BENGALURU: Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai said Karnataka’s economy will bounce back to the pre-Covid stage in the financial year 2023-24 and the state may become revenue surplus by the end of the current financial year.

During his reply to the budget discussion in the council on Friday, which also passed the vote of account, Bommai noted that usually the increase in budget size year-on-year will be about 6-8 per cent, but the state budget had increased by 16 per cent compared to the previous year. 

“It was estimated that there will be a revenue deficit of Rs 14,699 crore by the end of this financial year. However, it has reduced to Rs 5,996 crore by January-end and we are expecting that the state may be in a revenue surplus by March. In the coming fiscal year, the state’s economy will bounce back to the pre-Covid times,” he said, adding that Karnataka’s economy was on the right track due to financial discipline maintained by his government.

The CM said Karnataka is in a better position financially compared to many other states. “While states like Kerala and Rajasthan are still reeling under deficit, we have presented a surplus budget. Despite the economic crisis induced by the pandemic, we have sailed through it and have chalked out various schemes for the people of the state,” he said adding that spending on human development, especially on weaker sections of the society, should not be seen as an expenditure, but an investment.

Nasheman news

A Century of Pure Passion. BMW Motorrad launches the BMW R nineT 100 Years and BMW R 18 100 Years in India. 

Bookings Open – Exclusive models limited to only 1923 units globally.

#BMWMotorradIndia #BMWMotorrad #MakeLifeARide #SoulFuel #BMWRnineT100Years #BMWR18100Years

BMW Motorrad India launched the BMW R nineT 100 Years and the BMW R 18 100 Years limited edition motorcycles in India. These motorcycles can be booked at BMW Motorrad India dealerships from today onwards.

In December 1922, BMW chief designer Max Friz puts the first full-scale BMW motorcycle on the drawing board. At its heart is an air-cooled two-cylinder four-stroke boxer engine. The first BMW motorcycle, the R 32, was presented in September 1923. This heralded the beginning of BMW motorcycle production and launched an unprecedented success story.

To celebrate its 100-year history, BMW Motorrad is now presenting the two protagonists of the Heritage experience world – the R nineT Roadster and the R 18 Cruiser with big boxer – as 100 Years edition models. In keeping with the year in which BMW Motorrad was founded, both models are limited to 1923 units each.

Mr. Vikram Pawah, President, BMW Group India, said, “One hundred years ago, the R 32 kick-started a unique success story. Today we are celebrating our exciting history with two new icons: the BMW R nineT 100 Years and the BMW R 18 100 Years. Limited to only 1,923 units each, these models are for absolute aficionados and convey a feeling of nostalgia. The iconic design and the unmistakable boxer engine illustrate that it’s about the roots of BMW Motorrad, about historically inspired shapes and details, about an authentic riding experience and about reducing motorbikes to the essentials. In short: The Heritage world of experience is all about a unique attitude to life, shaped by the legendary boxer engine.”

The ex-showroom prices are as follows:

The BMW R nineT 100 Years     –           INR 24,00,000

The BMW R 18 100 Years          –           INR 25,90,000

*Prices prevailing at the time of invoicing will be applicable. Delivery will be made ex-showroom. Ex-showroom price (inclusive of GST and compensation cess) as applicable but excludes Road Tax, RTO statutory taxes/fees, other local tax / cess levies and insurance. Prices and options are subject to change without prior notice. For further information, please contact your local authorized BMW Motorrad Dealer.

For ease of ownership, BMW India Financial Services is offering a complete finance package and the option to fund insurance and accessories.

For complete peace of mind, BMW Motorrad bikes come with a standard warranty for three years, unlimited kilometres. The warranty can be extended to fourth and fifth year at an attractive cost. Road-Side Assistance, a 24×7 365 days package further ensures prompt services in case of breakdown and towing situations.

BMW R nineT 100 Years: The great roadster tradition from BMW Motorrad in particularly refined and sophtisticated packaging.

The reduced design language of the R nineT is shaped by 100 years of motorcycle construction and BMW Motorrad’s unbroken passion for the boxer engine. Classic roadster design skilfully sets the scene with a compact tank and upright seating position as well as high-quality materials and stylish design elements. The new R nineT 100 Years becomes an exclusive anniversary edition thanks to numerous other special features. The heart is still the air/oil-cooled, 80 kW (109 hp) two-cylinder boxer engine. In the anniversary edition the legendary engine is accompanied by a wide range of options and an elaborate surface concept.

