Claiming that Railways was used for “political reasons” earlier, Railways Minister Piyush Goyal on Wednesday slammed the previous governments for not being able to bring the Bullet Train.

“Earlier, Railways was used for political reasons. So many schemes were announced, but there was scarcity of budget to work on all the schemes. We ensured that wherever the land is available and the work is important, it is being done on a priority basis.

“Our plan is to have separate toilets for men and women, water facilities, upgraded waiting rooms and other facilities in every station in the country,” he told the Lok Sabha in response to a question.

“The Prime Minister has a vision to make India a technology power so that people get world-class facilities. The bullet train technology has arrived in India after a delay of 50 years because Prime Minister Narendra Modi has come now.”

“We got a loan of Rs 1.08 lakh crore for 50 years at an interest of 0.1 per cent from Japan. We want to develop a network of speed rail in the country.

“The government also ensured transfer of technology, so that it helps in ‘Make in India’ and contributes in improving the economy,” he added.

Hitting out at the Congress, Goyal said: “They should be happy that the bullet train project which they could not implement, this government is doing it. The money which they couldn’t bring, we got it at a minimal interest.”

“The pace at which the work of track maintenance is being done now in one year, that was never possible in three years of UPA government. During 2012-13, only 800 kms of electrification was done, while we electrified 4,100 kms last year. We also laid 4,500 kms of new tracks in a year,” he said to a question by Congress’ Mallikarjun Kharge on bullet trains, doubling of tracks, electrification and laying of new tracks.

Finance Minister Piyush Goyal on Tuesday dismissed as “baseless” the allegations of a 50 percent jump in deposits by Indians in Swiss banks and said the Congress was trying to tarnish India’s image on the international stage by “spreading lies”.

He said that contrary to Congress President Rahul Gandhi’s assertion that deposits by Indian nationals in Swiss Banks had increased by 50 percent, the actual Indian deposits had gone down by 34 percent between 2016 and 2017 and by over 80 percent since the BJP government came to power in 2014.

Goyal told reporters that the data referred to by Rahul Gandhi includes non-deposit liabilities, a business of Swiss branches located in India, inter-bank transactions and fiduciary liabilities.

“The Swiss government has informed us that the news being spread by Rahul Gandhi is baseless and that the figures quoted by some political leaders are completely irrelevant to this issue,” he said.

The minister said the Swiss government had told India in writing that the figures published by the Swiss National Bank are regularly mentioned in the Indian media as a reliable indicator of the amount of assets held with Swiss financial institutions in respect of Indian residents but more often the media reports do not take into account the way the figures have to be interpreted.

“This has resulted in misleading headlines and analyses. Moreover, it is frequently assumed that any assets held by Indian residents in Switzerland are undeclared– so-called ‘black money’,” Goyal said quoting the Swiss government’s response.

“To analyze Indian residents’ deposits held in Switzerland, another data source should be used. This is the so-called ‘locational banking statistics’, which the Swiss National Bank collects in collaboration with the Bank for International Settlements (BIS),” he added.

Goyal said that Rahul Gandhi raked up the issue without understanding the seriousness of the matter.

“He’s habitual of making allegations without knowing the reality as we saw in the no-confidence debate as well which led to a rebuttal by the French government the same day. And now we have the Swiss government dismissing his claims,” he said.

Goyal said that since 2014, there has been an 80 percent reduction in money held by Indians in Swiss banks from $2.2 billion in 2014 to just over half a billion dollars in 2017.

“In 2017, deposits have reduced by 34 percent from $800 million to $524 million. And this has been reducing every year.

“This shows how attempts are being made to malign India’s image in international stage through false allegations by the Congress and some other motivated elements,” Goyal said.

In a bid to reduce the number of cheque dishonour cases pending in courts, the Lok Sabha on Monday passed the Negotiable Instruments (Amendment) Bill, 2017.

The bill aims to counter the delaying tactics employed by people who want to avoid paying cheques issued by them. If it gets Parliament’s nod, it will preserve the sanctity of cheque transactions by stopping the practice of people trying to deliberately delay cases through the filing of appeals and obtaining stay on proceedings.

