General Affairs
Train Berth Reservation for Physically-Challenged Made Easier
Country Needs Collaborative, Not Confrontationist Politics: M Venkaiah Naidu
Karnataka to Become Power Surplus by July Next Year, Says State Minister
Air Traffic Resumes at Srinagar International Airport
Vladimir Putin Says Turkey Deliberately Dragging Relations to a Standstill
Sensex ends 183 points higher on GST reform hopes, Dr Reddy's shares crack 8%
Business sentiment lowest in November since February 2014
Lanco Infra shares surge 36 per cent in 3 days; brokerage sees 41 per cent upside potential
Government adds 2,311 MW green power generation capacity so far in FY16
Not just GST, nine other Bills can also result in ease of doing business
Train Berth Reservation for Physically-Challenged Made Easier
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NEW DELHI: In a much-needed relief to the physically-challenged persons availing concessional rail fares, Railways has rationalised provisions for allotment of berths in a sleeper class under such quota by earmarking middle seat for the accompanying passenger.
As per the revised provisions, which are to come into effect from December 22, there will be two types of physically-challenged quota of two berths each -- one lower and one middle -- in the same cabin.
One will be for physically challenged persons who can utilise concession only when accompanied by an escort and the second for those for whom it is optional to take an escort with them, Railways announced in a release today.
It has also been decided that whenever a physically handicapped person books ticket on concession and if no berth is available in handicapped quota, the system will automatically try to allot the lower berth to the travelling passenger and middle berth to escort, subject to availability of same at the time of booking, the release said.
These changes were necessitated following some cases of the handicapped persons for whom it is optional to take an escort were not allowed to book single berth against this quota on the ground that the second berth will go vacant (as middle berth cannot be allotted to physically handicapped persons) was brought to the notice of the Railway Ministry, it said.
This issue has now been examined by the Ministry of Railways and further rationalisation has been done to ensure optimum allotment and utilisation of handicapped quota, the release said.
According to Railways, the berths for the physically handicapped persons, who can utilise concession only when accompanied by an escort, can be booked on first come first serve basis.
Similarly, for those handicapped persons having option of taking an escort, the berths will be booked together (in the same cabin), it said.
The release also said that at the time of preparation of reservation charts, the untiled lower berths under this quota can be released to physically handicapped passenger(of either category who were kept in general waiting list due to exhaustion of their quota), single senior citizen travelling alone on priority or to waitlisted passengers as per priority.
NEW DELHI: In a much-needed relief to the physically-challenged persons availing concessional rail fares, Railways has rationalised provisions for allotment of berths in a sleeper class under such quota by earmarking middle seat for the accompanying passenger.As per the revised provisions, which are to come into effect from December 22, there will be two types of physically-challenged quota of two berths each -- one lower and one middle -- in the same cabin.
One will be for physically challenged persons who can utilise concession only when accompanied by an escort and the second for those for whom it is optional to take an escort with them, Railways announced in a release today.
These changes were necessitated following some cases of the handicapped persons for whom it is optional to take an escort were not allowed to book single berth against this quota on the ground that the second berth will go vacant (as middle berth cannot be allotted to physically handicapped persons) was brought to the notice of the Railway Ministry, it said.
This issue has now been examined by the Ministry of Railways and further rationalisation has been done to ensure optimum allotment and utilisation of handicapped quota, the release said.
According to Railways, the berths for the physically handicapped persons, who can utilise concession only when accompanied by an escort, can be booked on first come first serve basis.
Similarly, for those handicapped persons having option of taking an escort, the berths will be booked together (in the same cabin), it said.
The release also said that at the time of preparation of reservation charts, the untiled lower berths under this quota can be released to physically handicapped passenger(of either category who were kept in general waiting list due to exhaustion of their quota), single senior citizen travelling alone on priority or to waitlisted passengers as per priority.
Country Needs Collaborative, Not Confrontationist Politics: M Venkaiah Naidu
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NEW DELHI: As the winter session of Parliament started today, Parliamentary Affairs Minister M Venkaiah Naidu said the country needs collaborative and not confrontationist politics and people are in no mood to accept negativism.
"Country needs collaborative politics and not confrontationist politics. People are keenly watching law makers. They are in no mood to accept negativism," he said, noting that the all-party meeting held on Wednesday has raised hopes of a better session.
"Winter session of Parliament begins today. There are concerns of people over functioning of Parliament and expectations from this session," he said.
His remarks come in the backdrop of a washout of the Monsoon session of Parliament with key legislations pushed by the government left pending.
Mr Naidu said both the government and the opposition have clearly defined responsibilities in parliamentary democracy.
While government has to perform and deliver as per the mandate given by the people, he said the opposition has to keep a watch on the government while at the same time enable Parliament to meet the aspirations of people.
"So, both government and opposition are under pressure-government to perform and opposition to conduct itself in a constructive manner," he said.
With government making all-out efforts to get key pending legislations passed in Parliament, the Parliamentary Affairs Minister said, "There is no issue that can't be resolved through dialogue and we are for dialogue."
