General Affairs
Rajasthan Launches SMS Monitoring System For Mid-Day Meals In Schools
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BUNDI: In a unique initiative to remove corruption from mid-day meal scheme, Rajasthan government has launched an SMS-based system through which meal data will be sent everyday by schools to a toll free number that will be monitored at the state-level.
Earlier, the per day mid-day meal data was reported on a monthly basis to the district education department.
Under the new system launched today, the mid-day meal in-charge of the school will have to send the meal data immediately after serving food to students to a toll free number, 15544, that would be checked at the state-level every day, District Education Officer (Secondary set up), Paras Chand Jain said.
The in-charge has to report everyday about the type of school, the students' attendance status, number of students benefited by the mid-day meal and the quantity of food items used for the meal, he said.
The new system would bring transparency and reduce possibility of manipulation of data in the mid-day meal programme, said a teacher posted in a senior secondary school.
At present, a total 62.50 lakh students from class 1 to 8 in 73,199 government schools and elementary education institutions of the state are availing the scheme, according to data available on the mid-day meal programme's website.
The cooking in at least 68,729 schools for 58.58 lakh students is managed by School Management Committees (SMC) while the rest are looked after by Central Kitchen, Annpurna Mahila Samities or by different NGOs.
According to the data, a total of 1,19,071 cooks -- including 1,05,902 women and 13,169 men -- are engaged in mid-day meal cooking programme across the state.
Earlier, the per day mid-day meal data was reported on a monthly basis to the district education department.
The in-charge has to report everyday about the type of school, the students' attendance status, number of students benefited by the mid-day meal and the quantity of food items used for the meal, he said.
The new system would bring transparency and reduce possibility of manipulation of data in the mid-day meal programme, said a teacher posted in a senior secondary school.
At present, a total 62.50 lakh students from class 1 to 8 in 73,199 government schools and elementary education institutions of the state are availing the scheme, according to data available on the mid-day meal programme's website.
The cooking in at least 68,729 schools for 58.58 lakh students is managed by School Management Committees (SMC) while the rest are looked after by Central Kitchen, Annpurna Mahila Samities or by different NGOs.
According to the data, a total of 1,19,071 cooks -- including 1,05,902 women and 13,169 men -- are engaged in mid-day meal cooking programme across the state.
UIDAI Appeals People To Link Their Mobile Numbers To Aadhaar
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NEW DELHI: Unique Identification Authority of India today appealed people to register or update their mobile numbers in Aadhaar for easy access of various government services online.
"People can avail various government services online from the comfort of their home or from wherever they are in a hassle-free manner by using their Aadhaar - the unique and non-repudiable identifier," UIDAI CEO Ajay Bhushan Pandey said in a statement.
"Aadhaar-based OTP (one-time password) identification empowers residents to avail these services online hassle-free and conveniently," he said.
Those who did not register their mobile number during Aadhaar enrolment should get it registered or update it to have better communications and effortless access to government services, the statement said.
UIDAI has issued this advisory in view of various applications of public use such as Digi-locker, eSign, eNPS, e-Hospital, e-verification of Income Tax Return (ITR) etc, being rolled out by the government departments using Aadhaar as identifier.
Services like Aadhaar-based eSign facility allow residents to use digital signature to avail a number of services online in a cashless, presence-less and paperless manner.
"One can apply for a PAN card or update one's PAN card online using Aadhaar-based eSign facility. The e-Hospital service allows a resident to book appointment in AIIMS or any other hospital online without standing in a queue," the statement said.
The income tax department allows residents to e-verify the ITR using Aadhaar and then no physical papers need to be sent, it said.
"To avail any of such online services where Aadhaar-based OTP authentication is being used, the resident must have registered his/her mobile number in Aadhaar," Mr Pandey said. People can visit permanent enrolment centres in their vicinity to update or add their mobile number.
"With over 103.5 crore Aadhaar generated, UIDAI has opened over 23000 Permanent Enrolment Centres (PECs) across the country. Residents can visit any of the PECs near them and update their mobile number in Aadhaar," the statement said.
"People can avail various government services online from the comfort of their home or from wherever they are in a hassle-free manner by using their Aadhaar - the unique and non-repudiable identifier," UIDAI CEO Ajay Bhushan Pandey said in a statement.
