Diesel prices hiked by 87 paise in India while Petrol becomes dearer by 36 paise

As a part of fortnightly review of retail prices of petrol and diesel by Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) in India, Petrol becomes dearer by 36 paise while Diesel is costlier by 87 paise from Sunday midnight. The rise in prices driven by increased oil prices in international market and impact of USD to INR exchange rate in FOREX markets.

 

 

As retail prices of Petrol and Diesel in India are de-regularized by the government, revision takes prices on 1^st and 16^th day each month. All three major state owned OMCs – Indian Oil Corp (IOC), Bharat Petroleum (BPCL) and Hindustan Petroleum (HPCL) fixed prices based on average fortnightly impact of global oil price movement and foreign exchange rate.

As a result of recent price hike, Petrol would cost at ₹61.06 per litre in Delhi while Diesel price will be ₹46.80 per litre. 

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Jet Airways to expand its fleet with new 75 fuel efficient aircrafts from Boeing

India’s second largest airline, Jet Airways buying 75 new fuel-efficient Boeing 737 MAX aircrafts to expand its fleet. As a part of its ambitious growth plans coupled with focus on replacing aging fleet, Jet Airways opted for highly efficient 737 MAX from US-based aircraft manufacturer Boeing (NYSE: BA). At a list price, order size is estimated at $8 billion which is largest single order till date by Jet Airways (NSE: JETAIRWAYS). Deliveries of new aircrafts would begin by mid-2018.

Aviation fuel in India is costlier compared many countries in the world. Currently, jet fuel costs 60% more in India than Singapore. As a result, focus on acquiring fuel efficient aircrafts to achieve better cost structure is increasing among Indian airline companies. Newer aircraft improves at least 15%-20% fuel efficiency for airline. While cost of aviation fuel is about 50% of revenue of airline company in India.

 

Jet Airways is facing stiff competition from Low Cost Carriers (LCCs) such as Indigo, Spicejet, GoAir and many more. As a result, improving profitability through rationalization of cost structure is primary focus for the company. Moreover, efficient and modern fleet would help Jet Airways to take advantage of expanding domestic market coupled with serve international routes effectively.  

You may also like to read Market leader Indigo orders 250 A320s, biggest in the history of Airbus

 

Top 7 recipes you must eat in Diwali

Diwali is most important festival in India and celebrated across all parts. The festival is light is a divine celebration for victory of good over bad. Apart from lighting and firecrackers one most important angle about Diwali celebration is unique recipes which are prepared.

 

Although due to today’s modern and urbanized lifestyle, people spend less time at home during celebrations. But Diwali has always been exception where entire family comes together to celebrate happiness.

Let us look at Top 7 recipes you must eat in Diwali

Sweet Shankarpali

Popular snack which is prepared both as sweet and salty. However, sweet Shankarpali is more famous during Diwali.

Ingredients: Ghee, Sugar, Milk, Maida/ wheat flour, Oil and salt

 

Chakali

Spiral shape snack is very famous due to its taste as well as crispiness. Diwali faral is incomplete without Chakali.

Ingredients for Chakali Flour: Chana Dal, Urad Dal, White Rice, Cumin seeds and Coriander seeds
Ingredients for Chakali Recipe: Chakali Bhajani (Chakali Flour), water, Asafoetida Powder, Sesame seeds, Carom Seeds (Ajwain), Red Chili Powder, Ghee, Salt and Oil

 

Karanji

Karanji also known as Gujiya is traditional sweet made during Diwali as part of faral. It is filled with soft coconut, jaggery, semolina and spices.  

Ingredients: Grated Coconut(dry / fresh), powdered Sugar / Jaggery, Cardamom Powder, Poppy seeds , roasted Fine Rava (Semolina) all for filling while Maida, Pure Ghee, Milk, salt and oil for covering.

 

Poha Chivda

Poha Chivda made from rice flakes is one of most popular Diwali recipe in India. Amazing part of taste in Poha Chivda is you get all flavors such as spicy, salty and sweet.

Ingredients: Thin Poha, puffed rice / murmura, peanuts, chana dalia, cashewnuts, raisins, sliced dry coconut, green chilies, coriander powder, cumin powder, red chilli powder, turmeric powder, safoetida, sugar, salt and oil

 

Anarsa

Popular Diwali sweet made from white rice and jiggery is very famous in Maharashtra and Central India. Unique taste of Anarsa comes due to high proportion of jiggery added in it.

