Saturday, May 19, 2018


A Plane crash in Havana airport

A Boeing 737 plane crashed shortly after taking off from Havana’s main airport, Cuban state-run media reported.
There was no immediate word on casualties.
The plane was a domestic flight going to Holguin, carrying 104 passengers, state-run TV said.
Officials said the plane was headed to the eastern city of Holguin when it crashed between the airport in southern Havana and the nearby town of Santiago de las Vegas.
Images on TV and social media showed a large plume of black smoke above the airport.
Ambulances and firefighters were rushing to the scene.

The first season of ‘Muthoot Blue League of Dreams’

Young Mumbai Central Cricket team is the reigning champion of the
first season of ‘Muthoot Blue League of Dreams’                                                
  • Star performers of the final leg of the tournament were:
  • Best Batsmen – Manish Kohli from Young Mumbai Central  Cricket
  • Best Bowler – Indrajit More from Ukkadgaon CC
  • Safest Hand – Jaspreet Singh-Delhi Cricket Council
  • Player of the tournament – Nibin Nivas from Spartanz
  • Winners of the tournament awarded a grand sum of 1 lakh
  • Runner-up received a cheque of amount INR 50,000
  • 3rd and 4th teams received cheques for INR 25,000 respectively
  • The initiative celebrated the spirit of these teams that have overcome adveristies & challenges to keep their passion for cricket alive

May 18th, 2018: An exciting 2 day tournament,‘The Muthoot Blue League of Dreams’, closed with Young Mumbai Central Cricket team emerging as the winner in a adrenalin driven play off, that saw, 4 shortlisted teams Delhi Cricket Council, Spartanz, Young Mumbai Central Cricket Team, Ukkadgaon C C from Delhi NCR, Kottayam, Mumbai and Parbhani respectively battled it out at the Air India sports club, Kalina stadium in Mumbai. The Muthoot Blue League of Dreams, a nation-wide sporting initiative by Muthoot Pappachan Group (MPG), saw unprecendented response to its maiden season with over 1200 registrations coming in from across the nation. The final shortlisted 4 teams played with the celebrated sports stars; Zaheer Khan with Spartanz, Brett Lee with Young Mumbai Central Cricket Team, Herschelle Gibbs with Delhi Cricket Council and Jonty Rhodes with Ukkadgaon CC , also were skippered by the team captains.

The two days tournament saw 8 match sets in total, played across 2 days with the celebrity cricketers encouraging them throughout. Each player across all the 4 teams gave their ‘best innings’ and the team captains skippered the celebrity cricketers like professionals.

The  Young Mumbai Central Cricket team, winners of the maiden edition of The Muthoot Blue League of Dreams said, “We feel over the top of the world for not only having won the tournament, but having this spectacular chance to play with such big names in the cricket fraternity. It was a ‘dream come true’ opportunity and we are thankful to Muthoot Pappachan Group for providing us with a great platform like this. We hope to keep pursuing our passion for the game and reach bigger heights.”

Mr. Thomas John Muthoot, Chairman & Managing Director of the Muthoot Pappachan Group (MPG), on the occasion said, “We are proud to have concluded our very first edition of The Muthoot Blue League of Dreams. The resounding response, the enthusiatic playoffs, the fervour on the pitch speak volumes about the grit and passion of these young men. We are glad to have played a part in helping them realise their dreams. On behalf of the MPG family, heartfelt congratualtions to the winning team and to the other teams. We hope they all continue to shine in the game of cricket.”

Mr. Sanjeev Shukla, Chief Marketing Officer, Muthoot Pappachan Group further added, “The League captured the passion and mood of not only the game of circket but also those of the youngsters who played brilliant strokes through the 2 days. The First Muthoot Blue League has been a success and we look forward to many rewarding editions in the future”.

On the occasion, Brett Lee said, “ Congratulations to the Muthoot Blue League of Dreams and Muthoot Pappachan Group. We all have played ‘backyard cricket’ at some point with visions of making it big one day, its great to see these kids finally getting that one opportunity to fulfil those dreams.  It’s a wonderful initiative and its great for us as past cricketers to come and play with the people who have a vision and aim to one day play for their country. Its exciting and lot of fun.”

On the occasion, Zaheer Khan said, “ India is a passionate country when it comes to cricket, the street is where the real connection with the game begins and we all at some point have played on the streets. I have grown up playing gully cricket myself and got nostalgic about my earlier days. It’s a different experience, innovative initiative by Muthoot Pappachan Group and am happy to be part of this league. It’s wonderful interacting with the real fans of the game.”

On the occasion, Jonty Rhodes said, “ The League is a great initiative to be part of, the talent, the passion of these young kids is amazing. Am glad I got to play a role in this spectacular event. The players reminded me the reason we play cricket, team spirit and passion. The platform by Muthoot Pappachan Group is fulfilling the dreams of cricketers in India. The difficulty is not getting the game to the common man, but rather providing the young talent with an opportunity and this is where Muthoot Pappachan Group has stepped in. The talent and passion shown by India towards the league makes me confident of its exponential growth with coming editions.”

