INPEX 2017 - National Stamp Exhibition starts today

INPEX 2017, National Stamp Exhibition starts at Mumbai. It will be held from 30 November to 4 December 2017 at World Trade Centre, Mumbai.

Inauguration of INPEX 2017 at World Trade Centre, Mumbai

Shri Dhirubhai Mehta delivering speech.

Chief Guest Shri H. C. Agrawal, CPMG Maharashtra Circle delivering his speech.

Release of Special Cover

Photo Courtesy : Madhukar Jhingan, Prashant Pandya

Bats of Gibraltar

Bats of Gibraltar

Date of Issue : 30 November 2017

In collaboration with the World Wild Life Fund, Gibraltar Post will issue a set of four stamps on 30th November 2017 depicting the following bats;

Greater noctule bat (Nyctalus lasiopterus) IUCN conservation status: Vulnerable - Local conservation status: Endangered

The Greater noctule bat is Europe’s largest and rarest bat. It is primarily an arboreal species with the largest known colonies in Iberia being the nearby Los Alcornocales Natural Park with smaller breeding colonies in an urban park in Seville and a zoo in Jerez de la Frontera. It is known for supplementing its insectivorous diet with small passerine birds which they prey on at great heights during migration and is therefore only usually seen while emerging from their roosts or drinking, though this is also difficult seeing as they normally emerge once night has fallen. Noctule bats of the genus Nyctalus were known to occur in Gibraltar since 1967 with identification down to species level having been confirmed in 2015.

European free-tailed bat (Tadarida teniotis) IUCN conservation status: Least Concern - Local conservation status: Vulnerable

The European free-tailed bat is Europe’s second largest bat. Though abundant in numbers, it is a notoriously difficult species to study due to their roosting and feeding habits. Naturally a crevice dweller, they do not congregate in large colonies and have countless natural roosting spots available to them in Gibraltar. They are also high-fliers that rarely come down to drink as they get most of their moisture from the large airborne insects they consume.

Isabelline serotine bat (Eptesicus isabellinus) IUCN conservation status: Least Concern - Local conservation status: Endangered

The Isabelline serotine bat was first recorded in Gibraltar in 2013. The species has only recently been recognised as a full valid species following molecular analyses using mitochondrial DNA and nuclear markers, separating it from the Serotine bat (Eptesicus serotinus). Thus, little is known about the ecology of this species in its own right. Its range is limited to the warmer southern half of the Iberian Peninsula and the Mediterranean fringe along the African coast from Morocco to Libya. It is considered a crevice dweller that has adapted to roosting in buildings in urban environments, as is the case in Gibraltar.

Schreibers’ bat (Miniopterus schreibersii) IUCN conservation status: Near Threatened - Local conservation status: Endangered

The Schreibers’ bat is a cave-dwelling species long established in Gibraltar with 50,000-year-old fossils having been discovered in the archaeological deposits of Gorham’s Cave. It was once in abundance in Gibraltar and most of Europe but populations seem to have suffered massive declines since the 1970s with local populations crashing by 97.86%. This trend is palpable throughout the continent with Spain and Portugal reporting mass mortalities; similar reports have come from France too. Though the cause in most of these cases appears to be epidemiological, pesticides, through trophic poisoning is another major cause of mass mortality in this species. Another more localised main contributing factor to the decline of this species over the past four to fi ve decades has been due to direct human disturbance inside caves where colonies of thousands used to roost.

Source : Gibraltar Post

- Wolfgang Beyer, Germany

Ready for Christmas ?

A Traditional Christmas

Date of Issue : 20 November 2017

 Here is a beautiful set of stamps issued by Jersey Post for this year's Christmas greetings. For many, Christmas is a time to reminisce. In this issue one can see, the days before computers and mobile phones, when families wore their Sunday best for Christmas dinner and festive patterned jumpers were worn in a non-ironic way.

Set in the 1950s and 1960s, these eight stamps have been designed to create a feeling of warm nostalgia with each stamp depicting a traditional festive activity.

With no computer games and less reliance on television for entertainment,  children spent many hours reading Christmas annuals and playing with a range of toys from die-cast model cars, dolls, hula-hoops, puzzles and games many of which are still family favourites today.

