Issued by India

Issued on Dec 30, 2015

Issued for : Department of Posts is pleased to release a Commemorative postage stamp on Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses.

Credits :
Stamp/FDC/Cancellation : Nenu Gupta

Type : Stamp, Mint Condition

Colour : Multi Colour

Denomination : 500 Paise

Stamps Printed : 0.6 Million

Printing Process : Wet Offset

Printer : Security Printing Press, Hyderabad

About : 

• The Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses (IDSA) is a non-partisan, autonomous, registered, society, funded by the Ministry of Defence, Government of India. Established in New Delhi on November 11, 1965, the IDSA is dedicated to objective and policy relevant studies on all aspects of defence and security. Over the years, it has emerged as the nation’s premier think tank on strategic affairs.
• The IDSA was registered as a society on November 11, 1965. The initiative for setting up a non-partition, autonomous research institute dedicated to national security came from then Defence Minister Shri Yashwantrao Chavan, who was one of the Institute’s founding members. In the aftermath of the 1962 Sino-Indian war, a need was felt to establish a research outfit aligned to the government, both to educate policy makers about the larger security environment and to provide policy alternatives for use by the government.
• As per IDSA’s memorandum, the objective of the organization was “to initiate study, discussion and research on problems of National Security and impact of Defence measures on economic, social and political processes”, and to promote research and exchange of information on “defence studies and analyses, strategy, disarmament and international relations”. Over the years, the ambit of research and analysis of IDSA has expanded. In tune with the times, along with traditional hard security issues, the institution has added non-traditional security issues as an important area of research.
• The vision statement of the institute adopted in 2007 brings further clarity to its activities and emphasizes on policy-oriented research, training and capacity building and public education. The institute has played a crucial role in shaping India’s foreign and security policies. Its contribution has been particularly visible in areas related to nuclear weapons, military expenditure, and conventional and non-conventional threats to India.
• The IDSA’s larger mission has been to promote national and international security through generation and dissemination of knowledge on defence and security issues among the larger strategic community in India and the world. It has also served as a forum to debate various issues related to national and international security. Through regular seminars, conferences, roundtables, and workshops, attended by practitioners, academics, journalists and strategic analysts, the Institute helps generate ideas, analyses and policy inputs relevant for use by the decision makers of the country.
• The IDSA is funded entirely by the Ministry of Defence, Government of India. It is governed by a neutral and non-partisan Executive Council, comprising distinguished personalities, elected for a period of two years, by the general body. The Council is headed by a president and supported by committees covering different aspects of the Institute’s work. The stakeholders include Government, Parliament, Strategic Community, Media and the General Public.
• Although the IDSA is funded by the Ministry of Defence, Government of India, it has all through protected and maintained its autonomy. The structure of the Institute helps it to maintain its autonomy. The Executive Council of the Institute, which consists of elected members including the President and a few ex-officio members from the government, is fully empowered to take decisions pertaining to personnel, establishment, administration etc. The Director of the Institute decides the research agenda. The system has functioned well and is a model for other government funded institutes as to how best to maintain their autonomy.
• The institute has a well-qualified multi-disciplinary research faculty drawn from academia, defence forces and the civil services, representing a diversity of views. This helps in cross-fertilization of ideas and strengthens the quality of research. The faculty is chosen through open interviews. Apart from a dedicated research faculty, the Institute encourages serving officials from government, military services, academics and media to join as faculty from time to time.
• The research activities of the Institute are conducted by different centres focusing on different areas.
• India’s growing profile as an emerging power has helped the IDSA raise its profile nationally and internationally. Against this setting, the IDSA has positioned itself well, and played a key role in interacting with policymakers and raising awareness about strategic issues in the public. The objectivity of IDSA publications as well as their quality has ensured that the Institute is seen as a respectable think tank in the country and abroad.
• Text : Based on the material received from proponent.

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Issued by India

Issued on Dec 26, 2015

Issued for : Department of Posts is pleased to release a commemorative postage stamp on Alagumuthu Kone.

Credits :
Stamp / FDC / Cancellation Cachet : Nenu Gupta

Type : Stamp, Mint Condition

Colour : Multi Colour

Denomination : 500 Paise

Stamps Printed : 0.32 million

Printing Process : Wet Offset

Printer : Security Printing Press, Hyderabad

Name : Alagumuthu Konar

Born on 1710 at Kattalankulam, Tuticorin district, Tamil Nadu, India

Died on Jul 11, 1759

About : 

• ‘Maveeran’ Alegumuthu Kone (Maveeran means very brave person, ‘Maveeran’ is a title given to the people who are really brave and patriotic) was born in 1710 in Kattalankulam, near Kovilpatti, Tuticorin District in the State of Tamilnadu. His father’s name was also Alagumuthu and his mother was Pakkiyathammal. He also known as Alagumuthu Konar and Servaikarar (meaning Head or Service provider to public). He is known for having raised one of the first revolts against the British in India.
  
