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<ul><li>IMD forecasts a searing summer with “above normal” temperatures in most of northeast, eastern, central India and parts of northwest India.</li><li>Japanese electronics brand Panasonic expects a good summer with double digit growth.</li><li> JM Financial is of the view that demand for ACs will pick up this March and dealers are stocking up inventory.</li></ul>The summer of 2023 got off to an early start, and even with gusts of hail and wind, unpredictable and unseasonal weather is bringing cheer to makers of air conditioners. “We believe summer-23 is likely to be a healthy season for <keyword id="7743494" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="ac-manufacturers" source="Orion">AC manufacturers</keyword>, given soaring temperature and higher probability of occurrence of heat waves across cities and normalisation of commercial activities,” said a report by JM Financial. The report suggests that AC demand will pick up this March, and dealers have already started stocking up inventory in anticipation of good sales. Analysts at JM Financial believe that this year is widely expected to be a little hotter than the previous two years globally “mainly because of the expected end of the strongest ever La Niña event”. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) too forecasts a searing summer with “above normal” temperatures in most of northeast, eastern, central India and parts of northwest India. In fact in March, several parts of the country have been impacted with <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/india/news/erratic-rains-thunderstorms-more-in-march-impacts-lives-and-livelihoods/slidelist/98807776.cms">erratic environmental changes </a>including early monsoon, hailstorms and strong winds. This was right after an unusually hot February. Besides, it also expects heat waves during March-May in most parts of India, except for the northeastern states, Jammu and Kashmir, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Kerala and coastal Karnataka. Hot summer to bring hot sales for AC manufacturers Japanese electronics brand Panasonic also expects a good summer with double digit growth. “At Panasonic, we are expecting healthy growth for our summer products such as ACs, refrigerators, etc., to name a few. Last year for our cooling products like ACs and refrigerators, we registered around 35% (for April 2022 till February 2023 as compared to the same period in 2021). this year we are hoping for continued growth momentum registering double-digit growth,” said Fumiyasu Fujimori, MD, Panasonic Marketing India, Panasonic Life Solutions India. High demand from Mumbai &amp; Bengaluru Analysts say that demand has already picked up in anticipation of a hot summer. The report stated that demand in all major cities like Delhi, Chennai, Hyderabad and Kolkata witnessed moderation currently, whereas Mumbai, Bengaluru and certain pockets in Ahmedabad are witnessing pickup in demand given the early onset of summer. The brokerage firm has stated that Voltas remains their top pick, followed by <keyword id="152126" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="blue-star" source="Orion">Blue Star</keyword> and Amber Enterprises. Analysts feel that rising disposable income, improving standard of living and willingness to spend on comfort is the reason why demand for such white appliances is increasing. “With the increase in disposable income, rapid urbanization, improving standard of living, and easy financing options, consumers are willing to spend on appliances that are energy-efficient, smart, connected, and provide comfort and convenience that enhances their lifestyles,” said JM Financial. The Consumer Electronics and Appliances Manufacturers Association is expecting sales in the summer periods of March to May this year to be anywhere between 15% to 20% higher than last year, according to a report by <a href="https://www.cnbctv18.com/business/consumer-durable-makers-gear-up-make-hay-while-sun-shines-expect-20-percent-growth-in-sales-16226681.htm">CNBCTV18</a>. Channel check with dealers by JM Financial shows that demand for Voltas and other brands like Lloyd, Hitachi and Panasonic is better than previous years. They say that currently, demand for products of Voltas remains high, especially in lower tier cities because of higher brand awareness. However, with increased product offering by other brands, dealers anticipate pickup in demand from other brands as well. Analysts say Blue Star continues to be a preferred brand in Southern markets, while their presence in the North is also increasing. Other players such as Lloyd and LG continue to be preferred brands of choice for customers in South India whereas Daikin, Hitachi, LG and Panasonic are prominent in West India, says the report. Listed AC manufacturers <table style="border-width: initial; border-style: none; table-layout: fixed; width: 468pt;" class="redcator-table-advance"></colgroup><tbody><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">AC manufacturers </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">% change YTD </td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Blue Star </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">21.53% </td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Voltas </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">3.94% </td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Amber Enterprises India </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">-0.73% </td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Johnson Controls Hitachi Air Condition </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">-1.21% </td></tr></tbody><tbody></tbody><tbody></tbody></table> Room for growth Besides, the Indian summer has broken multiple heat records over the past decade and created a strong demand for air conditioning in Indian homes and offices, says Statista, a data platform. “Increasing demand for home appliances , along with a fairly low penetration rate, has left the Indian <keyword id="6365348" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="air-conditioner" source="Orion">air conditioner</keyword> market with plenty of room to grow and is estimated to reach 9.7 million units in the financial year 2023,” said Statista. Adding to the celebration, since October 2020, the Indian government has banned imports of ready-to-install air conditioners, providing a boost to manufacturers in India. SEE ALSO: <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/news/digitalisation-credit-growth-government-policies-to-drive-msme-growth-say-experts/articleshow/98962354.cms">Digitalisation, credit growth, government policies to drive MSME growth, say experts</a> <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/careers/news/first-82-days-of-2023-see-more-layoffs-than-the-entire-2022/slidelist/98960848.cms">First 82 days of 2023 see more layoffs than the entire 2022</a>