Those who did not register their mobile number during Aadhaar enrolment should get it registered or update it to have better communications and effortless access to government services, the statement said.
UIDAI has issued this advisory in view of various applications of public use such as Digi-locker, eSign, eNPS, e-Hospital, e-verification of Income Tax Return (ITR) etc, being rolled out by the government departments using Aadhaar as identifier.
Services like Aadhaar-based eSign facility allow residents to use digital signature to avail a number of services online in a cashless, presence-less and paperless manner.
"One can apply for a PAN card or update one's PAN card online using Aadhaar-based eSign facility. The e-Hospital service allows a resident to book appointment in AIIMS or any other hospital online without standing in a queue," the statement said.
The income tax department allows residents to e-verify the ITR using Aadhaar and then no physical papers need to be sent, it said.
"To avail any of such online services where Aadhaar-based OTP authentication is being used, the resident must have registered his/her mobile number in Aadhaar," Mr Pandey said. People can visit permanent enrolment centres in their vicinity to update or add their mobile number.
"With over 103.5 crore Aadhaar generated, UIDAI has opened over 23000 Permanent Enrolment Centres (PECs) across the country. Residents can visit any of the PECs near them and update their mobile number in Aadhaar," the statement said.
UP Is Burning, You Must Go: BJP Ups Ante Against Akhilesh Yadav Over Bulandshahr Case
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NEW DELHI: BJP members in Lok Sabha today demanded the resignation of Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav over the rape of a woman and her daughter in Bulandshahr as they hit out at the state government over the law and order situation there.
Raising the issue in the Zero Hour, Bhola Singh, who represents Bulandshahr, alleged such incidents were happening in the state as criminals enjoyed the government's "protection".
"Police is not able to work. The situation in the state is very serious. The Chief Minister should resign," he said, drawing support from other party members.
"Uttar Pradesh is burning," one of them said.
Members of Samajwadi Party, which is in power in the state, were seen protesting, with Dharmendra Yadav heard asking the treasury benches to get Prime Minister Narendra Modi's resignation first.
On Friday night, a group of criminals waylaid a family travelling from Noida to Shahjahanpur by car, dragged the women, including her 13-year-old daughter, to a nearby field and raped them while tying up the men accompanying them with ropes.
Raising the issue in the Zero Hour, Bhola Singh, who represents Bulandshahr, alleged such incidents were happening in the state as criminals enjoyed the government's "protection".
"Uttar Pradesh is burning," one of them said.
Members of Samajwadi Party, which is in power in the state, were seen protesting, with Dharmendra Yadav heard asking the treasury benches to get Prime Minister Narendra Modi's resignation first.
On Friday night, a group of criminals waylaid a family travelling from Noida to Shahjahanpur by car, dragged the women, including her 13-year-old daughter, to a nearby field and raped them while tying up the men accompanying them with ropes.
World Will Flourish When All Cultures Are Respected: Mohan Bhagwat
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LONDON: The world will flourish when all cultures in their diversity are respected, RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat said as he called Hinduism as a religion which is "more inclusive and not exclusive".
Mr Bhagwat described Hinduism as a way of life as he addressed yesterday's concluding session of the three-day 'Sanskriti MahaShibir' organised by UK-based charity Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh at Hertfordshire, about 50 km from London.
He spoke about the positive aspects of Hinduism which believed in the principle of Vasudeva Kutumbakam (the world is one family).
"In a diverse world, every culture has to be respected and when all cultures are respected, the world will flourish," the RSS Chief told over 2,200 delegates from the UK and the Europe who attended the 'MahaShibir'.
He said Hinduism is "more inclusive and not exclusive". Mr Bhagwat also spoke about the conflict between development and environment and said: "Hinduism has answers to the question 'should environment be compromised because of development'.
Emphasising that exercise is essential for a healthy body and mind, he said "healthy society depends on leading a disciplined life, with proper eating habits and regular exercise."
During the three-day deliberations there were in-depth discussion among others on 'Sanskaar' (values of life), 'Sewa' (selfless service) and 'Sangathan' (community spirit).
