PM to Open Delhi Sustainable Development Summit 2013 on Jan. 31

Report by Santanu Ganguly, New Delhi: The 13th Delhi Sustainable Development Summit (DSDS) is set to witness focused discussions among global leaders on resource-efficient growth, climate change and protection of natural resources. The Energy and Resources Institute’s (TERI) widely popular summit will be held at Hotel Taj Palace in New Delhi from January 31-February 2, 2013. The theme of the summit is “The Global Challenge of Resource-Efficient Growth and Development”—one of the most pressing challenges faced by the world today.

The Hon’ble Prime Minister of India Dr Manmohan Singh will be inaugurating the summit on January 31, 2013.

The Global Challenge of Resource Efficient Growth and Development is an all-embracing challenge which needs comprehensive assessment and analysis and responses by which the global economy can be taken in the direction of resource use efficiency. To deal with this subject comprehensively would require an elaboration of strategies and actions on every aspect of development, but as far as the Delhi Sustainable Development Summit, 2013 is concerned, focus would be confined to the following subjects:

• Adapting to the Impacts of Climate Change

• Mitigating Emission of Greenhouse Gases and Associated Co-benefits

• Choices before the BRICS and a New Economic Construct

• Sustainable Development and the New Knowledge Economy

• Defining the Future We Want

Some of the key dignitaries who have confirmed their participation include:

1. Dr. Manmohan Singh, Hon’ble Prime Minister, India

2. H.E. Mr Donald Ramotar, President, Guyana

3. H.E. Mr Anote Tong, President, Kiribati

4. H.E. Mr James Alix Michel, President, Seychelles

5. Ms Jayanthi Natarajan, Hon'ble Minister of State (I/C) for Environment and Forests, India

6. H.E. Dr Mariyam Shakeela, Minister of Environment and Energy, Ministry of Housing and Environment, Maldives

7. Mr Arvinn Eikeland Gadgil, Deputy Minister for International Development, Norway

8. H.E. Mr Marcin Korolec, Minister of the Environment, Poland

9. The Hon’ble Jean-François Lisée, Minister of International Relations, La Francophonie and External Trade, Québec

10.H.E. Prof. Rolph Payet, Minister for Environment and Energy, Seychelles

11.H.E. Dr Plodprasop Suraswadi, Minister of Science and Technology, Thailand

12. H.E. Dr Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs & Special Envoy for Energy and Climate Change, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, UAE

13.Ms Jayanthi Natarajan, Hon'ble Minister of State (I/C) for Environment and Forests, India

14.Mr Haruhiko Kuroda, President, Asian Development Bank, Philippines

15. Mr Bindu Lohani, Vice-President for Knowledge Management and Sustainable Development, Asian Development Bank, Philippines

16. Mr Masahiro Kawai, Dean & CEO, Asian Development Bank Institute, Japan

17.Mr Jairam Ramesh, Hon’ble Minister for Rural Development, Government of India (Invited)

18.Prof. Carlo Rubbia, Scientific Director, Institute for Advanced Sustainability Studies, Germany

Nobel Laureates’ Session

• Prof. Carlo Rubbia, Scientific Director, Institute for Advanced Sustainability Studies, Germany

In addition, the tenth World CEO Sustainability Summit (WCSS)—themed ‘Resource Revolution: A Global Imperative and How Business Can Shape It’--will witness an impressive congregation of corporate leaders exchanging views on the role of business in protecting resources. The WCSS is schedule on 30 January 2013.

A central novelty at DSDS this year will be the thematic tracks, which will allow for detailed discussions on niche topics. Global Trends in Sustainable Production And Consumption with a special focus on edible oils; Mindset of Green Growth; Post-2015 Development Agenda and the Energy Future We Want for All; Reducing Inequalities: a Sustainable Development Challenge and Low carbon sustainable mobility for all will be some of the key areas on which parallel discussions will take place on the sidelines of the Summit.

Continue Reading

GEA Westfalia Separator Opens Bangalore Production Facility

Report by Santanu Ganguly, Bangalore: A 6 billion euro conglomerate GEA Group, known as the largest system provider of Machines and Process Technologies Worldwide and market leaders in the Food and Energy Sectors, inaugurated its new facility in Bangalore.

