General Affairs
Kashmir unrest: Sufi clerics meet Rajnath Singh, propose to take out Aman Yatra
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With the Holy Quran in one hand and the tricolour in the other - a group of prominent Sufi clerics have proposed to take out an 'Aman Yatra' in the troubled Kashmir valley.
On Tuesday, twenty one prominent Muslim clerics met union home minister Rajnath Singh and proposed to talk to their brothers in the Kashmir valley.
"Why talk to those who say Pakistan Zindabad? We should talk to those who want peace and prosperity in the valley. We are in touch with them. They want a way out of this Pakistan sponsored strife," Maulana Ansar Raza, chairman of the Gharib Nawaz Foundation, managing Delhi's Hazrat Nizamuddin Dargah told India Today after meeting the Home minister.
The proposed group for the 'aman yatra' comprises clerics from Dargah Ajmer Sharif, Bareilly Sharif of Haji Ali in Mumbai and Hazrat Nizamuddin in New Delhi, among others.
CLERICS WANT TO MEET MEHBOOBA MUFTI
The group has sought clearance from the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) and has also expressed a desire to meet Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti, National Conference Chief Omar Abdullah and all stakeholders of peace who believe in the Indian Constitution. The clerics, however, disagreed with the all party delegation's initiative to meet the Hurriyat leaders.
"What is the point of meeting those who say Pakistan zindabad. We should only engage with those who believe in the Indian Constitution and in Kashmiriyat. It is wrong to encourage pro-Pakistan elements in the Hurriyat,'' a delegate who didn't want to be named said.
CLERICS NOT SCARED OF GUNS OR BOMBS
Rajnath Singh heard the clerics and spoke of the existing situation on ground. "We told him we are not scared of the guns or bombs in the Valley. We have the Holy Quran in one hand and the tricolour in the other. The Aman Yatra (peace march) will pass through prominent areas of the Valley - and not be restricted to Srinagar. We will have regular and detailed interaction with the youth and the parents, teachers, civil society. We all want peace," Maulana Ansar Raza added.
Clerics have also criticised the use of mosque loud speakers to compel women and children to come out and protest. The clerics also hit out at Syed Ali Shah Geelani for seeking a connection with Pakistan saying Islam links Kashmir to Pakistan.
"This is false propaganda by Geelani and they are using terrorists to force this propaganda through to people in Kashmir," Maulana Ansar concluded after the meeting.
With the Holy Quran in one hand and the tricolour in the other - a group of prominent Sufi clerics have proposed to take out an 'Aman Yatra' in the troubled Kashmir valley.
On Tuesday, twenty one prominent Muslim clerics met union home minister Rajnath Singh and proposed to talk to their brothers in the Kashmir valley.
"Why talk to those who say Pakistan Zindabad? We should talk to those who want peace and prosperity in the valley. We are in touch with them. They want a way out of this Pakistan sponsored strife," Maulana Ansar Raza, chairman of the Gharib Nawaz Foundation, managing Delhi's Hazrat Nizamuddin Dargah told India Today after meeting the Home minister.
The proposed group for the 'aman yatra' comprises clerics from Dargah Ajmer Sharif, Bareilly Sharif of Haji Ali in Mumbai and Hazrat Nizamuddin in New Delhi, among others.
CLERICS WANT TO MEET MEHBOOBA MUFTI
The group has sought clearance from the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) and has also expressed a desire to meet Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti, National Conference Chief Omar Abdullah and all stakeholders of peace who believe in the Indian Constitution. The clerics, however, disagreed with the all party delegation's initiative to meet the Hurriyat leaders.
"What is the point of meeting those who say Pakistan zindabad. We should only engage with those who believe in the Indian Constitution and in Kashmiriyat. It is wrong to encourage pro-Pakistan elements in the Hurriyat,'' a delegate who didn't want to be named said.
CLERICS NOT SCARED OF GUNS OR BOMBS
CLERICS NOT SCARED OF GUNS OR BOMBS
Rajnath Singh heard the clerics and spoke of the existing situation on ground. "We told him we are not scared of the guns or bombs in the Valley. We have the Holy Quran in one hand and the tricolour in the other. The Aman Yatra (peace march) will pass through prominent areas of the Valley - and not be restricted to Srinagar. We will have regular and detailed interaction with the youth and the parents, teachers, civil society. We all want peace," Maulana Ansar Raza added.
Clerics have also criticised the use of mosque loud speakers to compel women and children to come out and protest. The clerics also hit out at Syed Ali Shah Geelani for seeking a connection with Pakistan saying Islam links Kashmir to Pakistan.
"This is false propaganda by Geelani and they are using terrorists to force this propaganda through to people in Kashmir," Maulana Ansar concluded after the meeting.
Report says Delhi most uneducated on e-waste management
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Delhi is one of the most uneducated cities regarding e-waste, inspite of being the second highest producer of junk mobile, laptop and home appliances in India. A report by think-tank, Toxics Link, has revealed that 90 per cent Delhiites have no clue about how the trash must be disposed. In fact, 50 per cent said that they just sell it to the local kabaadiwala, a practice known to lead to informal recycling causing irreversible harm to humans and the environment.
LACK OF AWARENESS ABOUT GOVT RULES
This comes four years after the Ministry of Environment and Forests notified the 'E-Waste (Management and Handling) Rules, 2011 which mandates that such defunct objects must be handed over to authorised agencies only. Violating this attracts a fine of up to Rs 1 lakh or imprisonment for a maximum period of five years, or both, as it is a defiance of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.
The Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) maintains a list of at least 29 'licensed e-waste processors' (http://dpcc.delhigovt.nic.in/ewasteaction. html), which seems to have gone unnoticed by city residents. At the same time, it highlights how manufacturers of electronic items, who were entrusted the responsibility of consumer awareness on e-waste, have completely abdicated their responsibility.
"If this is awareness level in the top five cities, then imagine the situation in smaller towns and cities," said Priti Mahesh, Chief Program Coordinator, Clean Industry, Toxics Link. The study was conducted across five metropolitan cities, including Mumbai and Bengaluru. In Kolkata, Delhi and Chennai, 93 per cent, 90 per cent and 74 per cent respondents respectively said they did not know anything about the 'E-Waste (Management and Handling) Rules, 2011' or its legalities.
The study further revealed that as many as 61 per cent of the respondents were ignorant about the impacts of improper disposal of electrical and electronic equipment.
E-WASTE POLLUTION' THREAT TO HUMAN HEALTH
"There is an urgent need to create awareness among consumers. The producers, government, and agencies responsible will have to make joint efforts to ensure improved compliance to rules on e-waste," said Satish Sinha, Associate Director, Toxics Link.
As per an 'Assocham-Frost & Sullivan Study,' 2016, India produces 18.5 lakh Metric Tonnes (MT) of e-waste each year. Mumbai leads the metropolitan cities at 1,20,000 MT generation. Delhi-NCR follows at the second spot (98,000 MT) and Bangalore comes third (92,000 MT). Crude dismantling of e-waste is scientifically proven to produce toxic elements like lead, plastic, chromium, mercury, be ryllium, cadmium and acids. These lead to a variety of fatal and incapacitating diseases of the kidney, liver, immune system and lungs, besides causing cancer.
Delhi is one of the most uneducated cities regarding e-waste, inspite of being the second highest producer of junk mobile, laptop and home appliances in India. A report by think-tank, Toxics Link, has revealed that 90 per cent Delhiites have no clue about how the trash must be disposed. In fact, 50 per cent said that they just sell it to the local kabaadiwala, a practice known to lead to informal recycling causing irreversible harm to humans and the environment.
LACK OF AWARENESS ABOUT GOVT RULES
LACK OF AWARENESS ABOUT GOVT RULES
This comes four years after the Ministry of Environment and Forests notified the 'E-Waste (Management and Handling) Rules, 2011 which mandates that such defunct objects must be handed over to authorised agencies only. Violating this attracts a fine of up to Rs 1 lakh or imprisonment for a maximum period of five years, or both, as it is a defiance of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.
The Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) maintains a list of at least 29 'licensed e-waste processors' (http://dpcc.delhigovt.nic.in/ewasteaction. html), which seems to have gone unnoticed by city residents. At the same time, it highlights how manufacturers of electronic items, who were entrusted the responsibility of consumer awareness on e-waste, have completely abdicated their responsibility.
"If this is awareness level in the top five cities, then imagine the situation in smaller towns and cities," said Priti Mahesh, Chief Program Coordinator, Clean Industry, Toxics Link. The study was conducted across five metropolitan cities, including Mumbai and Bengaluru. In Kolkata, Delhi and Chennai, 93 per cent, 90 per cent and 74 per cent respondents respectively said they did not know anything about the 'E-Waste (Management and Handling) Rules, 2011' or its legalities.
The study further revealed that as many as 61 per cent of the respondents were ignorant about the impacts of improper disposal of electrical and electronic equipment.
E-WASTE POLLUTION' THREAT TO HUMAN HEALTH
"There is an urgent need to create awareness among consumers. The producers, government, and agencies responsible will have to make joint efforts to ensure improved compliance to rules on e-waste," said Satish Sinha, Associate Director, Toxics Link.
As per an 'Assocham-Frost & Sullivan Study,' 2016, India produces 18.5 lakh Metric Tonnes (MT) of e-waste each year. Mumbai leads the metropolitan cities at 1,20,000 MT generation. Delhi-NCR follows at the second spot (98,000 MT) and Bangalore comes third (92,000 MT). Crude dismantling of e-waste is scientifically proven to produce toxic elements like lead, plastic, chromium, mercury, be ryllium, cadmium and acids. These lead to a variety of fatal and incapacitating diseases of the kidney, liver, immune system and lungs, besides causing cancer.
India asserts itself on South China Sea issue
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PM Modi's visit to Vietnam was seen as crucial in the backdrop of the international tribunal ruling against China over claims to the South China Sea. Taking this a step further, as the Prime Minister heads to Vientiane, Laos for the ASEAN-India and East Asia Summit, he is going to reiterate India's stand on the crucial maritime issue.
INDIA NAVIGATES FREEDOM OF NAVIGATION, UNIMPEDED COMMERCE
In a briefing ahead of the PM's engagements in Laos, Preeti Saran, Secretary (East) in the Ministry of External Affairs said "Our stand on South China Sea is very well known. We are committed to and have always advocated freedom of navigation and of unimpeded commerce. All disputes should be resolved peacefully in keeping with international obligations. Threat or use of force is avoidable." She said the matter of South China Sea was bound to come up during the East Asia Summit and India will discuss it with leaders there.
BACKGROUND OF THE SOUTH CHINA SEA CONFLICT
Almost half of India's trade with Asia passes through the critical waterway and that is the reason India has been pushing for a resolution of the matter based on international norms. In fact, right after the Permanent Court of Arbitartion ruled against China in a case taken up by the Philippines, India issued a statement urging concerned parties to show utmost respect for the verdict. China dismissed the verdict questioning the legality of the tribunal itself.
