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In a significant diplomatic move, Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu at <keyword id="20751669" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Hyderabad-House" source="keywords" meta.keywordsubtype="org" meta.entityname="Hyderabad House" meta.hostid="261" meta.entityid="Hyderabad House">Hyderabad House</keyword> in Delhi on Monday. This visit is widely seen as an effort to reset ties between the two nations after a year of tense relations. <keyword id="20101322" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="President-Muizzu" source="keywords">President Muizzu</keyword>, who arrived in India on Sunday for a five-day visit, received a red carpet welcome. During a joint press briefing, President Muizzu expressed heartfelt gratitude to India, thanking President Droupadi Murmu, <keyword id="19899320" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="PM-Modi" source="keywords">PM Modi</keyword> and the people of India for their warm reception. He emphasised the Maldives' deep-rooted ties with India, noting that tourism — especially Indian visitors—remains a crucial pillar of the Maldivian economy. “India is our largest source market for tourists, and we hope to welcome even more Indian visitors in the future,” Muizzu remarked. Key areas of cooperation discussed included economic ties and maritime security, critical given the Maldives' position in the Indian Ocean. Following their talks, India granted the financially struggling Maldives a rollover of USD 100 million in Treasury bills, in addition to formalising a <keyword id="23458604" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="currency-swap-agreement" source="keywords">currency swap agreement</keyword> and a ₹3,000 crore currency swap. Prime Minister Modi characterised the "development partnership" as a key component of India-Maldives relations, asserting that India has consistently prioritised the needs of the Maldivian people. "Our development partnership is vital to our relationship with the Maldives, and we have always placed importance on the priorities of its people. This year, SBI rolled over USD 100 million in Treasury Bills, and a USD 400 million currency swap agreement was signed based on the Maldives' requirements," he explained. <div type="Article" hostid="261" msid="106837748" title="Withdraw troops by mid-March, Maldives tells India" mstype="2" mssubtype="0"></div>In September, India announced that the <keyword id="19934368" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="State-Bank-of-India" source="keywords" meta.keywordsubtype="org" meta.entityname="State Bank of India" meta.hostid="261" meta.entityid="State Bank of India">State Bank of India</keyword> would purchase Maldivian government bonds worth USD 50 million, following a similar USD 50 million transaction in May 2024. Additionally, Prime Minister Modi and President Muizzu witnessed the first <keyword id="20563654" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="RuPay-card" source="keywords">RuPay card</keyword> payment transaction launched in the Maldives and virtually inaugurated the runway at Hanimaadhoo International Airport. Modi stated that India and the Maldives would soon be connected through UPI. "Recently, we launched the RuPay card in the Maldives, and in the future, we will link both countries via UPI," he said during a joint press briefing. Muizzu also expressed his desire to conclude a <keyword id="19945642" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Free-Trade-Agreement" source="keywords">Free Trade Agreement</keyword> with India, a step he believes will open the door to greater Indian investment in the Maldives. Modi emphasised India's commitment to supporting the Maldives through various initiatives, including supplying essential commodities and Covid vaccines, inaugurating airports, and constructing social housing. He noted that a new drinking water project is now operational on 28 islands, providing clean water to over 30,000 residents. The leaders also discussed the opening of consulates in Addu and Bengaluru. Tensions between India and the Maldives escalated following Muizzu's election last year, which saw a shift towards a pro-China stance and the promise to withdraw Indian troops stationed in the archipelago. His visit to China before India in January had raised eyebrows in New Delhi, as it was perceived as a slight. However, since attending Modi's swearing-in ceremony for a third term in June, Muizzu has moderated his anti-Indian rhetoric, signalling a thaw in relations. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has stated that the discussions provided "a new impetus" to the relationship. This meeting likely marks a positive turn in Indo-Maldivian relations, setting the stage for further cooperation between the two South Asian neighbours. (With inputs from agencies) <div type="Article" hostid="261" msid="112094153" title="Maldives President Muizzu thanks India for economic support, affirms hope of signing FTA" mstype="2" mssubtype="0"></div>

Maldives President Muizzu met with PM Modi in Delhi today. Here’s how it went!

