Tuesday, May 31, 2011
Sunday, May 22, 2011
"60 years of Pakistan and China Friendship"
Pakistan China Friendship special Commemorative Coin issued on May 21, 2011
Saturday, May 21, 2011
60th Anniversary of Diplomatic Relations Between Pakistan & China
60Th Anniversary of Diplomatic Relations Between Pakistan & China. Commemorative Postage Stamps May 21, 2011:- Pakistan is one of the first groups of countries that recognized the People’s Republic of China. The diplomatic relations between the two countries were established in January 1950 when Pakistan recognized China. However, the two countries formally established diplomatic relations on 21 May, 1951. Since then, China and Pakistan witnessed smooth development of friendly and neighborly relations as well as mutually beneficial cooperation.
Pakistan and China enjoy a multifaceted and multidimensional long term strategic partnership, based on mutual respect and mutual trust. Strengthening of cooperation which China is one of the key principles guiding Pakistan’s foreign policy. Pakistan considers China to be a factor of stability in the region and beyond and together we would continue our common endeavors for building a better future for our people, and promoting international peace, stability and prosperity.
Pakistan and China have declared 2011 as the “Year of Friendship”. The year also marks the 60th Anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations. Both countries will celebrate the Friendship Year at the leadership, government, business and most important people to people level. An Action Plan for celebrating the occasion approved by the two sides is being implemented.
Political Relations:- Pakistan – China relations are close, time tested and largely unaffected by radical changes in the global political environment. The two countries have convergence of political interests, especially for preservation of peace and stability in the region. Political fundamentals of the relations remain sound and are reflected in the frequent high – level exchanges, bilateral cooperation and understanding and support for each other’s positions at international for a.
Pakistan and China friendship spans over half a century and is imbued by a high degree of trust and commonality of interests. It has matured into a comprehensive strategic partnership, which is of great importance for Pakistan’s security and economic development. The tradition of close consultation and coordination enables the two multilateral fora is proceeding satisfactorily.
Pakistan’s relations with China have been defined by a number of clichés. The fundamentals that any good bilateral relation should have are undoubtedly there. The over 200 Agreements / MoUs signed between the two countries provide a solid institutional framework for further development of this all important strategic partnership.
Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto: Architect of Pakistan – China Relations:- The foundations of strong friendship with China were laid by the visionary policies of Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto. He foresaw the opportunity to initiate friendly relations with China by signing Pakistan – China Border Agreement in 1963, following by the multifaceted and multi-dimensional relationship in the years to come. During the bold step of being the first non-socialist country to sign an Air Services Agreement with
China in August 1963 to link China with other countries by starting a regular air service from 29 April 1964. This gesture by Pakistan was and still is greatly appreciated by the Chinese leadership.
Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto maintained the tradition of a special relationship with China laid down by her illustrious father.
President Asif Ali Zardari carried forward the tradition of special relationship with China. The President has visited China six times since the assumption of his office.
Chinese Premier’s Visit To Pakistan:- The recent visit of the Chinese premier to Pakistan was landmark in the history of Pak – China relations. The two governments signed twelve MOUs / Agreements to expand cooperation in various fields including finance, energy, transport and culture. In addition to these agreements, the businessmen from the two countries also signed several MOUs to strengthen economic relations. The two countries also agreed to further strengthen cooperation in infrastructure development, energy and agriculture on priority basis.
Economic Relations:- Pakistan attaches great importance to its economic relations with China. A comprehensive framework exists between Pakistan and China for economic cooperation which has been translated further into programmes and activities. Project cooperation is covered by the Joint Five – Year Economic Plan (FYDP) for cooperation and trade by the FTA. Pakistan is the first developing country to sign FTA with China. The 2nd meeting of the ECG was held in Islamabad in 2010. The two sides agreed to include all 36 projects in the FYDP (2012 – 2016). The 14th session of Joint Economic Commission (JEC) was held in Islamabad in December; 2010. China has been supporting Pakistan in economic development. China’s Assistance for Floods victims in 2010 sums up to approximately US $ 250 million.
Trade and Investment:- Bilateral trade between China and Pakistan from January to August 2010 was almost US $ 5.5 billion. The total exports from Pakistan to China have been US $ 4.503 billion. In 2009 bilateral trade touched the figure of US $ 7 billion.