This new state of the art facility was inaugurated by Mr Markus Hullmann, President of GEA Mechanical Equipment and member designate GEA Executive Board. Speaking at the occasion Mr Hullmann brought to light-“Whether you drink beer, wine, juices or milk, use edible oils for your food or whether you take antibiotics against inflammations, vitamins as food supplements or walk into a restaurant for dinner, or you use mineral oils, chances are good that our machines have been involved in the production process of all these products. With over 2500 applications that GEA offers worldwide most are now available in India”.

Initially GEA Westfalia Separator a high technology company operated in highly selected and niche areas of the Indian industry which was limited to certain Chemical/Pharma applications and Casein plants where there was limited competition. In due course, the economy opened up, custom duty tariffs came down – which led to a larger canvass that made in-roads in most of the application areas.

As of today, GEA continues to provide innovative solutions to the customers and have penetrated in markets for many standard applications. Food, Pharma and Energy remain the main focus areas. Antibiotic Projects, Dairy including Casein Projects, Naphtha Treatment Projects, Vaccine Projects, Fruit juice, Instant Coffee, Edible Oil Projects are areas where the company is active in India.

Speaking on the occasion Mr. Markus Hullmann said, “India is a diverse country with various religions, languages, income levels. India’s growth has accelerated since mid 90‘s, and the country has grown at 5%-6% consistently for the past 17 years. The growth has been driven by a sustained reform agenda pursued by successive governments. In addition, investment goes a longer way in India due to high capital efficiency. India has sufficient financial resources for growth. Consumer spending is already growing at a rate of 8%CAGR driven by an emerging middle class that has created a large market“

He further added, “In addition to services, manufacturing is also growing swiftly at 4%CAGR, driven by labor productivity increases, and reflected in exports. Even if the government continues the current pace and theme of reforms, growth rates (GDP) of ~6% are expected in future. We strongly feel that Indian Industry deserves the best in World class technology. This production centre is our effort in making that technology affordable.”

GEA Westfalia Separator India’s planning for Production in India, started in late 2005 to address the growing needs of the local Indian market as well as to address the cost effective solution of the global market. Prototype Decanter centrifuge UCD 205 was developed at Bangalore and since then Indian Production has crossed several milestones.

Currently GEA Westfalia Separator India Bangalore unit is successfully producing Decanters up to 350mm diameter for global market for environmental application as well as addressing the needs of the Indian market for various applications. Since 2006 GEA Westfalia Separator India Bangalore unit has exported & installed approximately 500 decanters worldwide. Presently this unit can produce 250 Decanters per year.

With this expansion, GEA Westfalia Separator India Bangalore unit will be able to increase its output capacity as well as find opportunities to address the demand for other market segments by adding small process specific customizations said Mr Ashok Narula, MD , GEA India.

GEA Westfalia Separator is an old and reputed company that was established at the end of 19th century in Westphalia, an area in the north of Germany, from where the company derives its name– Westfalia Separator. 120 years ago, GEA Westfalia Separator started first with the production of milk separators, separating cream from milk. Afterward GEA Westfalia Separator moved step by step into many other fields and applications - food, industry and mineral oil.

Continue Reading

Watch Joe Biden Live Conversation on Reducing Gun Violence at 1:45 PM ET

EFT Bureau, Washington: Before American Vice President Joe Biden introduced a set of ideas to help reduce gun violence, he kicked off a national conversation. He wanted to make sure that he heard from people from every perspective about the steps we need to take to protect kids and make our communities safer.

And that dialogue isn't over.

Today, in a hangout hosted by Google and moderated by Hari Sreenivasan from PBS NewsHour, Vice President Biden will speak with a group of Google+ users about the White House policy recommendations and answer their questions. And we want you to join us.

