General Affairs
Bhopal Encounter: Chief Minister Chouhan Says Spare 'Few Words For Martyr'
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BHOPAL: Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan today attended the funeral of Head Constable Ramashankar Yadav, the jail guard killed by eight members of the banned Students Islamic Movement of India or SIMI, as they escaped from a Bhopal prison on Monday.
"Wish the opposition had said a few words on the guard. They have nothing to say for martyrs..." the Chief Minister said, condemning what he called "dirty politics" by rival political parties who have raised questions about the killing of the eight SIMI terror suspects hours after they escaped.
Ramashankar Yadav worked the night shift as the head warder of the terrorist cell in an isolated part of the Bhopal prison. Deep on Sunday night, the eight men slit Mr Yadav's throat with a sharp weapon made from a steel plate and used bedsheets to climb a 25-foot wall and escape.
The head constable has been described as a doting father who was excited about the wedding of his daughter Sonia, 24, fixed for December 9. Despite suffering a heart attack recently, the 58-year-old was at the forefront of preparations, said his nephew Vijay Shankar Yadav.
"My uncle was busy making arrangements for his daughter's marriage. But as fate had it, we got the news of his killing by SIMI men this morning," Vijay said, adding, "We will sit and talk whether to go ahead with the wedding or postpone it."
Ramashankar Yadav two sons, Shambhunath, 36 and Prabhunath, 32, are both in the Army and are posted in Guwahati in Assam and Hisar in Haryana. They arrived home on Monday afternoon for their father's last rites.
The Chief Minister had visited the family late on Monday night. Madhya Pradesh Jail minister Kusum Yadav has offered a government job for a member of the family and 50,000 rupees.
"Wish the opposition had said a few words on the guard. They have nothing to say for martyrs..." the Chief Minister said, condemning what he called "dirty politics" by rival political parties who have raised questions about the killing of the eight SIMI terror suspects hours after they escaped.
Ramashankar Yadav worked the night shift as the head warder of the terrorist cell in an isolated part of the Bhopal prison. Deep on Sunday night, the eight men slit Mr Yadav's throat with a sharp weapon made from a steel plate and used bedsheets to climb a 25-foot wall and escape.
The head constable has been described as a doting father who was excited about the wedding of his daughter Sonia, 24, fixed for December 9. Despite suffering a heart attack recently, the 58-year-old was at the forefront of preparations, said his nephew Vijay Shankar Yadav.
Ramashankar Yadav two sons, Shambhunath, 36 and Prabhunath, 32, are both in the Army and are posted in Guwahati in Assam and Hisar in Haryana. They arrived home on Monday afternoon for their father's last rites.
The Chief Minister had visited the family late on Monday night. Madhya Pradesh Jail minister Kusum Yadav has offered a government job for a member of the family and 50,000 rupees.
PM Modi's Close Encounter At Jungle Safari In Chhattisgarh
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RAIPUR: Prime Minister Narendra Modi tried his hand at wildlife photography when he visited the Nandan Van Jungle Safari in Chhattisgarh on Tuesday.
In images widely shared on social media, he was seen squinting into the camera and leaning close for a shot, with a tiger staring into the lens.
He was given a tour by Chief Minister Raman Singh, who has been promoting Naya Raipur as a new hub for investments and projects.
"I see great scope for tourism in Chhattisgarh," PM Modi tweeted later.
"On a day like this, we remember the work of our beloved Atal (Behari Vajpayee) Ji. He was the one who made Chhattisgarh," he wrote.
The jungle safari, described by PM Modi as Raman Singh's "pet project", is spread over 800 acres of land.
Besides tigers, it will showcase bears, lions, deer, chimpanzees and a variety of other animals.
In images widely shared on social media, he was seen squinting into the camera and leaning close for a shot, with a tiger staring into the lens.
He was given a tour by Chief Minister Raman Singh, who has been promoting Naya Raipur as a new hub for investments and projects.
"I see great scope for tourism in Chhattisgarh," PM Modi tweeted later.
"On a day like this, we remember the work of our beloved Atal (Behari Vajpayee) Ji. He was the one who made Chhattisgarh," he wrote.
The jungle safari, described by PM Modi as Raman Singh's "pet project", is spread over 800 acres of land.
Besides tigers, it will showcase bears, lions, deer, chimpanzees and a variety of other animals.
Security Tightened In Raipur Ahead Of PM Narendra Modi's Visit Today
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RAIPUR: A multi-layered security blanket has been thrown over the city for Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Chhattisgarh today as part of the state's 16th foundation day celebrations.
The Prime Minister will also launch 'Saur Sujala Yojana' which aims to provide solar pumps to 51,000 farmers for irrigation in the state.
Besides, he will also dedicate the state's first man-made jungle safari and Bus Rapid Transit System (BRTS) at Naya Raipur.
The five-day 'Chhattisgarh Rajyotsav' - the statehood celebrations- will be held at the sprawling Rajyotsav Sthal at Naya Raipur, the upcoming new capital of Chhattisgarh.
PM Modi will arrive at the Swami Vivekanand Airport in Raipur and will leave for Jungle Safari, a public relation official in Raipur said.
He will inaugurate the Jungle Safari zoo which has been developed in an area of 320-hectares in Naya Raipur.
Later on, the Prime Minister will dedicate the BRTS developed under public transport service facility between Raipur and Naya Raipur, he said.
Subsequently, PM Modi will unveil the idol of Pandit Deendayal Upadhyay and dedicate the two-kilometer long 'Ekatm Path' constructed between Naya Raipur railway station and Capitol Complex, the official said.
He will then head to Rajyotsav Sthal to inaugurate the statehood celebrations.
Meanwhile, the Prime Minister will also meet with sarpanch and panch of different villages under 'Hamar Chhattisgarh' scheme.
After addressing a public meeting, the Prime Minister will return for Delhi, the official said.