On the occasion, Herschelle Gibbs said, “It’s a wonderful concept and idea by Muthoot Pappachan Group. This is where it all started, in the backyards, gardens and parks. The play offs gave us a chance to see the passionate people in action. The Muthoot Blue League of Dreams is doing a great job in helping these people realise some of their dreams. It’s a platform for players to show their potential, I am convinced that with the growth of this league you can see some of the players becoming part of some professional leagues one day representing India.”

About Young Mumbai Central Cricket Team (Mumbai)
A team so passionate about the game and with players aged between 21-40 years who come with a unparalled dedication towards the game. There is a member who is a plumber,  while another works in the admin department of an office and yet another who is a dance teacher. Whenver they all find time, they play cricket in the gully close to their homes. Their passion and dream for the game is so big that one of the member even mortgaged his mobile phone in order to get money for entering this tournament. They wished to play with Brett Lee and got their wish as they not only had Brett Lee play with them, but he also shared some learnings of the game with each one of them. Goes without saying, they won!

This team received over 65000 votes They aimed to enter the League of Dreams and through their passion for the game, they won the league.

Riya Arora

Pracheen kala Kendra


Prof. Neera Grover’s soulful Vocal and Sanjeet Gangani’s scintillating Kathak   mark the 9th Quarterly baithak of Pracheen Kala Kendra

New Delhi, May 18, 2018
Today Pracheen Kala Kendra organized its 9th quarterly Baithak in New Delhi under the series “Legends of Tomorrow” at Triveni Kala Sangam, at 6:30 pm onwards where Prof. Neera Grover  , an eminent Vocalist from Chandigarh presented vocal recital and city based Spectacular Sanjeet Gangani   cast magical spell with his elegant Kathak dance.

Prof. Neera was initiated into the Khayal Gayan tradition of Hindustani Classical
Music by her father, (late) Dr. Panna Lal Madan, who belonged to the Vishnu
Digambar parampara and, also, had the distinction of starting M.A. classes in Vocal Music of Panjab University at Chandigarh. She was awarded Gold Medal for Khayal Gayan by the prestigious Shri Baba Harballabh Sangeet Mahasabha, Jalandhar. She won top prizes in vocal and instrumental music in numerous music conferences, and competitions and Youth Festivals at Inter-College, Inter-University and Inter-State level. She also learnt from Padma Bhushan (late) Ustad Khadim Hussain Khan at Mumbai.  As an artist, she has given performances in several Mehfils all over India.


On other hand Sanjeet Gangani is a young and talented Kathak dancer . He born in Gharanedaar family  of and since his childhood and started learning dance from his legendary father Pt. Rajendra Gangani .   He is grateful to his guru for developing his dance to the high level of perfection and enabling him to establish equal command on Nritya & Abhinaya paksh.

Prof. Neera commenced her recital with Raag Puriya Dhanashree , and after aalap she presented bandish “Braj jan mangal gayo” was developed with soothingly inserted alap badhat. It was followed by a chhota khayal  bandish “Bhanak padi kaan”. She chose Raga Nand  as  her next rendering with bandish “Dhan Dhan bhag Nand ke”  which was laced with rhythm deployed variations.  She then moved on to present a bhajan in raga Bhairavi “roop aroopi rang rangeele” followed by invocatory Krishna Kiratan.  Neera provided a befitting finale to her recital with a Tarana  amid applause displaying her musical capabilities in a highly impressive manner.
She was ably accompanied by Rajnish Dhiman (Tabla, Vinay Mishra (Harmonium) and Ankit on (Pakhawaj).

After this melodious recital Sanjeet Gangani took the centre stage and  opened up the programme with a spiritual performance Guru Stuti , followed by Traditional Kathak Dance.  Gat, Nikas Thaat, aamad, uthaan, paran, chakradar paran, upaj , pramilu so on were presented with captivating and graceful movements and fine footwork. Sanjeet also displayed his command over abhinaya aspect of Kathak. His  inimitable style of presenting bhavas in nritya enthrall the city audience.
The accomplished artists Yogesh Gangani and Nishidh Gangani on Tabla, and Vinod Gangani (Harmonium) embellished the recital.
Kendra Registrar Dr.  Shobha Koser along with Secretary Sh. Sajal Koser  honored the artists.