"Government voluntarily offered to discuss the so-called issue of intolerance even before opposition raised it in the all-party meet yesterday," he said.
Government is keen that the key tax reforms legislation, the GST bill, is passed in Parliament and is ready to walk the extra mile and engage with the opposition to iron out differences on the issue.
Mr Naidu said to commemorate the adoption of Constitution on November 26, 1949, the first Constitution Day is being observed today.
Parliament is holding a special sitting on November 26 and 27, remembering Dr BR Ambedkar and other founding fathers of the Constitution and as a mark of respect to them, holding a discussion on the Constitution.
"Country needs collaborative politics and not confrontationist politics. People are keenly watching law makers. They are in no mood to accept negativism," he said, noting that the all-party meeting held on Wednesday has raised hopes of a better session.
"Winter session of Parliament begins today. There are concerns of people over functioning of Parliament and expectations from this session," he said.
His remarks come in the backdrop of a washout of the Monsoon session of Parliament with key legislations pushed by the government left pending.
Mr Naidu said both the government and the opposition have clearly defined responsibilities in parliamentary democracy.
While government has to perform and deliver as per the mandate given by the people, he said the opposition has to keep a watch on the government while at the same time enable Parliament to meet the aspirations of people.
"So, both government and opposition are under pressure-government to perform and opposition to conduct itself in a constructive manner," he said.
With government making all-out efforts to get key pending legislations passed in Parliament, the Parliamentary Affairs Minister said, "There is no issue that can't be resolved through dialogue and we are for dialogue."
"Government voluntarily offered to discuss the so-called issue of intolerance even before opposition raised it in the all-party meet yesterday," he said.
Government is keen that the key tax reforms legislation, the GST bill, is passed in Parliament and is ready to walk the extra mile and engage with the opposition to iron out differences on the issue.
Mr Naidu said to commemorate the adoption of Constitution on November 26, 1949, the first Constitution Day is being observed today.
Parliament is holding a special sitting on November 26 and 27, remembering Dr BR Ambedkar and other founding fathers of the Constitution and as a mark of respect to them, holding a discussion on the Constitution.
Karnataka to Become Power Surplus by July Next Year, Says State Minister
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HYDERABAD: With an eye on investments, the Karnataka government has assured industries that the state will become power surplus by July 2016.
Addressing a roadshow in Hyderabad last evening as part of Global Investors Meet "Invest Karnataka-2016" scheduled to be held in Bengaluru from February 3 to 5, 2016, Minister for Large and Medium Industries RV Deshpande assured prospective investors that by June-July 2016, Karnataka will become a power surplus state and there should not be any problems for industries.
Stating that there is a "misgiving" on power situation in Karnataka, he said Karnataka finds difficulty in power generation during severe drought situations, as dependence on (power generated by) hydro-electric power plants is very high.
"So, the Karnataka government thought of encouraging thermal power. Now NTPC, our Karnataka Power Corporation Limited at Bellary and Raichur, all those units will be generating power and giving to the grid from January 2016. And we hope by June-July 2016 more than 2,000 MW of thermal power will be added to the grid and there will be additional power from solar and wind also."
NTPC is building a 600 MW solar plant in Tumakuru district of the state, he pointed out adding "I don't want to give misgivings in the minds of the investors. Power situation will be good in Karnataka and no industry will have power cuts."
India's information technology capital Bengaluru is facing long power outages as the hydel-power dependent state's power generation has hit, due to poor rainfall this monsoon, officials had earlier said.
On incentives and concessions sought by some investors, he said, "Karnataka is not against incentives and concessions. It also gives them...but I would not like to go in the mad race."
"With my experience in the Industry, definitely industry should ask for incentives and concessions but you should look at the state, the eco-system, the decision making capacity of the state, the infrastructure and good human resource."
"I believe in bringing the investments on the ground and make them a reality...not to keep them in cold storage by signing MoUs," he said.
He further said there are more than 500 MNCs in Karnataka, because of progressive, pragmatic policies of the state and the transparency in which the clearances are given and due to the highly skilled workforce.
Assuring of total transparency, quick decisions and ease of doing business, Mr Deshpande said, "we believe only investments can bring prosperity, it could be agriculture, horticulture, power, infrastructure, IT. We would like to provide jobs to our youngsters and create wealth in the hands of our people and only investments can make it."
Karnataka is the country s first state to introduce a start-up policy, the minister said adding there is a plan to create a fund with about Rs. 500 crore in the next two years to encourage start-ups.
HYDERABAD: With an eye on investments, the Karnataka government has assured industries that the state will become power surplus by July 2016.Addressing a roadshow in Hyderabad last evening as part of Global Investors Meet "Invest Karnataka-2016" scheduled to be held in Bengaluru from February 3 to 5, 2016, Minister for Large and Medium Industries RV Deshpande assured prospective investors that by June-July 2016, Karnataka will become a power surplus state and there should not be any problems for industries.
