Recruitment Results finalised by UPSC in December 2016 

     The following Recruitment Results have been finalized by the Union Public Service Commission during the month of DECEMBER, 2016. The recommended candidates have been informed individually by post.

 

Click here to see the List

 

                                                         

                                                        

****

Subject: DigiDhanMela for Promoting Digital Payment Options Reaches Mangalore 

· DigiDhan Mela witnessed footfall of over 10,000 visitors

· 34 participants from Banks, Mobile Wallet Companies, Telecom Operators and Govt. entities took part in the Mela

 

The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) today organised the 32nd DigiDhanMela – an awareness camp for promoting and publicizing various methods of digital payments - at Town Hall, Mangalore. The Mela is aimed at educating citizens and merchants on various digital payments.

 

Shri Ravi Shankar Prasad, Hon’ble Union Minister of Electronics and Information Technology, GoI graced the event with his august presence. Other dignitaries present at the mela were – Hon’ble Minister of State, Drinking Water and Sanitation Shri. Ramesh Jigajinagi, Hon’ble Member of Parliament – Shri. Nalin Kumar Kateel (Dakshin Kannada), Shri. K Abhyachandra MLA Moodabiri, Shri. B.A. Mohiuddin Bava MLA, Mangaluru City North, Dr. Yogesh Suri, Advisor, NITI Ayog, Shri. M.R. Ravi, CEO Zilla Panchayat, Dakshina Kannada, Smt. Meenakshi Shanthigodu, President, D.K. Zila Panchayat, Smt. Sumithra Karia Deputy Mayor, Mangaluru City Corporation, Captian Ganesh Karnik MLC, Dr Jagdish, Deputy Commissioner, Mangalore and Shri Sri Kumara, ADC.

 

Shri Ravi Shankar Prasad inaugurated the Digidhan Mela and also flagged off a Digital Rath. He interacted with the citizens and merchants present at the mela and also announced the Weekly winners of Lucky Grahak Yojana.

 

He also distributed laptops to top 5 Village Level Entrepreneurs (Uma Farookh of Hassan; Ravi Shankar of Bidar; Kailash of Davangiri; Shivu of Dharwad and Garima of Bengaluru Urban) for their contributions in implementing Digi Dhan Abhiyan.

 

Shri. Ramesh Jigajinagi and Shri. Nalin Kumar Kateel inaugurated the stalls.

Speaking at the event, Shri. Ravi Shankar Prasad, Hon’ble Minister for Electronics & Information Technology said “Mangalore to Muzzafarpur; Karnataka to Kashmir, India is adding Mobile phones equivalent to the population of France and Italy. India is home to 50 crore internet users, 110 crore UIDAI card holders and we are largest users of Google and Facebook after US. We are transforming India in a big way as there are 25 crore JanDhan accounts which receive direct benefit transfer and in the process Government of India already saved Rs 36000 crore so far.”

 

Hon’ble Minister also said “Terrorism, Maoism and hawala transactions have reduced due to demonetization. To enlarge tax base from 3 crore people to more we require honest and accounted transactions. To create infrastructure, funds for the army, building roads we require money. We have changed laws for Benami transactions, set up SIT to investigate about black money. Today I also made digital payment at Shri Krishna temple at Udupi and at Mukambika temple.”

 

The participants of DigiDhan Mela in Mangalore explained various options available for digital payments to the visitors; they also assisted visitors in downloading and installing various mobile apps for digital payments and helped them in successfully completing one digital transaction. During the event, help was also being extended to citizens for opening their bank accounts, to enroll them for Aadhaar. People could also purchase items of daily needs at the DigiBazar. Hon’ble Minister Shri Ravi Shankar Prasad visited various stalls at the mela, interacted with the students from schools and colleges, participants and also made a cashless transaction at one of the stalls.

 

“Digital India is bringing about a revolutionary transformation in India, making inclusive development a possibility. Around 20 million citizens and over 6 lakh merchants have been trained by the Ministry in digital payment methods since the launch of the DigiDhan campaign. The rapid rate of adoption of digital payments by youth, men and women across all walks of life is an indication of the emergent digital economy.” said Ms. Aruna Sundararajan, Secretary, Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology (MeitY)

 

Digital India outreach campaign started in Karnataka from 8th June 2016 and has covered 9 districts including Bangalore, Bangalore Rural, Kolar, Chikkaballapur, Tumkur, Mandya, Mysore Chamarajanagar and Coorg. Now Digidhan campaign will start from Mangalore and cover Hassan. The campaign will conclude by mid February.