A target of US $ 15 billion has been set to be achieved by 2015. The main items which constitute major exports to China are cotton yarn and cloth, chromium ores, raw hides and skin, organic chemicals, plastic articles and fisheries etc. Main import items from China include electrical machinery, boilers, man-made filaments, iron and steel, iron ores and mineral fuels etc.
Projects:- Over the years has assisted Pakistan in several important development projects. Most notable among them are: upgradation of Karakoram Highway; Pakistan Aeronautical Comples, Kamra; Saindak Metal (Copper / Gold) Project; Daddar lead and zinc; Heavy Mechanical Complex; Heavy Electrical Complex; Heavy Foundry & Forge; Heavy Rebuild Factory, Chashma Nuclear Power Plants, Gwadar Port, Mangla Dam raising, Neelum – Jhelum and other hydro-power projects. Total of the above initiatives calculates to over US $ 4.3 billions.
Cultural Relations:- A comprehensive agreement on cooperation in the field of Culture was signed in March 1965. The Executive programme under this Agreement is renewed every three years. Pakistan and China have been exchanging 100 – member youth delegations since 2005.
Four Study Centers on Pakistan are working in China. These centers are located in Peking University Beijing, Sichuan University Chengdu, Tsinghua University Beijing and (ISSI), has also been established in Islamabad.
China has recently handed over Pakistan – China Friendship centre to Pakistan. The two countries have also signed an MoU on reciprocal establishment of culture centers in Islamabad and Beijing.
On the occasion of 60th Anniversary of diplomatic relations between Pakistan and China, Pakistan Post is issuing two Commemorative Postage Stamps of Rs. 8/- each denomination on May 21, 2011.
Saturday, May 14, 2011
150th ANNIVERSARY OF PAKISTAN RAILWAY. ISSUED DATE 13-05-2011.
150Th Anniversary of Pakistan Railways Commemorative Postage Stamp 13 May, 2011:- Sir Henry Edward Frere when appointed Commissioner of Sindh in 1847, discovered the potential of Karachi as a Sea Port and conceived the idea of a Railway Line for up country. In 1855 Mr. Frere recommended to the Government that Karachi should be made a Sea Port. The survey for construction of a Railway Line from Karachi started in 1858. Initially a Railway Line was proposed from Karachi City to Kotri, then steam navigation through Rivers Indus/Chenab upto Multan and from there on a Railway Line to Lahore and beyond.
The 13th of May, 1861 was historical day when the first Railway Line was opened for public traffic between Karachi City and Kotri, a distance of 169 Kms. By 1857 the Line from Kiamari to Kotri was converted to double track.
Different sections of this part of Railway in the Sub-continent, which now comprise Pakistan Railways, were constructed in the last quarter of the 19th century and early part of the 20th century. Unlike other Rail networks of the Sub-continent during British times, most sections of Pakistan Railways were constructed as strategic lines to safeguard the British Empire in the Sub-continent. Ti is an interesting coincidence that the present alignment of Railway line from Peshawar to Karachi closely follows Alexander’s line of march though the Hindukush to the sea. In 1885, Sindh, Punjab and Dehli Railways were purchased by the Secretary of State for India. On 1st January, 1886 this line and other state Railways (the Indus Valley, the Punjab Northern, inclusive of Sindh Sagar Eastern Section, and the Kandahar or Sindh-Pishin Southern Section) were integrated and North Western State Railway was formed was later on renamed as North Western Railways (NWR).
At the time of independence, the NWR was bifurcated with “1847 routes miles” lying in India and “5048 route miles” in Pakistan. In 1954 the Railway line was extended to Mardan and Charsadda and in 1956 Jacobabad-Kashmore, Narrow Gauge Section (2’-6”) was converted into broad gauge (5’-6”) section. Construction of Kot Adu-Kashmore Line was completed in 1973, providing an alternate route from Karachi to up country along Right Bank of River Indus. Meter gauge line from Hydrabad to khokrapar was converted to broad gauge in 2008.
At present Pakistan Railway has route length of 7791 Kilometers out of which 7479 Kilometer is broad gauge and 312 Kilometer is meter gauge.
Pakistan Railways operates its system through 560 Railway Stations with 83000 employees.