AC manufacturers expect strong growth this summer led by unseasonal weather

<keyword id="6358777" type="LOCATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="New-Delhi">New Delhi</keyword>, <keyword id="55910" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="Air-Pollution">Air pollution</keyword> caused by hazardous PM2.5 fine particulate matter led to the <keyword id="6355784" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="death">death</keyword> of 54,000 people in <keyword id="66" type="LOCATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="Delhi">Delhi</keyword> last year where pollution levels remained almost six times above the prescribed WHO limits, according to a new study. According to a <keyword id="69355" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="Greenpeace">Greenpeace</keyword> Southeast Asia analysis of IQAir data, 1800 deaths per million were estimated due to PM2.5 air pollution in Delhi. "The PM2.5 air pollution claimed approximately 54,000 lives in India's national capital in 2020," the study said. PM2.5 refers to fine particulate matter smaller than 2.5 micrometers in diameter. Exposure to PM2.5 is considered the most important environmental risk factor for deaths globally, and was attributed to 4.2 million premature deaths in 2015, the study said. The study noted that the damage is equally worrying in other Indian cities. "An estimated 25,000 avoidable deaths in Mumbai in 2020 have been attributed to air pollution. Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad and Lucknow estimated an approximate 12000, 11000, 11000, and 6700 avoidable deaths respectively due to polluted air," it said Noting that the air pollutant levels in Delhi remained almost six times above the prescribed WHO limits of 10 μg/m3 annual mean, the study said the estimated air pollution-related economic losses were USD 8.1 billion (Rs 58,895 crore), which amounts to 13 per cent of Delhi's annual GDP. "Despite a temporary reprieve in <keyword id="53848" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="air-quality">air quality</keyword> owing to the lockdown, the latest figures from the report underscore the need to act immediately. The need of the hour is to rapidly scale up renewable energy, bring an end to fossil fuel emissions and boost sustainable and accessible transport systems," the study said. Globally, approximate 160,000 deaths have been attributed to PM2.5 air pollution in the five most populous cities of Delhi (30 million), Mexico City (22 million), Sao Paulo (22 million), Shanghai (26 million) and Tokyo (37 million), it said. "Despite recording relatively better air quality this year due to strict lockdown, air pollution continues to be a serious public health issue which also drastically impacts our economy. For the governments of the day, it is crucial that investments are made towards green and sustainable solutions. When we choose fossil fuel over <keyword id="154273" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="clean-energy">clean energy</keyword>, our health is put at stake. Polluted air increases the likelihood of deaths due to cancer &amp; stroke, spike in asthma attacks and worsens severity of COVID-19 symptoms," said Avinash Chanchal, Climate Campaigner, <keyword id="6356502" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="greenpeace-india">Greenpeace India</keyword>. "We need to ensure our growth demand is fuelled by sustainable and cleaner sources of energy and cities should promote low cost , active and carbon-neutral transport options that prioritises walking, cycling, and public transport, the increased use of clean energy and clean transport will not only improve the public health but it will also strengthen the economy and public money" added Chanchal. Commenting on the revelations made by cost estimator CEO of IQAir, Frank Hammes says, "Breathing should not be deadly. The fact that poor air quality claimed an estimated 160,000 lives in the five largest cities alone should give us pause, especially in a year when many cities were seeing lower air pollution levels due to less economic activity. Governments, corporations and individuals must do more to eliminate the sources of air pollution and make our cities better places to live." To show the impact of air pollution related deaths on the economy, Greenpeace said it used the approach called "willingness-to-pay" which means a lost life year or a year lived with disability is converted to money by the amount that people are willing to pay in order to avoid this negative outcome. SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/india/news/india-issues-new-guidelines-for-passengers-arriving-from-the-uk-brazil-europe-and-middle-east-countries/articleshow/81083248.cms">India issues new guidelines for passengers arriving from the UK, Brazil, Europe and Middle-East countries</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/startups/news/not-just-a-tiktok-clone-says-chingari-app-founder-with-their-latest-shop-within-videos-feature-which-he-claims-is-the-next-big-thing-in-social-commerce/articleshow/81084432.cms">‘Not just a TikTok clone,’ says Chingari founder with their latest shop within videos feature which he claims is the next big thing in social commerce</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/mobile/news/samsung-galaxy-f62-review-the-new-mid-range-killer/articleshow/81084382.cms">Samsung Galaxy F62 review – the new mid-range killer</a>

PM2.5 air pollution claimed 54,000 lives in Delhi last year, says study

If you have turned over today’s dailies, the <keyword id="2573" type="CITY" weightage="100" keywordseo="Air-India">Air India</keyword> mascot Maharaja luring you with amazing deals on flight tickets shouldn’t be missed. No sooner had the Railway minister <keyword id="6356597" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Suresh-Prabhu">Suresh Prabhu</keyword> planned to introduce surge pricing in Rajdhani and <keyword id="66524" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="Shatabdi">Shatabdi</keyword> fares, than Air India thought of poaching <keyword id="19179" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="prabhu">Prabhu</keyword>’s target group. 
 
The full page advertisements on major national dailies say that unsold seats on its metro flights will be available at Rajdhani II fares four hours before departure. 
Recently Indian Railways has introduced surge pricing model in AC III and AC II fares of Rajdhani and Shatabdi where fare will go up by 10% for every 10% seats sold, with a cap of 1.5 times the base fare. The airline will follow the AC II regular fare. 
 For instance, the airline will charge Rs 2,870, Rs 2,990 and Rs 4,090 for last-minute unsold seats on flights from Delhi to Mumbai, <keyword id="6354925" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="Kolkata">Kolkata</keyword> and <keyword id="6354321" type="CITY" weightage="20" keywordseo="Bengaluru">Bengaluru</keyword> respectively. "The new Rajdhani AC II fares on these routes can be as high as Rs 4,054; Rs 4,090 and Rs 5,626 respectively. The difference is stark," an AI official told TOI. 
 
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
	
		<a href="https://t.co/luPPIR3XYk">pic.twitter.com/luPPIR3XYk</a> — <keyword id="2128920" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="Ashok-Gajapathi-Raju">Ashok Gajapathi Raju</keyword> (@Ashok_Gajapathi) <a href="https://twitter.com/Ashok_Gajapathi/status/774459246410805248">September 10, 2016</a> 
	 
	&#xa0;</blockquote>
The newspaper advertisement Rajdhani AC II fares are available on AI flights on 11 important metro routes, including Delhi to Mumbai, Chennai, Bengaluru, Kolkata and Ahmedabad. While AI fares are subject to availability, almost all Indian carriers are offering hefty discounts due to the entry of new players and all airlines, old and new, are ordering and inducting aircraft by the dozen, as per a report by The <keyword id="6474066" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="economic-times">Economic Times</keyword>. On Thursday night, travel portals were showing fares starting from Rs 2,800 for a <keyword id="245594" type="CITY" weightage="20" keywordseo="Delhi-Mumbai">Delhi-Mumbai</keyword> flight on Friday -the start of a long festive weekend. 
 "The recent surge pricing announcement in railway fares will change the perception of the average traveller. Our data suggests that there is a minor difference between railway and air fare. This development will boost air travel as the air fare is now competitive and cheaper than AC II and is almost the same as AC III," travel portal Yatra president <keyword id="332366" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Sharat-Dhall">Sharat Dhall</keyword> said in a press release. "For travellers making advance bookings, this is a favourable time to book as airfares are highly unlikely to increase."