Bengaluru, Driven by a surge in travel, there has been a 50 per cent surge in hiring for tourism and hospitality jobs between December 2022 and 2023 in <keyword id="19895063" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="india" source="keywords">India</keyword>, according to a report on Wednesday. The report by Indeed, a global hiring and matching platform, also revealed that blue-collar hiring in the tourism and hospitality industry witnessed an overall 8 per cent increase. The rise not only signals a noteworthy post-pandemic recovery but also reflects a promising future for the industry while underscoring the job market's adaptability and resilience in the face of evolving global trends. The <keyword id="20223693" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="world-travel-and-tourism-council" source="keywords">World Travel and Tourism Council</keyword> (WTTC)'s Economic Impact Research predicted India to become the third most influential market in the Travel and Tourism industry globally. As per Indeed's data, hiring in the tourism industry peaked in October 2023 with a 61 per cent rise as compared to December 2022. This can be attributed to multiple reasons such as October being a popular time for tourism owing to weather changes propagating hill station visits, festive season and more. Top cities leading the upsurge in hiring include <keyword id="19906633" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="delhi-ncr" source="keywords">Delhi NCR</keyword> (23 per cent) Mumbai (5.19 per cent), Bengaluru (6.78 per cent). Overall, these cities take the lead in a variety of tourism-related industries by leveraging their distinct commercial, technological, and cultural advantages. Other cities, including <keyword id="19897309" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="pune" source="keywords">Pune</keyword> (2.33 per cent) and Kochi (2.41 per cent), also contributed significantly to the increase. "As we approach National Tourism Day, we must recognise the favorable employment outlook and honour the vibrant spirit of exploration, cross-cultural exchange, and economic advancement owing to the increased hiring prospects," said <keyword id="19979300" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="sashi-kumar" source="keywords">Sashi Kumar</keyword>, Head of Sales at Indeed, in a statement. "This rise across cities reflects their adaptability and the economic growth that the tourism sector brings to the workforce," he added. The hospitality and tourism industry has also noted a shift in the priorities of travellers in 2023 with factors like sustainability and hygiene coming to the forefront. Travellers are now more specific about their itineraries and aim for reduction of energy consumption during their travel, by embracing nature and enjoying local experiences. Automation has also entered certain areas where many are indulging in virtual reality tours and booking tickets via chatbots. The tourism sector is shaping as per these new patterns and job creation is taking place accordingly, the report said.

Travel surge drives 50% rise in hospitality jobs in India: Indeed

<ul><li>India’s car makers as well as two wheeler companies, from Hero Moto to GM, are in a fix as local lockdowns are forcing plant shutdowns.</li><li>The surge in COVID-19 cases has also dented consumer demand. People are even cancelling earlier orders.</li><li>A survey of dealers, including the ones of Maruti Suzuki, shows that sales in April may be down anywhere between 30% to 70% across major states. </li><li>This also poses yet another threat to millions of people employed in the sector and the slump could cascade into consumer products as well.</li></ul>Prime Minister Narendra Modi has asked state governments in India to implement full lockdown only as a last resort. So far, in the face of the second wave of COVID-19 infections, complete statewide or national lockdowns have not been announced but the <keyword id="20077" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="automobile-industry">automobile industry</keyword> in India ⁠— the fourth largest in the world⁠— has a story of its own. A drastic, and sustained, rise in COVID-19 cases across the country have caused localised lockdowns, forcing auto makers and dealers to temporarily shut down their facilities. Not only have new orders fallen, people are even cancelling the bookings made earlier. In states like Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh, dealers are reporting 40% to 60% fall in sales compared to the pre-COVID data i.e. year ending March 2019, according to Motilal Oswal which surveyed dealers across major states. <table style="border-width: initial; border-style: none; table-layout: fixed; width: 468pt;"></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;">State </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;">Estimated fall in April 2021 sales (vs FY19) </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;">Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh </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;">40% to 60% </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;">Maharashtra and Chhattisgarh </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;">30% to 