To run about 350 passenger, mixed and freight trains on daily basis, Pakistan Railways, owns 528 Locomotives, 1700 Passenger coaches and 16500 Freight Wagons.
Pakistan Railway is a Federal Government Department under Ministry of Railways. The Secretary for Ministry of Railways is the ex-officio Chairman of the Railway board.
Pakistan Railways comprises of three functional units i.e the Operations Unit, the Manufacturing and Services Unit and the Development Unit. Each unit is headed by a General Manager who reports to the Secretary / Chairman Railways for the performance of his Unit.
The operations unit is at Headquartered at Lahore and oversees train operations and all related functions through its seven territorial operating divisions headquartered at Peshawar, Rawalpindi, Lahore, Multan, Sukkur, Karachi and Quetta.
The Manufacturing and Service (M & S) Unit oversees the management of the Concrete Sleeper Factories, Locomotives and Carriage Factories and Workshop Division, responsible for the major repair/rehabilitation of rolling stock and locomotives.
The Development Unit manages all Railway Schools, Hospitals and Railway Academy, Walton, besides, monitoring development projects in execution.
Pakistan Railways has two subsidiary companies i.e. Pakistan Railways Advisory & Consultancy Services (PRACS) and Railway Constructions Pakistan Limited (RAILCOP).
PRACS was founded in 1976 and is registered as Public Limited Company under the Companies Ordinance 1984. It provides an excellent outlet to the unique expertise of Pakistan Railways to complete in the Local and international market in commercial, Transportation, engineering (Civil, Mechanical, Electrical & Telecommunication) and Marketing disciplines.
RAILCOP was incorporated as a Public Limited Company in 1980 under the companies act 1913. Its specialization is in track construction and allied Railway oriented projects to augment the Pakistan Railways efforts towards better operation and maintenance of system.
The mission statement of the Pakistan Railways features provision of a competitive, safe, reliable, market oriented, efficient and environment friendly mode of transport. As the largest mover of goods and passengers in the country, Pakistan Railways endeavours to meet contemporary challengers through efficient administrative functioning, modernization of machinery and equipment, and well defined operating procedures for ensuring safety of passengers and rolling stock.
On the occasion of 150th Anniversary of Pakistan Railways, Pakistan Post is issuing a Commemorative Postage Stamp of Rs.8/= denomination on May 13, 2011.
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
Thailand: New Commemorative coins issued
The Treasury department of Thailand will issue coins commemorating the 84th (7th cycle) birthday of HRH Princess Bejaratana Rajasuda Sirisobhabannavadihad (pronounced as Petcharat) on 1st November 2010. She is the only child of King Rama VI, the 6th King of the ruling Chakri dynasty. She was only 1 day old when her father passed away in 1925. She actually will be turning 85 years old this coming 24th November.
Laos: 450th anniversary of Vientiane commemorative banknote
On 15 November 2010, the Bank Of the Lao PDR issued a 100,000 Kip banknote to commemorate the 450th anniversary of Vientiane as capital (15 November 1560 - 15 November 2010). Only 1,500,000 pieces have been printed.
Mongolia new 10- and 20-togrog notes
Can anyone please identify the language of the script to the left of the signatures, and translate the meaning of the script which appears on the 2007 versus 2009 dated 20-togrog notes below?
Belarus new 50- and 50,000-ruble notes
The modified 50-ruble notes have the following differences: no security thread and the spelling of the word ПЯЦДЗЯСЯТ instead of ПЯЦДЗЕСЯТ.
The modified 50,000-ruble notes have replaced the solid security thread for a 2-mm wide windowed security thread. In addition, it has the changed spelling of ПЯЦДЗЯСЯТ instead of ПЯЦДЗЕСЯТ.
Anyone interested in buying one of these notes can contact the contributor by clicking the link below. Be sure to say you saw it mentioned on Banknotenews.com.
Algeria new 2,000-dinar note to be issued 28 April 2011
The greenish-blue note includes a watermark of Emir Abdelkader, the effigy of Jughurta, a security thread, and hologram plus new safety features, including an anti-copy background. Additionally, there are raised features to help the sight-impaired distinguish the denomination.
