Observer Dawn-Eng-Oct-2020 by OBSERVER DAWN

CORPORATE OFFICE

Editor in Chief

B-97, Sector-63, Noida, Gautambuddh Nagar, U.P. Contact No.: 0120-4804780

Hariom Tyagi

Director

SONU GOEL

Business Editor

DUBAI OFFICE

Karan Mutneja #935, Mint Business Center, Creek Tower Car Parking, Deira, Dubai, UAE, P.O.BOX-25188 Contact No.: 00971-543884164

Business Development Manager

YOGESH SOOD

PARVEEN KR. SINGH

Senior Editor

Senior Asst. Editor

KULDEEP TYAGI

PRAVIN KUMAR MISHRA

Sub Editors / Reporters

Legal Advisor

SHRISHTI S NAGAR VISHAL KUMAR ESHAAT ZAIDI

MUMBAI OFFICE

Sonu Tyagi Approach Entertainment, 102, Shree Bhairavnath Opp. Sai Mandir, RTO Lane, 4 Banglows, Andheri West, Mumbai-400053, Contact- 09820965004

MAKRAND PRATAP SINGH AVINASH TYAGI

Genaral Manager Sales

VARANASI OFFICE

Joint Editor

Z. A. KHAN

DINESH GAUR

Vice President Marketing

Deepak Mandhan Office No 9A, Kashiraj Appt. Kammcha, Varanasi-221005 Mo. No. 9140742565

Consulting Editors

A D VERMA

RAKESH PUROHIT SYED ATIF RIZWAN MOHD. TARIQ NAWAB MANOJ M. CHATURVEDI

GM Marketing

Z. A. KHAN

PATNA OFFICE

Nimesh Shukla 501, K.P. Enclave, Near Nexa Maruti Showroom, Abhiyanta Nagar More, Bailey Road, Patna-801503 Contact: 7042443194, 9431066522

CREATIVES Art Director

AJAY KUMAR SHARMA

Senior Producer

ROBIN GUPTA

CIRCULATION

Photographer / Videographer

JANTA NEWS AGENCY, MUMBAI

SACHIN KUMAR

8-Shaheed Bhagat Singh Place, N.D.M.C Complex, Gol Market, Connaught Place New Delhi-110001 Ph: 011-23363976

CIRCULATION

MINTOO BOOK AGENCY, MUMBAI

SANJEEV KR SINGH

146, D.N. Road Fort, Mahindra Chamber, Mumbai-1 Phone: 08879612757

OBSERVER DAWN Owner/Publisher/Printer/Editor: Mr. Hariom Tyagi Published from S-507A, School Block, Shakarpur Laxmi Nagar, New Delhi-110092 Printed at Modest Print Pack Pvt. Ltd., C-52, DDA Sheds, Phase-I, Okhla Industrial Area New Delhi-110020 www.observerdawn.com info@observerdawn.com Contact No.: 0120-4804747

Â©All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form, electronic, mechanical or otherwise without prior permission. All disputes are subject to the jurisdiction of competent court in Delhi / New Delhi only.

OBSERVER DAWN October-November 2019

Letter from the Editor COP -14

EU, Participant Countries Adopt ‘New Delhi Declaration’

t is evident that overexploitations of natural resources, overgrazing, deforestation and poor irrigation practices are among dozen other reasons behind rampant desertification. Hence, prevention of soil erosion, water resource management and sustainable practices has become the need of the hours. Information procured from different sources reveal that about 40,000 Lakh Hectares (1/3rd of total geographical area) of land are undergoing degradation. In India, it is estimated about 960 Lakh Hectares (29.32% of the total geographic area) land is facing degradation. At this stage, the Government of India’s plan to resolve such issues by restoring 50 lakh hectares of degraded land in 10 years, making provisions of the New Delhi declaration that were adopted at the end of the 14th Conference of Parties (COP 14) and plan to establish a Center of Excellence at Forest Research Institute, seems praiseworthy. More significantly, altogether 196 countries and the European Union (EU) adopted the “New Delhi Declaration", during the 10-day-long COP 14. On the other hands, the land degradation has emerged as a major economic, social and environmental setback on the planet. And hence, the adoption of voluntary ‘Land Degradation Neutrality’, including restoration of degraded land by 2030 will, of course, play a pivotal role in improving the situation. Besides, the endorsement of 35 decisions, including commitments to combat land degradation, desertification

and drought by the signatories can play a significant role in saving the land. Since all the major activities would be carried out and monitored by India, which has the presidency of COP 14 till 2021, over the next two years, the possibilities of utmost benefits to the Indian Subcontinent (the subcontinent basically denotes the areas surrounded by the Indian Ocean including Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka), cannot be ruled out. As a part of the above measures, the business case has been made very clear and we need to manage land restoration, so that the communities are not deprived of land rights. In order to address above issues, we need to follow the policy of ‘people’ first—women, children, and health of people and create conditions of peace and prosperity among the masses. In a similar way, all the countries recognized that desertification undermines health, development and prosperity in all regions.

Proud Moments: India Contrives COP-14 Logo India Presents COP-14 Logo By giving the COP14 logo, India has signified a successful use of Government’s IT outreach through crowdsourcing. While, the sapling rising from bottom to top shows progress, the leaves on the top represent life itself. The Sun’s rays, though depict hope of rays. On the other hands, the land and water in the logo show the importance as being the source of life and the hand represents the importance of human involvement for the betterment of life.

Connect with Hariom Tyagi Hariom Tyagi Editor Observer Dawn

@harityagi2003

@harityagi

October-November 2019

OBSERVER DAWN

BRIEFING

NATIONAL

BHU KEEPS INDIA’S CENTURIES-OLD GLORIOUS CULTURE ALIVE: HOME MINISTER AMIT SHAH

INTERNATIONAL

FATF Puts Pakistan into ‘Dark Grey List’

COVER STORY

BUSINESS OUTLOOK

TECHNOLOGY

14 6

Google Scientists Claim Breakthrough That Could Change Computing

UN CONFERENCE INVESTING IN LAND, UNLOCKING OPPORTUNITIES

Effect of Global Slowdown More Likely in Emerging Markets Like India: IMF Chief

EDUCATION

USA Most Soughtafter Destination for Indian Students

OBSERVER DAWN October-November 2019

ENTERTAINMENT

The Poster of Ajay Devgan’s Upcoming Film ‘Taanaji’ Released

SPECIAL STORY

New Technologies, Innovations to Redefine ‘Future Mobility and Transit Systems’

BRIEFING

Special Story

With A Dispirited Congress to Its Aid, Kejriwal Holds Advantage for Now

HEALTH

DEFENCE

ASSOCHAM

ASSOCHAM Organizes 5th National Symposium on Nutraceuticals

Winter health care tips: Stay Healthy, Fit and Safe

Indian Armyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s E&M E Corps Celebrates 77th Years of Raising

TOURISM

The Garden Of EdenAndaman and Nicobar Islands

OBSERVER DAWN October-November 2019

EVENT

India - UAE Business Summit & Awards - 2019

GUEST EDITOR

The Power of Positive Attitude

National

BHU Keeps India’s Centuries-Old Glorious Culture Alive: Home Minister Amit Shah

he Union Home Minister, Amit Shah, on October 18, 2019 said that the founder of Banaras Hindu University (BHU), Madan Mohan Malviya, always thought of saving the centuries-old legacy of the country. No doubt his legacy and the legacy of India’s glorious culture were kept alive by the BHU, Shah added. The Union Home Minister was addressing a seminar at Guptvanshak Veer: SkandaguptaVikramaditya at BHU, Varanasi. Meanwhile, he spoke about the importance of educational institutions in preserving and promoting the culture of a society.

of history from the standpoint of Indian culture. He gave the example of Veer Savarkar, who was the first to have referred to the 1857 rebellion as the First War of India’s Independence, and called for more such efforts to ensure the writing of history from a nationalistic perspective.

Shah termed Skandagupta as not only a great warrior, but also a skilled administrator. He said that in spite of having saved the nation from invaders, and having freed the region around Kashmir, history has not registered the contributions of Skandagupta or given him his due. He said that the responsibility to correct this, lies with the present society. He called for the chronicling

“India has once again achieved prestige and respect on the global stage. And now this largest democracy of the world, is being recognized as an important voice in global affairs”, Shah said adding that the country, under the vision and leadership of Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, is achieving all targets and glories on world perspectives.

Excess Use of Natural Resources Causes Ecological Imbalances: GK Reddy

ver use of natural resources accelerates climate change and causes ecological imbalance on the earth. And hence, it is the need of the hour that we should use our natural resources in a balanced manner so that we could protect our environment. Plastic is hazardous for the planet and each human being is responsible to reduce it in day-to-day lives to save future of our generation.

These were the words of the Union Minister of State for Home Affairs, G. Kishan Reddy. He was addressing the participants during tree plantation and plugging drives, organized by the NDMC in New Delhi on Friday. The drive was also meant to guide about reducing single use plastic. He said that recently the Prime Minister had urged the nation from the Red Fort to reduce the single plastic in our lives and save environment. Accordingly, protection of environment is not only the responsibility of civic bodies or government but it is the equal responsibility of every citizen and should make it a mass movement. He stressed upon the need for making more efforts for lessening air pollution level and maintaining ecological balance in New Delhi. The Minister administered oath to school students, teachers, morning walkers and officials for saying ‘No to Single Use Plastic’. He also flagged off the teams of NDMC School students for plugging drive in Nehru Park by starting plugging himself. Meanwhile, the school children performed a very informative Nukkad Natak to spread the awareness about saying ‘No to Single Use Plastic’.

OBSERVER DAWN October-November 2019

National

Hindu Kush Himalayan Region Facing High Risk, May Lose Over 60% Glacier By 2100

he Hindu Kush Himalayan region is facing a high risk of losing over 60% of its glaciers, due to rampant global warming and climate change, by the year 2100. The fact was revealed by a global climate report. Noticeably, the Hindukush covers vast areas, including high mountain ranges of central, south and inner Asia. A report on Oceans and Cryosphere in a changing climate, prepared by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), suggests that glacier retreat and snow cover changes have already contributed to localized declines in agricultural yields in high mountain regions, including the Hindu Kush Himalayas.

The Hindu Kush Himalaya region includes mountain ranges of the Tien Shan, Kun Lun, Pamir, Hindu Kush, Karakoram, Himalayas, and Hengduan and the high-altitude Tibetan Plateau which produce one of the world’s largest renewable supplies of freshwater. The report reads, “Hindu Kush Himalayan regions are extremely susceptible to temperature increase. Under a 1.5 degree Celsius global warming scenario, the areas are projected to warm up by more than 2 degrees Celsius on average by the end of this century”. Approved by over 190 countries, the report said that currently, more likely climate change scenarios suggest regional temperature increases between 3.5 and 6 degree Celsius by 2100. Most of the projections also indicate overall wetter conditions in the future and increase in extreme precipitation events. Among the 46 cities at risk due to sea level rise, two are Indian cities of Mumbai and Kolkata, which may experience severe and frequent floods.

Ramjanmabhumi – Babri Masjid Issue, a Socio-Political Vehicle: SCWB

ttar Pradesh, Sunni Central Wakf Board (SCWB), termed the civil suit filed by Ramjanmabhumi Nyas, one of the Hindu parties to the Ram Janmabhumi-Babri Masjid dispute, as a ‘socio-political vehicle’ for the organization. And, it gives a political overtone to the Ayodhya Ram temple campaign. Highlighting the issue, the board’s counsel and senior advocate, Rajeev Dhavan, stressed on the political nature of the temple movement. He contended, “Thus it is clear that suit no.5 was a socio-political vehicle for the Nyas, pointing to the future and trying to reiterate the past to serve the future”. Dhawan was addressing a bench led by Chief Justice of India, Ranjan Gogoi and comprising justices SA Bobde, D Y Chandrachud, Ashok Bhushan and S Abdul Nazeer, which is hearing appeals against the September 30, 2010 verdict of the Allahabad high court dividing the disputed 2.77 acres in Ayodhya into three equal parts to be given to the Sunni Waqf Board, Nirmohi Akhara and the organization representing Ram Lalla, the infant deity.

Large sections of Hindus believe that the 16th century Babri mosque was built over a temple dedicated to the Hindu warriorgod, Ram, whose birthplace is also considered to be at the site. In December 1992, a mob of thousands demolished the mosque during a campaign for the construction of a Ram temple at the disputed site. “The main ‘purpose and direction’ of the suit filed by the trust was to remove all the existing structures and destroy it to the extent required”, said Dhawan.

October-November 2019

OBSERVER DAWN

International

FATF Puts Pakistan into ‘Dark Grey List’

he international terror financing watchdog, Financial Action Task Force (FATF) may take strong action against Pakistan. The last warning by the aforesaid agency may have put the country into its ‘Dark Grey’ list. Authorities attending the ongoing plenary of the FATF in Paris said as per indications, Pakistan will be isolated by all members for not doing enough. Pakistan is on the verge of strong action by FATF. It managed to pass in only six of 27 items, an official privy to the development said.

The FATF is an inter-governmental body established in 1989 to combat money laundering, terrorist financing and other related threats to the integrity of the international financial system.

According to FATF rules there is one essential stage between ‘Grey’ and ‘Black’ lists, referred to as ‘Dark Grey’. ‘Dark Grey’ means issuance of a strong warning, so that the country concerned gets one last chance to improve, another official said.

Pakistan was placed on the Grey List by the Paris-based watchdog in June last year and was given a plan of action to complete it by October 2019, or face the risk of being placed on the black list with Iran and North Korea.

‘Dark Grey’ was the term used for warning upto 3rd Phase. Now it’s just called warning -- that is the 4th phase.

Funds, Arms Must Not be allowed to Terrorists: PM Modi

If Pakistan continues with the ‘grey list’ or put in ‘dark grey’ list, it would be very difficult for the country to get financial aid from International Organizations.

Indian Prime Minister was speaking at the Leaders’ Dialogue on Strategic Responses to Terrorist and Violent Extremist Narratives at the UN Headquarters in New York on October 14, 2019. He said the world has shown solidarity against challenges like climate change and a similar solidarity and readiness is needed against terrorism.

aking a veiled dig at China for supporting Pakistan in its terrorist activities at global platforms, Prime Minister, Narendra Modi said the terrorists must not be allowed to get funds and arms.

Sarma added, the Prime Minister said that terrorists should not be allowed to get funds and arms. For this objective to be realized, we need to avoid politicization of mechanisms like UN listings and FATF. These mechanisms need to be enforced.

“Politicization of mechanisms including, UN listings and the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) should be avoided in order to realize the fact”, PM Modi added.

Sharing India’s experiences, PM Modi said democratic values, diversity and inclusive development were the most important weapons against ideologies that promote terror, extremism and radicalism. C h i n a h a s b e e n s u p p o r t i v e o f Pa k i s t a n a t international fora, with Beijing recently planning to invest $1 billion in development projects in Pakistan as the two seek to further boost bilateral ties. Pakistan and China are all-weather strategic cooperative partner and have always firmly supported each other on issues concerning each other’s core interests.

OBSERVER DAWN October-November 2019

International

PM Modi Among Three Indian Top Brass on JeM’s Hit List

ndian forces and the security agencies are on high alert after they received an input regarding the recent activities of Pakistan-based terror group, Jaish-e-Mohammad.

