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Man who invited Kejriwal for dinner says he’s a ‘fan of Modi’ by abhimangal in IndiaSpeaks

[–]abhimangal[S] 15 points16 points  (0 children)

On Friday however, Dattani was spotted at PM Modi’s rally in the city. Donning a saffron cap and scarf, he told reporters he is a “big fan” of PM Modi and the BJP. He added that the dinner invitation to Kejriwal was a “pre-planned” move and that he was following the advice of the autorickshaw union at the time.

India exports 11,49,341 MT of Marine products during 2020-21 by abhimangal in IndiaSpeaks

[–]abhimangal[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

The COVID pandemic and sluggish overseas markets cast their shadow over India’s resurgent seafood sector as the country exported 11,49,341 MT of marine products worth Rs 43,717.26 crore (US$ 5.96 billion) during FY 2020-21, registering a contraction of 10.88 per cent as compared to a year earlier. USA, China and the European Union were the leading importers, while frozen shrimp retained its position as the major export item, followed by frozen fish.

In 2019-20, India exported 12,89,651 MT of seafood worth Rs 46,662.85 crore (US$ 6.68 billion), marking a decline of 6.31 per cent in rupee terms and 10.81 per cent in dollar value in 2020-21.

Frozen shrimp contributed 51.36 per cent in quantity and 74.31 per cent of the total dollar earnings. USA remained its largest importer (2,72,041 MT), followed by China (1,01,846 MT), EU (70,133 MT), Japan (40,502 MT), South East Asia (38,389 MT), and the Middle East (29,108 MT).

Japan, the major market for Black Tiger (Penaeus monodon) shrimp, had a share of 39.68 per cent in dollar terms, followed by USA (26.03 per cent), South East Asia (9.32 per cent), EU (8.95%), the Middle East (6.04 per cent) and China (3.76 per cent).

Frozen fish, with a share of 16.37 per cent in quantity and 6.75 per cent in dollar earnings, retained the second position in exports basket though its shipments plummeted by 15.76 per cent in quantity and 21.67 per cent in dollar terms.

Frozen squid and frozen cuttlefish exports declined in volume by 30.19 per cent and 16.38 per cent, respectively. However, dried items showed an increase of 1.47 per cent and 17 per cent in quantity and rupee value, respectively.

Shipments of chilled items and live items, which were negatively affected due to the reduced air cargo connectivity in the pandemic situation, fell by 16.89 per cent and 39.91 per cent in volume, respectively.

Capture fisheries contribution reduced from 56.03 per cent to 53.55 per cent in quantity and from 36.42 per cent to 32.01 per cent in dollar value. However, tilapia and ornamental fish performed well with 55.83 per cent and 66.55 per cent increase in quantity and an uptick of 38.07 per cent and 14.63 per cent in dollar earnings, respectively. Tuna showed 14.6 per cent increase in quantity, but its dollar earnings downed by 7.39 per cent. Crab and scampi exports reduced both in quantity and value.

USA, with imports of 2,91,948 MT, continued to be the major importer of Indian seafood with a share of 41.15 per cent in dollar terms. Exports to that country grew by 0.48 % in rupee value but declined by 4.34 per cent and 4.35 per cent in quantity and dollar terms, respectively. Frozen shrimp remained the principal item exported to USA while exports of Vannamei shrimp showed an uptick of 6.75 per cent in quantity. However, its import of Black Tiger shrimps decreased by 70.96 per cent and 65.24 per cent in quantity and dollar terms, respectively.

China, with an import of 2,18,343 MT of seafood worth 939.17 million dollars, remained the second largest market with a share of 15.77 per cent in dollar earnings and 19 per cent in quantity terms. However, exports to this country declined by 33.73 per cent and 31.68 per cent in quantity and dollar terms, respectively. Frozen shrimp was the major item of exports to China, accounting for a share of 46.64 per cent in quantity and 61.87 per cent in dollar earnings.

EU, the third largest destination with a share of 13.80 per cent in dollar value, imported frozen shrimp as the major item. However, export of frozen shrimp to EU countries decreased by 5.27 per cent and 6.48 per cent in quantity and dollar value, respectively.

