Wednesday, November 15, 2017



A group of 35 children took over the iconic National Stock Exchange on Children’s Day



A group of 35 children took over the iconic National Stock Exchange on Children’s Day to voice their support for protecting the rights of the world’s most vulnerable children.  These children from leading NGO’s such as NineisMine and Ashramshalas along with renowned business leaders comprising of  Kumar Anurag Pratap, CSR Leader, Capgemini Technology Services India Limited and Mr. Vikram Limaye, MD and CEO, National Stock Exchange introspected and shared ideas on how businesses can ensure protection and promotion of children’s rights through an interesting panel discussion.
The highlight of the event was the children ringing the closing bell in the presence of the dignitaries.  The children also presented interpretations of Child Rights and Sustainable Development Goals and what they mean for children.
World Children’s Day represents the date when the most ratified treaty in the world, the UN Convention of the Rights of the Child came into being. On this occasion, UNICEF is working globally with its partners, media, parliamentarians, businesses, This Children’s Day, UNICEF is inviting children around the world to take the centre stage in a week-long activity to help save children’s lives, fight for their rights and help them fulfil their potential. From November 14 to 20, there will be a #KidsTakeOver where children will ‘take over’ high-visibility roles in media, politics, business, sport, and entertainment to shine a spotlight on the most pressing challenges faced by their generation. This is a day for children, by children, all over the world.
Speaking on the occasion, Ms. Henriette Ahrens, Deputy Representative – Programmes, UNICEF India said, ‘’ One very important right for children is their right to participate. We believe that children are not only the future but also a big part of the change we need to bring. They are the most influential change agents. As UNICEF Children and issues concerning them are a cornerstone for everything we do.”
“For us this occasion is symbolic to ensuring each and every child in included and his or her right fulfilled by engaging in dialogue with influencers which in this case is businesses.  We are very proud to collaborate with NSE due to their convening power of businesses and the wonderful work they have been doing as part of their CSR programmes, ” she added.
In India, there has been a lot of development over the past few years in the private sector and the role it plays in India’s development story with children being at the core of it.  The corporate sector has an impact on every aspect of society and has huge potential to be a positive force that reinforces the equity agenda, especially for children. Business makes important contributions to the well-being of children by creating jobs and livelihoods for families.  Therefore, the private sector can play a significant role in ensuring that every child in India has a fair start in life.
Mr. Vikram Limaye, MD and CEO, National Stock Exchange shared, ‘’ NSE is proud to facilitate the first of #KidsTakeOver in the world in association with UNICEF. UNICEF is celebrating the anniversary of UN convention of the Rights of the Child with kids taking over parliament, events, media, and businesses all around the world. Children will take over NSE by ringing the closing bell on November 14 which is usually rung by dignitaries and business leaders and will discuss issues of importance to them with business leaders”.
While the UN Convention of the Rights of the Child states that it is the duty of the Government to respect rights of children, businesses must do so as well.  Studies clearly indicate the impact of investment in development on GDP.  Since nutrition levels in children are linked to their cognitive abilities as well as their overall wellbeing, this reduces expenditure in health. Businesses also have an important role to play in empowering and enabling children by engaging them through various means.
For photos and videos please visit here.
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About UNICEF
UNICEF works in some of the world’s toughest places, to reach the world’s most disadvantaged children. Across 190 countries and territories, we work for every child, everywhere, to build a better world for everyone.

Film Aksar 2


Zarine Khan witnessed in Delhi to promote ‘Aksar 2’ along with cast!


