Prime Minister of Italy calls on the President

    New Delhi. His Excellency Mr Paolo Gentiloni, the Prime Minister of the Republic of Italy, called on the President of India Ram Nath Kovind, at Rashtrapati Bhavan today. 

    Welcoming the Prime Minister of Italy to India, the President said that his visit is taking place 10 years after the visit of Prime Minister Prodi. And this visit holds very special significance for India-Italy engagement, as the two countries will be celebrating the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations in 2018. 

    The President added that India and Italy are ancient civilisations and have interacted with each other for ages.

   He stated that the economic partnership between India and Italy is strong. However, there is potential to do more. India’s reform initiatives, including efforts at ease of doing business and GST, offer business opportunities to Italian companies. Infrastructure development in India itself is a US $ 1 trillion opportunity.

   India is keen to leverage Italian technology and investment for its growth and development. He was happy to note that Italian companies want to participate in the railways, auto, renewable energy and food processing sectors in India. He stated that Indian companies are also looking for opportunities in Italy.

  The President said many commonalities bind India and Italy. Our relations are anchored in the shared values of democracy and rule of law. We have a large Indian diaspora in Italy. India deeply appreciates Italy’s recognition of their contribution to socio-economic progress. Our people-to-people connect is ever growing. 

  There are over 2000 Indian students in Italy today. With so much that we share and jointly aspire for, our ties must continue to strengthen.The President said we are very happy that Italy would be participating at the World Food India 2017 as a ‘Focus Country’. 

  He stated that Italy is known to be the design capital of the world. He commended the personal initiative of Mr Gentiloni to celebrate the ‘Day of Italian Design in the World’.

      He added that this year the event, held in over 100 cities across the globe, was a big success. And we look forward to jointly celebrating the event in India next year.

Exercise Indra-2017 Concluded in Vladivostok

  New Delhi. The Indo-Russian military Exercise 'Indra-2017' culminated today at Vladivostok after eleven days of joint training in counter-terrorism operations. After intense and exacting military training, the joint exercise concluded with a closing ceremony, wherein both the contingents showcased their immense talents with unique traditional touches.

The grand closing ceremony at Vladivostok which comprised of personnel of both contingents was witnessed by senior officials and dignitaries of both countries including His Excellency Ambassador of India to the Russian Federation Pankaj Saran.

  Personnel from the Indian as well as Russian contingents were awarded medals of excellence for their outstanding performance during the exercise. Fighters and Helicopters co-piloted by Indian and Russian pilots took part in the flypast along with an IAF IL-76 aircraft.

   In the joint tactical exercise which began on 19 October 2017, the two countries conducted training focused on combating terrorism. In the series of bilateral exercises under this banner, the exercise this year focused on conduct of counter insurgency / counter terrorist operations under United Nations mandate in a joint service environment. 

   The exercise also provided an opportunity to both the armies for greater cultural understanding, sharing experiences and strengthening mutual trust and co-operation. Participants from both the Armed Forces expressed immense satisfaction at the conclusion of the training, in terms of the standards achieved in the validation phase of the training. 

    The senior observers from the Indian Army and the contingents are carrying back cherished memories of the warm bonhomie generated and the outstanding professional association established amongst the participants. The joint exercise concluded today and the Indian contingent will depart for India on 30 October 2017.

Consumer Protection Bill is the top priority

   New Delhi. The Prime Minister, Narendra Modi inaugurated the two days International Conference on Consumer Protection for East, South, South East and Asian Nations on the theme Empowering Consumers in New Markets in New Delhi, today. 

 The Prime Minister in his inaugural speech congratulated the Department of Consumer Affairs for holding this important event and mentioned that East, South and South East Asian countries have a shared heritage. These nations have long history of trade. This in itself paves way for mutual cooperation in the area of consumer protection. Modi said that it is the consumer that helps markets grow and trade expand. 

    The Prime Minister thanked the delegates from countries and UNCTAD for associating with India in holding this conference. He drew attention of the gathering to the traditions and laws of ancient India as old as 2500 years and Vedic period, when laws existed for preventing unfair trade practices, abuses and adulteration of products. Modi said, in India, Consumer is considered as God in trade premises. ‘Grahak Devo Bhava’ is the dictum for consumer satisfaction. While mentioning the unique nature of CP Act 1986, 

   He mentioned the new Consumer Protection Bill which is on the top priority of the Government. The Prime minister mentioned several important efforts taken by his government across various sectors like Housing, Energy, Standards, Healthcare, pharmaceuticals and medical devices and procedures that has resulted in financial benefits to consumers.

    He drew attention to demonetization and the GST regime that introduced a new business culture which will ultimately bring down prices for consumers. Redressal system that is efficient is the corner stone of democracy, he asserted. While talking about various sectoral initiatives he mentioned the, importance of good governance, Jandhan Yojna, Make in India programme, Swachh Bharat Abhiyan and provision of free LPG to the poorer sections of society, technology driven  PDS system and Aadhar based transparency system, etc that have protected consumer interests and how specific consumers are benefitted and their hard earned money saved. 

   On the digital front he said efforts are on to ensure that at least one member in a rural family gets digitally educated so that the rural population can derive benefits from various government schemes and are able to use UPI, BHIM etc.

  Finally, while concluding his speech the Prime Minister mentioned the need for trans-national cooperation especially in Asian region on cross border issues based on mutual trust. Ram Vilas Pawan, Union Minister for Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution,  welcomed the delegates from East, South and South East Asian Nations for being in New Delhi to attend this first ever Asian Conference on consumer protection. 