​ Air India may be the biggest gainer in surge pricing introduced in Rajdhani trains

DD and AIR’s educational broadcasts will prepare students for engineering and medical entrances

<ul><li><keyword id="14509" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Rajinikanth">Rajinikanth</keyword>’s Darbar released today in a 4am show at <keyword id="12864" type="LOCATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="Chennai">Chennai</keyword>. </li><li>Fans are said to have roaring whistles and floating coins in the air throughout the movie. </li></ul>Superstar Rajinikanth’s Darbar made its way to the theatres - though at an unearthly hour of 4 am in Chennai. Long before the release, Rajnikanth and the cop movie was all what Twitter could talk about. After the release, tweets and comments came as fast and wide as an avalanche. And, most of them praised him. Rajinikanth Aaditya pays the role of a cop Aaditya who goes after <keyword id="6358070" type="LOCATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="mumbai">Mumbai</keyword>’s largest drug cartel. The film also stars Nayanthara, Suniel Shetty, Nivetha Thomas, <keyword id="31543" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Prateik-Babbar">Prateik Babbar</keyword> and Nawab Shah. <div type="twitter" handle="MrIanMalcolm" handlename="Ian Malcolm" image="http://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/1209428848405671937/L5jDvOvx_normal.jpg" favoritecount="806" retweetcount="322" status="Exact scenario of me talking about #Darbar to my bro-in-law. Hit machine Rajinikanth! 🔥🔥🔥 #BlockbusterDarbar https://t.co/Kpc9c1l7GF" createdat="1578574999000" id="1215257746813022209"></div>

 <div type="twitter" handle="HaRyblog" handlename="blabbering blabberer" image="http://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/1179019304785735688/M0Imi7O3_normal.jpg" favoritecount="420" retweetcount="99" status="#Darbar didn't have the hype kaala or kabali had, but the movie has everything a commercial potboiler needs. This i… https://t.co/Nzi9uUQd44" createdat="1578533621000" id="1215084191928348672"></div>

 <div type="twitter" handle="KamalSkb" handlename="Kamal Skb" image="http://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/677435285639061504/KiH3v8NG_normal.jpg" favoritecount="286" retweetcount="96" status="Another Blockbuster on Cards for Thalaivar 😎 ARM has blended both emotions and Mass elements perfectly 🙏🏻 It is ful… https://t.co/c8ao72ORuK" createdat="1578533591000" id="1215084068041134081"></div>

 <div type="twitter" handle="MrIanMalcolm" handlename="Ian Malcolm" image="http://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/1209428848405671937/L5jDvOvx_normal.jpg" favoritecount="205" retweetcount="92" status="Thalaivar's consistency in acting level is pure bliss. With his charisma and energy level, his acting gets underrat… https://t.co/n0OUgiMN4O" createdat="1578553296000" id="1215166716159954946"></div>

 The movie is already a winner since it earned as much as ₹220 crore by selling rights. And, it could bring in viewers en masse since it’s the only movie released during Pongal, the biggest festival in South India. In 2019, Rajinikanth’s Petta — released on Pongal — earned over ₹250 crore. Darbar will have to gross at least ₹280 crore to label itself as a ‘hit’. However, while Twitterati is thrilled, the critics weren’t too happy. “The old man lets it rip as he typically does. He is the true narcotic in this drug-and-vengeance saga, but his enthusiasm cannot animate outdated material. Sometimes, even Rajinikanth cannot,” wrote Nandini Ramnath from the Scroll.in. <div type="Article" hostid="261" msid="73155309" title="Deepika Padukone and Ajay Devgn both have movies releasing this week - only one of them is a real hero" mstype="2" mssubtype="0"></div>