The upcoming sequel to 2006 thriller flick Aksar, is back in action with Aksar 2. As the main leading beauty of the film Zarine Khan along with the cast were witnessed in Delhi for the promotions. Apart from her, the leading males of the movie Gautam Rode, Abhinav Shukla, Mohit Madaan, Ananth Narayan Mahadevan (Director), Varun Bajaj (Producer) was also present in the press conference held in PVR Plaza CP.
While an interaction with media, Zarine Khan shared about the different scenario between last 2006 Aksar and upcoming Aksar 2, she stated, “Aksar 2 is not a sequel, yes it’s a part of the same franchise but it’s a completely a different story.” About the songs of the movie, Zarine said, “The songs given by Mithoon are really heart touching and my one of the most favorite song from this movie is Tanhaiyaan.”
Whereas, Abhinav Shukla told about his character. He said, “In real life, I think about things a lot, but my character Ricky in this movie don’t think much, he is impulsive so I tried and somehow managed to bring reality in my character.” About the movie, he said, “I am glad to be a part of such a thriller franchise of Aksar. I had a great experience working with Zarine and the other cast of the movie.”
On the other hand Gautam also seemed excited while portraying his views about the movie and his character, he told media, “My character has different shared in this movie, which I never played before, he is doing positives he shares negative shades as well, he is opportunist, diplomatic at the same time.” He added, “This film is for all kind of audience, anybody who enjoys drama suspense film will definitely like this movie.” One of the other lead Mohit Madaan also treated with graciously and told about his character as well, he stated, “My character name is Bachchan Singh. He plays an adviser in the movie, he somehow gets juggled in his life for money. And how he solves this problem in the film you will get to know this coming Friday.”
Well, as for the film, Aksar 2 is presented by Siddhivinayak Creations, produced by Narendra Bajaj & Chirag Bajaj and directed by Ananth Mahadevan, the music of Aksar 2 is composed by Mithoon. The film is slated to release on 17 November 2017.

Manama, Prague, Madrid, Kuala Lumpur, and Amsterdam top destinations for expats.