• The domination of British in Tamilnadu began in the 1750s. They defeated the Nawab of Arcot and Collected tax directly from the people of Tirunelveli. They had appointed Khan Sahib as a commander of Tirunelveli and authorized him to collect tax in Madurai as well as Tirunelveli. Following this, a communication in this regard was also sent to Ettayapuram. The King of Ettayapuram, Ettappanayakar-29 alongwith Alagumuthu Kone, condemned this act severely and refused to pay tax to the British.
  
• However, Boothalapuram Ettayya, one of the cousins of Ettappanayakar-29, offered to pay the tax and serve under the control of British if Khan Sahib helped him conquer Ettayapuram. Khan Sahib attacked and captured Ettayapuram and announced Boothalapuram Ettayya as the King of Ettayapuram. Maveeran Alagumuthu Kone managed to save Ettappanayakar’s life and kept him safely in the provinces of Perunazhi.
  
• Boothalapuram Ettayya had a lavish lifestyle and was unable to pay the tax to the British. Consequently, he was imprisoned and Kurumalaithurai, the brother of Ettappanayakar-29, who paid the tax, was declared the new King of Ettayapuram.
  
• Ettappanayakar-29 died heartbroken at his brother’s conspiracy. Thereafter, Maveeran Alagumuthu Kone crowned Venkateshwara Ettappar-30 as his successor in Perunazhi.
  
• He then collected an army to defeat the conquerors of Ettayapuram. Many brave men from Maoli and Bethanayakanur joined his army. He trained them and segregated them into two groups one under his leadership and the other under Venkateshwara Ettappar.
  
• Sivasangaram Pillai got to know of Alagumuthu Kone‘s moves and warned Khan Sahib the danger. Khan Sahib‘s men surrounded the army of Alagumuthu Kone at midnight during their stay at Bethanayakanur.
  
• Alongwith 255 soldiers, Maveeran Alagumuthu Kone was captured and taken captive. Alagumuthu Kone, alongwith some others was tied to the mouth of a Canon and shot to death in July 1759. Ever since, the eleventh of July is celebrated to honour the Maveeran Alagumuthu Kone as a mark of respect for his supreme sacrifice.
  
• Text : Based on the material received from proponent.

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Issued by India

Issued on Dec 23, 2015

Issued for : Department of Posts is happy to release a Commemorative Postage Stamp on Shri Sumitranandan Pant.

Credits :
Stamp/FDC/Cancellation Cachet : Nenu Gupta

Type : Stamp, Mint Condition

Colour : Multi Colour

Denomination : 500 Paise

Stamps Printed : 0.3 Million

Printing Process : Wet Offset

Printer : Security Printing Press, Hyderabad

Name : Sumitranandan Pant

Born on May 20, 1900 at Kausani, Bageshwar, Uttarakhand, India

Died on Dec 28, 1977 at Allahabad, Uttar Pradesh, India

About : 

• Sumitranandan Pant (May 20, 1900 – December 28, 1977) born in Kausani in Almora district of Uttarakhand, was one of the major literary figures of modern Hindi literature who founded the Chhayavaad format of Hindi poetry. His childhood name was Gusain Dutt. Shri Pant spent his childhood and adolescence in the picturesque Kumaon hills of Uttarakhand. Having finished his early education in Almora, he went to Queen’s College in Kashi (Varanasi) and then attended Prayag University where he spent some time and published his collections of poems “Veena” and “Pallav” under the name “Sumitranandan Pant”. It was shortly after Mahatma Gandhi’s call for Satyagraha Movement that Shri Pant went to Sri Aurobindo’s Ashram in Pondicherry and it was from that point onwards that he expanded his horizon and started writing in broader contexts. He was influenced by the progressive and philosophical writings of Shri Aurobindo and his essays and poems showed a philosophical touch under the influence of Shri Aurobindo.
  
• Sumitranandan Pant attained most of his literary achievements in Allahabad. His initial writings were published as Yugvani and Gramya. His poems were impressions of his thoughts on the then socio-political scenario and he drew inspiration from his scenic surroundings in Kumaon.
  
• Chhayavaad refers to the era of Neo-romanticism in Hindi Literature, particularly Hindi poetry (1917-1938) which was marked by an upsurge of romantic and humanist content. It saw a renewed sense of the self and personal expression which was visible in the writings of that time. Chhayavaad is known for its leaning towards themes of love and nature.
  