Classic Chrome and Option 719 Parts: High-grade paint-on-chrome surfaces and exquisite milled parts and wheels.

Paint finishes in combination with chrome surfaces also have an almost 100-year tradition in motorcycle construction. Chrome surfaces, usually consisting of a copper, nickel and final chrome layer are characterised by their hardness and resulting high durability, very good protection against corrosion, but above all by a radiant, mirror-like shine. This made chrome a common stylistic device for designers from the late 1920s onwards, in combination with high-quality paint concepts. The BMW R 75/5 with chrome-plated tank sides and side covers, for example, is legendary at BMW Motorrad. With the new BMW R nineT 100 Years and R 18 100 Years and the Classic Chrome surface concept, BMW Motorrad is reviving this incomparably sophisticated interplay of paint and chrome.

The tank is a combination of black with chrome and white double-lining and is complemented by knee pads and a 100 Years badge. Classic chrome is also found on the seat hump. The front wheel cover is also painted in black and features white double lining. The seat bench in two-tone combination black/oxblood rounds off the high-quality look.

Numerous black components such as fork tubes, air intake snorkel and some Option 719 components complement this harmoniously. The R nineT 100 Years includes the 719 Classic wheels option with black anodised rim rings, the Option 719 Shadow milled parts package with milled cylinder head covers, engine housing covers, seat holders, oil filler plug and the Option 719 Shadow II milled parts package, consisting of adjustable hand levers and a footrest system, pillion footrests as well as expansion tank covers and handlebar end mirrors. Adaptive turning light and the Comfort Package with heated grips, cruise control and Driving Modes Pro complete the extensive equipment of the edition model.

BMW R 18 100 Years: The big boxer stylishly designed using a special paintwork and surface concept with Classic Chrome.

The unmissable centrepiece of the R 18 100 Years is the 67 kW (91 hp) boxer engine with the largest displacement ever installed by BMW Motorrad. Both technically and visually, the BMW R 18 borrows from famous BMW models such as the BMW R 5 and puts the focus back on the essentials of motorcycling: Purist, no-frills technology and the boxer engine as the epicentre of riding pleasure. The big boxer is also complemented by numerous special features as well as a high-grade surface concept in the anniversary edition of the R 18.

The colour scheme of the R 18 100 Years, like that of the anniversary model of the R nineT, is in Classic Chrome and thus combines black paintwork and high-gloss chrome surfaces as well as white double lining and a 100 Years badge. The paint-on-chrome concept in Classic Chrome is also found on the rear wheel cover in combination with white double lining. The front wheel cover and the side covers are painted in black, complemented by white double lining on the front mudguard. The Option 719 seat upholstered in the bicolour combination black/oxblood with high-quality diamond embossing blends in harmoniously.

Black as a symbolic colour scheme of great BMW Motorrad tradition also adorns the engine, transmission housing and rear axle drive. The exact designation is Avus Black – a reminiscence of the legendary high-speed racetrack in Berlin, where BMW Motorrad once celebrated great racing successes and where the Avus monument with BMW Motorrad factory rider Ernst Henne still commemorates it today. Berlin is also home to the BMW Motorrad production plant. The plant located in Berlin-Spandau is not only a production site, it is also the lead plant for the international motorcycle production of BMW Motorrad.

The R 18 100 Years is complemented by numerous chrome parts from the Chrome design option. The high-quality and durable galvanic surface coating can be found on these parts: Handlebar fittings, gearshift and foot brake levers, handlebar clamps, handlebar weights, mirrors, brake master cylinders, brake calipers, engine casing covers, cylinder head covers and intake manifold trims.

Other features of the BMW R 18 100 Years also include chromed Akrapovič rear silencers with perforated tailpipe trims in the “propeller style” of the BMW brand logo. Safety and comfort are ensured by Headlight Pro with adaptive turning light, reversing aid, electronic cruise control and heated grips.