SC order Karnataka assembly floor test on Saturday 4pm

18live-singhvi1.jpg
Karnataka CM BS Yeddyurappa reacts to the Supreme Court’s order for a floor test: “Will discuss with Chief secretary and call for assembly session tomorrow. We are 100% confident that we will prove full majority.”
The SC on Friday ordered that a floor test be held in the Karnataka assembly at 4 pm on Saturday to ascertain whether newly appointed Bharatiya Janata Party Chief Minister B S Yeddyurappa enjoys majority in the state.
Congress-JD-S counsel Abshishek Manu Singhvi said after the SC interim order for the Karnataka floor test at 4 pm tomorrow.
Dr Singhvi said that the today the Supreme Court the has given a historic interim order, a landmark ruling. Enumerating what the SC order said, Singhvi spoke to reporters outside the court. Quick takes:
1. The floor test will be conducted at 4 pm by the pro-tem speaker.
2. Karnataka CM BS Yeddyurappa cannot take any major decisions or pass any orders before the floor test.
3. Protem Speaker will chose mode of floor test. AG’s request for secret ballot has been turned down.
4. DGP has to ensure safety of Congress and JD-S MLAs.
5. It is clear that BS Yeddyurappa’s letters given today in the court did not disclose how he had any basis for laying stake to form government.
6. Supreme Court also said that oath should be administered to all MLAs before the floor test tomorrow
7. SC also said that a member of the Anglo-Indian community cannot be nominated.
Rahul Gandhi reacts: “Today’s Supreme Court order, vindicates our stand that Governor Vala acted unconstitutionally. The BJP’s bluff that it will form the Govt., even without the numbers, has been called out by the court. Stopped legally, they will now try money & muscle, to steal the mandate.”

Press Meet and Public Interaction

In the light of Fact Finding on the Status of Rehabilitation and
‘Corruption’ in the R&R of Polavaram Project-Affected

Venue: Indian Women’s Press Corps (IWPC), 5, Windsor Place, New Delhi
18th May | 2 pm – 4 pm
This is to request you all to kindly make it convenient to attend a Press Meet and Public Interaction In the light of Fact Finding on the Status of Rehabilitation and ‘Corruption’ in the R&R of Polavaram Project-Affectedto be held at Indian Women’s Press Corps (IWPC), 5, Windsor Place, New Delhi on 18th May from 2 pm – 4 pm.
The event shall also include release of a brief report, noting the key observations and recommendations of a Fact Finding team that recently visited certain villages in the constitutionally protected Schedule-V project-affected areas, where displacement of a very large number of adivasis, dalits and other small, marginal farmers is impending and complaints or corruption and irregularities in the rehabilitation process are rife.
The Press Conference would be addressed, among others, by certain members of the Fact-Finding Team including Prafulla Samantara (Advisor, NAPM and Recipient of Goldman Environment Prize, 2017),  Sridhar Rammurthy (Environics Trust), Soma KP (Independent Researcher and Mahila Kisan Adhikar Manch), Bapji Juvvala (Andhra Pradesh Vyavasaya Vruttidarula Union), Tellam Krishnaveni (Adivasi Rights Activist), Vimal bhai (Matu Jan Sangathan), Balu Gadi (Rythu Swarajya Vedika), Meera  Sanghamitra (NAPM) and a few project-affected persons themselves.
Please do attend the event and send in a line of prior intimation, it possible.
Yours sincerely,
Sanjeev Kumar (9958797409) | Amit Kumar (8486944483)
On behalf of : Delhi Solidarity Group (DSG)
National Alliance of People’s Movements (NAPM)
Adivasi Sankshema Parishad (ASP)
Andhra Pradesh Vyavasaya Vruttridarula Union (APVVU)
Rythu Swarajya Vedika (RSV)| Human Rights Forum (HRF)