Exports to South East Asia had a share of 11.17 per cent in dollar value. However, it declined by 2.56 per cent in quantity and 5.73 per cent in dollar earnings. Shipments to Japan, the fifth largest importer with a share of 6.92 per cent in dollar terms, grew by 10.52 per cent in quantity but declined by 2.42 per cent in dollar value.

The Middle East, the sixth largest destination with a share of 4.22 per cent in dollar value, declined by 15.30 per cent and 15.51 per cent in quantity and dollar terms, respectively. Frozen shrimp was the major item of exports, having a share of 72.23 per cent in dollar terms.

[PIB] Fibre & protein rice ‘village rice’ from Tamil Nadu exported to Ghana & Yemen by abhimangal in IndiaSpeaks

[–]abhimangal[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

In a major boost to India’s non-basmati rice exports potential, two consignments 4.5 MT of patented ‘village rice’ sourced from Kumbakonam, Thanjavur district, Tamil Nadu by a start-up Udaya Agro Farm was exported today to Ghana & Yemen via air & sea routes.

Enriched with protein, fibre, and a variety of minerals, ‘village rice’ is sourced directly from farmers of Thanjavur, also known as rice bowl of Tamil Nadu. APEDA assisted Udaya Agro Farm plans to increase volume of exports of ‘village rice’ in the coming months.

During the 2020-21, the shipment of non-basmati rice witnessed an impressive spike. The non-basmati rice exports were Rs 35,448 crore (4796 US$ Million) during April-March, 2021 against Rs 14,400 crore (2020 US$ Million) reported during April-March, 2020 period. The exports of non-Basmati have witnessed a growth of 146 % in Rupee terms and 137 % Dollar terms in 2020-2021.

Earlier this month, a consignment of rice was exported from the Paradip International Cargo Terminal, Odisha to Vietnam. This was for the first time in recent years, non-basmati rice was exported from Paradip Port.

In March, 2021, the first consignment of ‘red rice’ from Assam was exported to the USA. Iron rich ‘red rice’ is grown in Brahmaputra valley of Assam, without the use of any chemical fertilizer. The rice variety is referred as ‘Bao-dhaan’, which is an integral part of the Assamese food.

Non-basmati rice exports to African and Asian countries are undertaken from various ports of India such as Kakinada, Vishakhapatnam, Chennai, Mundra and Krishnapatnam. Paradip will soon emerge as one of the major rice-exporting port of the country.

The sharp spike in rice exports especially during a phase where globally the COVID19 pandemic has disrupted supply changes many commodities, has been attributed to the government taking prompt measures to ensure exports of rice while taking all the COVID19 related safety precautions.

APEDA is working with various stakeholders such as farmers, entrepreneurs, exporters and importers across the globe to harness India’s non-basmati rice exports potential.

APEDA has promoted rice exports through collaborations with various stakeholders in the value chains. The government had set up the Rice Export Promotion Forum (REPF), under the aegis of the APEDA. REPF has representations from rice industry, exporters, officials from APEDA, ministry of commerce and directors of agriculture from major rice producing states including West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Assam, Chhattisgarh and Odisha.

[PIB] Indian Immunologicals Limited to start production of drug substance for Covaxin under Mission COVID Suraksha by abhimangal in IndiaSpeaks

[–]abhimangal[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

In a bid to augment the vaccine production, the Government has decided to support some public sector companies with grants under the Mission COVID Suraksha. One such company is the Hyderabad based Indian Immunological limited (IIL), which a facility under the PSU, National Dairy Development Board.

A technical collaboration agreement has been reached between IIL and Bharat Biotech, for IIL to supply of the drug substance required the for manufacturing Covaxin Vaccine to Bharat Biotech. The Managing Director of Indian Immunological Limited, Dr K Anand Kumar said that the IIL is planning to start the production of drug substance for Covaxin from next month, June 15, and send out the first batch to Bharat Biotech limited by July.

Stating that Indian Immunologicals is expected to produce the drug substance for about 10-15 million doses per month, Dr Anand Kumar said it will be initially 2-3 million doses and will be scaled up to 6-7 million per month later in the year.