On the occasion, PM Modi will also felicitate Mungeli and Dhamtari districts and 15 divisional blocks (Janpad Panchayats) for being 'Open Defecation-free' as part of the Swachch Bharat Mission (Rural).
Special Protection Group (SPG) officials in coordination with Chhattisgarh police and paramilitary officials are handling the security arrangements, a senior police official said.
The multi-layered security, comprising of about 4,000 security personnel will keep a hawk's eye on the venue. Armed guards have been deployed at all strategic locations, he said.
Under 'Saur Sujala Yojana', as many as 51,000 solar powered irrigation pumps of 3HP and 5HP capacity worth Rs. 3.5 lakh and Rs. 4.5 lakh respectively, will be distributed among equal number of farmers by March 31, 2019.
The Prime Minister will also launch 'Saur Sujala Yojana' which aims to provide solar pumps to 51,000 farmers for irrigation in the state.
Besides, he will also dedicate the state's first man-made jungle safari and Bus Rapid Transit System (BRTS) at Naya Raipur.
The five-day 'Chhattisgarh Rajyotsav' - the statehood celebrations- will be held at the sprawling Rajyotsav Sthal at Naya Raipur, the upcoming new capital of Chhattisgarh.
He will inaugurate the Jungle Safari zoo which has been developed in an area of 320-hectares in Naya Raipur.
Later on, the Prime Minister will dedicate the BRTS developed under public transport service facility between Raipur and Naya Raipur, he said.
Subsequently, PM Modi will unveil the idol of Pandit Deendayal Upadhyay and dedicate the two-kilometer long 'Ekatm Path' constructed between Naya Raipur railway station and Capitol Complex, the official said.
He will then head to Rajyotsav Sthal to inaugurate the statehood celebrations.
Meanwhile, the Prime Minister will also meet with sarpanch and panch of different villages under 'Hamar Chhattisgarh' scheme.
After addressing a public meeting, the Prime Minister will return for Delhi, the official said.
On the occasion, PM Modi will also felicitate Mungeli and Dhamtari districts and 15 divisional blocks (Janpad Panchayats) for being 'Open Defecation-free' as part of the Swachch Bharat Mission (Rural).
Special Protection Group (SPG) officials in coordination with Chhattisgarh police and paramilitary officials are handling the security arrangements, a senior police official said.
The multi-layered security, comprising of about 4,000 security personnel will keep a hawk's eye on the venue. Armed guards have been deployed at all strategic locations, he said.
Under 'Saur Sujala Yojana', as many as 51,000 solar powered irrigation pumps of 3HP and 5HP capacity worth Rs. 3.5 lakh and Rs. 4.5 lakh respectively, will be distributed among equal number of farmers by March 31, 2019.
Rolls-Royce May Have Used Bribes For Contracts In India, Other Countries: Report
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Rolls-Royce plc, Britain's leading manufacturing multinational, hired a network of agents to help it land lucrative contracts in at least 12 different countries around the world, including India, sometimes allegedly using bribes, say media reports.
An investigation by the Guardian and the BBC has uncovered leaked documents and testimony from insiders that suggest that Rolls-Royce may have benefited from the use of illicit payments to boost profits for years.
The network of agents is now the focus of large-scale investigations by anti-corruption agencies in Britain and the US.
The Guardian understands the inquiries are looking into specific allegations that these hired intermediaries were bribing people.
Rolls-Royce, which sells turbines and engines for passenger jets and military aircraft and is worth an estimated 13 bn pounds, declined to answer detailed questions.
A company spokesman said: "Concerns about bribery and corruption involving intermediaries remain subject to investigation by the Serious Fraud Office (SFO) and other authorities. We are fully cooperating with the authorities and we cannot comment on ongoing investigations."
The Guardian/BBC investigation, to be broadcast on the BBC's Panorama programme on Monday, discloses that the use of agents by the blue-chip manufacturer is far wider than previously publicly known.
The agents have been hired in at least 12 countries: Brazil, India, China, Indonesia, South Africa, Angola, Iraq, Iran, Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, Nigeria and Saudi Arabia.
One individual who it is alleged has worked for Rolls-Royce is a businessman whose family has donated more than 1.6 million pounds to the Liberal Democrats and is currently an adviser to the party's leader, Tim Farron.
Sudhir Choudhrie and his son, Bhanu, have been arrested and questioned by the SFO over the bribery allegations. Both denied wrongdoing and were released without charge.
The Guardian and the BBC understand that Choudhrie family companies were paid millions by Rolls-Royce.
Labour and Conservative administrations have forged close relations with Rolls-Royce and have often lobbied foreign governments to give large export contracts to the manufacturer.
Britain's former Prime Minister David Cameron once praised it as "a world leader in the development of advanced technologies ... of which the whole country can be proud. The Duke of Cambridge called it "one of the United Kingdom's great global companies".
The investigation into Rolls is likely to concern ministers - a situation that has echoes of the controversy that enveloped the SFO's inquiry into the arms manufacturer BAE Systems. In 2006, Tony Blair's government pulled the plug on that inquiry, saying Britain's security would be put in danger if it was allowed to continue.
The SFO's entirely separate investigation into Rolls-Royce became public in 2012 when the firm announced that the agency had requested information about allegations of malpractice in Indonesia and China.
The following year, the SFO, backed by special funding from the Treasury, disclosed that its director, David Green, had opened a criminal investigation into allegations of bribery and corruption. It emerged in 2014 that the Department of Justice in the US had opened its own inquiry.
A legal source said 30 investigators in Britain were now focused on the multinational's use of agents, or middlemen, to clinch export contracts in a number of countries across several strands of its business.
An investigation by the Guardian and the BBC has uncovered leaked documents and testimony from insiders that suggest that Rolls-Royce may have benefited from the use of illicit payments to boost profits for years.
The network of agents is now the focus of large-scale investigations by anti-corruption agencies in Britain and the US.
The Guardian understands the inquiries are looking into specific allegations that these hired intermediaries were bribing people.
