General Affairs
Explore Possibility Of Banning Blue Whale Game: High Court To Government
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Taking a serious view of the Blue Whale Challenge game, the Madras High Court today directed the Central and Tamil Nadu governments to explore possibilities of banning it.
Initiating suo motu proceedings in the matter, Justices KK Sasidharan and GR Swaminathan of Madurai bench issued notice to the Union Information and Broadcasting Secretary and state Home Secretary and IT department and made several suggestions.
The bench asked them to find out the possibility of banning the game and directed that IIT-Madras Director be impleaded in the case to offer suggestions to ban such online games.
During the hearing of the matter, the state government informed the court that the student who ended his life here had shared the game with 75 others. However, all of them had been prevented from playing it, the government counsel added.
The judges suggested to the state DGP and Home Secretary that severe warning be issued to those who shared the 'dangerous' online game with others.
On September 1, the court had said it would take up the case suo motu when Krishnamurthy, an advocate, made an appeal for a direction to the Union Information and Broadcasting Ministry to ban such games.
The advocate made the plea after 19-year old Vignesh, a private college student, allegedly committed suicide on August 30 here after playing the game.
Vignesh had reportedly told his friends that he was "crazy" about the game and also told his parents that he was getting isolated due to his addiction for it.
Later in a suicide note, he had said "The game was a devastating one... once you enter it, you would not be able to come out."
The bench also said monitoring should be intensified to prevent further spread of the game through sharing.
The court stressed on the need for creating awareness among students against playing such "dangerous" online games in educational institutions.
To this, CB-CID police officials present at the court said they were keeping a close watch and taking steps to freeze the game.
Warning had been issued against those sharing and downloading the "deadly" online game, they added.
The state government also informed the court that Vignesh had shared the game through Facebook and "Share it" App with 75 others. All had been prevented from playing the game, it said.
The IT department should also give suggestions to prevent the sharing of such "dangerous" online games, the bench said and posted the matter for further hearing to September 7.
The Blue Whale Challenge is reportedly a suicide game in which the player is given certain tasks to complete over a period of 50 days and the final task leads him or her to commit suicide.
The player is also asked to share photos after finishing each challenge. The game has claimed several lives worldwide.
Initiating suo motu proceedings in the matter, Justices KK Sasidharan and GR Swaminathan of Madurai bench issued notice to the Union Information and Broadcasting Secretary and state Home Secretary and IT department and made several suggestions.
During the hearing of the matter, the state government informed the court that the student who ended his life here had shared the game with 75 others. However, all of them had been prevented from playing it, the government counsel added.
The judges suggested to the state DGP and Home Secretary that severe warning be issued to those who shared the 'dangerous' online game with others.
On September 1, the court had said it would take up the case suo motu when Krishnamurthy, an advocate, made an appeal for a direction to the Union Information and Broadcasting Ministry to ban such games.
The advocate made the plea after 19-year old Vignesh, a private college student, allegedly committed suicide on August 30 here after playing the game.
Vignesh had reportedly told his friends that he was "crazy" about the game and also told his parents that he was getting isolated due to his addiction for it.
Later in a suicide note, he had said "The game was a devastating one... once you enter it, you would not be able to come out."
The bench also said monitoring should be intensified to prevent further spread of the game through sharing.
The court stressed on the need for creating awareness among students against playing such "dangerous" online games in educational institutions.
To this, CB-CID police officials present at the court said they were keeping a close watch and taking steps to freeze the game.
Warning had been issued against those sharing and downloading the "deadly" online game, they added.
The state government also informed the court that Vignesh had shared the game through Facebook and "Share it" App with 75 others. All had been prevented from playing the game, it said.
The IT department should also give suggestions to prevent the sharing of such "dangerous" online games, the bench said and posted the matter for further hearing to September 7.
The Blue Whale Challenge is reportedly a suicide game in which the player is given certain tasks to complete over a period of 50 days and the final task leads him or her to commit suicide.
The player is also asked to share photos after finishing each challenge. The game has claimed several lives worldwide.
Arvind Kejriwal Fined Rs. 5,000 By Court In Arun Jaitley Defamation Case
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The Delhi High Court today imposed another Rs. 5,000 as cost on Arvind Kejriwal over delay in filing his reply to a fresh Rs. 10 crore defamation suit filed by Union minister Arun Jaitley over use of an objectionable word allegedly by the Chief Minister's former lawyer.
Joint Registrar Pankaj Gupta directed Mr Kejriwal, who was earlier slapped with Rs. 10,000 as cost, to deposit Rs.5,000 in the 'Army Welfare Fund Battle Casualties'.
The cost was imposed after Mr Jaitley's counsel Manik Dogra informed the court that the chief minister's written statement to the suit was filed beyond the time of two weeks granted by this court on July 26.
The counsel further submitted that these were delaying tactics on the part of the chief minister.
Advocate Rishikesh Kumar, appearing for Mr Kejriwal, urged the court to condone the delay on the ground that the written statement could not be filed due to certain technical objections raised on two occasions by the High Court Registry.
Taking note of this submission, the Registrar condoned the delay on behalf of the chief minister and said the same is "subject to deposit of Rs. 5,000 costs."
The court has now fixed the matter for October 12. Meanwhile, Mr Kejriwal, in his reply to the defamation suit, filed through advocate Anupam Srivastava submitted that the union minister's suit "is liable to be dismissed as no civil action for damages for slander lies for any statement in pleadings or during the conduct of a suit against a party or a witness in it."
The high court had on May 23 sought response of Mr Kejriwal on why defamation proceedings should not be initiated against him.
Mr Jaitley had filed the second defamation suit after Mr Kejriwal's then lawyer Ram Jethmalani allegedly "abused" him in open court during proceedings of another defamation suit he had filed against the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) chief and five other party functionaries.
During the cross-examination of the Union minister on May 17 before the Joint Registrar in the High Court, Mr Jethmalani had allegedly used a term Mr Jaitley had found objectionable.
A day after, another high court judge, who was hearing a connected matter, had termed as "scandalous" the remarks allegedly made by Mr Jethmalani against Mr Jaitley before the Joint Registrar.
Joint Registrar Pankaj Gupta directed Mr Kejriwal, who was earlier slapped with Rs. 10,000 as cost, to deposit Rs.5,000 in the 'Army Welfare Fund Battle Casualties'.
The counsel further submitted that these were delaying tactics on the part of the chief minister.