The MahaShibir was addressed among others by Swami Dayatmananda, Head of Ramakrishna Vedanta Centre UK, Swami Nirliptananda, Head of London Sewashram Sangh UK and Acharya
Mr Bhagwat described Hinduism as a way of life as he addressed yesterday's concluding session of the three-day 'Sanskriti MahaShibir' organised by UK-based charity Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh at Hertfordshire, about 50 km from London.
He spoke about the positive aspects of Hinduism which believed in the principle of Vasudeva Kutumbakam (the world is one family).
"In a diverse world, every culture has to be respected and when all cultures are respected, the world will flourish," the RSS Chief told over 2,200 delegates from the UK and the Europe who attended the 'MahaShibir'.
He said Hinduism is "more inclusive and not exclusive". Mr Bhagwat also spoke about the conflict between development and environment and said: "Hinduism has answers to the question 'should environment be compromised because of development'.
Emphasising that exercise is essential for a healthy body and mind, he said "healthy society depends on leading a disciplined life, with proper eating habits and regular exercise."
During the three-day deliberations there were in-depth discussion among others on 'Sanskaar' (values of life), 'Sewa' (selfless service) and 'Sangathan' (community spirit).
The MahaShibir was addressed among others by Swami Dayatmananda, Head of Ramakrishna Vedanta Centre UK, Swami Nirliptananda, Head of London Sewashram Sangh UK and Acharya
Government Tables Supplementary Demands In Lok Sabha
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NEW DELHI: The government on Monday sought parliament's nod for additional spending of R
s. 1.03 lakh crore, though the cash outgo will only be Rs. 20,948.26 crore.
"Approval of parliament is sought to authorise gross additional expenditure of Rs. 1,03,013.74 crore. Of this, the proposals involving net cash outgo aggregate to Rs. 20,948.26 crore and gross additional expenditure," a finance ministry document tabled in Lok Sabha said.
Presenting the Supplementary Demands for Grants for 2016-17 in the Lok Sabha, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley sought parliament's approval for transfer of Rs. 5,000 crore towards National Employment Guarantee Fund and Rs. 1,000 crore for providing funds to Indian Strategic Petroleum Reserves for Sovereign Strategic Crude Oil Reserve at Vizag, Mangalore and Pudur.
The Demands for Grants also include Rs. 40,000 crore as Ways and Means Advance to Food Corporation of India (FCI) to meet the working capital requirements towards procurement of food grain for targeted public distribution system.
The government has also sought Rs. 5,000 crore towards Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MNGREGA).
The Demands for Grants include 51 grants and one appropriation.
Jaitley sought approval for additional assistance of Rs. 2,000 crore to states affected by natural calamities like hailstorm and unseasonal rain under National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF).
Among other sectors, the government is seeking Parliament's approval for providing Rs.31,957 crore to the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways under various heads.
s. 1.03 lakh crore, though the cash outgo will only be Rs. 20,948.26 crore.
"Approval of parliament is sought to authorise gross additional expenditure of Rs. 1,03,013.74 crore. Of this, the proposals involving net cash outgo aggregate to Rs. 20,948.26 crore and gross additional expenditure," a finance ministry document tabled in Lok Sabha said.
Presenting the Supplementary Demands for Grants for 2016-17 in the Lok Sabha, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley sought parliament's approval for transfer of Rs. 5,000 crore towards National Employment Guarantee Fund and Rs. 1,000 crore for providing funds to Indian Strategic Petroleum Reserves for Sovereign Strategic Crude Oil Reserve at Vizag, Mangalore and Pudur.
The Demands for Grants also include Rs. 40,000 crore as Ways and Means Advance to Food Corporation of India (FCI) to meet the working capital requirements towards procurement of food grain for targeted public distribution system.
The government has also sought Rs. 5,000 crore towards Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MNGREGA).
The Demands for Grants include 51 grants and one appropriation.
Jaitley sought approval for additional assistance of Rs. 2,000 crore to states affected by natural calamities like hailstorm and unseasonal rain under National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF).
Among other sectors, the government is seeking Parliament's approval for providing Rs.31,957 crore to the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways under various heads.