According to the information procured from the Government sources, the Jaish group has issued a threat letter in which the latter has targeted three top Indian authorities. Those targeted include Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah and National Security Advisor Ajit Doval. The letter was received by the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS). “As per the letter, Modi, Shah and Doval are on hit list of Pakistan-based terror group Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM)”, a senior Government officer said adding that it all happened as a consequence of the abrogation of Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir. The threat letter clearly speaks about revenge against the Indian government’s move to abrogate Article 370, he said. The JeM has also threatened to attack 30 Indian cities.

Sauda Arabia is Committed to Meet Energy, Security Needs of India

As per the report, this terror group is preparing a squad to target to execute their plan in retaliation to the governments’ move in J&K. Recently, a report regarding Lashkar-e-Taiba’s plan on a terror attack in PM Modi’s, Varanasi constituency had theft the sleep of the authorities concerned. Information suggests that the LeT, led by Hafiz Saeed, had reportedly been making attempts to establish a base in the Varanasi Lok Sabha constituency of UP. As per an intelligence report, a major conspiracy was being hatched by the LeT terrorists to attack Varanasi for which they are trying to establish their base in the city.

“We will invite the United Nations and international experts to participate in the investigation into the attacks and have a first-hand experience of the situation on the ground”, said Saudi Ambassador, Dr Saud bin Mohammed Al Sati.

audi Arabia (SA) has said it is committed to meet India’s energy and security needs and would work constructively with other oil producers to maintain market stability.

Over the past six days, the petrol prices have soared by Rs 1.59 a litre and diesel by Rs 1.31 in New Delhi. Noticeably, it was the largest supply disruption in history. The attackers had used lowflying drones and cruise missiles to knock out 5.7 million barrels of production, which is being estimated about 60 per cent of what Saudi Arabia currently produces. He said the country has capability and resolve to defend itself and to forcefully respond to “these aggressions”, and appreciated India’s support and solidarity to Riyadh following the strikes which, he asserted, were “against the international community as a whole”. Asked whether Saudi Arabia will increase oil supply to India to address the shortfall due to curb on import of oil from Iran, the envoy said his country is committed to India’s energy and security and will meet any shortfall that may arise due to disruptions from other sources. “India condemned the attacks on our oil facilities and reiterated its resolve to oppose terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. As a friend and strategic partner, we appreciate India’s support and solidarity,” Al Sati said.

October-November 2019

OBSERVER DAWN

Technology

Top WhatsApp Features Arriving with Upcoming Updates for iOS and Android

hatsApp is yet to receive some much-anticipated features both on Android and iOS. While rumours about the long-awaited Dark Mode have been doing the rounds for some time now, there are some other

features that WhatsApp users can expect in upcoming updates on the app. Some of these include Self-Destructing messages, a new splash screen, and the hide muted status feature. These updates will be rolled out for both iOS and Android users but

some Android users who received the latest beta rollout might already have access to a few of these features. While Dark Mode for WhatsApp is still under development, it has been spotted on some older beta versions. However, users will hopefully not have to wait for too long as WhatsApp has said that it is quite close to releasing a Dark Mode in the final update of the messaging application. The Dark Mode will come with dark text bubbles as well. WhatsApp’s ‘Delete for everyone’ feature has been around for quite a while now. However, WhatsApp might soon introduce self-destructing messages that will allow users to recall a message after a certain duration. This will be similar to snaps sent via Snapchat. When you launch the application for the first time, the WhatsApp logo will appear on the screen after the Splash Screen feature is added under the latest update. The Hide Muted Status feature will allow users to hide all status updates from those muted in their contact list. Under this feature, a ‘Hide’ button will be present on top of the muted status updates section. Users can restore the hidden status updates by clicking on the ‘Show’ button.

Google Scientists Claim Breakthrough That Could Change Computing

or the first time, a machine that runs on the mind-boggling physics of quantum mechanics reportedly has solved a problem that would stump the world’s top supercomputers - a breakthrough known as “quantum supremacy.” If validated, the report by Google’s AI Quantum team and University of California at Santa Barbara physicist John Martinis constitutes a major leap for quantum computing, a technology that relies on the bizarre behavior of tiny particles to encode huge amounts of information. According to a paper published in the journal Nature, Google’s Sycamore processor performed in less than 3 and half minutes a calculation that would take the most powerful classical

computer on the planet 10,000 years to complete.

security advantages to whoever can master it first.

The achievement has been compared to the Wright brothers’ 12-second first flight at Kitty Hawk - an early, aspirational glimpse at a revolution to come. By providing exponentially greater calculation power than the machines we use today, quantum computers could one day transform the way we communicate ideas, conceal data and comprehend the universe.

The technology community has been abuzz about the breakthrough ever since a leaked version of the study was published on a NASA website last month.

The result is also a feather in the cap for both Google and the United States, because quantum technology is expected to confer huge economic and national

OBSERVER DAWN October-November 2019

But the claim also has prompted skepticism from competitors. Researchers at IBM, which has been working on its own quantum machines, reported this week that a classical computer system would in fact take two and a half days to perform the calculation in Google’s report - and would make fewer mistakes in the process.

Technology

Google Launched New Digital Wellbeing Apps to Help Control Your Smartphone Usage

According to Google, Unlock Clock is lock-screen live wallpaper that shows how often you unlock your smartphone in a day. The company hopes this will better help you understand your smartphone usage. Post Box is like your typical post box that collects all the notifications in one place and delivers them all at once at a scheduled time in a neat way. This is supposed to help you minimise distractions. We Flip hopes to cultivate community digital wellbeing. It allows users to switch off from technology in a group and spend time together in the physical world. Paper Phone helps you disconnect by printing a personal booklet containing key information for which you would normally need your smartphone. The app allows you to choose what to include in the booklet, including contacts, maps, calendar information, and more.

s phones become an integral part of our lives, Google is doubling down on its digital wellbeing efforts by launching Digital Wellbeing Experiments. To start things off, Google has introduced

six experimental digital wellbeing apps for Android users – Unlock Clock, Post Box, We Flip, Paper Phone, Desert Island, and Morph. All new digital wellbeing apps are now available via Google Play Store.

Desert Island aims to limit your dependence on the tech by challenging you to get through a day by just sticking to essential apps. You can choose the important app, up to seven, and then see if you can last through the day. Lastly, Morph is an Android launcher that shows different apps based on time and location. By doing this, the app hopes to keep your focussed on important tasks.

improve the overall experience of Windows 10’s November 2019 Update. T h e Re d m o n d f i r m p l a n s t o p u s h smaller updates as part of its “normal servicing cadence” for Insiders on 19H2.

November 2019 Update will also come with the improvements and fixes that are available for May 2019 Update PCs, including the changes that Microsoft shipped with Windows 10 v1903 Build 18363.449.

“This means we will continue to iterate and release new Cumulative Updates for 19H2,” the firm said. In other words, Build 18363.418 isn’t the final version and we still don’t know what consumers will receive when the feature update ships in November.

This should come as no surprise since Windows 10 is continually updated as service. Microsoft says that users upgrading from May Update to November Update will see an “enablement package” on Control Panel’s Windows Update list, which enables the 19H2 features.

Microsoft Reveals More About the Next Windows 10 Feature Update

n a blog post penned by the Windows Insider Program team, Microsoft announced that Windows 10 November 2019 Update is being prepared for the public rollout. Aside from confirming the name of the update, Microsoft also revealed that Build 18363.418 is the final version that would ship to non-Insiders. For obvious reasons, Windows 10 Build 18363.418 is very unlikely to be the one that will ship to consumers. In a new announcement, Microsoft clarified that it will continue to

October-November 2019

OBSERVER DAWN

Business Outlook

Effect of Global Slowdown More Likely in Emerging Markets Like India: IMF Chief

ristalina Georgieva, the recently appointed Managing Director of the IMF said that slower growth was expected this year in nearly 90% of world economies. She was addressing the audience in her speech ahead of the IMF-World Bank autumn meetings on October 9, 2019. The IMF Chief said growth in 2019-2020 will fall to its lowest rate since the beginning of the decade due to widespread deceleration.

This was the fifth straight quarterly decline in growth.

“In the United States and Germany, unemployment is at historic lows…In some of the largest emerging market economies, such as India and Brazil, the slowdown is even more pronounced this year,” she said.

In July this year, IMF had projected a slower economic growth for India and cut its projection by 0.3 percentage points for both 2019 and 2020. It said India’s GDP will grow at 7 and 7.2 per cent in 2019 and 2020.

Georgieva took over from Christine Lagarde as the head of the IMF earlier this month. The Indian economy is facing a slowdown. The gross domestic product (GDP) growth slowed to 5% in the quarter ended June, the slowest pace it has grown since March 2013, when it expanded 4.7%.

The world economy had been projected to grow by 3.2 percent in 2019 and 3.5 percent in 2020 but Georgieva said on Tuesday that the IMF is cutting its forecasts. The IMF is expected to release details in its updated World Economic Outlook soon.

EMP Mandatory for Businesses with Turnover Over Rs 50 Crores

he Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) has said that businesses with turnover of more than Rs 50 crore will have to make arrangements to accept Payments through Electronic Modes from November 1, 2019.

The top body of the income tax department said that no bank or provider of a digital payment system will impose any additional charge on a payer making payment or a beneficiary receiving payment through Electronic Modes. In order to facilitate both companies and their clients, the government has decided to “prescribe” certain modes of payments for the purposes of “Section 269SU,” it said. According to the information procured through a PwC report on the budget, the section mandates every person carrying on business having turnover in excess of Rs 50 crore. The Finance (No 2) Act 2019 suggests, “In case of any such business organization or the representative fails to follow the above mentioned modes of payment referred to in section 269SU, the violator shall be liable to pay penalty in a tune of five thousand rupees, for every day during which such failure continues”. All such decisions are based the Union Government’s decision to promote digital payments and less-cash economy articulated in the budget presented by the Union Finance Minister, Nirmala Sitharaman, on July 5, 2019. “There are also some low-cost digital modes of payment like: BHIM UPI, UPI-QR Code, Aadhaar Pay, certain Debit cards, NEFT and RTGS, that can be used to promote less cash economy”, the Finance Minister had said in her speech.

OBSERVER DAWN October-November 2019

Business Outlook

India’s Apex Bank Mandates Floating Rate Benchmark: Moody’s

oody’s Investors Service (MIS) on September 10, 2019 said that the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), had mandated the Indian banks to link some specific loans to the external benchmark-based interest rate from October 1, 2019. The RBI believes that it had some negative impacts on the lenders as it would limit their flexibility in managing risks. Recently, the RBI had stated that banks were not satisfactorily transferring the cuts in policy interest rates to the borrowers. The central bank has so far this year cut interest rate by 110 basis points but lenders have transmitted only a part of it to borrowers in the form of a lower cost of taking loans. Moody’s Investors Service had on September 10, said, “This is credit negative for India’s banks as it will limit their flexibility in managing interest rate risk”. This new external reference rate

could either be the repo rate, three-month or six-month treasury bills, or any other benchmark market interest rate published by FBI Private Limited. Banks will be free to decide the spread over the external benchmark. Subsequently, credit risk premiums may undergo change when a borrower’s credit assessment also undergoes a substantial change, as agreed upon in the loan contract, Moody’s added. Besides, other components like: operating costs, can be altered once every three years.

PSBs Witnessed Worst Phase During Manmohan Singh and Raghuram Rajan: N Sitharaman

ffering a fresh lease of life to all Public Sector Banks is the primary duty and responsibility of the incumbent Government”, said the Union Finance Minister, N Sitharaman. The Union Finance Minister was delivering her lecture at the prestigious Columbia University’s School of International and Public Affairs here on October 15, 2019. The lecture organized by the Deepak and Neera Raj Centre on Indian Economic Policies of the Columbia University.

“I do respect Raghuram Rajan as a great scholar, who chose to be in the central bank in India at a time when the Indian economy was all buoyant,” Sitharaman reiterated. Denying Rajan’s comments during a recent lecture at Brown University in which he had apparently said that the Narendra Modi government had not performed better, Sitharaman said that PSBs faced the worst phase during Rajan’s tenure. “It was in Rajan’s time as Governor of the Reserve Bank that loans were given just based on phone calls from crony leaders and public sector banks in India till today are depending on the government’s equity infusion to get out of that mire”, She added. Former NITI Aayog Vice Chairman, Arvind Panagariya, professor and eminent economist, Jagdish Bhagwati, and India’s Consul General in New York, Sandeep Chakravorty were also present during the event. “The Indian Public Sector Banks did not have a worst phase than it was during the combination of Dr Manmohan Singh as a Prime Minister and Raghuram Rajan as the Governor of Reserve Bank. That time none of us knew about it,” she said.

October-November 2019

OBSERVER DAWN

Education

India-China Held First JWG Meeting, Discusses Cooperation in Education

he India and China have now stepped-up cooperate each other in education sector. Exchange of students, apart from various other levels of expectations in education cooperation would be addressed by both the countries. The two neighbors held their first Joint Working Group (JWG) meeting on education at Beijing and discussed various aspects of respective educational systems as well as explored areas of cooperation. “Discussion was also held on exploring the possibility of signing an agreement on mutual recognition of qualifications as well as promoting greater student exchange,” said a press release by the Indian Embassy. India made presentation on the Scheme for Promotion of Academic and Research Collaboration (SPARC), Global Initiative of Academic Networks (GIAN), Study Webs of Active Learning for Young Aspiring Minds (SWAYAM) and Study in India program. While, the Indian delegation was led by Madan Mohan, Additional Director General (ICC), Ministry of Human Resource Development of India, the Chinese were headed by Fang Jun, Deputy Director

NCERT Plans to Revise Its Curriculum Framework

mong other major changes in education, the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) has planned to review its 14-year-old National Curriculum Framework (NCF). All these would be executed in accordance with new national education policy. Besides, a committee will also be set up for this purpose.

General, Department of International Cooperation and Exchanges, Ministry of Education of China. Presently, over 23,000 Indian students are studying different courses in Chinese universities. Of them, over 21,000 have enrolled to study medicine. Considering the growing demand, China recently designated 45 medical colleges out of 200 to teach MBBS course in English. Recently, India barred its universities from entering into any agreement for exchange programs with the institutions in China without prior clearance from the ME&H Affairs. The Indian delegation visited China’s Open University and interacted with its Vice President Yang Xiaotang and explored opportunities of mutual cooperation with the Indian Open University system.

The NCERT Director, Hrushikesh Senapaty, said that the council was going to announce a committee by the end of October, 2019. “This committee will revisit the NCF to bring it on lines of the NEP. The NCF has been revised four times so far – in 1975, 1988, 2000 and 2005”, Senapaty said. The new proposed revision will be the fifth of the framework. “We are just waiting for the new education policy to be finalized and a committee for reviewing the NCF will be announced by month-end. The committee, however, will keep NEP as the base of revision. Ultimately the textbooks will be revised as per the new framework,” Senapaty told PTI. “It has been over 14 years since the last framework was revised. We did review the textbooks in last two years but once the new education policy is in place, the curriculum framework will need thorough revision,” he said. The council is also undertaking a survey in six blocks to analyze the quality of primary education available and the areas that need change. “The blocks that have been identified for the preliminary survey are in Shillong, Mysore, Rajasthan, Bhopal and Orissa. Senapaty added, “A team of NCERT officials will visit each of the block and conducting the survey. Once the findings are received, the survey will be conducted in more areas and the findings will also be reviewed for the new curriculum framework”.