• Sumitranandan Pant had taken to poetry when he was just seven years old and was studying in the 4^th grade. Having spent his childhood surrounded by natural beauty of the mountains and their flora and fauna; it was only natural for him to have been inspired by the beauty around him. His earlier works reflect a sublime touch of the scenic serenity. The period from 1907-1918 has been acknowledged by Shri Pant himself, as the first phase of his notable writing career. The poems that he wrote during this period have been compiled and published in “Veena” (1927).
  
• Shri Pant wrote mostly in Sanskritised Hindi. He authored twenty eight published works including poetry, verse plays and essays. Some of his prominent works are Chidambara, Veena, Pallav, Gunjan, Gramya, Yugant, Yugvani, Lokayatan, Kala aur Boodha Chand.
  
• ‘Chidambara’, a collection of his poems and writings is a virtual magnum opus with the imprints of natural beauty of hills writ large in each stanza. Even at a very young age the promise and potential he showed in his creativity was unmatched. His poetry epitomized the Indian thought of Satyam, Shivam, Sundaram. His eminence can be gauged from the fact that he was made a Fellow of the Sahitya Academy, way back in 1969, along with Shri C. Rajagopalachary. He also received the Nehru Peace Prize for International Understanding.
  
• Sumitranandan Pant was awarded the Jnanpith Award in 1968 for a collection of his most famous poems, “Chidambara”. He was awarded the Nehru Peace Prize by the Soviet Union for “Lokayatan” and the “Sahitya Kala Academy” award for “Kala aur Boodha Chand”. He was awarded the Padma Bhushan in 1961. Sumitranandan Pant died on 28 December, 1977.
  
• Kausani, near Almora in Uttarakhand, has a museum called “Sumitranandan Pant Gallery” dedicated to the memory of this great poet and writer. This museum contains manuscripts of the poems written by Shri Pant, draft copies of his literary works, articles of his day-to-day use, the awards received by him and also the letters written by him and received by him.
  
• Text : Based on the material received from proponent.

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Issued by India

Issued on Dec 3, 2015

Issued for : Department of Posts is happy to issue a commemorative postage stamp on the occasion of celebration of centenary year of Zoological Survey of India.

Credits :
Stamp/FDC/Miniature Sheet : Suresh Kumar
Cancellation : Alka Sharma

Type : Miniature Sheet, Mint Condition

Colour : Multi Colour

Denomination : 500 & 2500 Paise

Stamps Printed : 0.5 Million & 0.25 Million

Miniature Sheet : 0.1 Million (3000 p)

Printing Process : Wet Offset

Printer : Security Printing Press, Hyderabad

About : 

• India is very rich in terms of biological diversity due to its unique biogeographical location, diversified climatic conditions and enormous ecodiversity and geodiversity. According to the world biogeographic classification, India represents two of the major realms (the Palaearctic and Indo-Malayan) and three biomes (Tropical Humid Forests, Tropical Dry/Deciduous Forests and Warm Deserts/Semi-Deserts). With only about 2.4% of world’s total land surface, India is known to have over 7.50% of the species of animals that the world holds and this percentage accounts for nearly about 92,000 species so far known.
  
• The Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) was established on 1^st July, 1916 to promote survey, exploration and research leading to the advancement in our knowledge on various aspects of the exceptionally rich animal diversity of the Indian subcontinent. The survey has its genesis in the Museum of the Asiatic Society of Bengal (1814-1875) and the Zoological Section of the Indian Museum (1875-1916) in Kolkata. By gradually strengthening its staff and expanding its research programmes, the Survey has met the challenge of the past and is on its way to meet the demands of the future. The scope and functions of Zoological Survey of India have been considerably expanded, particularly in the light of the Convention on Biological Diversity, ratified by the Government of India in 1994. To meet the challenges of biodiversity conservation, sustainable utilization and dissemination of knowledge on faunal diversity to all stake holders, recently, the Survey has been working at augmenting its research infrastructure.
  
• With the increasing interest in the life sciences and with the advent of country’s Five Year Plans, the expansion programme of the survey was taken up. The Survey has established 16 Regional and Field Stations so far, and has developed into a major National Institution with its Headquarters at Kolkata. It functions as the guardian of the National Zoological Collections, containing over a million identified specimens from all animal groups ranging from Protozoa to Mammals. Extensive and intensive field explorations are undertaken by the survey in different parts of the country for the studies of fauna, systematic zoology, animal ecology, wildlife and zoogeography, animal behaviour, animal population and also marine fauna and the results of the explorations and research are published regularly in its own journals as well as National and International periodicals of repute. Recently efforts have been made towards an integrated approach to zoological investigations, so as to have more purpose oriented research comprising biological, cytotaxonomic, and ecological aspects.
  
• Zoological Survey of India has been monitoring services on population status of commercially important species of fauna and providing input for underutilized, culturable species both from terrestrial and aquatic systems. Zoological Survey of India also provides timely warning on declining population of species of commercial importance to ensure sustainable use of components of biological diversity.
  