Business Affairs
Sensex ends 48 points lower, Nifty below 8,650 level amid GST jitters; ICICI Bank top loser
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The S&P BSE Sensex on Monday wiped off all its gains to settle the day 48 points lower, while the broader Nifty50 ended below its key 8,650-mark.
The headline indices edged lower amid uncertainities over the passage of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) Bill, which entered the last mile as the government circulated the new draft on GST to Rajya Sabha members.
The market rose in the morning trade taking lead from Asian markets which rose to one-year peak as chances of interest rate hike in US receded after US GDP growth rate came in below expectations.
The 30-share index ended the day at 28,003, down 48.74 points, while broad-based 50-share index quoted 8,636, down 1.95 points at close.
ICICI Bank stock was the top loser on both the benchmark indices and slipped 5 per cent on the bourses after its profit fell 25 per cent in the June quarter as provisions for bad loans more than doubled.
"Nifty consolidated after making a fresh one year high on the back of negative cues coming in from international markets. However, the 40 point premium on Nifty futures could indicate the first signs of exuberance creeping into the markets," said Nikhil Kamath, Co-founder & Director, Zerodha.
"Technically markets are in a longer term bull trend, they made yet another intraday high for the year. We continue to hold an upbeat outlook and would stay long for a medium term target of 9000," the expert added.
Automakers were among the gainers as expectations rose they could benefit from a more unified tax system.
Maruti Suzuki India was up 2.41 per cent and Tata Motors rose 1.01 per cent.
Advanced Enzyme Technologies surged as much as 38.8 per cent on market debut, with analysts saying the enzyme producer had significant growth potential, supported by strong entry barriers and strong margins.
The S&P BSE Sensex on Monday wiped off all its gains to settle the day 48 points lower, while the broader Nifty50 ended below its key 8,650-mark.
The headline indices edged lower amid uncertainities over the passage of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) Bill, which entered the last mile as the government circulated the new draft on GST to Rajya Sabha members.
The market rose in the morning trade taking lead from Asian markets which rose to one-year peak as chances of interest rate hike in US receded after US GDP growth rate came in below expectations.
The 30-share index ended the day at 28,003, down 48.74 points, while broad-based 50-share index quoted 8,636, down 1.95 points at close.
ICICI Bank stock was the top loser on both the benchmark indices and slipped 5 per cent on the bourses after its profit fell 25 per cent in the June quarter as provisions for bad loans more than doubled.
"Nifty consolidated after making a fresh one year high on the back of negative cues coming in from international markets. However, the 40 point premium on Nifty futures could indicate the first signs of exuberance creeping into the markets," said Nikhil Kamath, Co-founder & Director, Zerodha.
"Technically markets are in a longer term bull trend, they made yet another intraday high for the year. We continue to hold an upbeat outlook and would stay long for a medium term target of 9000," the expert added.
Automakers were among the gainers as expectations rose they could benefit from a more unified tax system.
Maruti Suzuki India was up 2.41 per cent and Tata Motors rose 1.01 per cent.
Advanced Enzyme Technologies surged as much as 38.8 per cent on market debut, with analysts saying the enzyme producer had significant growth potential, supported by strong entry barriers and strong margins.
June infrastructure output rises 5.2% year-on-year
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Infrastructure output grew an annual 5.2 per cent in June, its fastest pace in two months, driven by a surge in output of cement, coal and electricity, government data showed on Monday.
The output expanded 5.4 percent from a year ago between April and June.
Cement production surged 10.3 percent year-on-year in June, faster than a 2.4-percent rise a month ago. Coal output expanded 12 percent year-on-year compared with a 5.5 percent growth in May.
Production of electricity rose 8.1 percent on year in June from 4.6 percent growth a month ago.
Infrastructure output grew an annual 5.2 per cent in June, its fastest pace in two months, driven by a surge in output of cement, coal and electricity, government data showed on Monday.
The output expanded 5.4 percent from a year ago between April and June.
Cement production surged 10.3 percent year-on-year in June, faster than a 2.4-percent rise a month ago. Coal output expanded 12 percent year-on-year compared with a 5.5 percent growth in May.
Production of electricity rose 8.1 percent on year in June from 4.6 percent growth a month ago.