OBSERVER DAWN October-November 2019

Education

Social Status and Gesture Defines the Candidature of Job Seekers: Study

one are the days when the job seekers were judged through their experience, conduct and ideas. Now they are primarily judged on the basis of their social status, a recent study reveals. The study is to be published in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. It found that people can accurately assess a stranger’s socioeconomic position duly defined by their income, education and occupation status. The findings show that these snap perceptions influence hiring managers in ways that favor job applicants from higher social classes. “Our study shows that even during the briefest interactions, a person’s speech patterns shape the way people perceive them, including assessing their competence and fitness for a job,” a research team member, Michael Kraus, who is an Assistant Professor at the Yale University, reveals. The researchers based their findings on five separate studies. The first four examined the extent that people accurately perceive social class based on a few seconds of speech.

They discovered that speech adhering to subjective standards for English as well as digital standards. Twenty prospective job candidates from varied current and childhood socio-economic backgrounds were recruited to interview for an entry-level lab manager position at Yale. Prior to sitting for a formal job interview, the candidates each recorded a conversation in which they were asked to briefly describe themselves. A sample of 274 individuals with hiring experience either listened to the audio or read transcripts of the recordings.

They found that reciting seven random words is sufficient to allow people to discern the speaker’s social class with above-chance accuracy.

USA Most Sought-after Destination for Indian Students

ecent studies and analysis revealed that the United States is now being termed as the most sought-after destination for Indian students, especially for pursuing master’s degree.

Apart from getting opportunities, they also get quality education in USA. While the US remains the top choice for Indian students to pursue Master’s in science and engineering, recent stats have shown a dip in MBA applicants for USA.

A research study was carried out by Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC), which conducts GMAT- the qualifying test for MBA admissions in United States. 1087 graduate business programs taught in 363 universities were the sample set for this survey. There was a 7% decline in the MBA applicants from India, according to the survey. At the same time, there was an increase of 8.9% for the Asia-Pacific region, 7.7% rise for Canada and 3.2% for Europe. While the course is still opted by the students, USA is not as preferred as it was previously. This reveals that Indian students are seen to prefer Europe, Asia-Pacific as well as Canada for Master’s in Business. Along with this, the Asia-Pacific region has seen a rise in applications from not only Indian but also a significant amount of international students. While the universities in United States are eager to on-board international talent for their MBA programs, the high cost of studying in United States along with volatile VISA policy for Indians might be one of the reasons why Indian students are opting for countries other than United States. The MBA program has most applicants who are working professionals wanting to add to their experience with a master’s degree.

October-November 2019

OBSERVER DAWN

//////

Entertainment

Ayushmann Khurrana Associated with UNICEF, Will Spread Awareness Against Sexual Exploitation of Children

against children are the most heinous and I commend this step of UNICEF and the government for protecting the future of the country. ‘’

yushmann Khurrana has been given a big responsibility by the Government of India. Ayushmann along with UNICEF will make people aware against sexual exploitation of children.

The purpose of this camp is to reach out to the countrymen through social media, TV and cinema, in which Ayushmann will help. In the recent few years, Ayushmann has become the face of middle-class India through his films. In such a situation, Ayushmann can prove to be helpful in this camp.

The Ministry of Women and Child Development wants to make children aware of the legal assistance and protection under the POCSO Act. In this regard, Ayushmann said that we need to be more vigilant for such crimes. Voices against such crimes should be raised immediately and the authorities should be made aware of it.

Talking about Ayushmann’s career, his film Bala is about to be released, in which he is playing the role of a young man, whose hair gets lost in his youth. Earlier this year, Ayushmann’s Dream Girl and Article 15 have been released. Ayushmann appeared in completely different roles in both these films. In article 15, he played the role of a sensitive and honest police officer, and in Dream Girl he appeared in a lighthearted style. Both films were successful at the box office.

The statement issued by Ayushmann said“Being an urban conscious, I always want to tell people about matters which are important for the country and which need immediate attention. Spreading awareness for POCSO is a very important step for the ministry. Under this law, children are protected from sexual exploitation and provided legal assistance. Crimes

Deepika Padukone and PV Sindhu Joined PM Narendra Modi in the #Bharatkilaxmi Campaign

ndian shuttler PV Sindhu and Bollywood actress Deepika Padukone have come forward in support of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ‘Bharat Ki Laxmi’ movement, which aims to promote women empowerment in the country. PV Sindhu shared a video on Twitter and wrote, ‘Society grows when women are empowered and their achievements are respected! I support Narendra Modi ji and the #BharatKiLaxmi movement. It celebrates the extraordinary achievements of extraordinary women of India. This Diwali let’s celebrate femininity. ‘

dedication. Our values have always taught us to strive for the upliftment of women. ‘ Through this video, PV Sindhu and Deepika Padukone gave a message to celebrate #BharatKiLaxmi. Meanwhile PV Sindhu will soon start her French Open Badminton tournament, while Deepika Padukone will be seen in Meghna Gulzar’s directorial film Chhapak and Kabir Khan’s sports drama 83.

The campaign launched by PM Modi focuses on women empowerment apart from honoring daughters, who have made a distinct identity with their achievements in various fields for the betterment of the public. Responding to a video shared by Sindhu, PM Narendra Modi wrote, ‘India’s woman is a symbol of strength, talent and perseverance, determination and

OBSERVER DAWN October-November 2019

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is often creating awareness about social topics. This time also he is trying to do this. He is also an important subject to awaken the awareness and respect of women in society through this. Deepika Padukone married film actor Ranveer Singh. Both of them will be seen in film 83. In this film, Ranveer is playing the role of Kapil Dev.

Entertainment

The Poster of Ajay Devgan’s Upcoming Film ‘Taanaji’ Released

he poster of Ajay Devgan’s upcoming film ‘Taanaji: The Unsung Warrior’ has been released. With this, his first look in the film has also surfaced. The film will be released in Theaters on January 10, 2020. Ajay has announced the first look and release date of the film with his Twitter handle. In the poster, Ajay looks like a warrior. He has a sword in his hand. This film is a biopic of Marathi warrior ‘Taanaji’ Malusare. Ajay has described it as his next dream project. He is willing to go to any extent to make it grand and big. For this, he has set a budget of 150 crore rupees. In the poster of ‘Taanaji’, apart from his shield,

the third thing which is coming in notice is Ghorpad i.e. Goh. VFX is also going to do a lot of work in the film. This Ghorpad will be made with the help of VFX only. And all this will be done by Ajay Devgan’s own VFX company. Kajol and Saif Ali Khan are going to appear in this film with Ajay. The casting of this film is almost confirmed, so it is not difficult to guess how big this film is going to be. Om Raut will direct this film. Om had previously directed the Marathi-language film ‘Lokmanya - Ek Yugpurush’ (2015). It was a biopic of Lokmanya Bal Gangadhar Tilak. ‘Taanaji - The Unsung

Warrior’ will be his second film. It is being said that in the film ‘Taanaji’, apart from the war, his personal life angle will also be seen. But the

focus will be on this war won under his leadership. The producers of the film are Ajay Devgan and Bhushan Kumar.

‘Pagalpanti’ of these Stars will Break Viewers, Trailer Released Full of Madness

amous film director Anees Bazmee, who has made superhit actioncomedy films like No Entry, Welcome, Singh Is King and Ready, is ready again to make the audience laugh with a multistarrer comedy film. The name of the film is Pagalpanti. The film starrs actors like John Abraham, Arshad Warsi, Pulkit Samrat, Saurabh Shukla, Anil Kapoor, along with Ileana D’kruz, Kriti Kharbanda and Urvashi Rautela. The trailer of the comedy film Pagalpanti was released recently. Pagalpanti will knock in theaters on November 22. Seeing the trailer of Pagalpanti directed by Anees Bazmee, it seems that the film will give the audience a strong dose of laughter. The comic timing and maidenness of all the stars in the trailer is amazing.

October-November 2019

Talking about the lead actors working in this film, John recently appeared in an action thriller film like Batla House, while Arshad Warsi was seen in Bhaiyyaji Superhit. Pulkit Samrat also rocked the comedy film like Fukrey Returns. Interestingly, John Abraham is going to be seen in a comic role after a long time. Confusion is created by watching the trailer. The story is unclear and it seems that this will be the USP of this f i l m . A r s h a d Wa r s i a n d Anil Kapoor look awesome in the trailer. Let us tell you that Anil and John had previously worked in a c o m e d y f i l m We l c o m e Back. Pagalpanti’s trailer has been released. Obviously, the audience will be eagerly waiting for this.

OBSERVER DAWN

//////

Cover Story

UN CONFERENCE INVESTING IN LAND,

UNLOCKING

OPPORTUNITIES By: Pravin Mishra

he Fourteenth Session of the Conference of Parties (COP14) to the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification took off in New Delhi on 2 September 2019. The 10-day-long mega events were ended on September 13, 2019.

The event was organized at the India Expo Mart and Exhibitions Center, Greater Noida, New Delhi. In order to get a greater exposer, the entire activities were webcasted live. Prakash Javadekar, Minister of Environment, Forests and Climate Change, India, and Ibrahim Thiaw, Executive Secretary, United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification presided over the event. Issues on the COP14 agenda included drought, land tenure, ecosystem restoration, climate change, health, sand and dust storms, cities of the future, financial investment, and the roles of youth, non-governmental organizations and the private sector. Almost a hundred ministers and over 3000 delegates from across 190 countries participated at COP14. Indian Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, and UN Deputy SecretaryGeneral, Amina Mohammed, also attended the mega event.

OBSERVER DAWN October-November 2019

Cover Story

PM NARENDRA MODI INAUGURATES COP 14 AT INDIA EXPO MART AND EXHIBITIONS CENTER, GREATER NOIDA

he Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, on September 9, 2019, inaugurated the High Level Segment (HLS) of UNCCD COP14 amid auspicious presence of heads of the UN. Besides, various other international organizations, leaders of states and ministers from many countries were also present during the occasion. Before citing his views on other issues, PM Modi, showed his gratitude to the UNCCD for bringing the COP to India – a nation, which is deeply connected to cultural roots with love and holistic relationship with nature. The country is proud of its successes in land restoration using remote sensing and space technologies and is now ready to share its knowledge with other countries. India is also establishing a center of excellence for forest research to support south-south cooperation and knowledgesharing. The Indian PM, further encouraged the COP participants to contribute to a global water action agenda that can support land degradation neutrality. Amina Mohammed, the UN Deputy Secretary-General said, “Almost one third of the timeframe for delivering Agenda 2030 had already passed.

Transportation from New Delhi to the

COP 14

venue in Noida

A shuttle service for journalists from the National Media Centre (Raisina Road, Windsor Place, New Delhi, Delhi 110001, India) to the conference venue was fixed for media coverage. Besides, the shuttle service also ran from the Ministry of Environment (Indira ParyavaranBhawan, Jorbagh Road, New Delhi) to the Conference venue.

October-November 2019

Now the countries need to act with increased urgency and ambition to get rid of silos that stand in way of multiple benefits. It can be achieved through coordinated action on land, climate and biodiversity”. The participants strongly agreed with the statements of the Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Prime Minister, Ralph Gonsalves. “There are no big or small countries when it comes to desertification and climate change. The only way to tackle these problems is to act unanimously - as one global family”, Gonsalves said. The Minister of Environment and Climate Change, Prakash Javadekar, who was also the president of COP14, hoped that the discussions among international stakeholders during the HLS would generate innovative ideas to address the local, national and global land agenda with a pragmatic and all-inclusive approach. The UNCCD COP14 provides a unique opportunity to deliberate, coordinate and exchange ideas to resolve the major problems of desertification worldwide. The UNCCD Executive Secretary, Thiaw, while addressing the audience highlighted that UNCCD COP14 was set to important elements like: how to restore, protect and manage our land on a massive scale; how to trigger a seismic shift in private sector partnerships to make it happen; how help ramp up the ambition of action plans for everyone involved.

OBSERVER DAWN

Cover Story

INDIAN PM APPEALS INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITIES TO SET-UP GLOBAL WATER ACTION AGENDA

ndian Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, has called on the international community to set up a global water action agenda as the central theme to achieve land degradation neutrality. He announced that India will restore an additional 5 million hectares of degraded land by 2030, raising the land to be restored in India to 26 million hectares. PM Modi made the announcement when he opened the ministerial segment of the 14th session of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification that opened in New Delhi, India. The restoration is part of India’s commitment to achieve land degradation neutrality, a flagship initiative under the UNCCD. To date, 122 of the 170 countries affected by land degradation have committed to achieve land degradation neutrality. India’s Initiative complements and strengthens two other previous initiatives, namely, the Changwon Initiative of the Republic of Korea and the Ankara Initiative of Turkey, also launched at previous COPs.

PrakashJavadekar, India’s Minister of Environment, Forest and Climate Change and the current COP14 President, also announced that the Delhi Declaration will be adopted from this special ministerial segment of the Conference.

and ensured the stakeholders that “India has the COP presidency for the next 2 years. We will work with all of you and I can ensure that our positive actions will help us give a better earth to the future generations.”

The segment is meant to draw attention to the human face of desertification, land degradation and drought, he said,

Ralph Gonsalves, Prime Minister of SaintVincent The Grenadines, said, “The collective responses of nations globally have not measured up adequately or sufficiently to the enormous task at hand, so as to obviate disaster. Accordingly, COP 14 convened under the aegis of United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification is a seminal staging post in humanity ’s quest for a better and sustainable condition of our lives, living and production”.

Indian Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, has called on the international community to set up a global water action agenda as the central theme to achieve land degradation neutrality.

OBSERVER DAWN October-November 2019

Amina Mohammed, Deputy SecretaryGeneral of the United Nations welcomed the Prime Ministers and other dignitaries to the Conference, and said, “We no longer have the luxury of spending the next 10 years meeting preparing the targets. We have two weeks to move our common agenda in the right direction to bend the curve on a planet of less than 2 degrees, towards action and impact”.

Cover Story She highlighted that 800 million people are still going hungry and that crop yields are dropping, and demand for food is set to increase by 50 percent in the coming decades. Restoring 150 million hectares of farmland could feed 200 million more people every year. At the same time, it would provide greater resilience and over 30 billion dollars a year in increased income for small stakeholders and sink an additional 2 gigatones of carbon dioxide per year. It is in these critical times where our individual and collective responsibilities will be needed, even more than they ever have been. It is a massive effort but together we can lift and achieve the aspirations of the climate agenda,” she added. “The [Climate Action] Summit “is not the first and last stop. It is the first step towards concrete actions and we are asking commitments from our member states. I will say considerable engagement with financial sector is really important, since there is a barrier, if we don’t have resources. So, we are saying public funds, must move. We are not correct in saying the Green Climate Fund doesn’t have money on the table, they do, and the states do make contributions that is a good signal towards the climate action summit in the next two weeks. It is continuous engagement, that is what it is about,” she added. Ibrahim Thiaw, UNCCD Executive Secretary, highlighted the present and inter-generational impacts of land degradation globally and underlined the plight of the children being born “whose future is not in the hands of the parents alone, but of humanity at large”. He drew attention to recent scientific assessments that revealed the harm caused by land degradation, stressed importance of the current COP in laying

The UNCCD COP14 agreed on 36 decisions to ramp up and elaborate further action on the ground to ensure that the Convention’s goals for 20182030 are achieved.