Stating that there is a "misgiving" on power situation in Karnataka, he said Karnataka finds difficulty in power generation during severe drought situations, as dependence on (power generated by) hydro-electric power plants is very high.
"So, the Karnataka government thought of encouraging thermal power. Now NTPC, our Karnataka Power Corporation Limited at Bellary and Raichur, all those units will be generating power and giving to the grid from January 2016. And we hope by June-July 2016 more than 2,000 MW of thermal power will be added to the grid and there will be additional power from solar and wind also."
NTPC is building a 600 MW solar plant in Tumakuru district of the state, he pointed out adding "I don't want to give misgivings in the minds of the investors. Power situation will be good in Karnataka and no industry will have power cuts."
India's information technology capital Bengaluru is facing long power outages as the hydel-power dependent state's power generation has hit, due to poor rainfall this monsoon, officials had earlier said.
On incentives and concessions sought by some investors, he said, "Karnataka is not against incentives and concessions. It also gives them...but I would not like to go in the mad race."
"With my experience in the Industry, definitely industry should ask for incentives and concessions but you should look at the state, the eco-system, the decision making capacity of the state, the infrastructure and good human resource."
"I believe in bringing the investments on the ground and make them a reality...not to keep them in cold storage by signing MoUs," he said.
He further said there are more than 500 MNCs in Karnataka, because of progressive, pragmatic policies of the state and the transparency in which the clearances are given and due to the highly skilled workforce.
Assuring of total transparency, quick decisions and ease of doing business, Mr Deshpande said, "we believe only investments can bring prosperity, it could be agriculture, horticulture, power, infrastructure, IT. We would like to provide jobs to our youngsters and create wealth in the hands of our people and only investments can make it."
Karnataka is the country s first state to introduce a start-up policy, the minister said adding there is a plan to create a fund with about Rs. 500 crore in the next two years to encourage start-ups.
Air Traffic Resumes at Srinagar International Airport
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SRINAGAR: In a relief for stranded passengers, air traffic to and fro Srinagar International Airport resumed today after remaining suspended for the last three days due to foggy conditions.
"Air traffic resumed this afternoon. Two flights from Delhi have landed while one flight and a state aircraft carrying Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed has also taken off from here," Director, Airport Authority of India, Srinagar, R K Shinde told PTI.
He said a SpiceJet flight was the first to land at the airport followed by Indigo and it was the first flight as well to take off from in Srinagar in the last four days.
The Chief Minister also left in the state aircraft along with some of his cabinet ministers for Jammu, he said.
He said normal operations are expected with the improvement in the weather.
Some flights were delayed in the morning due to bad weather but no flight has been cancelled so far, Mr Shinde said.
Air traffic to and fro Srinagar International Airport remained suspended for the past three days due to foggy conditions, leaving thousands of passengers, including tourists, stranded.
Meanwhile, the Meteorological Department here has predicted rains over the plains and snowfall over the higher reaches which could provide respite from foggy conditions.
The minimum temperature recorded in the summer capital Srinagar was 5.6 degrees Celsius - over a degree up from the previous night - an official of the Meteorological Department said.
He said Gulmarg ski-resort in north Kashmir recorded a low of minus 2.4 degrees Celsius and was the only place in the Valley where mercury stayed below the freezing point.
"Air traffic resumed this afternoon. Two flights from Delhi have landed while one flight and a state aircraft carrying Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed has also taken off from here," Director, Airport Authority of India, Srinagar, R K Shinde told PTI.
He said a SpiceJet flight was the first to land at the airport followed by Indigo and it was the first flight as well to take off from in Srinagar in the last four days.
The Chief Minister also left in the state aircraft along with some of his cabinet ministers for Jammu, he said.
Some flights were delayed in the morning due to bad weather but no flight has been cancelled so far, Mr Shinde said.
Air traffic to and fro Srinagar International Airport remained suspended for the past three days due to foggy conditions, leaving thousands of passengers, including tourists, stranded.
Meanwhile, the Meteorological Department here has predicted rains over the plains and snowfall over the higher reaches which could provide respite from foggy conditions.
The minimum temperature recorded in the summer capital Srinagar was 5.6 degrees Celsius - over a degree up from the previous night - an official of the Meteorological Department said.
He said Gulmarg ski-resort in north Kashmir recorded a low of minus 2.4 degrees Celsius and was the only place in the Valley where mercury stayed below the freezing point.
Vladimir Putin Says Turkey Deliberately Dragging Relations to a Standstill
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MOSCOW: Russia's President Vladimir Putin said today that from Moscow's point of view, Turkey is deliberately trying to bring relations between Moscow and Ankara to a standstill.
"It seems that the Turkish leadership is deliberately driving relations (between Russia and Turkey) into a dead end," Putin said at the Kremlin ambassador credentials ceremony.
Putin added that Moscow is still awaiting an apology from Turkey for downing its fighter jet or an offer of reimbursement for damages.