Joe Biden Live Conversation on Reducing Gun Violence 

What: Google+ Hangout with Vice President Joe Biden

When: Thursday, January 24 at 1:45 PM ET

Where: Live on WhiteHouse.gov (http://links.whitehouse.gov/track?type=click&enid=ZWFzPTEmbWFpbGluZ2lkPTIwMTMwMTI0LjE0NzcyMDUxJm1lc3NhZ2VpZD1NREItUFJELUJVTC0yMDEzMDEyNC4xNDc3MjA1MSZkYXRhYmFzZWlkPTEwMDEmc2VyaWFsPTE3MDIwNzQwJmVtYWlsaWQ9YWZ6YWxhbGlAb3V0bG9vay5jb20mdXNlcmlkPWFmemFsYWxpQG91dGxvb2suY29tJmZsPSZleHRyYT1NdWx0aXZhcmlhdGVJZD0mJiY=&&&100&&&http://www.whitehouse.gov?utm_source=email196&utm_medium=text1&utm_campaign=nowisthetime )

Continue Reading

Transformational Journey Workshop With Natalie & Fiann

Report by Santanu Ganguly, New Delhi: Transformational Journey workshop will guide you to find powerful ways in life that will dramatically change the way you see yourself, your friends and family, your surroundings and the world. You will learn techniques to help you figure out where you are in life currently, where you want to be and how to pursue your life to a higher level. With guidance you will discover and explore the conscious and subconscious patterns and belief systems that sabotage your success for a more fulfilling and meaningful life.

There will be active processes and meditations by combining body movement, breathing techniques and the use of our voice. It allows us to overcome the disconnection from the infinity of life and invites the inflow of an expanded life force into us.

Inner flow through static and dynamic asana, expressive and spontaneous dance to confront ourselves which helps in overcoming with physical and mental restrictions we put on ourselves.

Question yourself, your beliefs and habits to get to know ourselves and unconscious patterns.

At the end you can expect to:

• Get in touch with what really matters to you.
• Gain a new perspective on life and where your priorities lie.
• Gain a better understanding of your abilities and limitations.
• Understand relationships better and your part in them.
• A clearer sense of direction in your life
• Experience a full range of emotions.
• Become more joyful than you are today.

Program:

Feb 8, 9 & 10—Fri, Sat & Sun
Starts Thursday, Feb. 7 at 6 pm
6:00 am till 10:00 pm on Fri & Sat
6:00 pm till 6:00 pm on Sunday

Contribution:

Rs 14250 per person, (Includes program fee, stay for 3 days & all meals)

Prior registration required, 9250361903, 9311902245, info@zorbathebuddha.org

Venue: Zorba the Buddha. Near Ghitorni Metro Station, 7, Tropical Drive, New Delhi, Delhi 110030

The Art of Ecstasy: A Taste of Osho Meditations on Jan. 26

Report by Santanu Ganguly, New Delhi: Zorba the BUddha are offering a fourth workshop by Swami Shivam Satyam on Osho meditations. His earlier three workshops were a resounding success. Shivam's charm lies in his simplicity, innocence and energy, which keeps the atmosphere light and playful.

Osho’s meditations and processes will be used to release repressed emotions and bring silence, creativity and celebration. It would also have breathwork, hypnosis and dance.

This is good for people who have read Osho and want to experience his meditations, which were developed for modern humanity. It is also a good opportunity for people who are aquainted with Osho's work but want to touch their inner core with this feast of Meditations.

Program:

Saturday, Jan. 26, 9 am till 6 pm

Contribution:

Rs 2500 per person

Prior registration required
9250361903, 9311902245
info@zorbathebuddha.org
Zorba the Buddha, 7, Tropical Drive, Ghitorni Metro Station, New Delhi, Delhi 110030

Continue Reading

Kapil Sibal Inaugurates SAR, NGN Labs in Delhi

EFT Bureau, New Delhi: Union Minister for Communications and IT, Mr. Kapil Sibal inaugurated the Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) lab, which will audit the SAR values of mobile phones; and the Next Generation Network (NGN) lab in the Telecommunication Engineering Centre (TEC), at TEC Office, Janpath in New Delhi on Jan. 21, 2013. Mr. Sibal pointed out that while world standards with regard to SAR had been adopted earlier, we are adopting even more stringent standards as in the USA, Brazil, China and in some other countries. He underlined that health safeguards have to be a priority. The minister asked the TEC to prepare their equipment for testing 4G and also 5G.

Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) lab in TEC

The Telecommunication Engineering Centre has commissioned a Lab for measurement of Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) for the mobile handsets. SAR is closely related to electric field strengths produced inside human body tissues while making calls. Lower the value of SAR, safer the mobile handset for the human use.

Kapil Sibal at SAR, NGN Labs

The TEC SAR Lab is one of its kind as it is the first lab in India for independent audit of SAR value, self-certified by mobile handset manufacturers and importers in India. The lab utilizes the existing radio frequency chamber available with TEC.

As per the DoT Memorandum of January 25, 2012, the mobile handset manufacturers in India have to provide self-declaration of SAR value on the handsets. As regards imported handsets from other countries, manufacturers, apart from self-declaration of SAR, shall specify the SAR information on their documents for verification by the appropriate authority. Suitable amendments in the Indian Telegraph Rules under Indian Telegraph Act 1985 shall be enacted for strict compliance. As per this Memorandum, TEC has been mandated to conduct the audit on self-certified mobile handsets.

This Lab is capable of making SAR measurement for CDMA, GSM 2G and 3G mobile handsets in the frequency band of 800 MHz, 900 MHz, 1800 MHz and 2100 MHz. The lab is also capable of measuring SAR value against the International Commission on non-Ionizing Radio Protection (ICNIRP) limit of 2 Watt per Kilogram measured over 10 gm. of tissue as well as the recently adopted unit in human i.e. 1.6 Watt per Kg measured over 1 gm of tissue. The will also undertake request from mobile handset manufacturers for testing the devices on their request, for a fee.

Next Generation Network (NGN) lab in TEC

The Next Generation Network (NGN) lab in TEC is a unique test infrastructure in the country which is capable of subjecting Internet Protocol (IP) based equipment for Conformance and Interoperability testing. The cost of the lab is Rupees 3.5 crore. The lab is equipped with Testing and Measurement Equipment manufactured by M/s Spirent of USA and supplied by M/s Sterlite as System Integrator.

Internet Protocol (IP) address is a basic requirement for accessing Internet and Internet-enabled services. Internet Protocol version 4 (IPv4) address space has been exhausted and IPv6 has taken off. NGN lab has the capability to test both IPv4 and IPv6 and the migration scenarios. The lab also supports the NGN based Interconnection and Voice Over Internet Protocol (VoIP). Introduction of VoIP and transition to IPv6 is envisaged in NTP-2012.

The IPv6 testing is one of the key features of NGN lab. IPv6 Ready Logo Forum which is international body, has been approached for accreditation for IPv6 testing. It is targeted to obtain IPv6 Ready Logo Certification by March 31, 2013.

Remote Testing of the products from the NGN lab is one of the key features. The lab is upgradable from the present 1G/10G Electrical/Optical Interfaces to 40G/100G optical interfaces. The test facility can also be augmented to take care of testing of Cloud Computing based implementations.

Expected Users of the lab are Equipment Vendors of NGN products, Application Software Providers, Indigenous Manufacturers of EPABX/IP based equipment and Academic Institutions. IIT Kanpur has tested their IPv6 traffic tool which is installed in ALTTC, BSNL. CDOT has now offered its GPON equipment for Network Management Interface testing.

Continue Reading

Vice President Inaugurates 4th AIIMS Physiotherapy Conference

EFT Bureau, New Delhi: The Vice President of India Mr. Hamid Ansari has said that Physiotherapy is the treatment of a disease, deformity or malfunction, by distinct therapeutic measures like exercises, heat, light, water, electrical currents etc. and over the years, has gained wide acceptance as a sophisticated and essential medical technology. It has proven its effectiveness beyond doubt for the improved functional status and quality of life of the concerned patients. Delivering inaugural address at the “4th Annual AIIMS Physiotherapy Conference [AIIMSPTCON]” at All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in Delhi on Jan. 19, 2013, he has said that more importantly, Physiotherapy has both curative and preventive aspects. Its affordability and relative facility in administering the required “medicine” makes it an integral and critical part of any recovery and rehabilitation program for patients.