Eastern India Regional Council along with its study circles organised a Felicitation Programme of its newly elected President and Vice President of ICAI

CA. Vishnu K Tulsyan, Secretary, EIRC, CA Sanjib Sanghi, Vice Chairman, EIRC, CA Sushil Kumar Goyal, Central Council Member, ICAI, CA (Dr.) Debashis Mitra, Immediate Past President, ICAI, CA Ranjeet Kumar Agarwal, Vice President, ICAI, CA Aniket Sunil Talati, President, ICAI, CA Debayan Patra, Chairman, EIRC, CA Mayur Agarwal, Treasurer, EIRC, CA Ravi Kumar Patwa, Immediate Past Chairman, EIRC at the Felicitation programme of the Newly elect President and Vice President of ICAI.

The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI), established by an Act of Parliament in 1949 has proven its mark as an elite world class institution devoted to uphold the values of transparency, accountability and integrity. With over 3.60 lakh members and over 7.80 lakh students, ICAI is the world’s second largest accounting body. Through its 5 Regional Councils, 167 Branches, 44 Overseas Chapters & 34 Representative Offices, the Institute is taking forward its agenda of inclusive growth & continues to add glory to the profession.

Salient Points of Action Plan: 2023-24

ICAI is actively participating in G20 endeavours with the Government of India.

In the further endeavours:

• The Institute is benchmarking the global best practices in Sustainability Reporting requirements and Assurance Standards.
• ICAI is collaborating with Regulators to meet expectations by continuously developing the framework for assurance services to increase stakeholder’s trust and confidence.
• Extending the reach of UDIN among Government organisations
• The Institute is focusing on enhancing Audit Quality Mechanism through updated tools through the Centre for Audit Quality.
• Developing an Integrated Forum through the project aimed at National Aspirational Movement of Firms
• ICAI is venturing into Research and adoption of the newer technologies such as AI, Data Analytics, Block Chain, Cloud Computing etc.

ICAI elects New Torchbearers for the year 2023-24

The Council of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) elected its new President  & Vice-President for the term 2023-24. CA. Aniket Sunil Talati has been elected as the President and CA. Ranjeet Kumar Agarwal has been elected as the Vice-President of The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India w.e.f. February 12, 2023.

Cabinet approves signing of MoU between the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) and The Institute of Chartered Accountants in England & Wales (ICAEW)

The Union Cabinet, chaired by the Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, has recently approved the signing of Memorandum of Understanding between the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) and The Institute of Chartered Accountants in England & Wales (ICAEW).

The MoU is to provide recognition of the qualification, training of each other’s members and admit the members in good standing by prescribing a bridging mechanism on the prevailing terms and conditions. The Parties to this MoU will provide each other with the information on material changes to their qualifying/admission requirements, CPD policy, exemptions and any other relevant matters.

ICAI collaboration with ICAEW will bring a lot of professional opportunities for Indian CAs in UK and also for Indian CAs who are looking for the global professional opportunities in UK.

With this, the Institute has total 16 MoUs & 8 MRAs with accounting bodies worldwide for providing vast professional opportunities to ICAI members globally.

Recognition of ICAI member as Associate member of ISCA

ICAI & Institute of Singapore Chartered Accountants (ISCA) have been exploring the possibility of MRA between the two Institutes. In recent development, ISCA has recognized ICAI qualification as one of the recognized professional qualifications for associate membership of ISCA. This is a welcome step for all our ICAI members residing in Singapore having a minimum of six months of local work experience in Singapore.

Institute of Social Auditors of India

ICAI incorporated “Institute of Social Auditors of India” (ISAI). It has been formed in accordance with the decision taken by the Council to form Self-Regulatory Organization (SRO) under the aegis of ICAI for regulation of social auditors, as per the SEBI (Issue of Capital and Disclosure Requirements) (Third Amendment) Regulations, 2022.

ISAI has been formed with the main objective of establishing itself as a leading institution for regulation and development of Social Auditors in an independent and transparent manner, sub-serving the public interest.

Also, the ICAI has come out with Social Audit Standards (SAS) on all the 16 Thematic Areas and a Compendium of all 16 Standards has been issued recently. Further, the ICAI is working with National Institute of Securities Management (NISM) in developing the course curriculum and the study material for the social auditor’s certification program to be conducted by NISM and an arrangement for the same has been entered into.