• Besides regularly providing identification and advisory services to research establishments, including more than two hundred Universities in India, the Survey also provides short term trainings in the art of taxidermy to candidates sponsored by different organizations. It has continued to maintain its objectives of taxonomic research, survey and documentation of Indian fauna. It also organizes an annual training programme in collection, preservation and identification of insects and mites of economic importance.
  
• Zoological Survey of India is approaching 100 years of its service to the nation and is an important knowledge Bank for future India. It assists the Ministry of Environment & Forests, Government of India in the conservation of fauna of the country.
  
• Text : Based on the material provided by the proponent.

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Issued by India

Issued on Nov 24, 2015

Issued for : Department of Posts is pleased to release a set of two commemorative postage stamps on theme India–Singapore : Joint Issue featuring ‘Rashtrapati Bhavan’ of India and ‘Istana’ of Singapore.

Credits :
Stamp/FDC/Cancellation Cachet : Alka Sharma

Type : Stamps, Mint Condition

Colour : Multi Colour

Denomination : 2500 & 500 Paise

Stamps Printed : 0.3 Million each

Printing Process : Wet Offset

Printer : Security Printing Press, Hyderabad

About : 

• India and Singapore enjoy excellent bilateral relationships with each other with frequent and active interaction through different platforms that allow both countries to exchange views on many issues of common concerns. The cooperation covers multiple areas in economic, commercial and also culture. These collaborations have been fruitful and beneficial for both countries and the ties of both countries continue to grow from strength to strength over the years.
  
• This year, 2015 will be the 50^th anniversary of Singapore and India’s bilateral relationship. To commemorate this significant milestone, the India–Singapore Joint Stamp Issue is being released. Depicted in this joint stamp issue are the presidential residences of both countries – The Istana of Singapore and Rashtrapati Bhavan of India.
• Rashtrapati Bhavan :
  • Formerly the British Viceroy’s house, the building that stands at the heart of the modern Indian Republic became Government House on 15 August, 1947, when India gained Independence. It became the residence of Chakravarti Rajgopalachari, the first Indian Governor-General, on 21 June, 1948, when he was sworn in following the departure of Lord Louis Mountbatten, the last British Viceroy and first Governor-General of India. It was renamed Rashtrapati Bhavan on 26 June, 1950, after the assumption of office by the first President of India, Dr. Rajendra Prasad.
  • Rashtrapati Bhavan was built between 1913-1929. Among the largest official residences of any Head of State, Rashtrapati Bhavan is an H-shaped building. The building has four floors with 227 columns, 37 fountains and 2.5 kilometres of corridors – all of its spread across a vast five acres. The central ceremonial hall within the building is known as the Durbar Hall. It is used for all major state functions. The first Government of Independent India under the leadership of Jawaharlal Nehru was sworn-in here on 15 August, 1947.
  • The grandest room in Rashtrapati Bhavan is, arguably, the Ashoka Hall. Once a ballroom, the Ashoka Hall retains its orchestra box from where, on formal occasion, the President’s Bodyguard announces the President’s arrival by trumpet. The Ashoka Hall has been described as a ‘large jewel box’: its every element is exquisite.
  • If the Rashtrapati Bhavan is a masterpiece of architecture, the 15-acre Mughal Garden is its soul. The landscape follows the exquisite symmetry of the Persian-inspired charbagh tradition, which gave India some of her loveliest gardens, including the beautiful royal gardens of Kashmir. The Mughal Gardens are at their glorious best in February and March when they are thrown open for public viewing. The President hosts two grand receptions here every year, one to mark Republic Day on 26^th January and the other on 15^th August, India’s Independence Day.
• Istana :
  • The Istana is the official residence and office of the President of Singapore. It was designed and built by Colonial Engineer, Major John Frederick Adolphus McNair. In 1867, the Colonial Government under Governor Sir Harry St George Ord bought over 100 acres of land belonging to Charles Prinsep’s nutmeg plantation. The foundation stone was laid by Lady Ord, wife of the Governor, in July 1867.
  • The entire brickwork, exterior of plastering and most of the flooring and interior work of Government House were done by Indian convict labourers. They were brought in from Bencoolen in Sumatra because the unskilled local coolies at that time were not capable of carrying out the classical design. These convict labourers worked as stone masons, plumbers, carpenters, painters and stone cutters. They even operated the kilns (used for making bricks, mouldings, copings and architraves) that were constructed on site. They were paid 20 cents a day.
  • An initial sum of $100,000 was voted and approved by the Legislative Council for the building of Government House in July 1867 based on the first plan by Major McNair. A plan for a larger building was subsequently approved in place of the first plan. Major McNair, however, made the mistake of not providing an estimate for the larger building owing to the shortage of staff in the Public Works Department. As a result, there was insufficient fund to complete the Government House. Fortunately, at about this time, it became known that the Duke of Edinburgh – the second son of Queen Victoria – would be visiting Singapore. Major McNair seized the opportunity and cited among other reasons for an increase in budget, that expenditure on items such as sun-shades, louvre boards, bells and cook’s house was necessary to get the Building ready for a visit by the Duke.
  • In February 1869, the Legislative Council approved an additional sum of $40,000 without question. Subsequently, when the accounts were closed, the Government House was found to have cost $185,000.
• Text : Based on the material received from Rashtrapati Bhavan, Singapore Post and official website of Istana.