Vice President at 4th AIIMS Physiotherapy Conference

He said that in today’s world, with new and emerging challenges to human health, physiotherapy needs to keep abreast with these complex and newer forms of diseases and disorders in order to anticipate, prevent and cure them. In this regard, theoretical research in relevant areas, coupled with development of modern techniques and technologies, are a sine qua non for providing a truly holistic health care system.

The Vice President hoped that the AIIMS Physiotherapy Conference will provide a useful platform to professionals from India and aboard for sharing latest knowledge, best practices, resources and clinical expertise, which will contribute in bringing a significant and positive change in the health care delivery system.

Following is the text of Vice President’s inaugural address:

“I am happy to be here today for the inauguration of the Fourth Annual All India Institute of Medical Sciences Physiotherapy Conference. I take this opportunity to welcome the participants of the Conference and the distinguished guests who are present here today.

Friends, I dare say that coming to the AIIMS for a formal function like today’s is always a comforting thought since the Institute is the foremost centre of excellence in the field of health care, health education & research in our country.

AIIMS has also emerged as an acknowledged centre for physiotherapy in various areas of medical sciences; during all stages of diseases, disorders and trauma; thereby making a noteworthy contribution in promoting physical, and emotional well being of patients. The credit for this goes the outstanding professionals of this institution who work hard and with commitment to render high quality and affordable services to all sections of our society.

Physiotherapy, as this audience knows well, is the treatment of a disease, deformity or malfunction, by distinct therapeutic measures like exercises, heat, light, water, electrical currents etc. Over the years it has gained wide acceptance as a sophisticated and essential medical technology and has proven its effectiveness beyond doubt for the improved functional status and quality of life of the concerned patients.

More importantly, Physiotherapy has both curative and preventive aspects. Its affordability and relative facility in administering the required “medicine” makes it an integral and critical part of any recovery and rehabilitation program for patients.

The quest for excellence is a human trait. It is like walking towards receding horizons. New ideas, methods and technologies need to constantly emerge for better addressing the existing and emerging challenges. The same holds for Physiotherapy. In today’s world, with new and emerging challenges to human health, it needs to keep abreast with these complex and newer forms of diseases and disorders in order to anticipate, prevent and cure them.

In this regard, theoretical research in relevant areas, coupled with development of modern techniques and technologies, are a sine qua non for providing a truly holistic health care system.

I am informed that this Conference, having “From Movement to Function for Health” as its theme, is being held with the objective to provide opportunity to the participants for updating their skills and knowledge through scientific presentations and research updates being presented by reputed national and international faculty from various health professions. It also aims at making the benefits of new research and technology available at the grass roots level, including at the rural health set ups.

These are commendable goals as we all are duty bound to try and provide universal access to quality and affordable health care to all our citizens, especially those belonging to the marginalised and deprived sections.

It is expected that the Conference will provide a useful platform to professionals from India and aboard for sharing latest knowledge, best practices, resources and clinical expertise, which will contribute in bringing a significant and positive change in the health care delivery system.

I congratulate the organizers and the participants for this laudable initiative and convey my best wishes for a successful Conference.”

Continue Reading

President Inaugurates 28th Ophthalmology Congress in Hyderabad

EFT Bureau, Hyderabad: The President of India, Mr. Pranab Mukherjee inaugurated the 28th Congress of the Asia Pacific Academy of Ophthalmology in Hyderabad on January 17, 2013.

Speaking on the occasion, the President said as stated in the Vision 2020 document of WHO, the problem of blindness can only be combated through increased political commitment, professional commitment, provision of high quality eye care, increasing public awareness and support of non-governmental organizations and private sector. Private sector companies and government institutions should join hands to fight blindness and visual impairment. The private sector companies should not consider this a burden but as a way of discharging their social obligations. If the local medical associations like the Indian Medical

President at 28th Congress of the Asia Pacific Academy of Ophthalmology

Association can take this initiative in collaboration with the non-governmental organizations in towns and districts, it would make a distinct difference.