A great work life and the ease of getting settled make Manama, Prague, Madrid, Kuala Lumpur, and Amsterdam top destinations for expats.
  • Manama, Prague, Madrid, Kuala Lumpur, Amsterdam, Barcelona, Johannesburg, Bangkok, Basel, and Frankfurt are the best cities for expats.
  • Expats experience the best career opportunities in the world in Amsterdam, London, Beijing, Prague, and Munich.
  • About seven in ten expats living in Johannesburg, Muscat, Cape Town, Amsterdam, and Manama are happy with their social life. 
Munich, 14 November 2017 — Manama takes first position out of 51 cities in this year’s Expat City Ranking. The small capital of the Arab monarchy Bahrain, as well as top-ranking Madrid (3rd) and Kuala Lumpur (4th), are highly appreciated for the ease of getting settled in these cities. Prague (2nd) rather attracts expats with its excellent work life, while Amsterdam (5th) manages to offer a good mixture of both. Other cities that offer above-average career opportunities are London, Beijing, and Munich, as the so-far unpublished Expat City Ranking 2017 reveals. The ranking is based on data collected in the annual Expat Insider survey, conducted by InterNations, the largest expat community worldwide. With nearly 13,000 respondents living and working abroad, Expat Insider 2017 is one of the most extensive expat studies worldwide. Apart from offering an in-depth analysis of expat life in 51 cities, the survey ranks them by a variety of factors from the areas quality of urban living, getting settled, urban work life, as well as finance and housing. According to all these rating factors, the top 10 cities for expats are Manama, Prague, Madrid, Kuala Lumpur, Amsterdam, Barcelona, Johannesburg, Bangkok, Basel, and Frankfurt am Main.
Top 5 Cities Make It Easy for Expats to Get Settled and Enjoy a Great Work LifeManama, Prague, Madrid, Kuala Lumpur, and Amsterdam top the list of the best cities for expats: while Prague lags behind on 35th place for getting settled, the other four cities receive good to excellent ratings in this respect. A South African expat living in Kuala Lumpur likes “the easy-going temperament and friendliness of the local people” while an expat from the Philippines appreciates the “very friendly and helpful locals” in Manama. The majority of expats rates the general friendliness towards foreign residents positively in Manama (84%), Amsterdam (83%), Kuala Lumpur (78%), and Madrid (74%), compared to a global average of 67 percent. Prague, however, performs below average here: only about half of expats living there (49%) are satisfied with this factor. Nonetheless, the capital of the Czech Republic is one of the top destinations for expats, particularly due to its outstanding ratings in terms of work: nearly seven in ten expats (68%) are satisfied with local career opportunities in Prague — 19 percentage points more than the global average.
Move to Amsterdam, London, Beijing, Prague, or Munich to Boost Your CareerThe vast majority of expats in Amsterdam (78%), London (74%), Beijing (70%), Prague (68%), and Munich (66%) rates the local career opportunities positively, compared to a global average of only 49 percent. It seems to be fairly easy to pursue a career in these cities as an above-average share of expats cite finding a job on their own as their most important reason for moving abroad. However, some of them pay a high price for their career: while the European cities manage to combine expat jobs with a satisfying work-life balance, it is all work and no play for expats in Beijing. Only about half the expats in the Chinese capital (54%) are happy with their work-life balance, compared to about seven in ten, or more, in the four European destinations. “The work-life balance and the quality of work is really great”, says a Canadian expat living in Munich, and an Australian in Prague states that their “working conditions are excellent”.
Enjoying Social Life in Johannesburg, Muscat, Cape Town, Amsterdam, and ManamaFor those who are looking for a fulfilling social life, Johannesburg, Muscat, Cape Town, Amsterdam, and Manama are the cities to keep in mind: about seven in ten expats living in these cities are happy with this aspect of life abroad. A Mauritian expat especially appreciates “the social events and places to go out to” in Amsterdam, while a British expat mentions “socializing” as one of the benefits of living in Cape Town. In all of these cities, making friends does not seem to be a problem, either. An above-average share of expats finds it easy to make new friends in Muscat (71%), Johannesburg (66%), Manama (65%), Amsterdam (56%), and Cape Town (54%). However, even though the majority of expats also finds the local residents friendly, they seem to prefer sticking together: only very few respondents in Amsterdam (8%), Cape Town (8%), and Muscat (2%) — and not a single respondent in Manama — report being mainly friends with local residents. Only in Johannesburg does this share reach the global average of 19 percent and outnumber the percentage stating that they are mainly friends with other expats (15%).
Interested in Talking to Expats in Your City?
Visit an InterNations Official Event and personally meet expats from all over the world who will share their stories with you. Find out here when and where the next official event in your community will take place.
To receive a personal press invitation including free access to the event and interview opportunities with InterNations members, please contactpress@internations.org or +49 (0)89 461 3324 79 and let us know which event you would like to attend.
Read More about the Expat City Ranking 2017
The Best and Worst CitiesQuality of Urban LivingGetting SettledUrban Work LifeFinance & Housing

About the Expat City Ranking 2017For its annual Expat Insider survey, InterNations asked about 13,000 expatriates representing 166 nationalities and living in 188 countries or territories to provide information on various aspects of expat life, as well as their gender, age, and nationality. In 2017, the fourth year the survey was conducted, respondents were also invited to share their opinions on the city they are currently living in.
Participants were asked to rate more than 25 different aspects of urban life abroad on a scale of one to seven. The rating process emphasized the respondents’ personal satisfaction with these aspects and considered both emotional topics as well as more factual aspects with equal weight. The respondents’ ratings of the individual factors were then bundled in various combinations for a total of 13 subcategories, and their mean values were used to draw up four topical indices: Quality of Urban Living, Getting Settled, Urban Work Life, and Finance & Housing. These were further averaged in order to rank 51 cities worldwide. In 2017, the top 10 cities for expats are Manama, Prague, Madrid, Kuala Lumpur, Amsterdam, Barcelona, Johannesburg, Bangkok, Basel, and Frankfurt am Main.
For a city to be featured in the Expat City Ranking 2017, a sample size of at least 45 survey participants per city was required. In total, the responses used for the city ranking represent 7,985 expats living in 40 countries.
About InterNationsWith 2.8 million members in 390 cities around the world, InterNations (http://www.internations.org) is the largest global network and information site for people who live and work abroad. InterNations offers global and local networking both online and face-to-face. At around 5,000 monthly events and activities, expatriates have the opportunity to meet other global minds. Online services include country and city guides created by a team of professional writers, guest contributions about life abroad, and discussion forums to help members with topics such as the local job or housing search. InterNations membership is by approval only to ensure we remain a community of trust.
The InterNations app is available for Android and iOS and can be downloaded for free onGoogle Play and the App Store.
Find more information about InterNations on our press pagescompany websiteFacebook,LinkedInTwitter, or in our Expat Magazine.
Press ContactVera Grossmann
Media Spokesperson
InterNations GmbH
Schwanthalerstrasse 39
80336 Munich, Germany