Advocate Rishikesh Kumar, appearing for Mr Kejriwal, urged the court to condone the delay on the ground that the written statement could not be filed due to certain technical objections raised on two occasions by the High Court Registry.
Taking note of this submission, the Registrar condoned the delay on behalf of the chief minister and said the same is "subject to deposit of Rs. 5,000 costs."
The court has now fixed the matter for October 12. Meanwhile, Mr Kejriwal, in his reply to the defamation suit, filed through advocate Anupam Srivastava submitted that the union minister's suit "is liable to be dismissed as no civil action for damages for slander lies for any statement in pleadings or during the conduct of a suit against a party or a witness in it."
The high court had on May 23 sought response of Mr Kejriwal on why defamation proceedings should not be initiated against him.
Mr Jaitley had filed the second defamation suit after Mr Kejriwal's then lawyer Ram Jethmalani allegedly "abused" him in open court during proceedings of another defamation suit he had filed against the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) chief and five other party functionaries.
During the cross-examination of the Union minister on May 17 before the Joint Registrar in the High Court, Mr Jethmalani had allegedly used a term Mr Jaitley had found objectionable.
A day after, another high court judge, who was hearing a connected matter, had termed as "scandalous" the remarks allegedly made by Mr Jethmalani against Mr Jaitley before the Joint Registrar.
BRICS Declaration Names Pakistan-Based Terror Groups For The First Time
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India today scored a significant diplomaticwin as BRICS nations at a summit in China named, for the first time, Pakistan-based groups like Lashkar-e-Taiba, Jaish-e-Mohammed and the Haqqani network in a strongly-worded declaration condemning terror.
"We strongly condemn terrorist attacks resulting in death to innocent Afghan nationals. We, in this regard, express concern on the security situation in the region and violence caused by the Taliban, ISIL/DAISH, Al Qaida and its affiliates including Eastern Turkistan Islamic Movement, Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan, the Haqqani network, Lashkar-e-Taiba, Jaish-e-Mohammed, TTP and Hizb ut-Tahrir," said the declaration issued by BRICS countries or Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa, at the summit in Xiamen.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is attending the summit and will hold talks with President Xi Jinping of China tomorrow, their first meeting after the prolonged Doklam standoff ended last month.
Pakistan has not been named in the declaration adopted by BRICS. While it is a close ally of China, the statement makes a strong reference to the need for states to act against terror.
"We deplore all terrorist attacks worldwide, including attacks in BRICS countries, and condemn terrorism in all its forms and manifestations wherever committed and by whomsoever and stress that there can be no justification whatsoever for any act of terrorism. We reaffirm that those responsible for committing, organizing, or supporting terrorist acts must be held accountable," said the statement. Getting China - in China - on board in a statement that refers to Pakistan-based terror is important since they had resisted the same at last year's summit in Goa.
However, experts say this does not signal any big difference in Beijing's policy on Pakistan, one of its closest allies.
Responding to the move, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang told news agency PTI that BRICS countries have "shown their concerns to the violent activities raised by these organisations".
While this is the first time that a BRICS declaration has named Pakistan-based terror groups, a similar declaration was made in Amritsar during the Heart of Asia conference on Afghanistan last December. There too, the Lashkar and Jaish were named and Pakistan and China, who are members, were both in the meeting.
Jaish was banned way back in 2001 by the UN. China has made a distinction between the group and its chief Masood Azhar. China has repeatedly blocked efforts by India at the United Nations to designate the Masood Azhar a terrorist. The US, UK, France and other countries are backing India.
"We strongly condemn terrorist attacks resulting in death to innocent Afghan nationals. We, in this regard, express concern on the security situation in the region and violence caused by the Taliban, ISIL/DAISH, Al Qaida and its affiliates including Eastern Turkistan Islamic Movement, Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan, the Haqqani network, Lashkar-e-Taiba, Jaish-e-Mohammed, TTP and Hizb ut-Tahrir," said the declaration issued by BRICS countries or Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa, at the summit in Xiamen.
Pakistan has not been named in the declaration adopted by BRICS. While it is a close ally of China, the statement makes a strong reference to the need for states to act against terror.
"We deplore all terrorist attacks worldwide, including attacks in BRICS countries, and condemn terrorism in all its forms and manifestations wherever committed and by whomsoever and stress that there can be no justification whatsoever for any act of terrorism. We reaffirm that those responsible for committing, organizing, or supporting terrorist acts must be held accountable," said the statement. Getting China - in China - on board in a statement that refers to Pakistan-based terror is important since they had resisted the same at last year's summit in Goa.
However, experts say this does not signal any big difference in Beijing's policy on Pakistan, one of its closest allies.
Responding to the move, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang told news agency PTI that BRICS countries have "shown their concerns to the violent activities raised by these organisations".
While this is the first time that a BRICS declaration has named Pakistan-based terror groups, a similar declaration was made in Amritsar during the Heart of Asia conference on Afghanistan last December. There too, the Lashkar and Jaish were named and Pakistan and China, who are members, were both in the meeting.
Jaish was banned way back in 2001 by the UN. China has made a distinction between the group and its chief Masood Azhar. China has repeatedly blocked efforts by India at the United Nations to designate the Masood Azhar a terrorist. The US, UK, France and other countries are backing India.
How The Government's Crackdown On Rohingyas Ignores Its Own Guidelines
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In parliament, India has taken a tough stance on Rohingya Muslims, the stateless minority facing acute persecution in Myanmar.
Last month, India's junior Home Minister Kiren Rijiju said Rohingyas are illegal, and that state authorities have been asked to identify and deport them, sparking widespread concern.
Estimates suggest close to 90,000 Rohingyas have fled to Bangladesh, escaping the latest outbreak of violence that may have killed close to 400 people. The UN has called it akin to a "crime against humanity".
An estimated 40,000 Rohingyas are believed to have settled in India. The subject of Rohingyas is expected to come up when Prime Minister Narendra Modi visits Myanmar next week.
Back home, Mr Rijiju's stance, however, seems to be going against his own ministry's position. Home Ministry documents which say that in the absence of a refugee law, India has a standard operating procedure (SOP) which allows for granting legal status to those escaping religious persecution.
According to these guidelines, "any cases which are justified on a well-founded fear of persecution on account of race, religion, sex, nationality, ethnic identity, membership of a particular social group or political opinion), can be recommended to MHA (Ministry of Home Affairs) for grant of Long Term Visa within thirty days from the date of claim by the foreigner."