Swaziland new 100- and 200-emalangeni
Brown. Front: King Mswati III; coat of arms with lion, shield, and elephant; green-to-blue OVI shield and spears. Back: Elephant, rhinoceros, lion, flowers, and bird; bank seal. Green-to-pink windowed security thread with demetalized CENTRAL BANK OF SWAZILAND. Watermark: King Mswati III and electrotype 100. Printer: GIESECKE & DEVRIENT - GERMANY. 157 x 70 mm. 6.9.2010. Signature 10b. Intro: 01.11.2010.
Green. Front: King Mswati III; coat of arms with lion, shield, and elephant; green-to-blue OVI shield and spears. Back: Straw huts; two goats; warrior; rock formation; bank seal. Green-to-pink windowed security thread with demetalized CENTRAL BANK OF SWAZILAND. Watermark: King Mswati III and electrotype 200. Printer: GIESECKE & DEVRIENT - GERMANY. 160 x 70 mm.
6.9.2010. Signature 10b. Intro: 2011.
Central Bank of Swaziland Governor, Mr. Martin G. Dlamini has announced that the new series of banknotes with upgraded security features will be released to the public on the 1st November 2010.
The Governor stated that although all the banknotes have been upgraded (E10, E20, E50, E100 and E200), the denominations will be released at intervals of six months, starting with the E100 (One Hundred Emalangeni).
“It is important to clarify from the onset that the new banknotes will be used together with the old notes,” he said.
The Governor further explained that banknote security technology had advanced significantly since the issuing of the current series of notes in 1999. “In addition to ensuring that these banknotes are produced with the best technology in line with the highest international standards, we have also ensured that the new notes are a creative expression of our heritage as a nation,” he said. “We gave a lot of thought to making our new printed currency one that we can all identify with as a reflection of our own lives.”
The Governor appealed to the public to familiarize themselves with the new notes by paying close attention to the security features. “We encourage you to know and understand your money so that you can trust it,” he said.
Click here to download the bank’s official brochure describing these two new notes.
Courtesy of Ny Andry Ranaivosolo, Hermann Huber, and Leszek Porowski.
Colombia new 2,000-peso note with Braille
On 28 December 2010, the Banco de la República Colombia introduced a new 2,000-peso (US$1.10) note which is like P457, but with the number 2 expressed in Braille over the watermark on the front left, to facilitate the use of the notes by the sight impaired. The 50,000-peso note (P455) has had the number 50 embossed in Braille to the left of the serial number ever since it was first introduced in 2001. The bank intends to add Braille to all the other denominations over time.Anyone interested in buying one of these notes can contact the contributor by clicking the link below. Be sure to say you saw it mentioned on Banknotenews.com.
Samoa to replace 2-tala note with coin
According to a Radio New Zealand International posting on 5 April 2011, the Central Bank of Samoa plans to replace the polymer 2-tala (P31) note with a coin, and also plans to reduce the size of its coinange, all in an effort to save money in the face of rising commodities prices.
'650th Anniversary of Kaunas' souvenir sheet by Lithuania
In 2011, the City of Kaunas is celebrating its 650th anniversary. To mark this event Lithuanian Post has issued a special souvenir sheet designed by H. Ratkevicius.
The sheet depicts:
3 Lt - Kaunas Town Hall, one of the oldest buildings in the city, which is also called the "white swan";
3 Lt - The building of Kaunas Main Post Office, which manifests the first steps of modern architecture in the city;
3 Lt - Perkunas House of Gothic style and remarkable for its outstanding beauty.
Kaunas is the second largest city of Lithuania, the one which has set up the first radio station in Lithuania, established the first music school in the country, organized the first opera performance, held the first Lithuanian Song Festival, and etc.
WWF miniature sheet by Malta Post
The Philatelic Bureau of MaltaPost has issued a set of 4 stamps commemorating the WWF's 50th Anniversary.
The miniature sheet depicts a fish found in the Maltese Islands which according to the IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) Red List of Threatened Species, has "Near Threatened Status" and will probably soon qualify as "Vulnerable" as the population continues to decrease. The fish is the Chimaera monstrosa, commonly known as Rabbit fish or Fenek tal-Bahar in the Maltese Islands.
The stamps feature four different images of the Chimaera monstrosa.