“the groundwork for change” for the five United Nations Summits to be held in New York soon, and said “combining our land with three little concepts of equality, partnerships and scale could take us a very long way towards our common goals”. Thiaw also concurred with Mr. Mohammed regarding the role of the private sector in ramping up land restoration particularly for vulnerable, rural and smallholder farmers, and clarified that the engagement with the private sector is not the same as privatizing land. COP14 President Javadekar said that, “combating desertification has to be a national goal. In India, we are already on the way of combating desertification; the green covering is rising in India. From 24% in the last 5 years, it has increased by nearly 15,000 square km and we are inching towards our target of having 33% of green cover”. “If human actions have done damage to the world and the environment, now positive human actions will make a difference

October-November 2019

and will give a better earth for future generations,” he added. Over 6000 participants from across the world participated in the UNCCD COP14. Those attended the event include ministers, heads of United Nations and intergovernmental bodies, youth, local governments, business leaders and representatives of non-governmental organizations. The theme of the event was - Investing in Restoration to Unlock Opportunities. All agreed on the actions and each will take over the next two years and beyond so as to get us on a sustainable development path. Altogether 11 high-level meetings, 30 committees and over 170 stakeholder meetings, 44 exhibitions and 126 side events were organized during the 10-day-long mega events of UNCCD. The Conference adopted the Delhi Declaration in which the parties expressed commitment for a range of issues, including gender and health, ecosystem restoration, taking action on climate change, private sector engagement, Peace Forest Initiative and recovery of 26 million hectares of degraded land in India. The UNCCD COP14 agreed on 36 decisions to ramp up and elaborate further action on the ground to ensure that the Convention’s goals for 20182030 are achieved. At the closing of COP14, UNCCD Executive Secretary Mr. Ibrahim Thiaw said, “Land restoration is the cheapest solution to climate change and biodiversity loss. It makes business sense, if regulations and incentives to reward investment are in place. Drought preparedness and response are critical in the face of climate change. And, in order to put people first is to ensure gender balance, engage youth and secure land rights”.

OBSERVER DAWN

Cover Story

MAJOR HIGHLIGHTS:

COP 14

SIGNIFICANT DECISIONS MEANT TO FOCUS ON FOLLOWING People First The health and well-being of 3.2 billion people is directly or indirectly impacted by desertification and land degradation. Land degradation and drought reduce the area of productive land. At the same time, urban expansion is consuming more and more prime agricultural land. There is an urgent need for more effective land use policies. But this will require a policy environment that engages with people – local communities, indigenous peoples, men, women and youths – and is responsive to their needs on issues such as land rights, urban planning and land management decisions.

population is living in potentially water scarce areas. As the livelihoods, including jobs that are based on natural resources, become increasingly precarious, young people are left with few prospects for work and survival in the rural areas. Land degradation could force millions of people to migrate.

Turning Plans into Action Over 100 countries have established their land degradation neutrality targets. Some 70 countries that suffer droughts are participating in the UNCCD’s Drought Initiative to improve their preparedness, management and response to drought.

Security and Stability

Enhancing Resilience

Healthy land is for some the only form of capital that they have. It is a natural storage for fresh water. When degraded, land loses these functions. Close to half of the global

The land-based solutions envisioned for implementation under LDN could contribute up to 30 percent of the emissions gap needed to meet the 1.5

OBSERVER DAWN October-November 2019

degrees Celsius target under the Paris Agreement and provide a solid foundation for the post-2020 global biodiversity framework.

Science at the Service of Nature Uniform indicators on the condition of our land resources are now being monitored at the national, regional and global levels as part of the Sustainable Development Goals indicator framework.

Pulling Together on a Global Scale About 2 billion hectares of land – an area twice the size of China – are degraded but can be restored back to health. We have only one Earth and land restoration on a large scale will create jobs and opportunities for rural youth as well as people fleeing their lands. It will boost urgently needed collaborative action on a global scale to cool the Earth and to restore

Cover Story

a healthy environment fit for animals, plants and people. Delayed action will come at a higher and greater cost to us and our children. By contrast, immediate efforts to achieve land degradation neutrality will accelerate the achievement of many of the Sustainable Development Goals and help integrate the solutions needed.

Drought Preparedness Day: Drought Toolbox Delivered “Drought is another major obstacle in achieving sustainable development goal 15. As such, we need to move faster in our ways against drought. We must cope up with such trouble and mitigate climate change”, the UNCCD, Executive Secretary, Ibrahim Thiaw said during the opening remarks at the Drought Preparedness Day. The event took place at the Rio Conventions Pavilion on September 11, 2019. The UNCCD secretariat dedicated the tenth day of COP14 to the theme of the Drought to present and discuss the success and challenges of the current tools, methodologies and policies that support drought preparedness, across the globe. The Drought Preparedness Day was co-organized by UNCCD, The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), The Global Water Partnership (GWP) and The World Meteorological Organization (WMO).

Supplementary Features:

tvbiomovies 2019 The Fifth Global Youth Video Competition, as a part of the tvbiomovies 2019, made a call to young people so that it could produce a 3-minute video on local positive action around climate, land and biodiversity. The videos were, however put online to be judged by a global youth audience. The UNCCD supported a category focused on balancing use of land for people and ecosystems which received 89 entries from 68 countries.

Rene Castro, Assistant Director-General, Climate, Biodiversity, Land and Water Department, at the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, emphasized on the need to shift from a reactive mind-set to a proactive one. He said, “We need to prepare, predict, plan together to stop drought becoming famine. One actor alone cannot achieve this. We need to work together across countries, UN-agencies, NGOs, academia,

October-November 2019

indigenous and local communities, private sector, including family farmers and more. Thiaw said, “I am excited to see an all women panel here at the COP14. Gender mainstreaming into all activities and policies on drought preparedness increases our effectiveness”. The event made a special call on the importance of gender-responsive drought impact mitigation measures, and aligns itself with the UNCCD Gender Action Plan. “What are we if we see agriculture production decreasing and we cannot feed our children? We have no dignity if we have no land to feed us”, said Samia Nkrumah, the President of Kwame Nkrumah Pan African Centre, Ghana. The launch of the new UNCCD interactive Drought Toolbox became the highlight of the day, offering country parties a practical interactive platform to develop national drought plans and switch to a proactive approach to drought management. The toolbox, developed by UNCCD as part of the Drought Initiative through close partnership with WMO, FAO, GWP, National Drought Mitigation Center of the University of Nebraska, and UNEP-DHI, gives drought stakeholders easy access to tools, case studies and other resources to boost the resilience of people and ecosystems to drought.

OBSERVER DAWN

Cover Story

AFDB, GLOBAL MECHANISM CONVENES A JOINT MEETING AT

COP 14 T

he Global Mechanism (GM) of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) and the African Development Bank Group (AfDB) jointly hosted an evening reception at 14. The reception provided a platform to bring together esteemed guests and key actors from across Africa to network, exchange ideas on new initiatives and opportunities and strengthen partnerships and cooperation for a more sustainable future. Bringing together knowledge, insights and technical capacities can generate strong synergies, for more robust, effective and cost-efficient solutions to the complex land and climate problems with which Africa is facing. The AfDB and the Global Mechanism have been working together to strengthen the knowledge and capacity of African stakeholders to implement the Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and the Land Degradation Neutrality (LDN) targets, improve synergies and secure stronger international support and financing for their achievement. They also started to provide support to African countries in partnership with the Climate Commission for the Sahel Region (CCRS), CILSS and other regional partners in designing

regional project in West Africa to reinforce resilience to climate change and achieve LDN. The two institutions have hosted joint workshops, trainings, joint meetings and

OBSERVER DAWN October-November 2019

missions to support portfolio development of transformative projects across Africa. The plan signs a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen their cooperation and expand their current activities in Africa.

Cover Story

JAVEDKAR HOSTS A HIGH-LEVEL LUNCHEON ON LAND & CLIMATE Special events and the Rio Conventions Pavilion In a view to throw light on every activity and support this inter-governmental event, the stakeholders, working in collaboration with their respective government partners often held side events during the function. The events featured case studies, actions or new knowledge that is related to the issues under consideration at the Conference. These events were organized every day after formal closer of the official meetings. The Rio Conventions Pavilion – a vibrant space for interactive all-day events and meetings were also organized at COP14, hosting “thematic days” that focused on the different areas of work of the Convention and the synergies among the Rio Conventions on Climate Change, Biological Diversity and Desertification. The events include a Youth Forum, a Gender Caucus, a Science Day, Sand and Dust Storms Day, a Business Day, a Local and Regional Governments Day, the GEF Da, the Land for Life Day and a Drought Day. The Pavilion’s program can be found here.

October-November 2019

On the road to the Climate Action Summit, the United Nations Deputy Secretary-General, Ms. Amina Mohammed and the Minister of Environment, Forest and Climate Change of India and President of COP14, Prakash Javedkar, hosted and co-chaired a high-level luncheon on land and climate, on the margins of the UNCCD COP14. The event was co-facilitated by UNCCD and UN Environment. The main purpose of the event was to facilitate the leaders with debate and create a dynamic scene for inspiration and interaction that could feed into the outcome of the Climate Action Summit, particularly the nature-based solutions track. It also aimed at establishing climate change resilience as the basis for stability and security. The luncheon would help create a new paradigm for enhanced resilience and global security founded on integration of land into decision-making. It would also forge a positive, actionable agenda on climate change, providing a potential supporting framework for ambitious 2020 review of Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs). The conclusions of the high-level luncheon will also inform the UN Climate Action Summit in New York and UNFCCC COP25.

OBSERVER DAWN

//////

Special Story

NEW TECHNOLOGIES, INNOVATIONS TO REDEFINE

‘FUTURE MOBILITY AND TRANSIT SYSTEMS’

Innovation, Technological breakthroughs and Automation are set to change the future of mobility across the globe. These were the major highlights of dozens speakers and the SIAM members.

he Auto giants, apart from other dignitaries, were speaking during the 59th Annual Convention of the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM). The day-long seminar titled - “Moving into A New Era of Auto Industry”, was organized by SIAM at the premises of Hotel Taj Palace.

of mobility integration powering by mobility data and advanced technologies in future”.

propel the auto industry as the primary engine of growth for the ‘Make in India’ program.

Vinod Aggarwal, the treasurer, SIAM and the MD & CEO, VE Commercial Vehicles Ltd, highlighted that the Automobile Mission Plan aimed to

He also said that CASE could have a different connotation, which is Clean, Affordable, Safe and Efficient, especially in context of Indian.

They stressed on creation of viable pathways to lay the ground work for future mobility and smart manufacturing. Speaking about the future of mobility, John Moavenzadeh, the Executive Director – Urban Mobility Professional Education, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Senior Advisor, Deloitte & Founder cum Managing Partner, Mobility Nexus LLC, said, “Digitization and new business model would shift mobility focus from products to services. Now a day, the consumer behavior has shifted from vehicle ownership to pay-per use models. While, shared mobility will dominate the future, the traditional mobility will continue to remain relevant. Mobility will get more integrated– with data at the core

The day-long seminar titled - “Moving into A New Era of Auto Industry”, was organized by SIAM at the premises of Hotel Taj Palace.

OBSERVER DAWN October-November 2019

Rahul Jain, MD & Senior Partner, The Boston Consulting Group, drew a comparison between global perspectives and Indian context saying that the current challenges will lead to increased partnerships across government, infrastructure and overall industry. Martin Peter Schwenk, MD and CEO, Mercedes Benz India Pvt Ltd, spoke on how the emerging new trends will impact revenues of companies. Gurpratap Boparai, MD, Volkswagen India Pvt Ltd & Skoda Auto India Pvt Ltd opened the floor for discussions around Industry 4.0 by mentioning that this revolution would help bring smart manufacturing. However there has to be a roadmap that will allow a smooth transition.

Special Story

Pr o f. B G u r u m o o r t h y, Pr o f e s s o r, Indian Institute of Science & Chief Executive, Society for Innovation and Development, said, “Industry 4.0 is about taking digital world with human element into manufacturing in a more autonomous manner where decisions would be taken by machines based on artificial intelligence”. Prof. Dr Detlef Zühlke, Executive Chairman, SmartFactory KL e.V. commented that the massive customization, regional production, online drivers and immediate delivery system would change the entire scenario of the market. “We need a stack of standards that include interoperability, communication and electromechanical standards. The Data is generated in huge amounts, for which AI-driven data analytics is necessary. Today, we have comparable products, standards, market pressure and knowledge. We are also dealing with a variety of workforce issues, cyber security and legal framework”, he added.

support the industry by lowering the GST before 20th September so that nobody misses out on potential sales expected during the festive season.

The SIAM President, Rajan Wadhera, while concluding the day-long Annual Convention, said, “Department of Heavy Industry needs to anchor the auto sector at present”.

Clearing the air around EVs, Venu Srinivasan, Chairman, TVS Motor Company Ltd, said that EVs would not replace combustion vehicles and all kinds of technologies will continue to co-exist – electric, petrol, diesel fuel and others. Dr Pawan Goenka, MD, Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd, said that auto OEMs should work cohesively in this testing time. He also urged that the union government and the industry should come together to beat this downturn.

Talking in the “CEOs’ Panel – Revival of Automotive Industry ”, Guenter Butschek, the CEO & MD, Tata Motors Ltd, reiterated that the government must

Dr A R Sihag, the Union Secretary, Department of Heavy Industry, Ministry of Heavy Industries & Public Enterprises, said, “The new auto policies are being engineered keeping in mind the demands of various stakeholders. Extensive discussion on the economic slowdown is impacting consumer sentiments. Even the talk around GST rate reduction will make the customers wait indefinitely which would impact sales”. He added that as far as the scrap-page policy is concerned, it was under review and the government was laying down the way forward. The SIAM President, Rajan Wadhera, while concluding the day-long Annual Convention, said, “Department of Heavy Industry needs to anchor the auto sector at present. A single decision making body should be formed for the auto sector on the lines of NAB”. “Automation and innovative solutions will result in smart manufacturing. We should also be mindful that the 4th revolution of the industry should not reduce jobs. Industry needs to recover faster before the BSVI is kicked off”,Wadhera added.

October-November 2019

OBSERVER DAWN

Special Story

GADKARI PROMISES MEASURES TO ENSURE REVIVAL OF

AUTO INDUSTRY IN INDIA The Union Minister, Road, Transport & Highways and Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises, Nitin Jairam Gadkari, assured that his Government would extend all-around support to the India’s automobile industry.

peaking about the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers’ (SIAM’s) recent demand on GST reduction, the Union Minister said that he would soon discuss the matter with the finance minister.

million people directly and indirectly. As of now there are about 15,000 contractual manufacturing jobs have been lost and almost a million jobs would be at risk in days to come, if the slowdown is not checked soon”.