International bodies have clearly defined the violence against Rohingyas as religious persecution. The UN's Human Rights agency, UNHCR, it is the result of a "purposeful policy designed by one ethnic or religious group to remove by violent and terror-inspiring means the civilian population of another ethnic or religious group from certain geographic areas".
"A foreigner whom Long Term Visa has been permitted by the Ministry of Home Affairs, will not be considered an illegal immigrant for the purposes of Citizenship Act, 1995," the Home Ministry guidelines say.
Further, it says "No such foreign national will be deported without specific clearance from the MHA." These guidelines was issued in 2011, under the UPA government.
They were reaffirmed as a press note by the Modi government on 6th August 2014.
But the government curiously seems to have ignored its own guidelines.
The Home Ministry in a letter to Chief Secretaries of all states says "Illegal migrants are more vulnerable for getting recruited by terrorist organisations."
And that "Infiltration from Rakhine State of Myanmar (home to the Rohingyas) into Indian Territory specially in the recent years besides being burden on the limited resources of the country also aggravates the security challenges posed to the country."
The government is yet to advance conclusive evidence that the Rohingyas pose a security threat.
At a hearing in the Supreme Court today, on the plea challenging centre's decision to deport the estimated 40,000 Rohingya Muslims living in the country, the government refused to give any statement. The case will be heard next on 11th September 2017.
Last month, India's junior Home Minister Kiren Rijiju said Rohingyas are illegal, and that state authorities have been asked to identify and deport them, sparking widespread concern.
An estimated 40,000 Rohingyas are believed to have settled in India. The subject of Rohingyas is expected to come up when Prime Minister Narendra Modi visits Myanmar next week.
Back home, Mr Rijiju's stance, however, seems to be going against his own ministry's position. Home Ministry documents which say that in the absence of a refugee law, India has a standard operating procedure (SOP) which allows for granting legal status to those escaping religious persecution.
According to these guidelines, "any cases which are justified on a well-founded fear of persecution on account of race, religion, sex, nationality, ethnic identity, membership of a particular social group or political opinion), can be recommended to MHA (Ministry of Home Affairs) for grant of Long Term Visa within thirty days from the date of claim by the foreigner."
International bodies have clearly defined the violence against Rohingyas as religious persecution. The UN's Human Rights agency, UNHCR, it is the result of a "purposeful policy designed by one ethnic or religious group to remove by violent and terror-inspiring means the civilian population of another ethnic or religious group from certain geographic areas".
"A foreigner whom Long Term Visa has been permitted by the Ministry of Home Affairs, will not be considered an illegal immigrant for the purposes of Citizenship Act, 1995," the Home Ministry guidelines say.
Further, it says "No such foreign national will be deported without specific clearance from the MHA." These guidelines was issued in 2011, under the UPA government.
They were reaffirmed as a press note by the Modi government on 6th August 2014.
But the government curiously seems to have ignored its own guidelines.
The Home Ministry in a letter to Chief Secretaries of all states says "Illegal migrants are more vulnerable for getting recruited by terrorist organisations."
And that "Infiltration from Rakhine State of Myanmar (home to the Rohingyas) into Indian Territory specially in the recent years besides being burden on the limited resources of the country also aggravates the security challenges posed to the country."
The government is yet to advance conclusive evidence that the Rohingyas pose a security threat.
At a hearing in the Supreme Court today, on the plea challenging centre's decision to deport the estimated 40,000 Rohingya Muslims living in the country, the government refused to give any statement. The case will be heard next on 11th September 2017.
PM Modi Calls For Early Establishment Of BRICS Credit Rating Agency
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Prime Minister Narendra Modi today strongly pitched for setting up of a BRICS credit rating agency to counter western rating institutions and cater to the financial needs of sovereign and corporate entities of developing nations.
In an address at the plenary session of the BRICS (Brazil-Russia-India-China-South Africa) Summit in Xiamen city, PM Modi said a separate rating agency would help the economies of the member countries as well as other developing nations.
"Our Central Banks must further strengthen their capabilities and promote cooperation between the Contingent Reserve Arrangement and the IMF (International Monetary Fund)," the prime minister said, urging early creation of the BRICS rating agency.
India had first mooted the idea of having such an agency for the BRICS grouping which can solve impediments for the emerging market economies posed by the present CRA market, which is dominated by S&P, Moody's and Fitch.
These three western rating agencies hold over 90 per cent of the sovereign ratings market now.
Indian officials were at the forefront at last year's BRICS Summit in Goa in pointing out the shortcomings and the need for having an alternative credit rating agency.
In an address at the plenary session of the BRICS (Brazil-Russia-India-China-South Africa) Summit in Xiamen city, PM Modi said a separate rating agency would help the economies of the member countries as well as other developing nations.
"Our Central Banks must further strengthen their capabilities and promote cooperation between the Contingent Reserve Arrangement and the IMF (International Monetary Fund)," the prime minister said, urging early creation of the BRICS rating agency.
India had first mooted the idea of having such an agency for the BRICS grouping which can solve impediments for the emerging market economies posed by the present CRA market, which is dominated by S&P, Moody's and Fitch.
These three western rating agencies hold over 90 per cent of the sovereign ratings market now.
Indian officials were at the forefront at last year's BRICS Summit in Goa in pointing out the shortcomings and the need for having an alternative credit rating agency.
Business Affairs
Don't know how much black money demonetisation curbed: RBI to Parliamentary panel
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The Reserve Bank India has admitted before a parliamentary panel that it has "no information" about how much of the black money has been wiped away from the Indian economy following demonetisation of Rs 500 and 1,000 notes back in November, nor about unaccounted cash legitimised through exchange of currency post note ban.
Stating that an estimated Rs 15,280 crore in junked notes has come back "subject to future corrections based on verification process", the Reserve Bank also said it has "no information" whether demonetisation is being planned to be implemented at regular intervals.
The RBI has been facing flak from the Opposition parties for demonetisation and delay in disclosing figures on the junked notes, even as the government has maintained that the November 8, 2016 decision to ban Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes in circulation at that time has helped in curbing black money, among other benefits .
Last week in its annual report, the RBI finally made public the details of the junked notes that have come back into the system putting the figure at Rs 15,280 crore. The same figure has now been shared with the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Finance.
Replying to queries from the panel, the RBI said the verification for authenticity and numerical accuracy are still on, while some of the specified bank notes (old Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes) which were accepted by banks and post offices are still lying in currency chests.
The central bank also informed the panel that the completion of the process of verification will take time in view of the large volume involved.
The process is "going on in full swing" with most RBI offices working in double shifts and with the help of high-end verification machines, the central bank said.
