General Affairs
Hike In Pay For Anganwadi, Asha Workers To Be Effective Next Month
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The Union Cabinet Wednesday approved an increase in the honorarium for Anganwadi and Asha workers which will become effective next month.
Anganwadi workers receiving Rs. 3,000 per month will now get Rs. 4,500. Similarly, those at mini-Anganwadi centres receiving Rs. 2,200 per month will now get Rs. 3,500.
The honorarium for Anganwadi helpers has also been increased from Rs. 1,500 to Rs. 2,250 per month, the Cabinet said in a statement.
Anganwadi workers and helpers using techniques such as common application software (ICDS-CAS) will get additional performance-based incentives ranging between Rs. 250 and Rs. 500, it said.
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has also given its approval to increase routine and recurring incentives under the National Health Mission for Asha workers from Rs. 1000 to Rs. 2000 per month, the statement said.
PM Modi had announced the hike in monthly honorariums for Anganwadi and Asha workers on September 11.
There are around 14 lakh Anganwadis or child care centres in rural areas across the country and 10 crore beneficiaries, including children under the age of six, pregnant women and lactating mothers. There are a total of 12,83,707 Anganwadi workers and 10,50,564 helpers.
There are a total of 10,23,136 accredited social health activists (Asha) across the country.
Anganwadi workers receiving Rs. 3,000 per month will now get Rs. 4,500. Similarly, those at mini-Anganwadi centres receiving Rs. 2,200 per month will now get Rs. 3,500.
The honorarium for Anganwadi helpers has also been increased from Rs. 1,500 to Rs. 2,250 per month, the Cabinet said in a statement.
Anganwadi workers and helpers using techniques such as common application software (ICDS-CAS) will get additional performance-based incentives ranging between Rs. 250 and Rs. 500, it said.
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has also given its approval to increase routine and recurring incentives under the National Health Mission for Asha workers from Rs. 1000 to Rs. 2000 per month, the statement said.
PM Modi had announced the hike in monthly honorariums for Anganwadi and Asha workers on September 11.
There are around 14 lakh Anganwadis or child care centres in rural areas across the country and 10 crore beneficiaries, including children under the age of six, pregnant women and lactating mothers. There are a total of 12,83,707 Anganwadi workers and 10,50,564 helpers.
There are a total of 10,23,136 accredited social health activists (Asha) across the country.
Uproar In Odisha Assembly Over "Derogatory Remarks" On Konark Sun Temple
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Legislators of ruling BJD and opposition Congress on Tuesday demanded action against one Abhijit Iyer Mitra for making derogatory remarks about the Sun Temple in Konark.
As soon as the House assembled at 10:30 am, the BJD members protested against the remarks made by Abhijit Mitra, who is reportedly a friend of former parliamentarian Baijayant Panda.
The ruling party members staged a dharna in the well of the House and later near the Mahatma Gandhi statue on the assembly premises.
In a video uploaded on social media, Mr Mitra is seen criticising the famous 13th Century temple.
Stating that Mr Mitra has ridiculed the Sun Temple, BJD MLA Sanjay Dasburma said, "It (Mitra's video) is an insult to the state and its existence. Action should be taken against the man (Mitra)."
Konark Sun Temple is a 13th century monument built by King Narasimhadeva I. It is renowned for the intricate artwork on the walls.
Leader of Opposition Narasingha Mishra said, "There are two video clips which show a non-Odia man standing in front of the Konark Temple making comments."
He said, "It hurts the sentiments of Odisha irrespective of party and religion. He says the art and sculpture are contrary to Hindu culture. This is unwarranted and condemnable."
"Abhijit Mitra should be prosecuted. Contents in the video are enough evidence to prosecute him under the law," Mr Mishra said.
As per information available at the Biju Patnaik International Airport in Bhubaneswar, Mr Mitra flew in along with Mr Panda in a chopper on September 15.
BJP legislature party leader KV Singhdeo said, "He (Mitra) is not a BJP man."
Speaking on BJD's protest against Mr Mitra's remarks, Mr Singhdeo alleged that it was a diversionary tactic of the ruling party to avoid the alleged cooperative bank scam being raised by the BJP and opposition parties.
BJP member Pradip Purohit also criticised the ruling party and accused it of trying to divert the attention from the alleged scams in the House.
As soon as the House assembled at 10:30 am, the BJD members protested against the remarks made by Abhijit Mitra, who is reportedly a friend of former parliamentarian Baijayant Panda.
The ruling party members staged a dharna in the well of the House and later near the Mahatma Gandhi statue on the assembly premises.
In a video uploaded on social media, Mr Mitra is seen criticising the famous 13th Century temple.
Stating that Mr Mitra has ridiculed the Sun Temple, BJD MLA Sanjay Dasburma said, "It (Mitra's video) is an insult to the state and its existence. Action should be taken against the man (Mitra)."
Konark Sun Temple is a 13th century monument built by King Narasimhadeva I. It is renowned for the intricate artwork on the walls.
Leader of Opposition Narasingha Mishra said, "There are two video clips which show a non-Odia man standing in front of the Konark Temple making comments."
He said, "It hurts the sentiments of Odisha irrespective of party and religion. He says the art and sculpture are contrary to Hindu culture. This is unwarranted and condemnable."
"Abhijit Mitra should be prosecuted. Contents in the video are enough evidence to prosecute him under the law," Mr Mishra said.
As per information available at the Biju Patnaik International Airport in Bhubaneswar, Mr Mitra flew in along with Mr Panda in a chopper on September 15.
