Former Czech PM Milos Zeman Wins Presidential Elections

EFT Report, Prague: Former Czech leftist Prime Minister Milos Zeman won the race for the Czech presidency, data from the Czech Statistical Office showed on Jan. 26, 2013.

So far, Zeman was leading with more than 57 percent of the vote, while his rival, conservative Foreign Minister Karel Schwarzenberg received about 42 percent after more than 90 percent of votes were counted.

The election, which began Friday (Jan. 25) afternoon, is the country's first direct presidential election. Previous presidents were appointed by parliament.

Milos Zeman

This second round of election is decisive as in the first round, Zeman gained 24.2 percent of the ballots while Karel Schwarzenberg pocketed 23.4 percent.

The new Czech president will exercise little day-to-day governance, but will represent the country in foreign affairs and will appoint candidates to the constitutional court and the central bank.

The new president is slated to be sworn in on March 8 this year.

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China Spring Festival 2013 Holiday Travel Rush Starts

EFT Report, Beijing: The most important Chinese holiday, Spring Festival 2013 will begin from Feb. 10, 2013. The Ministry of Railways forecast the 40-day holiday travel rush, which starts on Jan. 26, will last until March 6.

The Spring Festival, the most important occasion for a family reunion for the Chinese people, falls on the first day of the first month of traditional Chinese lunar calendar, or Feb. 10 this year. The number of passengers would reach 3.407 billion person-time during the Spring Festival 2013 travel, an 8.6% increase year on year. Airlines in China have arranged 25,000 more flights for the passengers. The flights are mainly added in tourist cities and cities with a great number of migrant workers.

China Spring Festival 2013 Travel Rush

The tickets for the upcoming Spring Festival rush period can be purchased at ticket offices and agencies since Jan. 9.

The Chinese New Year is one of the most important traditional Chinese festivals with a one week public holiday.

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Homelands Exhibitions Open in Delhi; Also to Travel Kolkata, Mumbai, Bengaluru

Report by Santanu Ganguly, New Delhi: One of the year’s most anticipated exhibitions, Homelands will travel to four cities (New Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai and Bengaluru) across India in 2013.

The exhibition will open to the public in New Delhi on January 24, 2013 at Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA), in Kolkata on March 1 at The Harrington Street Arts Centre, in Mumbai on April 28 at the Dr. Bhau Daji Lad Museum and in Bengaluru in the last week of June.

Cutting to the heart of 21st century cultural relations, Homelands grapples with the relationship between self and place in a world of transitory identities and contested geographies. Culled from the art collection of the British Council, the exhibition is a unique take on contemporary British art by the Indian curator, Latika Gupta. Including more than 80 works by 28 leading modern and contemporary artists, Homelands excavates the idea of a ‘homeland’ to reveal a rich plurality of meaning; ideas of belonging, alienation, history and memory.

Homelands will roll out a multi-layered program that includes public exhibitions in four major metros (New Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai, Bengaluru), artist talks, seminars, curator-led walks, outreach activities and workshops.

Homelands is supported by an innovative network of public-private partnerships developed by the British Council, and epitomizes a new and exciting funding model for public art in India. Key partners helping to bring the pan-Indian exhibition together include Jaguar, Christie’s and Kotak Mahindra Bank Limited. The outreach program, additionally supported by Outset India, is also focused on developing and cultivating unique, local partnerships and encouraging dialogue and collaboration between Indian and UK institutions.

A private preview of Homelands was held at the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA) on January 22, 2013. The preview was well attended by art enthusiasts, collectors, artists, gallerists, curators and a number of fashion and business personalities which included names likes Robin Mallick, Mithu Sen, Rajshree Pathy, Anupam Poddar, Girish Shahane, Amol Vadehra, M.K Raina, Feroz Gujral, Mukesh Panika, David Abraham, Kamlesh Rao, T.N. Ninan, Pushkar Shahi, Kamal Chabbra to name a few.

A post preview reception was also held at the British Council Charbagh on January 22. The Homelands post preview reception was well attended by art enthusiasts, collectors, artists, curators, critics, and people from the fashion fraternity which included names like Vishal K Dar, Jeebesh Bagchi, Shuddhabrata Sengupta, Vibha Galhotra, Nida Mahmood, Rahul Chandra, Simon Maidment, Pooja Sood, Rohit Gandhi, Atul Bhalla, Shivan and Naresh, Ram Rahman, Surbhi Modi, Dadi Pudumjee amongst others. The night included music by Wild City DJ and a surprise dance performance by Danceworx.