"Till such time, these notes are processed by the RBI, their numerical accuracy and authenticity, only in estimation of SBNs received back is possible. Subject to future correction, based on verification process when completed, the estimated value of SBNs received as on June 30 is Rs 15.28 trillion," the RBI said in its written reply to the panel.
To a query on how much amount of black money has been extinguished as a result of demonetisation, the central bank said, "The RBI has no information in this regard."
The RBI gave similar reply to another question on how much unaccounted money has been legitimised through exchange of junked currency.
The central bank did not give any direct reply on adverse impact on the informal and unorganised sector, as also about the GDP loss. The RBI said the deceleration in overall economic growth figures for 2016-17 had begun "much before demonetisation" due to weakness in industrial and services sector.
Last week, several members of the panel had sought redrafting of its draft report on demonetisation as the RBI at that time had not provided some crucial details including on the quantum of junked Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes.
The acceptance of the report was deferred as member MPs across party lines including BJD MP Bhartruhari Mahtab, SP MP Naresh Agrawal and BJP MP Nishikant had said that the panel's report on demonetisation needed to be "redrafted" while some of them stated that it "lacks punch".
In its annual report for 2016-17, the RBI had disclosed that all but about 1 per cent of the scrapped currency notes have come back into the system.
The government had on November 8, banned old Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes in an attempt to weed out black money in the country. The old notes were allowed to be deposited in banks, with unusual deposits coming under income tax scrutiny.
The government replaced old Rs 500 notes with new ones, but no replacement for Rs 1,000 notes has been made. Instead, a new Rs 2,000 note was introduced post note ban.
The Reserve Bank India has admitted before a parliamentary panel that it has "no information" about how much of the black money has been wiped away from the Indian economy following demonetisation of Rs 500 and 1,000 notes back in November, nor about unaccounted cash legitimised through exchange of currency post note ban.
Stating that an estimated Rs 15,280 crore in junked notes has come back "subject to future corrections based on verification process", the Reserve Bank also said it has "no information" whether demonetisation is being planned to be implemented at regular intervals.
The RBI has been facing flak from the Opposition parties for demonetisation and delay in disclosing figures on the junked notes, even as the government has maintained that the November 8, 2016 decision to ban Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes in circulation at that time has helped in curbing black money, among other benefits .
Last week in its annual report, the RBI finally made public the details of the junked notes that have come back into the system putting the figure at Rs 15,280 crore. The same figure has now been shared with the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Finance.
Replying to queries from the panel, the RBI said the verification for authenticity and numerical accuracy are still on, while some of the specified bank notes (old Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes) which were accepted by banks and post offices are still lying in currency chests.
The central bank also informed the panel that the completion of the process of verification will take time in view of the large volume involved.
The process is "going on in full swing" with most RBI offices working in double shifts and with the help of high-end verification machines, the central bank said.
"Till such time, these notes are processed by the RBI, their numerical accuracy and authenticity, only in estimation of SBNs received back is possible. Subject to future correction, based on verification process when completed, the estimated value of SBNs received as on June 30 is Rs 15.28 trillion," the RBI said in its written reply to the panel.
To a query on how much amount of black money has been extinguished as a result of demonetisation, the central bank said, "The RBI has no information in this regard."
The RBI gave similar reply to another question on how much unaccounted money has been legitimised through exchange of junked currency.
The central bank did not give any direct reply on adverse impact on the informal and unorganised sector, as also about the GDP loss. The RBI said the deceleration in overall economic growth figures for 2016-17 had begun "much before demonetisation" due to weakness in industrial and services sector.
Last week, several members of the panel had sought redrafting of its draft report on demonetisation as the RBI at that time had not provided some crucial details including on the quantum of junked Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes.
The acceptance of the report was deferred as member MPs across party lines including BJD MP Bhartruhari Mahtab, SP MP Naresh Agrawal and BJP MP Nishikant had said that the panel's report on demonetisation needed to be "redrafted" while some of them stated that it "lacks punch".
In its annual report for 2016-17, the RBI had disclosed that all but about 1 per cent of the scrapped currency notes have come back into the system.
The government had on November 8, banned old Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes in an attempt to weed out black money in the country. The old notes were allowed to be deposited in banks, with unusual deposits coming under income tax scrutiny.
The government replaced old Rs 500 notes with new ones, but no replacement for Rs 1,000 notes has been made. Instead, a new Rs 2,000 note was introduced post note ban.
Paytm Mall plans to invest Rs 1000 crore for festive season
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Ahead of the festive season, Paytm Mall is planning to invest over Rs 1000 crore for marketing strategy and brand promotions. Over 65 million products from more than 1,000 brands will be available for the customers on the recently launched e-commerce platform.
Paytm, the most popular digital wallet of the country, is leaving no stone unturned for an enriching customer experience. You don't need to worry if there is a huge queue when you visit one of the few brick-and-mortar Paytm Malls during this festive season. The company is installing QR Codes at storefronts which will enable the buyer to browse products and place an order.
Describing future plans, Amit Sinha, Chief Operating Officer of Paytm Mall, said, "Our promise is to offer customers the best and biggest offers from trusted retailers and make our platform the de-facto first choice for online shopping."
Products ranging from Apple to Lenovo, from Puma to Vero Moda, from JBL to Sony will be exclusively available on the platform and in the mall with promotional discounts and cash back offers.
The company is on-boarding shopkeepers and brand authorised stores across the country to offer a trusted buying experience and faster deliveries to consumers, an official press release by Paytm said.
Ahead of the festive season, Paytm Mall is planning to invest over Rs 1000 crore for marketing strategy and brand promotions. Over 65 million products from more than 1,000 brands will be available for the customers on the recently launched e-commerce platform.
Paytm, the most popular digital wallet of the country, is leaving no stone unturned for an enriching customer experience. You don't need to worry if there is a huge queue when you visit one of the few brick-and-mortar Paytm Malls during this festive season. The company is installing QR Codes at storefronts which will enable the buyer to browse products and place an order.
Describing future plans, Amit Sinha, Chief Operating Officer of Paytm Mall, said, "Our promise is to offer customers the best and biggest offers from trusted retailers and make our platform the de-facto first choice for online shopping."
Products ranging from Apple to Lenovo, from Puma to Vero Moda, from JBL to Sony will be exclusively available on the platform and in the mall with promotional discounts and cash back offers.
The company is on-boarding shopkeepers and brand authorised stores across the country to offer a trusted buying experience and faster deliveries to consumers, an official press release by Paytm said.