Ingredients: white Rice, grated jiggery, Poppy seeds (khaskhas) and Oil/ Ghee

 

 

Besan Laddu

Besan laddu is very popular sweet item across all parts of India. During Diwali sweet and mithai menu is incomplete without Besan Laddu.

Ingredients: Besan, Ghee (melted), Powdered Sugar, Cardamom Powder (optional), Raisins, cashew-nuts, Almonds chopped

Sev

Diwali faral is perfect mix of sweet, salty and spicy items. Sev is considered as necessary Diwali faral item served with Chivada, Chakali and sweets. Cripsy Sev made in variety of sizes makes Diwali snack interesting and tempting.

 

These are Top 7 recipes you must eat in Diwali to celebrate festival of lights. But nothing would give you more joy than enjoying these items with family and friends together.

 

India Beats South Africa to Win First Test at Mohali

Indian cricket team led by young captain Virat Kohli made impressive start to 4 match series against South Africa at Mohali. India beats South Africa by 108 runs to take 1-0 lead in the series. India made 201 and 200 while South Africa replied with 184 and 109 runs in their respective innings.

Murali Vijay (75 and 47) batted well in both innings while Pujara made gusty 77 in second innings to help India to post winning total. From South African side, Captain AB de Villiers made 63 runs in 1^st innings as all his teammates faltered against Indian spinners.

Ashwin took 5-24 and 3-39 while left arm spinner Jadeja bowled to get 3-55 and 5-21. Ravindra Jadeja was also adjudged as Man of the Match for his all-round performance in his comeback match.

Indian team would be happy to start very important test series on winning note as South Africa got better off them in ODI and T20 series recently. Second test match of the series would be played at Bengaluru between 14^th to 18^th November.  

You may like to read about Why Virender Sehwag is the greatest test cricket opening batsman of all time?

India’s jumped by 12 places on Ease of Doing Business Ranking

In the recent ranking by World Bank Group about ‘Ease of Doing Business’; India ranked 130 out of 189 countries. On a positive side, India’s rank jumped by 12 places compared with 142th place last year. Singapore maintains at the top while mostly Western European and North American countries dominate the list.

Improvement in India’s rank is mainly driven by improvements in areas such as ease of starting a business and getting electricity connection. India’s ranking improved from 137^th to 70^th in just one year for getting electricity connection. In last year, Narendra Modi led Indian government is taking many steps to improve business friendliness of the country.

However, areas such as Dealing with construction permits where India ranked 183 out of 189 and Taxation system (157^th) are major areas of concern of the industry.

Among other major developing economies, China is at 84^th place, Brazil (116^th), Russia (51^st).

More than 2,000 solar powered fuel outlets in India by year end

The Ministry of Petroleum and Gas would install solar panels / solar-wind hybrid systems to power more than 2,000 fuel outlets across India.  In line with its “Go Green” initiative, about 1,500 (IOC), 350 (BPCL) and 300 (HPCL) outlets would be installed with solar power systems by the end of year.

The cost for systems will be borne by dealers while PSU oil marketing companies would ensure that dealers get 40% subsidy. New initiative to adopt renewable energy systems would ensure savings in power bills for dealers of about ₹10,000 to ₹20,000 per month.

As majority of outlets would be from rural areas with frequent power outage, dealers will get reliable power supply due to solar panels and reduce their dependency on diesel powered generators. Currently, 1kW solar systems cost ranges ₹1.5 to ₹2.5 lakh which is significantly lower compared to cost few years ago (About ₹6 to ₹8 lakh) due to improved production techniques and increased adoption.

In June 2015, IOC’s The Lotus Xangpo Memorial fuel station at Leh became world’s highest altitude fuel retail outlet powered exclusively on solar power. Due to savings in power bills, cost of solar systems are recoverable in 18 months approximately.  

 #SolarPower #India #Fuel #Renewable #Subsidy

 

Indian government eyes Palm Oil production by spending ₹10,000cr ($1.5bn) to reduce imports

Indian government is planning to spend ₹10,000 over next 3 years by helping farmers for palm cultivation. The government has identified nine states in the country with suitable climate for palm tree plantation. India’s import of edible oils has trebled in last 20 years making India import dependent.

Currently, edible oil imports estimated at $10bn, third highest after crude oil and gold imports for India. India is the largest importer of edible oils with about 14.4 tonnes million per year while palm oil account about 80% of total edible oil imports.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has set a target to make India self-sufficient in edible oils with a timeline of next 10 years. The move by India to focus on increasing production of palm oil domestically could adversely affect Malaysia and Indonesia who are major grower of palm trees.