BJP legislature party leader KV Singhdeo said, "He (Mitra) is not a BJP man."
Speaking on BJD's protest against Mr Mitra's remarks, Mr Singhdeo alleged that it was a diversionary tactic of the ruling party to avoid the alleged cooperative bank scam being raised by the BJP and opposition parties.
BJP member Pradip Purohit also criticised the ruling party and accused it of trying to divert the attention from the alleged scams in the House.
House Arrest Of 5 Activists In Koregaon-Bhima Case Extended Till Tomorrow
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The Supreme Court Wednesday extended the house arrest of five activists in connection with the Koregaon-Bhima case by a day, saying it would look into the case with a hawk's eye as liberty cannot be "sacrificed at the altar of conjectures".
The top court told the Maharashtra government that there should be a clear-cut distinction between opposition and dissent on one hand and attempts to create disturbance, law and order problems or overthrow the government on the other.
"Our institutions must be robust enough to accommodate any dissent or opposition to the system or even to this court. We cannot sacrifice liberty at the altar of conjectures,"a bench of Chief Justice Dipak Misra and Justices A M Khanwilkar and D Y Chandrachud said.
The top court extended till tomorrow the house arrest of the five rights activists --Varavara Rao, Arun Ferreira, Vernon Gonsalves, Sudha Bharadwaj and Gautam Navlakha-- at their respective homes.
During the hearing, it asked the Maharashtra government to place before it the "best documents available" as most of the material referred by it were "more like conjectures."
Additional Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for Maharashtra government referred to the various stages of investigations in the case and the materials which led to the arrest of the five activists.
"As a nation, we should be concerned at this. It is too serious a matter. I request the court to form an opinion only after hearing the matter in full," Mr Mehta said.
To this, Justice Chandrachud said "Yes, we will do that, but our mind is human" and added "we will look at this case with a hawk's eye".
"You have to make a clear-cut distinction between dissent and opposition and attempts to create disturbance, law and order problem, overthrow elected government," it said.
Senior advocate Harish Salve, appearing for complainant Tushar Damgude, said "the court should hear the matter in full as what can be simple today may be complex tomorrow and what is complex today may be simple tomorrow".
The bench asked the state government regarding the presence of the independent witnesses, who are employees of the Pune Municipal Corporation, during the search operations conducted at the homes of the activists.
"Why did you have to carry two clerks from Pune Municipal Corporation to Maharashtra Sadan to act as 'panch' (independent) witnesses? The allegation of petitioners is that they were stock witnesses who were present during searches," the bench asked Mehta.
The ASG said he will explain everything and the police will file an affidavit to clarify the position.
The bench, while referring to the documents submitted by the state government, pointed out that it has been said that students of a reputed university were at the site.
"Your documents name a reputed university and a prominent social science institute."
It said there are institutes and universities which keep sending students and scholars for research work in affected areas, which does not mean they are involved with any unlawful organisation.
Mr Mehta said one of the letters written on April 18, 2017, by an arrested accused Rona Wilson to one Comrade Prakash reveal that there was systematic plan to create chaos and law and order problem.
He said this letter was recovered from the computer of Wilson during the search and investigation has revealed that Prakash was the chief communicator of the central committee of CPI (Maoist).
Mr Mehta alleged that the activists had planned to organise an international seminar for creating an opinion and systematically create chaos in the society.
At this, the bench said "our system should be robust enough to deal such international seminars."
Mr Mehta also alleged that former Delhi University professor G N Saibaba, who was convicted and sentenced to life by a trial court last year, has changed his name from Prakash to Chetan.
Senior advocate A M Singhvi, appearing for petitioner Romila Thapar and others said this case is "cooked up" as the police has based its entire case on 13 letters, of which 6-7 were written to or received by Comrade Prakash.
"If Comrade Prakash is G N Saibaba who is in jail since March 7, 2017. Then how can he receive or write a letter even after his conviction", he said, adding that all intrinsic evidence is being cooked up in the name of a person who is in jail.
He said that a supervisory court-monitored SIT should be formed to look into the entire spectrum of the case.
Mr Singhvi also questioned the presence of the 'panch' witnesses during the searches and arrests of the activists.
Senior advocate Anand Grover, Ashwini Kumar and advocate Prashant Bhushan also alleged that the entire case was cooked up and adequate safeguards should be provided to protect the liberty of five activists.
The hearing remained inconclusive and would continue tomorrow.
The top court had on September 17 said it may order an SIT probe if it found that the evidence has been "cooked up".
The plea by Ms Thapar and economists Prabhat Patnaik and Devaki Jain, sociology professor Satish Deshpande and human rights lawyer Maja Daruwala has sought an independent probe into the arrests and the immediate release of the five activists.
The top court told the Maharashtra government that there should be a clear-cut distinction between opposition and dissent on one hand and attempts to create disturbance, law and order problems or overthrow the government on the other.
"Our institutions must be robust enough to accommodate any dissent or opposition to the system or even to this court. We cannot sacrifice liberty at the altar of conjectures,"a bench of Chief Justice Dipak Misra and Justices A M Khanwilkar and D Y Chandrachud said.
The top court extended till tomorrow the house arrest of the five rights activists --Varavara Rao, Arun Ferreira, Vernon Gonsalves, Sudha Bharadwaj and Gautam Navlakha-- at their respective homes.
During the hearing, it asked the Maharashtra government to place before it the "best documents available" as most of the material referred by it were "more like conjectures."
Additional Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for Maharashtra government referred to the various stages of investigations in the case and the materials which led to the arrest of the five activists.