Danish Stamp Art 2011
The two stamps in the "Stamp Art" series in 2011 feature works by Claus Carstensen and Lise Harlev. Painter, sculptor and author Claus Carstensen is a graduate of the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts (1977-83) and the Department of Comparative Literature, University of Copenhagen (1979-83). As an artist, his work primarily consists of paintings, although he has also explored other media such as sculpture, graphics, video and installations. This versatile artist has also published several poetry collections, anthologies and monographs of his own artwork. He served as a professor at the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts 1993-2002.
Lise Harlev designed the stamp with the title "This place". She graduated in visual art from the Academy of Fine Arts in Copenhagen in 2002. As part of her studies, Harlev spent a year at Stadelschule in Frankfurt am Main. Studying abroad made a great impression on the young artist, who later took the decision to move abroad permanently. Since 2002 she has lived and worked in Berlin.
Gregory Peck Goes First-Class Forever
The U.S. Postal Service honors screen legend Gregory Peck with its latest "forever" stamp. Postal officials in Beverly Hills unveiled it Thursday in honor of the late actor.
Actor Gregory Peck is probably best known for his portrayal of Atticus Finch, the idealistic Southern attorney in the 1962 film, "To Kill a Mockingbird."
His picture from that movie adorns the new postage stamp, the 17th in a series that honors Hollywood legends.
Former U.S. Senator Chris Dodd, who heads the Motion Picture Association of America, says Peck's chiseled features were "worthy of Mount Rushmore" and his voice was "as deep as the Grand Canyon."
Dodd says that despite Peck's monumental status, he was dedicated to his family and the film industry and was always "human, approachable and authentic."
Beatification of John Paul II stamp from Italy
The Italian Post has issued a stamp in honor of the beatification of Pope John Paul II.
The stamp depicts a portrait of Pope John Paul II made by the photographer Grzegorz Galazka on December 8, 1998, at the Blessing of the statue of the Immaculate Virgin in Rome.
Reef Fish (Grouper) set of stamps from Papua New Guinea
The Post PNG has issued a series of stamps dedicated to reef grouper inhabiting the coats of the country.
Groupers are one of the most highly regarded groups of reef fish species, valued for daily food needs and in the luxury restaurant trade. They are also eagerly sought after by divers and underwater photographers.
Globally there are 162 species in the grouper family, almost one third of which occur in PNG.
The largest reef fish in the world is the giant grouper, reaching over 2 meters in length. Its smallest grouper cousin grows to just 20 cm. Both species are found in Papua New Guinea.
Grouper biology makes them particularly vulnerable to overfishing, much more so than most other fish species on coral reefs.
The stamps feature:
K1.05- Cephalopholis miniata, Coral hind - of high economic and food importance in local fisheries
K1.05- Cromileptes altivelis, Mouse grouper - most expensive fish in the luxury restaurant trade in Chinese communities
K5.00 - Plectropomus areolatus, Square tail coral grouper
K7.00 - Epinephelus lanceolatus, Giant grouper - the biggest reef fish in the world
K10.00 - Epinephelus polyphekadion, Camouflage grouper - important food fish both for live export and locally. Spawning aggregations are threatened by fishing and need management for sustainable use. Maximum length grows to 75 cm
Famous Azerbaijani painter on stamp
The Azermarka has issued a stamp to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the outstanding Azerbaijani painter Huseyn Aliyev.
The face value of the stamp, issued with a circulation of 100,000 copies, is 60 gepick.
Huseyn Aliyev (May 22, 1911 - July 5, 1991) - Soviet and Azerbaijani painter, author of more than 250 paintings. Working mostly in graphic arts, he is the author of numerous posters. With a lively, gregarious character, he was keenly sensitive to other people and nature. Perhaps that is why the two spheres of creativity - portrait and landscape - specially attracted the artist. It is hard to argue with the beauty of nature. As an artist, Mr. Aliyev sought for beauty, trying to recreate it in his own way. With the insistence of a scientist he revealed the natural laws of harmony, color and light, particularities of the internal structure of the elements.
Beatification of John Paul II stamp from Slovakia
The Slovak Post is issuing a stamp to commemorate the beatification of John Paul II.