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Issued by India

Issued on Nov 24, 2015

Issued for : Department of Posts is pleased to release a commemorative postage stamp on EEPC India.

Credits :
Stamp/FDC/Cancellation Cachet : Alka Sharma

Type : Stamp, Mint Condition

Colour : Multi colour

Denomination : 500 Paise

Stamps Printed : 0.6 Million

Printing Process : Wet Offset

Printer : Security Printing Press, Hyderabad

About : 

• EEPC India (formerly Engineering Export Promotion Council) was set up in 1955, under the sponsorship of the Ministry of Commerce, Government of India, for promoting exports of engineering good, projects and services from India. EEPC India, which started out in a small way with few members, has established itself as the largest export promotion council in the country in the last five decades. Today EEPC India has a membership of around 13,000 engineering firms covering the entire spectrum of India‘s engineering industry which consists of large corporate houses, small and medium enterprises, and trading companies. EEPC India is the first export promotion organisation in the country to have received the ISO 9002 certification and also the first organisation in the country to have achieved ISO 9001: 2000 certification for designing and organising Indian Engineering Exhibitions (INDEEs) abroad.
  
• Since its inception in 1955, the EEPC India has played a pivotal role in transforming the profile of India’s engineering exports sector. Indian engineering exports have risen from a mere US$ 10 million in 1956-57 to US$ 62 billion in 2013-14.
  
• Moreover, Indian engineering industry is the largest segment of the Indian industrial sector. The engineering industry accounts for over 3 per cent of India’s GDP, for 25 per cent (as on 2011-12) of the total factories in industrial sector and represents 63 per cent of the overall foreign collaborations. The country is increasingly attaining global recognition especially for its low-cost, high-tech frugal innovation technology, according to a World Bank study named ‘Unleashing India‘s Innovations‘. International companies are outsourcing industrial engineering design tasks to India in sectors like semiconductors, automotive hybrid technologies, next-gen routers in telecom, power generation equipments, aerospace, avionics and consumer electronics, besides setting up research and development (R&D) centres in India.
  
• The marketing activities of the Council are manifold. In addition to direct marketing, structured promotional events are organised on a regular basis to create awareness among exporters. These promotional activities comprise product specific delegations to targeted countries, organising exclusive Indian Engineering Exhibition overseas, participation in specialized trade fairs and catalogue shows overseas, Buyer-Seller Meets, and product-specific seminars/conferences in India and abroad.
  
• To create awareness on India‘s rapid progress in the engineering sector, EEPC India organises exclusive Indian Engineering Exhibitions known as INDEE. These exhibitions are primarily meant for projecting the transformation of the Indian engineering industry from a supplier of low-value, labour-intensive products to technologically advanced items comparable with products of the developed nations. EEPC India has organised exclusive INDEEs in Singapore, Bangkok, Nairobi, Lagos, Colombo, Cairo, Caracas, London, Melbourne, Addis Ababa, Sao Paolo, Almaty, Jakarta, Mexico City, Johannesburg, St Petersburg, Kuala Lumpur and Shanghai. EEPC India also regularly participates in several Catalogue Shows where Information Booths are used to display and distribute product catalogues of Indian companies. To promote sourcing from India, EEPC India has also organized Indian Engineering Sourcing Shows (IESS) in India and the India Shows of the Government of India. This Multi-pronged approach in engineering exhibitions and trade fairs has proved to be very productive both for Indian exporters and foreign buyers.
  
• EEPC provides a range of services to overseas buyers free of cost to facilitate the procurement of products from India. These include helping to identify suppliers in India who conform to the needs of buyers, arranging visits of overseas buyers, exploratory business missions and trade; delegations to India, providing suppliers’ profile and status report on request, assisting in establishing collaboration for third country exports, creating awareness among overseas buyers on India‘s technical competence and supply capabilities, acquainting buyers with the business climate and policies in India, and, helping to amicably settle trade disputes and remove operational constraints.
  
• Text : Based on the material received from proponent.