CCI imposes Rs 73-crore fine on Lupin for anti-competitive practices
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The Competition Commission of India (CCI) has imposed a fine of Rs 73 crore on Indian pharma major Lupin for 'co-operating' with the Karnataka Chemists and Druggist Association (KCDA) in its anti-competitive practices. The regulator also imposed a penalty of Rs 8.6 lakh on KCDA.
It was alleged that Lupin has refused to supply drugs to the stockist, Maruti and Co for not obtaining No-objection Certificate (NOC) from KCDA. Investigation by CCI found that the druggist association was indulged in the anti-competitive practice of mandating NOC prior to the appointment of new stockists by pharmaceutical companies.
CCI has also observed that the pharmaceutical companies, without any resistance, cooperated with such associations to implement their anti-competitive decisions, thereby becoming equally complicit in the anti-competitive effect of such practice. "Instead of approaching the Commission, these pharmaceutical companies cooperated with the NOC requirement of the associations, thus becoming perpetrators of such anti-competitive practice," says CCI.
According to the anti-trust regulator, the case highlights the obstinacy of chemists and druggist associations who, despite various orders by the Commission in similar cases in other parts of India with respect to this NOC practice, have not abstained from indulging in such anti-competitive conduct.
"Instead of desisting from such activity, these associations are mandating the NOC requirement, either verbally (in order to avoid any documentary evidence/proof) or under camouflaged congratulatory/intimation letters, with a view to hide their apparent anti-competitive behaviour behind these benign nomenclatures," observed CCI.
The Competition Commission of India (CCI) has imposed a fine of Rs 73 crore on Indian pharma major Lupin for 'co-operating' with the Karnataka Chemists and Druggist Association (KCDA) in its anti-competitive practices. The regulator also imposed a penalty of Rs 8.6 lakh on KCDA.
It was alleged that Lupin has refused to supply drugs to the stockist, Maruti and Co for not obtaining No-objection Certificate (NOC) from KCDA. Investigation by CCI found that the druggist association was indulged in the anti-competitive practice of mandating NOC prior to the appointment of new stockists by pharmaceutical companies.
CCI has also observed that the pharmaceutical companies, without any resistance, cooperated with such associations to implement their anti-competitive decisions, thereby becoming equally complicit in the anti-competitive effect of such practice. "Instead of approaching the Commission, these pharmaceutical companies cooperated with the NOC requirement of the associations, thus becoming perpetrators of such anti-competitive practice," says CCI.
According to the anti-trust regulator, the case highlights the obstinacy of chemists and druggist associations who, despite various orders by the Commission in similar cases in other parts of India with respect to this NOC practice, have not abstained from indulging in such anti-competitive conduct.
"Instead of desisting from such activity, these associations are mandating the NOC requirement, either verbally (in order to avoid any documentary evidence/proof) or under camouflaged congratulatory/intimation letters, with a view to hide their apparent anti-competitive behaviour behind these benign nomenclatures," observed CCI.
Govt clears FDI proposals in 89 single-brand retail, 1 multi-brand
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Government on Monday said it has approved 89 proposals for foreign investment in single brand retail trading (SBRT) and one in the multi-brand sector up to March.
"The government has approved 89 proposals for foreign investment in single-brand retail trading and one for foreign investment in the multi-brand retail trading sector up to March 2016," Commerce and Industry Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said in a written reply to the Lok Sabha on Monday.
In February 2006, the government permitted 51 per cent FDI in the single brand sector. In 2012, it raised the cap to 100 per cent.
The companies whose SBRT proposals got approval include IKEA, H&M, Adidas, Swarovski International Holding and Montblanc.
In the multi-brand retail sector, the government has approved the proposal of Tesco Overseas Investments Ltd.
Replying to a separate question, she said that at present there is no proposal under consideration of the government to review the FDI policy in local newspapers and magazines.
In another reply, the minister said India has improved in FDI inflow list of UNCTAD.
Government on Monday said it has approved 89 proposals for foreign investment in single brand retail trading (SBRT) and one in the multi-brand sector up to March.
"The government has approved 89 proposals for foreign investment in single-brand retail trading and one for foreign investment in the multi-brand retail trading sector up to March 2016," Commerce and Industry Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said in a written reply to the Lok Sabha on Monday.