The postage stamp contains the Pope's portrait and printing sheet is supplemented by the Papal crosier in the form of a cross and coat-of-arms of John Paul II. Surcharge on FDC shows the floor plan of the Basilica and St. Peter's Square in the Vatican and the stamps contain the Pope's hands folded in prayer, his signature and his slogan TOTUS TUUS - totally yours.
John Paul II was the first Pope of Slavic origin. His pontificate was the third longest and lasted 26 years, 5 months and 17 days. During this time he made 104 foreign apostolic trips, he issued 14 encyclicals, he beatified and canonized 1,340 people, he made around 3,500 speeches, announced three jubilee years and approximately 20 million people met him at around 1,200 general audiences. He was a diligent declaimer for keeping peace, human rights and the observance of human dignity. His charisma impressed a new dynamism into the Catholic Church.
Falkland Islands Post Office Celebrates the Wedding of the Decade
The Falkland Islands Post Office is issuing a special stamp to commemorate the wedding of Prince William to Kate Middleton.
The stamp with face value of £2 developed from a concept prepared by a Falkland Islander in a traditional style depicts portraits of both William and Catherine taken from official engagement photographs with Westminster Abbey in the background.
The stamp will be produced in sheetlets of 10 and there will be a special first day cover showing details of Westminster Abbey.
Avid royalty collectors will be interested to know that the Falkland Islands Government is also issuing a Royal Wedding Crown Size coin in Cupro Nickel and Proof Sterling Silver showing a finely sculpted portrait of the couple.
U.S. Forever Stamp Honors Actress Helen Hayes
The longtime theater, film and television actress Helen Hayes is being honored on a new forever postage stamp, on sale nationwide for 44-cents and usable for first-class postage from now on.
The stamp was dedicated Monday. Designed by Howard Paine, it features original art by Drew Struzan, whose movie posters for the "Indiana Jones" and "Star Wars" series have been seen by millions. Struzan based his design for the stamp on a photograph taken of Hayes circa 1958.
Born in Washington, Hayes appeared in her first school production at age 5 and was starring on Broadway by age 20. She went on to become known as the First Lady of American Theater.
In her career she appeared in more than 100 productions, winning Tony Awards along the way. She collected an Oscar for best actress in "The Sin of Madelon Claudet" in 1932, the first stage actress to win an Academy Award, and won another for best supporting actress in the 1970 movie "Airport."
Stamps to honor 60th Anniversary of Thai-Laotian Relationship
The Thai Post has issued a series of stamps to commemorate the 60th Anniversary of Thailand-Lao PDR Diplomatic Relations.
Currently, Thailand and Lao PDR enjoy a smooth and close relationship which is based on respect for mutual interest. The contributing factor to this is the close connection in race, religion, language and culture.
The stamps issued by Thailand depict the national symbols of Thailand and Lao PDR - "Thai and Laotian ladies in their national attire" greeting each other with the national flowers - the golden shower for Thailand and the Lao Champak for Lao PDR.
Three new stamps from Croatian Post's long-running series
Croatian Post has released three new commemorative postage stamps from the "Famous Croats" series. The stamps were designed by Sabina Resic, a designer from Zagreb, printed in 100 000 copies and issued in a 20-stamp sheet. Each stamp has a face value of HRK 1.60.
Croatian Post first issued stamps from the "Famous Croats" series in 1997 and this year the stamps feature: Grigor Vitez (the first modern children's author in Croatia who wrote numerous poems and short stories; he was also the editor of several children's books and magazines), August Harambasic (a gifted Croatian poet, orator and politician from the late 19th and early 20th century) and Jagoda Truhelka (a teacher and one of the most revered authors of children's literature in the first half of the 20th century).
Russian Peace Foundation stamp
This new issue by the Russian Post is dedicated to the 50th anniversary of the Russian Peace Foundation. The stamp depicts the emblem of this social organization.
In March 1950, millions of peace supporters in the Soviet Union and abroad signed the Stockholm Appeal "On the prohibition of nuclear weapons." Many Soviet people on their own initiative began sending donations to the struggle for peace. For the strictest control over the expenditure of these funds in April 27, 1961 a public organization - the Soviet Peace Foundation - was established. The main directions of its activities were promotion of peace, friendship and understanding between peoples, development of compassion and humanitarianism, international scientific and cultural cooperation, and youth exchanges. The Russian Peace Foundation became successor to the Soviet Peace Foundation.