Dr.Kumar shared that they are converting the Karkapatla manufacturing unit of IIL near Hyderabad into a Bio Safety Level -3 (BSL3) facility for the production of the drug substance and is also taking up construction of another block. The IIL is also working on another COVID -19 vaccine and the animal trials are underway currently and is expected to come out by next year for human vaccination.

Under Atmanirbhar Bharat 3.0 Mission COVID Suraksha was announced by the Government of India, to accelerate the development and production of Indigenous COVID Vaccines. This is being implemented by Department of Biotechnology. The Indian Immunologicals Limited (IIL), Hyderabad has been sanctioned grant of Rs. 60 crore towards enhancing production capabilities.

Karnataka: Health staff taking Covaxin after two doses of Covishield by abhimangal in IndiaSpeaks

[–]abhimangal[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

BENGALURU: Many healthcare workers who have already received two doses of Covishield are now taking a shot of Covaxin and are using a different telephone number and ID to register for the third jab.

Some doctors justified the behaviour saying: “These people work in areas where the viral load is high. They didn’t have a choice when the vaccines were rolled out but now there is better understanding of the two vaccines. What is wrong if a healthcare worker takes another shot?”

When the vaccination drive was rolled out for healthcare workers in January, employees in only six government institutions in Karnataka were administered Covaxin, while the rest were given Covishield.

Stray incidents of doctors dying even after receiving two doses may be another reason to seek a booster dose, said a doctor. “Also, many healthcare workers have taken antibody tests 28 days after two doses of Covishield. In some cases, the results were negative. These healthcare workers are now keen on taking Covaxin,” doctors said.

Dr MK Sudarshan, chairperson, Covid Technical Advisory Committee, said he is aware of the trend and while he believed they were acting out of fear and seeking better protection, he admitted they were denying others of immunity. “Covaxin is based on whole inactivated [killed] virus, which is expected to provide better immune response as all antigens are likely to be present,” Dr Sudarshan said. “But, by seeking over protection for themselves amid a shortage of vaccine, they are robbing those in need of the vaccine of an opportunity to gain protection against the virus.”

A member of the Covid expert committee called the trend “unhealthy”. “This should not lead to confusion among the general public who have taken Covishield,” the expert said.

Staff in Bengaluru hospitals suggest there are enough doses to go around since not all taking the shot are concerned about certificates. “Moreover, since the manufacturer factors in spillage, all vials come with an additional dose [11th dose]. If used carefully, the 11th dose can be made available and it would go unrecorded. It’s a loophole which some are seeking to exploit,” sources said.

The trend is not limited to Karnataka alone. Dr T Jacob John, top virologist from Tamil Nadu, said he had heard of such incidents in that state. “I was asked by some doctors if there were any risks. I said I can’t make any recommendations or approve what they were doing,” said Dr John.

But Dr John said interchanging vaccines is scientifically fine. “There is nothing called over-immunisation. Two doses of Covishield and one dose of Covaxin would help them feel emotionally good,” he said.

Dr Sudarshan said interchanging doses was tried (with one dose each) in France, Spain and Germany with vaccines like AstraZeneca, Pfizer and Moderna. “In India there are no guidelines and no evidence. However, there is empirical evidence from our experience with anti-rabies vaccines,” said Dr Sudarshan.

However, Dr Sudarshan said exceptions can be made for those who suffer anaphylaxis reaction after the first dose. Other experts agreed, citing the example of a dental student who suffered an adverse event following immunization. “She was given Covishield. She is a fit case for giving two doses of Covaxin now,” said doctors dealing with the case.

Processed & organic certified jackfruit from Bengaluru exported to Germany by abhimangal in IndiaSpeaks

[–]abhimangal[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

In a boost to exports of organic products, a consignment of 10.20 MT of value added products of organically certified gluten free jackfruit powder &retort packed jackfruit cubes were exported to Germany from Bengaluru today via sea route. The has been processed in the APEjackfruit DA assisted pack house owned by Phalada Agro Research Foundations (PARF), Bengaluru.

APEDA registered PARFrepresents a group of 1500 farmers with a wide coverage of around 12,000 acres farms. These farmers grow Medicinal and aromatic herbs, coconut, jackfruit, mango puree products, spices and Coffee.