 

The Digidhan campaign one of its kind will travel across districts at pan India level to educate citizens for adopting digital payment modes.

 

The DigiDhan Melas being held across India aims to handhold users in downloading, installing and using various digital payment systems for carrying out digital transactions. The initiative plans to enable citizens and merchants to undertake real time digital transactions through the DigiDhan Bazaar.

 

DigiDhanMela will be followed up by camps organised at state level and at bank branch levels. This Mela is primarily targeted at urban populace and looks to supplement the rural effort of promoting digital payments being led by the Common Services Centres. The Mela is providing free WiFi to enable citizens to download and install mobile apps for aiding on the spot digital payments.

 

****

Statement by Sports Minister Shri Vijay Goel on coach of Indian U-17 Team for FIFA World Cup 

 Following the Statement of Minister of State (I /C) Youth Affairs & Sports Shri Vijay Goel:

“I learnt from the media reports about removal of Mr. Nikolai Adam, Coach of Indian U-17 Team for the FIFA World Cup.  I have called for the factual report from the All India Football Federation and also from my Officers in the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports.  The Government will take appropriate action only after the report is received. “

***

AD/

National Essay Competition on Water related issues 

Central Ground Water Board under Ministry of Water Resources, River Development & Ganga Rejuvenation will be conducting a National Essay Competition on Water related issues. The topic for the Essay Competition will be “Ground Water- Life line of the Nation”. Each essay should not exceed 1500 words. The Essay Competition aims to make the youth aware of the need for conservation and prevention of pollution of water and also to involve their parents and society in this noble cause. The competition is open to all in the age group up to 18 years. The Essay Competition will be held across the country in two phases. The winners will be awarded 60 cash prizes ranging from Rs. 5000 to 50000. Last date for receipt of entries by would be February 20, 2017. Please visit www.cgwb.gov.in for details of the contest.

 

Samir/JKD/jk

Guidelines Prescribing Modalities for Persons With Disabilities to Show Respect to The National Anthem 

In pursuance of the order of Hon'ble Supreme Court dated 09.12.2016 in the matter of Writ Petition (Civil) No. 855 of 2016, the Central Government has issued the guidelines on 21.12.2016 prescribing the modalities for the persons with disabilities to show respect to the National Anthem.

Persons with locomotor disabilities with lower limbs affected and wheel chair user who are not capable of standing shall may position himself/herself to the extent of maximum attentiveness and alertness with or without the help of appropriate aids and appliances. If the person with
disability is on crutch, he/she should become stable (non-mobile) to the extent
of maximum alertness.

Persons with hearing disabilities (deaf or hard of hearing) shall stand with attentiveness. However there must be appropriate indication on the screen that the National Anthem is being played or sung as the person with hearing disability is likely to miss the auditory cues. Suitable instructions can be given in the form of captioning as well as in sign language on the screen so that the
persons with hearing impairment are well informed that the National Anthem is being played.

Persons with blindness and low vision shall stand up in respect of National Anthem.

The Persons with Intellectual Disabilities will have behavioural problem like flapping of the hands, creaming, shouting, abnormal body movements, difficulty in performing practical task etc. The public is required to be sensitised so as to avoid any unwarranted incident against persons with intellectual disabilities and they are not being harassed.

The escorts of the persons with disabilities should stand-up when National Anthem in played.

 

*****

    Sanjay Kumar/jk/M/o-SJ&E/25-01-2017

MoU signed between POWERGRID and Abu Dhabi Water & Electricity Authority (ADWEA) 

Power Grid Corporation of India Ltd.(POWERGRID), a central Power Sector PSU and CTU has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Abu Dhabi Water & Electricity Authority (ADWEA) & its group of companies on 25th January, 2017 in Gurgaon. The MoU was signed by His Excellency Saeed Al Suwaidi, Managing Director, Abu Dhabi Distribution Co. (UAE) and Shri Anil Mehra, Executive Director- International Business, POWERGRID in the presence of Shri I.S Jha CMD, POWERGRID and Senior officials from both sides. 