"As a nation, we should be concerned at this. It is too serious a matter. I request the court to form an opinion only after hearing the matter in full," Mr Mehta said.
To this, Justice Chandrachud said "Yes, we will do that, but our mind is human" and added "we will look at this case with a hawk's eye".
"You have to make a clear-cut distinction between dissent and opposition and attempts to create disturbance, law and order problem, overthrow elected government," it said.
Senior advocate Harish Salve, appearing for complainant Tushar Damgude, said "the court should hear the matter in full as what can be simple today may be complex tomorrow and what is complex today may be simple tomorrow".
The bench asked the state government regarding the presence of the independent witnesses, who are employees of the Pune Municipal Corporation, during the search operations conducted at the homes of the activists.
"Why did you have to carry two clerks from Pune Municipal Corporation to Maharashtra Sadan to act as 'panch' (independent) witnesses? The allegation of petitioners is that they were stock witnesses who were present during searches," the bench asked Mehta.
The ASG said he will explain everything and the police will file an affidavit to clarify the position.
The bench, while referring to the documents submitted by the state government, pointed out that it has been said that students of a reputed university were at the site.
"Your documents name a reputed university and a prominent social science institute."
It said there are institutes and universities which keep sending students and scholars for research work in affected areas, which does not mean they are involved with any unlawful organisation.
Mr Mehta said one of the letters written on April 18, 2017, by an arrested accused Rona Wilson to one Comrade Prakash reveal that there was systematic plan to create chaos and law and order problem.
He said this letter was recovered from the computer of Wilson during the search and investigation has revealed that Prakash was the chief communicator of the central committee of CPI (Maoist).
Mr Mehta alleged that the activists had planned to organise an international seminar for creating an opinion and systematically create chaos in the society.
At this, the bench said "our system should be robust enough to deal such international seminars."
Mr Mehta also alleged that former Delhi University professor G N Saibaba, who was convicted and sentenced to life by a trial court last year, has changed his name from Prakash to Chetan.
Senior advocate A M Singhvi, appearing for petitioner Romila Thapar and others said this case is "cooked up" as the police has based its entire case on 13 letters, of which 6-7 were written to or received by Comrade Prakash.
"If Comrade Prakash is G N Saibaba who is in jail since March 7, 2017. Then how can he receive or write a letter even after his conviction", he said, adding that all intrinsic evidence is being cooked up in the name of a person who is in jail.
He said that a supervisory court-monitored SIT should be formed to look into the entire spectrum of the case.
Mr Singhvi also questioned the presence of the 'panch' witnesses during the searches and arrests of the activists.
Senior advocate Anand Grover, Ashwini Kumar and advocate Prashant Bhushan also alleged that the entire case was cooked up and adequate safeguards should be provided to protect the liberty of five activists.
The hearing remained inconclusive and would continue tomorrow.
The top court had on September 17 said it may order an SIT probe if it found that the evidence has been "cooked up".
The plea by Ms Thapar and economists Prabhat Patnaik and Devaki Jain, sociology professor Satish Deshpande and human rights lawyer Maja Daruwala has sought an independent probe into the arrests and the immediate release of the five activists.
Everyone Living In India Is Hindu By Identity, Nationality: RSS Chief
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RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat, who has shared his views on wide-ranging subjects in course of a three-day outreach conclave, said today, "Everyone who lives in India is Hindu by identity, nationality."
Speaking on the last day of the Bhavishya ka Bharat - an RSS perspective", Mohan Bhagwat said: "All those who live in India are Hindu. They hesitate to say that. All people are our own. Our tradition is unity."
Mohan Bhagwat, responding to questions on mob attacks by self-declared cow protectors, also said that "gau raksha (cow protection) should not be confused with vigilantism or mob violence".
The RSS of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh is the ideological mentor of the ruling BJP.
The conclave, which featured invitees from various fields, is seen as an attempt at a makeover by the organization widely perceived as a fountainhead of pro-Hindu ideology and groups.
In that theme, Mr Bhagwat said the RSS is not against inter-caste marriage and it really is a question of compatibility between a man and woman.
If there is was a "census" on inter-caste marriages, he remarked, the maximum cases would be from the Sangh.
Yesterday, the RSS chief had said "Hindutva" means inclusivity and accepting Muslims is a part of it. "Hindu Rashtra doesn't mean there's no place for Muslims. If we don't accept Muslims, it's not Hindutva. Hindutva is Indianness and inclusivity," he had said.
Mohan Bhagwat surprised his audience on Day 1 by praising the role of the Congress in the freedom movement. "Congress played a big role in the freedom struggle and gave India many great personalities. Some of those people are still our guiding force," he said.
In what was seen to be a message for the BJP leadership, the RSS chief also sought to distance the organization from any political role saying the Sangh has views on national issues but does not interfere in the government's functioning.
"Often people make this speculation that a call from Nagpur (RSS headquarters) must be behind a particular decision (of the government). This is all baseless. All those working (in the government) are seniors and they are far more experienced in politics than us," said the RSS chief, asserting that "They are our Swayamsevaks, but are capable of doing their job."
Speaking on the last day of the Bhavishya ka Bharat - an RSS perspective", Mohan Bhagwat said: "All those who live in India are Hindu. They hesitate to say that. All people are our own. Our tradition is unity."
Mohan Bhagwat, responding to questions on mob attacks by self-declared cow protectors, also said that "gau raksha (cow protection) should not be confused with vigilantism or mob violence".