Rajinikanth’s Darbar becomes an instant hit - with the Internet

<ul class="generic-article__summary--ul content--ul"><li class="generic-article__summary--li content--li">Incoming leader says he will not allow the island nation to be pulled into a proxy contest among the world’s major powers</li><li class="generic-article__summary--li content--li">But analysts foresee a cautious creep towards the pro-Beijing policies of predecessor and brother Mahinda</li></ul>Sri Lanka’s freshly elected president Gotabaya Rajapaksa will take a “low key” approach in restoring the cosy ties the country enjoyed with China during the 2005-2015 presidency of his brother, analysts said, as the new leader stressed on Monday that he would adopt a strictly neutral foreign policy. Paul Staniland, a prominent scholar of Sri Lankan politics, said Gotabaya was more likely to “spread his bets by reaching out to a variety of powerful states in the region and beyond”. Expectations before Saturday’s elections had been that he would not only sweep the polls against his main rival, Sajith Premadasa, but that he would also swiftly revert back to the overtly pro-Beijing foreign policy of his brother Mahinda. In his inaugural speech, the president said he would not allow the island nation to be pulled into a proxy contest among the world’s major powers. The 70-year-old won 52.25 per cent of the nearly 16 million votes cast, with the country’s majority Sinhala population overwhelmingly backing his platform that touted a return to his brother’s strongman leadership style and a focus on national security. The Rajapaksa brothers – alongside their two other siblings Basil and Chamal – are immensely popular among Sri Lanka’s Sinhalese population because of their role in crushing Tamil separatists and ending a 26-year civil war in 2009. “We will remain neutral in our foreign relations, and stay out of any conflict of world powers,” said Gotabaya after being sworn in on Monday. During the tenure of the outgoing president Maithripala Sirisena and the current Prime Minister <keyword id="300704" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Ranil-Wickremesinghe">Ranil Wickremesinghe</keyword> – Sri Lanka’s key political mover and shaker of the last five years – the consensus has been that Colombo prioritised ties with the United States over Beijing. But foreign policy researchers said that a return towards a China-friendly policy was not so clear-cut. For one, there remains public trepidation about China from the Mahinda era, during which Sri Lanka chalked up large public debt due to the former president’s penchant for using cheap Beijing-backed financing to fund mega-infrastructure projects. A quarter of Sri Lanka’s foreign debt, which stands at 45 per cent of GDP, is owed to China. Among the projects built using Chinese financing are the now-infamous deep water port and airport in Hambantota, the Rajapaksa clan’s stronghold. The Sirisena government in 2017 was forced to hand over control of the seaport to Beijing as part of a debt-for-equity swap. The Rajapaksas’ dalliance with China also rattled regional power India, and Mahinda has previously accused New Delhi’s top spy agency of engineering his shock 2015 defeat to Sirisena. “This round is going to be about playing things in low key for China, but playing nevertheless,” said Jabin Jacob, an international relations professor at India’s <keyword id="44903" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Shiv-Nadar">Shiv Nadar</keyword> University. “Perhaps the Rajapaksas have learned from the first time that there are consequences to playing the China card with India,” Jacob added. “It also does not help that the perception is that Chinese projects such as the Hambantota port and airport do not make money and have cost Sri Lanka.” Hemant Shivakumar, a senior analyst for India and South Asia at the consultancy Control Risks, offered a similar assessment – suggesting the new president is not likely to make dramatic changes to foreign policy even as he seeks to rebuild strained ties with China. “[Gotabaya] Rajapaksa is rightly perceived to be pro-China, and he will want to refocus the relationship and bring it back on track, while being cognisant of these [debt-related] issues,” he said. The analyst added that there was likely to be a “convergence of interests” between Gotabaya and China, with Beijing eager to show the new government that it was a “good development partner” and the new president hoping to show he would engage with the Asian power on Sri Lanka’s terms. Staniland, an associate professor specialising in South Asian security issues and political violence at the University of Chicago, said a likely effort by the new president to present Sri Lanka as open to having “multiple friends” would be in part due to “lessons of the past and a related desire not to rely too heavily on China”. He said it would be unsurprising if “in the medium term we see an overall tilt back towards China even as Colombo maintains a ‘portfolio’ approach to its international relations”. N. Sathiyamoorthy, a researcher based in India’s southern <keyword id="20154" type="LOCATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="tamil-nadu">Tamil Nadu</keyword> state close to Sri Lanka, offered an altogether different take – suggesting that the outgoing government of Sirisena and Wikremesinghe was in fact more China-leaning compared to the Rajapaksas. He said Mahinda merely signed the Hambantota deals that had been “hanging in the air for decades” and that “it is quite likely that others in his place would have done the same”. The same could not be said about the outgoing government, Sathiyamoorthy added. He said the Sirisena government, while blaming the Rajapaksas for plunging the country into a “debt trap”, was ultimately responsible for green-lighting the 2017 deal that handed over Sri Lankan land to China on a long-term lease. One mistake that the researcher – head of the <keyword id="12864" type="LOCATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="Chennai">Chennai</keyword> chapter of the Observer Research Foundation think tank – said the Rajapaksas were unlikely to repeat was their “indiscretion” in allowing Chinese submarines to be berthed in Colombo in 2014. Located off the tip of southern India, Sri Lanka has found itself increasingly a theatre for the US-China strategic tussle, with both superpowers seeking to strengthen their presence in the Indian Ocean. The Sirisena government – in particular Prime Minister Wikremesinghe – blocked further dockings of Chinese submarines but found itself having to furiously push back against rumours that it had <keyword id="7016615" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="Secret-Plans">secret plans</keyword> to let the US build a naval base in the eastern region of Trincomalee. Apart from policies towards the world’s two superpowers, the new president’s view of Indian Prime Minister <keyword id="6354477" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Narendra-Modi">Narendra Modi</keyword>’s government will be parsed by observers. Shivakumar, the New Delhi-based Control Risk analyst, said India would be scrutinising the new president’s national security policies in view of Sri Lanka’s extremist attacks earlier this year, as well as his policies towards the minority Tamils. Gotabaya, who like his brother Mahinda has denied allegations of presiding over <keyword id="52767" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="Human-rights">human rights</keyword> abuses as they spearheaded the bloody civil war victory over Tamil separatists in 2009, has said he will significantly strengthen security and intelligence agencies that he says were sidelined by Sirisena’s administration. Jacob said he expected Gotabaya to visit India followed by China in his first 100 days in office. “But it will probably be China that will load him with the goodies,” the China-India watcher said. This article appeared in the South China Morning Post print edition as: New president set for low-key china approach

Sri Lanka’s tilt towards China expected to be ‘low key’ as new president Gotabaya Rajapaksa takes the reins

When the winter is right upon us and holidays are back with a bang, can festivals be far behind? It is <keyword id="24087" type="COMPANY" weightage="100" keywordseo="carnival">carnival</keyword> time across India – a time to celebrate and share all things good in true Yuletide spirit. So we bring you seven offbeat <keyword id="6385705" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="events">events</keyword> – a mix of modern concepts and traditional happenings that celebrate the varied and vibrant art and culture of the country. And then there will be Christmas <keyword id="192" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Celebrations">celebrations</keyword> all over India. Let go of your toil &amp; care, and connect to retune your life. Happy holidays! 
 
