This blog is meant for use by members of the Association for news and views. Send comments / suggestions / views to e-mail Id: aiaipasp.ors@gmail.com

Tuesday, July 31, 2012

Draft Policy for Exploration and Exploitation of Shale oil and Gas in India-Comments/Views Invited


PRESS NOTE


          India is 4th largest oil and gas consumer in the world after USA. Chinaand Japan. Share of crude Oil and Gas in primary energy consumption is about 40.3%, which is second to coal which is meeting 53% of the total requirements. In recent years, natural gas has increasingly become the preferred option globally, as it offers clean and low price energy equivalence to expensive liquid fuel. Demand of natural gas in India was 179 MMSCMD during the year 2010-11 and it is projected to be 473 MMSCMD in 2016-171. As against this, the total production of natural gas from indigenous sources was 146 MMSCMD during the year 2010-11. Thus, there is an express need for availability of natural gas to be enhanced. This has necessitated the need to explore vigorously for unconventional or alternate hydrocarbon resources like Coal Bed Methane (CBM), Shale Gas / Oil, and Gas Hydrates etc. Unconventional gas resources are also natural gas deposits but in a different and difficult environment from the exploitation point of view. Success of the recent specialized techniques such as horizontal drilling combined with fracturing of the rock has led to path breaking development of Shale Gas as an unconventional or alternate gas resource.
          In line with the policy of the Government of India attracting private investment to move towards self reliance in the indigenous production of oil and gas sector, it is important to have a framework to facilitate and regulate Shale Oil and Gas Exploration and Exploitation.
          Government of India has invited suggestions from the general public, all stake holders, experts in Oil & Gas sector, environmental experts, NGOs, other persons and entities concerned, on the draft policy for exploration and exploitation of Shale Oil and Gas in India. The draft policy has been posted in the website of Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas (MoP&NG) and Directorate General of Hydrocarbons (DGH).The comments and suggestions may be sent to the following address not later than31.08.2012.

The Joint Secretary (Exploration),
Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas,
Shastri Bhavan,
New Delhi -110001

***

Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, Government of India

New Delhi July 31, 2012 

Source:-PIB

India Post Announces Special Discount of 6.5% on Gold Coins for Raksha Bandhan

For this Raksha Bandhan, India Post has announced a special discount of 6.5% on purchase of Gold coins. 

On 1st August 2012 any customer who buys gold from identified Post Offices in Delhi will get a special 6.5% discount of the day's retail price on all denominations.This offer is available in all 31 Post Offices of Delhi indentified for the sale of Gold Coins. 

These gold coins bear unique logo of India Post and are available in denominations of 0.5 gms, 1gms, 5gms, 8gms, 10gms, 20gms & 50gms for sale across counters at select Post Offices. These coins are having purity rating of 24 karat 99.99% from Valcambi, under Swiss certification and are available in tamper-proof packaging having benefits like internationally recognized certification, low risk of duplication, quality packaging, product standardization and numbering with assayer certification. 

Source:-PIB

India Post Announces Special Discount of 6.5% on Gold Coins for Raksha Bandhan

For this Raksha Bandhan, India Post has announced a special discount of 6.5% on purchase of Gold coins. 

On 1st August 2012 any customer who buys gold from identified Post Offices in Delhi will get a special 6.5% discount of the day's retail price on all denominations.This offer is available in all 31 Post Offices of Delhi indentified for the sale of Gold Coins. 

These gold coins bear unique logo of India Post and are available in denominations of 0.5 gms, 1gms, 5gms, 8gms, 10gms, 20gms & 50gms for sale across counters at select Post Offices. These coins are having purity rating of 24 karat 99.99% from Valcambi, under Swiss certification and are available in tamper-proof packaging having benefits like internationally recognized certification, low risk of duplication, quality packaging, product standardization and numbering with assayer certification. 

Source:-PIB

India Post Announces Special Discount of 6.5% on Gold Coins for Raksha Bandhan

For this Raksha Bandhan, India Post has announced a special discount of 6.5% on purchase of Gold coins. 

On 1st August 2012 any customer who buys gold from identified Post Offices in Delhi will get a special 6.5% discount of the day's retail price on all denominations.This offer is available in all 31 Post Offices of Delhi indentified for the sale of Gold Coins. 