A Primer on the Concept of Social Stock Exchange

Social Stock Exchange is a new concept in India, developed to strengthen the social sector in the country. The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) vide its notifications dated 25^th July 2022 and 19^th September 2022 prescribed the detailed framework for social stock exchange in India.

The Institute is playing a pivotal role in the development of profession of social auditors and regulations about the same. The publication, “A Primer on the Concept of Social Stock Exchange” covers key concepts of social stock exchange, important requirements of abovementioned SEBI notifications and an overview of social stock exchanges established across the World.

ICAI National Call Sahayata

The Institute has recently started “ICAI Call Sahayata” initiative to resolve the queries of students, members and stakeholders from across the globe and has already settled more than 75,000 queries.  The National Call Sahayata shall act as one point of contact for the members and students of the Institute.

Improving Audit Quality

From 1^st April 2023, the Chartered Accountant firms auditing any listed entity or a banking company or an insurance company will have to compulsorily assess their audit quality maturity using the AQMM rev v1.0. The AQMM v1.0 had been launched as a self-evaluation model in July, 2021 whereby the firms were recommended to undertake the evaluation.

It has been decided that the scores and the level obtained using the AQMM rev v1.0 shall be reviewed by a peer /AQMM reviewer and thereafter the level of the firm shall be hosted on the website of the ICAI alongside the details of the peer review certificate.

The AQMM is an amalgamation of a well-researched set of Audit Quality Indicators (AQIs) developed under the aegis of the Centre for Audit Quality. It not only helps the firms to arrive at their current maturity level but also provides a mechanism for helping and guiding the firms for improving upon their audit quality by identifying the strength/ improvement areas. The firms can develop a road map for upgrading to a higher level of maturity based on the scores obtained using the model.

MCA 21 Version 3

ICAI is working closely with the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) on the implementation of MCA21 V3 for enabling a smooth transition. It has a large business process change and hence its successful and smooth implementation is important. Further, the ICAI is increasing user awareness through train the trainer programs and direct interactions with regional and branch representatives.

Students

New Scheme for Education and Training

With an aim to develop the next generation of professionals, ICAI has undertaken revision of the Chartered Accountancy course to make it more aligned to the Technological changes, International Developments and National Education Policy.

The Council, after deliberating at length on the suggestions received from stakeholders on draft Scheme, approved the Proposed Scheme of Education and Training with certain modifications. The Scheme so approved by the Council has been submitted to the Ministry of Corporate Affairs, along with the corresponding amendments in Regulations for final approval.  

This is for the first time the CA course is being revised in 5 years instead of 10 years, as per past practice. The role of a chartered accountant is undergoing a significant change to assume newer responsibilities in a dynamic environment. There has been a marked shift towards strategic decision making and entrepreneurial roles that add value beyond financial recording and reporting. The competence level of Chartered Accountants, accordingly, needs to be bolstered significantly to enable them to perform these roles effectively.

ICAI Exemplar: Preparing Future-Ready Commerce Graduates

The Institute has been liasioning with various Universities and Government of India for reorienting the course of commerce education in the country and align the nation’s commerce and accounting education as “One India, One Accounting & One World” to make India a “Vishwaguru” in the accounting world. Towards this ICAI has come out with model curriculum, “ICAI Exemplar: Preparing Future-Ready Commerce Graduates.”

ICAI enters in Asia Book of Records for-Maximum Number of Students Participation in Super Mega Career Counselling Programme.

The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India, New Delhi, India has set the record and entered into Asia Book of Records for ‘Maximum Number of Students Participation in Super Mega Career Counselling Programme’. A total of 1,60,648 students of classes IX till Graduation participated in the programme along with their Principals, Teachers and Career Counsellors. The programmes were conducted by 5 Regional Councils and 124 Branches of the ICAI.

Extension of Fee Waiver in Registration Course Fee

Taking forward its mission of contributing as true partner in nation building and empowering students, the Council of ICAI has extended its earlier decision of waiving off 75% fee of registration course fee for all level of CA course for the students of Union Territories of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh and for the North-Eastern States till 31^st March, 2025.

It was also decided to extend the above fee concession to the students registering from Andaman and Nicobar Islands as well.

