Club News

 

MY STAMP STARTED IN BILASPUR

Another milestone set in the postal as well as philatelic history of Bilaspur ( C.G.) as MY STAMP facility was inaugurated on 21^st Mach 2014 in a ceremonial function in Philatelic Bureau Bilaspur, Chhattiasgarh. The stamp was released in presence of SSP,Bilaspur Postal Division Sri Patel, Post master Sri Sahu & senior and renowned philatelists Sri C.R.Andhare, Sri Naresh Agrawal, Sri Atul Jain and Sri Ajay Gupta.

On this occasion Mr. Andhare spoke about formation and various activities of Chhattisgarh Philatelic Association, Bilaspur and congratulated India Post for starting this facility in Bilaspur. Mr. Agrawal quoted this day as a milestone in the postal and philatelic history of Bilaspur and emphasized that people of Bilaspur should avail this facility to the maximum and should utilize this by not only attaching their own picture but pictures of heritage buildings and other various things.

Mr. Atul Jain said that that was like a dream coming true. He said that this facility has given opportunity to a common man to become part of a stamp which otherwise depicts pictures of great personalities only. Mr. Ajay Gupta also congratulated India Post and appealed local public to avail maximum benefit of this facility. Mr Patel appreciated and thanked all the local philatelists for their regular persuasion and contribution for development of philately in this area. While showing his great concern on this achievement he said that as this facility would not only open gateway for public to be part of a postal stamp but would also be a good source of generating revenue for the DOP. The my stamp sheet containing 12 stamps of Rs. 5/- each costs Rs. 300/-. Four stamps showing different flower were released. During this function a good number of postal workers, officers, stamp collectors and general public was present.

- Naresh Agarwal – Bilaspur (C.G.)

 

New pictorial cancellation from Germany

On May 24th 2014 a new pictorial cancellation will be issued in 32052 Herford. The cancellation is featuring three hedgehogs. Interested philatelists may please contact:
Wolfgang Beyer, Vice Chairman of the German Philatelic Group ARGE ZOOLOGIE. Mail:Wolfgang.beyer1@aol.de.
Postage rates : 0,75 Euro AIRMAIL, 2,90 Euro Registered AIRMAIL

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150 years of Moscow Zoo

 

In 2014 Moscow zoo celebrates its 150^th anniversary. It is one of the oldest zoos in Europe. To celebrate the event Russian post issued a beautiful commemorative stamp block with one stamp.

By its opening, Moscow zoo contained 134 domestic animals, 153 wild animals and birds and 7 reptiles. Today one can find there more than eight thousand animals, some species are bred by the experts for the first time in the world. The zoo participates in many international programmes for the conservation of endangered species and cooperates with global environmental organizations.

In the middle of a huge bustling city Moscow zoo delights visitors with a modern beautiful appearance and is always glad to receive guests.

The background of the postage block illustrates Macaw parrot, giraffe, tiger, Pallas’ cat, peacock, crocodile, brown bear cub, pink flamingo, Asian elephant and gibbon, the postage stamp features the main entrance to Moscow zoo.

Club News

Misuse of the Indian National Flag by Political Parties

Political parties in India are very active these days as the time for general elections comes closer. Mr Sekhar Chakrabarty writes about misuse of Indian National Flag by political parties in 100th edition of his famous blog “ Flags and stamps”.

 

Misuse of the Indian National Flag by Political Parties. The Supreme Court of India on Friday last ( 7th February 2014) issued notice to Congress, Nationalist Congress Party and Trinamool Congress on a PIL seeking to restrain them from using party flags resembling and similar to the Indian National Flag.

Flags of the Political Parties resembling the Indian National Flag

Indian National Congress (I) Party Flag

This flag was adopted in 1977 as the symbol of break away group of the Congress (I). 
The Indian National Congress party split in 1969, and became two – one what was known as Old Congress or Syndicate Congress led by S. Nijalingappa, Kamraj, Morarji Desai, et al, and the other led by Indira Gandhi and christened Congress

All India Trinamool Congress Party Flag (abbreviated AITMC, TMC orTrinamool Congress) . Adopted in 1998

Nationalist (Rashtravadi)Congress Party Flag, adopted in 1999.

The Bodoland People's Front (BPF) is a state political party in Assam state in northeastern India.

Read more in 100th edition of "Flags and Stamps" at following link :

http://flagstamps.blogspot.in/2014/02/misuse-of-indian-national-flag-by.html

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New Special Covers…

 

CHITRALI - 2014  -  DISTRICT LEVEL PHILATELIC EXHIBITION, NEW DELHI

SECOND DAY SPECIAL COVERS

RED PANDA – Fire cat of the Himalayas

 

The red panda is a small arboreal mammal in Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh, North West Bengal and parts of Meghalaya.  It is also the state animal of Sikkim.  Habitat degradation due to excessive extraction of fuel wood is the biggest threat to the long term survival of the red panda.

SAVE HOUSE SPARROW

The House Sparrow was until recently widespread in India.  It is now believed to be fast depleting in India for various reasons ranging from destruction of its habitat to limited availability of insect food in urban area for its young and microwave pollution from mobile pone towers.  An effort at all levels is required for its conservation..