'GST Council may lower tax rates if high collections continue'
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The all powerful GST Council may consider lowering tax on items of common consumption if the high trajectory of collections continues over the next few months, an official said today.
The first month collection under the new Goods and Services Tax (GST) regime has been encouraging and if the rising trend continues till December, it would make a case for reduction of tax rate, he said.
The tax reduction could be either on items of common consumption or a cut in headline rate which will benefit consumers, said the official who did not wish to be identified.
The GST Council headed by Finance Minister Arun Jaitley could look at the aspect once the clear trend is available, the official said, adding that it would be evident from the November tax collection.
India's maiden GST revenue mop-up got off to a strong start with collection of Rs 92,283 crore in July from just 64.42 per cent of the total taxpayer base.
Of this, as much as Rs 14,894 crore has come in from the Central GST (CGST), Rs 22,722 crore from State GST (SGST), Rs 47,469 crore from Integrated GST (IGST) and Rs 7,198 crore from compensation cess levied on demerit and luxury goods.
July was the first month from which a unified Goods and Services Tax (GST) was implemented across the country, replacing more than a dozen central and state levies like excise duty, service tax and VAT.
The collections are likely to go up further when all the tax payers file returns.
The collections were higher than the finance ministry's internal estimate of Rs 91,000 crore.
So far, 38.38 lakh taxpayers, accounting for 64.42 per cent of the total businesses who had registered in July, have filed returns. As per the registration, 59.57 lakh businesses should file return for July.
The all powerful GST Council may consider lowering tax on items of common consumption if the high trajectory of collections continues over the next few months, an official said today.
The first month collection under the new Goods and Services Tax (GST) regime has been encouraging and if the rising trend continues till December, it would make a case for reduction of tax rate, he said.
The tax reduction could be either on items of common consumption or a cut in headline rate which will benefit consumers, said the official who did not wish to be identified.
The GST Council headed by Finance Minister Arun Jaitley could look at the aspect once the clear trend is available, the official said, adding that it would be evident from the November tax collection.
India's maiden GST revenue mop-up got off to a strong start with collection of Rs 92,283 crore in July from just 64.42 per cent of the total taxpayer base.
Of this, as much as Rs 14,894 crore has come in from the Central GST (CGST), Rs 22,722 crore from State GST (SGST), Rs 47,469 crore from Integrated GST (IGST) and Rs 7,198 crore from compensation cess levied on demerit and luxury goods.
July was the first month from which a unified Goods and Services Tax (GST) was implemented across the country, replacing more than a dozen central and state levies like excise duty, service tax and VAT.
The collections are likely to go up further when all the tax payers file returns.
The collections were higher than the finance ministry's internal estimate of Rs 91,000 crore.
So far, 38.38 lakh taxpayers, accounting for 64.42 per cent of the total businesses who had registered in July, have filed returns. As per the registration, 59.57 lakh businesses should file return for July.
Sensex, Nifty close lower on jitters from North Korea hydrogen bomb test
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The Sensex and Nifty on Monday followed Asian and European markets to close lower after North Korea said it successfully tested a hydrogen bomb.
While the Sensex closed 190 points or 0.60 percent lower at 31702 level. The Nifty was down 0.62 percent or 61.55 points at 9,912 level.
On the BSE, Bombay Dyeing (9.96 percent), TV 18 Broadcast (7.81 percent), Raymond (5.71 percent) and Shriram Transport Finance Co Ltd (5.30 percent) were the top gainers.
Adani Power (5.21 percent), Just Dial (4.57 percent) and Adani Enterprises (4.37 percent) were the top losers on the BSE.
Market breadth was negative with 993 stocks closing higher against 1602 falling on the BSE.
"The markets are struggling to go up because of North Korea tensions," said Deven Choksey, promoter, KR Choksey.
"Banking stocks such as HDFC Bank are a bit highly valued and are seeing some corrections," Choksey said.
On the 30 stock Sensex, Coal India (3.38 percent), Sun Pharma (2.79 percent), ONGC (1.06 percent)were the top gainers.
Coal India rose after the miner said on Friday that the company along with its units produced 37.63 million tonnes of coal in August, beating its target of 36.96 million tonnes.
Bank and auto stocks were the most hit with the BSE Bankex and BSE Auto falling 215 points and 187 points, respectively.
GLOBAL MARKETS
Global shares were mostly lower Monday on investor jitters over a weekend North Korean nuclear test that raised fears about regional stability.
France CAC 40 slipped 0.4 percent in early trading to 5,102.26. Germany's DAX lost 0.5 percent to 12,088.45. Britain's FTSE 100 edged down 0.2 percent to 7,426.98. U.S. shares were also set to drift lower with Dow futures dipping 0.3 percent to 21,917. S&P 500 futures were down 0.4 percent at 2,463.70.
ASIA'S DAY: Japan's benchmark Nikkei 225 edged down 0.9 percent to finish at 19,508.25, while Australia's S&P/ASX 200 lost 0.4 percent to 5,702.00. South Korea's Kospi dipped 1.2 percent to 2,329.65. Hong Kong's Hang Seng slipped 0.9 percent to 27,703.67, but the Shanghai Composite rose 0.4 percent to 3,379.58.
The Sensex and Nifty on Monday followed Asian and European markets to close lower after North Korea said it successfully tested a hydrogen bomb.
While the Sensex closed 190 points or 0.60 percent lower at 31702 level. The Nifty was down 0.62 percent or 61.55 points at 9,912 level.
On the BSE, Bombay Dyeing (9.96 percent), TV 18 Broadcast (7.81 percent), Raymond (5.71 percent) and Shriram Transport Finance Co Ltd (5.30 percent) were the top gainers.
Adani Power (5.21 percent), Just Dial (4.57 percent) and Adani Enterprises (4.37 percent) were the top losers on the BSE.
Market breadth was negative with 993 stocks closing higher against 1602 falling on the BSE.
"The markets are struggling to go up because of North Korea tensions," said Deven Choksey, promoter, KR Choksey.
"Banking stocks such as HDFC Bank are a bit highly valued and are seeing some corrections," Choksey said.
On the 30 stock Sensex, Coal India (3.38 percent), Sun Pharma (2.79 percent), ONGC (1.06 percent)were the top gainers.
Coal India rose after the miner said on Friday that the company along with its units produced 37.63 million tonnes of coal in August, beating its target of 36.96 million tonnes.
Bank and auto stocks were the most hit with the BSE Bankex and BSE Auto falling 215 points and 187 points, respectively.