The bill proposes to insert a new provision wherein a court can order the drawer of the dishonoured cheque to pay interim compensation to the complainant, in a summary trial or a summons case upon framing of charges. The interim compensation will be up to 20% of the amount of the cheque. A similar provision has also been inserted in case of an appeal by the drawer of the cheque against a conviction. The appellate court may order the appellant to deposit at least 20% of the fine or compensation awarded by the trial court.

The changes were envisaged after the government received several representations from the public including traders relating to the pendency of cheque dishonour cases. “It is proposed to amend the said Act with a view to addressing (ing) the issue of undue delay in final resolution of cheque dishonour cases so as to provide relief to payees of dishonoured cheques and to discourage frivolous and unnecessary litigation which would save time and money,” said the statement of objects and reason of the bill.

“The proposed amendments will strengthen the credibility of cheques and help trade and commerce in general by allowing lending institutions, including banks, to continue to extend financing to the productive sectors of the economy,” it added.

The bill will now go to the Rajya Sabha for its nod.

Karnataka is the new national leader in renewable energy generation, US-based Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis (IEEFA) said on Tuesday.

It has overtaken Tamil Nadu that had long been India’s top renewables market.

With a population of more than 60 million, Karnataka has a total of 12.3 gigawatts (GW) of renewable capacity installed till March, after having added five GW in 2017-18 alone, it said.

IEEFA’s report “Karnataka’s Electricity Sector Transformation”, talks about a trend driven by state and national energy policies that have encouraged less reliance on imported energy and how declining costs have helped build momentum around the uptake of renewables, especially solar.

“Tamil Nadu until this year was the frontrunner in the race to renewables and still leads in wind energy capacity,” IEEFA’s Director of Energy Finance Studies Tim Buckley told IANS.

The report notes that solar tenders in Karnatacoal-fireden near record low bids of Rs 2.82-3.06 per kilowatt-hour (kWh) ($41-44/MWh), materially less than the average Rs 3-5/kWh for domestic thermal power tariffs and the Rs 5-6/kWh tariffs required for imported coal fired power.

And it points out that in June, Karnataka introduced reverse auctions for wind-powered electricity, with an upper cap of Rs 3.45/kWh, following the success of similar auctions in Gujarat and Tamil Nadu in 2017, when tariffs fell by as much as 50 per cent to as low as Rs 2.43/kWh.

In a “likely pathway” for Karnataka, based on IEEFA modelling through 2028, the report says Karnataka is set to move from being a net importer of electricity to having a net balance, and it could become a net exporter, a possibility currently constrained only by insufficient interstate grid capacity.

Renewables will account for 23 GW or 60 per cent of capacity (43 per cent of generation), up from 12.3 GW or 46 per cent in 2017/18.

Hydro, which accounts for 3.6 GW or 13 per cent of current capacity, continues to provide much-needed dispatchable energy to balance the state’s growing, but variable wind and solar.

Thermal power’s market share, currently at 10 GW (38 per cent of capacity and 49 per cent of generation), will remain steady, but “needs to better incorporate more flexible, peaking capacity”.

IEEFA conducts research and analyses on financial and economic issues related to energy and the environment.

After a five-story building collapsed here on Sunday, the Ghaziabad Development Authority (GDA) has started sealing the illegal constructions and till Tuesday they have sealed 84 buildings.

“The GDA regularly checks the buildings for various criteria, including the material used and the age of the building. If a building fails to meet our criteria, we seal it,” a GDA official requesting anonymity told IANS.

“The drive to seal the illegal constructions will continue,” he said.

On Sunday, a five-story building collapsed in Akash Nagar here, killing two, including a six-year-old child, and injuring eight.

The National Disaster Response Force personnel are continuing to look for possible survivors and more bodies.

The building was being constructed in violation of rules without the approval of the GDA.

Urban commuters will soon be provided with improved access to the metro train. ‘Wicked Ride’ was one among the four winning startups to have developed and demonstrated their solutions to last-mile connectivity to urban mass transit networks in ‘STAMP (station access and mobility programme) challenge’ launched by World Resources Institute (WRI)-India Ross Center in 2017.

Under the second phase of STAMP 2018, WRI-India pledged to provide an undisclosed financial grant and technical support to Wicked Ride to scale up its operations and implement a perfect last-mile solution from the metro station at a conference organized on Saturday.