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Issued by India

Issued on Nov 16, 2015

Issued for : Department of Posts is happy to issue a commemorative postage stamp on Bharat Heavy Electricals Ltd. to celebrate its Golden Jubilee.

Credits :
Stamp / FDC : Brahm Prakash
Cancellation : Alka Sharma

Type : Stamp, Mint Condition

Colour : Multi Colour

Denomination : 500 Paise

Stamps Printed : 0.6 million

Printing Process : Wet Offset

Printer : Security Printing Press, Hyderabad

About : 

• Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL) is an integrated power plant equipment manufacturer which has emerged as one of the largest engineering and manufacturing companies of its kind in India, engaged in the design, engineering, manufacture, construction, testing, commissioning and servicing of a wide range of products and services for core sectors of the economy, viz. power, transmission, industry, transportation (Railways), renewable energy, oil and gas and defence, with over 180 product offerings to meet the needs of these sectors. The company’s diverse product range includes steam turbines and generators for thermal power plants, gas turbines, hydro turbines, industrial turbo sets, boilers and boiler auxiliaries, heat exchangers, pressure vessels, electrostatic precipitators, desalination plants, pumps, solar PV, locomotives, integrated platform management system, control equipment, transformers, insulators and switchgears, to name a few. The establishment of BHEL in 1964 was a breakthrough in the creation of India‘s heavy electrical equipment industry.
  
• To cater to the increase in demand for power generating capacity, a decision was taken by the Government of India to set up three plants for the manufacture of heavy electrical equipment. The first one was at Tiruchirappalli (Tamil Nadu) for high pressure boilers, the second one at Hyderabad (Andhra Pradesh) for steam turbo generators and high pressure pumps and compressors, and the third plant at Haridwar (Uttarakhand) for large steam turbo generating sets and motors and also hydro generating sets including turbines and generators. These three newly conceived projects were part of Heavy Electricals (India) Ltd. for which work was initiated at Bhopal. In November 1964, the government decided to create a separate corporation for setting up and managing these three units. Thus, Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited came into being on 13^th November, 1964.
  
• HE(l)L and BHEL were formally merged in January 1974 to create a truly modern global enterprise.
  
• BHEL today is amongst world’s few companies which have the capability to manufacture the entire range/type of power equipment and has the capability to deliver 20,000 MW of power equipment per annum. Through consistent high performance, BHEL has emerged as India’s largest engineering enterprise and attained the coveted ‘Maharatna‘ status in 2013. The Company has also had a track record of earning profits since 1971-72 and has been rewarding investors by playing dividends uninterruptedly every year since 1976-77. In the fiscal year 2013-14, BHEL clocked a turnover of Rs.40,338 Crore with a Net Profit of Rs.3,461 Crore. In the year 2012-13, the company achieved a milestone with a record turnover of Rs. 50,156 Crore with net profit of Rs.6,615 Crore.
  
• BHEL also has a widespread overseas footprint in 76 countries with the cumulative overseas installed capacity of BHEL manufactured power plants nearing 10,000 MW in countries such as Malaysia, Libya, Oman, Iraq, the UAE, Bhutan, Egypt and New Zealand.
  
• Text : Based on the material provided by the proponent.

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Issued by India

Issued on Nov 14, 2015

Designs : The Department of Posts organized a nation­wide stamp design Competition on the theme “A Day in the Rains” to design the stamps to be released on the occasion of Children’s Day this year. A set of two stamps and a Miniature sheet were designed for release on this occasion. 38,200 entries were received from all over the country, by the scheduled date for sending in of these entries. The designs on the stamps and Miniature sheet are based on the Prize-winning entries submitted by Yamini K, Kimaya Gupta & Rohit Gupta. The design on the First Day Cover is based on the painting submitted by V. Hemachandran and the painting submitted by Binita Biswajeeta is used as the design on the Brochure brought out on the occasion.

Credits :
Stamp/Miniature Sheet/FDC : Sankha Samanta, based on the paintings by participants.
Cancellation Cachet : Alka Sharma

Type : Stamps, Mint Condition

Colour : Multi colour

Denomination : 2500 & 500 Paise

Stamps Printed : 0.6 Million each

Miniature Sheet : 0.2 Million

Printing Process : Wet Offset

Printer : Security Printing Press, Hyderabad

About : 

• Children’s Day also known as Bal Diwas, is celebrated every year in India on 14^th of November and is a day to engage in fun and frolic. But it is not just that. This day is celebrated to increase the awareness of people towards the rights, care and education of children and to remind us all to renew our commitment towards the welfare of the children.
  
• India‘s first Prime Minister, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, was born on November 14. Apart from being known for his skills as a statesman, Nehru was also immensely fond of children. He believed that children were the future of a Nation and they needed utmost care. Fondly referred to as Chacha Nehru by children, he emphasized the importance of giving love and affection to children, whom he saw as the bright future of India.
  