MOSCOW: Russia's President Vladimir Putin said today that from Moscow's point of view, Turkey is deliberately trying to bring relations between Moscow and Ankara to a standstill."It seems that the Turkish leadership is deliberately driving relations (between Russia and Turkey) into a dead end," Putin said at the Kremlin ambassador credentials ceremony.
Putin added that Moscow is still awaiting an apology from Turkey for downing its fighter jet or an offer of reimbursement for damages.
Business Affairs
Sensex ends 183 points higher on GST reform hopes, Dr Reddy's shares crack 8%
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Snapping a two-session losing streak, the domestic markets ended higher in trade on Thursday, riding on hopes that parliament would clear goods and services tax (GST) Bill in the ongoing Winter Session.
The S&P BSE Sensex ended 182.89 points up at 25,958.63, while broader CNX Nifty settled the day above its key 7,850-mark, up 52.20 points at 7,883.80.
Market breadth remained positive with 22 of the 30 Sensex components ending the day in green.
Stock of Dr Reddy's was the top Sensex loser and shed 8 per cent after the US Food and Drug Administration (US FDA), which had issued a warning letter to drug major over quality issues, said it might withhold approval of the company's fresh drugs and stop import if no corrective action is taken.
The idea of setting a relatively low rate for a new sales tax seemed to be gaining traction on first day of winter session of Parliament, as politicians of all stripes met to debate what would be the country's biggest tax reform since independence.
The bill has passed the lower house of parliament, but has been blocked in the upper house.
Winter session will continue until December 23.
"GST, that's the key reason why the market is holding on and some amount of short covering on the last day of expiry," said Alex Mathews head of research at Geojit BNP Paribas.
Among Asian markets, China's Shanghai Composite ended with a downtick of 0.34 per cent, while Hong Kong's Hang Seng settled on a flat note. Japan's Nikkei ruled higher by 0.49 per cent at close.
Overnight, US stocks ended mixed in a quiet trading session with gains in health care and consumer stocks. Market trading volumes were low as many market participants were away in the last session of the week as the markets are shut for Thursday and most of the Firday afternoon.
Lowdown on markets today
1:20 pm
Sensex at 25920.71, up 144 points
Nifty at 7870.95, up 40 points
11:08 am
Sensex at 25,932.15, up 156.41 points
Nifty at 7,875.80, up 44.20 points
10:10 am
Sensex at 25932.89, up 157 points
Nifty at 7874.40, up 42 points
9:20 am
Sensex at 25,840.33, up 64.59 points
Nifty at 7,847.95, up 16.35 points
Snapping a two-session losing streak, the domestic markets ended higher in trade on Thursday, riding on hopes that parliament would clear goods and services tax (GST) Bill in the ongoing Winter Session.
The S&P BSE Sensex ended 182.89 points up at 25,958.63, while broader CNX Nifty settled the day above its key 7,850-mark, up 52.20 points at 7,883.80.
Market breadth remained positive with 22 of the 30 Sensex components ending the day in green.
Stock of Dr Reddy's was the top Sensex loser and shed 8 per cent after the US Food and Drug Administration (US FDA), which had issued a warning letter to drug major over quality issues, said it might withhold approval of the company's fresh drugs and stop import if no corrective action is taken.
The idea of setting a relatively low rate for a new sales tax seemed to be gaining traction on first day of winter session of Parliament, as politicians of all stripes met to debate what would be the country's biggest tax reform since independence.
The bill has passed the lower house of parliament, but has been blocked in the upper house.
Winter session will continue until December 23.
"GST, that's the key reason why the market is holding on and some amount of short covering on the last day of expiry," said Alex Mathews head of research at Geojit BNP Paribas.
Among Asian markets, China's Shanghai Composite ended with a downtick of 0.34 per cent, while Hong Kong's Hang Seng settled on a flat note. Japan's Nikkei ruled higher by 0.49 per cent at close.
Overnight, US stocks ended mixed in a quiet trading session with gains in health care and consumer stocks. Market trading volumes were low as many market participants were away in the last session of the week as the markets are shut for Thursday and most of the Firday afternoon.
Lowdown on markets today
1:20 pm
Sensex at 25920.71, up 144 points
Sensex at 25920.71, up 144 points
Nifty at 7870.95, up 40 points
11:08 am
Sensex at 25,932.15, up 156.41 points
Nifty at 7,875.80, up 44.20 points
10:10 am
Sensex at 25932.89, up 157 points
Nifty at 7874.40, up 42 points
9:20 am
Sensex at 25,840.33, up 64.59 points
Nifty at 7,847.95, up 16.35 points
Business sentiment lowest in November since February 2014
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With the festival period failing to boost demand for Indian companies' goods and services, business sentiment in November fell to the lowest level since February 2014 and is unlikely to revive over the coming few months, says a survey.
The Deutsche Borse's MNI India Business Sentiment Indicator, a gauge of current sentiment among BSE listed companies, dropped 11.6 per cent in November as compared to October.
The fall in sentiment was observed across both manufacturing and construction companies.