The President urged delegates present there not to count their success in terms of the economic prosperity, but by the number of people who they can help prevent from becoming blind or by giving sight to those who live without it.

The President said he is confident that the Congress would find solutions for providing greater medical access to the needy. He also hoped that the technical sessions would provide the necessary platform for knowledge sharing and information dissemination.

Continue Reading

A Day of Osho Meditations in Delhi on Jan. 26

Report by Santanu Ganguly, New Delhi: Zorba the Buddha are offering a fourth workshop by Swami Shivam Satyam on Osho meditations. His earlier three workshops were a resounding success. Shivam's charm lies in his simplicity, innocence and energy, which keeps the atmosphere light and playful.

Osho’s meditations and processes will be used to release repressed emotions and bring silence, creativity and celebration. It would also have breathwork, hypnosis and dance.

This is good for people who have read Osho and want to experience his meditations, which were developed for modern humanity. It is also a good opportunity for people who are acquainted with Osho's work but want to touch their inner core with this feast of Meditations.

Program:

Jan. 26, 2013, 9:00 am till 6:00 pm.

Contribution:

Rs 2500 per person

Prior registration required.

9250361903, 9311902245
info@zorbathebuddha.org

Zorba the Buddha, 7, Tropical Drive, Ghitorni Metro Station, New Delhi, Delhi 110030

Continue Reading

Yogic Prana Energization Workshop in Delhi on Jan. 17

Report by Santanu Ganguly, New Delhi: Prana is the subtlest form of biological energy, which is present in every physical and mental event. Prana is intelligence and consciousness, the two vital ingredients which animate physical body.

This experiential workshop sensitizes the participants to pranic energy and its applications for self-healing through an introduction to:

• The concept of Prana (the energy sheath)

• Correlation between the mind, prana and the physical body

• Methods to regulate prana through pranayama

• Ways to develop sensitivity to prana

• Self-healing through Yogic Prana Energization Technique

Pragati Oswal is an “evidence based” Complementary and Alternative medicine practitioner with specialization in the fields of Yogic sciences, Acupressure and Energy healing. Her research work on the acceleration of self-healing process through Yogic Prana Energization Technique got published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine.

She is presently working with Shruti foundation as the Wellness Director facilitating scientific study on the efficacy of Yoga based practices on various health conditions like Asthma, Parkinsonism etc. at All India Institute of Medical Sciences(New Delhi).

Program:

Thursday, January 17, 2013, 10 am to 12 pm

Contribution:

Rs 2500 per person

Prior Registration Required:

9250361903, 9311902245,
info@zorbathebuddha.org

Zorba the Buddha,
7, Tropical Drive, Ghitorni Metro Station, M.G. Road
New Delhi, Delhi 110030

Continue Reading

10th Knowledge Millennium Summit in Delhi on Jan. 16

EFT Bureau, New Delhi: The Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India (ASSOCHAM) announces 10th Knowledge Millennium Summit “Curing the Incurables: Sharing of Innovations” at Vigyan Bhavan in New Delhi on January 16, 2013. The overall objective of the Summit is to deliberate on the innovative methods to CURE all chronic and incurable diseases by sharing of innovations in healthcare using all the available therapies viz. Modern Medicine, Homoeopathy, Ayurveda, Naturopathy and various other forms of complementary/ alternative medicines to bring about a holistic cure and restore natural remission.

Honorable President of India Mr. Pranab Mukherjee will be the Chief Guest of the 10th edition of Knowledge Millennium Summit.

Prof. Aaron Ciechanover, Recipient of Nobel Prize in Chemistry in the year 2004 has very kindly given his consent to be the Millennium Speaker this time. His Nobel Prize is recognition for his revolutionary work on characterizing the method that cells use to degrade and recycle proteins using ubiquitin.

10th Knowledge Millennium Summit in Delhi 

We cordially invite you as well as your colleagues to this prestigious Summit, the registration form and other details are attached for ready use. We also request your organization to avail partnership / sponsorship opportunities for the Summit to mark your presence among the industry stalwarts, as per details enclosed for your kind reference.

