Daily News Notes: 12th Feb, 2012

· First visit by a Union Commerce Minister Anand Sharma to Pakistan: It will help in creating a positive environment for enhanced bilateral trade and for increased economic engagements within the SAARC region. The Pakistan giving a very clear assurance to move towards a negative list in bilateral trade. Negative list regime would facilitate more of the commodities of the products from India to go to Pakistan.
· According to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation, DGCA latest airworthiness circular, all airline operators have been asked to frame a proper policy for duty time limitations for pilots and cabin crew and giving them adequate rest period.
· An Assocham study says, the 40-billion dollar Indian petrochemicals industry is expected to grow at 12-15 per cent annually over the next five years and generate millions of new jobs. The sector would attract foreign funds as the global petrochemical industry moves eastwards. However, the Indian industry faces major competition from hubs in China, Singapore and West Asia to grab a share of the investment pie. The government, so far, has notified four petroleum, chemicals and petrochemical investment regions. These are Dahej in Gujarat, Haldia in West Bengal, Paradeep in Orissa and Vishakhapatnam in Andhra Pradesh.
· The Ministry of Road Transport & Highways will shortly put in place the “National Ambulance Code” to rationalize the Ambulance specifications in India and to ensure quality pre-inter-hospital transfer of patients. The Ministry is also in the process of formulation of a “National Emergency Medical Services Network” by interlinking all the existing and new ambulances under a centralized Toll Free number and are actively pursuing the matter with other related ministries as well. The Ministry has committed to provide “140 Advance Life Support Ambulances” to identified Trauma Care Centres being developed by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare along the National Highways. It is planning to impart first-aid training to drivers, toll booth operators and volunteers from nearby villages along National Highways and to give first-aid training in Spinal and Head injury cases.
· “Notwithstanding the economic slowdown, India's hospitality sector is likely to witness high growth in the long-run driven by increasing domestic travel” a study says. The study said that there are a number of challenges faced by the industry while managing talent and the tax and regulatory issues. It said rationalization of the number of tax levies and implementation of single-tax regime will benefit the industry.
· In Odisha, thousands of endangered olives ridley tortoise have now started hatching eggs in the 480 kilometers coast line of the state. Mass migration of olives ridley tortoise to the coast of Odisha from across the world is seen during November and December every year.
· “India Show” being organized by Government of India in Lahore from 11-13 February, 2012, showcases the best of the Indian industry, cuisine and culture. The objective of India Show Exhibition is to raise awareness of Indian products in Pakistan. Products will range from manufacturing services, chemicals, engineering, textiles & apparels, consumer durables, gems & jewellery cosmetics, handicrafts, auto components, healthcare etc. Onetime permission has been granted by Government of Pakistan to exhibit Indian goods and services beyond the normal import of goods from India being allowed as per ‘Positive List’ and counter sale of products. The realization that trade could play a major role in improving overall relations has seen many encouraging developments taking place in the recent past. Year 2011 witnessed breakthrough developments in India-Pakistan bilateral relations.
· Arab League foreign ministers will meet in Cairo to discuss the next step on Syria. The meeting is also expected to discuss recognition to the opposition Syrian National Council.