These gold coins bear unique logo of India Post and are available in denominations of 0.5 gms, 1gms, 5gms, 8gms, 10gms, 20gms & 50gms for sale across counters at select Post Offices. These coins are having purity rating of 24 karat 99.99% from Valcambi, under Swiss certification and are available in tamper-proof packaging having benefits like internationally recognized certification, low risk of duplication, quality packaging, product standardization and numbering with assayer certification. 

Source:-PIB

'Internet's governance can't be limited to one geography'


Sachin Pilot, minister of state for communications and information technology, believes countries like India, with growing internet users, should have far more share in the running of the internet. Speaking with Monobina Gupta, Pilot discusses how managing the global internet currently lies within the purview of very few nations, why this must change - and how he is against any form of online censorship:
Who governs the internet at present?
Globally, internet traffic passes through 13 root servers. Nine of them are in the US, two each in Japan and Western Europe. These servers move the information. I believe India and other countries ought to play a much more relevant role in managing traffic flows. The internet is a global resource whose governance can't be limited to a particular geography.
Currently, the US-based Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers, reporting to the US secretary of commerce, is responsible for governing the internet. But the global landscape of internet users has drastically changed. Going by estimates, by 2030, more than five billion people will use the internet, the majority being in South America, Africa, Asia, China, India and Russia. It's only practical in this context to move towards a truly multilateral, transparent, secure internet. I believe internet governance ought to be open and accessible to all.
What is your vision of alternative internet governance?
I'm espousing the principle of participation and equitable representation. With more than 110 million active internet users, India is the world's third-largest user. China ranks number one and the US number two. The internet's growth in India will be exponential in the next four to five years. Currently at 10% of the population, it might go up to 40% or 50% in the next few years.
Could root servers also be located in India, China and Russia?
These servers are the basis for all data - so that's definitely one possibility. Currently, India's mirror servers reflect the data but without mechanisms of control and intervention. All major internet-using nations must have greater representation at all levels of governance. Proportionality of representation is a key principle in global bodies like the IMF and UN, along with equity in participation.
What is the government planning to do about this?
We've had initial discussions around having a working group to discuss the future management of the internet. It's not a question of us versus them or East versus West. It's having everybody on board. That might take some time. But the discussion must start today. New thinking has to evolve. The viewpoints of countries like Brazil, South Africa, India, China and Russia have to be considered in working out a middle path.
The World Summit on Information Society recognised the need for an open and inclusive process. We've raised the issue at the Internet Governance Forum (IGF). But should the IGF remain just a talking platform? It's time to have substantive discussions. Even within India, we need to air our views. We have to think ahead about how to deal with cyber security, safety, increasing virus attacks. With the internet's help, non-state actors can inflict a lot of harm. You don't need an army to destabilise a country - cyber attacks, identity thefts, financial frauds, all these are happening on the internet.
And what is your view on internet censorship?
I am against any form of censorship. Of course, we have to be respectful of people's sentiments. But India already has established rules and regulations to that effect.

Source:-The Times of India

Monday, July 30, 2012

Income tax return: File return by 31 July even if you don’t have details

By: MK Agarwal.
While 31 July is the deadline for filing your tax return, many taxpayers miss it. Some don't bother because all their taxes have been paid and they only have to file their return. Since this can be done till the end of the relevant assessment year (31 March 2013) without incurring any penalty, they take it easy. Others miss the last date because they don't have all the details required in the tax form.

These could include the TDS information or deduction sought by the taxpayer. From this year on, the tax forms also require the PAN numbers of recipients of donations and details of foreign assets. A taxpayer may decide not to file his return till he gets hold of these details. This may not be a wise move.

If you don't file by 31 July, you forego some of your rights as a taxpayer. For instance, if you file your return by due date, you are allowed to modify it any number of times till the time of assessment. If you file it after the due date, you cannot revise it. This can be a costly error because if there is some miscalculation in your tax liability, you won't be allowed to rectify the mistake. This is not such a big problem if you have missed out on some deduction for which you were eligible. All you stand to lose is a few thousand rupees you paid in excess tax.