However, the sentiment among service sector companies rose for the first time in five months.
"The busy festival season failed to bring cheer to India's largest companies in November, as business sentiment fell to the lowest level since February 2014, with companies also seeing little chance of a revival over the coming months," the survey said.
Noting that the festivals failed to boost demand for Indian companies' goods and services this year, the report said, "Companies across all sectors received fewer orders in the three months to November compared with the same period a year earlier".
New orders fell 11.1 per cent, while exports were down 9.4 per cent in November from the same period a year ago.
According to the report, the only real positive came from an improvement in companies' balance sheets, helped by the decline in commodity prices and interest rate cuts.
"Indian business confidence has been in trend decline for over a year and November survey shows few signs of end in sight," MNI Indicators Chief Economist Philip Uglow said.
"Weak demand means that companies are unable to capitalise on the positives of lower input costs and looser monetary policy," he noted.
MNI India Business Sentiment is a monthly poll of Indian business executives at companies listed on the BSE.
More than 400 companies are surveyed each month and are a mix of manufacturing, service, construction and agricultural firms.
With the festival period failing to boost demand for Indian companies' goods and services, business sentiment in November fell to the lowest level since February 2014 and is unlikely to revive over the coming few months, says a survey.
The Deutsche Borse's MNI India Business Sentiment Indicator, a gauge of current sentiment among BSE listed companies, dropped 11.6 per cent in November as compared to October.
The fall in sentiment was observed across both manufacturing and construction companies.
However, the sentiment among service sector companies rose for the first time in five months.
"The busy festival season failed to bring cheer to India's largest companies in November, as business sentiment fell to the lowest level since February 2014, with companies also seeing little chance of a revival over the coming months," the survey said.
Noting that the festivals failed to boost demand for Indian companies' goods and services this year, the report said, "Companies across all sectors received fewer orders in the three months to November compared with the same period a year earlier".
New orders fell 11.1 per cent, while exports were down 9.4 per cent in November from the same period a year ago.
According to the report, the only real positive came from an improvement in companies' balance sheets, helped by the decline in commodity prices and interest rate cuts.
"Indian business confidence has been in trend decline for over a year and November survey shows few signs of end in sight," MNI Indicators Chief Economist Philip Uglow said.
"Weak demand means that companies are unable to capitalise on the positives of lower input costs and looser monetary policy," he noted.
MNI India Business Sentiment is a monthly poll of Indian business executives at companies listed on the BSE.
More than 400 companies are surveyed each month and are a mix of manufacturing, service, construction and agricultural firms.
Lanco Infra shares surge 36 per cent in 3 days; brokerage sees 41 per cent upside potential
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Shares of Lanco Infratech advanced a whopping 36 per cent in last three sessions after the company said it was looking to raise up to $1 billion in next 18 months via stake sale and listing power business.
The stock hit upper circuit for the second straight session on Thursday and rose as much as 7.02, up 9.86 per cent on the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE).
The scrip had closed at Rs 6.39, up 19.89 per cent on Tuesday, while it ended at Rs 5.33, up 6.81 per cent on Monday.
Broking firm Edelweiss Securities maintained 'buy' on the stock and said the company is in the recovery mode. The brokerage expects the stock to see an upside of 40.84 per cent against the previous closing price.
"Resolution of regulatory issues seems to be behind us and progress on asset/stake sale, leading to reduction in debt will determine stock performance. We maintain 'BUY/SP' with some of the parts-based (SoTP-based) target price of Rs 9," said Edelweiss Securities in a research note.
Following are the key risks that brokerage believes one should keep an eye on:
- Timely completion of under construction power projects
- Fuel supplies for under construction power projects
- Regulatory approvals of pending tariff orders
- Sale of assets for deleveraging the balance sheet
September quarter performance
Lanco, which has been losing money in recent years amid a high debt load and delays in finishing its power projects, posted a consolidated net profit of Rs 98.98 crore in the second quarter of the current fiscal year, due to tax reimbursements and favourable power tariff order.
The firm posted a loss of Rs 527.48 crore in the same period last year, Lanco Infratech Ltd (LITL) said in BSE filing.
According to the statement, the company earned profits on the consolidated basis after a gap of three years.
Shares of Lanco Infratech advanced a whopping 36 per cent in last three sessions after the company said it was looking to raise up to $1 billion in next 18 months via stake sale and listing power business.
The stock hit upper circuit for the second straight session on Thursday and rose as much as 7.02, up 9.86 per cent on the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE).
The scrip had closed at Rs 6.39, up 19.89 per cent on Tuesday, while it ended at Rs 5.33, up 6.81 per cent on Monday.
Broking firm Edelweiss Securities maintained 'buy' on the stock and said the company is in the recovery mode. The brokerage expects the stock to see an upside of 40.84 per cent against the previous closing price.
"Resolution of regulatory issues seems to be behind us and progress on asset/stake sale, leading to reduction in debt will determine stock performance. We maintain 'BUY/SP' with some of the parts-based (SoTP-based) target price of Rs 9," said Edelweiss Securities in a research note.