The RSS of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh is the ideological mentor of the ruling BJP.
The conclave, which featured invitees from various fields, is seen as an attempt at a makeover by the organization widely perceived as a fountainhead of pro-Hindu ideology and groups.
In that theme, Mr Bhagwat said the RSS is not against inter-caste marriage and it really is a question of compatibility between a man and woman.
If there is was a "census" on inter-caste marriages, he remarked, the maximum cases would be from the Sangh.
Yesterday, the RSS chief had said "Hindutva" means inclusivity and accepting Muslims is a part of it. "Hindu Rashtra doesn't mean there's no place for Muslims. If we don't accept Muslims, it's not Hindutva. Hindutva is Indianness and inclusivity," he had said.
Mohan Bhagwat surprised his audience on Day 1 by praising the role of the Congress in the freedom movement. "Congress played a big role in the freedom struggle and gave India many great personalities. Some of those people are still our guiding force," he said.
In what was seen to be a message for the BJP leadership, the RSS chief also sought to distance the organization from any political role saying the Sangh has views on national issues but does not interfere in the government's functioning.
"Often people make this speculation that a call from Nagpur (RSS headquarters) must be behind a particular decision (of the government). This is all baseless. All those working (in the government) are seniors and they are far more experienced in politics than us," said the RSS chief, asserting that "They are our Swayamsevaks, but are capable of doing their job."
Central Team To Visit Kerala For 5 Days To Assess Flood Damage
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An inter-ministerial team, headed by a special secretary of the Home Ministry, will visit Kerala for five days beginning Thursday to assess the damage caused by the recent devastating floods, officials said.
The move came after the Kerala government sent a detailed memorandum seeking Rs. 4,700 crore as compensation for the damage occurred due to rains and floods, considered to be worst in a century.
The inter-ministerial team, headed by Special Secretary B R Sharma, will visit Kerala from September 20 to 24, a Home Ministry official said.
At least 488 people have died in Kerala due to the rains and floods this monsoon, which hit 14 districts of the state.
The Kerala government memorandum comprises details about the loss of human life, properties, infrastructure and crops.
In case of any natural calamity beyond the coping capacity of a state, the state government submits a detailed memorandum indicating sector-wise details of damage and requirement of funds for relief operations of immediate nature.
Accordingly, the Kerala government sent the memorandum, the official said.
According to the existing guidelines, the Inter-Ministerial Central Team (IMCT) will visit the state for on-the-spot assessment of damage and additional requirement of funds.
The IMCT report will be considered by the sub-committee of national executive committee (SC-NEC) headed by the Union home secretary in conformity with the norms and then by a high-level committee, chaired by the home minister for approving the quantum of additional assistance from the National Disaster Relief Fund (NDRF), another official said.
The financial mechanism to meet the rescue and relief expenditure during any notified disaster event is governed by guidelines on the State Disaster Relief Fund (SDRF) and the NDRF, the official said.
The State Disaster Relief Fund has been constituted in each state in which the Centre contributes 75 per cent for general category states and 90 per cent for special category states of hilly regions every year according to the award of the successive Finance Commissions.
According to the guidelines, the Centre provides its allocation to the SDRF of each state in advance in two installments.
In case of any natural calamity, the state meets the expenditure of relief and rescue from the State Disaster Relief Fund already available at its disposal.
On August 21, the central government had released Rs. 600 crore to flood-hit Kerala as promised by Prime Minister Narendra Modi (Rs. 500 crore) and Home Minister Rajnath Singh (Rs. 100 crore) during their visits to the state. This was in addition to Rs. 562.45 crore already made available in the State Disaster Relief Fund of Kerala.
The move came after the Kerala government sent a detailed memorandum seeking Rs. 4,700 crore as compensation for the damage occurred due to rains and floods, considered to be worst in a century.
The inter-ministerial team, headed by Special Secretary B R Sharma, will visit Kerala from September 20 to 24, a Home Ministry official said.
At least 488 people have died in Kerala due to the rains and floods this monsoon, which hit 14 districts of the state.
The Kerala government memorandum comprises details about the loss of human life, properties, infrastructure and crops.
In case of any natural calamity beyond the coping capacity of a state, the state government submits a detailed memorandum indicating sector-wise details of damage and requirement of funds for relief operations of immediate nature.
Accordingly, the Kerala government sent the memorandum, the official said.
According to the existing guidelines, the Inter-Ministerial Central Team (IMCT) will visit the state for on-the-spot assessment of damage and additional requirement of funds.
The IMCT report will be considered by the sub-committee of national executive committee (SC-NEC) headed by the Union home secretary in conformity with the norms and then by a high-level committee, chaired by the home minister for approving the quantum of additional assistance from the National Disaster Relief Fund (NDRF), another official said.
The financial mechanism to meet the rescue and relief expenditure during any notified disaster event is governed by guidelines on the State Disaster Relief Fund (SDRF) and the NDRF, the official said.
The State Disaster Relief Fund has been constituted in each state in which the Centre contributes 75 per cent for general category states and 90 per cent for special category states of hilly regions every year according to the award of the successive Finance Commissions.
According to the guidelines, the Centre provides its allocation to the SDRF of each state in advance in two installments.
In case of any natural calamity, the state meets the expenditure of relief and rescue from the State Disaster Relief Fund already available at its disposal.
On August 21, the central government had released Rs. 600 crore to flood-hit Kerala as promised by Prime Minister Narendra Modi (Rs. 500 crore) and Home Minister Rajnath Singh (Rs. 100 crore) during their visits to the state. This was in addition to Rs. 562.45 crore already made available in the State Disaster Relief Fund of Kerala.