The court in The Hague had set aside China's sweeping claims in the strategic seaway. An estimated $5 trillion in global trade passes each year through this route. China claims most of South China Sea, but ASEAN members like the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia and Brunei also make rival claims.
MODI'S VISIT TO VIETNAM SENDING OUT A MESSAGE?
After PM Modi's Vietnam visit, the Chinese state-run Global Times wrote, "Under such a backdrop, Modi's visit to Vietnam has without doubt made Indians associate the tour with many strategic meanings, believing that New Delhi and Hanoi might jointly pile pressure on Beijing." Clearly, the message is not lost on China and New Delhi hopes this strategy of asserting itself on the issue of South China Sea will help leverage its position with the Dragon vis-a-vis other and more obvious irritants.
PM Modi's visit to Vietnam was seen as crucial in the backdrop of the international tribunal ruling against China over claims to the South China Sea. Taking this a step further, as the Prime Minister heads to Vientiane, Laos for the ASEAN-India and East Asia Summit, he is going to reiterate India's stand on the crucial maritime issue.
INDIA NAVIGATES FREEDOM OF NAVIGATION, UNIMPEDED COMMERCE
In a briefing ahead of the PM's engagements in Laos, Preeti Saran, Secretary (East) in the Ministry of External Affairs said "Our stand on South China Sea is very well known. We are committed to and have always advocated freedom of navigation and of unimpeded commerce. All disputes should be resolved peacefully in keeping with international obligations. Threat or use of force is avoidable." She said the matter of South China Sea was bound to come up during the East Asia Summit and India will discuss it with leaders there.
BACKGROUND OF THE SOUTH CHINA SEA CONFLICT
Almost half of India's trade with Asia passes through the critical waterway and that is the reason India has been pushing for a resolution of the matter based on international norms. In fact, right after the Permanent Court of Arbitartion ruled against China in a case taken up by the Philippines, India issued a statement urging concerned parties to show utmost respect for the verdict. China dismissed the verdict questioning the legality of the tribunal itself.
The court in The Hague had set aside China's sweeping claims in the strategic seaway. An estimated $5 trillion in global trade passes each year through this route. China claims most of South China Sea, but ASEAN members like the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia and Brunei also make rival claims.
MODI'S VISIT TO VIETNAM SENDING OUT A MESSAGE?
After PM Modi's Vietnam visit, the Chinese state-run Global Times wrote, "Under such a backdrop, Modi's visit to Vietnam has without doubt made Indians associate the tour with many strategic meanings, believing that New Delhi and Hanoi might jointly pile pressure on Beijing." Clearly, the message is not lost on China and New Delhi hopes this strategy of asserting itself on the issue of South China Sea will help leverage its position with the Dragon vis-a-vis other and more obvious irritants.
Joint secretaries request Rajnath Singh to pardon IAS officer suspended for renewing Zakir Naik's IRF's license
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In a rare case of unity, suspended senior IAS officer GK Dwivedi, had the entire gamut of joint secretaries in the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) plead his case with Home Minister Rajnath Singh. Senior officials believe Dwivedi was made the "fall guy" in one of the biggest embarrassments to the ministry, the renewal of FCRA licence to controversial Islamic Preacher Zakir Nair's Islamic Research Foundation (IRF).
JOINT SECRETARIES SAY DWIVEDI WRONGLY PUNISHED
In an unprecedented move, 15 joint secretaries serving in the MHA met Rajnath Singh on Tuesday, to plead with him to reconsider the decision to suspend senior IAS officer GK Dwivedi.
At a meeting in the afternoon, they walked to the conference room and met Singh conveying to him that Dwivedi, who was serving as Joint Secretary (Foreigners) in the Home Ministry, has been "wrongly punished" for the alleged lapses of his juniors.
Sources present in the meeting said "Dwivedi is an honest officer whose integrity could not be questioned" but added that such actions send the "wrong signal" and are "demoralising" for others.
RAJNATH SINGH PROMISES TO LOOK INTO MATTER
The Home Minister gave them a patient hearing and assured the joint secretaries that he will look into the matter. Another officer said that it may be a case of oversight or lack of supervision but shunting out was probably too harsh.
Dwivedi also separately met the Home Minister to plead his case.
However, the Department of Personnel and Training (DOPT) said that a final decision has been taken (to shunt him out.)
WHY DWIVEDI WAS SUSPENDED
Dwivedi, along with three of his junior officers, was suspended last week after the government found that the FCRA licence of an NGO run by Naik was renewed by the Home Ministry's Foreigners Division headed by him (Dwivedi) despite several probes against Naik for allegedly radicalising youths and attracting them towards extremism.
On Saturday, four joint secretaries had met Union Home Secretary Rajiv Mehrishi with the same demand.
In a rare case of unity, suspended senior IAS officer GK Dwivedi, had the entire gamut of joint secretaries in the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) plead his case with Home Minister Rajnath Singh. Senior officials believe Dwivedi was made the "fall guy" in one of the biggest embarrassments to the ministry, the renewal of FCRA licence to controversial Islamic Preacher Zakir Nair's Islamic Research Foundation (IRF).
JOINT SECRETARIES SAY DWIVEDI WRONGLY PUNISHED
In an unprecedented move, 15 joint secretaries serving in the MHA met Rajnath Singh on Tuesday, to plead with him to reconsider the decision to suspend senior IAS officer GK Dwivedi.