Works by 28 of the world’s leading contemporary artists from the British Council Collection will be showcased at the exhibition.

Angus Boulton | Fabien Cappello | Lisa Cheung | Nathan Coley | Jeremy Deller | Suki Dhanda | Jimmie Durham | Paul Graham | Graham Gussin | Mona Hatoum | Anthony Haughey | Tim Hetherington | Susan Hiller | David Hockney | Anthony Lam | Langlands & Bell | Richard Long | Rachel Lowe | Haroon Mirza | Raymond Moore | Cornelia Parker | Martin Parr | Grayson Perry | Zineb Sedira | George Shaw | David Shrigley | Bob and Roberta Smith | Gillian Wearing.

From this esteemed group of contemporary artists, there are 8 Turner Prize winners and nominees namely Jeremy Deller (winner, 2004), Richard Long (winner, 1989), Grayson Perry (winner, 2003), Gillian Wearing (winner, 1997), Mona Hatoum (nominee, 1995), Langlands & Bell (nominee, 2004), George Shaw (nominee, 2011) and Cornelia Parker (nominee, 1997). Tim Hetherington was the winner of World Press Photo in 2007.

Four of the showcased artists are being invited to visit the exhibition in India, including Mona Hatoum, Anthony Haughey, Zineb Sedira and Suki Dhanda. During their stay, the artists will engage with audiences, give public talks and conduct workshops.

“The Homelands exhibition will showcase the very best art being produced by leading contemporary artists in Britain – a fitting juxtaposition to our international sales of works by their South Asian Modern + Contemporary Art contemporaries. The exhibition is an opportunity for us to lend our support to cultural and educational opportunities which are important milestones in the Indian cultural agenda for 2013”, said Menaka Kumari-Shah, Christie’s Head of India.

“Jaguar cars are renowned the world over for their contemporary designs and stunning great looks and I believe that art can have the same impact on people's lives. The Homelands exhibition will provide the Indian art connoisseurs with an opportunity to access great work from globally recognised artists, and we are delighted to support that” - said Rohit Suri, VP, Jaguar Land Rover India.

Feroze Gujral of Director, Outset India said, “Outset India was set up to provide a platform for contemporary art in India. By supporting the extensive Homelands outreach programme - which includes workshops, public talks, and education initiatives – we will be able to offer much needed support to both artists and arts organisations across the country, during this truly exciting time for contemporary art in India.”.

“Today, many of us move across national boundaries. We are born in one country, we make another our home. In the criss-crossing of political, social and cultural borders, we live our lives through hyphenated identities: belonging here and there; inhabiting multiple places - both physical and metaphorical. Geographies that can be mapped as inter/national boundaries and as places conjured up by through remembering and imagining. What constitutes a homeland? Is it ethnicity? Language? Religion? Customs and beliefs? Are homelands those in which our ancestors were born? What of outsiders who live and make other lands their homes? Where do we really belong? Where is it that we hope to one day return?” said Latika Gupta, Curator.

Rob Lynes, Director, British Council India, said “Homelands is the British Council’s flagship arts project of 2013. It’s exciting because it introduces work by 28 brilliant British artists to India; because it will reach tens of thousands of people, especially young people, with the best contemporary art; and because it demonstrates the value of international collaboration, with an Indian curator Latika Gupta offering a unique slant on a British art collection. But most of all, it’s exciting because it asks such fundamental questions about a world that’s changing in front of our eyes, about the sometimes bewildering identity crisis that, for so many of us, constitutes modern life. Homelands demonstrates that art can help us learn about the world around us: but also, that it can help us learn about ourselves.”

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Mumbai to Host India’s First Real Estate Luxury Show 2013

EFT Report, Mumbai: After fashion weeks and wedding exhibitions, India is now set to welcome a first-of-its-kind Real Estate Luxury Show (RLS India 2013), which will serve as a platform for showcasing the properties of the country's real estate giants.

The two-day multi-city show, organized by Global Ventures Media in association with Indicom, will start March 9, 2013 at Mumbai's Four Seasons Hotel. The show will also tour other luxury destination like New Delhi and Bangalore.

"Analysts predict that the luxury residential market has a potential to grow at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of around 28 per cent during 2011-2013. This show is a platform to share the affluence of our nation,"

Tejas Chhatriwala, director, Global Ventures Media, said in a statement.

India’s First Real Estate Luxury Show 2013 in Mumbai

The show is strictly by invitation only and will have some of the leading real estate companies, luxury interior and products designers exhibiting their brands.