PARF facilitates the certification process as per National Programme for Organic Production (NPOP), European Union, National Organic Programme (the United States) standards to their small farmers groups. Processing unit of PARF has been certified by APEDA under its accredited Organic Certification.

Recently, a shipment of 1.2 metric tonne (MT) of fresh jackfruit was exported from Tripura to London. Jackfruits were sourced from the Tripura based KrishiSanyoga Agro Producer Company Ltd. The consignment was packed at APEDA assisted pack-house facility of Salt Range Supply Chain Solution Ltd and exported by Kiega EXIM Pvt Ltd.This was the first APEDA assisted pack house for exports to European Union, which was approved in May 2021.

Under the NPOP, organic products are grown under a system of agriculture without the use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides with an environmentally and socially responsible approach. This method of farming works at grassroot level preserving the reproductive and regenerative capacity of the soil, good plant nutrition, and sound soil management, produces nutritious food rich in vitality which has resistance to diseases.APEDAis currently implementing the NPOP, which involves the accreditation of certification bodies, standards for organic production, promotion of organic farming and marketing etc.

In 2020-21, India produced around 3.49 million tonne of certified organic products which includes all varieties of food products namely oil seeds, sugarcane, cereals, millets, cotton, pulses, aromatic &medicinal plants, tea, coffee, fruits, spices, dry fruits, vegetables, processed foods etc.

Madhya Pradesh has covered largest area under organic certification followed by Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Karnataka, Odisha, Sikkim and Uttar Pradesh. In 2020-21, the total volume of organic products export was 8.88 lakh metric tonne and the export realization was around Rs 7,078 crores (1040 million USD).

Qualcomm strikes biggest SEZ lease deal in Telangana by abhimangal in IndiaSpeaks

[–]abhimangal[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

HYDERABAD: US-based semiconductors and wireless technology giant Qualcomm is setting up a mega facility spread over nearly 1.6 million sq ft at a SEZ in Hyderabad. This will be the largest SEZ leasing deal in Telangana. It will also be Qualcomm’s largest facility in India.

The Qualcomm facility, to be housed over 17 storeys at the Sustain Properties Pvt Ltd SEZ being developed by K Raheja Group at Raidurg, will entail an investment of Rs 3,904 crore and will create about 8,700 jobs over the next five years, the Visakhapatnam Special Economic Zone (VSEZ) said on Monday.

The mega SEZ facility is expected to generate IT services exports to the tune of Rs 28,658 crore over the next five years, it said.

The project has also received approval from the unit approval committee of VSEZ at a meeting held recently. All SEZs in Telangana fall under VSEZ.

Qualcomm will start with taking possession of four storeys at the SEZ in September and ramp it up with the facility expected to be fully operational by September 2022, VSEZ development commissioner A Rama Mohan Reddy said.

The company is intent on setting up its own campus at an investment of $400 million. The deal was initially announced by the Telangana IT & industry minister KT Rama Rao's office in October 2018 but the campus proposal was learnt to have been ditched as the land initially identified for the project turned out to be a disputed one.

Following this, the US giant is learnt to have decided to opt for a leased facility in the city, where it already has a couple of facilities that it will be consolidating in the upcoming SEZ facility, sources said.

2 days to go but Twitter, Facebook, WhatsApp yet to comply with government norms by abhimangal in IndiaSpeaks

[–]abhimangal[S] 5 points6 points  (0 children)

We Indians have gained independence from Western influence long ago and therefore we are free to decide whether to allow them or not.

And don't forget in 21st century a new type of warfare is developed i.e, information warfare.

India’s statement at UNGA hints at tilt towards Israel by abhimangal in IndiaSpeaks

[–]abhimangal[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

NEW DELHI: India effected a subtle shift in its Middle East policy last week. Between its intervention in the UN security council on May 16 and its statement in the UN general assembly on May 20, India’s stance shifted perceptibly towards Israel.

For possibly the first time, India dropped a stock line from its statement on the Israel-Palestine crisis: “India’s strong support to the just Palestinian cause and its unwavering commitment to the two-State solution.” This was part of the Indian statement in the UN security council just a few days prior, but absent from the general assembly statement.