Following are the key risks that brokerage believes one should keep an eye on:
- Timely completion of under construction power projects
- Fuel supplies for under construction power projects
- Regulatory approvals of pending tariff orders
- Sale of assets for deleveraging the balance sheet
Lanco, which has been losing money in recent years amid a high debt load and delays in finishing its power projects, posted a consolidated net profit of Rs 98.98 crore in the second quarter of the current fiscal year, due to tax reimbursements and favourable power tariff order.
The firm posted a loss of Rs 527.48 crore in the same period last year, Lanco Infratech Ltd (LITL) said in BSE filing.
According to the statement, the company earned profits on the consolidated basis after a gap of three years.
Government adds 2,311 MW green power generation capacity so far in FY16
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A total of 2,311.88 MW of grid-connected power generation capacity from renewable energy sources like solar and wind has been added so far this fiscal in the country.
The government has set a target of 4,460 MW of power generation capacity addition this fiscal from renewable energy sources, including solar, wind and small-hydro.
During the first seven months of the fiscal, 827.22 MW of solar power generation capacity was added, taking the cumulative electricity generation capacity from the source to 4,579.24 MW, the Ministry of New & Renewable Energy said in a statement on grid-connected capacity addition.
The Centre is aiming to add 1,400 MW solar power generation capacity during this fiscal.
Similarly, 1,234.11 MW wind power generation capacity was added during the period, taking cumulative electricity generation capacity from this renewable source to 24,677.72 MW. The government has set a target of adding 2,400 MW of wind power generation capacity in 2015-16.
Under the small-hydro category, 106.55 MW generation capacity was added till October, taking the total generation capacity in this segment to 4161.90 MW.
The Centre has set a target of adding 250 MW of small-hydro power generation capacity this fiscal.
In the bio-power (biomass & gasification and bagasse cogeneration) segment, 132 MW of generation capacity was added till October end this fiscal, taking the total capacity to 4550.55 MW in this segment. The government has set a target of adding 400 MW capacity from these sources.
In waste-to-power segment, 12 MW capacity has been created till October compared to a target of 10 MW for the entire 2015-16. Now, India has 127.08 MW of power generation capacity under this category.
The country's total grid-connected power generation capacity from all the above mentioned renewable sources was 3,8096.49 MW at the end of October.
A total of 2,311.88 MW of grid-connected power generation capacity from renewable energy sources like solar and wind has been added so far this fiscal in the country.
The government has set a target of 4,460 MW of power generation capacity addition this fiscal from renewable energy sources, including solar, wind and small-hydro.
During the first seven months of the fiscal, 827.22 MW of solar power generation capacity was added, taking the cumulative electricity generation capacity from the source to 4,579.24 MW, the Ministry of New & Renewable Energy said in a statement on grid-connected capacity addition.
The Centre is aiming to add 1,400 MW solar power generation capacity during this fiscal.
Similarly, 1,234.11 MW wind power generation capacity was added during the period, taking cumulative electricity generation capacity from this renewable source to 24,677.72 MW. The government has set a target of adding 2,400 MW of wind power generation capacity in 2015-16.
Under the small-hydro category, 106.55 MW generation capacity was added till October, taking the total generation capacity in this segment to 4161.90 MW.
The Centre has set a target of adding 250 MW of small-hydro power generation capacity this fiscal.
In the bio-power (biomass & gasification and bagasse cogeneration) segment, 132 MW of generation capacity was added till October end this fiscal, taking the total capacity to 4550.55 MW in this segment. The government has set a target of adding 400 MW capacity from these sources.
In waste-to-power segment, 12 MW capacity has been created till October compared to a target of 10 MW for the entire 2015-16. Now, India has 127.08 MW of power generation capacity under this category.
The country's total grid-connected power generation capacity from all the above mentioned renewable sources was 3,8096.49 MW at the end of October.
Not just GST, nine other Bills can also result in ease of doing business
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The Constitution Amendment Bill to introduce the Goods and Service Tax (GST) regime in the country is undoubtedly the most anticipated piece of legislation Parliament is expected to consider for passage during the winter session that begins on Thursday.
But that's not all. As PRS Legislative Research notes, there are at least 10 Bills, including the GST Bill, that are of direct interest to the corporate sector. The agenda for the current session includes 19 Bills currently pending in Parliament for consideration, and passage and introduction of 14 new Bills.
Here are the 10 Bills that are of interest to the business community:
1. The Constitution (122nd Amendment) (GST) Bill, 2014 to introduce the Goods and Services Tax to give concurrent taxing powers to both the centre and states, and to create a Goods and Services Tax Council.
2. The Real Estate (Regulation and Development) BilI, 2013 to regulate transactions between buyers and promoters of real estate projects and set up state level Regulatory Authorities to regulate the sector.
3. The Electricity (Amendment) Bill, 2014 to segregate the distribution network from the electricity supply business and introduce multiple supply licensees.