"People who find luxury in garments and accessories certainly understand that luxury is an experience. It is at home that everyone finds luxury. This initiative will offer a luxury living experience,"

Chhatriwala said.

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ESIC Medical College to Open at KK Nagar in March

EFT Bureau, Chennai: The Union Minister of State for Labor Mr. Kodikunnil Suresh has disclosed that the proposed Medical College by Employees State Insurance Corporation (ESIC) at KK Nagar in Chennai will start functioning from the coming academic year that begins in March 2013.

The second Medical College by ESIC will be at Coimbatore and it will start functioning from March 2014, the Minister added.

Elaborating further, the Union Minister said that the Centre is spending Rs 480 Crore for KK Nagar Medical College while Rs 500 Cr would be the expenditure for starting the Medical College at Coimbatore. These Colleges will give a great fillip to quality medical education in Tamil Nadu, Mr. Kodikunnil Suresh said. The admission will be for 100 students to begin with. The fees at these Medical Colleges will be strictly on Government fee structure, the Union minister added.

The center has decided to set up a modern 100 bedded ESI hospital at Sriperumbadur to meet the long standing demand by the workers in that industrial hub. The final decision will be taken at the ESI Board Meeting scheduled for 8th of next month, the Minister said. This hospital will have facilities for burn treatment.

The Labor Ministry is seriously considering increasing the ceiling on employees’ salary that makes it mandatory for the employer to contribute. Currently it is 6,500 per month. This will be raised to Rs.10, 000.The employers are fixing the salary just above 6,500 to avoid paying their contribution, he said.

The Union Minister said that recovery mechanism of EPF Contribution will be strengthened as in many cases employers are seen not contributing their share to the fund. EPF Act will be amended if needed for stricter enforcement of rules, the Minister said.

Responding to growing concern over child labor the Union Government is contemplating increasing the age limit for children who come under Child protection Act from 14 years to 18 years. Necessary amendment to the Act will be brought in the next session of the parliament, the Union Minister said.

By 2020, the Ministry of Labor will be imparting skill based training to 100 million youths, the Minister added.

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I&B Ministry to Meet Cable TV Digitization Deadline by March 31

Report by Santanu Ganguly, New Delhi: The Ministry of Information & Broadcasting is confident of meeting the March 31, 2013 deadline of digitization in 38 cities across India. The second phase of digitization covers the one million plus cities across the country including Pune, Nagpur, Nashik, Aurangabad and Thane among others. The four metros – Mumbai, Delhi, Kolkata and Chennai were part of the first phase of digitization. Speaking to media persons in Mumbai on Jan. 19, Secretary for Information and Broadcasting, Uday Kumar Varma said, the Ministry has been reviewing the progress on a continuous basis and Nodal officers have been appointed in every state to oversee the conversion process.

“It has been estimated that 16 million Set Top Boxes would be required to digitize the 38 cities, excluding the four metros. But a study conducted by the Ministry has revealed that already 6 million TV sets in these cities are already digitized” said Mr. Varma. He said the cities like Ludhiana and Amritsar are already 90 per cent digital. The level of digitization is high even in Bangalore and Hyderabad, he said.

Mr. Varma said with the government embarking upon a massive digital conversion drive, there is a huge demand for Set Top Boxes. He said, presently most of the Set Top Boxes are being imported, and the share of the domestic manufacturers is negligible, mainly on account of cost advantage. Mr. Varma explained that while the imported Set Top Boxes are offered as a service by the cable operator and are subjected to a lower rate of service tax, the domestic manufacturer’s STBs attract higher rate of VAT, as they are considered to be goods sold. He said, his Ministry has written to the Ministry of Finance to look into this anomaly and create a level playing field for the domestic manufacturers. Mr. Varma said, if the domestic manufacturers are able to price their products competitively, Ministry may even mandate a certain percentage of STBs to be procured domestically.

Secretary Uday Varma, expressed satisfaction over the implementation of the first phase of digitization. He said, the exercise was more or less completely successful in Mumbai and Delhi. He added that even Kolkata, which initially had reservations about digital conversion, has come on board with a conversion rate nearing 90 per cent. About Chennai, he declined to comment, saying the matter is sub-judice.

Mr. Varma said the first phase of digitization was a learning experience and the government was working to refine the process.. He said, the feedback from the newly converted digital homes has been mostly favorable and added that the move is bringing in a more transparent cable TV regime in the country.