In February 2006, the government permitted 51 per cent FDI in the single brand sector. In 2012, it raised the cap to 100 per cent.
The companies whose SBRT proposals got approval include IKEA, H&M, Adidas, Swarovski International Holding and Montblanc.
In the multi-brand retail sector, the government has approved the proposal of Tesco Overseas Investments Ltd.
Replying to a separate question, she said that at present there is no proposal under consideration of the government to review the FDI policy in local newspapers and magazines.
In another reply, the minister said India has improved in FDI inflow list of UNCTAD.
DHFL to raise Rs 4,000 crore through NCDs
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Private housing finance company, Diwan Housing Finance Limited (DHFL), has come out with a public issue of secured redeemable NCDs of face value of Rs 1,000 each, aggregating up to Rs 4,000 crore.
The issue will open on August 3 and close on August 16 and has got AAA ratings by Credit Analysis and Research as well as Brickwork Ratings India.
DHFL has also linked these bonds to the consumer price index (CPI), which has been offered as an option to the investor linking to the coupon rate. The instruments will offer retail investor's a yield return of 9.20 to 9.30 per cent, while the institutions will get 9.1 per cent. These bonds will be 3, 5 and 10-year tenure with monthly, annual and cumulative payments options and the offering will be on first come, first served basis.
The company registered with the National Housing Bank is the second largest private lender in the country, after HDFC in the housing space. With an asset under mortgage of Rs 72,000 crore and 349 office located primarily in tier-2 and 3 towns, DHF has the Capital Adequacy Ratio of 17 per cent. The company will utilise the proceeds of the NCD issue for onward lending, financing and corporate issues.
Speaking with Business Today, Kapil Wadhwan CMD DHFL said: "We are giving an option to the public to reap the benefits of a sound and flexible investment. We could have gone for a private placement to generate funds, but for the first time in the three decades of our business are going to the public with these flexible options to invest into the company."
The company has posted a profit of Rs 729 crore in the previous fiscal and also operates an insurance business under the DHFL Pramerica Life Insurance Company, which was bought from country's largest realty firm DLF Limited in 2013.
Private housing finance company, Diwan Housing Finance Limited (DHFL), has come out with a public issue of secured redeemable NCDs of face value of Rs 1,000 each, aggregating up to Rs 4,000 crore.
The issue will open on August 3 and close on August 16 and has got AAA ratings by Credit Analysis and Research as well as Brickwork Ratings India.
DHFL has also linked these bonds to the consumer price index (CPI), which has been offered as an option to the investor linking to the coupon rate. The instruments will offer retail investor's a yield return of 9.20 to 9.30 per cent, while the institutions will get 9.1 per cent. These bonds will be 3, 5 and 10-year tenure with monthly, annual and cumulative payments options and the offering will be on first come, first served basis.
The company registered with the National Housing Bank is the second largest private lender in the country, after HDFC in the housing space. With an asset under mortgage of Rs 72,000 crore and 349 office located primarily in tier-2 and 3 towns, DHF has the Capital Adequacy Ratio of 17 per cent. The company will utilise the proceeds of the NCD issue for onward lending, financing and corporate issues.
Speaking with Business Today, Kapil Wadhwan CMD DHFL said: "We are giving an option to the public to reap the benefits of a sound and flexible investment. We could have gone for a private placement to generate funds, but for the first time in the three decades of our business are going to the public with these flexible options to invest into the company."
The company has posted a profit of Rs 729 crore in the previous fiscal and also operates an insurance business under the DHFL Pramerica Life Insurance Company, which was bought from country's largest realty firm DLF Limited in 2013.
General Awareness
National Tourism Awards for the year 2014-2015.
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In the National Tourism Award function Lok Sabha SpeakerSumitra Mahajan was the Chief Guest and Union Minister for Tourism Mahesh Sharma were also present in the function held at Vigyanbhavan in New Delhi.
- The Awards were given away in various categories by the notably Kerala Tourism has bagged six awards in various categories.
- The Foreign Tourist Arrivals to the country during the period January-June 2016 has witnessed a growth of 8.9 % with 41.86 lakh tourists as against last year same duration.