Life at its exotic best – <keyword id="78069" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Rann-Utsav">Rann Utsav</keyword> (<keyword id="6354766" type="COMPANY" weightage="100" keywordseo="Gujarat">Gujarat</keyword>) It’s a desert <keyword id="58" type="ENTERTAINMENT" weightage="100" keywordseo="Festival">festival</keyword> with a difference. The white salt marsh, spread across some 7,000 sq km in Gujarat, attracts thousands to the Great Rann every year, revealing the many-hued life and culture of <keyword id="6361801" type="COMPANY" weightage="100" keywordseo="Kutch">Kutch</keyword>. The journey from Bhuj will take you to the colourful Tent City at <keyword id="1967990" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Dhordo-village">Dhordo village</keyword> and other exotic locations such as <keyword id="1967991" type="PERSON" weightage="100" keywordseo="Hodko">Hodko</keyword>, <keyword id="1967994" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Bhirandiyara">Bhirandiyara</keyword>, <keyword id="144766" type="CITY" weightage="100" keywordseo="Khavda">Khavda</keyword>, <keyword id="476012" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Kalo-Dungar">Kalo Dungar</keyword> (<keyword id="226408" type="COMPANY" weightage="100" keywordseo="Black-Hills">Black Hills</keyword>) and the <keyword id="656787" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Mandvi-beach">Mandvi beach</keyword>. The great white saltpan in the distance looks mesmeric and nearby, you can catch the haunting tunes played by the locals on their jodia pava (twin-flutes). While you are here, <keyword id="76631" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Folk-music">folk music</keyword>, dances, camel safaris and wildlife viewing will fill your days. A stay at the bhunga (egg-shaped mud huts), a taste of the Kutchi cuisine and the exquisite local art will enthral you further. In mid-January, Kutch celebrates the traditional <keyword id="4062388" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Kite-festival">kite festival</keyword> <keyword id="90750" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Uttarayan">Uttarayan</keyword> and you can watch the spectacular view as thousands of flying beauties dot the sky. 
When: Dec 15-March 18 
What it costs: Rs 7,900-22,500 plus taxes per person on twin sharing basis. 
Image: Rann-utsav.com 
 
 
 
Shake a leg at <keyword id="91958" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Sunburn-festival">Sunburn Festival</keyword> (<keyword id="826" type="CITY" weightage="100" keywordseo="Goa">Goa</keyword>) If the <keyword id="24879" type="CITY" weightage="100" keywordseo="Sun">sun</keyword>, seas and <keyword id="6354530" type="CITY" weightage="100" keywordseo="music">music</keyword> allure you to distraction, it’s time to head for the coastal capital for a rocking experience. Sunburn is the coolest <keyword id="881528" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="electronic-dance-music-festival">electronic dance music festival</keyword> to invade the <keyword id="1834821" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="indian-beaches">Indian beaches</keyword>, now entering Season 7 with pomp and style. With custom stages in the making, numerous genres of music on offer and some world famous DJs &amp; <keyword id="49237" type="PERSON" weightage="100" keywordseo="Artistes">artistes</keyword> debuting, it is surely going to be an electrifying extravaganza that could be the party of parties in Goa. Get ready for some fun, frolic and froth even as the music captures your soul and you can’t stop dancing. 
When: Dec 27-29 
What it costs: Rs 9,250-15,500 per person. 
Image: Wikimedia Commons 
 
 
 
Super fun at <keyword id="1968003" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Vh1-Supersonic">Vh1 Supersonic</keyword> (Goa) Another electrifying <keyword id="6356630" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="100" keywordseo="EDM">EDM</keyword> (<keyword id="42249" type="COMPANY" weightage="100" keywordseo="electronic-dance-music">electronic dance music</keyword>) event that will be held in Goa this year. A super line-up of artistes and DJs from all over the globe will keep you spellbound with some rocking music while dancing gets even better when you are grooving on the <keyword id="8688" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="100" keywordseo="SEA">sea</keyword> shore. And guess who is leading the super fest? None other than the electronic music promoter <keyword id="135873" type="PERSON" weightage="100" keywordseo="Nikhil-Chinapa">Nikhil Chinapa</keyword> who has left Sunburn and is now starting his own show. The <keyword id="1968004" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Debut-edition">debut edition</keyword> this year is purely for <keyword id="6355317" type="ENTERTAINMENT" weightage="100" keywordseo="Dance">dance</keyword> music fans, but it could be a <keyword id="1968005" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Multi-genre-festival">multi-genre festival</keyword> within the next year or two. So let’s wait and watch the magic happen. 
When: Dec 26-30 
What it costs: Keep a tab, the organisers will soon come up with the ticket pricing. 
Image: Gosupersonic.in 
 
 
 
Wellness fest at Zambhala (Goa) If you are seeking wellness and harmony this <keyword id="6389817" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="100" keywordseo="new-year">New Year</keyword>, the <keyword id="1968009" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Zambhala-Yoga">Zambhala Yoga</keyword>, <keyword id="1968008" type="ENTERTAINMENT" weightage="100" keywordseo="Music-and-Life-Spirit-Festival">Music and Life Spirit Festival</keyword> could be the <keyword id="1968010" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Lifestyle-event">lifestyle event</keyword> for you. Debuting this December, it is going to be an annual festival that brings together <keyword id="1968011" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Yoga-experts">yoga experts</keyword>, <keyword id="551676" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="spiritual-teachers">spiritual teachers</keyword>, <keyword id="25205" type="PERSON" weightage="100" keywordseo="doctors">doctors</keyword>, <keyword id="21324" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Therapists">therapists</keyword>, <keyword id="145052" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="healers">healers</keyword>, <keyword id="6367711" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Musicians">musicians</keyword> and <keyword id="1792" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="100" keywordseo="artists">artists</keyword> from all over the globe. So that one may nurture the power of self and live with positive energy. The yoga part of the festival is especially interesting as it will focus on various methods of yoga and <keyword id="6388212" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="meditation">meditation</keyword> – all curated to ensure a better and <keyword id="1968013" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Healthier-living">healthier living</keyword>. Then there will be talks and workshops on <keyword id="639756" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="life-skills">life skills</keyword> and <keyword id="1968014" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Alternative-healing">alternative healing</keyword>. Overall, quite a new concept and could be worth joining. 
When: Dec 21-22 
What it costs: Rs 2,800 per person for participation; day passes available at venue for Rs 1,600 while kids under the age of 12 can attend for free. Event to be held at Bardo, Morjim, in North Goa. 
Image: Zambhala.in 
 
 
 