Rolls-Royce, which sells turbines and engines for passenger jets and military aircraft and is worth an estimated 13 bn pounds, declined to answer detailed questions.
A company spokesman said: "Concerns about bribery and corruption involving intermediaries remain subject to investigation by the Serious Fraud Office (SFO) and other authorities. We are fully cooperating with the authorities and we cannot comment on ongoing investigations."
The Guardian/BBC investigation, to be broadcast on the BBC's Panorama programme on Monday, discloses that the use of agents by the blue-chip manufacturer is far wider than previously publicly known.
The agents have been hired in at least 12 countries: Brazil, India, China, Indonesia, South Africa, Angola, Iraq, Iran, Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, Nigeria and Saudi Arabia.
One individual who it is alleged has worked for Rolls-Royce is a businessman whose family has donated more than 1.6 million pounds to the Liberal Democrats and is currently an adviser to the party's leader, Tim Farron.
Sudhir Choudhrie and his son, Bhanu, have been arrested and questioned by the SFO over the bribery allegations. Both denied wrongdoing and were released without charge.
The Guardian and the BBC understand that Choudhrie family companies were paid millions by Rolls-Royce.
Labour and Conservative administrations have forged close relations with Rolls-Royce and have often lobbied foreign governments to give large export contracts to the manufacturer.
Britain's former Prime Minister David Cameron once praised it as "a world leader in the development of advanced technologies ... of which the whole country can be proud. The Duke of Cambridge called it "one of the United Kingdom's great global companies".
The investigation into Rolls is likely to concern ministers - a situation that has echoes of the controversy that enveloped the SFO's inquiry into the arms manufacturer BAE Systems. In 2006, Tony Blair's government pulled the plug on that inquiry, saying Britain's security would be put in danger if it was allowed to continue.
The SFO's entirely separate investigation into Rolls-Royce became public in 2012 when the firm announced that the agency had requested information about allegations of malpractice in Indonesia and China.
The following year, the SFO, backed by special funding from the Treasury, disclosed that its director, David Green, had opened a criminal investigation into allegations of bribery and corruption. It emerged in 2014 that the Department of Justice in the US had opened its own inquiry.
A legal source said 30 investigators in Britain were now focused on the multinational's use of agents, or middlemen, to clinch export contracts in a number of countries across several strands of its business.
Kerala government Mulls Cyber Crime Wing To Tackle Hi-Tech Crimes
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THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: In view of surge in cyber crimes in Kerala, the state government is mulling setting up a special cyber crime investigation wing.
Minister for Public Works G Sudhakaran, replying on behalf of Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan in the Assembly, today said as many as 1,273 cases of cyber-related crimes were reported in the state during 2014-15, adding, steps would be taken to check the misuse of social media, including Facebook.
"The government is considering a plan to set up a special wing for cyber crime investigations under a senior police officer. We will also consider, if necessary, a proposal to set up more cyber stations at the district level," he said during the Question Hour.
Of the total 1,273 cyber cases reported, 21 were related to ATM fraud and four persons were held in this regard, he said.
Seeking to create awareness among young generation about cyber frauds, steps would be taken to include lessons on cyber crimes in school curriculum also, the Minister added.
Minister for Public Works G Sudhakaran, replying on behalf of Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan in the Assembly, today said as many as 1,273 cases of cyber-related crimes were reported in the state during 2014-15, adding, steps would be taken to check the misuse of social media, including Facebook.
"The government is considering a plan to set up a special wing for cyber crime investigations under a senior police officer. We will also consider, if necessary, a proposal to set up more cyber stations at the district level," he said during the Question Hour.
Seeking to create awareness among young generation about cyber frauds, steps would be taken to include lessons on cyber crimes in school curriculum also, the Minister added.
Business Affairs
Andhra, Telangana topple Gujarat in ease of doing business
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Andhra Pradesh and Telangana emerged as joint toppers in the ease of doing business, relegating Gujarat from the first spot to the third position, according to rankings by the department if industrial policy and promotion and the World Bank released on Monday.
Telangana and Andhra ended the closely-contested contest with a score of 98.78 per cent on the 340 parameters that states were ranked on. In 2015 Index, Gujarat had featured at the top, with Andhra Pradesh at the second position and Telangana 13th.
Chattisgarh retained its fourth position in 2016 and was followed by Madhya Pradesh, Haryana, Jharkhand, Rajasthan, Uttarakhand and Maharashtra. These states were classified as leaders in by the report based on implementation of DIPP's 340-point Business Reform Action Plan.
Among other major states, Odisha occupied 11th slot, followed by Punjab, Karnataka, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal and Bihar which were classified as "aspiring leaders'' Himachal Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and Delhi which ranked lower were identified as states where acceleration is required.
States are really competing with each other. Healthy competition is happening among all the states. Everybody is monitoring everybody's performance, Commerce and Industry Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said while releasing the report.
There is a long way to go, she said, adding that this time 15 states have implemented reforms suggested by the ministry as compared to seven last year. Interestingly, eight out of top 10 states are ruled by BJP-led NDA. While Telengana is ruled by TRS, Uttarakhand has a Congress government.
The business reform action plan for states and UTs includes reforms on 58 regulatory processes, policies, practices, or procedures spread across 10 reform areas spanning the lifecycle of a typical business. These are mainly single window clearance, tax reforms, labour and environment reforms, dispute resolution and construction permit.
She however said that more efforts are needed to encourage states like Jammu and Kashmir (at 31st) and other north-eastern regions to improve their business climate. Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram and Sikkim stand at 26th, 28th, 29th and 30th position.
These rankings were provided in the report titled 'Assessment of State Implementation of Business Reforms 2016' which was prepared by World Bank in association with the Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion (DIPP).
The exercise is aimed at promoting competition among states with a view to improve business climate to attract domestic as well as foreign investments. In the World Bank's latest 'Doing Business' report, India's place remained unchanged from last year's original ranking of 130 among the 190 economies.