WABAG, NABARD & NGOS ink MoUs for Watershed Programs


WABAG, NABARD & NGOS ink MoUs for Watershed Programs
Making communities climate resilient 
November 13, 2017:  
WABAG, a leading pure play water technology Indian Multinational and NABARD, the apex institution for agriculture and rural development in the country along with three NGOs have entered into MoUs today for implementation of watershed development projects under WABAG-CSR Program.
Under these MoUs, WABAG agrees to provide grant assistance to three reputed NGOs amounting to Rs.2.25 crores   with matching contribution by NABARD, aggregating to Rs.4.50 crores.
The proposed projects are widely spread out in Virudhunagar, Tuticorin and Dindigul Districts and will be implemented by reputed NGOs – Social Education Economical Development Society (SEEDS); Vidiyel Trust and Centre for Improved Rural Health and Environmental Education (CIRHEP) respectively.
The objectives are – enhancement of livelihood security; water conservation; prevent migration; employment generation; long term sustainability through community participation for maintenance of community assets like various water harvesting structures.
This is a 4-year project that will be implemented at a cost of around Rs.4.50 crores covering around 9200 acres.
The project beneficiaries would be Sinnur Watershed, Pudur Block, Thoothukudi District; Erumaikulam watershed, Narikudi Block, Virudhunagar District and Kannivadi Watershed, Reddiarchartram Block, Dindigul District.  Around 2500 households will be impacted on implementation of these projects.

Last year, WABAG tied up with NABARD for similar projects for a value of around Rs.5.00 crores including the matching contribution and the work in these two districts already commenced and making good progress.
With this, the total CSR investment of WABAG for NABARD watershed development projects aggregates to around Rs.4.75 crores.
Mr. S Nagoor Ali Jinnah, Chief General Manager represented NABARD and WABAG was represented by Mr. S Varadarajan, Director and Chief Growth Officer at the MoU signing ceremony.
Coupled with WABAG’s earlier tie-up with NABARD, this large scale intervention in the water stewardship covers 5 districts in Tamil Nadu and brings the areas under watershed around 20000 acres, benefiting over 7000 households at a total cost of around Rs 9.50 crores.

This CSR initiative would go a long way in supporting the “Per drop more crop” mission.
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About WABAG: Around the world, the WABAG name stands for innovative and successful solutions in the water engineering sector. As an internationally respected expert group, we act as a systems specialist and full service provider with a focus on the planning, installation and operation of drinking and wastewater plants for local government and industry in the growth markets of Asia, North Africa, Middle East, the Central and Eastern Europe states. The WABAG Group represents a leading multinational player with a workforce of over 1,600 and has companies and offices in more than 20 countries.