The MoU inter alia envisages cooperation between ADWEA & its group of companies and POWERGRID to work in areas like smart grid, Transmission technology & providing capability development and training in the field of Operation & Maintenance (O&M), Asset Management, Project Management, Power Transmission & Distribution, etc. POWERGRID shall also assist ADWEA in setting up an advanced “World Class Capability Development institute” in UAE.
 

Global Crude oil price of Indian Basket was US$ 54.34 per bbl on 24.01.2017 

The international crude oil price of Indian Basket as computed/published today by Petroleum Planning and Analysis Cell (PPAC) under the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas was US$ 54.34 per barrel (bbl) on 24.01.2017. This was higher than the price of US$ 53.92 per bbl on previous publishing day of 23.01.2017.

In rupee terms, the price of Indian Basket increased to Rs. 3703.43 per bbl on 24.01.2017 as compared to Rs. 3671.16 per bbl on 23.01.2017. Rupee closed weaker at Rs. 68.16 per US$ on 24.01.2017 as compared to Rs. 68.08 per US$ on 23.01.2017. The table below gives details in this regard:

Particulars     

Unit

Price on January 24, 2017 (Previous trading day i.e. 23.01.2017)                                                                  

Pricing Fortnight for 16.01.2017

(Dec 29, 2016 to Jan 11, 2017)

Crude Oil (Indian Basket)

($/bbl)

                  54.34              (53.92)        

54.24

(Rs/bbl

                 3703.43       (3671.16)       

3691.57

Exchange Rate

  (Rs/$)

                  68.16              (68.08)

   68.06

 

RG/RK/SA/Daily Crude Oil Price   

No extension beyond 31st January, 2017 to switch off analog signals in Phase III Urban Areas 

Cable Subscribers in Phase III urban areas, who have not yet taken Set Top Boxes, are advised to obtain the same from the MSO/Cable Operators in their areas immediately, failing which they would not be able to watch TV services through Cable TV Networks after 31st January, 2017.

It is brought to the notice of all concerned that Ministry of I&B would not grant any extension beyond 31st January, 2017 to switch off analog signals in Phase III urban areas. In this connection, Chief Secretaries of all States/UTs have been requested recently to ensure that the Authorized Officer get acquainted with their powers and specified rules to enforce them against defaulters if they continue to carry analog signal in Phase III urban areas after 31st January, 2017.

The Ministry had issued instructions to all the Broadcasters, Multi System Operators (MSOs) and Local Cable Operators (LCOs) to ensure that no analog signals are transmitted over the cable networks in Phase III urban areas after 31st January, 2017. "Authorized officers" under Sec 11 of the Cable TV Networks (Regulation) Act can seize the equipment of the MSOs/Cable Operators, if they continues to carry analog signal in Phase III urban areas after 31st January, 2017.

On account of court proceedings, Ministry of Information & Broadcasting had earlier given time up to 31st January, 2017 to switch over to digital mode of transmission in Cable TV Networks in Phase III urban areas.

CP/GV 

Jeevan Raksha Padak Awards – 2016 announced 

The President of India has approved the conferment of Jeevan Raksha Padak Series of Awards – 2016 on 36 persons which includes Sarvottam Jeevan Raksha Padak to 05, Uttam Jeevan Raksha Padak to 08 and Jeevan Raksha Padak to 23 persons; 07 awards are posthumous.