Business Affairs
RBI eases norms for overseas fund raising to support rupee
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The Reserve Bank of India eased norms for companies in manufacturing sector to raise overseas funds on Wednesday and allowed Indian banks to market Masala Bonds in line with the government's measures to prop up the rupee.
Following a review of the economy by Prime Minister Narendra Modi last week, the government announced an array of measures to check the decline of rupee and curb the widening current account deficit (CAD).
Liberalisation of the External Commercial Borrowing (ECB) norms was among other measures announced by the government.
"It has been decided, in consultation with the government, to liberalise some aspects of the ECB policy including policy on rupee denominated bonds (Masala Bonds) ...," the RBI said in a notification.
As per the revised policy, eligible ECB borrowers who are into manufacturing sector, will be allowed to raise ECB up to USD 50 million or its equivalent with minimum average maturity period of 1 year. The earlier average minimum maturity period was three years.
The central bank has also made changes in norms wherein Indian banks can market Masala Bonds overseas.
Presently, Indian banks can act only as arranger/ underwriter for such bonds and in case of underwriting an issue, their holding cannot be more than 5 per cent of the issue size after 6 months of issue.
Now, the banks can "participate as arrangers/ underwriters/ market makers/ traders in RDBs issued overseas subject to applicable prudential norms," the notification said.
The rupee has been losing value against the US dollar, and had almost touched 73 on Tuesday.
However, the domestic unit Wednesday bounced back by 61 paise to end at 72.37 against the dollar.
Following a review of the economy by Prime Minister Narendra Modi last week, the government announced an array of measures to check the decline of rupee and curb the widening current account deficit (CAD).
Liberalisation of the External Commercial Borrowing (ECB) norms was among other measures announced by the government.
"It has been decided, in consultation with the government, to liberalise some aspects of the ECB policy including policy on rupee denominated bonds (Masala Bonds) ...," the RBI said in a notification.
As per the revised policy, eligible ECB borrowers who are into manufacturing sector, will be allowed to raise ECB up to USD 50 million or its equivalent with minimum average maturity period of 1 year. The earlier average minimum maturity period was three years.
The central bank has also made changes in norms wherein Indian banks can market Masala Bonds overseas.
Presently, Indian banks can act only as arranger/ underwriter for such bonds and in case of underwriting an issue, their holding cannot be more than 5 per cent of the issue size after 6 months of issue.
Now, the banks can "participate as arrangers/ underwriters/ market makers/ traders in RDBs issued overseas subject to applicable prudential norms," the notification said.
The rupee has been losing value against the US dollar, and had almost touched 73 on Tuesday.
However, the domestic unit Wednesday bounced back by 61 paise to end at 72.37 against the dollar.
Jet Airways to end free meal service under new economy fares
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Cash-strapped Jet Airways will stop serving free meals to customers who book flights under its 'economy light' and 'economy deal' options from September 28. However, complimentary beverage service including tea and coffee will continue for all passengers.
The Naresh Goyal-owned full service carrier is facing financial headwinds due to rise in fuel prices and cut-throat competition from budget carriers. Guests on-board Jet Airways flights currently get complimentary meals irrespective of class or fare.
However, after making the in-flight meal optional, the airline said flyers will not only be able to avail competitive low fares but have the opportunity to buy meals from a specially curated on-board menu.
"You can choose from vegetarian and non-vegetarian meals, including hot meal options on select flights and pay using debit or credit cards," it said.
The airline said its new fare choices bring more value for money, by letting passengers choose a travel plan based on preference, travel requirements and budget. "We have now unbundled fares in 'Light' and 'Deal' categories of Fare Choices in Economy, for flights within India. With this enhancement, you now have the flexibility to choose fares offering flight and meal or flight only option," Jet Airways said.
On international flights, all features and benefits under First Class, Premiere and Economy remain unchanged, it added.
The airline had reported Rs 1,323 crore of net loss for the three months to June owing to higher fuel cost and other expenses due to the falling rupee. The ongoing cash crunch has forced the airline to embark on Rs 2,000-crore cost cutting drive and stake sale in its loyalty programme Jet Privilege as part of capital infusion.
Making matters worse, Jet Airways' cost of fuel as a percentage of operations shot up from nearly 40 per cent 2 years ago to nearly 65 per cent today. The airline has a negative net worth of over Rs 7,000 crore.
The Naresh Goyal-owned full service carrier is facing financial headwinds due to rise in fuel prices and cut-throat competition from budget carriers. Guests on-board Jet Airways flights currently get complimentary meals irrespective of class or fare.
However, after making the in-flight meal optional, the airline said flyers will not only be able to avail competitive low fares but have the opportunity to buy meals from a specially curated on-board menu.
"You can choose from vegetarian and non-vegetarian meals, including hot meal options on select flights and pay using debit or credit cards," it said.
The airline said its new fare choices bring more value for money, by letting passengers choose a travel plan based on preference, travel requirements and budget. "We have now unbundled fares in 'Light' and 'Deal' categories of Fare Choices in Economy, for flights within India. With this enhancement, you now have the flexibility to choose fares offering flight and meal or flight only option," Jet Airways said.
On international flights, all features and benefits under First Class, Premiere and Economy remain unchanged, it added.
The airline had reported Rs 1,323 crore of net loss for the three months to June owing to higher fuel cost and other expenses due to the falling rupee. The ongoing cash crunch has forced the airline to embark on Rs 2,000-crore cost cutting drive and stake sale in its loyalty programme Jet Privilege as part of capital infusion.
