International City Parade: Milan-2018

            The stunning settings at the Marina Park was the venue for a glorious International City Parade on 09th March. The City Parade showcased the motto of MILAN ‘Friendship Across the Seas’ in great style as school children, Marine Commandos, Para Jumpers, marching contingents and cultural troops stole the hearts of  the spectators.

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Rule of law is at the foundation of our democratic polity: Vice President

The Vice President, Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu has said that Rule of law is at the foundation of our democratic polity. He was interacting with the students of Bharat Institute of Law, Chennai who called on him at his residence, in New Delhi today.

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Main topics and media events 12 – 25 March 2018

Overview of the main subjects to be discussed at meetings of the Council of the EU over the next two weeks.

Competitiveness Council (Internal market and Industry), Monday 12 March

The Council will discuss the digitalisation of the EU economy, the way forward to deepen the single market and restrictions in services markets. It is due to adopt conclusions on industrial policy.

Economic and Financial Affairs Council, Tuesday 13 March

Ministers will discuss proposals on tax planning schemes and banking, as well as policy monitoring and macroeconomic imbalances under the 2018 ‘European Semester’. They are also expected to adjust the EU’s list of non-cooperative tax jurisdictions.

Employment, Social Policy, Health and Consumer Affairs Council (Social Policy), Thursday 15 March

The Council will hold policy debates on the future of social Europe post-2020 and on closing the gender pay gap, thereby contributing to the achievement of the goals of the European Social Pillar. It will assess progress on the implementation of the Youth Guarantee. The Council is expected to adopt a recommendation setting out a European framework for quality and effective apprenticeships.

Foreign Affairs Council, Monday 19 March

The Council will discuss Ukraine, Syria and Iran. EU foreign ministers will exchange views with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Republic of Korea (South Korea) Kang Kyung-wha which will be focussed on the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea(DPRK, North Korea)

Agriculture and Fisheries Council, Monday 19 March

The Council is due to adopt Council conclusions on the Commission communication on “The future of food and farming” and to exchange views on the regulation on a multi-annual plan for demersal species in the Western Mediterranean

General Affairs Council, Tuesday 20 March

The Council will continue preparations for the Spring European Council and address the European semester.

General Affairs (Art. 50) Council, Tuesday 20 March

EU27 ministers will discuss draft guidelines on the framework for a future relationship with the UK and the state of play of Brexit negotiations.

European Council, Thursday 22 March

The March European Council will focus on economic issues. Leaders will address the single market, the European Semester, social issues and trade. They will also discuss recent developments in relations with Turkey and prepare for the upcoming EU- Western Balkans summit on 17 May. Under the Leaders’ Agenda they will discuss taxation. Separately, EU leaders will discuss Brexit in an EU 27 format and the future of EMU in Euro Summit format.

European Council (Art.50), Friday 23 March

EU27 leaders will adopt guidelines on the framework for the future relationship with the UK after Brexit.

Euro Summit, Friday 23 March

The 19 euro area members will discuss the long-term development of the economic and monetary union, including  more ambitious proposals in the fiscal and economic dimension.




Power grab puts the Tories on the wrong side of history – again

More than 20 years ago, the people of Scotland voted overwhelmingly for a national parliament.

 

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Government response: Statement on former Ofcom board member

In the summer of 2016, Bill Emmott stepped down as chair of Ofcom’s Content Board and as a non-executive director on the main Board, posts to which he had been appointed in December 2015. The parties were unable to agree the terms of Mr Emmott’s departure.

Appointments to Ofcom are the responsibility of the Secretary of State for the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport (DCMS). Mr Emmott subsequently brought judicial review proceedings in the High Court against the Secretary of State, challenging the decision as to how his appointment should be formally brought to an end.

During the time that he was in post, Mr Emmott, a distinguished former Editor of the Economist, brought substantial editorial and leadership experience to both the Content Board and main Board.

The parties now recognise that his departure from the post reflected changed circumstances since his recruitment and have agreed formal terms to resolve the dispute between them.

The DCMS is grateful to Mr Emmott for his significant contribution and commitment to Ofcom.