New stamps from India - Mahabharata

Date of Issue : 27 November 2017

India Post issued a set of 18 stamps on Mahabharata on November 27, 2017 – 12 stamps x Rs 15, 4 stamps x Rs 25, 1 stamp x Rs 50, & 1 stamp x Rs 100 and 2 miniature sheets of Rs 50 & Rs 100.

Image Source : Stamps of India

2018 - Year of the Dog

Chinese New Year

2018 - Year of the Dog

Date of Issue : 10 January 2018

Chinese New Year celebrations begin 16 February 2018, and according to the traditional Chinese lunar calendar is the Year of the Dog. New Zealand Post has created a special stamp, gold-sheet and medallion issue to celebrate.

The dog is the 12th animal in the Chinese lunar calendar. People born in this year tend to have decisive, loyal and loving personality traits which can make them fierce and long-lasting friends. But, because they have quite cautious characteristics, they can take time to form these bonds, and can be easily distressed if trust is broken.

The Chinese lunar calendar is based on observations of the Sun and Moon and is used for traditional activities in China and in overseas Chinese communities. It determines the date for traditional Chinese holidays, and guides Chinese people in selecting the luckiest day for a wedding or funeral, or for beginning a new venture or relocating.

Gold foiled miniature sheets and gold-plated medallion

To compliment these bright, festive stamps,New Zealand Post  included a range of special gold-foiled products and a gold-plated medallion. 

This large miniature sheet is one of only 103 produced . It has been embossed and etched with micro fine detail from 24-carat 99.9 gold foil, and is presented within an individually numbered frame (measuring 39cm x 27cm).

Made from 24-carat 99.9 gold foil, this miniature sheet has been embossed and etched with micro fine detail and is mounted in a perspex display stand (measuring 18cm x 10cm) - making a great gift for the Year of the Dog.

2018 Year of the Dog Gold Plated Medallion

This limited edition, gold-plated. collectable medallion features the calligraphic character for ‘dog’ on one side, and an illustrated dog – from the $2.70 stamp - on the other side. Limited to only 999 worldwide, it comes with an individually numbered certificate that gives further context and background to the Chinese Year of the Dog. 

Source : New Zealand Post

Cover from Latvia

"100 years of the Republic of Latvia. 1918-2018.".

"Science" : "Astrophysics", "Medicine" and "Chemistry"  

Friedrich Zander – built the first Soviet rocket engine on liquid fuel. Born in Riga.

   Karlis Shtein, Janis Ikaunieks and Arthur Balklavs – astronomers.In the background of the stamp drawn: the rocket, the satellite "Venta-1" ( launched on an Indian rocket PSLV C-38 June 23, 2017), starry sky with nebula and astronomical Observatory.

Date of Issue : 3 November 2017

Received this cover from Latvia. Thanks Evgenii Limanski For this beautiful cover.

New Special Cover

National Cancer Awareness Day 

7 November 2017

National Cancer Awareness Day was observed across the country on 7th of November every year.

Photo: Dr. Linge Gowda, Director and Prof. Krishna Murthy of  Kidwai Cancer Institute, Bengaluru along with  Col. Arvind Varma, Post Master General and Mr. Sandesh Mahadevappa, Senior Superintendent of Post office and Dr.S.Shivaram CPM GPO, Bengaluru released the special cover.

Kidwai Cancer Institute is an Autonomous Institute of Karnataka with 650 bedded comprehensive cancer centre with latest state-of-art facilities treating poor patients since 1973. It is recognized as Regional Cancer Centre and identified as State Cancer Institute (SCI) by Government of India. lt is recognized as an advanced centre for cancer research and training by WHO, UICC, ICMR, DST, AERB etc.

The Institute provides free boarding and lodging for 1000 patients and their attenders daily in Dharmashala campus. Institute conducts numerous cancer screening and awareness programmes in all parts of Karnataka. It offers several super speciality, PG, UG and Nursing courses in the field of Oncology; around 350 students pursue their studies here.

The objective of the Programme is  Early Detection cures Cancer.Dr. Linge Gowda, Director gave a wonderful talk explaining that cancer is not contagious and encouraged everyone to visit the cancer hospital to interact and brighten up the days of patients especially children and do whatever help in any small way  and the  Prof. Krishna Murthy explained about preventable cancers like Lung Cancer,Cervical Cancer,Breast cancer, Liver cancer etc. 