This decision would be a step forward towards encouraging the young aspirants from these places who wish to pursue their dream of becoming a Chartered Accountant and serve the nation with their capabilities and knowledge.

Nasheman news

Baton Transport A/S, Hungary In Association with The Vega Group Announces

Initiative to Support and Empower Women Drivers in India and Provide them with employment opportunities in Eastern European Countries

In Discussion with NGOs-Azad Foundation, Taxshe and WICCI

For Their Training and Career Development

—First of its Kind initiative To Train and Recruit Women Drivers into European Countries–

Bengaluru: In an effort to empower women drivers in India and support them in finding employment opportunities overseas, the CEO of Baton Transport A/S, Hungary, Mr. Claus Normann Hansen, today announced their CSR initiative in partnership with the Vega Group, India. Vega Management Consultancy (OPC) Pvt. Ltd and Vera Skills Training Pvt. Ltd, part of the Vega Group, India, are formally associated with Baton Transport A/S in Hungary through their consulting partner- BÁNYAI & PARTNERS CONSULTING, Hungary for the identification of Indian truck and trailer drivers for eastern European countries.

As part of their focus on UN SDG 5 on gender equality, Baton Transport A/S Hungary is focussed on increasing gender diversity in the trucking industry and has identified training and recruiting of women drivers as their key focus. In India, they propose to train and develop identified women drivers through NGOs and at the next level provide selected women drivers with jobs in Hungary and neighbouring countries in their fleet operations.

The NGOs and Forums that Baton Transport and Bányai & Partners Consulting are in discussion with for the training, skill and career development of the women drivers include the following:

·       Azad Foundation with strategic partner Sakha which actively promotes opportunities and markets for women drivers in transport and e-commerce industry.

·       Taxshe: Bangalore-based NGO working to help provide safe mobility solutions for women and kids

·       Women’s Indian Chamber of Commerce & Industry (WICCI) with Skill & Career Development partner SAATHIYA with a larger goal of increasing the presence of women in the hospitality and tourism industry

Speaking at the Press Conference held to announce their CSR initiative, Mr. Claus Normann Hansen, CEO BATON TRANSPORT A/S shared, “Women represent a far lesser percentage of the total number of truck drivers globally. We need to highlight the importance of increasing diversity in the trucking industry and to focus on training, recruiting and skilling female truck drivers. To this effect, we at Baton Transport have chosen to focus on UN SDG 5 on gender equality and India is an important market for us. Our vision is also to support and empower the women to build better lives for themselves by opening up opportunities.”

Mr. Tibor Bányai, Managing Director, Bányai & Partners Consulting, Hungary, shared, “India has been a big market for us for recruiting drivers to Hungary and other European Countries. Through this new initiative, we look forward to engaging with more women drivers to empower and train them so that they get to explore opportunities overseas and earn a better living.”

Sharing his thoughts, Mr. Poornesh MH, Director, Vega Group, India, shared, “We at Vega Group is pleased to partner with Baton Transport to empower and support women drivers in India and help them get better employment opportunities. This association will also help support the work done by the Directorate of Women & Child Development, Government of Karnataka, toward helping women from economically backward societies to develop and enhance their skills and get employment both within the country and overseas.”

Mr. Poornesh further added, “Currently there is a very small community of women drivers, making their living driving taxis, semi-trailer trucks and buses. We would, on a step-by-step approach, increase the impact on women drivers of Karnataka.”

Speaking at the announcement, Ritu Chawla, National Vice-President, Hospitality and Tourism Council, WICCI, shared, “Thank you for the invite and giving us a platform to present what WICCI – Hospitality & Tourism is doing in India to empower women in the hospitality sector. We already work on a Skill Development Program with our Skill & Career Development partner SAATHIYA – a Shibulal Philanthropic initiative, with a larger goal of increasing the presence of women in the Industry, by giving the under-served and aspiring youth and opportunity to come within a respectable fold of employment in Hotels & QSRs. We believe that this association is in are synergies in the work WICCI would like to invite  Skill Development Partners – SAATHIYA for this event and see if there are any synergies in the future, from this association with Vega & Baton.”