40% </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;">Gujarat </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;">30% to 70% </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;">Rajasthan </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;">30% to 50% </td></tr></tbody></table>Source: Motilal Oswal report dated April 17, 2021. And, so production also has come to standstill... Hero MotoCorp, one of the leading two-wheeler manufacturers, has <a href="https://auto.economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/two-wheelers/motorcycles/covid-19-fear-hero-motocorp-halts-production-plants-worldwide-till-31st-march/74754257">announced</a> a nationwide shutdown of its plants for four days between April 22 and May 1. The maker of the popular Splendor bike said that despite its 4-day shutdown and production halt, it will not have an impact on its ability to meet demand, according to the company’s exchange filing. General Motors, the US-based car maker, fired all its 1,419 employees in its Talegaon plant in Pune. The company’s director of communications, George Svigos, told <a href="https://auto.economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/passenger-vehicle/cars/gm-india-to-lay-off-1419-workmen-at-talegaon-plant-invokes-sec-25-of-the-industrial-dispute-act/82107319">Economic Times</a> that no vehicles were manufactured in the last four months. If this seems like déjà vu of the story that unfolded in the first half of 2020 during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. From <a href="https://www.carandbike.com/topic/maruti-suzuki" data-type="tilCustomLink">Maruti Suzuki</a> to <a href="https://www.carandbike.com/topic/hero" data-type="tilCustomLink">Hero MotoCorp</a>, Indian companies are already facing the heat. All the top ten automobile companies in India have seen a decline in their share prices in April, with some of them registering a double-digit decline. All automobile makers are facing the heat <div type="image" title="Auto stocks performance in April 2021" msid="82195352" hostid="261" caption="&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;Share price of the top 10 automobile companies in India.&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;"></div> The negative consumer sentiment and the possibility of another lockdown has had an impact on auto ancillary makers as well. However, some of them have managed to weather the storm for now. <div type="image" title="Ancillary auto stocks performance in April 2021" msid="82195370" hostid="261" caption="&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;Ancillary auto companies share price.&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;"></div> This will have collateral damage too “If the markets are shut, then demand will fall. Any prolonged shutdown will mean demand will go down. Production cannot continue if sales stop. You can’t run factories if dealerships are shut. It doesn’t make sense,” RC Bhargava, Chairman, Maruti Suzuki (India’s largest car maker) told <a href="https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/business/india-business/lockdowns-not-a-solution-will-hit-economy-force-workers-to-leave-maruti/articleshow/82172302.cms">TOI</a>. The impact of lockdowns and curfews will have a spillover effect on auto dealers as well. John K Paul, managing director of Popular Vehicles, one of Kerala’s largest Maruti Suzuki dealers, told <a href="https://auto.economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/passenger-vehicle/cars/lockdown-in-6-states-to-impact-31-of-indias-car-market/82154934">ET Auto</a> that he expects retail sales for the last year to be down 45%-50%. The slump in auto sales last year led to large scale layoffs in the auto sector and the same threat looms large again. The future’s looking bleak One could take heart from the swift recovery in car sales after last year’s lockdown but that miracle may not repeat itself this time. Optimism is scarce and people have lesser savings than they did last year. So, the pent-up demand may be missing this time around, according to analysts. Making matters worse, both two wheeler makers and car makers have had to increase prices due to the shift to BS-6 models (with less emissions) as well as a rise in raw material prices. The rise in price may be a deterrent for those on the fence about buying a new vehicle. <table style="border-width: initial; border-style: none; table-layout: fixed; width: 468pt;"></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;">Models </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;">BS6 models Price hike (compared to April 2020) </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;"><a href="https://www.carandbike.com/tvs-bikes/apache-rtr-160" data-type="tilCustomLink">TVS Apache RTR 160 Rear Drum</a> </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;">+14.7% </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;">Hero Moto: Deluxe SS </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;">+8.3% </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;"><a href="https://www.carandbike.com/bajaj-bikes/pulsar-150" data-type="tilCustomLink">Bajaj Pulsar 150 