#ModiInUAE: India receives about half of UAE’s remittances making India-UAE relations important

Two day visit by India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi to UAE holds lot of significance for India-UAE relations. First visit in last 34 years by an Indian Prime Minister, helped to strengthen both political and economic bonds between both nations.

 

For India with population of 1.25 billion, countries like UAE becomes vital as large number of jobseekers migrates to these nations. These expats help Indian economy by sending remittances back home. In 2014, India received $70.4bn remittance from non-resident population living across foreign countries in the world. India is the largest recipient of remittances globally ahead of China ($64.1bn).

During 2014, inward remittances stood at 3.7% of India’s GDP indicating their importance for the economy. Remittances not only provide much needed “Foreign Exchange” but they provide “Liquidity” due to consistent and periodic receipts.

For India’s remittance market, UAE is the most important country as it the largest remitter to India with $12.64bn in 2014 more than the US with $11.18bn. During 2014, UAE’s outward remittances stood at $29.25bn which is 3^rd largest in the world behind the US ($131bn) and Saudi Arabia ($45bn). Out of UAE’s total outward remittances, India contributes 43% share making India-UAE relations even more significant.

Currently, about 2.65 million Indian expats are living in UAE which is approximately 27% of country’s total population (about 9.6 million). Out of about 28 million India’s population living abroad across globe, UAE with 2.65 million (9.5%) holds significant place.   

Stronger India-UAE relations are beneficial for both nations in long run as India provides skilled and semi-skilled workforce across industries to UAE. While UAE being one of largest employer of Indian labor, provide considerable boost for the economy. The partnership between India’s workforce, creativity and skills with UAE’s vision, infrastructure and resources posed ideal example for the world.  

 

 

#India #UAE #Remittance #Migrant #GDP #NarendraModi #NaMo #Dubai

Market leader Indigo orders 250 A320s, biggest in the history of Airbus

India’s largest airline with domestic market share of 38% has given order for 250 Airbus A320neo single-aisle jets for about $26.6bn at list price. Although typically, customer gets discounts on such bulk size orders. This is biggest order in the history of European company Airbus till date, deliveries are expected to begin in 2018. For Airbus, backlog for A320neo planes now stands at 4,100.

 

 

Indigo which is looking at fast growing aviation market by offering affordable fares and efficient service. Since its inception in 2006, Indigo has overtaken bigger names such as Jet, Kingfisher and Air India in last few years to establish command over Indian market. During 2005 Indigo ordered 100 A320s, all of them delivered. While in 2011, Indigo placed ordered for 180 planes worth $15bn to be delivered in phases till.  With recent order of 250 A320neo, Indigo’s Airbus fleet size would reach 530 aircrafts. With newer aircrafts fitted with more efficient engines and large Sharklet wing-tip devices, Indigo expects fuel savings of 20% by 2020.   

 

 

European giant Airbus gets big boost with this order and its long term relationship with market leader. Indian aviation market is expected to post robust growth in coming years and expected to order at least 1,290 new aircrafts by 2032 valued at $190bn. While India’s market leader, Indigo, looking at strengthening its presence in low cost carrier (LCC) market and preparing itself for competition from new entrants like AirAsia and Singapore Airlines. The company is planning an IPO in near future to raise $500mn which could value Indigo at $4bn. The only profitable airline in Indian market is expected to improve its market share beyond 40% in the current fiscal as competition is facing losses and mounting debts.   

#Indigo #Airbus #A320 #Airline #India

 

Indian Badminton League (IBL): Saina goes to Hyderabad Hotshots while Mumbai Masters grab Lee Chong Wei

IBL auctions were completed more or less on expected lines with Indian star Saina Nehwal getting highest price of $120,000 from Hyderabad Hotoshots while Chinese star Lee Chong Wei went to Mumbai Masters for $135,000.

Other notable deals were P Kashyap got $75,000 from Banga Beats (Bengaluru), Delhi Smashers got Jwala Gutta for just $31,000, Lucknow Warriors paid $80,000 for PV Sandhu and Pune Pistons won Ashwini Ponnappa for $25,000.

 Indian Badminton League (IBL) is a league proposed by Badminton Association of India (BAI) and its inaugural edition would be played between 14^th to 23^rd of August 2013. Currently, there are 6 franchises owned by various corporate.  