What happens if you underestimate your tax liability because of a miscalculation, say, forgetting to include income from other sources. You can revise your return only if you adhere to the filing deadline. There is no penalty for voluntarily filing a revised return, but there could be a hefty one for under-reporting your income.

CARRY FORWARD LOSSES

There are other benefits that you stand to lose if you miss the 31 July deadline. Income tax laws allow you to carry forward some of your losses for up to eight financial years. These losses can be set off against capital gains made in the future. In other words, if you suffered capital losses in 2011-12, these can be adjusted against gains till 2019-20. What can be better news for investors who made losses due to volatile stock markets in 2011-12?

However, you won't be eligible for this benefit if you don't file by due date. The exception is in case of house property. The loss incurred by selling a house can be carried forward to subsequent financial years even if the return has not been filed by the due date.

ARE YOU EXEMPT FROM FILING?

There are many taxpayers who are under the impression that they are exempt from filing returns because their annual income is less than Rs 5 lakh. This exemption comes with several conditions. It is only for salaried taxpayers who have income from one employer and bank interest. If you changed jobs during the year, or have some fixed deposits, capital gains and rental income, you will have to file your return.

Source:-The Economic Times 

Civil Services (Prelim) Exam, 2012 Result Announced

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has announced the result of the Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination, 2012 held on 20.5.2012.  
        
The candidature of these candidates is provisional. In accordance with the Rules of the Examination, all these candidates have to apply again in the Detailed Application Form (DAF), which would be  available on the website of the Union Public Service Commission www.upsc.gov.in. All the qualified candidates are advised to fill up the DAF and submit the same ONLINE for admission to the Civil Services (Main) Examination, 2012 to be held from 05.10.2012. The DAF will be available on the website of the Commission from 1st August, 2012 till 11.59 PM on 21/08/2012.  Important instructions regarding filling up of the DAF and submitting the same ONLINE to the Commission would also be available on the website. The candidates who have been declared successful have to first get themselves registered on the relevant page of the website before filling up the ONLINE Detailed Application Form. The qualified candidates are further advised to refer to the Rules of the Civil Services Examination, 2012 published in the gazette of India (Extraordinary) of Department of Personnel and Training notification dated 04.2.2012, which is also available on the website of the Commission.

          After submitting the DAF duly filled in ONLINE, the candidates are required to take out a print out of the finally submitted DAF separately and will have to send the printed copy of the DAF duly signed by the candidatesalongwith all relevant documents including the prescribed fees, wherever applicable as enclosures addressed to the Under Secretary [CS(M)],  Union Public Service Commission, Dholpur House, Shahjahan Road, New Delhi-110069, so as to reach the Commission's Office latest by 27/08/2012. The envelope containing the print out of the DAF submitted ONLINE should besuperscribed “Application for Civil Services (Main) Examination, 2012”. It can also be delivered at Union Public Service Commission counter by hand till 27/08/2012 (5.00 P.M).   It may be noted that mere submission of application form does not, ipso facto, confer on any right for admission to the Main Examination.     The admission certificate alongwith the time table of the Main Examination will be issued to the eligible candidates 2-3 weeks before the commencement of the examination.   Changes, if any, in the postal address after submission of the DAF may be communicated to the Commission at once.

         The Union Public Service Commission have a Facilitation Counter near the Examination Hall Building in its Campus.  Candidates may obtain any information/clarification regarding their result of the above mentioned examination on all working days between 10.00 AM to 5.00 PM, in person or on Tel. No. 011-23385271, 011-23098543 or 011-23381125 from this Facilitation Counter.  Candidates can also obtain information regarding their result by accessing Union Public Service Commission Website www.upsc.gov.in.  The result of Roll Nos.253465 has been withheld.

Result is available on PIB website i.e www.pib.nic.in and also on the U.P.S.C. website i.e. www.upsc.gov.in.



Source:-PIB

Taxation of Portfolio Investments referred to GAAR Committee

The Prime Minister had constituted an Expert Committee on GAAR under the Chairmanship of Dr. Partho Shome to engage in a widespread consultation process and finalise the GAAR Guidelines. 