World Economic Situation and Prospects

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UN: Growth in global economy exceeds expectations, but increased risks could threaten economic outlook 
Global growth expected to exceed 3% for 2018 and 2019 
17 May – Growth in the world economy is surpassing expectations and global GDP is now expected to expand by more than three per cent this year and in 2019, reflecting strong growth in developed countries and broadly favourable investment conditions, a new UN report finds. 
But rising trade tensions, heightened uncertainty over monetary policy, increasing debt levels and greater geopolitical tensions can potentially thwart progress, according to the United Nations World Economic Situation and Prospects (WESP) as of mid-2018, launched today in New York. 
According to the report, world economic growth is now forecast to reach 3.2 per cent both in 2018 and 2019, an upward revision by 0.2 and 0.1 percentage point, respectively. This revised outlook reflects further improvement in the growth forecast for developed economies due to accelerating wage growth, broadly favourable investment conditions, and the short-term impact of a fiscal stimulus package in the United States. World trade growth has also accelerated, reflecting a widespread increase in global demand. Many commodity-exporting countries will also benefit from the higher level of energy and metal prices. While the modest rise in global commodity prices will exert some upward pressure on inflation in many countries, the report notes that inflationary pressures remain contained across most developed and developing regions. 
Speaking at the launch, UN Assistant Secretary-General for Economic Development and Chief Economist Elliott Harris said the upward revision in the global economic forecast reflected in the report is positive news for the prospects of making tangible progress towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, but cautioned that “there is a strong need not to become complacent in response to upward trending headline figures.” 
“The report underscores that the risks have increased as well and highlights the need to urgently address a number of policy challenges, including threats to the multilateral trading system, high inequality and the renewed rise in carbon emissions,” he added. 
GDP growth forecasts in 2018 have been upwardly revised in nearly 40 per cent of countries since the previous forecast presented in the World Economic Situation and Prospects Report 2018 was released last December. However, some countries and regions are still not sharing in the global cyclical upturn, in many cases due to structural impediments to development. Output is expected to decline in Central and in Southern Africa this year and forecasts have been revised marginally downward for 2018 for the economies in transition–reflecting rising geopolitical tensions–and for the least developed countries (LDCs), where weaker growth prospects are largely driven by a deteriorating situation in Yemen. 
As reflected in the WESP 2018 report, the pickup in economic growth offers policymakers greater scope to address some of the deep-rooted barriers that hamper more rapid progress towards the SDGs. This includes measures and specific policies that can accelerate the process of economic diversification, tackle high and/or rising levels of inequality, support investment in basic infrastructure, and strengthen institutions and governance to build a more transparent and dynamic business environment. Action in these areas could also help build resilience against future economic shocks. 
The multilateral trading system 
The report warns that a shift away from unambiguous support for the multilateral trading system, marked by further trade barriers and retaliatory measures threatens the strength and sustainability of global growth, with potentially large repercussions, especially for developing economies. 
Addressing high inequality 
The report also found that income inequality remains very high in numerous countries, but there is evidence of noticeable improvements in some developing countries over the last decade. These gains reflect temporary cyclical factors, but also illustrate some structural changes. Latin America and the Caribbean region, for example, has made significant progress in reducing inequality in the past 15-20 years, driven by specificpolicy measures related to minimum wages, education and government transfer payments. 
Decoupling economic growth and CO2 emissions 
Accelerated economic growth propelled by fossil fuels, the report found, also bears an environmental cost. Global energy-related carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions increased by 1.4 per cent in 2017 due to a number of factors including faster global economic growth, the relatively low cost of fossil fuels and weaker energy efficiency measures. Reforming fossil fuel subsides and taxation could speed the pace towards an environmentally sustainable growth that can meet the objectives of the Paris Agreement on climate change. 
About the report: The World Economic Situation and Prospects as of mid-2018 updates the World Economic Situation and Prospects 2018 (United Nations publication, Sales No. E.18.II.C.2), released in December 2017. 

TN Misled on Kavery was getting 411 TMC to get 177 TMC

May20, 2018 (C) Ravinder Singh progressindia2015@gmail.com
TN was misled by Dubious Lawyers in to going to Supreme Court in 2002 when average releases at Billigundlu were 289 TMC in previous 10 years.
[I read an article in Frontline Magazine – found Karnataka to be unjustly hauled to the Supreme Court wanted to help Karnataka – met CM and Cabinet Ministers]
Some minor rivers of Karnataka between Billigundlu and Metur Dam gates also contributed 122 TMC of Water.
So average releases at Metur Dam was 411 TMC of Water before 2002 dispute. CWDT had prescribed just 205 TMC of Water releases, SC 177.25 TMC in 2018.
Post Tribunal Award and latest Supreme Court order – Karnataka is Directed to release only 177.25 TMC of water in to TN region of Cauvery Basin. Actually Tribunal & Supreme Court had fixed normal Consumption Limits by each party state.
In 2001-02 in Low Rainfall year yield was slightly less than prescribed – 189.90 or Short by just 15 TMC – TN went to Apex Court when Excess Releases were 845 TMC in past 10 years.
Water Releases at Billigundlu in TMC
Years
Releases in TMC
Years
Releases in TMC
1991-92
340.58
1996-97
245.40
1992-93
358.61
1997-98
282.90
1993-94
230.28
1998-99
257.70
1994-95
393.90
1999-00
273.10
1995-96
195.50
2000-01
316.80
5 Yrs Yield
1518.87
5 Yrs Yield
1375.90
Avg Yield/Yr
303.77
Avg Yield/Yr
275.18
Add Avg Yield
122.00
Add Avg Yield
122.00
Yield @Mettur
425.77
Yield @Mettur
397.18
Tech Arbitration & Cooperation for Optimum Water Use
TN & Karnataka should Co-operate to OPTIMIZE Water Use – 1. Introduce Short Duration HY Paddy, 2. Build Canals and Pipelines for Irrigation & Urban Water Supply, 3. Build additional Storage Dams to Capture Floods, 4. Dismantle Check Dams & Inefficient Storages, 5. Recycle Waste Water. 6. Regulate Water Releases linked to Weather Forecast. 7. 24 hour Water Information System, >>

30% Water Saving or 50% More Water Usage Possible Through Cooperation & Engineering – TN & Karnataka has resources to do it.
Ravinder Singh, Inventor & Consultant, INNOVATIVE TECHNOLOGIES AND PROJECTS
Y-77, Hauz Khas, ND -110016, India. Ph: 091- 8826415770, 9871056471, 9650421857