Gadkari was addressing the audience, comprising the members of SIAM and other dignitaries, during hours-long program organized to mark the 59th Annual Convention of SIAM. Highlighting the issues related to the auto financing, Gadkari asked the auto industry to establish their own, proprietary financing arm to boost sales. “The industry has asked that, considering possible hikes in the prices of vehicles and the BS VI norms deadline, there should be a reduction in GST of petrol and diesel vehicles. Even as, the GST is reduced for some time, it would help the sector to increase the sales of vehicles”, he said adding that the GST on electric vehicles was reduced from 12% to 5% and he would also propose the finance ministry to provide the same benefit to the hybrid vehicles. Gadkari assured that the government was trying to bring out the scrapping policy quickly that would probably lower the production costs to a large extent. Uday Kotak, the President- Designate, CII and the Managing Director & CEO, Kotak Mahindra Bank Ltd said, “The auto industry needs to emphasize on exports to boost supply. This will help to overcome the stress present in the domestic market. The rupee, which is weak at present, will also favor this method”. Quoting Union Minister, Nitin Gadkari’s statement, the president of SIAM, Rajan Wadhera, who is also the president

(Automotive Sector), Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd, said that there was an ardent need to reduce the GST on automobile sector. He also highlighted the need of a single nodal regulatory ministry for the auto industry. “The automotive industry is an integral part of the Indian economy and social development of the nation. With BSVI norms coming into effect from April next year, there is a need of certain more changes”. Wadhera stressed, “The automotive industry constitutes almost 50% of manufacturing GDP, 15% of GST revenue and offers employments to almost 37

Gadkari assured that the government was trying to bring out the scrapping policy quickly that would probably lower the production costs to a large extent

OBSERVER DAWN October-November 2019

Meanwhile, the President, ACMA & Director, Amalgamations Component Group, Ram Venkataramani, said that the auto component industry had crossed the 57 billion dollar mark in 201819. “At present the Auto industry employs almost 50 lakh people and contributes 2.3% to the country ’s GDP. But the current transition to BS VI norms has impacted our revenues to a large extent”, he added. The MD & CEO, Maruti Suzuki India Ltd, who is also the Vice-President of SIAM, Kenichi Ayukawa, appreciated Gadkari’s assurance to the auto industry and highlighted that the industry would collaborate with various stakeholders to defy the challenges.

The Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) is a noneprofit apex national body that represents all major vehicle and vehicular engine manufacturers in India. It works to support the sustainable development of Indian Automobile Industry so that it can emerge as a big destination of choice for design and manufacture of automobiles in the world. SIAM also works towards facilitating the enhancement of the competitiveness of the Indian Automobile Industry, reducing the cost of vehicles, increasing productivity and achieving global standards of quality.

Special Story

INDIAN AUTO-MARKET CONTINUES TO WITNESS

DE-GROWTH IN 2019

he Auto industry produced a total 14,427,724 vehicles including Passenger Vehicles, Commercial Vehicles, Three Wheelers, Two Wheelers and Quadricycle during the months of April-September 2019. The total production of such vehicles during the same months in the 2018 was estimated 16,645,330. And hence, a major de-growth of (-) 13.32% has been witnessed during the same period, over the past one year. According to the SIAM Authorities, the

sale of passenger vehicles declined by (-) 23.56 percent in April-September 2019 over the same period last year. Within the passenger vehicles, the sales for passenger cars, utility vehicle & vans declined by (-) 30.30 percent, (-) 3.78 percent and (-) 35.46 percent respectively in AprilSeptember 2019 over the same period last year. The overall commercial vehicles segment registered a decline of (-) 22.95% in April-September 2019 as compared to the same period last year. Medium & Heavy

ABOUT SIAM

he Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) is a none-profit organization. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s an apex national body representing all major vehicle and vehicular engine manufacturers across the country.

This organization works towards supporting sustainable development of the Indian Automobile Industry with the vision that India emerges as the destination of choice in the world for design and manufacture of automobiles. It works towards facilitating enhancement of the competitiveness of the Indian Automobile Industry, reducing cost of vehicles, increasing productivity and achieving global standards of quality.

Commercial Vehicles (M&HCVs) declined by (-) 35.79% and Light Commercial Vehicles declined by (-) 14.69% in AprilSeptember 2019 over the same period last year. Three wheelers sales declined by (-) 6.66% in April-September 2019 over the same period last year. Within the Three Wheelers, Passenger Carrier sales registered de-growth of (-) 6.37% and Goods Carrier declined by (-) 7.98% in April-September 2019 over AprilSeptember 2018. Two Wheelers sales registered de-growth of (-) 16.18% in April-September 2019 over April-September 2018. Within the Two Wheelers segment, Scooters, Motorcycles and Mopeds declined by (-) 16.94%, (-) 15.24%and (-) 25.33% respectively in April-September 2019 over April-September 2018. In April-September 2019, overall automobile exports grew by 1.29% where Passenger Vehicles and Two Wheelers exports grew by 4.38% and 4.10% respectively. However, Commercial Vehicles and Three Wheelers registered de-growth of (-) 41.58%, and (-) 11.59% respectively in April-September 2019 over the same period last year.

It provides a window to the Automobile Industry in India and works closely with stakeholders in the formulation of the economic and commercial policies, regulations and standards relating to automobiles. It provides economic and statistical information as well as technical and public policy services to the stakeholders on behalf of Indian Automobile Industry. It publishes Monthly Industry Statistics, Monthly Commodity Price Monitor and other periodic reports. It also organizes seminars and workshops on the topics of topical relevance and interest to the industry. SIAM works closely with the Government and with international bodies like International Organization of Motor Vehicle Manufacturers (OICA), International Motorcycle Manufacturers Association (IMMA) and coordinate with other counterpart international associations like, German Association of the Automotive Industry (VDA), Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association (JAMA), The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), China Association of Automobile Manufacturers (CAAM), Korean Automobile Manufacturer Association (KAMA), The Thai Automotive Industry Association (TAIA), Malaysian Automotive Association (MAA), Indonesian Automotive Industry Association (GAIKINDO), ASEAN Automotive Federation (AAF), etc. SIAM, jointly works with ACMA and CII organizes Auto Expo, a widely awaited biennial auto exhibition showcasing the trends in the Auto Industry. SIAM also organizes regional as well as segment specific shows across the country.

October-November 2019

OBSERVER DAWN

Special Story

WITH A DISPIRITED CONGRESS TO ITS AID,

KEJRIWAL HOLDS ADVANTAGE FOR NOW BY SIDHARTH MISHRA,

(Senior Journalist & President CRD & J)

he battle for Delhi is all set for January-end next year. If you needed a confirmation, it was given in Home Minister Amit Shah’s interview to News18 recently, where he gave sufficient indications for the same. The interview also showed somewhat lack of preparedness on the part of the BJP for the crucial electoral battle for legislative assembly, which the party has to fight in the nation’s Capital. Shah, who is ruling-BJP president too, talked at aplomb of his party’s chances in Maharashtra, Haryana and Jharkhand, the states going to the polls before Delhi and about West Bengal, the citadel which he envisages to breach in two years’ time. However, when he was asked about party’s chances in Delhi, he did not unveil a very convincing roadmap. He first avoided a direct answer to the question if the party would go to polls in Delhi with a Chief Ministerial face, saying it could be but in the same breath added that it should not be forgotten that the party, after its debacle in 2015 assembly polls, had won the municipal polls in 2017 and also the Lok Sabha polls in 2019. He also said that these victories in 2017 and 2019 were possible because the people were fed with the governance of Arvind Kejriwal-led Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and the BJP would be the natural beneficiary of the anti-incumbency factor. The benefit transfer which Shah talked about is easy to claim but would be very difficult to achieve. There is a marked difference between the 2014 Lok Sabha, 2017 Municipal polls and 2019 Lok Sabha, which BJP won and 2015 Vidhan Sabha, in which it was trounced. The polls which the BJP won were all triangular contests, with the Congress putting up respectable performance on all the three occasions. Whereas in the 2015 Vidhan polls, which the AAP won getting 67 out of 70 seats in the assembly, saw the Congress garnering just about nine percent votes.

OBSERVER DAWN October-November 2019

Special Story Given the vacuum in the Congress leadership both at the Centre In addition of these, the BJP campaign may also find itself impaired and in the state, especially post the demise of former Chief in the absence of a credible face for the Chief Minister’s job. The Minister Sheila Dikshit, AAP has the opportunity to recover from current local unit president and Lok Sabha MP from North-East the reverses it faced in the 2019 Lok Sabha polls and it has tried Delhi, Manoj Tiwari is best known for his worth as a colloquial grabbing it with both the hands. Given the fratricidal language singer and a politician good at stoking battle being fought within the Delhi Congress, the When the regional sentiments. In fact, he is already at it chances of it entering the poll fray as battle ready earnings of invoking the need for National Register for Citizens outfit is unlikely; thus its share of Muslim and Dalit (NRC) in the national Capital thus raising the the majority votes, which it had garnered in 2019 Lok Sabha religion card. of the polls, in natural course would travel to the AAP. households in Among the other claimants Union Health In such a scenario, it would be very difficult for the national Minister Harshvardhan is the only credible face. the BJP to repeat its Lok Sabha 2019 performance Capital has Unfortunately, the central leadership did not in the national Capital. On the other hand, such touched groom leaders to take over from the generation a situation enhances the chances for the AAP, if rock bottom, of Madanlal Khurana and Sahib Singh. While not repeat its 2015 performance, at least return savings in Harshvardhan’s growth has been impeded by the to power in the Vidhan Sabha with a comfortable factional fights, his rival Vijay Goel, a former Union the terms of majority. Minister, has never managed to win confidence of subsidized the central leaders and he has, in turn, never let any if his rival leader live in peace. As the state of affairs prevail today, the middle- power and class voters, which had supported the BJP in the water bills Lok Sabha polls, may not come back to the saffron has come as The attempt at bringing somebody from outside party especially given the economic downturn. The a big relief had proved catastrophic last time when then CM wounds caused by the economic slowdown have in managing face Kiran Bedi had to bite dust in BJP-RSS citadel incidentally been dressed well the various ‘subsidy’ family of Krishna Nagar. To the BJP’s advantage is the schemes of the AAP government. presence of a very well entrenched cadre of the budgets. Rashtriya Swayamsewak Sangh (RSS), which is equipped to galvanise the party’s support base. In times, when the earnings of the majority of the households in the national Capital has touched rock bottom, savings in the terms of subsidized power and water bills has come However, their presence may reap fruits only in the situation as a big relief in managing family budgets. Moreover, the publicity of the anti-BJP votes getting divided and pro-BJP votes turning blitzkrieg which the Kejriwal government has unleashed over its out in maximum numbers. Under the situation, though, it would claims of providing quality education in government schools, taking not be exaggeration to say that the BJP has a tough task at hand health to grassroots through mohalla clinics and several such other in gaining majority in Delhi Vidhan Sabha, which it lost way back pre-poll initiatives, it may not be out of place to foresee positive in 1998. winds blowing in its way. (First Published In www.New18.com)

October-November 2019

OBSERVER DAWN

Health

By Shrishti S Nagar

inters have started knocking, and it is obvious that your warm clothes which were kept in the shelves till now have all come out. You may also have shopped for new hot clothes and now you are ready to face the winter. But the truth is that this is not enough because the cold causes the most damage to the body during the winter season, and should be avoided as much as possible. Due to the negligence in this season, some health problems can arise and those who have problems already need special care and treatment because their problems are more likely to amplify in winter. The cold icy air and falling temperature in the winter season activates certain types of virus, which not only increases the infection of nose and throat but also increases many other problems in people due to falling temperature. Young children and the elderly are more prone to respiratory diseases due to poor immunity, but there is no need to panic. To avoid the effects of cold, the body must be healthy from outside as well inside and hence we are sharing with you some good and easy home remedies to maintain a good health even in winter. By staying alert, you can avoid the infection of cold and enjoy the full pleasure of the winter season. For this to happen, make sure you take care of the following things:

OBSERVER DAWN October-November 2019

Health

1. Protein over Carbs The winter tends to ignite our cravings for more carbs and comfort foods. After you consume these food items, your serotonin levels rise, making your brain think you are happier, but eventually there is a drop in your energy levels. To counter this, try eating a protein-rich breakfast to keep your energy levels up throughout the day.

2. Eat More Fibre Soluble fibre found in apples, oats and nuts is an important way to decrease inflammation and boost immune system function. Soluble fibre also helps to reduce cholesterol levels in the body and aids in weight loss and protection against diabetes. This is an especially important winter health tip for people above 60, who require a high-fiber diet to protect their digestive systems.

3. Eat More Green and Orange Vegetables Sticking primarily to vegetables and fruits that are dark green and orange is important in ensuring you’re getting healthy nutrients, sugars and fats. At this time, vegetables like spinach, bathua, fenugreek, broccoli, amla, peas, beetroot etc. are easily available and are very beneficial for the body.

4. Plan Your Exercises a Week in Advance In winter, the smog formed from small particles

of pollutants is harmful to our body. So, if you go for a morning walk, you should change your morning walk time. Try to stick to a weekly exercise plan so you don’t put off your regular exercise activities. On Sunday night, write down your exercise schedule for the next seven days. Choose your exact workout routines, activities or exercises for each day. Knowing what you’re scheduled to do each day ahead of time makes it easier to stick to. If you can, line up your workout schedule with a friend to encourage each other to stick with it and stay motivated. These diet and exercises tips are great, specifically in the winter, but they can also be used year-round. By reminding yourself that spring will be here before you know it, you’ll stay motivated to provide proper attention to your body and health habits during the winter.

October-November 2019

The winter tends to ignite our cravings for more and comfort foods. After you consume these food items, your serotonin levels rise, making your brain think you are happier, but eventually there is a drop in your energy levels.

OBSERVER DAWN

Health

When you start to feel the winter blues, anxiety and stress, it’s important to know how to manage it in a healthy way. Going for a walk outdoors whenever weather permits will significantly decrease your stress levels.

MENTAL HEALTH AND GENERAL WELLNESS TIPS When our mental well-being isn’t where it should be, we become even more susceptible to stress and illness. It is as important as ever in the winter to take a holistic approach to wellness, not only for our diets and physical exercise, but for our mental well-being too. Here are some mental health and general wellness tips for winter so you can stay healthy during the colder, darker season:

1. Frequent Hand Washing Frequent washing of hands throughout the day is an absolute must in maintaining your health during the winter. It not only helps protect your immune system and prevent you from developing flu and cold, but also protects others around you.

2. Sleep Longer and Better When the days get shorter, your body will naturally want to sleep longer and will adjust its rhythm to the hours of daylight. Use the longer evenings to wind down

and begin relaxing before bed. Try to go to bed as early as possible to give your body enough rest during the times it craves it the most.

3. Practice Meditation and Relaxation When you start to feel the winter blues, anxiety and stress, it’s important to know how to manage it in a healthy way. Going for a walk outdoors whenever weather permits will significantly decrease your stress levels. You may also want to develop the habit of deep breathing whenever you

OBSERVER DAWN October-November 2019

feel anxious. Meditation and mindfulness are great practices for managing stress as well. Find a dark room to sit in by yourself and close your eyes. Relax your muscles, and focus on being present — emptying your mind of all thoughts.

4. Plan a Vacation A winter vacation is a great way to shake off the winter blues and recharge yourself in a healthy way. Planning a getaway to a warmer climate will help lift your spirits and give you something to look forward to. Even if going on vacation isn’t in the budget, simply researching ideal destination spots and browsing through travel packages will make you feel better. Hit up travel websites and check out the reviews on top hotels in tropical locations. Make a list of the top holiday spots, and explore them on Google Streetview. Then make a longterm plan to visit the spot that interests you most. Many of these tips are easy to implement in your daily life if you inculcate them in slowly. Assessing your own health and well-being during the winter will help you to find your own areas for improvement. Remind yourself of why you want to stick to healthy routines – it will make it easier and more fun to follow these tips.

Health

THESE 6 HOME REMEDIES CURE COUGH AND COLD, ARE ALSO EFFECTIVE IN INCREASING BODYâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S IMMUNITY Most of us are affected by the changing weather. As such, many people start having cough and cold as soon as winter begins. Often these problems can be cured with home remedies, but sometimes cough due to a sore throat does not leave you. If you have ever encountered such a problem, we have got you covered:

1 PINEAPPLE JUICE

ccording to a study, pineapple juice is a wonderful remedy for serious diseases like Tuberculosis. While adding honey, salt and pepper to it increases its curative properties, it also reduces mucus. Pineapple juice is five times more effective on cough than any phlegm syrup. Pineapples have plenty of anti-oxidants, which protect the body from the damage caused by free radicals.