The details are as under:-

Sarvottam Jeevan Raksha Padak

1. Ms. Roluahpuii (Posthumous), Mizoram

2. Shri Shishir Kumar Yadavannavr (Posthumous), Karnataka

3. Shri Vadmitra Choudhary, (Posthumous), Uttar Pradesh

4. Shri Rakesh Kumar CN (Posthumous), Karnataka

5. Shri Suresh NB (Posthumous), Kerala

Uttam Jeevan Raksha Padak

1. Shri Mrigesh Narayan Barua, Assam

2. Dr. C. Gopakumar (Posthumous), Kerala

3. Shri Govind Laxman Tupe, Maharashtra

4. Shri Churchill, Mizoram

5. Smt. Roluahpuii, Mizoram

6. Shri Bir Bajrangbali Pandey, West Bengal

7. Master Maurice Yengkhom, Manipur

8. Master Shivansh Singh (Posthumous), Uttar Pradesh

Jeevan Raksha Padak

1. Shri Yashwant Kumar Pisda, Chhattisgarh

2. Shri Dara Singh, Haryana

3. Shri Dinesh Kumar, Himachal Pradesh

4. Shri Ratheeshan Nambolan, Kerala

5. Master Anandhakrishnan A, Kerala

6. Master Akhil K. Shibu, Kerala

7. Shri Tejesh Brijlal Sonawane, Maharashtra

8. Shri Manoj Sudhakarrao Barahate, Maharashtra

9. Shri Isac Lalrinchhana, Mizoram

10. Shri Lalmohan Mohanta, Odisha

11. Kum. Nazia, Uttar Pradesh

12. Shri Pankaj Kumar Pandey, Tamil Nadu

13. Shri Anoop Mishra, Uttar Pradesh

14. Shri Kapil Kumar Shishodia, Uttar Pradesh

15. Shri Neelkant Ramesh Harikantra, Maharashtra

16. Shri Manohar Mahato, West Bengal

17. Shri Balen Rajbongshi, West Bengal

18. Shri Dharmendra Kumar Yadav, West Bengal

19. Master Kamlesh Pradhan, Chhattisgarh

20. Kum. Angelica Tynsong, Meghalaya

21. Master Sai Krishna Akhil Kilambi, Telangana

22. Shri Tshewana Thinlay Lachungpa, Sikkim

23. Shri Altaf Ahmed Khan, Jammu & Kashmir

Jeevan Raksha Padak series of awards are given to a person for meritorious act of humane nature in saving the life of a person. The award is given in three categories, namely, Sarvottam Jeevan Raksha Padak, Uttam Jeevan Raksha Padak and Jeevan Raksha Padak. Persons of either sex in all walks of life are eligible for these awards. The award can also be conferred posthumously.

The decoration of the award (medal, certificate signed by the Home Minister and demand draft for lump sum monetary allowance) is presented to the awardee in due course by the respective State Government to which the awardee belongs.

SSB Officers Will Celebrate Republic Day on Border Out Posts

 

On the personnel initiative of DG, SSB Mrs. Archana Ramasundaram, it is first time that the Officers of the rank of Dy. Commandant and above posted in various Sector Headquarters, Frontier Headquarters and Force Headquarter New Delhi are going to Border Out Posts (BOPs) in far-flung areas on Indo-Nepal & Indo-Bhutan Borders and to J&K and Naxal affected areas to celebrate 68th Republic Day with National fervor.          

On this occasion the officers will also convey the message of DG, SSB to the force personnel and public present in the functions. The DG also said that this occasion will help in establishing a healthy relationship with the border population. This national festival shall be celebrated in a manner that better relationship could be ensured between border population and SSB to strengthen integrity and unity of the country.

The idea behind this initiative is also to establish  direct communication between the officers of headquarters and the jawans posted at remote locations on the borders. This endeavor  will also ensure that senior officers appreciate the problems of jawans and instill confidence in them that the DG and the FHQ is sensitive towards their problems and making all out efforts to provide them better facilities.

On this occasion the DG, SSB has also called upon the force personnel to follow the motto of SSB “Service, Security & Brotherhood” and strive for security of the border population and keep the national flag flying high and achieve new heights.

                                                                        ****

Correctional Service Medals for Distinguished/Meritorious Service announced 

The President of India has approved the following Correctional Service medals to the following prison personnel on the occasion of Republic Day, 2017: 