GLOBAL MARKETS
Global shares were mostly lower Monday on investor jitters over a weekend North Korean nuclear test that raised fears about regional stability.
France CAC 40 slipped 0.4 percent in early trading to 5,102.26. Germany's DAX lost 0.5 percent to 12,088.45. Britain's FTSE 100 edged down 0.2 percent to 7,426.98. U.S. shares were also set to drift lower with Dow futures dipping 0.3 percent to 21,917. S&P 500 futures were down 0.4 percent at 2,463.70.
ASIA'S DAY: Japan's benchmark Nikkei 225 edged down 0.9 percent to finish at 19,508.25, while Australia's S&P/ASX 200 lost 0.4 percent to 5,702.00. South Korea's Kospi dipped 1.2 percent to 2,329.65. Hong Kong's Hang Seng slipped 0.9 percent to 27,703.67, but the Shanghai Composite rose 0.4 percent to 3,379.58.
Matrimony.com IPO to open on September 11: Seven things to know
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Matrimony.com, the operator of online match making business under the BharatMatrimony brand, will launch its initial public offer (IPO) on September 11. We look at the upcoming IPO and details related to the firm.
- The Chennai-based firm has fixed a price band of Rs 983-985 to raise over Rs 500 crore. The firm is engaged in providing online matchmaking and marriage services. It offers services through Internet and mobile platforms in India and internationally. Murugavel Janakiraman is the CEO and founder of Matrimony.com
- The issue comprises fresh issue of up to Rs 130 crore and an offer for sale (OFS) of up to 37,67,254 shares. The face value of the shares is Rs 5 each. The OFS consists of up to 14,61,006 shares by Bessemer India Capital Holdings II Ltd, 1,55,760 by Mayfield XII, Mauritius, 16,83,207 by CMDB II, 3,84,447 by Murugavel Janakiraman and 82,834 by Indrani Janakiraman.
- The IPO is due to open on September 11 and close on September 13. Net proceeds from the issue will be utilised towards advertising and business promotion activities, purchase of land for construction of office premises in Chennai, repayment of overdraft facilities and general corporate purposes.
- Axis Capital and ICICI Securities are the book running lead managers to the offer. The registrar to the offer is Karvy Computershare Private Ltd. The shares of Matrimony.com are proposed to be listed on the BSE and the National Stock Exchange of India.
- Matrimony.com's online competitors are Shaadi.com and Jeevansathi.com, and key offline competitors include traditional brick and mortar companies offering marriage bureau and matchmaking services as well as community associations.
- The firm had negative net worth of Rs 3113.2 crore as of March 31, 2017. The firm also restated losses in three of the past five fiscal years. For example, it sustained restated consolidated losses of Rs 915.9 crore, Rs 292.9 crore and Rs 7506.9 crore in fiscal 2014, fiscal 2015 and fiscal 2016, respectively.
- As of April 15, 2017, BharatMatrimony mobile app and apps for regional and community sites have achieved 5.8 million estimated installs according to www.androidrank.org. A significant number of its members currently utilise mobile sites and mobile apps to access online matchmaking services.
Matrimony.com, the operator of online match making business under the BharatMatrimony brand, will launch its initial public offer (IPO) on September 11. We look at the upcoming IPO and details related to the firm.
- The Chennai-based firm has fixed a price band of Rs 983-985 to raise over Rs 500 crore. The firm is engaged in providing online matchmaking and marriage services. It offers services through Internet and mobile platforms in India and internationally. Murugavel Janakiraman is the CEO and founder of Matrimony.com
- The issue comprises fresh issue of up to Rs 130 crore and an offer for sale (OFS) of up to 37,67,254 shares. The face value of the shares is Rs 5 each. The OFS consists of up to 14,61,006 shares by Bessemer India Capital Holdings II Ltd, 1,55,760 by Mayfield XII, Mauritius, 16,83,207 by CMDB II, 3,84,447 by Murugavel Janakiraman and 82,834 by Indrani Janakiraman.
- The IPO is due to open on September 11 and close on September 13. Net proceeds from the issue will be utilised towards advertising and business promotion activities, purchase of land for construction of office premises in Chennai, repayment of overdraft facilities and general corporate purposes.
- Axis Capital and ICICI Securities are the book running lead managers to the offer. The registrar to the offer is Karvy Computershare Private Ltd. The shares of Matrimony.com are proposed to be listed on the BSE and the National Stock Exchange of India.
- Matrimony.com's online competitors are Shaadi.com and Jeevansathi.com, and key offline competitors include traditional brick and mortar companies offering marriage bureau and matchmaking services as well as community associations.
- The firm had negative net worth of Rs 3113.2 crore as of March 31, 2017. The firm also restated losses in three of the past five fiscal years. For example, it sustained restated consolidated losses of Rs 915.9 crore, Rs 292.9 crore and Rs 7506.9 crore in fiscal 2014, fiscal 2015 and fiscal 2016, respectively.
- As of April 15, 2017, BharatMatrimony mobile app and apps for regional and community sites have achieved 5.8 million estimated installs according to www.androidrank.org. A significant number of its members currently utilise mobile sites and mobile apps to access online matchmaking services.
General Awareness
Narendra Modi Cabinet reshuffle with 9 New Faces as Ministers
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On September 3,2017, the cabinet got extended and reshuffled for the third time. Modi expanded his council of ministers twice–first on November 9, 2014 and then on July 5, 2016. Nine new Ministers of state were inducted into the Union Council of Ministers. Four Ministers of state were elevated to the cabinet rank.
Ministers of State who got into Cabinet Rank: –
The ministers promoted were Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi, Dharmendra Pradhan, Piyush Goyal and Nirmala Sitharaman.
1) Nirmala Sitharaman
She is promoted to ministry of defence. She is the first full time independent women defence minister. Prior to her, former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi held the defence portfolio as an additional charge on two occasions. Prior to her defence ministry was under Arun Jaitley now he sheds Defence and will retain the Finance Ministry. He will however attend an international meeting of Defence Ministers in Japan.
Commerce and Industries department which was held by Nirmala sitharaman is now transferred to Suresh Prabhu who exits as railway minister.
2) Piyush goyal
The railway department which was held by suresh prabhu is now transferred to Piyush Goyal. Apart from Railways, Piyush Goyal retains the ministry of coal.
3) Dharmendra Pradhan
Dharmendra Pradhan, now cabinet minister, will continue to have charge of Petroleum and Natural Gas and will also be minister for skill development and entrepreneurship, which Rajiv Pratap Rudy gave up two days ago.
4) Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi
Minority Affairs Minister Muqtar Abbas Naqvi continues in his departments as a Cabinet minister.
New members to the Cabinet : –
1) Shiv Pratap Shukla
- Shri Shiv Pratap Shukla is a Rajya Sabha MP from Uttar Pradesh. He is a Member of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Rural Development.
- He served as a Cabinet Minister in the Uttar Pradesh government for 8 years, and is known for his work in Rural Development, Education and Prison reform during his tenure.
- A Law Graduate with an LLB from Gorakhpur University, Shiv Pratap Shukla started off early in politics as a student leader in the 1970s.
- He was imprisoned for 19 months under the Maintenance of Internal Security Act (MISA) during the Emergency.
2) Ashwini Kumar Choubey
- Shri Ashwini Kumar Choubey is a Lok Sabha MP from Buxar, Bihar. He is member of the Parliamentary Committee on Estimates and Standing Committee on Energy. He is also a Member of Central Silk Board.
- Ashwini Kumar Choubey has been elected for 5 consecutive terms to the Bihar Legislative Assembly. He has held important portfolios including Health, Urban Development and Public Health Engineering as a Cabinet Minister of the Government of Bihar for 8 years.
- Starting early in politics as the President of the Student`s Union of Patna University, Ashwini Kumar Choubey was an active part of the JP movement in the 1970s. He was taken into custody during the Emergency under MISA.
- He has helped construct 11,000 toilets for Mahadalit families.
- Having faced the disastrous Kedarnath floods with his family in 2013, Ashwini Kumar Choubey has authored a book Kedarnath Trasadi on the tragedy.
3)Virendra Kumar
- Shri Virendra Kumar is a Lok Sabha MP from Tikamgah, Madhya Pradesh. He has had a distinguished career in Public Service as a 6 term Lok Sabha MP.
- Virendra Kumar is the Chairperson of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Labour, and has been Chairman of the Joint Committee on Office of Profit and a Member of National Social Security Board.
- Virendra Kumar had actively participated in the JP movement of the 1970s, and went to jails for 16 months under MISA during the Emergency. He had initiated a movement for solving the problems faced by students and opened a library for their assistance..
4)Anantkumar Hegde
- Shri Anantkumar Hegde is a Lok Sabha MP from Uttara Kannada, Karnataka. He is a Member of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on External Affairs and Human Resource Development.
- Having been elected as an MP for the first time at the young age of 28 years, Anantkumar Hedge is now a 5th term Lok Sabha MP.
- He has also been a member of the Spices Board of India for 4 terms.
- He is a practitioner of Tae-kwon-do, a Korean Martial Art.
5)Raj Kumar Singh
- Shri Raj Kumar Singh is a Lok Sabha MP from Arrah, Bihar. He is a Member of the Parliamentary Standing Committees on Health and Family Welfare, Personnel, Pensions and Public Grievances and Law & Justice.
- Raj Kumar Singh is a former IAS officer of the 1975 batch, Bihar cadre.
- In an illustrious career before, he served in multiple important roles of responsibility including Defence Production Secretary and Joint Secretary Home; as well as heading Home, Industries, Public Works and Agriculture amongst other departments in the Bihar Government. He is known for his contributions to schemes for Police Modernization and Prison Modernization, and laying down a framework for Disaster Management.
6)Hardeep Singh Puri
- Shri Hardeep Puri is a decorated former IFS officer of the 1974 batch, known for his experience and expertise in foreign policy and national security.
- Hardeep Puri is the President and Chairman of Research and Information System for Developing Countries (RIS) think tank, and was the Vice President of International Peace Institute, New York.
- As Head of the Indian Delegation to the UN Security Council, Hardeep Puri had served as Chairman of the Counter-Terrorism Committee of the UN as well as President of the United Nations Security Council.
7)Gajendra Singh Shekhawat
- Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat is a Lok Sabha MP from Jodhpur, Rajasthan. He is a Member of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Finance and Chairperson of the Fellowship Committee.
- His popularity on social media exemplifies his connect with the youth of today.
- A sports enthusiast, Gajendra Singh Shekhawat has participated at National and All India Inter University level in Basket Ball. He currently is a Member of the All India Council of Sports and the President of Basketball India Players Association.
8)Satya Pal Singh
- Shri Satya Pal Singh is a Lok Sabha MP from Baghpat, Uttar Pradesh. He is a Member of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Home Affairs and Chairperson of the Joint Committee on Offices of Profit.
- Satya Pal Singh is a distinguished former IPS officer of the 1980 batch, Maharashtra cadre, and has been recognized with medals like the Antrik Suraksha Sewa Padak by Government of India in 2008 and a Special Service Medal for extraordinary work in the Naxalite areas of Andhra Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh in 1990.
- Satya Pal Singh has written best-selling books, including on topics like tribal conflict resolution and Naxalism. He is a scholar of Vedic studies and Sanskrit, and regularly delivers lectures on spirituality, religious harmony and corruption.
9)Alphons Kannanthanam
- Shri Alphons Kannanthanam is a distinguished former IAS officer of the 1979 batch, Kerala cadre. He is also a practicing advocate.
- Alphons Kannanthanam became famous as Delhi’s Demolition Man when he was Commissioner of the Delhi Development Authority, having cleared DDA areas of encroachment removing around 15,000 illegal buildings. This got him listed in Time Magazine’s list of 100 Young Global Leaders in 1994.
- Alphons Kannanthanam set up Janshakti, an NGO in 1994, to get citizens to believe in their ability to make government accountable to people.
- Alphons Kannanthanam retired from the IAS, to get elected as an Independent Member of Legislative Assembly for Kanjirappally in Kerala from 2006 to 2011.
- He is a Member of the Committee to prepare the final draft of the National Education Policy 2017.
- Alphons Kannanthanam has authored a bestselling book “Making A Difference”
On September 3,2017, the cabinet got extended and reshuffled for the third time. Modi expanded his council of ministers twice–first on November 9, 2014 and then on July 5, 2016. Nine new Ministers of state were inducted into the Union Council of Ministers. Four Ministers of state were elevated to the cabinet rank.
Ministers of State who got into Cabinet Rank: –
The ministers promoted were Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi, Dharmendra Pradhan, Piyush Goyal and Nirmala Sitharaman.
1) Nirmala Sitharaman
She is promoted to ministry of defence. She is the first full time independent women defence minister. Prior to her, former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi held the defence portfolio as an additional charge on two occasions. Prior to her defence ministry was under Arun Jaitley now he sheds Defence and will retain the Finance Ministry. He will however attend an international meeting of Defence Ministers in Japan.