Ministry of I&B Seeks Recommendations of TRAI for Further Reforms in the Cable TV Sector

The Ministry of I&B has sought the recommendations of TRAI regarding issues relating to transmission of local channels or ground based channels operated at the level of cable TV operator/MSOs. In its reference to TRAI, the Ministry has sought to know whether there was a need to put in place a comprehensive set of provisions for local channels which would cover issues related to registration mechanism, including eligibility requirements, fee, terms and conditions to be provided for such channels, including the definition of local or ground based channels and their area of operation.

In the said reference to TRAI, Ministry has also sought its views with regard to the issue of transmission of local channels at local cable operator level in Digital Addressable System (DAS) regime. TRAI in its recommendations dated 25th July, 2008 had, inter-alia, recommended that Local Channel Operators (LCOs) shall be permitted to transmit their ground based channels. However, in the current DAS regime only digital addressable signals can be carried out on the cable network which is generated at the MSO head end. The Ministry in its reference has also requested TRAI to state whether there was a case for putting a cap on the total number of ground based channels operated by a single MSO/cable operator.

TRAI has also been requested to examine whether there was a need to prescribe separate eligibility criteria for cable operators transmitting local news and current affairs channels at their level. Specific recommendations have been sought with regard to eligibility criteria, terms and conditions including foreign investment levels, net-worth criteria and requirement of security clearance etc. for such channels.

The need for putting in places a regulatory framework for local channels being operated at the level of Cable TV operators has been engaging attention of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting for quite some time. This has assumed a greater significance in view of the digitization of cable TV sector being implemented in the entire country in a phased time bound manner. Presently, Cable TV operators/MSOs are transmitting local news, videos and other locally developed content as a separate televisions channels in addition to satellite TV channels obtained from broadcasters. These channels, popularly known as local channels, are presently not subject to a regulatory framework unlike private satellite TV channels permitted under the uplinking/downlinking guidelines of the Ministry. As a result, local channels continue to mushroom all over the country without having registration /license.

Since the area/jurisdiction within which the program generated at the level of cable operators can be transmitted has not been defined in the Cable Television Networks (Regulation) Act, 1995, it is possible for Local Cable Operators (LCOs)/Multi System Operators (MSOs) operating at the local levels to broadcast local channels over a larger geographical area i.e. at Regional/State/National level by transmitting the same content over their entire network. Instances have been brought to the notice of the Ministry that some cable operators are also venturing into transmission of local channels over wider geographical area which includes inter-state and intra state transmission by sharing the same content with others on their network. In such a scenario, local channels are basically operating as State/Regional/National channels like permitted private satellite TV channels without getting any permission. The intent of allowing cable operators to generate and transmit local program is to keep the local people informed of relevant local issues. However this intent is not fulfilled when LCOs and MSOs start networking of the content to cover a larger geographical area. Given the present state of technological advancement, the tendency to network content at a larger geographical area has gained strength.

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International IT Conference in Abu Dhabi From March 31–April 1

EFT Report, Abu Dhabi: The capital city of the United Arab Emirates will host an international conference on information technology supported by the Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

The conference "Towards the 21st Century Innovations" will be held from March 31–April 1, 2013 at the Fairmont Bab Al Bahr Hotel.

The Chartered Institute for IT and the Al Khawarizmi International College are also part of the organizing committee.

Fairmont Bab Al Bahr, Abu Dhabi

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DIAL Presents ‘ART WALK’ at Delhi Airport

Report by Santanu Ganguly, New Delhi: In association with Gallerie Nvya, Delhi International Airport Pvt. Ltd (DIAL) presents fliers the ‘Art Walk’ at the state-of-the-art Indira Gandhi International Airport. In the exhibition’s first season, DIAL is showcasing ‘Hemanta-Shishir’ (a Pre-winter-Winter art collection), from November 16, 2012–March 15, 2013 at the reserved lounge of Terminal 1 D, which will exhibit artworks in varied genres and mediums, including paintings and sculptures.

DIAL CEO I Prabhakara Rao said, “Delhi airport has organized a private exhibition to permit passengers the opportunity to enjoy the work of multi-talented artists such as Anjolie Ela Menon, Jehangir Sabavala, Paresh Maity, et al. This exhibition has been created as a platform for artists to appear under one umbrella that will facilitate a space enabling artist-passenger interactions through a diversity of experiences and activities via art. DIAL is extremely delighted with the opportunity to showcase this creative side of Indian culture for passengers across the globe.”