STEAM

CONSUMPTION OF SPICY FOOD

es, you will be surprised to know that spicy and chilly food can be beneficial in cough. A chemical called capsaicin is found in red pepper, due to which the effect of mucus is reduced. After eating red chili, the sore throat ends. Spicy food is also beneficial in cold.

ou can use steam at home to cleanse your throat and nose. Boil water and add a pinch of salt to it. Now keep your face at a certain distance from the pot and breathe in while covering your head with a towel or a sheet. It is the best home remedy to cure cough and cold. This will open your blocked nose and throat. Do this remedy 2-3 times a day.

4 CONSUMPTION OF VITAMIN C

CONSUMPTION OF HOT BEVERAGES

KEEP THE BODY HYDRATED

egular intake of Vitamin C increases your immunity. During cough, you should eat fruits and vegetables rich in vitamin C like kiwi, broccoli, orange, lemon and cauliflower to name a few.

o get rid of cough quickly, you should consume hot beverages. You can use ginger, honey and lemon tea. This will give you relief during cough and cold.

October-November 2019

any people do not feel thirsty during cold, and hence they do not drink water, due to which there is a lack of water in their body. In such a situation, it is very important that you keep drinking water. Apart from water, you can also keep the body hydrated by consuming coconut water and lemon water.

OBSERVER DAWN

//////

Tourism

The Garden Of Eden-

ANDAMAN AND NICOBAR ISLANDS

he Andaman and Nicobar Islands are one of the most visited places in India during the winter season. This place is no less than a paradise in the winter. Tourists come here and experience peace and relaxation. Andaman Nicobar is an island group consisting of 572 small and large islands, out of which only a few islands are inhabited. To the south of the Bay of Bengal lies Port Blair, the capital of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands in the Indian Ocean. The most spoken language on the islands

is Bengali followed by Hindi, Tamil, Telugu and Malayalam. Very few people know that Andaman and Nicobar Island is also known as the “Garden of Eden”. Here you will get a chance to see the diversity of dense trees, fauna and marine life. The island is especially liked by people interested in marine life and water sports. The island was ruled by the Marathas in the 17th century, before the British asserted their authority here. Products made of pearls and seashells attract the tourists.

OBSERVER DAWN October-November 2019

History of Andaman and Nicobar The history of Andaman and Nicobar Islands remains a mystery till date. No one knows when and how the first inhabitants of the island arrived. But it is said that in 1789 the British established their colony in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. According to the history of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, the British used Andaman and Nicobar as a penal colony, which was named “The Cellular Jail”. Those who raised their voice against the British were convicted and sentenced to life imprisonment of Kalapani. It was a

Tourism

INTERESTING FACTS RELATED TO ANDAMAN AND NICOBAR ISLANDS • Brain Island is the only active volcano in Andaman and Nicobar not only in India, but all over South Asia. Located approximately 135 km northeast of Port Blair, this small island has a 1.6 km wide crater partially filled with a cinder cone or ash cone that has been the source of eruptions since it was recorded in 1787. • The bay image depicted on the back side of the 20 rupee note is the North Bay Island of Andaman. A similar view can be seen on the way to Mount Harriet. Mount Harriet is the second highest peak in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. • There is a commercial fishing ban in Andaman. It is a place on earth where fishes get an opportunity to complete their lives. • Andaman is considered to be ‘Happy Island’ for butterflies. A lot of butterflies from the nearby islands reach here. • Danish was the first European to form his own colony in Andaman. He reached Andaman in 1755. The British first arrived in Andaman in 1789, on Chatham Island. The British built their colony and naval military base here. • Two islands are quite famous in Andaman- Havelock and Neil Island. These two islands are named after two officers of the East India Company.

dangerous prison for Indians, but after independence, the situation changed and Kalapani gave way to a group of beautiful islands. The Andaman and Nicobar Islands were made part of the Union of India in 1947.

Weather The Andaman and Nicobar weather is good throughout the year and decreases to 35 degrees in summer and 15 degrees in winter. However, October to May is more pleasant to travel with moderate climatic conditions. It is also the time of the

“annual tourism festival”. The islands have tropical climate, with slight fluctuations in temperature (23–30 ° C) and 80% humidity throughout the year. Moderate to heavy rainfall occurs during the monsoon twice a year from May to mid September and from November to mid December. The average annual rainfall in Port Blair is about 3000 mm.

How to Reach Andaman cannot be reached by train. There is no station here. Nor is there any bus service here. You can only go

October-November 2019

by flight or ship. A number of flights to Andaman Island are available from major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Bangalore, Kolkata and Chennai. Only domestic flights operate here. However, if you want, you can reach Andaman by ship to have a little more twist and fun in your journey. To board the ship you must first reach Chennai, Kolkata or Vizag port. Two to three ships from these cities go to Andaman every month, namely MV Nanakouri from Chennai, MV Campbell Way and MV Swarajweep, MV Nicobar ships from Kolkata.

OBSERVER DAWN

Tourism

Places to visit in

ANDAMAN AND NICOBAR

ISLANDS ROSS ISLAND

oss Island is also known as Paris of the East. It is said that Ross Island was evacuated after the 1941 earthquake and the Japanese invasion. After this the beauty of Ross Island was completely ruined. You can enjoy a lot with English architecture and machine gun nest here.

RADHANAGAR BEACH

adhanagar Beach is one of the most romantic beaches in Andaman Island. Newly married couples often come here for honeymoon. People fond of nature lovers and adventures can enjoy the ancient landscape here. In the meantime, you will see turtles, big fish and dolphins.

OBSERVER DAWN October-November 2019

Tourism

CELLULAR JAIL

ellular Jail or Kala Pani is former British prison in Andaman, where our freedom fighters and brave soldiers were punished. The prison was established in 1897. It has 694 cells. The names of the brave heroes are inscribed on the walls of the jail even today. The weapons, by which the freedom fighters were persecuted, can also be seen. The jail opens from 9 am to 5 pm for tourists to visit and remains closed on Monday.

HAVELOCK ISLAND

avelock Island is the most famous place for scuba diving. At Havelock, there are two diving operators, Barefoot Scuba and Dive India which provide divers with scuba gears and necessary equipment.

BARATANG ISLAND - MANGROVE CREEK

aratang Island is located 100 km from Port Blair. This island facilitates boat safaris amid a naturally made tunnel of dense mangrove plantations. There are caves of Lime Stone in Mangrove Creek, where you have to carry a flashlight while your visit.

October-November 2019

OBSERVER DAWN

Tourism

Places to visit in

ANDAMAN AND NICOBAR

ISLANDS MOUNT HARRIET AND MADHUBAN IN ANDAMAN AND NICOBAR ISLAND

f you are traveling to Andaman with friends then trekking in Mount Harriet is a great idea. You will have to trek for 16 km between Mount Harriet and Madhuban. This is a great route where you will see creatures with exotic flora. You can also enjoy elephant safari in the jungles of Mount Harriet.

RAJIV GANDHI WATER SPORTS COMPLEX

ou can enjoy water sports like banana rides, parasailing, jet skiing, robot paddling, speed boat rides, etc. by going to Rajiv Gandhi Water Sports Complex. Here the fee for water sports activity ranges from `300 to `5000.

OBSERVER DAWN October-November 2019

Tourism

MAHATMA GANDHI MARINE NATIONAL PARK

n Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park you can experience snorkeling, glass bottom boat rides and scuba diving. There are 15 islands in this 281.5 sq km National Park.

DIGLIPUR

iglipur in Andaman is a great place for tourists who love nature. This place is the highest peak of Andaman, where you will find crocodile sanctuaries and caves.

BIRD ISLAND

t is a quiet place for birds. Here you will get the chance to spend some good time with the birds amidst the splendor of nature. The sunset here is mesmerizing. This place is a total of 25 km from Port Blair, which is easily accessible by road.

October-November 2019

OBSERVER DAWN

Event

ndia- UAE Business Summit & Awards - 2019 i.e. the biggest Business Award Show of India and Dubai was recently organized in Dubai. More than 250 people Like every year, the biggest and prestigious award show was organized by media group ‘Observer Dawn’ at Hotel Atlantis the Palm, Dubai. The entrepreneurs setting new dimensions of success through their achievements in the industry and business world were awarded during India-UAE Business Summit and Awards - 2019. On this occasion presence of Abu Dhabi prince Sheikh Tahnoon Bin Saeed’s representative Ahmed Mutawali; well-known Bollywood actress Karisma Kapoor; former MP and chief general secretary & national spokesperson of JDU, K C Tyagi; former MP and IPL chairman Rajiv Shukla; former FTII chairman and well-known actor Gajendra Chauhan; producer of famous TV serial Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah Asit Kumar Modi and Mr. Sunil Kumar Gupta, India Leader, Indo-European Business Forum added feathers to the cap. Other than that, Indore MP Shankar Lalwani; Regal Group Chairman Vasu Shroff; UAE Cricket Board General Secretary Mussabar Osmani; Co Founder of Malabar Gold PA Ibrahim; Dhananjay Datar from Al Adil Group; Chairman of Bu Abdullah Group Bu Abdullah also graced the event with their presence. In the conclave a widespread discussion was done to ease business activities among India and the United Arab Emirates.

OBSERVER DAWN October-November 2019

Event

he relationship of India & UAE has been strong since time immemorial. The kind of warm reception by UAE, when the honorable Prime Minister came here recently, was a hallmark of the relationship between UAE and India. After coming to UAE, no Indian feels that this is not his own country. And there is no better citizen than Indians who live outside India. They have settled in UAE and consider it as their country. That is why the Indians settled here also have a hand in the success of UAE.

KC TYAGI

National Spokesperson of JDU

would like to thank Observer Dawn, for taking up such a creative effort, and giving us a common platform to explore and exchange our ideas. Not only in trade & commerce, but we have also grown our mutual cooperation in other sectors like security, infrastructure, transportation, medical, etc. Besides, 200 new companies have been added in Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industries. The recent arrival of Prime Minister Narendra Modi in UAE has multiplied the mutual benefits. The bilateral trade has now reached up to 60 billion dollars. At present, UAE is the 3rd biggest business partner of India, fourth largest exporter of crude oil to India, and has the tenth largest infrastructure in the country. Finally, I would like to draw the attention of the businessmen and trading partners of both the countries so that they can think of investing in UAE.

ALI Abu Dhabi prince Sheikh Tahnoon Bin Saeed’s Representative

he relationship between India and UAE was strong earlier, but this relationship has become even stronger in the past. Our respected Prime Minister is very confident about that all the countries with which we have relations should be strong. I hope this relationship becomes stronger.

GAJENDRA CHAUHAN Former FTII Chairman and Actor

AHMED MUTAWALI

Abu Dhabi prince Sheikh Tahnoon Bin Saeed’s Representative

e must appreciate Observer Dawn, for taking up such a creative effort, and giving us a common platform to explore and exchange our ideas. We are hopeful that India- UAE Business Summit & Awards – 2019 will present us all new opportunities. Both India & UAE have signed a MoU for cooperation in the field of manpower. We are committed to extend maximum support and cooperation to those people who are willing to invest in the UAE.

SUNIL KUMAR GUPTA India Leader, Indo-European Business Forum

ormally, the summits are organized so that the business between the two countries increases because business is the only means for running any civilization. If the business of your region is good, then the country’s GDP increases and the entire country moves forward. Our Honorable Prime Minister has stated with pride that India-UAE relations are at their best ever. It is not only a bilateral relationship but also a strategic partnership. The Prime Minister’s dream is to make India a $ 5 trillion economy and UAE will have a big contribution in that.

SHANKAR LALWANI

ASIT MODI

Producer of TV Serial Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah

ndia-UAE is not a huge distance. The way the television platform is developing; there are many opportunities for production. The film and television industry across Asia will benefit if excellent infrastructure is available for shooting.

Member of Parliament, Indore

KARISMA KAPOOR Bollywood Actress

hope that the business relationship keeps growing between UAE and India and I keep coming here to honor all you wonderful business people.

October-November 2019

he connection among India and UAE was solid before, however this relationship has gotten considerably stronger recently. Our honourable Prime Minister is working towards making relations even stronger now, and I wish all the success to all the entrepreneurs and business people present here.

OBSERVER DAWN

Event “Best Retailers of the Year” Dr. Dhanajay Dattar, Chairman Al-Adil Group is receiving “Best Retailers of the Year”, the award from Mr. Rajeev Shukla, Chairman, Indian Premium League (IPL), wellknown, actress Ms. Karishma Kapoor and Mr. HariomTyagi, Chairperson of the program organizing committee, during India-UAE Business Summit and Awards-2019 at Hotel Atlantis, Dubai, UAE

“Iconic Personality of the Year” Mr. Rizwan Sajan won “Iconic Personality of the Year” award and award received by Adel Sajan, Director at Danube Group from Mr. Rajeev Shukla, Chairman, Indian Premium League (IPL), well-known, actress Ms. Karishma Kapoor and Mr. Hariom Tyagi, Chairperson of program organizing the committee, during India-UAE Business Summit and Awards-2019 at Hotel Atlantis, Dubai, UAE

“Business Excellence in Marketing” Mr. Kanhaiya Gulati, Chairman, Kanwhizz Group is receiving “Business Excellence in Marketing”, award from Mr. Rajeev Shukla, Chairman, Indian Premium League (IPL), wellknown, actress Ms. Karishma Kapoor and Mr. HariomTyagi, Chairperson of the program organizing committee, during India-UAE Business Summit and Awards-2019 at Hotel Atlantis, Dubai, UAE

OBSERVER DAWN October-November 2019

Event “Young Educationist of the Year” Mr. Harsh Raj Diwvedi, ViceChairman, Shri Mangalam College of Law and Management is receiving “Young Educationist of the Year”, the award from Mr. Rajeev Shukla, Chairman, Indian Premium League (IPL), well-known, actress Ms. Karishma Kapoor and Mr. HariomTyagi, Chairperson of the program organizing committee, during IndiaUAE Business Summit and Awards-2019 at Hotel Atlantis, Dubai, UAE

“Best Online Selling Platform” Mr. Amrendra Shukla, National Head, olx.com is receiving “Best Online Selling Platform”, award from Mr. Rajeev Shukla, Chairman, Indian Premium League (IPL), wellknown, actress Ms. Karishma Kapoor and Mr. Hariom Tyagi, Chairperson of program organizing committee, during India-UAE Business Summit and Awards-2019 at Hotel Atlantis, Dubai, UAE

“Innovative Architecture Company of the Year” Mr. Indu Shekhar Tripathi, Principal Architect atTripathi and Associates, is receiving “Innovative Architecture Company of the Year”, the award from Mr. Rajeev Shukla, Chairman, Indian Premium League (IPL), wellknown, actress Ms. Karishma Kapoor and Mr. HariomTyagi, Chairperson of the program organizing committee, during India-UAE Business Summit and Awards-2019 at Hotel Atlantis, Dubai, UAE

October-November 2019

OBSERVER DAWN

Event “Excellence in Development of Entrepreneurship” Mr. Sunil Kumar Gupta,Leader India at Indo-European Business Forum is receiving “Excellence in Development of Entrepreneurship”, award from Mr. Rajeev Shukla, Chairman, Indian Premium League (IPL), Shri KC Tyagi, General Sectary JDU, wellknown, actress Ms. Karishma Kapoor and Mr. HariomTyagi, Chairperson of the program organizing committee, during India-UAE Business Summit and Awards-2019 at Hotel Atlantis, Dubai, UAE