At a meeting in the afternoon, they walked to the conference room and met Singh conveying to him that Dwivedi, who was serving as Joint Secretary (Foreigners) in the Home Ministry, has been "wrongly punished" for the alleged lapses of his juniors.
Sources present in the meeting said "Dwivedi is an honest officer whose integrity could not be questioned" but added that such actions send the "wrong signal" and are "demoralising" for others.
RAJNATH SINGH PROMISES TO LOOK INTO MATTER
The Home Minister gave them a patient hearing and assured the joint secretaries that he will look into the matter. Another officer said that it may be a case of oversight or lack of supervision but shunting out was probably too harsh.
Dwivedi also separately met the Home Minister to plead his case.
However, the Department of Personnel and Training (DOPT) said that a final decision has been taken (to shunt him out.)
WHY DWIVEDI WAS SUSPENDED
Dwivedi, along with three of his junior officers, was suspended last week after the government found that the FCRA licence of an NGO run by Naik was renewed by the Home Ministry's Foreigners Division headed by him (Dwivedi) despite several probes against Naik for allegedly radicalising youths and attracting them towards extremism.
On Saturday, four joint secretaries had met Union Home Secretary Rajiv Mehrishi with the same demand.
India will soon be zero petroleum import country: Nitin Gadkari
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With the Centre focusing more on developing alternative fuel economy, India will soon stop importing petroleum products, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari said today.
"We are going to develop this country where our import of petroleum will be zero. We are promoting alternative fuel like ethanol, methanol, bio-CNG ,this will boost the rural and agriculture centre and create huge employment," Road Transport and Highways Minister said.
INDIA'S ECONOMY
Despite low prices globally, India at present is incurring a massive Rs. 4.5 lakh crore on crude imports which was earlier Rs. 7.5 lakh crore, Mr Gadkari said addressing a conference on methanol economy organised by Niti Aayog today.
India is one of the fastest growing economies in the world.
At present, it is "golden opportunity" to cash on its agriculture, bamboo, surplus coal and power.
"The time has come to diversify agriculture," the minister asserted stating that it has the potential to change the entire rural economy at a time when more than 10,000 farmers in Vidarbha region had committed suicide.
"The socio-economic situation is not good, agriculture is facing acute problems. This alternative fuel economy is going to change socio-economic picture of agriculture and rural economy. This is time for the country to plan the way by which we can save the life of people in rural and agriculture sectors.. We can make ethanol from biomass that is cotton straw, wheat straw, rice straw and bagasse. Even from municipal waste we can make ethanol," the minister said.
WASTE OF WEALTH
Stressing on "waste to wealth", he said manufacturing ethanol and bio-gas from waste could result in savings to the tune of Rs. 5 lakh crore annually.
The minister said ethanol is generated from biomass in Europe. One tonne of rice straw can get 400 litres of ethanol.In North East, bamboo could be used for making ethanol, he said.
He added it will eliminate pollution too as farmers in states like Haryana burnt wheat straw which caused pollution.
Besides municipal waste and waste of vegetables and fruits could be used in manufacturing bio-fuel.
He stressed the need for use of science, technology, entrepreneurship and research and also said Niti Aayog is taking initiatives in this regard.
"We have finalised standard norms for bio-diesel, bio-CNG and ethanol and electricity," Mr Gadkari said adding the bureaucracy also needed to fast track decisions.
Taking a jibe at bureaucracy, the minister said somewhere there is a need to expedite the entire decision-making process. "If there is a will, there is a way if there is no will there is no way. There will only be committees, discussions and research groups," Mr Gadkari added.
The minister also stressed on the need to generate methane from coal blocks and said some of the companies who were allotted the blocks were not doing anything which is not fair.
With the Centre focusing more on developing alternative fuel economy, India will soon stop importing petroleum products, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari said today.
"We are going to develop this country where our import of petroleum will be zero. We are promoting alternative fuel like ethanol, methanol, bio-CNG ,this will boost the rural and agriculture centre and create huge employment," Road Transport and Highways Minister said.
INDIA'S ECONOMY
Despite low prices globally, India at present is incurring a massive Rs. 4.5 lakh crore on crude imports which was earlier Rs. 7.5 lakh crore, Mr Gadkari said addressing a conference on methanol economy organised by Niti Aayog today.
India is one of the fastest growing economies in the world.
At present, it is "golden opportunity" to cash on its agriculture, bamboo, surplus coal and power.
"The time has come to diversify agriculture," the minister asserted stating that it has the potential to change the entire rural economy at a time when more than 10,000 farmers in Vidarbha region had committed suicide.
"The socio-economic situation is not good, agriculture is facing acute problems. This alternative fuel economy is going to change socio-economic picture of agriculture and rural economy. This is time for the country to plan the way by which we can save the life of people in rural and agriculture sectors.. We can make ethanol from biomass that is cotton straw, wheat straw, rice straw and bagasse. Even from municipal waste we can make ethanol," the minister said.
WASTE OF WEALTH
Stressing on "waste to wealth", he said manufacturing ethanol and bio-gas from waste could result in savings to the tune of Rs. 5 lakh crore annually.
The minister said ethanol is generated from biomass in Europe. One tonne of rice straw can get 400 litres of ethanol.In North East, bamboo could be used for making ethanol, he said.
He added it will eliminate pollution too as farmers in states like Haryana burnt wheat straw which caused pollution.
Besides municipal waste and waste of vegetables and fruits could be used in manufacturing bio-fuel.