Melody, masti at <keyword id="1968016" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Mt-Abu-Winter-Festival">Mt Abu Winter Festival</keyword> (<keyword id="6355588" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="100" keywordseo="Rajasthan">Rajasthan</keyword>) Come December and this hill resort in the heart of Rajasthan pulsates with festive notes. A grand procession marks the beginning, diyas are set floating on the <keyword id="455501" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Nakki-Lake">Nakki Lake</keyword> in the evenings and spectacular <keyword id="54214" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Fireworks">fireworks</keyword> light up the night sky. <keyword id="29645" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Performers">Performers</keyword> and <keyword id="6360759" type="COMPANY" weightage="100" keywordseo="artisans">artisans</keyword> from all over the state assemble here, bringing to life the rich culture and traditions of this princely state. Give in to the serene magic of music – the folk, the shehnai and the <keyword id="6401082" type="PERSON" weightage="100" keywordseo="Sufi">Sufi</keyword> strains. Or join the Rajasthani dancers with full zest. The thrilling <keyword id="1968020" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Fire-dance">fire dance</keyword> of Bikaner, the graceful <keyword id="1968022" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Ghoomer">Ghoomer</keyword> and <keyword id="1968023" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Terahtali">Terahtali</keyword>, the lively <keyword id="1288524" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Kalbelia">Kalbelia</keyword> and the fascinating <keyword id="1622221" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Gair">Gair</keyword> of Mewar are sure to take your breath away. For the adventurous, there’s a long list of contests – rowing, horse races, tug-of-war, gilli danda, <keyword id="6799761" type="SPORT" weightage="100" keywordseo="Kite-flying">kite flying</keyword> and even 20-20 cricket. Shop for exquisite <keyword id="6502685" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Handicraft">handicraft</keyword> and taste the delectable local food to make the most of this colourful carnival. 
When: Dec 29-31 
What it costs: A trip to <keyword id="434732" type="PERSON" weightage="100" keywordseo="Mt-Abu">Mt Abu</keyword> suits every budget and starts from Rs 7,000-8,000 per person on twin sharing basis. 
Image: Wikimedia Commons 
 
 
 
The beat of sun, surf &amp; ruins – <keyword id="1968024" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Mamallapuram-Dance-Festival">Mamallapuram Dance Festival</keyword> (<keyword id="12864" type="COMPANY" weightage="100" keywordseo="Chennai">Chennai</keyword>) If you missed the Konark dance festival in Odisha earlier this month, travel south to the beach town of <keyword id="385028" type="CITY" weightage="100" keywordseo="Mamallapuram">Mamallapuram</keyword> (also known as <keyword id="73041" type="CITY" weightage="100" keywordseo="Mahabalipuram">Mahabalipuram</keyword>), around 60 km south of Chennai, and soak in the <keyword id="1968025" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Open-air-dance-festival">open air dance festival</keyword>. One can never find a more majestic backdrop with the <keyword id="1968028" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Monolithic-rock-sculptures">monolithic rock sculptures</keyword> and temples rising above the golden shore and the endless waves breaking nearby. This ancient port town of the Pallava dynasty hosts a month-long festival that brings to life classical and <keyword id="522230" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="folk-dances">folk dances</keyword> from all over India – <keyword id="14944" type="PERSON" weightage="100" keywordseo="Bharatanatyam">Bharatanatyam</keyword>, <keyword id="6386949" type="COMPANY" weightage="100" keywordseo="Kuchipudi">Kuchipudi</keyword>, <keyword id="255053" type="CITY" weightage="100" keywordseo="Kathakali">Kathakali</keyword>, <keyword id="1300412" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="mohini-attam">Mohini Attam</keyword>, <keyword id="6354459" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="100" keywordseo="Odissi">Odissi</keyword>, <keyword id="210" type="PERSON" weightage="100" keywordseo="Kathak">Kathak</keyword> and more. The exact venue is close to <keyword id="1968030" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Arjunas-Penance">Arjuna’s Penance</keyword>, a bass relief sculpted on the face of two gigantic adjacent rocks. While in Mamallapuram, you must visit Cholamadal artists’ village and shop for some exquisite handcrafted items. 
When: Dec 27-Jan 26 
What it costs: Most tour operators offer customised pricing, depending on itinerary and package; may cost around Rs 7,000 per person on twin sharing basis. 
Image: Tamilnadutourism.org 
 
 
 
A symphony of Indian traits – <keyword id="1968032" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Cochin-Carnival">Cochin Carnival</keyword> (Kerala) This is one colourful carnival that calls for fun, feasting and revelry. It’s an age-old event and dates back to the colonial days when the Portuguese held <keyword id="9735" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="new-year-celebrations">New Year celebrations</keyword>. Now it offers loads of <keyword id="1783440" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="carnival-games">carnival games</keyword>, <keyword id="1968033" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Beach-games">beach games</keyword>, races (how about some dirt biking), dancing and fireworks. Locals dress up in <keyword id="1968034" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Fancy-costumes">fancy costumes</keyword> and the grand finale includes a huge procession on New Year’s Day – complete with drum beats, music and embellished elephants. But just like a full-blooded carnival, it has more to offer that attracts thousands of visitors from all over the globe. While the North and <keyword id="1968035" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="South-Indian-folk-dances">South Indian folk dances</keyword> set the stages on fire, a three-month-long <keyword id="1968037" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="International-exhibition-of-contemporary-art">international exhibition of contemporary art</keyword> (they call it <keyword id="1055137" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Kochi-Muziris-Biennale">Kochi-Muziris Biennale</keyword>) was also held across the state in 2012-13. So it should be back next December to delight <keyword id="1643" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Art-lovers">art lovers</keyword> and Aspinwall in <keyword id="6361494" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Fort-Kochi">Fort Kochi</keyword> is expected to be the main venue for the second edition. 
When: Dec 25-Jan 1 at Fort Kochi. 
What it costs: A week’s vacation in Kerala may cost around Rs 16,000 per person on twin sharing basis (excluding airfare). 
Image: Keralatourism.org