Fastest Growing Tech Company of the Year Mr. Ravi Shankar, MD, Savitri Telecom Servicesis receiving “Fastest Growing Tech Company of the Year”, award from Mr. Rajeev Shukla, Chairman, Indian Premium League (IPL), Shri KC Tyagi, General Sectary JDU, wellknown, actress Ms. Karishma Kapoor and Mr. HariomTyagi, Chairperson of the program organizing committee, during India-UAE Business Summit and Awards-2019 at Hotel Atlantis, Dubai, UAE

“Iconic Emiratis Business Personality of the Year” HE Bu Abdullah, Chairman, Abdullah Group of Companies is receiving “Iconic Emiratis Business Personality of the Year”, award from wellknown, actress Ms. Karishma Kapoor and Mr. HariomTyagi, Chairperson of the program organizing committee, during India-UAE Business Summit and Awards-2019 at Hotel Atlantis, Dubai, UAE

OBSERVER DAWN October-November 2019

Event Excellence in Engineering Mr. Damoder R. Katti, MD,DG Group Engineering Consultants LLC,is receiving “Excellence in Engineering”, award from Mr. Rajeev Shukla, Chairman, Indian Premium League (IPL), wellknown, actress Ms. Karishma Kapoor and Mr. HariomTyagi, Chairperson of the program organizing committee, during India-UAE Business Summit and Awards-2019 at Hotel Atlantis, Dubai, UAE

Corporate Personality of the Year Mr. Sudheer Chauhan, HeadCorporate Relation atBECIL, is receiving “Corporate Personality of the Year ”, award from Mr. Rajeev Shukla, Chairman, Indian Premium League (IPL), wellknown, actress Ms. Karishma Kapoor and Mr. HariomTyagi, Chairperson of the program organizing committee, during India-UAE Business Summit and Awards-2019 at Hotel Atlantis, Dubai, UAE

Best Entrepreneur of the Year Mr. Sandeep Jaiswal and Mr. Snajeev Jaiswal from, Global Alliance Group DMCC, is receiving “Best Entrepreneur of the Year”, award from Mr. Rajeev Shukla, Chairman, Indian Premium League (IPL), well-known, actress Ms. Karishma Kapoor and Mr. HariomTyagi, Chairperson of the program organizing committee, during IndiaUAE Business Summit and Awards-2019 at Hotel Atlantis, Dubai, UAE

October-November 2019

OBSERVER DAWN

Event Innovative Fintech Startup of the Year Miss Swati Saboo, Armstrong Exhibition and Conferences, is receiving “Innovative Fintech Startup of the Year”, award from Mr. Rajeev Shukla, Chairman, Indian Premium League (IPL), well-known, actress Ms. Karishma Kapoor and Mr. HariomTyagi, Chairperson of the program organizing committee, during India-UAE Business Summit and Awards-2019 at Hotel Atlantis, Dubai, UAE

Leading Entrepreneur in Corporate Financial Consulting Mr. Abdul Moiz Khan, Fursa Consultingis receiving “Leading Entrepreneur in Corporate Financial Consulting”, award from Mr. Rajeev Shukla, Chairman, Indian Premium League (IPL), well-known, actress Ms. Karishma Kapoor and Mr. HariomTyagi, Chairperson of the program organizing committee, during IndiaUAE Business Summit and Awards-2019 at Hotel Atlantis, Dubai, UAE

Event Management Company of the Year Mr. Pushkin Agha, Vertex Events, Dubai is receiving “Event Management Company of the Year”, award from Mr. Rajeev Shukla, Chairman, Indian Premium League (IPL), well-known, actress Ms. Karishma Kapoor and Mr. HariomTyagi, Chairperson of the program organizing committee, during IndiaUAE Business Summit and Awards-2019 at Hotel Atlantis, Dubai, UAE

OBSERVER DAWN October-November 2019

Event Best Wealth Management Firm Dr. Rajesh Sadhwani, Managing Partner, Nomisma Banking & Financial Advisoryis receiving “Best Wealth Management Firm”, award from Mr. Rajeev Shukla, Chairman, Indian Premium League (IPL), wellknown, actress Ms. Karishma Kapoor and Mr. HariomTyagi, Chairperson of the program organizing committee, during India-UAE Business Summit and Awards-2019 at Hotel Atlantis, Dubai, UAE.

Leader in Jewelry Industries Mr. P. A. Ibrahim Haji, Co Chairman, Malabar Gold, is receiving “Leader in Jewelry Industries”, award from Mr. Rajeev Shukla, Chairman, Indian Premium League (IPL), Shri. KC Tyagi, GS, JDU, wellknown, actress Ms. Karishma Kapoor and Mr. HariomTyagi, Chairperson of the program organizing committee, during India-UAE Business Summit and Awards-2019 at Hotel Atlantis, Dubai, UAE

October-November 2019

OBSERVER DAWN

Event Leader in Supermarkets Mr. Kamal Vachani from Al Maya Group, is receiving “Leader in Supermarkets”, award from Mr. Rajeev Shukla, Chairman, Indian Premium League (IPL), Shri. KC Tyagi, GS, JDU, well-known, actress Ms. Karishma Kapoor and Mr. HariomTyagi, Chairperson of the program organizing committee, during IndiaUAE Business Summit and Awards-2019 at Hotel Atlantis, Dubai, UAE.

Dynamic BusinessWomen Leader of the Year Mrs. Janaki Lagadpati Raja Gopal, Chairperson, Lanco Group,is receiving “Dynamic Business Women Leader of the Year”, award from Mr. Rajeev Shukla, Chairman, Indian Premium League (IPL), Shri. KC Tyagi, GS, JDU, wellknown, actress Ms. Karishma Kapoor and Mr. HariomTyagi, Chairperson of the program organizing committee, during India-UAE Business Summit and Awards-2019 at Hotel Atlantis, Dubai, UAE

Business Excellence Award Mr. Jay Kumar Dadlani, Director and CEO Honest Groupis receiving “Business Excellence Award”, award from Mr. Rajeev Shukla, Chairman, Indian Premium League (IPL),Shri. KC Tyagi, GS, JDU, well-known, actress Ms. Karishma Kapoor and Mr. HariomTyagi, Chairperson of the program organizing committee, during IndiaUAE Business Summit and Awards-2019 at Hotel Atlantis, Dubai, UAE

OBSERVER DAWN October-November 2019

Event Best Startup -Food and Beverages of the Year Mr. Ashwin Chugh, CEO, Numero Uno Food Stuff TradingLLCis receiving “Best Startup -food and Beverages of the Year”, award from Mr. Rajeev Shukla, Chairman, Indian Premium League (IPL), Shri. KC Tyagi, GS, JDU, wellknown, actress Ms. Karishma Kapoor and Mr. HariomTyagi, Chairperson of the program organizing committee, during India-UAE Business Summit and Awards-2019 at Hotel Atlantis, Dubai, UAE

Best Budget Hotel of the Year Mr. Vinod Sharma, Lotus Grand Hotel, is receiving “Best Budget Hotel of the Year”, award from Mr. Gajender Singh Chauhan former Chairman, FTII along with Mr. Rajeev Shukla, Chairman, Indian Premium League (IPL), Shri. KC Tyagi, GS, JDU, wellknown, actress Ms. Karishma Kapoor and Mr. HariomTyagi, Chairperson of the program organizing committee, during India-UAE Business Summit and Awards-2019 at Hotel Atlantis,Dubai, UAE

Dynamic Sport Administrator of the Year Mr. Mubashir Usmani, General Secretary UAE Cricket Association, is receiving “Dynamic Sport Administrator of the Year”, award from Mr. Gajender Singh Chauhan former Chairman, FTII along with Mr. Rajeev Shukla, Chairman, Indian Premium League (IPL), Shri. KC Tyagi, GS, JDU, well-known, actress Ms. Karishma Kapoor, Mr. Ahamad Mytawali, and Mr. HariomTyagi, Chairperson of the program organizing committee, during IndiaUAE Business Summit and Awards-2019 at Hotel Atlantis, Dubai, UAE

October-November 2019

OBSERVER DAWN

Event Best Wedding Cinematographer of the Year

Mr. D K Solanki, Pooja Studio, is receiving “Best Wedding Cinematographer of the Year”, award from Mr. Asit Modi, Shri, Shankar Lalwani, MP, along with Mr. Gajender Singh Chauhan former Chairman, FTII , Mr. Rajeev Shukla, Chairman, Indian Premium League (IPL), Shri. KC Tyagi, GS, JDU, well-known, actress Ms. Karishma Kapoor and Mr. HariomTyagi, Chairperson of the program organizing committee, during IndiaUAE Business Summit and Awards-2019 at Hotel Atlantis, Dubai, UAE

Management Consultant of the Year Mr. Ateeq Siddiqui, Director, Lyncbiz Corporation, is receiving “Management Consultant of the Year”, award from Mr. Asit Modi, Shri, Shankar Lalwani, MP, along with Mr. Gajender Singh Chauhan former Chairman, FTII , Mr. Rajeev Shukla, Chairman, Indian Premium League (IPL), Shri. KC Tyagi, GS, JDU, wellknown, actress Ms. Karishma Kapoor and Mr. HariomTyagi, Chairperson of the program organizing committee, during India-UAE Business Summit and Awards-2019 at Hotel Atlantis, Dubai, UAE

Motivational Speaker of the Year Dr. Sundeep Kochar, is receiving “Motivational Speaker of the Year”, award from Mr. Gajender Singh Chauhan former Chairman, FTII, Mr. Rajeev Shukla, Chairman, Indian Premium League (IPL), Shri. KC Tyagi, GS, JDU, well-known, actress Ms. Karishma Kapoor and Mr. HariomTyagi, Chairperson of the program organizing committee, during IndiaUAE Business Summit and Awards-2019 at Hotel Atlantis, Dubai, UAE

OBSERVER DAWN October-November 2019

Event Women Entrepreneur of the Year Dr.Vandana Gandhi,British Orchard Nurseriesis receiving â&#x20AC;&#x153;Women Entrepreneur of the Yearâ&#x20AC;?,award from wellknown, actress Ms. Karishma Kapoor and Mr. HariomTyagi, Chairperson of the program organizing committee, during India-UAE Business Summit and Awards-2019 at Hotel Atlantis, Dubai, UAE

Dignitaries participating in a special photo session after the conclusion of hours-long India-UAE Business Summit and Awards-2019 at Hotel Atlantis, Dubai, UAE.

October-November 2019

OBSERVER DAWN

Event ….The couple …..

The awardees including … during the India-UAE Business Summit and Awards-2019 at Hotel Atlantis, Dubai.

Senior JDU leader, KC Tyagi (in center), interacting with other participants amid the hours-long India-UAE Business Summit and Awards-2019 in Dubai, UAE.

OBSERVER DAWN October-November 2019

Event Hundreds of audience including the Indian dignitaries and renowned business tycoons of UAE stands-up before the India-UAE Business Summit and Awards-2019 took off at Hotel Atlantis.

Participants enjoying recess amid the hours-long event organized as a part of the India-UAE Business Summit and Awards-2019 at hotel Atlantis in Dubai.

Much known for his portrayal of Yudhishthira in the historical television series, Mahabharat, Gajendra Singh Chauhan (in the middle receiving trophy during the India-UAE Business Summit and Awards-2019 at hotel Atlantis in Dubai.

October-November 2019

OBSERVER DAWN

Event Enthused awardees of IndiaUAE Business Summit and Awards-2019 showcasing their happiness during a photo session at hotel Atlantis in Dubai.

The young girl, with her unique style and dress sense, captures the audienceâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s attention during the IndiaUAE Business Summit and Awards-2019 in Dubai.

The Observer Dawn Group Editor, HariomTyagi, offering a special guest Trophy to Sheikh â&#x20AC;Ś. , ahead of the award ceremony.

OBSERVER DAWN October-November 2019

Event Bollywood actor, Gajendra Singh Chauhan, while offering trophy to Mr… . The two dignitaries were bestowed by the senior JDU leader KC Tyagi (extreme left), Former BCCI Chairperson, Rajeev Shukla and the famous Bollywood actress, KarishmaKapoor.

Observer Dawn, Group Editor, HariomTyagi and renowned Indian actor, Gajendra Singh Chauhan presenting Special guest trophy to Mr… during the India-UAE Business Summit and Awards-2019.

Senior JDU leader, KC Tyagi, former BCCI Chairperson, RajeeveShukla while, presenting special guest trophy to …. during the India-UAE Business Summit and Awards-2019. The trios were accorded by the Observer Dawn group editor, HariomTyagi.

October-November 2019

OBSERVER DAWN

Event

Former BCCI Chairman, RajeeveShukla while offering trphy to Mr â&#x20AC;¦. They were accorded by the famous Bollywood actress, KarishmaKapoor.

Bollywood actress, KarishmaKapoor, in contemplating mode after the end of the IndiaUAE Business Summit and Awards-2019.

OBSERVER DAWN October-November 2019

Assocham

ASSOCHAM

ORGANIZES NATIONAL SYMPOSIUM ON NUTRACEUTICALS

he Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India (ASSOCHAM) have organized 5th National Symposium on Nutraceuticals: the Future of Nutrition & Health, here at the premises of Hotel, the Royal Plaza on September 26, 2019. The main ambition is to discuss on the ever changing regulatory landscape, consumer trends, innovative technologies and industrywide challenges in order to remain competitive in a growing market. Currently, India nutraceuticals market is urban centric. Functional Food enjoys largest share of the Indian nutraceuticals market followed by dietary supplements. This trend will drive the market for fortified food, prebiotic and probiotic. However, the Indian nutraceuticals industry is facing challenges like market fragmentation, lack of information on benefits, efficacy of the product, spurious brands/ products and lack of awareness of regulatory issues.

The nutraceutical industry is growing at a rate far exceeding expansion in the food and pharmaceutical industries. In tomorrow â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s market, the most successful nutraceutical players are likely to be those companies in which functional product are just a part of a broad line of goods satisfying both conventional and health value point. Future demand of nutraceutical depends on consumer perception of the relationship between diet and disease. Increasing awareness levels about fitness and health, spurred by media coverage are prompting the majority of people to lead healthier lifestyles, exercise more, and eat healthy. The expanding nutraceutical market indicates that end users are seeking minimally processed food with extra nutritional benefits and organoleptic value. This development, in turn, is propelling expansion in the nutraceutical markets globally. The emerging nutraceuticals industry seems destined to occupy the landscape in the new millennium. Its tremendous growth has implications for the food, pharmaceutical, healthcare, and agricultural industries.

OBSERVER DAWN October-November 2019

The main ambition is to discuss on the ever changing regulatory landscape, consumer trends, innovative technologies and industrywide challenges in order to remain competitive in a growing market.

Assocham

ASSOCHAM’S

START-UP ELEVATOR PITCH SERIES CONCLUDED IN CHANDIGARH

s an initiative and platform for budding entrepreneurs, the Chandigarh round of ASSOCHAM Launchpad – Startup Elevator Pitch Series was concluded at the Indian School of Business in Mohali, Punjab on October 19, 2019.

The start-ups are mostly from the category of early stage startups i.e. between 0-2 years of operations and established startups between 3–5 years of operations. The top three winners from Chandigarh will now be invited for grand finale in February 2020 in Delhi.