Indian Women’s Recurve Team creates history by winning Gold Medal in World Cup Archery

Indian women’s team of Rimi Buriuly, Bombayla Devi and Deepika Kumari created history today by beating higher rank Chinese team to clinch Gold Medal in Recurve Team event at Archery World Cup Stage 3. Indian women dominated the match and kept the pressure on their opponent to win 201-186. China started with “zero” in their first shot and never recovered and had to settle for Silver. USA beat Mexico to win Bronze 207-196. Gold Medal by Indian Women’s Team is followed by Bronze by Men’s team in Compound event a day earlier.

Indian women performed brilliantly throughout the tournament by beating Venezuela in Quarter Finals 224-201 and USA in Semi Finals 216-211.

Indian Compound Men’s Team won “Bronze” at Archery World Cup

Indian Archery got big boost as Men’s Compound team won Bronze medal at Archery World Cup Stage 3 being held in Medellin, Colombia. After losing to France during semi finals; Indian team took on host Colombia in Bronze Medal play off. The team of Rajat Chouhan, Sandeep Kumar and Ratan Singh Khuraijam played well under pressure to grab Bronze medal with a score of 215-210.

Indian team’s performance in the tournament was appreciable throughout as they beat Guatemala 227-216 in first round, El Salvador 236-229 in second round while they lost closely to France in semis 231-234.

Moreover, Indian women’s team made it to finals in Recurve event to fight against China for Gold Medal while Recurve mixed team would play Mexico in Bronze Medal match.

Ford EcoSport stormed Indian auto market with 30,000 bookings in just 17 days

Global auto major Ford hugely benefited due to India’s new found love for mini compact SUVs. It’s recently launched EcoSport received overwhelming response resulting in more than 30,000 bookings in only 17 days of its launch. The success of EcoSport gains even more importance as in current market scenario most of the automobile companies are struggling to push their sales.

The key reasons for initial success of EcoSport are attractive value proposition driven by right product at reasonable price range of Rs.5.59 lakh to Rs.9 lakh. The success of Ford’s EcoSport would intensify the competition further among compact SUVs as well as compact sedan cars such as Honda Amaze, Suzuki Dzire as well as cars like Hyundai i20.

Indian Army Chief Gen Bikram Singh: “If provoked, we will retaliate”

Hero of India : Only Witness of Delhi Gangrape incident

Part II

Part I

Entry permitted with softcopy of tickets at airports for passengers

The Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS), nodal agency for civil aviation security in India has finally issued orders to allow entry at airports for passengers with softcopy of their tickets by showing laptops, tablets or smartphones. This would eliminate necessity of carrying ticket printout in order to enter inside airports. Lately, most of airlines started charging Rs.50 per ticket printout resulting in lot of dissatisfaction among air travelers.

However, recent orders to accept softcopy of air tickets would provide lot of relief and add to convenience for air passengers. Aviation industry has followed path shown by Indian Railways which accepts e-ticket along with identity proof as valid documents by passenger.  

Why Cheteshwar Pujara should play One Day cricket for India?

The selection of India’s One Day International team for home series against Pakistan creates more questions than giving any fruitful answers. In spite of performing extremely well against mighty English side during the test series, India’s latest batting sensation Cheteshwar Pujara could not find the place in One Day team.

Cheteshwar Pujara has played 9 test matches scoring 761 runs at an impressive average of 58.53 with 3 centuries. He has also played 30 T20 matches and batted with a strike rate of 108.44 showing that he certainly knows how to score runs quickly.

We must remember that India would be playing next World Cup in Australia where team would need few batsmen with sound technique and ability to play pace bowling effectively. On both these parameters, Pujara fits the bill.

With form and fitness of “Sehwag”, Puajara might prove handy as opener so that rest of lineup could attack while Puajara holds one side firm. Puajra had certainly showed that he possess the ability to play for long time without losing wicket.

If Indian team management are serious about their preparation for next World Cup and want to follow certain road map then you can’t cross many miles without taking player like Puajara on board!

Suggestion to control “Crime against Women”

Honorable Chief Justice Of India - Mr. J.S. Verma ji,

Thank you very much for providing opportunity to Indian citizens to express their opinions regarding growing menace of crime against women.