There is an additional issue relating to the taxation of portfolio investment, particularly in the context of the amendment made to the Income Tax Act relating to the taxation of non-resident transfer of assets where the underlying asset is in India. It is necessary to have clarity on the tax liability of portfolio investors and Foreign Institutional Investors as a result of this amendment particularly when the investment is made through a registered stock exchange in accordance with SEBI guidelines and purely in the form of portfolio investment. 

Any clarification needs to be harmonised with the GAAR guidelines and will have to address any residual concerns outside of GAAR. 

Therefore, the Prime Minister has decided to refer the issue of the implications of this amendment on FIIs and portfolio investors to the Expert Committee on GAAR. 

Source:-PIB

Approval for holding international / national seminar / conferences - support for delegates

To view the Department of Expenditure OM No. 19(9)/E.Coord/2012 dated 12/7/2012 please Click here. 

Friday, July 27, 2012

Proposal of upgradation of GP of IP from Rs.4200/- to Rs.4600/-

It has been ascertained from the Postal Directorate that file relating to upgradation of Grade Pay of IP from Rs.4200/- to Rs.4600/- has been again submitted to the Secretary, Department of Expenditure, Ministry of Finance by the Department.

Source: CHQ Blog

TRAI Directs Telecom Service Providers to Provide Adequate Information to Broadband Consumers

In order to ensure transparency in delivery of broadband services and to protect interests of consumers in the telecom sector, the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) today issued directions to telecom service providers for delivering broadband services in a transparent manner by providing adequate information to the broadband consumers about various plans and Fair Usage Policy (FUP). 

Through this direction, telecom service providers have been asked to provide adequate information on Fair Usage Policy (FUP); to ensure that speed of broadband connection is not reduced below the minimum speed specified and to provide alert to consumers when their data usage reaches 80% and 100% of the data usage limit bundled with the plan. 

This direction has already been placed on TRAI website- www.trai.gov.in 

Source:-PIB

Sachin Pilot Asks Department of Posts to Make Special Arrangements for Timely Delivery of Rakhis

The festival of Rakshabandhan holds immense significance in India, as even today people consider it a must to express their affection in a traditional manner. Year after year, Department of Posts plays an important role in delivering rakhis and rakhi gifts. 

Keeping in view the significance of the festival, Shri Sachin Pilot, Union Minister of State for Communications and Information Technology has directed the Department of Posts to make special arrangements for timely delivery of Rakhis by the post offices in the country. He said special postal facilities will be extended to the Army and Paramilitary Jawans serving the nation in remote and border areas of the country. 

Source:-PIB

Amendment in constitution of All India Association of Inspectors & Assistant Superintendents of Posts - Recovery of Subscription @Rs.50/- thereof.

Directorate Letter No.15/4/2002-SR dated 12-7-2012 regarding “Amendment in constitution of All India Association of Inspectors & Assistant Superintendents of Posts” has been circulated to both the ROs and all SSPOs / SPOs / SSRM / SRMs of Odisha Circle, Supdt., PSD, Supdt. CSD and AD(A/Cs) vide C.O. letter No.WL/24-7/2001-Ch.I dated 25-7-2012. As per the amendment in Article 38 of the said constitution the monthly subscription shall be Rs.50/-(Rupees Fifty only) per member.

        The CS has written to all 35 HOs, both the ROs, Supdt., PSD,BBSR, AD(A/Cs), CO and 3 HROs separately endorsing copy to the concerned SSPOs / SPOs / SSRM / SRMs of Odisha Circle for effecting recovery @Rs.30/- from 4/2012 to 6/2012 and @Rs.50/- from 7/2012 to 3/2013 i.e. Rs.540/- for the financial year 2012-13 mentioning the name of IPs/ASPs for whom the salary is being drawn by them. 

Thursday, July 26, 2012

Out of turn promotion for sportspersons.

To view Department of Personnel & Training OM  No.14034 / 1 / 2012-Estt. (D) Dated the 26th July, 2012 please Click here. 

Review of three years time limit for making compassionate appointment.

To view Department of Personnel & Training OM No.14014/3/2011-Estt. (D) Dated the 26th July, 2012 please Click here. 