President’s Correctional Service Medal for Distinguished Service 

1.      Smt. V. Thangam, Chief Head Warder (W), Special Prison for Women, Madurai, Tamil Nadu.

2.      Shri Sharad, DIG, Prison, Agra, Uttar Pradesh. 

Correctional Service Medal for Meritorious Service 

1.         Shri Ganeshbai Jethidas Makwana, Jailor-I Rajkot Central Jail, Rajkot, Gujarat.

2.         Shri Ishvarbhai Velajibhai Chaudhari, Superintendent, Patan Sub Jail, Gujarat.

3.         Shri Ajit Singh, Head Warder, District Jail, Rewari, Haryana.

4.         Shri Naresh Kumar Hooda, Head Warder, District Jail Bhiwani, Haryana.

5.         Shri M.C. Kenge Gowda, Jailor, Central Prison, Mysore, Karnataka

6.         Shri Ramesh Raghunath Shinde, Havildar, Yerwada Central Prison, Maharashtra.

7.         Shri Subhash Dnyanoba Kurhade, Jail Sepoy Yerwada Central Prison, Maharashtra.

8.         Shri Shivajirao Baburao Patil, Havildar, Kolhapur Central Prison, Maharashtra.

9.         Shri T. Sharat Singh, Head Warder, Manipur Central Jail, Sajiwa, Manipur.

10.     Smt. T. Bendangsenla, Assistant Office Suptd., Prison Headquarter, Nagaland.

11.     Shri Bivendu Bhuyan, Assistant Jailor, Speicial Jail, Bhubaneswar, Odisha.

12.     Shri Kalu Charan Swain, Head Warder, Sub-Jail, Paralakhemundi, Odisha.

13.     Smt. Monika Agarwal, Dy. Superintendent, Mahila Bandi Sudhar Grih, Jaipur, Rajasthan.

14.     Smt. Suman Maliwal, Dy. Superintendent, Distt Jail, Bhilwara, Rajasthan.

15.     Shri Jagan Lal Kachlariya, Steno Grade-2, Head Quarters, Prisons & Correctional Services, Raipur, Chhattisgarh.

16.     Shri Chhabi Prasad Sharma, Head Warder, Sub Jail Katghora, Chhattisgarh.

17.     Shri Mosali Reddy Bhaskar, Deputy Superintendent of Jails, District Jail, Mahaboob Nagar, Telangana.

18.     Shri Paidi Vijay Kumar, Chief Head Warder, Central Prison, Cherlapalli, Telangana.

19.     Shri A. Madasamy, Deputy Jailor, Central Prison, Palayamcottai, Tamil Nadu.

20.     Shri N. Marimuthu, Grade-I Warder, Central Prison, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu.

21.     Mohd. Javed, Head Warder, Central Prison, Unnao, Uttar Pradesh

22.     Shri Ramendra Nath Srivastav, Head Warder, District Prison, Badayun, Uttar Pradesh.

23.     Shri Ravindra Nath Srivastav, Head Warder, Central Prison, Naini, Uttar Pradesh.

24.     Shri Pradeep Kumar Verma, Head Warder, District Prison, Sitapur, Uttar Pradesh.

25.     Shri Uttam Das, Chief Head Warder, Presidency Correctional Home, West Bengal.

26.     Shri Tajuddin Ahammad, Chief Head Warder, Burdwan Central Correction Home, West Bengal.

27.     Shri Gopal Chandra Biswas, Chief Head Warder, Midnapore Central Correctional Home, West Bengal.

 

***

No Final Decision taken on the Recommendations of the Committee of Chief Ministers on Digital Payments constituted under the Chairmanship of Shri Chandrababu Naidu, Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh 

A Committee of Chief Ministers was constituted under the Chairmanship of the Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, Shri Chandrababu Naidu to examine and recommend measures for implementation of digital payment systems. The Committee has submitted an Interim Report to the Government. The media has reported various aspects of the recommendations made by the Committee, including the recommendation relating to levy of Banking Cash Transaction Tax on transactions of Rs. 50,000/- and above. It is informed that the Government has not yet taken any final view on the recommendations of the Committee. The recommendations will be carefully examined and appropriate decisions will be taken in due course.

**********

Gallantry Awards to Army on 26 January 2017 

 


The President of India,  Shri Pranab Mukherjee has approved the award of two Kirti Chakras and ten Shaurya Chakras to the Indian Army personnel on the occasion of Republic Day 2017 has been included in the list of citations.

 

26 jan

Dr. Mahesh sharma Inaugurates ‘Bharat Parv’ at Red Fort, Delhi 

Bharat Parv, a national festival showcasing the country’s diverse culture, cuisines, handicrafts and catch glimpses of a progressive India was inaugurated by Dr. Mahesh Sharma, Minister of State (Independent charge) for Tourism and Culture at Red Fort, Delhi today. Bharat Parv event is being organized by the Government of India at the Red Fort, Delhi from 26th to 31st January 2017, as part of the Republic Day 2017 Celebrations. The prime objective of organizing the event is to generate a patriotic mood, promote the rich cultural diversity of the country, ensure wider participation of the general public and to popularise the idea of “Ek Bharat Shreshta Bharat”. The Event is open to the public and entry is free. However, identity proof must be carried for entry. 