Bheemchaaya: Small window of justice for helpless and terrified poor residents 

Bheemchaaya: Small window of justice for helpless and terrified poor residents 
Due to impending monsoon, there is threat to the life of residents  
Mumbai | 20th May, 2018: Following the Bombay High Court’s order dated 6thOctober, 2005 in the matter of Bombay Environment Action Group in WRIT PETITION (LODGING) NO. 3246 OF 2004 regarding protection of Mangrove, a large number of Mangrove areas in Mumbai and Navi Mumbai were notified as ‘Protected Forest’ by Maharashtra Forest Department. Since certain activities can be allowed in ‘Protected Forest’ like collection of forest produce etc, Maharashtra govt decided to notify all those areas as ‘Reserved Forest’ which were earlier declared as ‘Protected Forest’ as per the High Court’s order.
Bheemchhaya is slum having 800 households where majority of the residence are Dalits. This slum is situated in Kannamwar Nagar 2 in (Vikroli East) in Mumbai. Bheemchhaya is in close proximity to Mangroves area which is notified as reserved forest.
The Court in the order said that no construction will be allowed to take place in the mangrove areas after the passing of this order. However, Bheemchhaya  is in existence prior to order of the High Court was passed and it is also a protected slum as per the Maharashtra Slum Areas (Improvement Clearance & Redevelopment) 1971. A slum is treated as protected if it is in existence prior to the year 2000 and the slum dwellers possess certain documents specified by the government to prove their residence since the year 2000. Slum dwellers in Bheemchhaya have all the valid documents proving their residence prior to the year 2000.
The Mangrove Cell of the Forest Department served notices to the residence of the Bheemchhaya in the year 2015 to prove their claims on the land where their homes are located. All the residence submitted their residential proofs specified under the Maharashtra Government Resolution dated 16th May, 2015. This Government Resolution (GR) has specified procedure for the rehabilitation and protection of slum dwellers on government land if they possess specified documents prior to the year 2000. However, the Assistant Conservator of Mangrove Cell, rejected these claims and passed an order of demolition of their homes in Bheemchhaya.   The Assistant Conservator passed these orders under section 53 and 54 of the Maharashtra Land Revenue Code 1966 (MLRC). Section 246 of MLRC provides for appeal if someone is aggrieved by the order passed under section 53 and 54. Whereas in case of Bheemchhaya, the Assistant Conservator has not specified the appellate authority and it is only after an RTI was filed, the Assistant Conservator gave a vague response saying that the appellate authority ‘may be High Court or Divisional Commissioner, Konkan Division’.
Residents of Bheemchhaya have contacted the Divisional Commissioner for appeal. The office of the Divisional Commissioner has refused to accept the appeal since this office only deals with matter pertaining to land belonging got revenue department and not forest department. While on the other hand, the residents of Bheemchhaya have also approached the High Court, but since the Court is on vacation and the vacation bench is sitting on selected days, it is very rare that the matter will be heard on time. The demolition is scheduled for 22nd May, 2018. Our lawyers will mention the matter on 21stMay to get the stay but it is not sure that the stay will be granted on the same day.
The Forest Minister is out of country and his secretaries are also on leave so there are no chance so there is no one available in the Ministry to hear the grievances of the slum dwellers. When everyone is on leave, why cannot slum be spared from demolition?
It is a case where there are so many procedural flaws are there due to which a huge community like Bheemchhaya will be demolished and a large population of dalit and poor people will become homeless. To get these flaws fixed and get protection to slum dwellers there is a very small window of justice available. In this situation, the slum dwellers are left helpless and terrified.
Poorest of the poor citizen must get state’s priority but today opposite of this is happening. These poor citizens have equal contribution in the functioning of the city but their hard work and labour are not duly recognized. They are always treated as secondary citizen due to their poverty and stigmas attached to slum dwellers

Do write/call to appeal to stop the demolition:
NameDesignationPhoneEmail
Shri. Vasudevan N.Additional Principal Chief Conservator of Forestccfmmumbai@gmail.com

Creation of Directorate General of Trade Remedies (DGTR)

Creation of Directorate General of Trade Remedies (DGTR) in  Department of Commerce
The Government of India carried out an Amendment to the Government of India (Allocation of Business) Rules, 1961 on May 7, 2018 substituting “Directorate General of Trade Remedies” in place of “Directorate General of Anti-Dumping and Allied Duties” in Department of Commerce.  This has paved way for creation of an integrated single umbrella National Authority to be called the Directorate General of Trade Remedies (DGTR) for providing comprehensive and swift trade defence mechanism in India. The amendment of Allocation of Business Rules has also mandated Department of Commerce with work pertaining to recommendation of Safeguard measures.
Currently, the Directorate General of Anti-dumping and Allied Duties (DGAD) deals with anti-dumping and CVD cases, Directorate General of Safeguards (DGS) deals with safeguard measures and DGFT deals with quantitative restriction (QR) safeguards.  Therefore, the creation of DGTR will provide a level playing field to the domestic industry.  In the last three years, India initiated more than 130 anti-dumping/countervailing duty/safeguard cases to deal with the rising incidences of unfair trade practices and to provide a level playing field to the domestic industry.
The DGTR will function as an attached office of Department of Commerce.  The recommendation of DGTR for imposition of Anti-dumping, countervailing & Safeguard duties would be considered by the Department of Revenue. The DGTR will also bring in substantial reduction of the time taken to provide relief to the domestic industry