Commemorative Postage Stamp on 50 Years of the Customs Act, 1962 and Coffee Table book on Indian Customs “Anything to Declare” Released

Central Board of Excise and Customs is celebrating 2012 as the Golden Jubilee year to commemorate 50 years of the Customs Act, 1962. As a part of these celebrations, a Postage Stamp and a Coffee Table book on Indian Customs -“Anything to Declare” were released       at a function held today.
Union Minister of Communication & Information Technology, Shri Kapil Sibal, while issuing the first commemorative Postage Stamp on Indian Customs, remarked that the Commemorative Stamp is being issued to acknowledge the sincere efforts of the Customs Administration in nation building and in guarding our economic frontiers. Shri Sibal also mentioned that Indian Customs is also at the forefront of taking trade facilitation initiatives which benefit trade and bring greater transparency.  While tracing the origin of Indian Customs to Arthashastra, the economic treatise of Kautilya, the Union Minister highlighted the major challenges currently confronting the Department.  He also praised the increasingly significant role played by Indian Customs in various global fora including the World Customs organization.  The stamp released on the occasion depicts the Customs Department as guardians of the economic frontier of the country.  It symbolizes the vigil exercised by the Customs officers.  Shri Sibal expressed hope that the release of the commemorative stamp would inspire the officers of the department to garner the much needed revenue and also to strive to meet the commitments made in its Citizen’s Charter.

Source:-PIB

WCD Ministry Invites Comments on the Draft National Policy for Children 2012

The Ministry of Women and Child Development has drafted the National Policy for Children 2012 and is inviting comments from the general public. The draft Policy is placed on its website www.wcd.nic.in. 

The first National Policy on Children was formulated in 1974. The policy described children as a supremely important asset and made the State responsible for providing them equal opportunities for growth and development of all children. The policy primarily focused on health and education of the children. 

The revised draft policy reaffirms the commitment of the Government of India towards the children and addresses the new challenges, seeking to realize the full potential of children’s rights throughout the country. The revised draft policy recognizes the new challenges regarding children that have emerged with the advent of globalization and development and seeks to address the new challenges. It defines a ‘child’ as a person below eighteen years of age, and acknowledges the inalienable and inherent rights of the child and aims to realize the ‘full range of child rights for all children in the country’. According to the draft policy, ‘a multi-dimensional, integrated and inclusive approach is necessary for the overall and harmonious development and protection of children, which acknowledges their heterogeneity and different needs’. The policy also states that ‘children, especially girls, are free to express their views and their voices are heard and their opinions are respected in all matters affecting them in any way they are able to communicate, in particular judicial and administrative proceedings and interactions, in accordance with their age, maturity and evolving capacities’. 

The Constitution of India guarantees fundamental rights to all children in the country and empowers the State to make special provisions for the children. Whereas, the Directive Principles of State Policy specifically guide the State in securing the tender age of children from abuse and ensuring that children are given opportunities and facilities to develop in a healthy manner in conditions of freedom and dignity. The National Policy is to guide and inform all laws, policies, plans and programmes affecting children. All actions and initiatives of the national, state and local Government in all sectors must respect and uphold the principles and provisions of this Policy. 

Source:-PIB

APARs for convening DPC for promotion to PS Group-'B' Cadre called for by Directorate

Directorate Vide letter No. 9-23/2012-SPG dated 23.07.2012 has called for APARs for convening DPC for promotion to PS Group- ‘B’ cadre  of the vacancy year 2012-13. The records/documents of the listed officers are to be submitted to Directorate by 31.08.2012. There are 522 officers in the zone of consideration. Some of the enlisted officers have already been promoted to PS Group- ‘B’ cadre through LDCE and some have retired now. Names of enlisted officers who are actually to be considered (excluding officers already promoted to PS Group- ‘B’ through LDCE or retired) from Odisha Circle are as under.