ABS</a> </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;">+7.2% </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;">Royal Enfield Classic 350 </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;">+6.5% </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;">Honda Activa 5G DLX </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;">+6.4% </td></tr></tbody></table>Source: Motilal Oswal The big companies may even recover later. Another slump in the sector may be fatal for many small businesses that depend on the big industry for their survival. Millions of people who work in the sector, directly or indirectly, are likely to save more expecting hard times ahead. That is if they still manage to keep their jobs. The reduced consumption is likely to take a further toll on the economy. SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/auto/news/elon-musk-tesla-is-reportedly-looking-for-a-showroom-space-in-india-picks-an-exec-to-lobby-for-them/articleshow/81969189.cms">Elon Musk's Tesla reportedly shortlists New Delhi, Mumbai and Bengaluru to open its first showrooms in India</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/auto/news/elon-musk-announced-now-you-can-buy-tesla-cars-with-bitcoin/articleshow/81667459.cms">You can now buy a Tesla with Bitcoin, tweets Elon Musk</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/auto/news/nissan-india-to-increase-prices-of-all-models-for-nissan-and-datsun-from-april-1/articleshow/81647750.cms">Nissan India to increase prices of all models for Nissan and Datsun from April 1</a>

There is a virtual lockdown in the world’s fourth largest automobile market

The new National Education Policy evoked mixed reactions among academicians on Wednesday with some hailing it as a "groundbreaking" action plan that promotes holistic and multi-disciplinary learning and others arguing that it will pave the way for privatisation of education. A <keyword id="6751919" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="single-regulator">single regulator</keyword> for higher education institutions, multiple entry and exit options in degree courses, discontinuation of M.Phil programmes, low stakes board exams, common entrance exams for universities are among the highlights of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 approved by the Union Cabinet on Wednesday. Former Delhi University vice-chancellor Dinesh Singh, who was an official reviewer of the document when it was being formulated, said the policy lays down the road map pretty nicely. The policy has a good vision for school education, which is the foundation for higher education, he said. "They have talked about experiential learning which is so useful. Unless you improve school education, you cannot improve higher education. The concept of transciplinarity, hands on experience, breaking down of barriers between subjects and connecting them to society are some of the key points in the policy. This is the best chance of universities to create curricula around the challenges of society," he said. Elaborating with an example, he said there is a discipline in Mathematics called fluid dynamics but not one student in this country has any idea how to use fluid dynamics and computer science to create fighter jets and they are imported all the time. "At last, we have found a document which at least gives us a chance," he added. Singh also said that he has not been extremely enthused about regulators and feel they "are disabling you all the time". "They make you do silly things. They are talking about having a single regulator because otherwise things are not working well. I believe it's good. They will need a lot of good people. I am hoping that it will restore the autonomy of the varsities. Hopefully they will not prescribe too much," he said. Jamia Millia Islamia vice-chancellor Najma Akhtar called the NEP "groundbreaking" and said the higher education in India will now be holistic and multi-disciplinary with a shared focus on Science, Arts and Humanities. "A single regulator for all higher educational institutions is a great idea as it will bring coherence of approach and purpose. It will realise the vision of education in India," she added. The approval of new National Education Policy (NEP) by the government is a positive step forward, said Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) VC M Jagadesh Kumar. "NEP is the outcome of an extensive, highly participatory and inclusive consultation process. NEP aims at meeting the existing challenges in education and build the foundation of India''s promising future.We look forward to its implementation," he added. Delhi University professor Rahul Yadav welcomed the policy, and said it talks about multiple entry and exit options and provides choices to students, and does not put any burden on them. He was also enthused about the fact that the policy seeks to promote a multi-disciplinary approach and does not seek to restrict students to just humanities or science. Delhi University professor Naveen Gaur, however, said the policy has just "jazzier things" to say and even though it says that the Higher Education Commission of India will be a single regulator, it will have four verticals, which means that one vertical will be responsible