He stressed the need for use of science, technology, entrepreneurship and research and also said Niti Aayog is taking initiatives in this regard.
"We have finalised standard norms for bio-diesel, bio-CNG and ethanol and electricity," Mr Gadkari said adding the bureaucracy also needed to fast track decisions.
Taking a jibe at bureaucracy, the minister said somewhere there is a need to expedite the entire decision-making process. "If there is a will, there is a way if there is no will there is no way. There will only be committees, discussions and research groups," Mr Gadkari added.
The minister also stressed on the need to generate methane from coal blocks and said some of the companies who were allotted the blocks were not doing anything which is not fair.
Business Affairs
Sensex reclaims 29,000 mark, Nifty tops 8,950 level on positive global cues; SBI top gainer
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The S&P BSE Sensex on Wednesday reclaimed its crucial 29,000 mark, while the broader Nifty50 surged past its key 8,950 level.
The headline indices rallied after Asian stocks rose to one-year highs after surprisingly weak US services sector activity put paid to already slim chances of an interest rate hike by the Federal Reserve as early as this month.
At 09: 20 am, the 30-share index was trading at 29,059, up 81.18 points, while broad-based 50-share index was quoting 8,964, up 21.05 points.
"Despite a strong move in Tuesday's session, we would advise traders to keep booking profits and follow a stock centric approach. For the Wednesday's session, the immediate resistance is seen at 8,980-9,000 levels; whereas, 8,880-8,840 would act as a support zone," said Angel Broking in a research note.
SBI stock was the top gainer on both the benchmark indices and added over 1 per cent on the bourses.
Among Asian markets, China's Shanghai Composite gained 0.36 per cent and Taiwan Stock Exchange jumped 1 per cent. However, Japan's Nikkei bucked the trend to lose 1 per cent as the yen gained sharply versus the dollar, putting more pressure on exporters in the world's third-largest economy.
Overnight, US markets closed modestly higher, on the back of service sector data.
The S&P BSE Sensex on Wednesday reclaimed its crucial 29,000 mark, while the broader Nifty50 surged past its key 8,950 level.
The headline indices rallied after Asian stocks rose to one-year highs after surprisingly weak US services sector activity put paid to already slim chances of an interest rate hike by the Federal Reserve as early as this month.
At 09: 20 am, the 30-share index was trading at 29,059, up 81.18 points, while broad-based 50-share index was quoting 8,964, up 21.05 points.
"Despite a strong move in Tuesday's session, we would advise traders to keep booking profits and follow a stock centric approach. For the Wednesday's session, the immediate resistance is seen at 8,980-9,000 levels; whereas, 8,880-8,840 would act as a support zone," said Angel Broking in a research note.
SBI stock was the top gainer on both the benchmark indices and added over 1 per cent on the bourses.
Among Asian markets, China's Shanghai Composite gained 0.36 per cent and Taiwan Stock Exchange jumped 1 per cent. However, Japan's Nikkei bucked the trend to lose 1 per cent as the yen gained sharply versus the dollar, putting more pressure on exporters in the world's third-largest economy.
Overnight, US markets closed modestly higher, on the back of service sector data.
Now, register complaint against power outages on pan-India helpline number
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Consumers can now get an update from power distribution companies about outages in their area through 'Urja Mitra Helpline' by dialling 14401.
Department of Telecom (DoT) has created the helpline to facilitate power distribution companies to provide information about outages to customers.
The helpline is for pan-India usage to send information through voice calls and SMSes to apprise customers about power situation in their area so that they can plan accordingly, DoT said in a notification.
It is a mandatory service, which will be provided by all the telecom operators.
Government is aiming to leverage information technology driven power distribution in the next three years that will allow users to get a supply status at 4,041 urban towns on a real-time basis.
Once this project is up and running, consumers can get the information through the Urja mobile app.
The app, developed by Power Finance Corporation (PFC) on behalf of the Power Ministry, will enhance consumer connect with power distribution companies.
Consumers can get information on outages, timely release of connections, complaint redressal and power reliability, among others.
Consumers can now get an update from power distribution companies about outages in their area through 'Urja Mitra Helpline' by dialling 14401.
Department of Telecom (DoT) has created the helpline to facilitate power distribution companies to provide information about outages to customers.
The helpline is for pan-India usage to send information through voice calls and SMSes to apprise customers about power situation in their area so that they can plan accordingly, DoT said in a notification.
It is a mandatory service, which will be provided by all the telecom operators.
Government is aiming to leverage information technology driven power distribution in the next three years that will allow users to get a supply status at 4,041 urban towns on a real-time basis.
Once this project is up and running, consumers can get the information through the Urja mobile app.
The app, developed by Power Finance Corporation (PFC) on behalf of the Power Ministry, will enhance consumer connect with power distribution companies.
Consumers can get information on outages, timely release of connections, complaint redressal and power reliability, among others.
Sink or die, investors need to be paid back: SC to Supertech
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Supreme Court on Tuesday gave a stern message to Supertech asking it to return money to investors saying it was not concerned whether the real estate major "sinks or dies", a direction which may soothe ruffled feathers of hassled home buyers waiting endlessly for their dream homes.
"Either you (Supertech) sink or die, we are not concerned. You will have to pay back the money to home buyers.
We are least bothered about the financial status," a bench of Justices Dipak Misra and Adarsh Kumar Goel said when it was pointed out that some builders have said they had no funds to pay back the home buyers.