We Walk our Talk Compendium for the period 14th May 2018 – 19th May 2018

During the last week, PHD Research Bureau, the research arm of PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry focussed on various issues and challenges pertaining to the economic and business environment in the country.  PHD Research Bureau disseminated information to members of PHD Chamber & other stakeholders on various issues such as April 2018 WPI inflation, April 2018 CPI inflation, Decisions taken by Union Cabinet, RBI notifies permissible activities under setting up of IFSC Banking Units (IBUs), WTO suggests strong global trade growth to continue but get soften in Q2-2018 etc., apart from information on lead macroeconomic and socio-economic indicators.

India and World Economy
·         April 2018 WPI inflation grows at 3.18% The WPI inflation grows at 3.18% in April 2018 as compared to 2.47% in March 2018, 2.74% in February 2018, 3.02% in January 2018, 3.58% in December 2017 and 4.02% in November 2017. The rise in WPI inflation in the month of April 2018 is attributed to rise in the prices of potato (67.94%), fruits (19.47%), petrol (9.45%) and HSD (13.01%).
·         April 2018 CPI inflation grows at 4.6%–The all India general CPI inflation (Combined) for April 2018(Prov.) grows at 4.58% as compared to 4.28% % in March 2018. The inflation rates for rural and urban areas for April 2018 (Prov.) are 4.7% and 4.4% respectively, as compared to 4.4% and 4.1% respectively, for March 2018. Rate of inflation during April 2018 (Prov.) for fruits (9.65%), housing (8.5%), pan, tobacco and intoxicants (7.91%), vegetables (7.29%) and egg (6.26%) etc.
·         Decisions taken by the Union Cabinet 11–The Union Cabinet chaired by chaired by Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has given its ex-post facto approval for signing of the MoU for cooperation in the legal field between India and Morocco, in order to share their experience and expertise in the field of law and legislation, between the India and Swaziland on cooperation in the field of Health and Medicine, between India and Suriname on cooperation in the field of electoral management and administration including exchange of knowledge and experience in the field of organizational and technical development of electoral process; support in exchanging information, institutional strengthening and capacity building, training of personnel, holding regular consultations etc.  
·         30 States and Union Territories participate in State Startup Ranking Framework 2018— With the aim to foster competitiveness and to propel the States and Union Territories to work proactively towards promotion of their Startup eco-systems, the States Startup Ranking Framework was launched by Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion (DIPP) on 6th February 2018. This was also targeted at facilitating States/UTs to identify, learn and replicate good practices from each other and for bringing to fore, their own progress in the regard.
·         Roll out of e-Way Bill system for intra-State movement of goods in the States– As per the decision of the GST Council, e-Way Bill system for inter-State movement of goods has been rolled out from 01st April, 2018. As on 13th May, 2018, e-Way Bill system for intra-State movement of goods has been rolled out in the States/ Union Territory of Andhra Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, Bihar, Gujarat, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Jharkhand, Karnataka, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Sikkim, Telangana, Tripura, Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh and Puducherry.
·         Memorandum of Understanding signed with States for implementing PMRSSM— Hon’ble Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare Shri J P Nadda, presided over a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signing ceremony with four States – Himachal Pradesh, Haryana, Jammu & Kashmir, Uttarakhand and Union Territory of Chandigarh for implementing Ayushman Bharat-Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Swasthya Suraksha Mission (PMRSSM),at a regional workshop for northern States at Shimla recently. The Union Health Minister further stated that health is at the centre-stage and the Government is looking at it holistically. He said that PMRSSM will protect the people and at the same time Health and Wellness Centres (HWCs) will deliver comprehensive primary health care.
·         Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change Forms 19 Teams to Undertake Cleaning of Beaches, River Fronts and Lakes— In the build-up to the World Environment Day 2018, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, has formed 19 teams to take up cleaning of beaches, river fronts and lakes in the country. Cleaning up of around 24 beaches in nine (9) coastal states (list attached) and cleaning of river fronts in 24 identified polluted stretches in 19 states (list attached) will be undertaken. Besides the listed rivers, a special cleanliness drives will be carried out at Yamuna riverfront in Delhi. Certain lakes and water bodies have also been identified for cleaning.
Finance
·         RBI notifies permissible activities under setting up of IFSC Banking Units (IBUs)– This is in reference to Reserve Bank of India (RBI) circular DBR.IBD.BC.14570/23.13.004/2014-15 dated April 01, 2015, as modified from time to time, setting out RBI directions relating to IFSC Banking Units (IBUs). In terms of para 2.3 of the circular, the parent bank will be required to provide a minimum capital of USD 20 million or equivalent in any foreign currency to start their IBU operations and the IBU should maintain the minimum prescribed regulatory capital on an on-going basis as per regulations amended from time to time.
Trade
·         WTO suggests strong global trade growth to continue but get soften in Q2-2018– The World Trade Organization’s (WTO’s) latest World Trade Outlook Indicator (WTOI) suggests that strong trade growth continues but may soften in second quarter of 2018. The latest value of 101.8 is down from 102.3 in the last WTOI release in February 2018 but above the baseline value of 100 indicating growth in line with recent trends, which suggests continued solid trade growth in the second quarter but probably at a slightly slower pace than in the first quarter.
·         Merchandize exports and imports grew by 5.17% and 4.6% during April 2018, respectively– India’s merchandize exports have exhibited growth of 5.17% in April 2018 to value at USD 25.91 billion compared to USD 24.64 billion during April 2017. India’s merchandize imports grew by 4.6% to value at USD 39.63 billion in April 2018 compared to USD 37.88 billion during same period previous year.
Our Voice
Sudden jump in WPI inflation worrying– Sudden jump in WPI inflation to 3.18% in the month of April 2018 from 2.47% in March 2018 is worrying. Rise in the prices of fruits and vegetables, fuel and power vis-à-vis increase in international crude oil prices, have stoked the overall WPI inflation. Prices of fruits have increased to 19.47% in April 2018 from 9.26% in March 2018 while prices of vegetables have increased to (-) 0.89% in April 2018 from (-) 2.70% in March 2018. Prices of fuel and power on the other hand have increased to 7.85% in April 2018 from 4.7% in March 2018 due to increase in international crude oil prices to the tune of 13%. We hope that prices should not escalate further as prediction for the good monsoon is intact and stability is expected in the international crude oil process going forward. Further reforms in the agriculture sector and supply chain would provide a great stability in the inflation scenario in the coming times.