We look forward to your active participation both as delegate and availing sponsorship opportunities.

Registration Fees:

Indian Delegates: Rs 4,000 per delegate
Foreign Delegates: US $ 75 per delegate

Continue Reading

Intl Symposium on ‘New Horizons in BioEnergy Research 2013’ at IIT Kharagpur

EFT Report, Kolkata: P K Sinha Centre for Bioenergy is honored to invite all the Bioenergy concerned fraternity for the 2nd International Symposium on ‘New Horizons in BioEnergy Research, 2013’ to be held on January 14–16, 2013 at IIT Kharagpur. The event has been organized by the centre, for congregation of the Bioenergy experts and budding entrants to explore leading edge concepts and existing applications on global bioenergy sector.

Bioenergy is gaining attention in the global quest for alternative energy that can replace fossil fuels and solve the looming energy crisis. To realize the substantial potential of bioenergy and help bring about the transition to a sustainable low carbon economy, there is a need to inform and guide research. A roadmap will enable the science community and others who shape the direction of science, to identify gaps and unlock unique potentials of bio based economy.

Thus the purpose of the present forum is construction of the roadmap, to empower and secure our tomorrow in a greener way by learning from experiences of the experts and exploring novel ideas. Overall focus will be on currently available technology and their applications for development of efficient, sustainable and economic bioenergy solutions that ultimately work.

Continue Reading

2nd BRICS Health Ministers’ Meet in Delhi From Jan. 10–11

EFT Bureau, New Delhi: The second BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa) Health Ministers’ Meet will begin with a two-day program in New Delhi on Jan. 10, 2013.

While the program of first day will be held at Dr. Ramalingaswamy Auditorium, AIIMS, New Delhi, the second day program will be at Banquet Hall, Ashoka Hotel, New Delhi.

The first day’s program will be participated by the Health Secretaries and Senior Advisors of BRICS countries. The second day’s program will be participated by the Health Ministers of BRICS countries.

It may be mentioned that the first BRICS Health Ministers’ Meeting was held at Beijing, China on 11th July, 2011 following a decision taken by Heads of BRICS countries in the Sanya Declaration of 14th April 2011.

2nd BRICS Health Ministers’ Meet in Delhi

The Beijing Declaration of the first BRICS Health Ministers’ Meeting emphasized the importance and the need of technology transfer as a means to empower developing countries; the importance role of generic medicines in the realization of the right to health; and to establish priorities in research and development as well as cooperation among BRICS countries including support to transfer of technologies and innovation in a sustainable way to foster cooperation among BRICS countries to make available and improve technology. It was also agreed at Beijing to establish at technical working group to discuss specific proposals.

In the Delhi Declaration issued during the 4th BRICS Heads of States Meeting, consisting of Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa, held at New Delhi on 29th March, 2012, it was urged that meetings of BRICS Health Ministers be held in an institutionalized manner so that the countries of BRICS could jointly address common goals such as promoting innovation and universal access to health technologies including medicines, especially in the context of increasing costs and the growing burden of both communicable diseases and non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and to encourage flow of knowledge amongst research institutions through joint projects, workshops and exchange of visits, particularly by young scientists in areas relating to pharmaceuticals and health.

Thereafter, during the sidelines of World Health Assembly held at Geneva, Health Ministers of BRICS countries met on 22.5.2012 and discussed various issues. During the meeting it was decided that some thematic areas of work under BRICS Health Platform be identified for each country to be carried forward by the Technical Group. A joint communiqué was issued after the meeting.

In accordance with this mandate, the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Government of India is organizing the two-day 2nd BRICS Health Ministers’ Meet at New Delhi from Jan. 10.

Continue Reading

Justin Bieber Caught Smoking Weed

Photos have emerged of 18-year-old Justin Bieber smoking what looks a lot like a marijuana cigarette at a big party inside a Newport Beach hotel room on Jan. 2, 2013.

According to TMZ, the snaps of Bieber holding an alleged blunt and laughing with friends, including 19-year-old rapper Lil Twist, was clicked by a paparazzo. According to sources, Lil Twist and his brother were the ones dishing out the pot to guests.