Paresh Maity, The Face of Life

The first-of-its-kind exhibition is an eclectic mix of artworks by some of India’s established as well as emerging artists. It also boasts of names such as Arpana Caur, Anjolie Ela Menon, Bhawani Katoch, Bhuwal Prasad, Bratin Khan, Gurdeep Singh, Jayasri Burman, Jehangir Sabavala, K S Radhakrishnan, K G Subramanyan, Lalu Prasad Shaw, Manu Parekh, Madhvi Parekh, Mohammed Osman, Neeraj Goswami, Lal Bahadur Singh, Paresh Maity, Puja Bahri, Ramesh Gorjala, Revati Sharma Singh, Sarang Singla and Sakti. The exhibition will showcase various themes, mediums and concepts visualized by India’s eminent artists, bringing together the traditional, modern, contemporary and experimental age of artworks.

The ‘Art Walk’ will also showcase the three art collections that follow the seasons through the year 2012-2013. Every season will unveil a new collection named aptly as ‘Basanta-Greeshma’ (Spring-Summer), ‘Varsha-Sharada’ (Monsoon-Autumn) and ‘Hemanta-Shishir’ (Pre-winter-Winter).

Some artworks in the present season are greatly influenced by mythological aspects and legends and therefore inclined towards traditional forms and practices. Conversely, some artists have depicted the changing phase of rural and urban life in India. The extreme effects of globalization and industrialization have also been showcased at a macro level.

Jayasri Burman, Rupashi

Some artists such as Paresh Maity have formed their own genre of concepts dealing with the abstract and rather cubist representations of the human form. Maity’s paintings are also displayed at the newly-built Terminal 3 at Delhi Airport.

Commenting on the novel display, Paresh Maity said, “It is a privilege to be part of such an initiative that is promoting the splendid culture of our country. What better way to showcase your talent than at an airport where you have people from different walks of life and all over the globe coming by. This will ensure additional exposure for all artists, while encouraging budding talent too. I am pleased that DIAL is taking such a wonderful initiative.”

One of India’s leading contemporary artists, Arpana Caur commented, “For the first time we are showcasing our work at a world-class airport and are honoured to be given such a platform where people can experience significant creative stimulation. We also hope to get an opportunity to showcase our work at the world-class international terminal, T3, and treat our esteemed guests with the visual delight”

DIAL has always believed in supporting initiatives that promote India’s rich cultural heritage. Recently, a 5-day-long festival of classical and contemporary dance was held at Terminal-3. Be it the elephants that greet passengers at the check-in hall, the giant works by the late M F Husain or the mudras that have become symbolic of the airport itself, DIAL’s cultural affinity is unmistakable. What’s more, the lounge is open 24x7, with a coordinator present Monday through Saturday to assist passengers in selecting artworks at the lounge, who can also be contacted on phone and email on all days.

Delhi International Airport (P) Ltd (DIAL) is a joint venture company comprising the GMR Group, the Airports Authority of India, Fraport and Malaysia Airports Holdings Berhad. The project being developed by DIAL under Public-Private Partnership has been given the mandate to finance, design, build, operate and maintain the Delhi Airport for 30 years with an option to extend it by another 30 years.

Vinita Dasgupta, Ah Megacity, Mixed Media & Digital Print on Canvas

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55-Day Kumbh Mela 2013 to Begin in Allahabad From Jan. 14

The 55-day Kumbh Mela congregation will begin at Allahabad, Uttar Pradesh from Jan. 14, 2013. Around four crore people are expected to arrive in the Sangam city to witness the religious festival.

The Uttar Pradesh State Roadways Transport Corporation (UPSRTC) will mobilize around 6,000 additional buses to facilitate hassle-free travel of pilgrims to the Kumbh Mela.

In the first phase (Jan. 10-Feb 5), 1,800 buses will be pressed into service to ferry pilgrims from the state's various bus stations to Allahabad, while in the second phase (Feb. 6-16), 2,000 additional buses will be introduced. In the third phase (Feb. 17-March 10), the UPSRTC will introduce 2,750 additional buses for the devotees heading to the Sangam city.

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Uday Chopra to Marry Nargis Fakhri

Yash Chopra's younger son Uday Chopra and American model/actress Nargis Fakhri may get married soon. If reports are to be believed, the couple will tie the knot in March 2013.

The duo, who have been dating since last year, have grown increasingly close of late. They had actually planned to tie the knot much earlier, but the sudden demise of Yash Chopra put their plans on hold.

According to the grapevine, Uday's mother, Pamela Chopra has met Nargis' mother.

Nargis reportedly knew that the marriage would happen and that is the reason she didn't take up any film offers.

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