- Suresh Rao, Bangalore

First stamp of Independent India

Date of Issue : 21 November 1947

The First Stamp of Independent India was issued on 21 November 1947. It depicts the Indian Flag with the patriots' slogan, Jai Hind (Long Live India), on the top right hand corner. It was valued at three and one-half annas and was  meant for foreign correspondence

Date of Issue : 15 December 1947

The second stamp issued on 15 December 1947 depicts the Aśokan lions capital, the National Emblem of India, and was for domestic use.

Date of Issue : 15 December 1947

The third stamp also issued on 15 December 1947, showing a Douglas DC-4 aircraft, was meant for foreign airmail.

Christmas 2017 stamps from Christmas Islands

Date of Issue : 1 November 2017

Here is a beautiful set of stamps and a Miniature sheet issued by Christmas Islands for this year's Christmas..In recognition of Christmas Island’s name (selected by Captain William Mynors, as he sailed past the island on Christmas Day, 1643), Christmas Island Christmas stamps have been issued every year, since 1984. They are a light-hearted take on Christmas in the southern hemisphere.

The stamps

Illustrated by Shane McGowan, this year’s stamps and minisheet show Santa taking time out from delivering presents to practise his golf swing on the spectacular Christmas Island nine-hole golf course.

In the minisheet design, One see that the island’s famous red crabs are enjoying stealing some of Santa’s errant golf balls, which Santa’s elves are doing their best to rescue and fashion into a Christmas tree, to add some festive flair to the golf course. The island’s many seabirds are also enjoying the view.

$2 Santa

The international-Christmas-card-rate stamp features Santa teeing off.

65c Rudolf

The domestic Christmas-card-rate stamp features Rudolf, as Santa’s trusty golf caddy.

Sheetlet of 5 X$2

This sheetlet contains 5 x $2 self-adhesive International stamps from the Christmas Island Christmas 2017 stamp issue.

Source : Australian Postal Corporation

Special Cover - Valley of Words..International Literature and Arts Festival, Dehradun

Valley of Words - International Literature and Arts Festival, Dehradun

17-19 November 2017

A Special cover was released on inaugural day of "Valley of Words", International Literature and Arts Festival, being held at Dehra Dun from 17 -19 Nov. 2017 by Dr. KK Paul, Governor of Uttarakhand.

Valley of Words is a Festival of literature and  arts which brings together the best writers, critics, and listeners from poetry, fiction, non-fiction, and writings for young adults, storytellers, balladeers, puppeteers, thespians, photographers, artists and craftspeople from across the world.

Image Coutesy : Abhai Mishra

Stamp Exhibition at Valley of Words

Abhai Mishra, Jeevan Jyoti, Vinay Gupta,Abhishek Bishnoi

A stamp exhibition is also going on  at Valley of Words Literature and Arts Festival, Hotel Madhuban, Dehra Dun , 17 to 19 Nov. 2017. Governor's exhibit and 6 Exhibits of Dehradun philatelists - Uttarakhand Postal history, Dehra Dun and POW camps by Abhai Mishra, Taj Mahal and Rainbow by Jeevan Jyoti, Sachin Tendulkar by Vinay Gupta Gupta and Musicians by Abhishek Bishnoi are on display.

New Special Cover on Children's Day

14 November - Children's Day 

Children's Day (also known as Bal Diwas) is celebrated in India every year on 14th November. As Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru was very affectionate towards children, his birthday is celebrated as Children’s Day.