The Second Global Migration Film Festival Gets Underway


Geneva – From Guyana in South America to Makati in the Philippines (and many other places in between) filmmakers from around the globe will soon showcase their skills as cinematographers at the Global Migration Film Festival. Organized by the UN Migration Agency, IOM and supported by UN Information Centers worldwide and with the financial support of DHL, the festival will take place in over 100 countries from 5 to 18 December 2017.
The second edition of the annual Festival will explore the challenges and promises of migration, the heterogenous journey of migrants, moving from one location to another, settling for temporary or permanent periods, in search for a better future and economic prosperity, reuniting with loved ones, or fleeing war and despair.
Films have the power to show different facets of life, through which viewers may cultivate deeper empathy for migrants and a better understanding of their realities, needs, perspectives and capacities. The objective of the Festival is to use films as educational tools that influence perceptions towards migrants bringing attention to social issues.
The opening movie of the festival in Geneva, Lost in Lebanon, delves into the news reports on the Syrian war and gives an intimate look at how four Syrians in Lebanon are trying to find ways to overcome the torment of their shattered lives.
One of the protagonists of the opening film, Mwafak, was invited to create the award statue for the Festival that will be collected and delivered by DHL, one of the partners of the Festival.
Mwafak describes the statue as “a human, female figure standing upright, portraying an optimistic gesture. The woman, stands as a symbol of harmonic life and consistent peace. She looks up to the sky, into the future. Her hair and cape wave softly in the wind. The breeze can be at the same time a challenge and her chance to fly and feel light. The material, bronze, with its warm color gives the sculpture a feeling of both strength and warmth.”
Explaining his choice for sculpting a woman, Mwafak says that “women represent hope – they are the ones who continue life as they give birth”, further adding that the women who endure the danger and strain of the migration journey are exceptionally strong and resilient.
Among others, the Festival will screen Sans Le Kosovo, in which the director and her father retrace his exile as a 19-year-old refugee from Kosovo in 1968. In Nowhere Man, a nameless refugee in Korea from Pakistan who does not appear onscreen, reminds us of all the refugees who have passed by us over the years. Over 30 movies in total will be screened worldwide.
Some of the filmmakers participating in the Festival have migrated at a certain point in their lives, and will put forth their talent, experiences and vision through movies spanning across all genres. Most of the screenings will be followed by a discussion panel consisting of filmmakers, migrants and other guests.
A committee of international film professionals and migration specialists will select three standout productions from the Emerging Filmmakers category and one standout production from the Professional Filmmakers category. Each winner will receive USD 1,500. The award ceremony will take place on 18 December in Les Cinémas du Grütli, Geneva.
The Global Migration Film Festival is not only spreading migration stories around the globe to inform, inspire, educate and transform, but it is also bringing the skills of storytelling through filmmaking, to vulnerable communities. With the support of IOM Development Fund (IDF) and Norcap, Participatory Video workshops took place in Amman, Jordan and Malakal, South Sudan.
During the five-day process, the youth groups created their own films. The participatory process empowers the participants. From the decision of the subject to the editing, every step was conducted by the group with the support of the facilitators.
The Global Migration Film Festival is a partner of Plural+, a youth-produced video festival, and the UN campaign, TOGETHER, which aims to change negative perceptions and attitudes towards refugees and migrants.
For more information, please contact IOM HQ:
Leonard Doyle, Tel: + 41 22 717 9589, Email: ldoyle@iom.int
Amanda Nero, Tel: +41 22 717 9111, Email: anero@iom.int