The Ministry of Tourism has been designated as the nodal Ministry for the event, the highlights of which include display of the Republic Day Parade Tableaux, Performances by the Armed Forces Bands (static and moving), a Multi-Cuisine Food Court, Crafts Mela, Cultural Performances from different regions of the country and a Photo Exhibition by the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting.
 

The Cultural Performances include choreographed Folk / Tribal Dances and Music from across the country arranged through the North Zonal Cultural Centre as well as performances by cultural troupes from the different States/ UTs of the country. The Food Court has 50 stalls set up by the States / UTs, National Association of Street Vendors of India (NASVI) showcasing street food from different regions as well as by the Institutes of Hotel Management and ITDC. The Crafts Mela with 50 stalls showcases the diverse handicrafts of the country, arranged by the State Governments and Ministry of Textiles through the Office of the Development Commissioner of Handicrafts. There are 11 Theme State Pavilions where each State would showcase their achievements and initiatives, tourism products and destinations, etc. The Ministry of Information & Broadcasting has set up a Photo Exhibition on the theme “Mera Desh Badal Raha Hai, Aage Badh Raha Hai”. The big attraction of the event are the Republic Day Parade Tableaux which are stationed at the venue for the duration of the event.
 

The participating States and Union Territories in the Event are Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Andhra Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Chandigarh, Dadra – Nagar Haveli, Delhi, Gujarat, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir, Jharkhand, Karnataka, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Odisha, Punjab, Rajasthan, Sikkim, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Uttarakhand and Uttar Pradesh.
 

*****

PM expresses sadness over death of Jawans in Kashmir avalanche

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has expressed sadness over the death of Jawans in an avalanche in Kashmir.

"Deeply saddened at the death of our Veer jawans in an avalanche in Kashmir. Have directed the authorities for speedy search and rescue ops." the Prime Minister said.

***

AKT/NT

Vice President & Chairman, Rajya Sabha condoles the passing away of Shri Ramdas Agrawal 

The Vice President of India and the Chairman, Rajya Sabha, Shri M. Hamid Ansari has condoled the passing away of former member of the Rajya Sabha, Shri Ramdas Agrawal. In a message, he said that Shri Agrawal was an active parliamentarian and was known for his organizational capabilities and philanthropic persuits. 

Following is the text of Vice President’s message:  

"I am deeply saddened to learn of the demise of senior BJP leader Shri Ramdas Agrawal. 

A three time member of the Rajya Sabha, Shri Agrawal was a stalwart leader and active parliamentarian. He was known for his organizational capabilities and philanthropic persuits. 

I convey my sincere condolences to the bereaved members of the family and join the nation in praying for eternal peace for the departed soul." 

***

KSD/BK

Urgent need for collective efforts against forces of extremism, terrorism and intolerance, says President



The President of India, Shri Pranab Mukherjee yesterday (January 25, 2017) received His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of UAE Armed Forces at Rashtrapati Bhavan. He also hosted a banquet in his honour.
 

Welcoming the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, the President said this State visit is a reflection of the warm relations and intensifying co-operation between India and the UAE. With our shared vision, we are committed to take our partnership to the highest strategic level as we realise its true potential. This State visit provides an opportunity to further enhance co-operation between India and UAE.
 

The President said the well-balanced bilateral trade turnover between India and UAE has been impressive. The bilateral trade during 2015-16 was US $ 49.729 billion. UAE is amongst India’s largest trade partners. To realise the potential for further growth, we have agreed to increase the bilateral trade by 60 % in 2020.
 

Subsequently, in his banquet speech, President Pranab Mukherjee said with India's plans for rapid growth in the infrastructure sector, our Government’s liberalisation of foreign direct investment and as one of the fast growing economies in the world, India holds immense possibilities for investments. The President reiterated India’s invitation to business houses of the United Arab Emirates to participate in our flagship projects like “Make in India”, “Digital India” and “Smart Cities” programmes. India looks forward to a robust partnership with UAE in our National Infrastructure Investment Fund.
 