• Children constitute principle assets of a country. Children’s Development is as important as the development of material resources and the best way to develop national human resources is to take care of children. India has the largest child population in the world and the development and welfare of children is of prime importance to the country. Continuous efforts are on to ensure that the highest priority to the basic needs and rights of all children is accorded. A lot needs to be done for the health, nutrition and education of children, particularly for the girl child.
  
• The occasion is celebrated throughout India with immense fun, fervour and enthusiasm. Students are encouraged to participate in various activities, such as singing, dancing, story-telling, elocutions, painting, art and crafts, cultural events, sports events for children, and so on. It gives all the children of India the occasion to enjoy the freedom of childhood. Many Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) also organize programs for the poor and deprived children. These days, a number of special programs are aired on the television and radio for kids. It is a Day to take some time out and focus our attention on Children who are the future of this nation.
  
• Text : Based on the material available on the internet.

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Issued by India

Issued on Nov 2, 2015

Issued for : Department of post is pleased to release a commemorative postage stamps on First Gorkha Rifles and Third Gorkha Rifles.

Credits :
Stamp/First Day Cover/Cancellation : Nenu Gupta

Type : Stamps, Mint Condition

Colour : Multi colour

Denomination : 500 Paise each

Stamps Printed : 0.6 Million each

Printing Process : Wet Offset

Printer : Security Printing Press, Hyderabad

About First Gorkha Rifles : 

• The History of The First Gorkha Rifles is a fascinating account of campaigns and battles. During the early eighteenth century, the Gorkhas from Nepal had extended their empire into Kumaon, Garhwal and Kangra Hills. This led to a confrontation with the British East India Company, resulting in the Gorkha War of 1815. Impressed by the fighting qualities of the Gorkhas, the East India Company offered to raise a Gorkha Regiment from the remnants of Amar Singh Thapa’s Army after the Treaty of Sigauli. Thus, the First Nusseree (meaning friendly or loyal) Battalion came into being on 24 Apr, 1815 at Subathu, the present home of the 14 Gorkha Training Centre.
  
• The Regiment soon started blazing a trail of glory and got its first Battle Honour of “BHURTPORE” in 1826. In 1850, the Regiment got its regular status and was renamed “66^th Gorkha Regiment”. In Feb 1858, The First Victoria Cross was earned when Lt. J. A. Tytler was awarded the coveted distinction in the Battle of Haldwani. During World War I, it took part in the battles fought in France, Belgium, Mesopotamia (Iraq) and Palestine. All the Battalions of the Regiment fought on the Burma front in World War II. Over the years the title of the Regiment was changed several times, the last before Independence being “The 1^st King George V’s Own Gorkha Rifles (The Malaun Regiment)”. After Independence, the Regiment was rechristened ‘The First Gorkha Rifles’.
  
• Immediately after Independence, the Regiment excelled in the 1948 Jammu and Kashmir Operations. The Third Battalion whilst in CONGO, earned the highest gallantry award, when Capt. GS Salaria was awarded the Param Vir Chakra, posthumously. In the recent past the Regiment served with distinction in Sri Lanka, Punjab and Siachen. In the war against terrorism, the second and the Fifth Battalions were awarded COAS Unit Citations for their achievements. The Fourth Battalion was awarded the COAS Citation for their exemplary performance during Op Rakshak.
  
• In addition to the Five Battalions of the Regiment, 15 Rashtriya Rifles (comprising of personnel from 1 & 4 Gorkha Rifles) played a major role in combating terrorism. The Battalion, since its raising in 1994, has been awarded 07 Shaurya Chakras, 50 Sena Medals and COAS Unit Citation three times in 2001, 2004 and 2006. In all, the Regiment has won thirty one Battle Honours and five Theatre Honours since its raising, so far.

About Third Gorkha Rifles : 

• The Third Gorkha Rifles was raised by Sir Robert Colquhoun on 24 Apr, 1815 as The Kemaon Local Battalion. The Battalion comprised of Gorkhas and personnel from Kumaon and Garhwal region.
  
• In the pre World War era, the First & Second battalion took part in Afgan War, Tirah & Punjab Frontiers. During the World War I & II the Regiment was actively involved in operations in Middle-East, North Africa, Europe & Burma and earned large number of Gallantry awards & Battle Honours. Rfn Kulbir Thapa & Rfn Karna Bahadur Rana of the Second Battalion were awarded Victoria Cross during The First World War.
  
• The Second battalion was decorated with Battle Honour ‘Pirkanthi’ in the Uri Sector in 1948 while Fifth battalion was awarded ‘Shingo River Valley’ in the Kargil Sector in 1971. Colonel J.R. Chitnis, CO 1/3 GR, was honoured posthumously with the Ashoka Chakra – India’s highest peacetime medal, for valour in Nagaland in 1956.
  