Making matters worse, Jet Airways' cost of fuel as a percentage of operations shot up from nearly 40 per cent 2 years ago to nearly 65 per cent today. The airline has a negative net worth of over Rs 7,000 crore.
Alibaba's Jack Ma warns US-China trade war could drag for 20 years
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Cautioning businesses in China to be ready for a long drawn trade war with US, Alibaba Group founder Jack Ma said the dispute could drag for 20 years, extending far beyond the presidency of Donald Trump.
China needs to strengthen its economy to deal with the conflict and shift trade relations from the US to regions like Southeast Asia and Africa, Ma said during a speech at the company's investor day conference in Hangzhou.
"Short term, business communities in China, US, Europe will all be in trouble," Ma said. "This thing will last long. If you want a short-term solution, there is no solution," he added.
China on Tuesday hit back at the US with tariffs on $60 billion worth of American goods, in a tit-for-tat move that came hours after President Donald Trump slapped duties on $200 billion worth of Chinese imports.
Ma also talked about opportunities. "We should not focus on this quarter or next quarter or next year's profit. This is a huge opportunity," he said, adding, "If Alibaba cannot sustain and grow, no company in China can grow. I'm 100 percent confident in that."
Ma, a former English teacher, founded Alibaba in 1999 in an apartment in the eastern city of Hangzhou to connect Chinese suppliers with foreign retailers. Earlier this month, Ma had announced that he will hand over the company Chairman's post to Daniel Zhang, who's currently the CEO of the company. Ma will remain the Executive Chairman for the next one year before Daniel Zhang takes over most of his responsibilities.
Escalating the trade war with the world's second largest economy, Trump had slapped 10 per cent tariffs on $200 billion worth of Chinese imports and the duties will rise to whopping 25 per cent at the end of the year.
China's finance ministry said in a statement: "If the United States insists on raising tariffs even more, China will respond accordingly". China had threatened to retaliate with "synchronised counter measures" against Trump's third round of tariffs, saying the US' move will add "new uncertainties" for future talks between the world's top two economies.
Trump also warned China against any retaliation, saying if Beijing retaliated this time, the US would impose further tariffs on another $267 billion worth of products virtually covering almost all Chinese exports to the US totalling about $522.9 billion.
According to official figures, US goods and services trade with China totalled an estimated $710.4 billion in 2017 of which US exports were $187.5 billion and imports were $522.9 billion.
China needs to strengthen its economy to deal with the conflict and shift trade relations from the US to regions like Southeast Asia and Africa, Ma said during a speech at the company's investor day conference in Hangzhou.
"Short term, business communities in China, US, Europe will all be in trouble," Ma said. "This thing will last long. If you want a short-term solution, there is no solution," he added.
China on Tuesday hit back at the US with tariffs on $60 billion worth of American goods, in a tit-for-tat move that came hours after President Donald Trump slapped duties on $200 billion worth of Chinese imports.
Ma also talked about opportunities. "We should not focus on this quarter or next quarter or next year's profit. This is a huge opportunity," he said, adding, "If Alibaba cannot sustain and grow, no company in China can grow. I'm 100 percent confident in that."
Ma, a former English teacher, founded Alibaba in 1999 in an apartment in the eastern city of Hangzhou to connect Chinese suppliers with foreign retailers. Earlier this month, Ma had announced that he will hand over the company Chairman's post to Daniel Zhang, who's currently the CEO of the company. Ma will remain the Executive Chairman for the next one year before Daniel Zhang takes over most of his responsibilities.
Escalating the trade war with the world's second largest economy, Trump had slapped 10 per cent tariffs on $200 billion worth of Chinese imports and the duties will rise to whopping 25 per cent at the end of the year.
China's finance ministry said in a statement: "If the United States insists on raising tariffs even more, China will respond accordingly". China had threatened to retaliate with "synchronised counter measures" against Trump's third round of tariffs, saying the US' move will add "new uncertainties" for future talks between the world's top two economies.
Trump also warned China against any retaliation, saying if Beijing retaliated this time, the US would impose further tariffs on another $267 billion worth of products virtually covering almost all Chinese exports to the US totalling about $522.9 billion.
According to official figures, US goods and services trade with China totalled an estimated $710.4 billion in 2017 of which US exports were $187.5 billion and imports were $522.9 billion.
SBI to go green! 10,000 ATMs to run on solar power in next two years
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In line with the Modi government's push to reduce carbon footprints, India's largest public sector lender has said it plans to install solar panels on around 10,000 of its ATMs in the next two years. The bank also plans to replace its huge fleet of vehicles with electric ones across India by 2030. The bank has already installed solar panels on as many as 1,200 ATMs. The lender has also covered 150 of its buildings with rooftop solar panels and also plans to increase the number to 250 buildings by 2020.
"We are going to take this number to up to 10,000 ATMs in the next two years," the bank's chief financial officer Prashant Kumar said. The bank aims to turn carbon neutral by 2030. To spread the word, the lender plans to organise a green marathon in 15 cities across India soon.
The SBI has been focussing on installing solar-powered ATMs since 2008. It was the first bank in India to roll out solar-panel based ATMs in rural areas of the country in 2008. The next year, it ordered 300 solar ATMs from Chennai-based Vortex Engineering, and the number has now reached over 1,200. The solar panel ATMs are not only cost effective but easily scalable, transferable and adaptable as well.