DIPP Secretary Ramesh Abhishek said for the next year's ranking, "we plan to have a round of consultations with states and other stakeholders. There will be a workshop and stakeholder consultation during this month and then we decide the action plan for next year's ranking,'' he added.
Asked whether the World Bank would consider modifications in its methodology to take into account the ground realities in large countries like India, the banks Country Director for India Junaid Ahmad said: Absolutely, we would like to see how our methodology can constantly being improved by the experience of different countries.
Andhra Pradesh and Telangana emerged as joint toppers in the ease of doing business, relegating Gujarat from the first spot to the third position, according to rankings by the department if industrial policy and promotion and the World Bank released on Monday.
Telangana and Andhra ended the closely-contested contest with a score of 98.78 per cent on the 340 parameters that states were ranked on. In 2015 Index, Gujarat had featured at the top, with Andhra Pradesh at the second position and Telangana 13th.
Telangana and Andhra ended the closely-contested contest with a score of 98.78 per cent on the 340 parameters that states were ranked on. In 2015 Index, Gujarat had featured at the top, with Andhra Pradesh at the second position and Telangana 13th.
Chattisgarh retained its fourth position in 2016 and was followed by Madhya Pradesh, Haryana, Jharkhand, Rajasthan, Uttarakhand and Maharashtra. These states were classified as leaders in by the report based on implementation of DIPP's 340-point Business Reform Action Plan.
Among other major states, Odisha occupied 11th slot, followed by Punjab, Karnataka, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal and Bihar which were classified as "aspiring leaders'' Himachal Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and Delhi which ranked lower were identified as states where acceleration is required.
States are really competing with each other. Healthy competition is happening among all the states. Everybody is monitoring everybody's performance, Commerce and Industry Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said while releasing the report.
There is a long way to go, she said, adding that this time 15 states have implemented reforms suggested by the ministry as compared to seven last year. Interestingly, eight out of top 10 states are ruled by BJP-led NDA. While Telengana is ruled by TRS, Uttarakhand has a Congress government.
The business reform action plan for states and UTs includes reforms on 58 regulatory processes, policies, practices, or procedures spread across 10 reform areas spanning the lifecycle of a typical business. These are mainly single window clearance, tax reforms, labour and environment reforms, dispute resolution and construction permit.
She however said that more efforts are needed to encourage states like Jammu and Kashmir (at 31st) and other north-eastern regions to improve their business climate. Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram and Sikkim stand at 26th, 28th, 29th and 30th position.
These rankings were provided in the report titled 'Assessment of State Implementation of Business Reforms 2016' which was prepared by World Bank in association with the Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion (DIPP).
The exercise is aimed at promoting competition among states with a view to improve business climate to attract domestic as well as foreign investments. In the World Bank's latest 'Doing Business' report, India's place remained unchanged from last year's original ranking of 130 among the 190 economies.
DIPP Secretary Ramesh Abhishek said for the next year's ranking, "we plan to have a round of consultations with states and other stakeholders. There will be a workshop and stakeholder consultation during this month and then we decide the action plan for next year's ranking,'' he added.
Asked whether the World Bank would consider modifications in its methodology to take into account the ground realities in large countries like India, the banks Country Director for India Junaid Ahmad said: Absolutely, we would like to see how our methodology can constantly being improved by the experience of different countries.
FPIs pull out Rs 10,000-cr from capital markets in October
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Foreign investors have pulled out more than Rs 10,000 crore from the Indian capital market this month, after pumping in Rs 20,232 crore in September.
Most of the funds have been withdrawn from debt markets during the period under review.
"The recent rate cut by RBI is one of the factors for the outflow from debt markets. With downward pressure on bond yields, debt does not seem attractive," SAS Online Chief Operating Officer (COO) Siddhant Jain said.
"Besides, the new RBI governor's dovish stance and flexibility to cut rates further, if needed, has helped in the debt outflow," he added.
On October 4, the Reserve Bank slashed policy rate by 0.25 per cent to a 6-year low of 6.25 per cent.
According to depositors' data, net withdrawal by FPIs stood at Rs 6,000 crore from the debt markets in October, while it pulled out a net sum of Rs 4,306 crore from the equities during the period under review, translating into total outflow of Rs 10,306 crore.
In September, the market witnessed a net inflow of Rs 20,232 crore.
The outflow in equities could be attributed to a below-forecast reading on Chinese data that fanned fresh concerns about its economy. What clouded sentiment further was the US Fed chief Janet Yellen's commentary on the US economy, indicating the need for aggressive steps to reboot it.
So far this year, FPIs have pulled out a net sum of Rs 3,558 crore from the debt markets, while they have pumped in Rs 46,987 crore in equities, resulting in a net inflow of Rs 43,428 crore.
Foreign investors have pulled out more than Rs 10,000 crore from the Indian capital market this month, after pumping in Rs 20,232 crore in September.
Most of the funds have been withdrawn from debt markets during the period under review.
"The recent rate cut by RBI is one of the factors for the outflow from debt markets. With downward pressure on bond yields, debt does not seem attractive," SAS Online Chief Operating Officer (COO) Siddhant Jain said.
"Besides, the new RBI governor's dovish stance and flexibility to cut rates further, if needed, has helped in the debt outflow," he added.
On October 4, the Reserve Bank slashed policy rate by 0.25 per cent to a 6-year low of 6.25 per cent.
According to depositors' data, net withdrawal by FPIs stood at Rs 6,000 crore from the debt markets in October, while it pulled out a net sum of Rs 4,306 crore from the equities during the period under review, translating into total outflow of Rs 10,306 crore.
In September, the market witnessed a net inflow of Rs 20,232 crore.
The outflow in equities could be attributed to a below-forecast reading on Chinese data that fanned fresh concerns about its economy. What clouded sentiment further was the US Fed chief Janet Yellen's commentary on the US economy, indicating the need for aggressive steps to reboot it.