• The Regiment has done equally well in the field of adventure and exploration. Late Sub ND Sherpa of the Fifth Battalion, winner of Kirti Chakra, Sena Medal and Bar, Vishist Seva Medal and IMF Gold Medal climbed Kanchenjunga in 1977 as a member of the Army Mountaineering Expedition. In 1976, Capt. Ravindra Mishra and Sub Bal Bahadur Pun of the Fourth Battalion were awarded Mac Gregor Silver Medal for their outstanding work in exploring the unmapped and hitherto impassable area in the North East of Arunachal Pradesh.
  
• During ‘OP VIJAY’ in 1999, 1/3 GR, 3/3 GR, 4/3 GR & 5/3 GR actively participated in the OP VIJAY at Kargil, Drass and Battalik Sector and 3/3 GR was awarded with GOC-In-C Citation for this operation.

Text : Based on the material provided by the proponent.

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Issued by India

Issued on Oct 29, 2015

Issued for : Department of Posts is pleased to release a Commemorative Postage Stamp on the occasion of the 3^rd India–Africa Forum Summit.

Credits :
Stamp/FDC : Suresh Kumar
Cancellation : Alka Sharma

Type : Miniature Sheet, Mint Condition

Colour : Multi colour

Denomination : 500 p (4), 2500 p (2)

Stamps Printed : 0.5 Million Each

Miniature Sheet : 0.2 Million

Printing Process : Wet Offset

Printer : Security Printing Press, Hyderabad

About : 

• The Third India-Africa Forum Summit (IAFS–III) is to be held from 26-29 October, 2015 in New Delhi. The first two Summits were held in 2008 in New Delhi and in 2011 in Addis Ababa. The IAFS-III will be the first India–Africa Summit where Leaders of all 54 African countries, with whom India has diplomatic relations, have been invited to participate.
• The India–Africa strategic partnership flows from the longstanding maritime trading and cultural links across the Indian Ocean; the presence of substantial Indian Diaspora in Africa that is an active participant in the economic development in Africa and forms a special bond; the common struggle of our leaders against imperialism, colonialism and apartheid; the collective action to demand a more just and fair international political and economic order that is sensitive to developing countries concerns at international fora; the rapidly growing trade and investment links and an extensive and growing development partnership and the bilateral friendly relations between India and the countries of Africa.
• The multifaceted India–Africa development partnership based on equality, friendship and solidarity represents South-South cooperation in all its dimensions. This encompasses human resource development through scholarships, training, capacity building; financial assistance through grants and soft credit to implement various public goods projects, including those for education, healthcare and infrastructure; trade preferences; technology collaborations; humanitarian financial and in kind assistance in emergency situations; deployment of peacekeeping troops who also conduct a range of development and humanitarian tasks; cooperation in negotiations in multilateral fora for common causes and concerns, among others.
• India–Africa trade has multiplied over twenty times in the last fifteen years and doubled in the last five years to reach US$ 72 billion in 2014-2015. Investment by Indian companies into Africa has also grown significantly and is estimated to be in the range of US$ 30-35 billion.
• Since the Second India–Africa Forum Summit, over 24,000 scholarships have been provided to African countries. These include more than 300 training programmes conducted at over 60 institutions in addition to the higher education scholarships at various universities.
• In the last decade, a total of almost US$ 9 billion in concessional credit has been approved for nearly 140 projects in more than 40 African countries by Government of India, with special emphasis on LDCs (Least Developed Countries) and SIDS (Small Island Developing States) partners in view of their special challenges and requirements. So far nearly 60 projects have been completed.
• The Third India-Africa Forum Summit is taking place in a year that marks the 70^th anniversary of the United Nations. It is the first since the achievement of 50 years of pan-Africanism and African Renaissance and shortly following the landmark adoption of the Agenda 2063 by the African Union. It is also the first since the landmark 50^th anniversary of the Group of 77 last year. The Summit follows weeks after the adoption of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development by the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) and the deliberations held at the Third International Conference for Financing for Development in Addis Ababa a few months ago. 2015 is also the year when the 21^st meeting of the Conference of Parties (COP 21) of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) in Paris will finalize a post 2020 Agreement on Climate Change as also a World Trade Organization (WTO) Ministerial that will be held in Nairobi. India and Africa have worked together to develop a common understanding of our core priorities for an inclusive economic growth to eradicate poverty and allocate adequate resources for sustainable development.
• The Third India–Africa Forum Summit is expected to provide a unique opportunity to celebrate the longstanding friendship between India and Africa and to chart the course of our strategic partnership going forward.
• Text : Based on the material provided by proponent.

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