Blue print of DyCM’s exclusive act for B’lore unraveled

A three-tier ‘empowered’ ward committees, multiple municipalities and greater Bengaluru at the top will ensure that urban governance is operational, according to the blueprint of an act for Bengaluru, which was declared by Bengaluru Development Minister G Parameshwara.

The delegates were informed that Greater Bengaluru Governance Bill would ensure accountability from political and executive.

Suzuki Motorcycle India Pvt Ltd. a subsidiary of two-wheeler manufacturer, Suzuki Motor Corporation, Japan has launched the much-awaited BURGMAN STREET – a 125cc scooter and the descendant from its legendary BURGMAN portfolio. With a blend of luxurious design drawn from the European scooter design language, and packed with advanced technology; the new BURGMAN STREET from Suzuki’s stable represents the ultimate joy of riding.

“The BURGMAN STREET creates a new category of scooters in India, focussing on the concept of advanced luxury riding. We are committed to offering premium, innovative and world-class products to customers. By bringing in the unique exposure of Suzuki’s international BURGMAN heritage, we believe that the BURGMAN STREET will be a ‘Special One’ in this segment that will herald a new era of luxury scooter riding in India.”

“The 125cc segment in scooters is a very exciting place currently where we also enjoy a strong leadership position. Equipped with exciting features, BURGMAN STREET redefines luxury and comfort in the scooter segment in the country. The new BURGMAN STREET will not only help us strengthen our portfolio in this segment, but will also help us cater to a new dimension of scooter customers, who seek luxury and the joy of riding.”

The new BURGMAN STREET packs in a 125cc, 4-stroke air-cooled engine with SOHC 2 valve single-cylinder BS-IV Engine (8.7ps@7000rpm,10.2Nm@5000 rpm); and is powered by the cutting edge SEP (Suzuki Eco Performance) technology, that offers an optimal fuel-efficiency without compromising on either power or performance. The CBS on new BURGMAN STREET enables operation of both brakes from the left brake lever, helping in maintaining a good balance between front and rear brake forces.

A head-turner like no other, BURGMAN STREET’sluxurious design follows the Suzuki European style design that gives BURGMAN STREET its premium looks. A bright LED headlight, position lamp and tail lamp set-up further reflects its premium aspect, while its integral and cutting-edge design improves the functionality by enhancing the visibility at night. The chrome accent on front and rear body parts reflect the premium aspect of the scooter which not only compliments the overall design but also gives it a striking visual presence.

BURGMAN STREET is built for comfortable riding with the flexible foot-position to reduce fatigue and offer best in class riding experience. It is loaded with a multifunction, fully-digital instrument panel with a Digital Clock, Fuel Gauge, Oil Change Indicator and a dual trip meter. The body mounted windscreen adopted from the design of international BURGMAN Series, reduces the wind blast by improving the aerodynamics. The BURGMAN STREET uses a long and comfortable seat, to give a sense of stability and comfort while long distances. The BURGMAN STREET also scores high on utility aspects, with a convenient and secured lid equipped front pocket with standard fitment of DC socket &USB charger as an accessory; and an under-seat storage capacity of 21.5L.

The new BURGMAN STREET is available in Metallic Mat Fibroin Gray, Glass sparkle black and Pearl Mirage White, and is priced at INR 70105 (ex-showroom -Bangalore).

*CBS is a supplemental brake system, please operate both left and right brake levers while riding

ABOUT SUZUKI MOTORCYCLE INDIA PVT LTD (SMIPL)

Suzuki Motorcycle India Private Limited is a subsidiary of Suzuki Motor Corporation, Japan wherein they have the same manufacturing philosophy of PRODUCTS OF SUPERIOR VALUE right from the inception. SMIPL manufactures two-wheelers best suited for the valuable Indian customers. The Company started its India operation in February 2006.

Samsung India has sold over 20 lakh units of its recently-launched Galaxy J8 and J6 mid-segment smartphones in India, attracting nearly 50,000 consumers a day, the company said on Monday.

Galaxy J6 was launched on May 22 while Galaxy J8 was introduced on July 1.