Emilio Salgari stamp from Italy
The Italian Post has issued a stamp commemorating the 100th anniversary of the death of the famous Italian writer Emilio Salgari.
Emilio Salgari (August 21, 1862 - April 25, 1911) was an Italian writer of action adventure swashbucklers and a pioneer of science fiction in Italy.
For over a century his novels were mandatory reading for generations of youth eager for exotic adventures. In Italy, his extensive body of work was more widely read than Dante - and even today, he remains among the 40 most translated Italian authors. Many of his most popular novels have been adapted as comics, animated series and feature films. He is considered the father of Italian adventure fiction, the father of Italian pop culture and the grandfather of the Spaghetti Western.
The stamp depicts a portrait of Emilio Salgari, two seagulls flying in the foreground and an ancient sailing ship plowing the sea.
Stamp to Mark Chernobyl Disaster 25th Anniversary
Belarus is issuing a stamp dedicated to the 25th anniversary of the Chernobyl disaster.
The Chernobyl accident occurred on April 26, 1986 was the most severe technological disaster for Belarus by its consequences. Experts estimated that the most radioactive precipitation had fallen in Belarus. As a result 23 percent of its territory inhabited by about a quarter of the population was exposed to radioactive contamination. For comparison: in Russia - 1,5%, in Ukraine - 7%.
'Regions of Belgium' series
This new set of stamps in 'Regions of Belgium' series illustrates the mining region of Campine. It became popular due to the exploitation of the Campine coal basin.
The sheetlet features a fan in Beringen, the market of Heusden-Zolder and a boring tower of Waterschei.
The stamps illustrate:
Miners' houses (Beringen)
Coal
Station + tower where the first piece of coal was found (As)
Landscape with a heap (Zolder)
Heap (Eisden)
The series was created by the designers Bart Van Leuven and Inge Van Damme.
Ancient Chinese Calligraphy stamps from China
The Chinese Post has issued a set of stamps illustrating the cursive script of ancient Chinese calligraphy.
The first stamp features Pingfu Tie calligraphy by Lu Ji (Jin Dynasty), the second one illustrates Chuyue Tie calligraphy by Wang Xizhi (Jin Dynasty), the third stamp features Gushi Si Tie calligraphy by Zhangxu (Tang Dynasty) and the last one demonstrates Zixu Tie calligraphy by Huaisu (Tang Dynasty).
Royal Wedding commemorated by Australia Post
Australia Post is commemorating the Royal Wedding of Prince William and Catherine Middleton with the release of a stamp issue.
There are two stamps featuring an image of the couple taken after their engagement was announced, one a domestic rate (60c) and the other the international rate to the United Kingdom ($2.25).
"We trust this special stamp issue provides collectors and the public with a memento to mark this historic and happy event. The Royal Wedding stamps follow the recent stamp issue commemorating the 85th birthday of Queen Elizabeth II," said Australia Post Managing Director and CEO, Ahmed Fahour.
The stamps were designed by Jo Mure from the Australia Post design studio. Included among Jo's recent stamp designs are Australia's Favourite Stamps (2009) and the Centenary of Girl Guides (2010).
Butterflies of Israel on Stamps
On 12 April 2011, Israel Post released a magnificent sheet featuring butterflies.
Overall, Israel's butterfly population may be categorized into seven families. Five of those families are represented among the butterflies featured in the stamp series:
Swallowtail - Papilio machaon syriacus represents the Papilionidae family. Many members of this family display prominent colors, including black, yellow and red. These colors serve to warn birds and lizards that they are poisonous.
Red admiral - Vanessa atalanta represents the Nymphalidae family. Like many of the species belonging to this family, this butterfly remains camouflaged as long as its wings are closed because its underwings are dull in color, revealing its bold colors only when its wings are open wide.
Caper white - Anaphaeis aurota represents the Pieridae family of white and yellow butterflies. This butterfly's white wings are decorated with black markings. This species migrates to Israel from Africa nearly every summer and it may be seen flying throughout Israel until early winter.
Plain tiger - Danaus chrysippus is the only representative of the Danainae family to be found in Israel. It migrates annually from Africa to Israel and belongs to the same scientific genus as the American Monarch butterfly, considered to be the most famous butterfly in the world thanks to the tremendous distances it migrates.