Meenu Vadera, Founder, Azad Foundation & Sakha Consulting Wings shared, “When we started Azad Foundation in 2008, there were few women chauffeurs in India. Azad set out to address the structural barriers that prevented women from joining the workforce including mobility restrictions, violence at home and in public places and the burden of unpaid care work. Today, we humbly share that Azad has successfully trained over 3500 resource-poor women as professional chauffeurs through its transformative skill-building Women with Wheels program. More than 2000 of these women are currently employed as professional chauffeurs and riders and are claiming their space in industries like e-commerce delivery and public transport, which have traditionally been closed for women.”

Azad’s strategic partner Sakha actively promotes opportunities and markets for women drivers in transport and e-commerce industry. More than 2000 women drivers have become chief wage earners in their families, provided 1.8m+ safe rides and earned a cumulative income of over $2.4 Million. These women have built assets, repaid debts, invested in the education of the next generation and challenged violence in their homes, communities and on the road. In 2022, the revision in the criteria for the entry of women in Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) was a landmark victory for women drivers, a result of Azad & Sakha’s close engagement with the Transport Ministry for gender inclusive public transport. Tens of women are now plying public buses and this number will only go up, breaking a glass ceiling in an occupation that has been dominated by only men.

Sharing her views, Vandana Suri, Founder, Taxshe, shared, “Taxshe is a World Bank Award winning organisation focussing on safe mobility solutions for women and kids. One of our business model is that we run women cabs exclusively for women and kids. We are alternate moms dropping kids to schools and tuitions, cab is just the logistics. On the other hand, we run ‘Taxshe Breakfree’ where we have women teaching women how to drive, their own cars at their own pace. We believe that if we have more women on the roads, safer is our ecosystem.”

BENGALURU: Cutting across party lines, MLAs demanded that the Karnataka government take measures to implement 25 per cent domicile reservation for Kannadiga students at the National Law School of India University (NLSIU) in Bengaluru. They pointed out that of 24 National Law Colleges and Universities in India, NLSIU in Karnataka is the only one which does not provide reservations for local residents.

Raising the issue during question hour, former law minister and BJP MLA Suresh Kumar said Karnataka gave 23 acres of land to NLSIU, and in the past four years, the state government has given grants of Rs 22 crore. This apart, in 2020, the NLSIU Amendment Act was passed, which provides 25 per cent seat reservation for Karnataka students, yet the institution is adhering to the Act. Of 24 such premier institutes across India, NLSUI is the only one which does not give domicile reservations for local students.

“The state government should ensure the Act is implemented and reservation is provided for local students. The government can also check if it can withdraw facilities given,” he said. Responding to him, Law Minister JC Madhu Swamy said that according to the domicile reservation policy, those who study for 10 years in Karnataka have to get reservation. After the Act was passed, NLSIU went to the high court and got a stay. Later, the state government appealed before the Supreme Court.

“Kannadigas who got admission through general merit were merged with reservation, which the university cannot do. Reservation quota cannot be merged with general merit,” he said. The case is before the Supreme Court and a hearing is due in the next couple of days. “We have given power, water and land. We will fight for it,” he said.

Madhu Swamy also said that he and Higher Education Minister Dr CN Ashwath Narayan, who are both Governing Council members of NLSIU, had written to the university, but in vain. “The case is before Supreme Court. We have the best advocate to fight our case. We were also told that the Chief Justice said that all universities and colleges have given reservation for locals, and are hoping the judgment will be in our favour,” he said. If required, we will fight on, he added.

MINISTER LISTS OUT GOVT’S ACHIEVEMENTS
Law and Parliamentary Affairs Minister JC Madhu Swamy said the state government had taken several measures to help farmers, improve health infrastructure during the Covid pandemic and took up development works across all the sectors. He was responding on behalf of the chief minister to the debate on the Governor’s address. He listed the government’s achievements and hit out at the opposition for criticising the government. The minister asked Congress why they were opposing the amendment to the APMC Act that helps farmers sell their produce wherever they want to. Even Congress leaders had asked for relaxation on the sale of produce at the APMC to help farmers, but why are they protesting against it now?,” he said.

BENGALURU: Former Hubballi Dharwad East BJP MLA Veerbhadrappa Halaharavi and former MLC S L Ghotnekar, a close aide of former minister R V Deshpande, and Kochimul director Vadaguru Harish Gowda from Bagepalli joined the JDS, giving a shot in the arm for former CM H D Kumaraswamy. 

