said. Patel also leads health and fitness programs and sponsors amputees to participate in tennis tournaments and endurance climbs including one to the peak of Mt. Kilimanjaro in Tanzania in 2015. In 2014, while then a college student, Samir Lakhani was volunteering in a Cambodian village and saw “a mother bathing her newborn in a basin filled with laundry powder and water” which he will never forget. He then realized that his hotel was throwing away barely-used bars of soap after their customers left and thought if he recycled them and gave it to people who were actually in need of them then it would save the soap and give it a second life. So while attending the University of Pittsburgh, Lakhani started the Eco-Soap Bank which is a nonprofit that recycles discarded bars of soap from hotels in Cambodia and distributes it to people in need. Today, the organization has four recycling centers across the country, providing jobs to 35 local women. The used bars are sanitized and remolded into new bars or melted down into liquid soap and so far, more than 650,000 people have benefited from the group’s soap and hygiene education. “What I love most is that we are killing three birds with one stone. We are keeping waste out of landfills, employing locals and spreading soap all over the country,” Lakhani told CNN This will be the 11th year that CNN honors 10 people who work to improve the world through their emotional stories. (Staff Writer, News India Times, Fri, 08 Dec, 12:35pm)
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