Economy so far
·         Rising oil prices: Import bill may rise up to $50 bn – The finance ministry stated rising crude oil prices could drive up India’s import bill in the range of $25-50 billion this fiscal, worsening the current account deficit. However, elevated oil prices would impact neither economic growth nor the fiscal deficit of the Centre.
·         Growing at 9-10 pc challenge for India, says Niti Aayog CEO Shri Amitabh Kant -Growing at a 9-10 % rate in the next 30 years is a challenge for India which is expanding at 7.5 % per annum. He stated that the country has created one of the finest startup ecosystems in the world and these ventures are doing extremely well.
·         India Corruption Study: 75% households feel corruption went up, 27% say paid bribe – The study by CMS, a not-for-profit, multi-disciplinary development research and facilitative think-tank set-up in 1991, estimates that households in the 13 states that were part of the study would have paid between Rs 2,500 to Rs 2,800 crore during a year to avail these public services.
·         Currency situation normal, all ATMs functioning well says Economic Affairs Secretary – The currency situation is completely normal and ATMs are working well across the country stated Economic Affairs Secretary. Adequate amount of currency is available across the country and there are no reports of shortage now, he told reporters here. It is to be noted that five-six states faced currency shortage last month, prompting the government and the RBI to take various steps to ease the situation.
·         China’s ‘debt trap’ economics will likely result in it gaining greater access to nations around India: US think-tank – An influential US think-tank expert has warned that the increasing Chinese economics of “debt trap” will likely result in Beijing gaining greater access to several key countries around India.
·         RBI issues guidelines on net stable funding ratio – The RBI issued detailed NSFR guidelines to ensure that banks maintain a stable funding profile in relation to the composition of their assets and off-balance sheet activities. In the backdrop of the global financial crisis that started in 2007, the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision (BCBS) proposed certain reforms to strengthen global capital and liquidity regulations with the objective of promoting a more resilient banking sector.
·         Falling rupee to impact investor return of solar projects: Ind-Ra – Depreciation of rupee will impact investor return of solar power projects, according to rating agency Ind-Ra. A weakening rupee, if unhedged, will impact investor returns in bid solar projects in the event of a significant exchange rate variation between the time of bidding and finalisation of module supply agreement.
·         Investment in NCD control leads to improvement in health, economy, says WHO report – A WHO report shows that the world’s poorest countries can gain USD 350 billion by 2030 by scaling up investments in preventing and treating chronic diseases like cancer and heart ailments, which will save more than 8 million lives.
·         Odisha touches record high revenue generation – The total revenue generation in Odisha reached a record high by the end of the fiscal year 2017-18.The total revenue collection during 2017-18 has been to the tune of Rs 84,793 crore. This is the all-time high revenue generation in the state and around 22.24 % of the total Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP).
·         Centre’s Finances: FY18 fiscal deficit at 3.42% versus RE of 3.5% – The Centre has contained its fiscal deficit for FY18 at 3.42% of gross domestic product (GDP), down from 3.5% estimated (RE) when Budget FY19. An Rs 85,000-crore (3.8%) reduction in expenditure from the RE level of rs 22.18 lakh crore and a marginal upward revision in nominal GDP in the second advance estimate (the Budget relied on the first advance estimate) allowed the government to curb the deficit.
·         Renewables firms CEOs find low tariffs irrational – Most of the leaders in the domestic renewable energy sector believe that developers have been irrationally aggressive while bidding for solar and wind power plants in the reverse auctions held by the central and state governments. A survey conducted by renewable consultancy firm Bridge to India found out threats from impending safeguard duty, poor policy environment and weak financial condition of discoms to be the biggest challenges the sector is facing at present.
·         Cabinet approves National Biofuel Policy – The Cabinet approved the National Policy on Biofuels which allows doping of ethanol produced from damaged foodgrains, rotten potatoes, corn and sugar beet with petrol to cut oil imports by Rs 4,000 crore this year alone. Till now only ethanol produced from sugarcane was allowed to be mixed in petrol.
·         Urgent need to auction private blocks to hike coal production, says CARE Ratings – India remains among the top-3 coal producers in the world and as per data for 2016 by IEA, overtook USA. India has been reporting growth in production to fuel its large thermal power capacity which contributes to 72% of the country’s electricity generation.
·         Trade facilitation pact in services at WTO to push global economy- Commerce and Industry Minister Shri Suresh Prabhu pitched for inclusion of the trade facilitation pact on services in the World Trade Organisation (WTO) stating it would help promote growth of the global economy.
·         Inflation to average around 5.1% this fiscal, says HSBC report – Inflation is set to rise further towards the second half of the fiscal, and could average 5.1 % this financial year compared to 3.6 % last year, stated an HSBC report. According to the global financial services major, the factors that are likely to impact inflation going forward include higher oil prices, a weaker rupee, higher MSPs and more currency in circulation.
Markets so far
          Indicators
Yearly
Monthly
Daily
2015
2016
2017
Feb 18
March 18
April 18
(16-05-2018)
(17-05-2018)
(18-05-2018)
BSE SENSEX
26118
26,626
34,056.83
34,184.04
30,491
35,160.36
35,387.88
35,149.12
34,848.30
GOLD (10 GRMS)
24994
29419.95
28966.08
30,356.92
30,419.28
30,955.57
30,954
30,826
30,921
CRUDE OIL (1 BBL)
2,431
2,924.63
3,317.11
4004.70
4072.57
4,341.41
4,815
4,849
4,841
EXCHANGE  RATE (INR/USD)
64.15
67.21
65.11
64.37
65.02
65.63
67.79
67.69
68.01
Source: PHD Research Bureau, complied from BSE, MCX and Bloomberg
Unemployment and Consumer Sentiments Indices
          Indicators
27-04-2018
03-05-2018
India
Urban
Rural
India
Urban
Rural
Unemployment Rate
5.98
6.43
5.75
5.86
6.59
5.48
Consumer Sentiments
93.31
86.05
97.63
94.01
86.71
98.18
Source: PHD Research Bureau, complied from BSE