Seven
Indian Festivals You Must Not Miss This December

<ul><li>181 pilots of scheduled and non-scheduled operators in <keyword id="3658" type="LOCATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="India">India</keyword> were reported drunk in the alcohol test between 2015 and 2018. </li><li>India’s civil aviation minister Jayant Sinha said 43 pilots were found to have consumed alcohol during the tests in 2015. </li><li>In 2018 alone the number of such cases was 49. </li></ul>Finding out that the pilot on an airline failed an alcohol test just before a flight is the stuff of nightmares. Yet, it appears that scenario has become quite common in India. As many as 181 pilots of scheduled and non-scheduled airline operators failed alcohol tests between 2015 and 2018, Economic Times <a href="https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/transportation/airlines-/-aviation/181-pilots-tested-positive-for-alcohol-during-2015-2018-aviation-min/articleshow/67075356.cms">reported</a>, citing India’s civil aviation ministry. Speaking about the number of such cases, where the test results showed ‘positive’, the Civil Aviation Minister Jayant Sinha said 43 pilots were found drunk in 2015 while the number of pilots who failed the test in 2016 stood at 44. There was certainly no drop in such cases in the next two years. In 2017 and 2018, the number of cases reported was 45 and 49 respectively. Delhi and Mumbai, which are also the prime cities to board flights in India, lead the list of cases where pilots have failed in alcohol test, reported India Today citing an RTI filed by an Indian media house. Both the cities have reported 18 cases each. The second in the list was Chennai followed by Bengaluru. Indian airlines have been struggling with unethical behaviour of pilots in India. Recently, The Directorate General of Aviation cancelled the license of Air India Captain, Arvind Kathpalia for three years since he failed the breath analyser <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/two-air-india-pilots-fail-breath-analyser-test-before-international-flights/articleshow/66586387.cms">test</a>. See also: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/two-air-india-pilots-fail-breath-analyser-test-before-international-flights/articleshow/66586387.cms">Two Air India pilots fail breath analyser test before international flights</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/indias-consumer-court-has-begun-cracking-down-on-budget-airlines-denying-boarding-to-passengers/articleshow/67020649.cms">India’s consumer court has begun cracking down on budget airlines denying boarding to passengers</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/indian-airports-may-soon-replace-security-dogs-with-robotic-canines-that-can-sniff-out-bombs-and-use-x-ray-vision-to-scan-luggage/articleshow/66939904.cms">Indian airports may soon replace security dogs with ‘robotic canines’ that can sniff out bombs and use X-ray vision to scan luggage</a>

India has seen 181 incidents of airline pilots failing alcohol tests in the past 3 years

It's raining cats and dogs in Chennai. Three days on, schools remain shut, train and air services halted, telephone connectivity majorly hit as one of the worst rain havocs has left Chennai submerged bringing it to a complete standstill. IAF, Air Force, NDRF, Coast Guard are all on the ground here braving the most horrifying torrential <keyword id="13672" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Rains">rains</keyword> the city has seen in the last 10 years, to steer people out of danger, yet thousands of residents lay trapped in their homes without essentials like food and water to survive. 
 
Chennai Corporation which had claimed to be ready to face such a situation after MeT’s pre warning in Sept, tried to clear water in over 300 localities all across the city, but it hardly helped. Following an increase in water levels, the civic body rescued 1,900 people on Sunday, housing them in shelters in safer locations. Food packets for residents were supplied through 81 Amma Canteens, seven community kitchens and five community halls, however, all of them have been hit hard by floods forcing them to stop the supply. 
 
With life coming to a grinding halt, the death toll rising, people carrying their essentials and walking in neck-deep water all on their own in remote areas to reach safer locations, and the agencies finding it difficult to contain the damage from floods, this is the worst Chennai has seen in a long time. It recorded 246.5 mm rainfall in the last 24 hours which breaks the record of November 2005 of 142.4 mm. 
 The heavy downpour is giving the disaster relief teams a very tough time in carrying out <keyword id="6388465" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Rescue-operations">rescue operations</keyword>. Only “22 people, including 12 infants, were airlifted by the IAF from affected areas yesterday because due to constant rains, only six sorties were carried out," an IAF statement said. This is not to say that ample efforts are not being made. Air Force choppers are being used to air-drop food and drinking water in worst-hit areas. The army is using boats to rescue stranded people in many flooded areas. Even <keyword id="6354720" type="PERSON" weightage="100" keywordseo="Ola">Ola</keyword> is using boats to ferry people from submerged areas to safe locations. National Disaster Response Force teams are extending help to state officials in evacuations. People are also being evacuated from Kotturpuram in central Chennai as release of water from the Sembarambakkam reservoir is expected to cause more flooding in the area. But despite a pre alarm and on ground operations, 71 people have already died and several remain trapped. 
 
Notably, unlike the north-east monsoons in the previous years, what makes this year’s rains different is that it was neither a depression nor a cyclone, but a low pressure that played havoc with people’s lives. This low pressure system formed near Sri Lanka right over the Bay of Bengal crossed near the Tamil Nadu-Puducherry coast resulting in heavy rain and consequent flood in many parts of the state. Cuddalore and Tambaram districts are the worst hit, where many streets are completely submerged and nearly 2000 residents are trapped in their homes. 
 
Meanwhile, even as the heavy downpour has eased a bit and is now showing signs of receding, the horror is not over yet. The MeT has warned of heavy to very rainfall in Tiruvallur districts even as moderate rains are expected to continue for another three days in other areas. It means the death toll is likely to rise further as the killer rains now head towards Andhra Pradesh. 
 
(Image credit: Indiatimes)

As IAF choppers airlift stranded people, here’s why Chennai will never forget its worst rain havoc in the last 10 years