Sl. No.
Name
S/Shri
Com
Designation
1
Suresh Ku Mishra
OC
ASPOs(OD), Cuttack North
2
Aswini KumarPanda
OC
Offtg AD(Staff), CO, Bhubaneswar
3
Prasanna Ku Sahoo
OC
Offtg. AD, RO, Berhampur
4
Sarbeswar Mishra
OC
Offtg. AD(FS), CO, Bhubaneswar
5
Bipin Bihari Mahanty
OC
Offtg. AD(Rectt/Accounts), CO, Bhubaneswar
6
Sitanath Das
OC
ASP(HQ), Balasore
7
Ramakanta Mishra
OC
ASP(I/C), Phulbani
8
Ajit Kumar Das
OC
Offtg. AD, RO, Berhampur
9
Bijay Kumar Patra
OC
Offtg AD(Building), CO, Bhubaneswar
10
Pramod Ku. Nanda
OC
Offtg Sr. Postmaster, Cuttack GPO
11
Hadu Sethi
SC
ASP(HQ), Berhampur
12
Bhagabat Sethi
SC
Offtg Supdt., PSD, BBSR
13
Chaturbhuja Meher
SC
Offtg Supdt., CSD, BBSR
14
Banamali Patra
SC
Offtg SPOs, Cuttack North
15
Ramdas Soren
ST
ASP(HQ), Koraput


List of  522 officers in the zone of consideration.











Wednesday, July 25, 2012

Environment Friendly Toilet System in Railways

Jacob Abraham*

            Discharge on Railway tracks, besides leading to environmental issues creates problems for workmen on track also. The solution to this issue is haunting railways for years. The Gwalior based  Defense Research and Development Organization has come out with a solution to this problem. They have developed the green toilet system and technology.  An MoU has been signed by railways with DRDO for technology development.
            The first prototype rake with bio toilets was developed and trial was conducted successfully.
            Now this odourless and hygienic bio toilets are fitted in the KochuveliBangalore Express running between Thiruvananthapuram and Bangalore, which has become the first train from the Kerala and in Southern Railways fitted with bio toilets.  Railways plans to manufacture 25,00 coaches with Bio toilets during 2012-13.
            Unlike traditional toilets which discharge waste on the railway  tracksthe new toilet treat the waste in a tank below the coaches. Bacteria in the tank convert the waste into harmless gas and water. The left over in the tank is free from harmful germs.
Benefits of Bio toilet
·        Environment Friendly
·        Preventing damages to track due to corrosion
·        Improved aesthetics at Railway Stations
Advantage of Bio toilets
·        Require less maintenance
·        Simple in design
·        Easier retrofitment on existing coaches in service
·        Can be in operation up to two years
            The water passing through the chlorine tank is discharged  as clean water and the gas escape into the atmosphere. The bacteria once charged will remain till next over hauling of the coach after two years, if managed properly by the passengers and the cleaning staff.
            The Kapurthala coach factory manufactures the new age toilets which cost over one lakh rupees a piece.
            The staff of the Thiruvananthapuram Railway division have been trained to maintain the bio toilets fitted coaches. The success of the bio toilets largely depends on how passengers use it. The passengers are advised not to put any bottles, plastics or napkin in the bio toilets.
            Gone are the days for the passengers, who were forced to travel on long distance trains which were stinking from the coach toilets with Railways kicking off this green initiative by introducing environment friendly bio toilets.

(PIB Features.)

*****

*Deputy Director (M&C), PIB, Thiruvananthapuram.
Source:-PIB

For the First Time A Commemorative Postage Stamp and Coffee Table Book on Customs to be Released


The Union Minister of Communication & Information Technology Shri Kapil Sibal will release tomorrow a commemorative Postage Stamp on Indian Customs to commemorate 50 years of achievements under the Customs Act, 1962. Shri S.S. Palanimanickam, Minister of State for Finance (Revenue and Disinvestment) will be the Guest of Honour and release a Coffee Table Book on Indian Customs on this occasion. This is for the first time in the history of Indian Customs that a Postage Stamp and a Coffee Table book on Indian Customs are going to be released. The function will be held at Vigyan Bhawan on 26th July, 2012. The Central Board of Excise and Customs (CBEC) is celebrating 2012 as the Golden Jubilee year to commemorate 50 years of the Customs Act, 1962. The Postage Stamp and the Coffee Table book have to be released as a part of these celebrations and to recognize the all round contribution of the Customs Department to nation building.