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Naresh Kumar Sagar
Naresh Kumar Sagar
@Nksagar
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Sagar Media Inc: Cuba mourns death of 104 in plane crash. Royal weddings at WM complete Prince Wed HarMeg. JDS Congress rule Bengaluru. HM Rajnath Women no Show case but are empowering. NKorea US meet in Singapore is seen Trump’s Triumph. India 2019Election Modi majority choice
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Naresh Kumar Sagar
@Nksagar
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Sagar Media Inc : High wind Alert in Kerala. The Low pressure area located South of Lakshadeep is strengthening in to a Deep Depression. Due to its influence ,Wind speed may increase in the West coast from Trivandrum to Gujarat .Sky will be cloudy. system is whirling 35 kmh.
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Geo English

mCube Awards 2018 – Early Bird Slot Opens

mCube Awards 2018 – Early Bird Slot Opens

When
Mon May 21, 2018
Where
Calendar
nksagar_1@yahoo.com
Who
(Guest list is too large to display)
The enthralling season of the Indian Premier League will be concluding next week, and all cricket fans in India would be quite nostalgic about it.
However, if you are a Marketer, there is something to look forward to – the return of the Masters of Modern Marketing Awards 2018 (mCube 2018)
– India’s premier forum for recognizing marketing excellence and for discussion of industry trends by the stalwarts.
The entry submission process opens on Monday, 21 Mayand there are interesting new initiatives in this year’s edition such as the Marketing Champions League (MCL) India. MCL is the first time the nation will witness a marketing knowledge-based contest at such an enormous scale. The Grand Finale of the MCL shall be held as part of the mCube Awards show scheduled on 23 August 2018.
Watch out for our subsequent communication for further details. Stay tuned! #mCube2018 #MCL2018

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