While, the Co-founder, A2P Energy, Sukhmeet Singh, won the first prize for his startup idea, Piyuesh Rai Bhatia and Manish Garg of Empower Data Lyzers Solution secured the 1st runner up position. Lt Cdr John Livingstone (Retd) Founder, CEO & Product Architect, Johnnette Technologies Pvt Ltd, was declared 2nd runner up.

Besides, they will also get an opportunity to scale up and raise finance and/or technology or even marketing partnership with venture capitalists, mentors or independent professionals of global repute.

Out of more than a hundred applications that were received by ASSOCHAM from across Punjab, almost 15 upcoming startups were shortlisted. They were given a chance to meet world class mentors, investors, companies having decades of industry experience. It would help them provide a better shape to their business idea and pitch for funding & technology partners to generate business opportunities.

As a part of the Elevator Pitch all 15 shortlisted entrepreneurs and founders were given 300 seconds to explain the concept and idea of a service or product to set of jury members. Apart from others, the jury comprised Anil Khaitan, Chairman, ASSOCHAM Startup Council, J.D. Ghai, founder & CEO, Santabanta.com, Mrigank Singh, CEO, Atal Incubation Centre at ISB Mohali and others.

October-November 2019

The start-ups are mostly from the category of early stage startups i.e. between 0-2 years of operations and established startups between 3–5 years of operations.

OBSERVER DAWN

Assocham

PM MODI, BANGLADESH PM JOINTLY UNVEILS MULTIPRONGED DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS IN NEW DELHI

ndian Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, and Bangladesh PM, Sheikh Hasina, have on October 4, 2019, jointly inaugurated three bilateral projects through video conferencing including one on import of bulk LPG from Bangladesh.

Two other projects include the Vivekananda Bhavan at Ramakrishna Mission in Dhaka and the Bangladesh-India Professional Skill Development Institute, a facility to benefit small and medium enterprises at the Institute of Diploma Engineers. This apart, India and Bangladesh have signed seven agreements in New Delhi in several areas including education. Following bilateral talks between Prime Minister, Modi and Hasina, at Hyderabad House in New Delhi, they exchanged MoUs.

The India – Bangladesh Business Forum, in association with the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), Government of India, was co-organized by the India’s premier, Association of Chambers and Commerce business industries, ASSOCHAM.

The meeting opened up lucrative business opportunities for the businessmen from both countries.

“The projects inaugurated today – in LPG import, vocational training, and social facility – have the common goal of improving the conditions of the common people. The foundation of IndiaBangladesh ties is the welfare of the common man”, PM Modi said in his statement.

He added that Vivekananda Bhavan at Ramakrishna Mission would house more than 100 university students.

The program was organized in honor of the Bangladesh Prime Minister, H.E. Ms. Sheikh Hasina. This was a high-level business delegation that comprised of industry leaders from Bangladesh. The business meeting opened up lucrative business opportunities for the businessmen from both countries.

Pharma, Healthcare, Textiles, Logistics, Infrastructure, Ports, Highways, Inland waterways, Power, Food & Agriculture, Tourism and Civil Aviation are among other prominent sectors that are being targeted for further growth and development.

OBSERVER DAWN October-November 2019

Assocham

Prime Minister meets Sheikh Hasina, Prime Minister of Bangladesh at Hyderabad House, New Delhi (October 05, 2019)

Prime Minister delivers his remarks on video inauguration of bilateral Projects during Official Visit of Prime Minister of Bangladesh to India (October 05, 2019)

Sheikh Hasina, Prime Minister of Bangladesh signs Visitorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Book at Hyderabad House during her Official Visit to India (October 05, 2019)

October-November 2019

OBSERVER DAWN

//////

Defence

INDIAN ARMY’S E&M E CORPS

CELEBRATE 77 YEARS OF RAISING

he Corps of Electronics and Mechanical Engineers (E&M E) of the Indian Army commemorated the 77th year of its raising at Western Command, Chandimandir on 15 Oct 2019.

Besides other E&M E personnel in the station, Maj Gen, V R Deshmukh, paid homage to the gallant heroes of the Corps. “Over the last seven decades, the E&M E has been providing engineering and technical supports to the Indian Army. The Corp often maintains the operational fitness of all equipment including vehicles, tanks, guns, communication equipment, radars, missile systems and helicopters. All rank of the Corps have been involved in providing innovative solutions to complex engineering issues”, a statement from the PIB (Defense), Chandigarh, reads. It has taken the lead in the indigenization drive and is contributing in many ways to Modi Government’s ‘Make in India’ concept. The Corps has metamorphosed itself to be in sync with the emerging technologies and adapted itself to devise innovative solutions to enhance equipment availability. The Corps has always been at the forefront in the field of technology and has spawned sport legends like Milkha Singh, Maj HPS Ahluwalia , Brig Raj Manchanda to name a few. Over the years, the soldier- craftsmen have earned laurels and proved their mettle in all fields living up to the Corps motto ‘Karam Hi Dharam’.

OBSERVER DAWN October-November 2019

Defence

AERO-ADVENTURE CAMP ORGANIZED AT AIR-FORCE STATION BHISIANA

he Air Force Station, Bhisiana, organised an Aeroadventure camp involving powered hang glider and para-sailing for the defence personnel and the students, including local populace of Bhatinda District from October 15 to 18, 2019. The objective of the event was to promote the spirit of adventure and motivate the students to aspire for an adventurous life and a bright career in the Indian Air Force. Organised as a part of the Indian Air Force anniversary celebration, the event was inaugurated by the Air Commodore GS Chauhan, Air Officer Commanding, Air Force Station Bhisiana on October 15, 2019. A feat of 168 parasail and 120 PHG rides was achieved by the Wing Commander, Ajmer Singh and his team, giving a touch of flying experience to a large number of students and personnel during these four days. In his concluding speech, the Air Officer, Commanding said that the flying experience and these adventurous activities would go a long way in encouraging and motivating the youth to join the Indian Air Force.

CYCLING EXPEDITION ALONG HUSSAINIWALA BORDER MARKS AIR FORCE DAY

he Air Force Station Bhisiana is likely to organize a cycling expedition at Hussainiwala Border. The four day’s-long cycle expedition of the Indian Force that will start on September 26 will end on September 29.

This expedition is meant to keep up with Indian Air Force’s long standing tradition of fostering the spirit of adventure and undertaking daunting challenges. The event is a part of the 87th Air Force Day Celebrations’, with ‘Swach Bharat’ as the underlying theme, so as to motivate the youth to keep their surroundings clean. The expedition comprising of 19 air warriors, would be headed by WgCdr SK Behera. It would be flagged off by GpCaptJaspreet Singh VM, the Station Commander, Air Force Station Bhisiana. The expedition, after covering a distance of 224 Kms, is expected to reach Hussainiwala in the evening of September 28. The team will also publicize the importance of a ‘Go Green’ initiative by distributing pamphlets on the necessity of keeping our natural habitat safe for the future generations. After covering a total distance of 328 Kms, the expedition would be concluded at Air Force Station Bhisiana on September 29.

ARMY, NASCOM COME TOGETHER TO HUNT MODERN DAY JOBS IN IT SECTOR

he Indian Army and NASSCOM have together come-up with a fresh agenda. They will to find modern day jobs for Army veterans in the IT Sector. Army produces a large number of cadres in various IT related fields but most are unable to find suitable options post retirement mostly because of the technological differences. Various multi-national companies showed their interests in hiring the Army veterans for their exceptional attributes, discipline and loyalty but the technological and cultural differential with

corporate world becomes a significant challenge in hiring them for modern day IT jobs. The Idea is being driven jointly by Army, NASSCOM and US Bank Wells Fargo. Amazon India also participated in the mega event. While the Indian Army will assess the industrial needs during the two day event, NASSCOM will help Army in orienting to the modern industrial needs in the IT sector.

October-November 2019

OBSERVER DAWN

//////

Guest Editor

THE POWER OF POSITIVE ATTITUDE

ost of the religions in the world teach and preach that when we wake up in the morning, we should say your morning prayers, thanking God for giving us the opportunity to start another day. This is the time when we seek blessings from the Almighty. It is said that at this time in the morning, if you give a strong affirmation to yourself that it is going to be a good day for you, it will be a good day. And if you are unsure, apprehensive and suggest yourself that it is going to be a bad day, then it actually becomes a miserable day for you, irrespective of whether you religiously say your prayers or not. You have to be positive about the day ahead of you. You have to be positive about the world around you. So, one should start the day on a positive note. They say that the world around you is just your reflection. If you are good and polite, the world around you also becomes polite and decent. And if you demonstrate a behaviour that is manipulative, wicked and dishonest, the world around you also seems the same way to you. So we should demonstrate the positive attitude inside of us, all the time. Think positive about the environment. Think positive about the people, about your friends and about your family members. If at all you have to be judgemental about anyone, it should be about you, and not others.

In the words of Zig Ziglar, ‘It is your Attitude and not Aptitude that determines your Altitude’. Initially, it may seem a bit strange. After all, we keep studying various subjects in schools and colleges and there is a maddening competition to get higher grades. Yes, it is true that the subject/ domain knowledge is important to succeed wherever you go and whatever you do. Think of a situation where three MBA qualified girls with almost same grades, who are equally smart and good looking, go for an interview in a big company and they need to hire just one of them. The interview board has just 15 to 20 minutes for each of the candidates. From their resumes, all the three seem to be equally good. Now within this short period, it is very difficult to judge the actual capabilities

If you have the positive attitude, you will be able to acquire the knowledge to accomplish any job in an excellent manner. But knowledge alone is not good enough. You have got to acquire the necessary skills to do the job. Do you know that most of the electronic engineers will not be able to repair a simple telephone or a TV at home? The reason for this is that they have been taught all about the electronic chips, integrated circuits, and electronic circuitry, but they never acquired the skills to repair these simple electronics gadgets. So acquiring skills in your profession is very important. And once you keep doing a job again and again, after sometime it becomes a habit and it becomes your second nature.

Commander VK Jaitly

Think positive about the environment. Think positive about the people, about your friends and about your family members. If at all you have to be judgemental about anyone, it should be about you, and not others. of a person. Who do you think will finally get selected? The one, who is able to demonstrate her positive attitude during that brief interaction, the one who is able to prove that she is a ‘Go-getter’ and full of positivity. Attitude is the first step towards achieving excellence and excellence is nothing but doing ordinary things in the most extraordinary way, so that anyone who looks at the results is bound to be appreciative of the work done, no matter how simple a job it may be. There are just four simple steps to achieve excellence: Attitude

Knowledge

Skills

Habit

Let us assume that your mother/wife makes very tasty stuffed ‘Gobhi Paratha’ (Cauliflower stuffed Bread). She has the attitude to make good parathas. She acquired the knowledge long time back about all the ingredients and in what proportions to use them. Then, maybe she acquired the skills from her mother and then by making them again and again over so many years and now it has become a part of her habit to make good parathas. I am sure her ‘parathas’ are delicious every time. We all can achieve excellence by always following these four steps: Attitude, Knowledge, Skills and Habit. And this starts with Attitude, and that is the Power of Attitude. I simplify this by saying that let AKSH be your Lakshya (Goal) if you wish to achieve excellence in life. Remember that Positive Attitude leads to Positive Thoughts and that will lead to Positive Actions, which in turn will produce Positive Results. If you don’t like something, change it. If you can’t change it, change your attitude. Don’t complain. The most significant change in a person’s life is a Change of Attitude.

About the Author: Commander VK Jaitly is a motivational speaker, a consultant, a coach, a writer, a thinker and a mentor for the corporate world. He is an ex IITian with 40 years of experience in corporate, academics and defence. His workshops on ‘Business Excellence thru People (BEP)’ have been highly acclaimed for increasing productivity and profitability of organizations. His debut book “We Can! We Can!’ and its Hindi translation ‘SafaltakiUdaan’ have been getting very good feedback from the readers. The video version of these books is getting loaded on YouTube channel “ExcellenceGuru”. The author can be reached at jaitly.iit@gmail.com

OBSERVER DAWN October-November 2019

Guest Editor

DISINVESTMENT IS NOT A BUZZING WORD, INSTEAD IT NEEDS A RETHINK By Shshank Saurav

he government should seriously think of selling its stake in lossmaking entities operating in the non-strategic sector. Recently, the Union Cabinet approved a new policy, under which the Department of Investment and Public Asset Management (DIPAM) will manage the strategic sale of assets. The government is exploring to reduce its stake in five companies, including Bharat Petroleum (BPCL) and achieve the budgetary target of Rs 1.05 lakh crore through disinvestment proceeds in the current fiscal. There is an old saying that the government has no business to be in business and disinvestment is often highlighted as a reform by private players. However, disinvestment doesn’t look like a reform when private players are keen to buy stakes only in profitable PSEs. The government is trying to sell Air India and is willing to offer various concessions, but bidders are not coming forward. Taking control of a debt- laden, lossmaking undertaking and reviving it is a reform in true sense, but if private players are not interested in doing so, then they have no right to ask the government for selling profitable ventures in the name of reforms. An entrepreneur can’t do away with the business which he has built and similarly, it’s improper to ask the government to sell profitable entities which have been built over decades out of public money. There are two primary reasons behind divestment viz. resource mobilization and getting rid of loss-making undertakings to reduce the burden on the exchequer. The government would always require funds to meet its deficit targets, but the question here is what kind of expenses is going to be funded by selling the government undertakings. If there are capital proceeds from sale of assets going to be used for creation of capital assets, then it is fine. But if these proceeds are going to be used for financing revenue expenditure, certainly this is not good economics. By this way,

Performance of a PSE can’t be evaluated solely on the financial parameters because the government directs these undertakings to participate in various activities for meeting social objectives.

for 2011-12 on formal employment). PSEs are also contributing more than one-fourth of the overall CSR expense.

the government can have a one-time lavish dinner by killing the sheep, but it will lose the regular milk. Performance of a PSE can’t be evaluated solely on the financial parameters because the government directs these undertakings to participate in various activities for meeting social objectives. Increasing the accountability of PSEs by giving them more autonomy is needed so that they can compete with the private sector. Despite being burdened with so many social inclusion schemes, public banks like SBI and Canara Bank are examples of better-managed PSEs that are giving the private sector a run for their money. As far as performance is concerned, the fact is that many loss-making PSEs are those units taken over by the government to protect the interest of workers. According to the data of the Ministry of Labor & Employment, PSEs provide employment to 17.6 million individuals as against 11.9 million in the private sector (Source: Labour and Employment report

October-November 2019

Disinvestment has always attracted controversy over issues like valuation of assets, favouritism and the like. It has proved to be a wealth creator for investors and the government has turned out to be a loser in many cases. Maruti is a classic example in which shares were sold at Rs 125 in 2003 and now, these are trading at more than Rs 6,600. There could be some exceptions to this, but the primary reason behind this phenomenon is selling profitable ventures at a relatively low price. In the past, the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) had also raised concerns over stock valuation and the government has tried to address this by following the book building mechanism of price discovery, but still there are flaws. When a disinvestment proposal is announced, there is a declining trend in the price of shares, driven by vested interest groups, which impacts valuation. Increasing retail participation is often cited as one of the benefits of disinvestment. However, it is worthwhile to highlight that LIC has always contributed a significant pie in disinvestment proceeds. This was the pattern in all major divestments like Maruti, Coal India and ONGC. (The Report was first published in the Moneycontrol)

OBSERVER DAWN