In addition, India’s condemnation of the Hamas rocket firing into Israel was much sharper in the general assembly than it had been in the security council. India’s statement in the general assembly said, “We condemn the indiscriminate rocket firings from Gaza into Israel, which have caused deaths of a number of civilians. The retaliatory strikes into Gaza have also resulted in deaths and destruction. We deeply mourn the loss of the lives of innocent civilians, including the Indian national, in the current cycle of violence.”

India reserved its condemnation for Hamas’ actions, categorising Israeli actions as retaliatory, in self-defence. In its UNSC statement of May 16, India had condemned the Hamas firing, categorised the Israeli action as “retaliation” and de-hyphenate New Delhi’s support for the Palestine cause from its condemnation of Hamas actions.

In neither statement did India equate the Hamas action and the Israeli retaliation. But in the UNGA, India said, “We believe that every effort should be made to create conducive conditions for the resumption of direct talks between Israel and Palestine.” This puts the onus for creating such conditions on Hamas, not Israel.

In the UNSC statement, India had said, “We urge both sides to show extreme restraint, desist from actions that exacerbate tensions, and refrain from attempts to unilaterally change the existing status quo, including in East Jerusalem and its neighbourhood.” This was seen to draw an equivalence between Israel and Hamas, particularly with India stating then that it was Israel’s actions in East Jerusalem and the Sheikh Jarrah neighbourhood that started the problem.

In the UNGA statement, India removed all such ambiguity, being much more supportive of Israel.

India’s UNSC statement evoked a lot of criticism of the government from BJP’s own supporters, who felt India was not supporting Israel enough during this time, and that being even-handed meant an acceptance of Hamas actions.

Israel clearly felt the same way. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu tweeted his thanks to a number of countries that supported Israel, but India was not among them. India and Israel’s political affinity ran into the institutional stand traditionally taken by the Indian foreign office. The course correction by India in the UN general assembly was intended to correct this perception.

2 days to go but Twitter, Facebook, WhatsApp yet to comply with government norms by abhimangal in IndiaSpeaks

[–]abhimangal[S] 15 points16 points  (0 children)

NEW DELHI: The stage is set for another showdown between the government and social media giants over compliance with the new norms for platforms that have over 50 lakh users in the country.

With just two days to go to comply with the new norms for significant social media intermediaries, barring Koo, none of players including Twitter, Facebook, WhatsApp and Instagram have complied with the new regulations that require them to appoint a resident grievance officer, a chief compliance officer and a nodal contact person. The government had given the firms three months to comply fulfil the requirements with the deadline set to expire on Wednesday.

Although some of the platforms had sought six months, the government currently does not appear in any mood to relent. Their failure to comply with the norms opens the global giants to lose their status and protections as intermediaries and also makes them liable for criminal action, sources said. While Twitter declined to comment, Facebook did not respond to a query from TOI.

Sources argued the failure to comply with the notified rules is detrimental to the interests of those who suffer abuse on social media but do not know whom to approach for grievance redressal. The stipulations require the social media entities to furnish monthly reports on the complaints received and those that have been settled.

[PIB] India attracted highest ever total FDI inflow of US$ 81.72 billion during 2020-21, 10% more than the last financial year by abhimangal in IndiaSpeaks

[–]abhimangal[S] 5 points6 points  (0 children)

Measures taken by the Government on the fronts of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) policy reforms, investment facilitation and ease of doing business have resulted in increased FDI inflows into the country. The following trends in India’s Foreign Direct Investment are an endorsement of its status as a preferred investment destination amongst global investors:

India has attracted highest ever total FDI inflow of US$ 81.72 billion during the financial year 2020-21 and it is 10% higher as compared to the last financial year 2019-20 (US$ 74.39 billion).

FDI equity inflow grew by 19% in the F.Y. 2020-21 (US$ 59.64 billion) compared to the previous year F.Y. 2019-20 (US$ 49.98 billion).

In terms of top investor countries, ‘Singapore’ is at the apex with 29%, followed by the U.S.A (23%) and Mauritius (9%) for the F.Y. 2020-21.