So far this year, FPIs have pulled out a net sum of Rs 3,558 crore from the debt markets, while they have pumped in Rs 46,987 crore in equities, resulting in a net inflow of Rs 43,428 crore.
Infrastructure sector growth hits three-month high
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Infrastructure sector recorded a growth rate of five per cent in September - the highest in three months - on account of healthy performance by cement, steel and refinery products.
The growth rate of the eight infrastructure sectors - coal, crude oil, natural gas, refinery products, fertilisers, steel, cement and electricity - was 3.7 per cent in September 2015.
The core sectors, which contribute 38 per cent to the total industrial production, had expanded by 3.2 per cent in August.
According to the official data released on Monday, the cumulative growth of the sector during April-September period of the fiscal year was 4.6 per cent as against 2.6 per cent in the corresponding period last fiscal year.
Production of cement, steel and refinery products grew by 5.5 per cent, 16.3 per cent and 9.3 per cent, respectively, in September this year.
Growth in fertiliser and electricity generation fell to two per cent and 2.2 per cent in September 2016, from 18.3 per cent and 11.4 per cent, respectively, in September 2015.
Production of coal, crude oil and natural gas, however, contracted by 5.8 per cent, 4.1 per cent and 5.5 per cent during the month under review.
Infrastructure sector recorded a growth rate of five per cent in September - the highest in three months - on account of healthy performance by cement, steel and refinery products.
The growth rate of the eight infrastructure sectors - coal, crude oil, natural gas, refinery products, fertilisers, steel, cement and electricity - was 3.7 per cent in September 2015.
The core sectors, which contribute 38 per cent to the total industrial production, had expanded by 3.2 per cent in August.
According to the official data released on Monday, the cumulative growth of the sector during April-September period of the fiscal year was 4.6 per cent as against 2.6 per cent in the corresponding period last fiscal year.
Production of cement, steel and refinery products grew by 5.5 per cent, 16.3 per cent and 9.3 per cent, respectively, in September this year.
Growth in fertiliser and electricity generation fell to two per cent and 2.2 per cent in September 2016, from 18.3 per cent and 11.4 per cent, respectively, in September 2015.
Production of coal, crude oil and natural gas, however, contracted by 5.8 per cent, 4.1 per cent and 5.5 per cent during the month under review.
Six products that Baba Ramdev should launch soon
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Baba Ramdev and Acharya Balkrishna have come a long way from being Yoga gurus and Ayurveda experts to challenging the dominance of multinational companies through their firm Patanjali.
The Rs 5,000-crore turnover company has several products under its belt which its founders claim are free from chemicals and nature-friendly.
Its products have found widespread acceptance in the country, with Patanjali stores opening in almost every market in big Indian cities.
Patanjali has already announced its entry into garments arena with Swadeshi jeans likely to be launched by the end of this year.
We look at products which Patanjali should add to its portfolio to make its game more challenging.
Patanjali phones: Baba Ramdev has given a call to boycott Chinese goods and with China's share in telecom imports by India being estimated around 75 per cent of total imports, cellphones are the first to go after.
Pantanjali herbal crackers: With pollution due to bursting crackers on Diwali occupying headlines today, Patanjali can also venture into the cracker manufacturing business, ensuring the least quantity of pollution causing elements being used while they are processed.
Patanjali T-shirts: We feel Patanjali should have announced T-shirts first which could have easily conveyed the message of Swadeshi and patriotism to the citizens of India. Printing them on jeans will be a little inconvenient though.
Patanjali selfie stick: When smartphones would have come from Patanjali, then why would anyone like to use selfie sticks not Made in India. Baba Ramdev would have then easily advertised those selfie sticks while he interacts with lakhs of people during his Yoga sessions.
Patanjali umbrella: While Yoga keeps us away from ill health, a Patanjali umbrella would save us from the vagaries of weather. The best part though is these umbrellas would have done free publicity for the Haridwar-based firm.
Patanjali cigarettes: Baba Ramdev can add herbal cigarettes to Patanjali's portfolio. These would be free from harmful effects of regular cigarettes and make it tough for those looking to quit smoking due to its herbal content.
Baba Ramdev and Acharya Balkrishna have come a long way from being Yoga gurus and Ayurveda experts to challenging the dominance of multinational companies through their firm Patanjali.
The Rs 5,000-crore turnover company has several products under its belt which its founders claim are free from chemicals and nature-friendly.
Its products have found widespread acceptance in the country, with Patanjali stores opening in almost every market in big Indian cities.
Patanjali has already announced its entry into garments arena with Swadeshi jeans likely to be launched by the end of this year.
We look at products which Patanjali should add to its portfolio to make its game more challenging.
Patanjali phones: Baba Ramdev has given a call to boycott Chinese goods and with China's share in telecom imports by India being estimated around 75 per cent of total imports, cellphones are the first to go after.
Pantanjali herbal crackers: With pollution due to bursting crackers on Diwali occupying headlines today, Patanjali can also venture into the cracker manufacturing business, ensuring the least quantity of pollution causing elements being used while they are processed.
Patanjali T-shirts: We feel Patanjali should have announced T-shirts first which could have easily conveyed the message of Swadeshi and patriotism to the citizens of India. Printing them on jeans will be a little inconvenient though.
Patanjali selfie stick: When smartphones would have come from Patanjali, then why would anyone like to use selfie sticks not Made in India. Baba Ramdev would have then easily advertised those selfie sticks while he interacts with lakhs of people during his Yoga sessions.
Patanjali umbrella: While Yoga keeps us away from ill health, a Patanjali umbrella would save us from the vagaries of weather. The best part though is these umbrellas would have done free publicity for the Haridwar-based firm.
Patanjali cigarettes: Baba Ramdev can add herbal cigarettes to Patanjali's portfolio. These would be free from harmful effects of regular cigarettes and make it tough for those looking to quit smoking due to its herbal content.