<keyword id="874458" type="COMPANY" weightage="100" keywordseo="Xiaomi">Xiaomi</keyword> announced its day one sales revenue of the <a href="http://www.businessinsider.in/Xiaomi-unveils-its-first-Mi-Home-in-India-plans-to-open-100-more-in-next-2-years/articleshow/58627564.cms" data-type="tilCustomLink">newly launched Mi Home</a> and it's a whopping Rs. 5 crore within 12 hours of the opening day. Xiaomi launched its first Mi Home store in India on 20th of May and the company certainly managed to make a mark in the Indian offline smartphone industry. Over 10,000 customers showed up on the opening day at Mi Home store to purchase Xiaomi phones, ecosystem products, and accessories. Some apparently flew from different part s of the country too. Manu Jain, Vice President, Xiaomi and Managing Director, <keyword id="2210169" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="Xiaomi-India">Xiaomi India</keyword> said “It was an extremely emotional day for all of us at the opening of our first Mi Home store. I am humbled by the unprecedented outpouring of love from all our Mi Fans who started lining up from 8 AM in the morning.” Most of the revenue from the day one of the new store was generated from their <a href="http://www.businessinsider.in/After-selling-over-4-million-Redmi-3S-Xiaomi-brings-in-the-Redmi-4-in-India-and-hopes-to-break-its-own-record/articleshow/58698751.cms" data-type="tilCustomLink">top selling Redmi phones like Redmi 4</a>, Redmi 4A, Redmi Note 4. It also included the sales of audio accessories, Mi VR Play, <keyword id="3578724" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="Mi-air-purifier">Mi Air Purifier</keyword> 2, new launched Mi Router 3C and Mi Band 2. Redmi Note 4 has also dethroned the <keyword id="10591" type="CITY" weightage="20" keywordseo="Samsung">Samsung</keyword> J2 to become the highest-shipped smartphone in Q1 2017 as per the latest report from analyst firm IDC. Most recently announced Redmi 4 was first available at the Mi Home and will be available on <keyword id="18635" type="CITY" weightage="20" keywordseo="Amazon">Amazon</keyword> from 23rd of May from 12PM. India is the fifth market that Mi Home has been <a href="http://www.businessinsider.in/As-Xiaomi-gets-all-set-to-bring-in-its-own-little-world-in-India-heres-a-look-at-what-a-Mi-Home-in-China-looks-like/articleshow/58595932.cms" data-type="tilCustomLink">launched in after markets such as China</a>, Hong Kong and the store features Xiaomi’s range of smartphones, power banks, headphones, fitness bands, air purifiers as well as other ecosystem products. Xiaomi plans to open 100 Mi Home stores across India in the next two years. Upcoming Mi Home stores will be located in other metro cities such as Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad and Chennai. Select Mi Home stores will also have an additional zone where fans can experience the larger Xiaomi portfolio.

With Mi Home, Xiaomi rakes in revenue of Rs. 5 crore in first 12 hours of opening the store

<a href="http://www.businessinsider.in/searchresult.cms?query=kabali&amp;sortorder=effectivedate">Kabali</a> may be a Tamil movie but the obsession with the movie or with <a href="http://www.businessinsider.in/searchresult.cms?query=rajnikanth&amp;sortorder=effectivedate">Rajnikanth</a> is hardly restricted to geographical boundaries. It doesn’t matter which part of the country you’re living in, it’s safe to say that the <keyword id="3453547" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Kabali-fever">Kabali fever</keyword> has caught on. 
 Tamil superstar <keyword id="16227" type="PERSON" weightage="100" keywordseo="Rajnikanth">Rajnikanth</keyword>’s latest movie, <keyword id="283584" type="PERSON" weightage="100" keywordseo="Kabali">Kabali</keyword> is finally releasing on the big screen on July 22, and considering this is the 65-year old’s first film after KS Ravikumar’s Lingaa that realised in 2014, the excitement and expectations from the movie and the star are at an all time high. 
 
The weeks leading up to the release have been nothing short of a rollercoaster, with the Kabali fever continuing to spread in every different form. <a href="http://www.businessinsider.in/Kabali-fever-These-companies-just-gave-their-employees-a-day-off-to-watch-Rajnikanths-new-movie/articleshow/53300870.cms">From companies giving their employees a day off on Friday to watch Kabali </a>to numerous fans already planning to fake sickness to catch the first day first show, people have shown that they will go to any lengths for their superstar. 
 
And, this craze is not just limited to fans. Brands, companies and even the government is doing all it can to cash in on the popularity of Rajnikanth and the excitement for Kabali. 
 
Business Insider lists five crazy offers that prove that the Kabali fever has spread all across the country: 
 
1. <keyword id="86568" type="COMPANY" weightage="100" keywordseo="Air-Asia">Air Asia</keyword> has introduced ‘Rajni class’: 
 
 
 
Yep, it doesn’t get any bigger than this. It all started when <a href="http://www.businessinsider.in/searchresult.cms?query=air+asia&amp;sortorder=effectivedate">Air-Asia</a>, the low-cost carrier signed an agreement to become the airline partner for Kabali and then announced a special flight to Chennai from Bengaluru, in which they would fly a fan who wants to watch the film first day first show.This package, which costs Rs 7860 is inclusive of a flight ticket, amovie ticket, an audio CD, breakfast, Kabali merchandise, lunch and snacks. 
 
2. Airtel launches special Kabali packages: 
 
 
 
Jumping in the bandwagon, <a href="http://www.businessinsider.in/searchresult.cms?query=airtel&amp;sortorder=effectivedate">Airtel</a> has announced special packages to promote Kabali in Chennai. The telecom giant has introduced a host of services around the film- including Kabali recharge packs with unlimited 2G internet, Kabali Hello Tune s and even new Kabali branded SIM packs. Airtel users also have the option of wishing the superstar directly via Airtel exclusive SMS channel. Messages received from customers will be compiled into a coffee table book along with their names and presented to the superstar as a memorabilia. 
 
3. Now, Rajnikanth’s face is also money: 
 
 
<a href="http://www.businessinsider.in/searchresult.cms?query=muthoot+finance&amp;sortorder=effectivedate">Muthoot Finance</a>, a Kerala-based company went a step ahead and launched a series of limited-edition silver coins with the superstars' face etched on them. Available in denominations of five grams, 10 grams, 20 gram coin and a 10 gram pendant, they are priced between Rs 300 to Rs 1400. 
 
4. Puducherry government is also making the most of Kabali: 
 
It speak volumes of the loyalty people have towards Rajnikanth when you can get them to do almost anything in his name. Taking a leaf out of that book, the Puducherry government had offered residents of Sellipet panchayat free tickets or Kabali if they construct toilets in their homes. After finding that almost 58 percent of the residents in Sellipet village were defecating in open space, the state government decided to come up with this incentive. And, if BJP leader <a href="http://www.businessinsider.in/searchresult.cms?query=kiran+bedi&amp;sortorder=effectivedate">Kiran </a><a href="http://www.businessinsider.in/searchresult.cms?query=kiran+bedi&amp;sortorder=effectivedate">Bedi’</a>s tweet is to be believed, the government’s plan seems to be working.

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