Common blue - Polyommatus icarus zelleri and Tawny silver-line - Apharitis acamas represent the largest family of butterflies in Israel – the Lycaenidae family. Like many of the males belonging to this family, the Common blue male is bright blue in color in order to attract females, while the coloring of the Tawny silver-line allows it to blend into its surroundings and remain camouflaged from its enemies.
25th Anniversary of CARD MRI stamp from the Philippines
The Philippine Postal Corporation is coming up with the 25th Anniversary of the CARD MRI (Center for Agriculture and Rural Development Mutually Reinforcing Institutions) stamps, which will be issued on April 25, 2011.
A group of 15 rural development practitioners organized the Center for Agriculture and Rural Development (CARD) Inc. as a social development foundation in December 1986 as a concerted response to the growing poverty incidence in depressed communities in Regions IV and V, particularly in the provinces of Laguna, Quezon, Mindoro Oriental, Mindoro Occidental, Marinduque, Masbate and the Bicol Region. Its vision has always been to establish a bank owned and managed by landless rural women. The president and now Managing Director of CARD Founding, Dr. Jaime Aristotle said: "Only by creating a vehicle for asset ownership, we can ensure that the poor will gain control over their own resources and over their own destiny".
The stamps illustrate exchange of money between two hands that show Php20.00 bills and an agricultural land in the background. It also shows the 25 years logo of CARD MRI.
Stamps to Honor Favorite Armenian Movie
Haypost (Armenia) has recently issued a set of stamps celebrating 75th anniversary of screening of "Pepo", the first Armenian sound film ever created. This film, directed by Hamo Beknazarian (Bek-Nazarow), is based on Gabriel Sundukyan's 1876 play of the same name.
It shows the two social groups in opposition: the rich and the poor. A man from the poor group is a positive and dignified hero and reflects the trouble and tragedy of the whole group. This goes throughout the whole story.
Considered the 'most outstanding' film in Soviet cinema before the outbreak of World War II, the film has gained international recognition and has come to represent Armenian culture abroad.
St. Kitts General Post Office to issue Royal Wedding Stamps
The General Post Office in St. Kitts will honour the Royal Wedding with the release of stamps celebrating the Engagement of Prince William and Kate Middleton.
According to the General Post Office, the Souvenir Sheets and Sheetlets to mark this historic occasion would be released for sale on Tuesday 26th April 2011 at the Philatelic Bureau, Pelican Mall, ahead of the April 29th wedding.
University of Iceland on Stamp
The University of Iceland celebrates its 100th anniversary this year. Iceland Post is issuing a stamp to mark this event. The University of Iceland was founded in 1911, uniting three former Icelandic schools of Theology, Medicine and Law. In addition there was a faculty of humanities. During its first year of operation 45 students were enrolled. The first Rector of the university was Bjorn M. Olsen, a professor in the faculty of humanities. The current Rector of the University of Iceland is Dr. Kristin Ingolfsdottir, the first woman to hold this position.
The University was originally housed in the Icelandic Parliament building but in 1940 it moved into the University's main building. The University offers diverse fields of study along with continuing education. In recent years there has been some major restructuring. In 2008 the university was divided into five different schools with 25 faculties. Simultaneously, Iceland University of Education was merged with the University of Iceland to become its School of Education.
For Youth 2011 Stamps: Budapest's City Park
Every year Magyar Posta (Hungary Post) releases special For Youth stamps with a surcharge to support stamp collecting by young people.
In 2011 the sights of Budapest's City Park provide the subject for the stamps.
The designs of the miniature sheet show the well-known sights of the City Park in a characteristic graphic composition, which are in the order of the stamps the Budapest Zoo and Botanical Garden, the Funfair, Vajdahunyad Castle, the Ice Rink and the Boating Lake.
The second and fourth stamps in the miniature sheet contain a surcharge. Magyar Posta devotes the proceeds from the surcharge to supporting youth stamp collecting. The amount of the surcharge may not be used to pay for postage.
The silhouette of the building of the Széchenyi Baths appears on the first day cover for the miniature sheet and the design of the special postmark employs a stylised picture of balloons.
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