The apex court directed Supertech to pay 10 per cent per month of the invested amount from January 5, 2015 to 17 home buyers, who are before the court, within four weeks.
It said the real estate firm has to clear the arrears to the home buyers in four weeks, which can be adjusted and asked Supertech to furnish a chart of payments made to 17 of them on the next date of hearing.
Senior advocate Rajeev Dhawan, appearing for Supertech, said the apex court "cannot act like a banker" and has to follow principle of equality.
"Not all home buyers are against us and some of them have even supported the firm and filed an appeal against the High Court order," he said, adding "there is a difference between Unitech's case and us. They did not have a building while we have a building and funds invested with us have been used for construction of structure."
He said a total of 628 people had approached the company, of whom 274 have sought alternate arrangements, 74 asked for re-investment and 108 have sought refund.
To this, the bench asked why Supertech was not giving back the money to all the investors.
Dhawan said there was a court order saying only those who have applied on time will get the money back and it was paying back the money to them.
Counsels for home buyers refuted Supertech's claim and said they were not getting the money on time.
The apex court also asked the National Buildings Construction Corporation (NBCC) to submit its report by October 25, after inspecting Supertech's Emerald Towers to ascertain whether the two 40-storey buildings were built in green area in violation of the sanctioned plan.
On July 27, the court had asked NBCC to visit the site of twin tower and submit a report on alleged violations.
It had observed that the home buyers should not be made to suffer on account of ongoing litigation and their money should be refunded if they want them.
Earlier, it had directed the company to deposit Rs five crore in its Registry as part of refund to homebuyers for the project in which Allahabad High Court had ordered demolition of the twin towers.
The Allahabad High Court had on April 11, 2014 ordered demolition of the two 40-storey residential twin towers -- Apex and Ceyane -- in Noida and directed Supertech to refund money to homebuyers with 14 per cent interest in three months.
The two towers have 857 apartments, of which about 600 flats have already been sold.
The apex court had on February 16 last year directed Supertech to refund money to the flat owners, saying, "Developers can't take investors for a ride."
Earlier, it had directed Supertech to give back money to flat owners who had sought refund of their investments, after the towers were directed to be demolished by the Allahabad High Court.
Holding that flat owners cannot be forced to remain in limbo and wait indefinitely due to litigation, the bench had also directed the company to pay compound interest at the rate of 14 per cent per annum to allottees by end of October 2014.
Supreme Court on Tuesday gave a stern message to Supertech asking it to return money to investors saying it was not concerned whether the real estate major "sinks or dies", a direction which may soothe ruffled feathers of hassled home buyers waiting endlessly for their dream homes.
"Either you (Supertech) sink or die, we are not concerned. You will have to pay back the money to home buyers.
We are least bothered about the financial status," a bench of Justices Dipak Misra and Adarsh Kumar Goel said when it was pointed out that some builders have said they had no funds to pay back the home buyers.
The apex court directed Supertech to pay 10 per cent per month of the invested amount from January 5, 2015 to 17 home buyers, who are before the court, within four weeks.
It said the real estate firm has to clear the arrears to the home buyers in four weeks, which can be adjusted and asked Supertech to furnish a chart of payments made to 17 of them on the next date of hearing.
Senior advocate Rajeev Dhawan, appearing for Supertech, said the apex court "cannot act like a banker" and has to follow principle of equality.
"Not all home buyers are against us and some of them have even supported the firm and filed an appeal against the High Court order," he said, adding "there is a difference between Unitech's case and us. They did not have a building while we have a building and funds invested with us have been used for construction of structure."
He said a total of 628 people had approached the company, of whom 274 have sought alternate arrangements, 74 asked for re-investment and 108 have sought refund.
To this, the bench asked why Supertech was not giving back the money to all the investors.
Dhawan said there was a court order saying only those who have applied on time will get the money back and it was paying back the money to them.
Counsels for home buyers refuted Supertech's claim and said they were not getting the money on time.
The apex court also asked the National Buildings Construction Corporation (NBCC) to submit its report by October 25, after inspecting Supertech's Emerald Towers to ascertain whether the two 40-storey buildings were built in green area in violation of the sanctioned plan.
On July 27, the court had asked NBCC to visit the site of twin tower and submit a report on alleged violations.
It had observed that the home buyers should not be made to suffer on account of ongoing litigation and their money should be refunded if they want them.
Earlier, it had directed the company to deposit Rs five crore in its Registry as part of refund to homebuyers for the project in which Allahabad High Court had ordered demolition of the twin towers.
The Allahabad High Court had on April 11, 2014 ordered demolition of the two 40-storey residential twin towers -- Apex and Ceyane -- in Noida and directed Supertech to refund money to homebuyers with 14 per cent interest in three months.
The two towers have 857 apartments, of which about 600 flats have already been sold.
The apex court had on February 16 last year directed Supertech to refund money to the flat owners, saying, "Developers can't take investors for a ride."
Earlier, it had directed Supertech to give back money to flat owners who had sought refund of their investments, after the towers were directed to be demolished by the Allahabad High Court.
Holding that flat owners cannot be forced to remain in limbo and wait indefinitely due to litigation, the bench had also directed the company to pay compound interest at the rate of 14 per cent per annum to allottees by end of October 2014.
India's wearable market up 42% in second quarter of 2016
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Wearable devices shipment in India clocked over 5.67 lakh units in the second quarter, up about 42 per cent from the January-March quarter 2016, research firm IDC said on Tuesday.