Commerce and Industries department which was held by Nirmala sitharaman is now transferred to Suresh Prabhu who exits as railway minister.
2) Piyush goyal
The railway department which was held by suresh prabhu is now transferred to Piyush Goyal. Apart from Railways, Piyush Goyal retains the ministry of coal.
3) Dharmendra Pradhan
Dharmendra Pradhan, now cabinet minister, will continue to have charge of Petroleum and Natural Gas and will also be minister for skill development and entrepreneurship, which Rajiv Pratap Rudy gave up two days ago.
4) Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi
Minority Affairs Minister Muqtar Abbas Naqvi continues in his departments as a Cabinet minister.
New members to the Cabinet : –
1) Shiv Pratap Shukla
- Shri Shiv Pratap Shukla is a Rajya Sabha MP from Uttar Pradesh. He is a Member of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Rural Development.
- He served as a Cabinet Minister in the Uttar Pradesh government for 8 years, and is known for his work in Rural Development, Education and Prison reform during his tenure.
- A Law Graduate with an LLB from Gorakhpur University, Shiv Pratap Shukla started off early in politics as a student leader in the 1970s.
- He was imprisoned for 19 months under the Maintenance of Internal Security Act (MISA) during the Emergency.
2) Ashwini Kumar Choubey
- Shri Ashwini Kumar Choubey is a Lok Sabha MP from Buxar, Bihar. He is member of the Parliamentary Committee on Estimates and Standing Committee on Energy. He is also a Member of Central Silk Board.
- Ashwini Kumar Choubey has been elected for 5 consecutive terms to the Bihar Legislative Assembly. He has held important portfolios including Health, Urban Development and Public Health Engineering as a Cabinet Minister of the Government of Bihar for 8 years.
- Starting early in politics as the President of the Student`s Union of Patna University, Ashwini Kumar Choubey was an active part of the JP movement in the 1970s. He was taken into custody during the Emergency under MISA.
- He has helped construct 11,000 toilets for Mahadalit families.
- Having faced the disastrous Kedarnath floods with his family in 2013, Ashwini Kumar Choubey has authored a book Kedarnath Trasadi on the tragedy.
3)Virendra Kumar
- Shri Virendra Kumar is a Lok Sabha MP from Tikamgah, Madhya Pradesh. He has had a distinguished career in Public Service as a 6 term Lok Sabha MP.
- Virendra Kumar is the Chairperson of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Labour, and has been Chairman of the Joint Committee on Office of Profit and a Member of National Social Security Board.
- Virendra Kumar had actively participated in the JP movement of the 1970s, and went to jails for 16 months under MISA during the Emergency. He had initiated a movement for solving the problems faced by students and opened a library for their assistance..
4)Anantkumar Hegde
- Shri Anantkumar Hegde is a Lok Sabha MP from Uttara Kannada, Karnataka. He is a Member of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on External Affairs and Human Resource Development.
- Having been elected as an MP for the first time at the young age of 28 years, Anantkumar Hedge is now a 5th term Lok Sabha MP.
- He has also been a member of the Spices Board of India for 4 terms.
- He is a practitioner of Tae-kwon-do, a Korean Martial Art.
5)Raj Kumar Singh
- Shri Raj Kumar Singh is a Lok Sabha MP from Arrah, Bihar. He is a Member of the Parliamentary Standing Committees on Health and Family Welfare, Personnel, Pensions and Public Grievances and Law & Justice.
- Raj Kumar Singh is a former IAS officer of the 1975 batch, Bihar cadre.
- In an illustrious career before, he served in multiple important roles of responsibility including Defence Production Secretary and Joint Secretary Home; as well as heading Home, Industries, Public Works and Agriculture amongst other departments in the Bihar Government. He is known for his contributions to schemes for Police Modernization and Prison Modernization, and laying down a framework for Disaster Management.
6)Hardeep Singh Puri
- Shri Hardeep Puri is a decorated former IFS officer of the 1974 batch, known for his experience and expertise in foreign policy and national security.
- Hardeep Puri is the President and Chairman of Research and Information System for Developing Countries (RIS) think tank, and was the Vice President of International Peace Institute, New York.
- As Head of the Indian Delegation to the UN Security Council, Hardeep Puri had served as Chairman of the Counter-Terrorism Committee of the UN as well as President of the United Nations Security Council.
7)Gajendra Singh Shekhawat
- Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat is a Lok Sabha MP from Jodhpur, Rajasthan. He is a Member of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Finance and Chairperson of the Fellowship Committee.
- His popularity on social media exemplifies his connect with the youth of today.
- A sports enthusiast, Gajendra Singh Shekhawat has participated at National and All India Inter University level in Basket Ball. He currently is a Member of the All India Council of Sports and the President of Basketball India Players Association.
8)Satya Pal Singh
- Shri Satya Pal Singh is a Lok Sabha MP from Baghpat, Uttar Pradesh. He is a Member of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Home Affairs and Chairperson of the Joint Committee on Offices of Profit.
- Satya Pal Singh is a distinguished former IPS officer of the 1980 batch, Maharashtra cadre, and has been recognized with medals like the Antrik Suraksha Sewa Padak by Government of India in 2008 and a Special Service Medal for extraordinary work in the Naxalite areas of Andhra Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh in 1990.
- Satya Pal Singh has written best-selling books, including on topics like tribal conflict resolution and Naxalism. He is a scholar of Vedic studies and Sanskrit, and regularly delivers lectures on spirituality, religious harmony and corruption.
9)Alphons Kannanthanam
- Shri Alphons Kannanthanam is a distinguished former IAS officer of the 1979 batch, Kerala cadre. He is also a practicing advocate.
- Alphons Kannanthanam became famous as Delhi’s Demolition Man when he was Commissioner of the Delhi Development Authority, having cleared DDA areas of encroachment removing around 15,000 illegal buildings. This got him listed in Time Magazine’s list of 100 Young Global Leaders in 1994.
- Alphons Kannanthanam set up Janshakti, an NGO in 1994, to get citizens to believe in their ability to make government accountable to people.
- Alphons Kannanthanam retired from the IAS, to get elected as an Independent Member of Legislative Assembly for Kanjirappally in Kerala from 2006 to 2011.
- He is a Member of the Committee to prepare the final draft of the National Education Policy 2017.
- Alphons Kannanthanam has authored a bestselling book “Making A Difference”
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