“There is a chance of winning at least four seats out of six in Uttara Kannada district. In 2023, Ghotnekar and Halaravi will be elected to the Assembly. Even in Belagavi district there, is an atmosphere of winning six out of eighteen seats,” predicted Kumaraswamy, alleging that BJP government has failed to deliver benefits for farmers and did not even waive off farm loans. 

Claiming that he had pooled in Rs 25,000 crore against the farm loan waiver scheme in 2019, when he was the chief minister, he alleged that the BJP government has not released Rs 1,800 crore that was part of the scheme as yet. 

“It is a shame on the BJP government which has been going to polls without addressing the farmers’ issue. As soon as JDS comes to power, we will release Rs 1,800 crore with interest against the loan waiver scheme that will help 2.35 lakh farmers’ families,” he said.    

The valedictory of the Pancharatna programme would be held either in the Mysuru-Mandya or Hassan region, with over 10 lakh people expected to attend the rally, he said.

BENGALURU: Seeking to woo farmers in an election year, Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai on Friday announced an increase in the limit of interest-free short-term loans given to farmers from Rs 3 lakh to Rs 5 lakh from the coming financial year.

This would ensure the availability of hassle-free and need-based loan facilities for making necessary preparation for farm-related activities, Bommai, who also holds the finance portfolio, said presenting the 2023-34 budget in the state Legislative Assembly.

“This year, a loan of Rs 25,000 crore will be distributed to more than 30 lakh farmers,” he said.

A ‘majestic’ temple dedicated to Lord Ram will be built in Ramadevara Betta of Ramanagara district, the Chief Minister said.

The government, Bommai said, decided to give an additional subsidy of Rs 10,000 in the year 2023-24 under a new scheme ‘Bhoo Siri’ for ‘Kisan Credit Card’ holders.

This would facilitate the farmers to purchase seeds, fertilisers, pesticides and other farm inputs in times of exigencies, the Chief Minister said.

The state would contribute Rs 2,500 and NABARD (National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development) would give Rs 7,500.

“This will benefit around 50 lakh farmers of the state,” he said.

Assembly elections in Karnataka are expected to be held during April-May. The Chief Minister, in the budget, also announced ‘Shrama Shakthi’ scheme that would provide financial assistance of Rs 500 per head every month to landless women farm labourers through direct benefit transfer (DBT).

Aimed at enabling all children who graduate from high school to continue their higher education, he announced free education in Government Pre-University and Government Degree Colleges under the ‘CM Vidya Shakti Scheme’.

This will benefit eight lakh students of the state, he added. Noting that for the first time in the state, post-COVID pandemic, revenue receipts are estimated to be more than revenue expenditure by Rs 402 crore, Bommai said this is a “revenue-surplus” budget.

HUBBALLI:  CLP leader Siddaramaiah said on Thursday that the state will witness a “civil war” if the BJP comes back to power after the Assembly polls. Speaking after inducting several JDS workers into the Congress party, he called upon the people to defeat “communal forces” and warned that if they came back to power, it will threaten peace in society.

“Those responsible for protecting the lives and properties of public are inciting violence by giving provocative statements,” he said The former CM held the JDS responsible for the growth of the BJP in the state and pointed out that if JDS leader HD Kumaraswamy had not tied up with the BJP, the latter would not have been in the position they are in today. “After making an alliance with communal forces, Kumaraswamy is now projecting himself as secular leader,” he charged. 

Higher Education Minister Dr CN Ashwath Narayan’s “finish off” Siddaramaiah remark rocked the Assembly on Thursday, but later clarified he meant “no vote for Congress”, and regretted what he said. 

Koppal (K’taka): Karnataka BJP president Nalin Kumar Kateel stoked a controversy by saying the people of Yelburga in Koppal district who sing devotional songs on Lord Rama and Lord Hanuman should stay here, and not those who love 18th century Mysuru ruler Tipu Sultan.

Kateel was speaking at a public meeting on Tuesday in the run-up to the Karnataka assembly election, which is less than three months away.