Total shipment in the second quarter clocked over 5.67 lakh units of which the basic wearables -- defined as wearables that can't run third party applications -- contributed nearly 94 per cent, IDC said.
"The wearable market has advanced to a stage where awareness is no more a roadblock. New vendors are continuously entering the market and existing vendors are offering better product features," IDC India Senior Market Analyst (Client Devices) Raj Nimesh said.
Though basic devices marked a sharp growth, the average price of over USD 190 has had a negative impact on smart wearables as it is still perceived as a premium device which not many consumers can afford, he added.
The market was highly dominated by sub-USD 50 category with over 83 per cent share.
GOQii grabbed number one position in the quarter with 16.1 per cent market share, followed by Xiaomi (10.3 per cent), Fitbit (6.7 per cent), Garmin (1.4 per cent) and Huawei (1 per cent).
"Most of the low-end devices suffice the basic requirement that consumers look for at this stage, largely for first experience and gifting purpose. As the market evolves and consumers demand advanced features, a shift to higher price bands is expected," Nimesh said.
eCommerce remained the most preferred route for consumers with the channel contributing 79.2 per cent of the total shipment.
The offline channel is generally preferred for premium products where the consumer wants have real time experience before buying the product, IDC said.
"With festive season round the corner, most of the ecommerce companies are betting big on wearable devices.
Considering the wide range of price points, wearable devices are expected to be first choice for gifting purpose. Bundling with mobile phones during festive season might give further push to the demand," IDC India Senior Research Manager Pranav Tripathi said.
With the expected launch of smartwatches at lower price point towards the end of year, the smart segment of devices could observe a shift to growth path, IDC said.
The market in India is still at a nascent stage and is expected to evolve in all form factors, it added.
Wearable devices shipment in India clocked over 5.67 lakh units in the second quarter, up about 42 per cent from the January-March quarter 2016, research firm IDC said on Tuesday.
Total shipment in the second quarter clocked over 5.67 lakh units of which the basic wearables -- defined as wearables that can't run third party applications -- contributed nearly 94 per cent, IDC said.
"The wearable market has advanced to a stage where awareness is no more a roadblock. New vendors are continuously entering the market and existing vendors are offering better product features," IDC India Senior Market Analyst (Client Devices) Raj Nimesh said.
Though basic devices marked a sharp growth, the average price of over USD 190 has had a negative impact on smart wearables as it is still perceived as a premium device which not many consumers can afford, he added.
The market was highly dominated by sub-USD 50 category with over 83 per cent share.
GOQii grabbed number one position in the quarter with 16.1 per cent market share, followed by Xiaomi (10.3 per cent), Fitbit (6.7 per cent), Garmin (1.4 per cent) and Huawei (1 per cent).
"Most of the low-end devices suffice the basic requirement that consumers look for at this stage, largely for first experience and gifting purpose. As the market evolves and consumers demand advanced features, a shift to higher price bands is expected," Nimesh said.
eCommerce remained the most preferred route for consumers with the channel contributing 79.2 per cent of the total shipment.
The offline channel is generally preferred for premium products where the consumer wants have real time experience before buying the product, IDC said.
"With festive season round the corner, most of the ecommerce companies are betting big on wearable devices.
Considering the wide range of price points, wearable devices are expected to be first choice for gifting purpose. Bundling with mobile phones during festive season might give further push to the demand," IDC India Senior Research Manager Pranav Tripathi said.
With the expected launch of smartwatches at lower price point towards the end of year, the smart segment of devices could observe a shift to growth path, IDC said.
The market in India is still at a nascent stage and is expected to evolve in all form factors, it added.
Air passenger traffic grows 23 per cent in July this year
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The passenger traffic at Indian airports grew 23 per cent year-on-year in July 2016, as per the data released by the Airports Authority of India. Indian airports handled 21.7 million passengers in July 2016 compared to 17.6 million in July 2015.
Domestic air passenger traffic accounts for around 75 per cent of the total air passenger traffic. It rose significantly by 26.3 per cent to 16.8 million during the month. International passenger traffic increased to 4.9 million from 4.3 million in July 2015, registering a growth of 12.7 per cent.
Four out of the six categories of airports, namely, international; joint venture international; customs and domestic, reported a double-digit growth in passenger traffic during July. Passenger traffic at JV international airports grew 21.3 per cent to 12.6 million. International airports saw passenger traffic of 6.6 million, an increase of 25.6 per cent. Passenger traffic at custom airports and domestic airports grew 27.2 per cent and 22.4 per cent, respectively.
The passenger traffic at Indian airports grew 23 per cent year-on-year in July 2016, as per the data released by the Airports Authority of India. Indian airports handled 21.7 million passengers in July 2016 compared to 17.6 million in July 2015.
Domestic air passenger traffic accounts for around 75 per cent of the total air passenger traffic. It rose significantly by 26.3 per cent to 16.8 million during the month. International passenger traffic increased to 4.9 million from 4.3 million in July 2015, registering a growth of 12.7 per cent.
Four out of the six categories of airports, namely, international; joint venture international; customs and domestic, reported a double-digit growth in passenger traffic during July. Passenger traffic at JV international airports grew 21.3 per cent to 12.6 million. International airports saw passenger traffic of 6.6 million, an increase of 25.6 per cent. Passenger traffic at custom airports and domestic airports grew 27.2 per cent and 22.4 per cent, respectively.
General Awareness
Maharashtra tops in ease of doing business, a new report says
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The Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy of Singapore declared Maharashtra as ranked highest according to a broad measure of Ease of Doing Business (EDB) in Indian states. It is noted that the new index has given 21 major states entirely different ranks when compared with the World Bank’s Ease of Doing Business Index.