Parsi community shocked by feud between Tata Sons and Mistry
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The bitter public feud between the Tata family, which controls India's most respected conglomerate, and it's now ousted chairman Cyrus Mistry has created an unwelcome stir in the tiny Parsi community to which both sides belong.
There are only about 58,000 Parsis in India, a nation of 1.2 billion people. Yet, the community has included some of India's biggest business names, its top nuclear scientists, world-class musicians and several senior military officers including the country's first field-marshal.
Parsis are also known for maintaining their privacy.
"They should have settled this between themselves instead of what has happened so publicly," said a Parsi woman stepping out of the community's fire temple in downtown Mumbai.
The row between Ratan Tata, family patriarch of the sprawling $100 billion salt-to-steel Tata Sons empire, and Cyrus Mistry, a scion of the billionaire Shapoorji Pallonji clan, erupted in public last week. Both families are pillars of the Parsi community, comprised of descendants of Persians who first landed in India in the ninth century.
Tata Sons announced on Oct 24 that Mistry had been removed as chairman of the company. Sources close to the company said Mistry's corporate strategy was seen as transgressing the core Parsi value of working for the greater common good.
A five-page e-mail response from Mistry to the Tata board was leaked two days later, containing scathing criticism of the company's corporate governance practices and Ratan Tata's role in some of the company's costliest errors. The two sides have traded barbs on a near-daily basis since then.
While business spats are not uncommon in India's financial capital Mumbai, the public allegations of malfeasance and the central role of two billionaire Parsis has not gone down well in the community.
"I would say Cyrus, walk out with a little dignity and self respect. Don't wash dirty linen in public. Don't make the press your playground. Fight battles inside boardrooms," said Rumi Behram Balsara, a second generation shareholder in some Tata group companies.
TATA Ethos
From shipyards to textiles, Mumbai's Parsis have led the city's commercial development from a group of sleepy fishing villages to one of Asia's business capitals.
Parsi business houses owned by the Tata, Wadia and Godrej families are at the forefront of India's corporate world. The Tata empire stretches from Jaguar Land Rover to Tetley Tea, while the Wadia family owns textile and food-product businesses. The Godrej Group owns interests in everything from consumer goods to chemicals.
Parsis follow the Zoroastrian faith, an ancient pre-Islamic religion of Iran. Some of the tenets of the faith like charity and doing good to others have long been woven into the Tata heritage and business ethos. Much of the dividend paid out by Tata Sons gets funneled into charitable trusts involved in philanthropic work.
The crux of the Tata world view, said Morgen Witzel, a U.K.-based author of a book on the Tata company, is shareholder value should not be an end in itself. "Companies are not machines for making money. They exist to provide value and service to their communities; profit is a by-product of that process."
That view appears to be at the heart of the boardroom dust-up. Mistry was attempting to gradually transform Tata from a sprawling empire of middling businesses into a much more focused profit-driven enterprise, but that involved decisions like axing businesses and jobs, moves that jarred with the Tata ethos, say sources close to the conglomerate.
"Over time, the Tatas had built up a fantastic reputation. However, the size and resistance to change meant that many of their businesses were not able to keep up with the times," said Ronny Bharda, a Mumbai-based Parsi businessman. "Cyrus Mistry brought about a renewed sense of enthusiasm. He had the ability to bring about change."
"Eventually, what social good can the house of Tatas do, if they do not earn any money?"
More than Business
Some Parsis believe the community should ignore the spat.
"The Parsi community isn't the custodian of thoughts, words and deeds of every Parsi," said Baghzaad Bhomisha, a Mumbai-born Parsi settled in Australia, adding Parsis had bigger concerns than the "egos and worthless legacies of Parsi billionaires."
Mistry, an Irish citizen, was the first chairman in the Tata group's 148-year history to not belong to the Tata family. He was named chair of the group in 2011 after a lengthy search for a replacement for Ratan Tata. In an organization populated by veterans, his anointment at age 43 was a marked departure for the Tatas.
Mistry's family is also prominent and has long had ties with the Tatas. His elder brother Shapoor runs the Shapoorji Pallonji conglomerate, which is focused on construction and real estate. It also owns the largest individual stake in Tata Sons, after the family trusts headed by Ratan Tata.
The two families are related by marriage - Cyrus Mistry's sister is married to Ratan Tata's half-brother Noel.
"Mistry's ouster shows a person with a keen business sense only won't work. Tata is built on more than just business," said Kaizad Todywalla, a Parsi who owns a coin auction house in Mumbai.
"I personally believe you need a Tata to make sure that the ethos of the group or the philosophy behind it remains."
The bitter public feud between the Tata family, which controls India's most respected conglomerate, and it's now ousted chairman Cyrus Mistry has created an unwelcome stir in the tiny Parsi community to which both sides belong.
There are only about 58,000 Parsis in India, a nation of 1.2 billion people. Yet, the community has included some of India's biggest business names, its top nuclear scientists, world-class musicians and several senior military officers including the country's first field-marshal.
Parsis are also known for maintaining their privacy.
"They should have settled this between themselves instead of what has happened so publicly," said a Parsi woman stepping out of the community's fire temple in downtown Mumbai.
The row between Ratan Tata, family patriarch of the sprawling $100 billion salt-to-steel Tata Sons empire, and Cyrus Mistry, a scion of the billionaire Shapoorji Pallonji clan, erupted in public last week. Both families are pillars of the Parsi community, comprised of descendants of Persians who first landed in India in the ninth century.
Tata Sons announced on Oct 24 that Mistry had been removed as chairman of the company. Sources close to the company said Mistry's corporate strategy was seen as transgressing the core Parsi value of working for the greater common good.
A five-page e-mail response from Mistry to the Tata board was leaked two days later, containing scathing criticism of the company's corporate governance practices and Ratan Tata's role in some of the company's costliest errors. The two sides have traded barbs on a near-daily basis since then.