Few of the points which I feel could be helpful while drafting effective and actionable law to restrict these crimes are:

·         Crime like “Rape” is far more serious than murder as Murder is “encroachment on right to live” while Rape is “encroachment in right to live with dignity”

·         Rape or sexual offence could be categorize into 3 ways

a)      Rape / Sexual offense against adult woman / young girl (Age more than 12 years);

Punishment in this case should be at least 10 years with maximum sentence could be capital punishment.

b)      Rape / sexual offense against minor (Age less than 12 years)

As victim in this case in not only incapable of providing any resistance but also unable to understand the nature of crime being innocent; the minimum punishment should be “Life imprisonment” to maximum of capital punishment.

c)       Gangrape / sexual offense committed by group of people

Any sexual crime performed by “group of people” deserves capital punishment only if proven guilty. As they are not at all fit to live as human beings or social animals and could result in severe risk for entire humanity in future as well.

·         In all cases, entire legal process should be finish within 90 days from the day police captures the criminals

·         If proven guilty, financial punishment should also be given and recovered money should be handed over to victim or family

·         Only police officers with good track record and not having any corruption allegations should handle cases related to crime against women

·         Use of all possible technological equipments / gadgets must be made mandatory for investigation team to use and must be made available. We certainly don’t need large team size to tackle these issues. Team of 11 people per district is more than sufficient considering overall crime statistics

·         Any new complaint filed at any police station at any place in any state in the country should be reported to central database / control room within 24 hours. This would certainly improve monitoring as well as compliance

·         Apart from actual criminals, people helping them to indulge into the crime must be given minimum sentence of 7 years + financial compensation

·         Accountability of Government and authorities

If crime is performed at public places then respective local authorities should also be made party in the case as they are responsible for providing adequate safety measures for general public visiting those places. Concerned officers must be punished strictly with punishment ranging from termination from service, fine to jail term. Same law should apply to private organizations such as school, hospitals, theatres etc.

Honorable Chief Justice Of India - Mr. J.S. Verma ji,

These are some of the suggestions which you may consider to make this country better and safer place for women /our mothers /sisters and everyone.

Thank you again

“The society where women are not respected is made of animals”

England created history by beating Indian test side at home after 28 years

With 4^th test at Nagpur ending in a draw due to determined efforts by English batting pair of Trott (143) and Bell (116*) on a fifth day; India lost test series to Barmy Army 2-1. Alastair Cook’s men created history by beating India on their home soil ending long wait of 28 years.

Fast bowler James Anderson was judged as Man of the Match for his sensational bowling performance of 81-4 during Indian batting. While Cook bagged Man of Series award for remarkable batting couple with inspiring leadership. Cook scored 562 runs at an average of 80.28 scoring 3 centuries.

England played as an outstanding cohesive unit during the entire span of test series overcoming unfamiliar conditions coupled with huge pressure from Indian crowd. Especially, batting of flamboyant Kevin Pietersen, gritty innings by wicketkeeper Matt Prior along with impressive bowling by spin duo of Swann and Panesar were key highlights for visitors.

From Indian point of view, two positives were brilliant batting by talented Pujara who scored 438 runs at an average of 87.60 and courageous batting by Ashwin who averaged 60.75 in the series coming at No.8. It would be tough time for rest of Indian cricket players in near future where pressure is mounting on Dhoni and Tendulkar due to their indifferent performances. 

How Election Commision can improve election process in India ?

Election Code of Conduct:

After looking at recent announcements by Central Govt. such as “Direct Cash Transfer Scheme” and “Increase in cooking gas cylinder quota from 6 to 9” exactly during the assembly elections in Gujarat, I feel we can propose few improvements to increase accountability, transparency and seriousness  of election process. As we surely know that “No penal Action” would be taken against any of the ministers by Election Commission of India.

For example:

Election Commission must categories and specifies each election related offense of violation in the following way

A: Most serious violation such as violence, booth capturing etc.

Punishment: Expulsion of candidate / party from election process

B: Very serious violation such as distribution of money among voters, hate speeches etc

Punishment: 25% of total votes acquired by candidate / party get reduced. For example, if offender candidate gets 100,000 votes then only 75,000 are considered as legal.

C: Serious offense such as announcing various schemes to lure voters in an unethical way. A current govt. announcement falls under this category.

Punishment: 10% of totals votes polled for candidate / party gets eliminated. In such case all Congress candidates in Gujarat looses 10% of their votes.

D: Less serious offenses such as not filing election expenditure in timely manner, exceeding election expenditure, taking rallies without proper permissions etc

Punishment: 5% of votes get eliminated of particular candidate

E: Least serious offenses. These could be creating traffic jams, exceeding noise levels of loud speaker etc.   

Punishment: 2% of votes get eliminated of particular candidate

Such mechanism with definitive punishments which can impact election results would not  only increase accountability and compliance but it would also make election process very interesting and competitive.