Silicon City Academy of Seoondary Education-ACSSE school,founded by Shri.K.B.Lakshman in the year 2005 was built on a formidable mission to make a happy place for all children as "Joy of Learning" is the motto of the School.Under the "able guidance of academic Chairman Dr:K.S. Sameera Simha, the school is providing quality education.Students are exposed to a well structured friendly teaching methodology that will help to shape their future in a positive way. Learn more about SCASE on: www.siliconcity.edu.in

Special Cover :  Inscription stones of Bengaluru 

Exhibition on Inscription Stones of Bengaluru, 14 - 19 November 2017

Inscription Stones Of Bangalore' is a civic activism project to raise awareness and protect ancient inscription stones (shila shaasanas) found in the Bengaluru region. Inscriptions stones are original documentation of the people, culture, religion and language of the region dating back to as early as 750CE. Rampant urbanization in Bengaluru has led to destruction of a majority of the 150 stones in the old 'Bangalore' region which were documented by B.L. Rice and others from 1894 to 1905 in the remarkable twelve-volume series Epigraphia Carnatica. This project retraces the footsteps of B.L. Rice to protect and restore the dignity of the last remaining 25 'Inscription Stones Of Bangalore'. This special cover was released on 14-11-2017.

Front image: The oldest Kannada stone inscription in the Bengaluru region dated to about 750 CE (Ganga period).

Rear image: Inscription stone at Begur with the earliest recorded use of the name 'Bengaluru' dated to 890C

-  Suresh R., Bengaluru

Children's Day

Date of Issue : 14 November 2017

India Post released a set of two stamps in the denomination of Rs 15 each and also two miniature sheets of Rs 15 each on November 14, 2017 to mark Children’s Day 2017. The designs are based on children’s paintings on Nest.

Image source : Stamps of India

2018 - Year of the Dog

Date of Issue : 10 November 2017

2018 is the year of the Dog . On 10th November, 2018, Åland Post issued Year of the Dog, the fourth stamp in the series featuring Chinese zodiac animals.  

 With this lovely miniature sheet, Swedish artist Martin Mörck continues to put his mark on the series, illustrating a time when sailing ships dominated the townscape and sailors bought China dogs as souvenirs.
Produced in Staffordshire, the heart of English porcelain industry, during the 1800s, the delicate China dogs were made from glazed and decorated ceramics and particularly popular among Scandinavian and Åland sailors. The sailors’ dogs, also known as Staffordshire dogs, always appear in pairs, the most common type being white spaniel dogs with details in gold. They were placed on the mantel piece or windowsill at home.  A tall tale accompanying the sailors’ dogs had it that the dogs would be placed looking into the living room when the sailor was at home but out of the window when he was at sea.

The original China dogs illustrated on the miniature sheet may be viewed in the collections of the Åland Maritime Museum. Two maximum cards, also painted by Martin Mörck, complement the miniature sheet.

Aland Post

Hong Kong

2018 - Year of Dog 

The “Year of the Dog” stamp issue is the seventh in Hongkong Post’s fourth Lunar New Year special stamp series. Four thematic stamps delight collectors with cute models of dogs in ceramic, jade, pottery and seashell art. Exhibiting the lovely temperament and sweet playfulness of the dog, they present the Chinese zodiac sign for the year. Also available are stamp sheetlets printed in paper and silk that celebrate this great festive time of the year with joy and auspicious greetings.

Date of Issue : 27 January 2017

Christmas Cup Cakes...

Date of Issue : 9 November 2017

Cupcakes have become hugely popular over the years, once thought to just be a trend or phase, but now well established and respected in the cake world. The appeal of cupcakes is its versatility with the range of designs and flavours having limitless options which can stretch our imagination.

Novelty cupcakes have become a popular trend where all types of designs are being applied and are very popular for seasonal events, weddings, children’s parties and corporate events. Seasonal designs are particularly appealing and when it comes to Christmas, cake artists’ love pushing the boundaries and making unique, cute or funny designs.

The cupcakes featured on the stamps were specifically produced by a well known bakery based in Gibraltar - Piece of Cake

Piece of Cake CEO Sharon Garcia said;

"When designing these cupcakes we wanted to apply a local theme to a Christmas design. We had to create something unique to Gibraltar. Our Christmas tree had to be adapted to our Rock of Gibraltar. Our rock ape also had to feature a Christmas hat. The snowman reflects our national football team colours and emblem on his hat, symbolic of our new prominence in the football world. We also feature our beloved Pan Dulce-a cake typically enjoyed by Gibraltarians over Christmas.

This set of 6 Christmas cupcakes represents Gibraltar’s heritage, our love for the season and our particular love for all things sweet!”

Gibraltar Stamps

: Wolfgang Beyer, Germany