India's solar energy capacity has gone up from 2.63 GW in 2014 to 22 GW currently, an eight-fold increase. Last year, India attained the fourth position globally in installed wind power, and its capacity has increased from 21 GW to 34 GW in the past four years.
Reports suggest India will add 227 GW of renewable energy capacity by March 2022. In the bargain, it might even scale up its ranking to the top three countries making investments in the sector, but that additional 52 GW capacity would demand an investment of $50 billion over the next couple of years.
"We are going to take this number to up to 10,000 ATMs in the next two years," the bank's chief financial officer Prashant Kumar said. The bank aims to turn carbon neutral by 2030. To spread the word, the lender plans to organise a green marathon in 15 cities across India soon.
The SBI has been focussing on installing solar-powered ATMs since 2008. It was the first bank in India to roll out solar-panel based ATMs in rural areas of the country in 2008. The next year, it ordered 300 solar ATMs from Chennai-based Vortex Engineering, and the number has now reached over 1,200. The solar panel ATMs are not only cost effective but easily scalable, transferable and adaptable as well.
India's solar energy capacity has gone up from 2.63 GW in 2014 to 22 GW currently, an eight-fold increase. Last year, India attained the fourth position globally in installed wind power, and its capacity has increased from 21 GW to 34 GW in the past four years.
Reports suggest India will add 227 GW of renewable energy capacity by March 2022. In the bargain, it might even scale up its ranking to the top three countries making investments in the sector, but that additional 52 GW capacity would demand an investment of $50 billion over the next couple of years.
Anil Ambani says telecom may soon be a monopoly, thanks brother Mukesh for support
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Anil Ambani on Tuesday said there has been a 'creative destruction' of the telecom sector that has resulted in creation of oligopoly which is going towards a duopoly and may be even a monopoly in the future.
Banks are saddled with over Rs 7.7 lakh crore in debt and the financial troubles of operators have resulted in over 20 lakh job losses, he said.
Ambani also announced that the cash-strapped Reliance Communications (RCom) will be completely exiting the telecom business to concentrate on real estate in future.
The first priority for RCom, which is credited for democratising telecom services through cheaper offers in early 2000s, is to resolve its over Rs 40,000 crore debt, he told shareholders at the company's 14th annual general meeting.
"We have decided that we will not proceed in this sector. And many other companies have taken a similar call. This is very much a writing on the wall, the future... As we have moved out of the mobile sector, we will monetise at an appropriate stage our enterprise business. Reliance Realty will be the engine of growth for the future of this company," Ambani said.
He said the residual company will serve 35,000 businesses through the enterprise, data centres, undersea cables and international voice calling verticals and will get half of its revenues from abroad.
RCom is "committed" to exit these verticals as well to pay-off banks and will take a call on the same at an appropriate time, Ambani said.
Pointing out to the 133-acre Dhirubhai Ambani Knowledge City (DAKC) on the outskirts of the financial capital, he said there is huge realty play opportunity that RCom's erstwhile corporate headquarters possesses, and pegged the potential value creation at the site at Rs 25,000 crore.
RCom owes over Rs 40,000 crore to a group of 38 lenders, including Chinese banks, and was resolving the debt through a strategic debt restructuring (SDR) process.
Ambani said he is confident of getting a resolution in the next few months, and added that other monetisation measures, including sale of telecom infrastructure and fibre to Reliance Jio, are at an advanced stage of closure.
He said the company is awaiting final approvals for spectrum sharing and trading from the Department of Telecom.
Anil Ambani also thanked his elder brother Mukesh Ambani, who is credited with conceptualising the undivided group's telecom foray and also bought the assets as part of the beleaguered RCom's monetisation efforts.
"It would be most appropriate for me to thank and acknowledge the support (and) guidance extended to RCom and me personally by my brother Mukesh bhai Ambani," the younger sibling told shareholders.
Reliance Jio's aggressive play is widely blamed for disrupting the telecom sector, which has seen an erosion of profits, asset sales, bankruptcies and consolidation following the entry of the deep-pocketed new entrant.
Reliance Realty is a wholly-owned subsidiary of RCom, which will develop the DAKC in Navi Mumbai, he said, adding that it is an already registered IT and fintech park.
The company already has three million sq ft of built up space, which will be leased out to multi-nationals, Ambani said, adding that he expects revenue accruals through it this year itself.
Banks are saddled with over Rs 7.7 lakh crore in debt and the financial troubles of operators have resulted in over 20 lakh job losses, he said.
Ambani also announced that the cash-strapped Reliance Communications (RCom) will be completely exiting the telecom business to concentrate on real estate in future.
The first priority for RCom, which is credited for democratising telecom services through cheaper offers in early 2000s, is to resolve its over Rs 40,000 crore debt, he told shareholders at the company's 14th annual general meeting.
"We have decided that we will not proceed in this sector. And many other companies have taken a similar call. This is very much a writing on the wall, the future... As we have moved out of the mobile sector, we will monetise at an appropriate stage our enterprise business. Reliance Realty will be the engine of growth for the future of this company," Ambani said.
He said the residual company will serve 35,000 businesses through the enterprise, data centres, undersea cables and international voice calling verticals and will get half of its revenues from abroad.
RCom is "committed" to exit these verticals as well to pay-off banks and will take a call on the same at an appropriate time, Ambani said.
Pointing out to the 133-acre Dhirubhai Ambani Knowledge City (DAKC) on the outskirts of the financial capital, he said there is huge realty play opportunity that RCom's erstwhile corporate headquarters possesses, and pegged the potential value creation at the site at Rs 25,000 crore.