4. The Commercial Courts, Commercial Division and Commercial Appellate Division of High Courts Bill, 2015 to enable the creation of commercial divisions and commercial appellate divisions in high courts, and commercial courts at the district level.
5. The Prevention of Corruption (Amendment) Bill, 2013 to make the giving of a bribe an offence for individuals and commercial organisations, and enlarge the definition of taking a bribe.
6. The Whistle Blowers Protection (Amendment) Bill, 2015 to specify grounds under which public interest disclosures may not be made.
7. The Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Development (Amendment) Bill, 2015 to increase the allowance for investment in plants and machinery in micro, small and medium enterprises engaged in manufacture or services.
8. The Bureau of Indian Standards Bill, 2015 to replace the Bureau of Indian Standards Act, 1986 and establish BIS as the national standards body and address mandatory standardisation of products.
9. The Negotiable Instruments (Amendment) Bill, 2015 to specify the territorial jurisdiction of courts for filing cases of cheque bouncing.
10. The Arbitration and Conciliation (Amendment) Bill, 2015 to replace an Ordinance, to make the process of arbitration simpler and ensure timely disposal of cases.
OTHER BILLS LISTED FOR PASSAGE:
- The Human Immunodeficiency Virus and Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (Prevention and Control) Bill, 2014
- The Mental Health Care Bill, 2013 " The Child Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2012
- The High Court and the Supreme Court Judges (Salaries and Conditions of Service) Amendment Bill, 2015
- The Anti-Hijacking Bill, 2014 " The Repealing and Amending (Third) Bill, 2015
- The Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Amendment Bill, 2014
- The Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Bill, 2014
- The Appropriation Acts (Repeal) Bill, 2015 " The Carriage by Air (Amendment) Bill, 2015
AND THE BILLS LISTED FOR INTRODUCTION:
- The Agricultural Bio-Security Bill, 2015
- The Anti Maritime Piracy Bill, 2015
- The Atomic Energy (Amendment) Bill, 2015
- The Constitution (Scheduled Castes) Order (Amendment) Bill, 2015
- The Drugs and Cosmetics (Amendment) Bill, 2015
- The High Court's (Alteration of Names) Bill, 2015
- The Indian Institute of Management Bill, 2015
- The Industries (Development and Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2015
- The National Commission for Women (NCW) Bill, 2015
- The National Co-operative Development Corporation (Amendment) Bill, 2015
- The Nuclear Safety Regulatory Authority Bill, 2015
- The Payment of Bonus (Amendment) Bill, 2015
- The Regional Centre for Biotechnology Bill, 2015
But that's not all. As PRS Legislative Research notes, there are at least 10 Bills, including the GST Bill, that are of direct interest to the corporate sector. The agenda for the current session includes 19 Bills currently pending in Parliament for consideration, and passage and introduction of 14 new Bills.
Here are the 10 Bills that are of interest to the business community:
1. The Constitution (122nd Amendment) (GST) Bill, 2014 to introduce the Goods and Services Tax to give concurrent taxing powers to both the centre and states, and to create a Goods and Services Tax Council.
1. The Constitution (122nd Amendment) (GST) Bill, 2014 to introduce the Goods and Services Tax to give concurrent taxing powers to both the centre and states, and to create a Goods and Services Tax Council.
2. The Real Estate (Regulation and Development) BilI, 2013 to regulate transactions between buyers and promoters of real estate projects and set up state level Regulatory Authorities to regulate the sector.
3. The Electricity (Amendment) Bill, 2014 to segregate the distribution network from the electricity supply business and introduce multiple supply licensees.
4. The Commercial Courts, Commercial Division and Commercial Appellate Division of High Courts Bill, 2015 to enable the creation of commercial divisions and commercial appellate divisions in high courts, and commercial courts at the district level.
5. The Prevention of Corruption (Amendment) Bill, 2013 to make the giving of a bribe an offence for individuals and commercial organisations, and enlarge the definition of taking a bribe.
6. The Whistle Blowers Protection (Amendment) Bill, 2015 to specify grounds under which public interest disclosures may not be made.
7. The Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Development (Amendment) Bill, 2015 to increase the allowance for investment in plants and machinery in micro, small and medium enterprises engaged in manufacture or services.
8. The Bureau of Indian Standards Bill, 2015 to replace the Bureau of Indian Standards Act, 1986 and establish BIS as the national standards body and address mandatory standardisation of products.
9. The Negotiable Instruments (Amendment) Bill, 2015 to specify the territorial jurisdiction of courts for filing cases of cheque bouncing.
10. The Arbitration and Conciliation (Amendment) Bill, 2015 to replace an Ordinance, to make the process of arbitration simpler and ensure timely disposal of cases.