Top 5 states :
Top 5 State World Bank rank 1 Maharashtra 8 2 Gujarat 1 3 Delhi 15 4 Goa 19 5 Andhra Pradesh 2
About EDB :
It is computed by aggregating the distance to frontier scores of different economies. The distance to frontier score uses the ‘regulatory best practices’ for doing business as the parameter and benchmark economies according to that parameter.
- For each of the indicators that form a part of the statistic ‘Ease of doing business,’ a distance to frontier score is computed and all the scores are aggregated. The aggregated score becomes the Ease of doing business index.
- Indicators for which distance to frontier is computed include construction permits, registration, getting credit, tax payment mechanism etc. Countries are ranked as per the index.
- Normally, Ease of doing business is an index published by the World Bank. It is an aggregate figure that includes different parameters which define the ease of doing business in a country.
- Empirical research is needed to establish the optimal level of business regulation—for example, what the duration of court procedures should be and what the optimal degree of social protection is. The indicators compiled in the Doing Business project allow such research to take place. Since the start of the project in November 2001, more than 800 academic papers have used one or more indicators constructed in Doing Business and the related background papers by its authors.
About Maharashtra :
Maharashtra is a state in the western region of India and is India’s third-largest state by area and is also the world’s second-most populous sub-national entity.
- It has over 120 million inhabitants and its capital,Mumbai, has a population of approximately 18 million. Nagpur is Maharashtra’s second capital as well as winter capital. Maharashtra’s business opportunities along with its potential to offer a higher standard of living attract migrants from all over India.
- Ancient and medieval Maharashtra included the empires of the Satavahana dynasty, Rashtrakuta dynasty, Western Chalukyas,Mughals and Marathas. Spread over 118,809 sq mi. it is bordered by the Arabian Sea to the west and the Indian states of Karnataka, Telangana, Goa, Gujarat, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh and the Union territory of Dadra and Nagar Haveli.
- Maharashtra is one of the wealthiest and the most developed states in India, contributing 25% of the country’s industrial output and 23.2% of its GDP (2010–11).
- As of 2011, the state had aper capita income of Rs.1.0035 lakh, more than the national average of Rs.0.73 lakh (US$1,100). Its GDP per capita crossed the Rs.1.20 lakh threshold for the first time in 2013, making it one of the richest states in India.
- However, as of 2014, the GDP per capita reduced to Rs.1.03 lakh Agriculture and industries are the largest parts of the state’s economy. Major industries include chemical products, electrical and non-electrical machinery, textiles, petroleum and allied products.
- For each of the indicators that form a part of the statistic ‘Ease of doing business,’ a distance to frontier score is computed and all the scores are aggregated. The aggregated score becomes the Ease of doing business index.
- Indicators for which distance to frontier is computed include construction permits, registration, getting credit, tax payment mechanism etc. Countries are ranked as per the index.
- Normally, Ease of doing business is an index published by the World Bank. It is an aggregate figure that includes different parameters which define the ease of doing business in a country.
- Empirical research is needed to establish the optimal level of business regulation—for example, what the duration of court procedures should be and what the optimal degree of social protection is. The indicators compiled in the Doing Business project allow such research to take place. Since the start of the project in November 2001, more than 800 academic papers have used one or more indicators constructed in Doing Business and the related background papers by its authors.
- It has over 120 million inhabitants and its capital,Mumbai, has a population of approximately 18 million. Nagpur is Maharashtra’s second capital as well as winter capital. Maharashtra’s business opportunities along with its potential to offer a higher standard of living attract migrants from all over India.
- Ancient and medieval Maharashtra included the empires of the Satavahana dynasty, Rashtrakuta dynasty, Western Chalukyas,Mughals and Marathas. Spread over 118,809 sq mi. it is bordered by the Arabian Sea to the west and the Indian states of Karnataka, Telangana, Goa, Gujarat, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh and the Union territory of Dadra and Nagar Haveli.
- Maharashtra is one of the wealthiest and the most developed states in India, contributing 25% of the country’s industrial output and 23.2% of its GDP (2010–11).
- As of 2011, the state had aper capita income of Rs.1.0035 lakh, more than the national average of Rs.0.73 lakh (US$1,100). Its GDP per capita crossed the Rs.1.20 lakh threshold for the first time in 2013, making it one of the richest states in India.
- However, as of 2014, the GDP per capita reduced to Rs.1.03 lakh Agriculture and industries are the largest parts of the state’s economy. Major industries include chemical products, electrical and non-electrical machinery, textiles, petroleum and allied products.
The Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy of Singapore declared Maharashtra as ranked highest according to a broad measure of Ease of Doing Business (EDB) in Indian states. It is noted that the new index has given 21 major states entirely different ranks when compared with the World Bank’s Ease of Doing Business Index.
Top 5 states :
| Top 5 | State | World Bank rank |
| 1 | Maharashtra | 8 |
| 2 | Gujarat | 1 |
| 3 | Delhi | 15 |
| 4 | Goa | 19 |
| 5 | Andhra Pradesh | 2 |
About EDB :
It is computed by aggregating the distance to frontier scores of different economies. The distance to frontier score uses the ‘regulatory best practices’ for doing business as the parameter and benchmark economies according to that parameter.
About Maharashtra :
Maharashtra is a state in the western region of India and is India’s third-largest state by area and is also the world’s second-most populous sub-national entity.
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