2017 Global Migration Film Festival: Call for Entries


 Call-for-Films

Switzerland — The UN Migration Agency (IOM) is inviting professional and emerging filmmakers to submit perception-changing films about the migrant experience for the second annual Global Migration Film Festival (5–18 December).
The Global Migration Film Festival showcases films that capture the promise and challenges of migration for those who leave their homes in search of a better life and the unique contributions migrants make to their new communities.
In 2016, the inaugural festival took place in 89 countries. Nearly 10,000 people attended 220 screenings at cinemas, universities, cultural institutions and other venues. The festival hosted 13 films and documentaries, as well as 200 short films about and by migrants.
“The journeys migrants take, sometimes full of peril, often full of hope, have been the subject of films throughout the history of cinema,” said IOM Director General William Lacy Swing. “We hope the films at our next festival will instil understanding, empathy with characters, awe at their journeys and admiration for those who welcome their new neighbours.”
Categories, awards and submission information
  • The film submission period is from 3 July to 17 September 2017.
  • Festival themes: The promise and challenge of migration, and the positive contributions migrants make to their new communities.
  • Professional filmmakers working in all genres are invited to submit films of at least 25 minutes in length for consideration.
  • Emerging filmmakers from 92 select countries are invited to submit films of at least 25 minutes in length for both the festival and a competition.  A committee of international film professionals will select three standout productions, and each winner will receive USD 1,500.
  • Filmmakers from 92 select countries who have migrated in their lifetime are invited to submit a short video about their own experience, or a profile of other migrants, to become part of IOM’s global i am a migrant campaign. These videos will also be considered for screening at the 2017 film festival.
  • Festival locations, dates and selected films will be announced in October 2017.
  • Visit IOM’s website for more details about categories, awards and submission guidelines.
The Global Migration Film Festival is a partner of Plural+ and the UN campaign,TOGETHER, which aim to change negative perceptions and attitudes towards refugees and migrants.
Contacts:
For more details about IOM’s Global Migration Film Festival and the i am a migrant campaign, email: migfilmfest@iom.int
Media queries, email: media@iom.int
For further information on becoming a partner, sponsor or festival co-host, contact: migfilmfest@iom.int

Supreme Court has agreed to hear today itself a fresh plea seeking to curb rising pollution in Delhi and the national capital region (NCR).


A bench comprising Chief Justice Dipak Misra and Justices A M Khanwilkar and D Y Chandrachud considered the submission of lawyer R K Kapoor that rise in dust particles on roads and stubble burning in Delhi’s neighbouring states have led to an alarming rise in pollution levels in the NCR and its adjoining areas.
Asserting that the pollution cannot be ignored, the bench decided to hear the plea today after finishing the listed matters.The plea seeks direction to the Centre and the states concerned to take measures on curbing road dust and stubble burning. It also seeks effective implementation of the odd-even car rationing scheme.

PM Modi holds talks with Donald Trump



Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump today held bilateral talks on the sidelines of the ASEAN Summit in Manila.
Both leaders discussed a range of key issues including defence and security.
The meeting in the Philippines capital came a day after officials of India, the US, Japan and Australia held talks to give shape to the much talked about quadrilateral alliance to keep the strategically important Indo-Pacific region free, open and inclusive.

ICG EVACUATES GERMAN PASSENGER


ICG EVACUATES 75 YEARS OLD CARDIAC STROKE  GERMAN PASSENGER AT HIGH SEAS OFF GOA
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In a swift response operation undertaken by Indian Coast Guard on        11 Nov 2017, a 75 years old German passenger who suffered from cardiac stroke at sea was successfully evacuated from MV ‘Mein Schiff I’ off Goa.
At about 1415 Hrs on 11 Nov, Indian Coast Guard Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre at Goa received a call from master of a Cruise Liner         ‘MV Mein Schiff I’ for urgent Medical evacuation of a 75 years old German Passenger who suffered from Cardiac Stroke, Hypertension and Lung fibrosis.  The Malta flagged passenger vessel was on passage from Mumbai to Colombo.
On receipt of information Coast Guard District Headquarter, Goa launched helicopter and deployed a fast interceptor vessel C-148 with medical team. Meanwhile the agent of the vessel was directed to arrange cardiac ambulance with medical team near shore.
In a well calibrated operation at high sea, the Coast Guard helicopter evacuated the patient by winching up while taking all precautions as there was no landing area onboard the vessel. The patient was thereafter safely handed over to vessel agent at Miramar beach, Goa. The patient is reported to be stable  and under medical observation at Manipal Hospital, Goa.
The Indian Coast Guard, being the Nodal Agency for Maritime Search and Rescue in the Indian Search and Rescue Region, has been providing yeoman service by responding to calls of distress from mariners and sea farers in tune with its moto..We Protect. The prompt response and daring evacuation of the critically ill patient by Coast Guard helicopter was highly applauded by the 1855 foreign tourists onboard the Cruise Liner.

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