- The Foreign Exchange Earnings from tourism sector the same span this year also surged by 14.1 % at Rs 73,065 crore during the same period last year.
Some of the Awards are listed below:
Award Winner Category Madhya Pradesh
followed by Gujarat and Karnataka respectively
Best state for comprehensive development of tourism Rajasthan’s Sawai Madhopur railway station Best Tourist Friendly railway station award Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport Best Airport award Telangana’s Warangal Best Heritage City award Monuments of Amarkantak in Madhya Pradesh. Best maintained and disable-friendly monument Taj Exotica, Salcette, Goa Best hotel award under the five star deluxe category Fateh Prakash Palace in Udaipur, Coconut Lagoon at Kumarakom in Kottayam and Gajner Palace in Bikaner. Best heritage hotel awards in three different categories The Lalit in New Delhi received an award under the category of Hotel providing best facilities for the differently-abled guests. Kerala Tourism in the Tourism Promotion and Publishing category Most Innovative use of Information Technology’ – social media/mobile app.
The Wayanad initiative—Kerala Responsible Tourism’ category Sargaalaya Arts and Crafts Village at Iringal, a small but thriving village in Kozhikode–Kerala Kerala Tourism in the Rural Tourism project category Kerala–Invis Multimedia and social media managed by Stark Communications Tourism Promotion and Publishing’ category Turtle on the Beach, Kovalam—Kerala Best hotel in the Five Star category Coconut Lagoon, Kumarakom Best Heritage Hotel in Classic Category Coconut Creek Farm and Homestay, Kumarakom—Kerala Best Incredible India Bed and Breakfast Establishment Somatheeram Research Institute and Ayurveda Hospital Pvt Ltd, Thiruvananthapuram Best Wellness Centre.
In the National Tourism Award function Lok Sabha SpeakerSumitra Mahajan was the Chief Guest and Union Minister for Tourism Mahesh Sharma were also present in the function held at Vigyanbhavan in New Delhi.
- The Awards were given away in various categories by the notably Kerala Tourism has bagged six awards in various categories.
- The Foreign Tourist Arrivals to the country during the period January-June 2016 has witnessed a growth of 8.9 % with 41.86 lakh tourists as against last year same duration.
- The Foreign Exchange Earnings from tourism sector the same span this year also surged by 14.1 % at Rs 73,065 crore during the same period last year.
Some of the Awards are listed below:
| Award Winner | Category |
| Madhya Pradesh
followed by Gujarat and Karnataka respectively
| Best state for comprehensive development of tourism |
| Rajasthan’s Sawai Madhopur railway station | Best Tourist Friendly railway station award |
| Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport | Best Airport award |
| Telangana’s Warangal | Best Heritage City award |
| Monuments of Amarkantak in Madhya Pradesh. | Best maintained and disable-friendly monument |
| Taj Exotica, Salcette, Goa | Best hotel award under the five star deluxe category |
| Fateh Prakash Palace in Udaipur, Coconut Lagoon at Kumarakom in Kottayam and Gajner Palace in Bikaner. | Best heritage hotel awards in three different categories |
| The Lalit in New Delhi received an award under the category of | Hotel providing best facilities for the differently-abled guests. |
| Kerala Tourism in the Tourism Promotion and Publishing category | Most Innovative use of Information Technology’ – social media/mobile app. |
| The Wayanad initiative—Kerala | Responsible Tourism’ category |
| Sargaalaya Arts and Crafts Village at Iringal, a small but thriving village in Kozhikode–Kerala | Kerala Tourism in the Rural Tourism project category |
| Kerala–Invis Multimedia and social media managed by Stark Communications | Tourism Promotion and Publishing’ category |
| Turtle on the Beach, Kovalam—Kerala | Best hotel in the Five Star category |
| Coconut Lagoon, Kumarakom | Best Heritage Hotel in Classic Category |
| Coconut Creek Farm and Homestay, Kumarakom—Kerala | Best Incredible India Bed and Breakfast Establishment |
| Somatheeram Research Institute and Ayurveda Hospital Pvt Ltd, Thiruvananthapuram | Best Wellness Centre. |