“We are happy with the huge success of Galaxy J8 and J6 smartphones. Our philosophy of keeping our ears to the ground and incorporating consumer feedback into our products has paid off,” said Asim Warsi, Senior Vice President, Samsung India.

The “Chat-over-Video” feature in Infinity models received an overwhelming response with more than 50 percent consumers using it on a regular basis.

“Galaxy J8 and J6 have set the standard for an unparalleled viewing experience with our signature super AMOLED Infinity Display,” Warsi added.

Galaxy J8 is available at Rs 18,990 and Galaxy J6 (64GB and 32GB variants) are available at Rs 15, 990 and Rs 13,990, respectively.

Both Galaxy J8 and J6 sport Samsung’s signature “Infinity Design” philosophy, giving users nearly 15 percent more display area without increasing the overall size of the device.

The Super AMOLED display delivers an 18.5:9 aspect ratio, providing more browsing space.

Galaxy J8 also sports advanced dual rear camera with flagship “Live Focus” feature, where users can bring sharp focus to the foreground while blurring out the background.

“Galaxy J, known for unique ‘Make for India’ innovations, has a stellar legacy, accounting for one in three smartphones sold in the country. We are confident that the new devices will help us further increase our market share in the country,” Warsi noted.

Samsung shipped 9.9 million smartphones in India in the second quarter of 2018, registering almost 50 percent annual growth rate — its best since the fourth quarter of 2015, Singapore-based market research firm Canalys said last week.

Samsung “J2 Pro” was the top model in the second quarter, with 2.3 million units shipped in India.

A young man and a teenager suffered serious burn injuries when they came in contact with a high-tension overhead wire while flying kite in north Delhi, police said on Thursday.

Police said Kartik, 18, and his juvenile neighbor, 14, received over 60 percent burn injuries when they received electric shocks while flying a kite on the terrace of the latter’s Sonia Vihar house on Wednesday afternoon.

Some children standing on adjoining buildings raised an alarm, following which their family members rushed upstairs and tried to pull them away with the help of bamboo sticks, Deputy Commissioner of Police Atul Kumar Thakur told IANS.

Both were later taken to nearby GTB Hospital.

Kartik is an auto-rickshaw driver while the teenager is a Class 6 student.

“We will take action against officials concerned for negligence. We are awaiting improvement in their condition to record their statements,” the officer added.

The undetermined strike by the lorry operators affiliated to the All India Motor Transport Congress (AIMTC) across the country to highlight removal of toll plazas on the national highways and other charters of demands commenced in the state on Friday.

The indefinite strike was to press the demands of reducing fuel price and for a uniform national pricing with quarterly revision, transparency and reduction in third party insurance premium.

Abolition of tax deduction at sources, rationalization of presumptive income under Sections 44 AE of Income Tax Act were the other demands. The AIMTC also demanded the government to address the E-Way Bill operational issues, abolish direct port delivery scheme and streamline port congestion.

Three lakh lorries off the roads
C. Dhanaraj, secretary, Tamil Nadu Lorry Owners Federation, one of the constituents of the AIMTC, told The Hindu that the association accounted for 4.60 lakh lorries, of which three lakh lorries were already off the road from Friday.

About 1.5 lakh lorries have carried loads of onion, dhal and other perishable items to north Indian states and they too were returning back to Tamil Nadu.

Mr. Dhanaraj said that in Salem district alone, about 40,000 lorries were off the road and this has affected the transportation of vegetables, fruits, textiles, sago.

Mr. Dhanaraj said that despite the discussion the Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari, had with the office-bearers of the AIMTC on the removal of toll plazas on Thursday, no compromise could be reached on the issue.

The lorry operators are firm on continuing the strike till all their just demands were conceded by the Centre, Mr. Dhanaraj said.

The lorry booking agents who have expressed their support to the strike call suspended the booking of consignments since July 15. According to P. Rajavadivel, president of the Tamil Nadu Booking Agents Association, due to this about 15,000 lorries which used to carry the loads to other states daily, were not being operated from Friday.

Due to the commencement of the strike, all the major lorry sheds in Salem and Namakkal districts were overflowing with the vehicles. The grounded lorries have also occupied all the space available in the lorry bays on national highways and in the fuel retail outlets. [Read more…]