“We are the devotees of Rama and Anjaneya (Hanuman). We do the work of Anjaneya. We are not the children of Tipu Sultan. We are the ones who will drive home Tipu’s children,” Kateel said.

He then asked the cheering crowd, “I want to ask the people of Yalaburga whether you worship Anjaneya or sing praises of Tipu Sultan. Won’t you drive away those singing praises of Tipu to the forest?”

The BJP leader invoked the name of Anjaneya in Koppal district, which is believed to be ‘Kishkindha Kshetra’, the monkey kingdom as mentioned in the Hindu epic Ramayana. The place is also believed to be the birthplace of Hanuman at Anjanadri the hill of Hanuman’s mother Anjana.

“Take oath whether you want Tipu’s children or the devotees of Lord Rama and Anjaneya in this state. I am asking you this question in the holy town of Anjaneya that those who love Tipu should not stay in this land. Only those who sing Rama Bhajan (devotional songs) should remain here,” the BJP leader said.

Kateel accused Congress state president D K Shivakumar of having a soft corner for Mangaluru cooker blast accused Mohammed Shariq, who was injured along with the driver when the alleged cooker bomb he was holding exploded in an autorickshaw on November 19, last year.

He alleged that when Shariq was arrested, Shivakumar had called the accused as innocent and naive.

Kateel took a jibe at the Congress leader saying that he has intense love for two cookers — one is Belagavi cooker and another is Mangaluru cooker.

Kateel was referring to the free distribution of cookers in Belagavi allegedly by a Congress leader aspiring to contest the upcoming assembly election.

Kateel also mocked stalwart Congress leader and former chief minister Siddaramaiah by claiming that the “mass leader” has not found a constituency for himself to contest the election.

He challenged Siddaramaiah to contest the polls from Badami where the Congress leader had won the 2018 assembly election with a thin margin.

“You are a leader who had ruled the state for five years. You call yourself the mass leader of Congress. Why the mass leader does not have a constituency (to contest election)? Are you the mass leader who is groping in the dark without a constituency?” Kateel sought to know.

Bengaluru: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday showcased India as an attractive destination for investment in the defence manufacturing sector, and said it will move towards becoming one of the leading exporters of military hardware globally.

Modi made the comments in his address after inaugurating the 14th edition of Aero India at the Yalahanka Air Force station complex on the outskirts of Bengaluru.

The five-day exhibition is being participated by over 700 defence companies and delegates from 98 countries, officials said.

This edition of Aero India is showcasing the country as an emerging hub for manufacturing of military aircraft, helicopters, military equipment and new-age avionics.

They said around 250 business-to-business agreements are expected to be firmed up at Aero India which is estimated to unlock investment to the tune of around Rs 75,000 crore.

“New India” of 21st century will neither miss any opportunity nor will there be any shortage in its hard work, Modi said.

The prime minister said India today is not only a market but also a potential defence partner for so many countries, adding the nation is moving towards becoming one of the leading exporters of military hardware globally.

“Today, Aero India is not only a show, but it is also reflection of India’s self confidence and capabilities,” he said in the presence of top executives of various global defence majors and delegates from a significant number of countries.

He said Aero India’ reflects India’s new strength and aspirations.

Today, our successes are a proof of India’s potential, he said, noting that the indigenously developed Tejas aircraft is an example of it.

A plethora of aircraft of the Indian Air Force displayed their aerial prowess in an air show at the event.

The theme of Aero India is “The runway to a billion opportunities” and is aimed at projecting India’s growth and capabilities in the defence and aerospace sector.

The focus of the event is to showcase indigenous equipment and technologies and forging partnerships with foreign companies, in line with ‘Make in India, Make for the World’ vision of the government, officials said.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said Aero India will act as a catalyst in further growth of the aerospace sector in India.

Singh will host a Defence Ministers’ conclave on Tuesday on the theme “Shared Prosperity through Enhanced Engagements in Defence (SPEED)”.

The major exhibitors at Aero India include Airbus, Boeing, Dassault Aviation, Lockheed Martin, Israel Aerospace Industry, BrahMos Aerospace, Army Aviation, HC Robotics, SAAB, Safran, Rolls Royce, Larsen & Toubro, Bharat Forge Limited, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) and BEML Limited.