While business spats are not uncommon in India's financial capital Mumbai, the public allegations of malfeasance and the central role of two billionaire Parsis has not gone down well in the community.
"I would say Cyrus, walk out with a little dignity and self respect. Don't wash dirty linen in public. Don't make the press your playground. Fight battles inside boardrooms," said Rumi Behram Balsara, a second generation shareholder in some Tata group companies.
TATA Ethos
From shipyards to textiles, Mumbai's Parsis have led the city's commercial development from a group of sleepy fishing villages to one of Asia's business capitals.
From shipyards to textiles, Mumbai's Parsis have led the city's commercial development from a group of sleepy fishing villages to one of Asia's business capitals.
Parsi business houses owned by the Tata, Wadia and Godrej families are at the forefront of India's corporate world. The Tata empire stretches from Jaguar Land Rover to Tetley Tea, while the Wadia family owns textile and food-product businesses. The Godrej Group owns interests in everything from consumer goods to chemicals.
Parsis follow the Zoroastrian faith, an ancient pre-Islamic religion of Iran. Some of the tenets of the faith like charity and doing good to others have long been woven into the Tata heritage and business ethos. Much of the dividend paid out by Tata Sons gets funneled into charitable trusts involved in philanthropic work.
The crux of the Tata world view, said Morgen Witzel, a U.K.-based author of a book on the Tata company, is shareholder value should not be an end in itself. "Companies are not machines for making money. They exist to provide value and service to their communities; profit is a by-product of that process."
That view appears to be at the heart of the boardroom dust-up. Mistry was attempting to gradually transform Tata from a sprawling empire of middling businesses into a much more focused profit-driven enterprise, but that involved decisions like axing businesses and jobs, moves that jarred with the Tata ethos, say sources close to the conglomerate.
"Over time, the Tatas had built up a fantastic reputation. However, the size and resistance to change meant that many of their businesses were not able to keep up with the times," said Ronny Bharda, a Mumbai-based Parsi businessman. "Cyrus Mistry brought about a renewed sense of enthusiasm. He had the ability to bring about change."
"Eventually, what social good can the house of Tatas do, if they do not earn any money?"
More than Business
Some Parsis believe the community should ignore the spat.
"The Parsi community isn't the custodian of thoughts, words and deeds of every Parsi," said Baghzaad Bhomisha, a Mumbai-born Parsi settled in Australia, adding Parsis had bigger concerns than the "egos and worthless legacies of Parsi billionaires."
Mistry, an Irish citizen, was the first chairman in the Tata group's 148-year history to not belong to the Tata family. He was named chair of the group in 2011 after a lengthy search for a replacement for Ratan Tata. In an organization populated by veterans, his anointment at age 43 was a marked departure for the Tatas.
Mistry's family is also prominent and has long had ties with the Tatas. His elder brother Shapoor runs the Shapoorji Pallonji conglomerate, which is focused on construction and real estate. It also owns the largest individual stake in Tata Sons, after the family trusts headed by Ratan Tata.
The two families are related by marriage - Cyrus Mistry's sister is married to Ratan Tata's half-brother Noel.
"Mistry's ouster shows a person with a keen business sense only won't work. Tata is built on more than just business," said Kaizad Todywalla, a Parsi who owns a coin auction house in Mumbai.
"I personally believe you need a Tata to make sure that the ethos of the group or the philosophy behind it remains."
General Awareness
Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel – 141st birth anniversary observed on October 31, 2016
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Prime Minister Narendra Modi honoured Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel on the occasion of his 141st birth anniversary in New Delhi on October 31, 2016.
About Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel,
Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel was an Indian barrister and statesman, one of the leaders of the Indian National Congress and one of the founding fathers of the Republic of India.
- He was a social leader who played a leading role in the country’s struggle for independence and guided its integration into a united, independent nation. In India and elsewhere, he was often addressed as Sardar, which means Chief in Hindi, Urdu and Persian.
- He was raised in the countryside of Gujarat. Patel was employed in successful practice as a lawyer. He subsequently organised peasants from Kheda, Borsad, and Bardoli in Gujarat in non-violent civil disobedience against oppressive policies imposed by the British Raj; in this role, he became one of the most influential leaders in Gujarat.
- He rose to the leadership of the Indian National Congress, in which capacity he would organise the party for the elections held in 1934 and 1937, as well as continue to promote the Quit India Movement.
- As the first Home Minister and Deputy Prime Minister of India, Patel organised relief for refugees fleeing from Punjab and Delhi and led efforts to restore peace across the nation.
- Patel took charge of the task to forge a united India by integrating into the newly independent nation those British colonial provinces “allocated” to India. Besides those provinces under direct British rule, approximately 565 self-governing princely states had been released from British suzerainty by the Indian Independence Act 1947.
- Through both frank diplomacy as well an option to deploy military force, Patel would persuade almost every princely state to accede to India. Patel’s commitment to national integration in the newly independent country was total and uncompromising, earning him the sobriquet“Iron Man of India”.
- He is also affectionately remembered as the“Patron saint of India’s civil servants” for having established the modern all-India services He is also called the Unifier of India.
- PM Modi also offered floral tributes at Sardar Patel’s statue at Patel Chowk in Delhi’s Parliament Street.
- PM Modi had highlighted the contribution of Vallabhbhai Patel, popularly known as the Iron Man of India, in uniting the country during his monthly ‘Mann Ki Baat’ radio programme.
- Modi also pointed out that Vallabhbhai Patel contributed significantly in strengthening the cooperative movement in the country, adding that the country’s first home minister dedicated himself to the welfare of farmers.
Rashtriya Ekta Diwas to be observed on 31st October with “Integration of India” theme
The Rashtriya Ekta Diwas was bserved on 31stOctober, 2016 with ‘Integration of India’ as the theme. On this occasion various activities are organised across ministries/departments all over the country.
The Government had decided to observe the birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel as the ‘Rashtriya Ekta Diwas’ (National Unity Day) on 31st October every year.
