The 17th International Transpersonal Conference devoted to the theme of "Consciousness Revolution: Transpersonal Discoveries that are Changing the World" opened in Moscow on 23 June. It was inaugurated by Dr. Karan Singh, President of the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR). Dr. Karan Singh spoke on "Spirituality in the Global Society". Quoting extensively from scriptures, Dr. Karan Singh laid emphasis on the need to re-discover and understand the role of spirituality in sustaining humanity and universal values in our modern world which has been troubled by multifarious problems. "If humanity is to survive in a global society that is sane, secure and sustainable, the present hyper-consumerist, ultra-promiscuous and super-materialistic lifestyle will have to yield way to a more holistic paradigm in which spirituality plays a pivotal role."

H.E. Mr. Anand Sharma, Hon’ble Minister of Commerce & Industry is visiting Russia to participate in the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF) being held from June 17-19, 2010.

Mr. Sharma participated in a panel discussion “The World Under Change” at the Plenary in the wake of the global financial crisis. During the course of the Forum, he had an extended meeting with H.E. Mr. Sergei Sobyanin, Deputy Prime Minister. He also had a bilateral meeting with H.E. Mr. Viktor Khristenko, Minister of Industry & Trade of the Russian Federation.

At the behest of several students studying in different medical universities/institutions in Russia, the Embassy of India, Moscow, took up the case of extending the deadline for submission of applications for appearing in the MCI’s Screening Test with the National Board of Examinations (NBE), in view of the expected delay in apostiling/authenticating original diplomas/degrees.

The NBE has informed that the last date for submission of complete application forms for FMGE Screening Test, scheduled to be held on September 26, 2010, has been extended up to July 15, 2010. It has also mentioned that “candidates who fulfill the prescribed eligibility criteria on or before July 15, 2010 may apply” and the “late fees as prescribed in the Information Bulletin shall be applicable”.

Students may refer NBE website “www.natboard.edu.in” for details.

The Embassy of India in Moscow wishes students appearing in the Screening Test good luck.

Mr. Anand Sharma, Minister of Commerce & Industry of India, will be leading a business delegation to the Annual St. Petersburg International Economic Forum 2010, being held from 17 – 19 June 2010. Mr. Anand Sharma will co-chair the India-Russia Business Dialogue along with Ms. Elvira Nabiullina, Minister of Economic Development of the Russian Federation, on 17 June. He will also participate at the Plenary Session of the Forum “Global Economy: The World Under Change” on 18 June. Mr. Anand Sharma is also scheduled to have bilateral meetings with the members of the Russian Government on the margins of the Forum.