IIT - NEW DELHI -- "LEADING THROUGH KNOWLEDGE PURSUITS SOCIETALOUTREACH AND TECHNOLOGY INNOVATIONS"

Vision of IIT is to contribute to India and the world through excellence in scientific and technical education and research, to serve as a valuable resource for industry and society, and remain a source of pride for all Indians.

: Sreejesh Krishnan - Trivandrum

email : sreejesh.nt@gmail.com

 

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New special Cover on wildlife

 

International Raptor conference,Pune, India 2014

A special cover was released on 8th February 2014, during the International Raptor conference held in Pune, organized by Ila Foundation Pune.

Birds of prey, also known as raptors, are birds that hunt and feed on other animals. The term "raptor" is derived from the Latin word rapere (meaning to seize or take by force). These birds are characterized by keen vision that allows them to detect prey during flight and powerful talons and beaks.

8th ARRCN, Asian Raptor Research and Conservation Network’s Raptor Conference aimed at conservation of birds of prey, was held for the first time in India in Pune from 6th to 9th February 2014. It was organized by Ela Foundation, Pune.

 

: Ravindra Wamanacharya - Nashik

email :  r_wamanacharya@yahoo.co.in 

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New Special Cover from Orissa

 

A beautiful special cover on endangered birds of Chilika was released on 9th February at Mangalajodi, the bird sanctuary about 70 km from Bhubaneswar by Shri Bijoyshree Routray. About 50 philatelists of EIPA attended the release function. The cover was issued during EIPEX – 2014 organized by Eastern India Philatelists’ Association.

Courtesy : Ajit Dash – Bhubaneshwar - email : eipaorissa@yahoo.co.in

 

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World Wetlands Day

 

Date of Issue : 2 February 2014

On 2nd February each year  World Wetlands Day is observed. This day marks the date of the adoption of the Convention on Wetlands on 2 February 1971, in the Iranian city of Ramsar on the shores of the Caspian Sea.

Each year since 1997, the Ramsar Secretariat has provided materials so that government agencies, non-governmental organizations, conservation organizations, and groups of citizens can help raise public awareness about the importance and value of wetlands.

 

Each year on 2 February, the Game Bird Habitat Collection is issued by New Zealand Post to celebrate World Wetlands Day. The 2014 issue is the 21st in the series and features the Pūkeko.

One of the most recognisable birds in New Zealand, the Pūkeko (Porphyrio melanotus) is also one of New Zealand’s most beloved birds. Pūkeko populations are abundant across the country, though they’re mostly around wetlands and farmlands. The Pūkeko is affectionately known as a swamp hen, pook, or for some hunters, the blue pheasant.

The distinctive Pūkeko is mostly a deep blue colour, sometimes with purple tones, with a black head and upper parts, white feathers under its tail, and a striking red bill with matching red legs. The Pūkeko is seen by New Zealanders as very cheeky and friendly, though it can be aggressive and territorial. Pūkeko are excellent runners and swimmers, and despite the fact that they’re reluctant to take flight, when pushed, they are strong flyers that can cover long distances.

The Pūkeko nesting season usually runs from August to March, though it is not unusual to see baby chicks hatching in late autumn. Pūkeko are cooperative breeders, meaning that multiple male and female birds often share a nest and divide up the responsibilities of incubation of eggs, and the guarding and feeding of chicks.

World Wetlands Day

2 February each year is World Wetlands Day, This is an international date with a different theme and message on a relevant subject set each year by the Ramsar Secretariat.

    

 

 

 

World Wetlands Day 2014: Wetlands and Agriculture

“ Wetlands and Agriculture: Partners for Growth ”

 

The year 2014 has been designated by the United Nations as the International Year of family farming.In recognition of the important interrelationship between farming and wetlands, the theme for World Wetlands Day 2014 is Wetlands and agriculture: partners for growth.

Wetlands have often been seen as a barrier to agriculture, being drained and reclaimed to make more farming land available.

But the essential role of wetlands in providing valuable ecosystem services such as water purification of farm runoff, recycling nutrients, protecting land from flood damage and recharging groundwater aquifers (as well as offering recreation opportunities and supporting a rich diversity of wildlife) is now being acknowledged.

These days, there are successful agricultural practices that support healthy wetlands and World Wetlands Day is a chance to showcase farming families who are clearly demonstrating that protection of wetlands goes hand in hand with production from the land.

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My recent covers….

 

 

Here are two nice Registered Covers  with pictorial cancellation on wildlife from Germany so kindly sent by  Mr Wolfgang Beyer. Many thanks to Mr Beyer for these nice covers.

 

Courtesy : Wolfgang Beyer – Germany  email :  Beyer.beyer1@aol.de

 

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My recent covers…

 

 

HEDGHEDOG postmark at  Berlin

Receives these Registered covers on wildlife from Mr Wolfgang Beyer of Germany. The covers bear special pictorial cancellations.  Many thanks to Mr Beyer for these nice covers.