- This occasion provides an opportunity to re-affirm the inherent strength and resilience of our nation to withstand the actual and potential threats to the unity, integrity and security of our country.
- On the occasion, floral tributes will be paid to Sardar Patel across the country. It will be followed by ‘Run for Unity’ involving people from all sections of society to be organised from the National Stadium to the C-hexagon of India Gate.
- A Run for Unity will also be organised at the State/District Headquarters involving people from all sections of society, so that a message of national unity permeates to every part of the nation and the society.
- All the Government Offices, Public Sector Undertakings and other Public Institutions will arrange a pledge taking ceremony to observe the Rashtriya Ekta Diwas. A March Past will also be organised in the evening by the police and other agencies.
Vigilance Awareness week commences from October 31 2016
Vigilance Awareness week observed every year from October 31 to November 5 to promote probity in public life and to achieve a corruption free society
- 2016 Theme : “Public participation in promoting integrity and eradicating Corruption”
- The Commission has envisaged a concept of Integrity Pledge, for enlisting support and commitment of the citizens and corporates/entities/firms etc to prevent and combat corruption.
PM Modi flags off ‘Run for Unity’ on birth anniversary of Vallabhbhai Patel
On the occasion of 141st birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, Prime Minister Narendra Modi flagged off the ‘Run for Unity’ campaign in New Delhi.
- The marathon began from Vijay Chowk to India Gate. Modi urged people to recall the vision of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, and credited him for uniting India under one flag.
- Prime Minister further added that the poison of casteism and communalism could only be combated through the vision of unity, as propagated by Sardar Patel.
- Prime Minister announced that his government would launch a policy of ‘Ek Bharat, Shresht Bharat’ to consolidate the unity of the nation.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi honoured Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel on the occasion of his 141st birth anniversary in New Delhi on October 31, 2016.
About Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel,
Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel was an Indian barrister and statesman, one of the leaders of the Indian National Congress and one of the founding fathers of the Republic of India.
- He was a social leader who played a leading role in the country’s struggle for independence and guided its integration into a united, independent nation. In India and elsewhere, he was often addressed as Sardar, which means Chief in Hindi, Urdu and Persian.
- He was raised in the countryside of Gujarat. Patel was employed in successful practice as a lawyer. He subsequently organised peasants from Kheda, Borsad, and Bardoli in Gujarat in non-violent civil disobedience against oppressive policies imposed by the British Raj; in this role, he became one of the most influential leaders in Gujarat.
- He rose to the leadership of the Indian National Congress, in which capacity he would organise the party for the elections held in 1934 and 1937, as well as continue to promote the Quit India Movement.
- As the first Home Minister and Deputy Prime Minister of India, Patel organised relief for refugees fleeing from Punjab and Delhi and led efforts to restore peace across the nation.
- Patel took charge of the task to forge a united India by integrating into the newly independent nation those British colonial provinces “allocated” to India. Besides those provinces under direct British rule, approximately 565 self-governing princely states had been released from British suzerainty by the Indian Independence Act 1947.
- Through both frank diplomacy as well an option to deploy military force, Patel would persuade almost every princely state to accede to India. Patel’s commitment to national integration in the newly independent country was total and uncompromising, earning him the sobriquet“Iron Man of India”.
- He is also affectionately remembered as the“Patron saint of India’s civil servants” for having established the modern all-India services He is also called the Unifier of India.
- PM Modi also offered floral tributes at Sardar Patel’s statue at Patel Chowk in Delhi’s Parliament Street.
- PM Modi had highlighted the contribution of Vallabhbhai Patel, popularly known as the Iron Man of India, in uniting the country during his monthly ‘Mann Ki Baat’ radio programme.
- Modi also pointed out that Vallabhbhai Patel contributed significantly in strengthening the cooperative movement in the country, adding that the country’s first home minister dedicated himself to the welfare of farmers.
Rashtriya Ekta Diwas to be observed on 31st October with “Integration of India” theme
The Rashtriya Ekta Diwas was bserved on 31stOctober, 2016 with ‘Integration of India’ as the theme. On this occasion various activities are organised across ministries/departments all over the country.
The Government had decided to observe the birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel as the ‘Rashtriya Ekta Diwas’ (National Unity Day) on 31st October every year.
- This occasion provides an opportunity to re-affirm the inherent strength and resilience of our nation to withstand the actual and potential threats to the unity, integrity and security of our country.
- On the occasion, floral tributes will be paid to Sardar Patel across the country. It will be followed by ‘Run for Unity’ involving people from all sections of society to be organised from the National Stadium to the C-hexagon of India Gate.
- A Run for Unity will also be organised at the State/District Headquarters involving people from all sections of society, so that a message of national unity permeates to every part of the nation and the society.
- All the Government Offices, Public Sector Undertakings and other Public Institutions will arrange a pledge taking ceremony to observe the Rashtriya Ekta Diwas. A March Past will also be organised in the evening by the police and other agencies.
Vigilance Awareness week commences from October 31 2016
Vigilance Awareness week observed every year from October 31 to November 5 to promote probity in public life and to achieve a corruption free society
- 2016 Theme : “Public participation in promoting integrity and eradicating Corruption”
- The Commission has envisaged a concept of Integrity Pledge, for enlisting support and commitment of the citizens and corporates/entities/firms etc to prevent and combat corruption.
PM Modi flags off ‘Run for Unity’ on birth anniversary of Vallabhbhai Patel
On the occasion of 141st birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, Prime Minister Narendra Modi flagged off the ‘Run for Unity’ campaign in New Delhi.
- The marathon began from Vijay Chowk to India Gate. Modi urged people to recall the vision of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, and credited him for uniting India under one flag.
- Prime Minister further added that the poison of casteism and communalism could only be combated through the vision of unity, as propagated by Sardar Patel.
- Prime Minister announced that his government would launch a policy of ‘Ek Bharat, Shresht Bharat’ to consolidate the unity of the nation.
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