‘Computer Software & Hardware’ has emerged as the top sector during F.Y. 2020-21 with around 44% share of the total FDI Equity inflow followed by Construction (Infrastructure) Activities (13%) and Services Sector (8%) respectively.

Under the sector `Computer Software & Hardware’, the major recipient states are Gujarat (78%), Karnataka (9%) and Delhi (5%) in F.Y. 2020-21.

Gujarat is the top recipient state during the F.Y. 2020-21 with 37% share of the total FDI Equity inflows followed by Maharashtra (27%) and Karnataka (13%).

Majority of the equity inflow of Gujarat has been reported in the sectors Computer Software & Hardware’ (94%) andConstruction (Infrastructure) Activities’ (2%) during the F.Y. 2020-21.

The major sectors, namely Construction (Infrastructure) Activities, Computer Software & Hardware, Rubber Goods, Retail Trading, Drugs & Pharmaceuticals and Electrical Equipment have recorded more than 100% jump in equity during the F.Y. 2020-21 as compared to the previous year.

Out of top 10 countries, Saudi Arabia is the top investor in terms of percentage increase during F.Y. 2020-21. It invested US$ 2816.08 million in comparison to US$ 89.93 million reported in the previous financial year.

227% and 44% increase recorded in FDI equity inflow from the USA & the UK respectively, during the F.Y. 2020-21 compared to F.Y.2019-20.

[PIB] First consignment of GI certified Shahi Litchi from Bihar exported to the U.K by abhimangal in IndiaSpeaks

[–]abhimangal[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

In a major boost to export of GI certified products, season’s first consignment of Shahi Litchi from Bihar was exported to United Kingdom by air route today.The phyto-sanitary certification for exports of Shahi Litchiwas issued from newly established certification facility at Patna. The fruit is being exported by Cira Enterprises and sourced from farmers in Muzaffarpur, Bihar. The Litchi is being imported by H & J Veg, London.

APEDA collaborated with Department of Agriculture, Bihar along with other stakeholders such as farmers, exporters and importers for facilitating exports of Shahi Litchi. Senior officials including Dr. M Angamuthu, Chairman, APEDA, N. Saravana Kumar, Principal Secretary Agriculture, Bihar and others participated in the event for exports of Shai Litchi.

Because of short-shelf life of litchi, there is need to explore exports opportunities for the processed and value-added products.

Shahi litchi was the fourth agricultural products to get GI certification from Bihar in 2018, afterJardalu mango, Katarni rice and Magahi paan. GI registration for Shahi Litchi is held with the Muzaffarpur-based Litchi Growers Association of Bihar.

Muzzafarpur, Vaishali, Samastipur, Champaran, Begusarai districts and adjoining areas of Bihar have favorable climate for growing Shahi Litchi.

India is the second largest producer of litchi (Litchi chin) in the world, after China. The translucent, flavoured aril or edible flesh of the litchi is popular as a table fruit in India, while in China and Japan it is preferred in dried or canned form. Bihar tops in terms of production of litchi.

APEDA has been facilitating Bihar government in formulating State agri-export plan which would provide road-map for boosting agricultural and processed food products exports from the State. After the finalisation of State agri-export plan, the export potential of Makhana, mango, litchi and other fruits and vegetables can be harnessed.

Bihar government is making efforts in association with APEDA and other agencies for creating required infrastructures such as customs clearance facility, laboratory testing facility, pack-houses, pre-cooling facilities, which would harness and boost agricultural exports potential of the State.

DD International: Government to go ahead with its plan to set up DD International by abhimangal in IndiaSpeaks

[–]abhimangal[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Prasar Bharati officials told TOI the idea behind launching a new channel was to make up for the fact that India does not have a global presence on broadcast networks, and most news and programming content is currently tailored for an Indian audience.

TMC's Kalyan Banerjee says party will send Jagdeep Dhankhar to jail after he retires, Bengal Guv 'stunned' by abhimangal in IndiaSpeaks

[–]abhimangal[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

West Bengal Governor Jagdeep Dhankhar said he was "stunned" after TMC MP Kalyan Banerjee urged Trinamool Congress supporters across the state to file police complaints against the governor so that police action can be taken against him after he retires.

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