The origins of the present day Customs Act, 1962 can be traced back to the Sea Customs Act, 1878, the Inland Bonded Warehouses Act, 1896, the Land Customs Act, 1924 and the Aircraft Act, 1934. Post independence, the need was felt to consolidate the provisions of the Sea Customs Act and the Land Customs Act in a common customs statute. This consolidation took place in 1962 in the form of the present day Customs Act, 1962 which was notified on 23rd January, 1963. It came into force on 1st February, 1963, 50 years ago. Indian Customs is the guardian of the nation`s economic frontiers. It has the challenging task of guarding over 22000 kms of country’s land borders and coast line.



Source:-PIB

Commemorative Postage Stamps Released on Eve of London Olympics

In keeping with its tradition of issuing postage stamps on Olympics since 1968, India Post released a set of four commemorative postage stamps and a souvenir sheet in New Delhi today. The stamps are a stylized portrayal of sportsmen engaged in Volleyball, Rowing, Sailing and Badminton (Picture of the stamps are given below). The stamps will be available in Philatelic Bureaus across the country.
London 2012 Olympic Games begin on 27th July 2012 with the theme slogan ‘Inspire a Generation’. The Olympic Games celebrate the eternal quest for excellence, and the capability of sportspersons from different nations, cultures and background to come together and compete fairly and honestly to promote peace and harmony.
India Post has been commemorating national and international events by releasing commemorative and special postage stamps. 


             Click here to See Postage Stamps.

Source:-PIB

UPU News-Kenyan and Uruguayan candidates vie for top UPU spot

Kenya and Uruguay have officially presented candidates for the position of director general of the Universal Postal Union, which will be elected on 10 October 2012 during the 25th Universal Postal Congress in Doha, Qatar.


UPU member countries on 10 October will elect the organization's new leadership,    which will take over in January 2013



The candidate from Uruguay, Dr Serrana Bassini Casco, is secretary general of the Postal Union of the Americas, Spain and Portugal (PUASP), based in Montevideo, since 2006. Before, she was an advisor at PUASP and also held several positions at the Uruguayan Post. She is a lawyer and public notary by profession.
The Kenyan candidate, Ambassador Bishar A. Hussein, is the chairman of the UPU’s 2009-2012 Council of Administration. He is also a past vice-chair of the UPU’s Postal Operations Council and chair of the UPU’s 24th Congress in Geneva in 2008. A former chief executive officer of the Kenyan Post, he has also served as his country’s ambassador to the United Arab Emirates.

American, Swiss run for deputy position

The UPU’s 192 member countries will also elect a deputy director general. Switzerland is presenting the candidacy of Pascal Thierry Clivaz, while the United States of America is putting forth Dennis Delehanty as its candidate for the position.
Mr. Clivaz is the director of finance and strategic planning at the UPU’s International Bureau in Berne since 2005. He is a former director of international affairs at the Swiss Post and a former board member of the Swiss Post General Secretariat.
Mr. Delehanty is the director for postal affairs at the U.S. State Department. Before, he was in charge of the international postal affairs programme at the United States Postal Service and worked at the UPU International Bureau in the late 80s and early 90s.
Officials will be elected for a four-year mandate, starting on 1st January 2013. The candidates chosen in Doha will replace the outgoing director general, Edouard Dayan of France, and the outgoing deputy director general, Guozhong Huang of China. Both are finishing two consecutive terms at the end of 2012.
The UPU’s member countries had until Monday 23 July – two months before the opening of Congress on 24 September – to present candidates to the elected positions.

Election to UPU bodies

Member countries will also elect on 10 October 40 member countries to the UPU’s 2013-2016 Council of Administration (CA). The Council consists of 41 member countries, but the chairmanship automatically goes to Qatar as Congress host. The CA ensures the continuity of the UPU's work between Congresses.
Elections will also be held to select 40 member countries to compose the Postal Operations Council (POC). This Council’s work programme is geared towards helping Posts modernize and upgrade their postal products and services.
The 25th Universal Postal Congress takes place from 24 September to 15 October 2012. More than 1,500 representatives from the UPU’s 192 member countries are expected at the Doha Congress, hosted by the Government of Qatar in association with its national postal operator, Q-Post.

Congress, Universal Postal Congress