FOX postmark at Bonn

Paws postmark at Bonn

 

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50th Anniversary of Japan-Kenya Diplomatic Relationship

 

 

 

Date of Issue : 12 December 2013

Japan Post issued a sheet of five stamps to commemorate the 50^th Anniversary of Japan-Kenya Diplomatic Relationship since the Republic of Kenya gained its independence in 1963.The stamps of the issue depict animals of Kenya – Zebra  Lion, Giraffe, Cheetah and African Elephant, . The sheet’s background features roses of Kenya and running zebras and wildebeest.

The Embassy of Kenya in Japan celebrated the Kenya’s Golden Jubilee and 50th Anniversary of the Japan-Kenya Diplomatic Relations with pomp and colors. The event was held at Tokyo Marriott Hotel on 12th December, 2013. The occasion was graced by the representative of the Government of Japan, Hon. Hirotaka Ishihara – Parliamentary Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs and Hon. Yoshihiko Isozaki, Parliamentary Vice Minister for Economy, Trade and Industry. The event was attended by more than five hundred guests including the Government officials, members of Diplomatic Corps, Business practioners, Academicians, among other distinguished guests and friends of Kenya. Ms. Eriko Mukoyama, popularly known by her Kenyan name Anyango, entertained the guests with a live performance of Kenyan traditional music.

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New stamps from Malaysia

 

Pos Malaysia, in collaboration with WWF-Malaysia to raise awareness on Malaysia’s endangered big cats, introduced a new stamp collection of its theme.

The new collection featured four stamp designs of Malayan tiger (Panthera tigris jacksoni), leopard(Panthera pardus), Sunda clouded leopard (Neofelis diardi) and clouded leopard (Neofelis nebulosa) which are considered the most endangered species of wild cats in Peninsula Malaysia and Sabah and Sarawak.

As this is the first time Pos Malaysia is issuing this kind of theme, the stamps will inspire the public to get involved in efforts to address the conservation needs of not only big cats but other endangered animal species in Malaysia,” said Pos Malaysia stamp and philatelic division head Yasmin Ramli.

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New Special covers..

 

Princely States of India

During MAPPEX 2013 7 special covers were  issued on Medical, Tourism and Wildlife themes.

1.Cover on Princely states of MP sponsored by India Post

2.Cover on AIIMS sponsored by AIIMS Bhopal

3.Covers sponsored by MP Tourism department.

2.Covers on wildlife sponsored by MP forest department.Cover on Princely states of MP sponsored by India Post

 

 

 

All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Bhopal

Bhimbetka

Mandu : Legends of Love in the City of Joy

Orchha

Kanha – Call of the wild

Gaur Reintroduction – Active Management

Courtesy : OP Kedia, Indore

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Marine Biodiversity…

 

The Philippine Postal Corporation (PHLPost) issued stamps to highlight the Philippines as one of the world’s center of marine biodiversity. The country boosts an abundant coral reef showcasing the vast variety of marine life.The Philippine Marine Biodiversity stamps features eight (8) unique designs in triangular format which will be the first of its kind in the Philippines.

The marine species featured in the stamps are the Lemon Goby, Dragon Wrasse, Spotted Puffer, the three-spot Angelfish, the white –tailed Damsel fish, the Orange Sea Perch, the Lemonpeel Angelfish, and the electric-blue Damsel.

50th Fish Conservation Week

Date of Issue : 14 October 2013

The Philippine Postal Corporation  issued a set of stamps to commemorate the 50^th Fish Conservation Week, featuring endangered and/or threatened marine species. These designs were taken from the winning entries of the last year BFAR’s Fish on the Red List Painting Competition.

Stamp designs :

Stamp 1  The Last stand- Jaylord G. Agliway, Green Sea Turtle with  Giant Manta Ray, Hammerhead  Shark

Stamp 2  Small things are Big  Jon Carlos A. Tabios. Dwarf pygmy goby (Tabios)

Stamp 3  Deep Blue Sea  Bernardino V. Vergara Jr .Whale Shark  Butanding  

 

Date of Issue : 14 October 2013

The first stamp features a painting of a Green Sea Turtle (Chelonia mydas)with a Giant Manta Ray(Manta birostris) and silhouettes of four Scalloped Hammerhead sharks (Sphyrna lewini) behind it. One of the five marine turtles found in the Philippines, Green Sea Turtle or pawikan swims in sub-tropical and tropical seas. This species is Endangered under the IUCN Red List and included in Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) Appendix I because of illegal trades and poaching.

The second stamp is inspired by the painting of a Dwarf Pygmy Goby (Pandaka pygmaea). Tabiosand bia in vernacular tongue, Dwarf Pygmy Goby is the smallest fish in the world by mass and are endemic in the Philippines. However its population vanished or became extinct due to heavy pollution and land reclamation projects. Dwarf Pygmy Goby is listed as €œCritically Endangered€ under International Union for Conservation of Nature or IUCN Red List.

The third stamp employs the painting depicting the largest fish in the world known as Whale Shark or €œbutanding€. Scientifically named as Rhincodon typus, Whale Shark is a migratory filter feeder that lives in all tropical and warm-temperate seas.

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