The President said we, in India, rejoice at the giant strides of progress and prosperity made by our friends in the United Arab Emirates. The Indian private sector is pleased to have made substantial investments in UAE. India's companies are globally reputed and have rich experience in executing infrastructure projects of the highest standards. They are keen to partner in the preparations for the World EXPO 2020 in Dubai. It is a matter of satisfaction that even as the two countries strengthen our ongoing engagement and co-operation, our Governments are currently exploring new avenues to expand it. Joint defence production, space and renewable energy have been identified as priorities.
 

The President reiterated the urgent need for responsible nations to continue collective efforts against the forces of extremism, terrorism and intolerance which attempt to weaken the very fabric of our societies. He said it is in the shared interest of both countries to work for peace and stability in both West Asia as well as South Asia.
 

***

Speech by the President of India, Shri Pranab Mukherjee at the banquet hosted in honour of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of UAE Armed Forces on January 25, 2017

Your Highness, Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan,

Excellencies,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

I am delighted to welcome Your Highness and the esteemed members of your distinguished delegation to India. 

I warmly recall your visit to India - nearly a year ago, and am happy to receive you once again - this time as our honoured Chief Guest as we celebrate India’s 68thRepublic Day.

Your State Visit is a testimony to our enduring bonds and time-tested friendship. Our engagement today is driven by remarkable similarities in the aspirations of our two peoples and the ideals on which our two nations are based.

Your Highness,

India's relations with United Arab Emirates, a country to which we are geographically and culturally close, are deeply rooted in history. We have, in recent times, expanded our ties into a wide-ranging relationship of political, economic, energy, defence and security co-operation. It is a matter of immense satisfaction that we have, today, signed a Framework Agreement on Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and that we both desire to develop it to its maximum potential. 

The historic visits of your respected father, His Highness Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan to India in 1975 and 1992 and my predecessor, President Smt.Pratibha Devisingh Patil to the UAE in November 2010 had placed our bilateral ties on a firm footing. The landmark visit of Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, to your beautiful country in August, 2015 and the return visit of Your Highness in February, 2016 have elevated our engagement to a level that makes us set our sights even higher.

Your Highness,

India deeply values the United Arab Emirates as a trusted and reliable partner in India’s energy security. We welcome your participation in establishing our Strategic Petroleum Reserves. We seek a deeper energy partnership with you - in the form of joint ventures in refineries and petrochemicals projects in India , participation of our companies in upstream projects in your country and joint exploration in third countries.

The UAE is amongst our top trading partners. Our economic and commercial relations are today more broad-based than ever before, encompassing a wide range of products and services.  With our plans for rapid growth in the infrastructure sector, our Government’s liberalisation of foreign direct investment and as one of the fast growing economies in the world, India holds immense possibilities for investments. I take this opportunity to reiterate India’s invitation to business houses of the United Arab Emirates to participate in our flagship projects like the “Make in India”, “Digital India” and “Smart Cities” programmes. We look forward to a robust partnership with you in our National Infrastructure Investment Fund. 

We, in India, rejoice at the giant strides of progress and prosperity made by our friends in the United Arab Emirates. The Indian private sector is pleased to have made substantial investments in your country. Our companies are globally reputed and have rich experience in executing infrastructure projects of the highest standards. They are keen to partner in the preparations for the World EXPO 2020 in Dubai.

It is a matter of satisfaction that even as we strengthen our ongoing engagement and co-operation , our Governments are currently exploring new avenues to expand it. Joint defence production, space and renewable energy have been identified as priorities as we proceed.

Your Highness,

The United Arab Emirates have generously embraced a large number of Indian expatriates and have encouraged them to flourish and prosper, for which we sincerely thank you. The positive contribution of this community to the development and progress of their host country has been well acknowledged and appreciated. We are confident of your continued support in ensuring their safety and well-being.

I take this opportunity to reiterate the urgent need for responsible nations such as ours to continue our collective efforts against the forces of extremism, terrorism and intolerance which attempt to weaken the very fabric of our societies. It is in our shared interest to work for peace and stability in both West Asia as well as South Asia.

Your Highness, our people value the friendship of the United Arab Emirates. We deeply appreciate your commitment to enhancing our bilateral co-operation across the board – and the personal contribution of His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates, in strengthening our relations to a close comprehensive partnership. We wish His Highness, the President, good health and a long and happy life.

With these words, I once again welcome Your Highness and wish you and your delegation a fruitful visit to India.

***