   Paswan explained various initiatives taken by the Govt in furthering consumer protection. He made specific reference to the New Consumer Protection Bill which is likely to replace the old Act soon and the new BIS Act with specific emphasis on Hallmarking Scheme for ornaments. For protection of consumer interests and their hard earned money, he mentioned, several measures have been taken including Hall Marking of Gold. Secretary General, UNCTAD, Dr. Mukhisa Kituyi in his address elaborated on globalization and the resultant challenges it brought to consumers.

   He mentioned the backdrop against which the UN Guidelines on Consumer Protection were revised in 2015 and the commendable role India has played.

    He said that this Conference is an ideal opportunity to learn from best practices and exchange information, and suggested some points for consideration of India to consider in the implementation of UN Guidelines, such as  Provision of high quality ICT infrastructure at affordable prices, Consumer safety from hazardous goods, complete disclosure of all information for guidance of consumers, redressal system that is rapid and affordable for consumers in shortest time possible and regulations against identity theft and provision for data privacy protection.

    International Conference on Consumer Protection is being organised by the Department of Consumer Affairs, Government of India with the association of United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD). 

     This is the first time an international conference on consumer protection is being organised by India for countries of the region which account for a majority of the global consumers and share common challenges and experiences. 22 countries from East, South and South-East Asia are participating in the international conference.The two day conference will conclude on 27th October, 2017.

US Secretary of State Rex W. Tillerson calls on Prime Minister

   New Delhi. US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi afternoon. Prime Minister welcomed Secretary Tillerson on his maiden visit to India in his current capacity. 

    Prime Minister noted with appreciation the firm upward trajectory in the bilateral strategic partnership following the positive and far-reaching talks with President Trump in June this year.

    Prime Minister shared the resolve expressed by Secretary Tillerson on taking further steps in the direction of accelerating and strengthening the content, pace and scope of the bilateral engagement. They affirmed that a strengthened India-US partnership is not just of mutual benefit to both countries, but has significant positive impact on the prospects for regional and global stability and prosperity.

    In the context of President Trump’s new South Asia Policy, Prime Minister noted the commonality in the objectives of eradicating terrorism, terrorist infrastructure, safe havens, and support, while bringing peace and stability to Afghanistan. In this regard, 

    Secretary Tillerson exchanged views on his recent travels in the region with Prime Minister. They further discussed stepping up effective cooperation to combat terrorism in all its forms and promoting regional stability and security.

   Earlier in the day, Secretary Tillerson also had detailed discussions with External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and National Security Adviser Ajit Doval.

Navika Sagar Parikrama Tarini Enters Fremantle

     Australia. INSV Tarini entered Fremantle (Australia) port today during it’s maiden voyage to circumnavigate the globe. 

This is the first-ever Indian circumnavigation of the globe by an all-women crew. The vessel is skippered by Lieutenant Commander Vartika Joshi, and the crew comprises Lieutenant Commanders Pratibha Jamwal, P Swathi, and Lieutenants S Vijaya Devi, B Aishwarya and Payal Gupta. Smt Nirmala Sitharaman, Raksha Mantri had flagged-off INSV Tarini from Goa on 10 Sep 17. 

     The vessel has covered 4800 Nautical miles from Goa, crossing the Equator on 25 Sep 17 and the Tropic of Capricorn on 06 Oct 17. The indigenously-built INSV Tarini is a 56-foot sailing vessel, which was inducted in the Indian Navy earlier this year, and showcases the ‘Make in India’ initiative on the International forum.

     The expedition titled ‘Navika Sagar Parikrama’, is in consonance with the National policy to empower women to attain their full potential. It also aims to showcase ‘Nari Shakti’ on the world platform and help revolutionise societal attitudes and mindset towards women in India by raising visibility of their participation in challenging environs.

    The vessel would return to Goa in April 2018, on completion of the voyage. The expedition is being covered in five legs, with stop-overs at 4 ports: Fremantle (Australia), Lyttleton (New Zealand), Port Stanley (Falklands), and Cape Town (South Africa). 

   The crew has also been collating and updating meteorological, ocean and wave data on a regular basis for accurate weather forecast by India Meteorological Department (IMD), as also monitoring marine pollution on the high seas.

    They would interact extensively with the local populace, especially children, during the port halt to promote Ocean sailing and the spirit of adventure.The vessel is likely to depart Fremantle on 05 Nov 17.

India Saudi Oil, LPG's largest market

Gurugram Union Petroleum and Natural Gas and Skill Development and Entrepreneurship Minister Dharmendra Pradhan inaugurated the Armco Asia India office of Saudi Aramco jointly with Chairman and Chief Executive Amin H.L.-Naseer in Gurgaam. 

 This office is located in the Two Horizon Tower Gurogram. Saudi Armco started its formal business in India in 2016 by its subsidiary Armando Asia India. AAI will now formally associate with crude oil and LPG trade, engineering and technical services and other business development industries. 

     On this occasion Dharmendra Pradhan said that India is the largest market for Saudi oil and LPG. He said that he is feeling very happy while inaugurating the Saudi Armco office in India.  

     This will help strengthen the strategic partnership of bilateral buyer-supplier relations in the hydrocarbon sector. ARMMO India has planned to expand its operations in the near future to start the operations of hydrocarbon sector services including engineering services,

    IT operations and security and R & D center. Saudi Armaco intends to partner with Indian companies. To promote Make in India activities in India, India wants to establish integrated business venture in hydrocarbon value chain. 

  Saudi Arabia is the second largest supplier of crude oil to India after Iraq. 19 percent of crude oil and 29 percent of the country's LPG import comes from Saudi Arabia. During the year 2016-17, India imports 39.5 MMT of crude oil from Saudi Arabia.