RCom owes over Rs 40,000 crore to a group of 38 lenders, including Chinese banks, and was resolving the debt through a strategic debt restructuring (SDR) process.
Ambani said he is confident of getting a resolution in the next few months, and added that other monetisation measures, including sale of telecom infrastructure and fibre to Reliance Jio, are at an advanced stage of closure.
He said the company is awaiting final approvals for spectrum sharing and trading from the Department of Telecom.
Anil Ambani also thanked his elder brother Mukesh Ambani, who is credited with conceptualising the undivided group's telecom foray and also bought the assets as part of the beleaguered RCom's monetisation efforts.
"It would be most appropriate for me to thank and acknowledge the support (and) guidance extended to RCom and me personally by my brother Mukesh bhai Ambani," the younger sibling told shareholders.
Reliance Jio's aggressive play is widely blamed for disrupting the telecom sector, which has seen an erosion of profits, asset sales, bankruptcies and consolidation following the entry of the deep-pocketed new entrant.
Reliance Realty is a wholly-owned subsidiary of RCom, which will develop the DAKC in Navi Mumbai, he said, adding that it is an already registered IT and fintech park.
The company already has three million sq ft of built up space, which will be leased out to multi-nationals, Ambani said, adding that he expects revenue accruals through it this year itself.
General Awareness
Defence Acquisition Council (DAC)
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What to study?
For Prelims and Mains: DAC- composition and functions, significance.
Context: DAC has approved Procurement of Equipment Worth Rs 9,100 Crores.
DAC has approved procurement of- Akash Missile systems and IUWBA:
Akash Missile Systems: The Missile to be procured is an upgraded version of the previously inducted Akash missiles and will include seeker technology, possess 360 degree coverage and will be of compact configuration with reduced signature. The upgraded Akash Weapon System is operationally critical equipment which will provide protection to vital assets.
The DAC also accorded approval for progressing Design and Development of Individual Under Water Breathing Apparatus (IUWBA) for T 90 Tanks. Developed by DRDO Lab DEBEL, the IUWBA is used by the crew of Tanks as a safety gear and is required by the Tank crew for emergency escape when negotiating water obstacles while deep fording.
Defence Acquisition Council (DAC):
What is it? To counter corruption and speed up decision- making in military procurement, the government of India in 2001 decided to set up an integrated DAC. It is headed by the Defence Minister.
Objective: The objective of the DAC is to ensure expeditious procurement of the approved requirements of the Armed Forces, in terms of capabilities sought, and time frame prescribed, by optimally utilizing the allocated budgetary resources.
Functions: The DAC is responsible to give policy guidelines to acquisitions, based on long-term procurement plans. It also clears all acquisitions, which includes both imported and those produced indigenously or under a foreign license.
What to study?
For Prelims and Mains: DAC- composition and functions, significance.
Context: DAC has approved Procurement of Equipment Worth Rs 9,100 Crores.
DAC has approved procurement of- Akash Missile systems and IUWBA:
Akash Missile Systems: The Missile to be procured is an upgraded version of the previously inducted Akash missiles and will include seeker technology, possess 360 degree coverage and will be of compact configuration with reduced signature. The upgraded Akash Weapon System is operationally critical equipment which will provide protection to vital assets.
The DAC also accorded approval for progressing Design and Development of Individual Under Water Breathing Apparatus (IUWBA) for T 90 Tanks. Developed by DRDO Lab DEBEL, the IUWBA is used by the crew of Tanks as a safety gear and is required by the Tank crew for emergency escape when negotiating water obstacles while deep fording.
Defence Acquisition Council (DAC):
What is it? To counter corruption and speed up decision- making in military procurement, the government of India in 2001 decided to set up an integrated DAC. It is headed by the Defence Minister.
Objective: The objective of the DAC is to ensure expeditious procurement of the approved requirements of the Armed Forces, in terms of capabilities sought, and time frame prescribed, by optimally utilizing the allocated budgetary resources.
Functions: The DAC is responsible to give policy guidelines to acquisitions, based on long-term procurement plans. It also clears all acquisitions, which includes both imported and those produced indigenously or under a foreign license.
For Prelims and Mains: DAC- composition and functions, significance.
Context: DAC has approved Procurement of Equipment Worth Rs 9,100 Crores.
DAC has approved procurement of- Akash Missile systems and IUWBA:
Akash Missile Systems: The Missile to be procured is an upgraded version of the previously inducted Akash missiles and will include seeker technology, possess 360 degree coverage and will be of compact configuration with reduced signature. The upgraded Akash Weapon System is operationally critical equipment which will provide protection to vital assets.
The DAC also accorded approval for progressing Design and Development of Individual Under Water Breathing Apparatus (IUWBA) for T 90 Tanks. Developed by DRDO Lab DEBEL, the IUWBA is used by the crew of Tanks as a safety gear and is required by the Tank crew for emergency escape when negotiating water obstacles while deep fording.
Defence Acquisition Council (DAC):
What is it? To counter corruption and speed up decision- making in military procurement, the government of India in 2001 decided to set up an integrated DAC. It is headed by the Defence Minister.
Objective: The objective of the DAC is to ensure expeditious procurement of the approved requirements of the Armed Forces, in terms of capabilities sought, and time frame prescribed, by optimally utilizing the allocated budgetary resources.
Functions: The DAC is responsible to give policy guidelines to acquisitions, based on long-term procurement plans. It also clears all acquisitions, which includes both imported and those produced indigenously or under a foreign license.
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