OTHER BILLS LISTED FOR PASSAGE:
- The Human Immunodeficiency Virus and Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (Prevention and Control) Bill, 2014
- The Mental Health Care Bill, 2013 " The Child Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2012
- The High Court and the Supreme Court Judges (Salaries and Conditions of Service) Amendment Bill, 2015
- The Anti-Hijacking Bill, 2014 " The Repealing and Amending (Third) Bill, 2015
- The Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Amendment Bill, 2014
- The Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Bill, 2014
- The Appropriation Acts (Repeal) Bill, 2015 " The Carriage by Air (Amendment) Bill, 2015
- The Agricultural Bio-Security Bill, 2015
- The Anti Maritime Piracy Bill, 2015
- The Atomic Energy (Amendment) Bill, 2015
- The Constitution (Scheduled Castes) Order (Amendment) Bill, 2015
- The Drugs and Cosmetics (Amendment) Bill, 2015
- The High Court's (Alteration of Names) Bill, 2015
- The Indian Institute of Management Bill, 2015
- The Industries (Development and Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2015
- The National Commission for Women (NCW) Bill, 2015
- The National Co-operative Development Corporation (Amendment) Bill, 2015
- The Nuclear Safety Regulatory Authority Bill, 2015
- The Payment of Bonus (Amendment) Bill, 2015
- The Regional Centre for Biotechnology Bill, 2015
General Awareness
Ramnath Goenka Excellence in Journalism Awards
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The 8th edition of the Ramnath Goenka Excellence in Journalism Awards was held in New Delhi to honour the finest in Indian journalism in print and TV across languages.
- Union Minister for Finance, Corporate Affairs and Information & Broadcasting Arun Jaitley presented the awards to journalists selected by an eminent jury.
- During function winners of 2013 and 2014 were honoured. There were 29 winners from 2013 and 27 from 2014.
Jury members
5 member jury comprised of – Supreme Court Judge B N Srikrishna , HDFC Ltd ChairmanDeepak Parekh, Founder of Asianet TV Channel and Chairman of Asian College of JournalismSashi Kumar, Former Chief Election Commissioner S Y Quraishi and journalist Pamela Philipose.
Lifetime Achievement Award
Veteran journalist, columnist and author Kuldip Nayar was honoured with Lifetime Achievement Award for his contribution to journalism.
- Nayar is former editor of the Indian Express.
- During Emergency he was jailed under the Maintenance of Internal Security Act (MISA) for leading a protest against the excesses of the administration.
Prakash Kardaley Memorial Award for Civic Journalism
Radheshyam Bapu Jadhav of Times of India bagged the Prakash Kardaley Memorial Award for Civic Journalism for 2014 for his reports on illegal buildings in Pune and the fear of the residents.
Sanjiv Sinha Memorial Award for excellence in Reporting
Arun Janardhanan
Priya Chandrashekhar Memorial Award for excellence in Editing
Rahul Sabharwal
About Ramnath Goenka Excellence in Journalism Awards
These awards are instituted by the Ramnath Goenka Foundation to celebrate the legacy of the iconic founder of The Indian Express Group, recognise and honour excellence in journalism and showcase outstanding contributions and individuals every year.
- Categories cover the print and broadcast media spectrum, investigative, political and sports journalism, to books, feature writing and regional language.
- The individual awards include prize money of Rs 1 lakh.
- The 8th edition of the Ramnath Goenka Excellence in Journalism Awards was held in New Delhi to honour the finest in Indian journalism in print and TV across languages.
- Union Minister for Finance, Corporate Affairs and Information & Broadcasting Arun Jaitley presented the awards to journalists selected by an eminent jury.
- During function winners of 2013 and 2014 were honoured. There were 29 winners from 2013 and 27 from 2014.
Jury members
5 member jury comprised of – Supreme Court Judge B N Srikrishna , HDFC Ltd ChairmanDeepak Parekh, Founder of Asianet TV Channel and Chairman of Asian College of JournalismSashi Kumar, Former Chief Election Commissioner S Y Quraishi and journalist Pamela Philipose.Lifetime Achievement Award
Veteran journalist, columnist and author Kuldip Nayar was honoured with Lifetime Achievement Award for his contribution to journalism.- Nayar is former editor of the Indian Express.
- During Emergency he was jailed under the Maintenance of Internal Security Act (MISA) for leading a protest against the excesses of the administration.
Prakash Kardaley Memorial Award for Civic Journalism
Radheshyam Bapu Jadhav of Times of India bagged the Prakash Kardaley Memorial Award for Civic Journalism for 2014 for his reports on illegal buildings in Pune and the fear of the residents.Sanjiv Sinha Memorial Award for excellence in Reporting
Arun JanardhananPriya Chandrashekhar Memorial Award for excellence in Editing
Rahul SabharwalAbout Ramnath Goenka Excellence in Journalism Awards
These awards are instituted by the Ramnath Goenka Foundation to celebrate the legacy of the iconic founder of The Indian Express Group, recognise and honour excellence in journalism and showcase outstanding contributions and individuals every year.- Categories cover the print and broadcast media spectrum, investigative, political and sports journalism, to books, feature writing and regional language.
- The individual awards include prize money of Rs 1 lakh.
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