After the photos surfaced, Bieber took to his Twitter to issue an apology of sorts.

"Everyday growing and learning. trying to be better. u get knocked down, u get up," he wrote last night. "Back on tour tomorrow. ready to see u all smile. time to do what im supposed to be doing. performing. #BELIEVEtour."

Justin Bieber Smoking Pot

Continue Reading

Dr Reddy's Launches Hair Loss Tablets ‘Finasteride’ in US

Indian drug maker, Dr Reddy's Laboratories has launched its generic Finasteride tablets for treating male pattern hair loss in the American market.

The company has launched Finasteride tablets in the strength of 1 mg in the US market on January 2, 2013 following the approval of its abbreviated new drug application (ANDA) with 180 days of marketing exclusivity.

The tablets are bioequivalent generic version of Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp, a subsidiary of Merck & Co Inc's Propecia tablets.

The generic Finasteride tablets 1 mg of the company is available in bottle counts of 30 and 90.

Continue Reading

Chattanooga Attorney McCallie Wins US Conservation Award

Chattanooga attorney Allen McCallie has been honored with a national conservation award. McCallie has helped create public parks around Chattanooga—Tennessee’s fourth-largest city—for 15 years.

McCallie helped open spaces as a volunteer and attorney with the Trust for Public Land. Some of those spaces include the Tennessee Riverwalk, the South and North Chickamauga Creek greenways, Coolidge Park, Renaissance Park and Stringer's Ridge Park.

McCallie also has supported the development of the Aetna Mountain wildlife management area, the Tennessee River Gorge and the Lula Lake trail system.

Continue Reading

Dr. Reddy’s Lab Launches Prostrate Cancer Drug in India

Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories Ltd has launched PamorelinÒ LA in India under an exclusive marketing and sales agreement with Debiopharm Group, Switzerland.

PamorelinÒ LA is used for the treatment of locally advanced or metastatic, hormone-dependent prostate cancer. It will be imported in bulk from Debio Recherche Pharmaceutique (Debio R.P.) and made available primarily to urologists and oncologists across India.

Continue Reading

Piramal Group Buys UK-Based Abacus International

Piramal Enterprises’ subsidiary Decision Resources Group (DRG) has acquired the UK-based Abacus International involved in evidence-based global market access solutions for many of the world’s leading healthcare companies.

DRG is a leading research and advisory firm focused on healthcare insights and analysis, but financial details of the deal were not disclosed.

The acquisition of Abacus by the Massachusetts-based Decision Resources Group will result in a significant global expansion of Decision Resources Group’s market access capabilities.

Abacus will be part of the Market Access Business Unit at Decision Resources Group which currently includes the brands: Fingertip Formulary, HealthLeaders-InterStudy, PharmaStrat and Pinsonault.

Abacus International will remain headquartered in Bicester, England.

Continue Reading

Delhi to Host ‘Quotes From the Earth’ Film Festival From Dec. 6-7; Entry Free

Quotes from the Earth, a two-day environmental film festival will be held at India International Centre (IIC), Lodhi Road, New Delhi from December 6-7, 2012 from 9.30 am onwards. The film festival will feature 25 poignant films from Indian and international film-makers depicting stark environmental challenges and ecological conflicts of our times.

The festival will witness screening of 25 films with a separate section on International Films from various countries including the USA, France, Australia and Germany. With films by renowned environmental filmmakers like Bedi Brothers, Mike Pandey, Krishnendu Bose, Rita Banerji, Christopher Walker and David Fedele among others, this is indeed a film festival with a difference.

Entry to the festival is free.

Continue Reading

AstraZeneca’s Antiplatelet Drug ‘Brilinta’ Launched in India

AstraZeneca Pharma India Ltd has launch antiplatelet drug Brilinta (Ticagrelor) in India.

Brilinta is an oral antiplatelet treatment for acute coronary syndromes in adult patients.

The company said the drug works by preventing the formation of new blood clots and maintaining blood flow in the body to help reduce patient’s risk of another cardiovascular event (called atherothrombotic events) such as heart attack or cardiovascular death.

Continue Reading