for policy formulation and another for funding which is dangerous. He also said that the policy paves the way for entry of foreign universities in India, without any regulations, which can be dangerous for the education sector. The professor argued that the policy will take away the autonomy of institutions rather than making them more autonomous. Jamia Teachers' Association secretary Majid Jamil questioned the timing of bringing the policy. "At a time when there is <keyword id="1754604" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="coronavirus">coronavirus</keyword> pandemic, what was the need to hurry? The policy talks about online learning and virtual labs but there is no substitute to face-to-face learning. It also talks about four-year undergraduate programme, something which was implemented in Delhi University, but was met with opposition and was subsequently withdrawn. We do not agree with it," Jamil added. Delhi University's Academics for Action and Development (AAD), a teachers' body, called the NEP a policy of "tall ends with little means''. For instance, Indian has presently 18 per cent Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER) and NEP sets the goal of 50 per cent GER by 2035, it said. "How can this be achieved -- more than double of GER in next 15 years? NEP is also talking of internationalisation in the same vein and will only facilitate the entry of the foreign universities to tap the Indian educational market for their own benefits. This is a "return of Macaulay" -- building an education system in the interest of foreigners and wealthy ones," it said, referring to British officer Thomas Babington Macaulay. The Delhi University Teachers' Association (DUTA) said it was opposed to the proposal to hand over every higher educational institution to a Board of Governors, which will enjoy all powers hitherto vested in the governing authorities of colleges and universities as well as the UGC and other regulating bodies. "Autonomy has been redefined as the freedom to optimise. The empowerment of the BoG hand in hand with redefined autonomy is in parallel with the neo-liberal reforms that deregulated businesses. It amounts to converting/handing over education as a business to corporate houses," it said. SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/science/health/news/slums-in-mumbai-are-showing-signs-of-herd-immunity-but-it-is-too-soon-to-conclude/articleshow/77238721.cms" data-type="tilCustomLink">The slums in India's financial capital are showing signs of herd immunity but it is too soon to conclude</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/education/news/india-revamps-its-education-policy-after-34-years-scraps-mphil-proposes-vocational-courses-from-class-6-ug-colleges-to-become-autonomous/articleshow/77241851.cms" data-type="tilCustomLink">India revamps its education policy after 34 years — scraps MPhil, proposes vocational courses from class 6, UG colleges to become autonomous</a>

National Education Policy evokes mixed reactions among academicians

New Delhi, Jun 22 () After Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), Reliance Industries will hold its first virtual annual general meeting of shareholders on July 15 as public gatherings are not possible in view of the coronavirus pandemic. In a regulatory filing, Reliance - the country's most valuable company- said "the 43rd AGM will be held on Wednesday, July 15, 2020 at 2 pm though video conferencing / other audio-visual means." TCS held virtual annual general meeting (AGM) on June 11. Due to the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) has permitted to hold AGM through video conference / other audio visual means without the physical presence of members at a common venue. So far, all the post-IPO AGMs of Reliance have been physical meetings that have often been equated with big fat Indian weddings. The company that is widely credited with having launched the equity culture in India, held AGMs in stadiums during times of its founder Dhirubhai Ambani. In 1985, 12,000 of them attended the Reliance AGM at the Cooperage Football Ground in Mumbai's Colaba. The next year, around 35,000 attended it at the city's Cross Maidan. Over the years, the AGMs got shifted to auditoriums even as its shareholder base swelled to over 24 lakh. At the last AGM on August 12, 2019, the firm's billionaire chairman Mukesh Ambani announced a roadmap for Reliance to become a net-debt free company before March 31, 2021. "We have a very clear roadmap to becoming a zero net debt company within the next 18 months that is by March 31, 2021," he had said, highlighting strong interest from strategic and financial investors in consumer businesses, Jio and Reliance Retail. But the oil-to-telecom conglomerate achieved net-debt free status last week itself on the back of a record Rs 1.69 lakh crore fund raising from stake sales and rights issue. Reliance secured over Rs 1.15 lakh crore from global tech investors including Facebook by selling a little less than a quarter of its digital business and raised Rs 53,124 crore by selling shares to existing investors in the past 58 days. Taken together with last year's sale of 49 per cent stake in fuel retailing venture to BP Plc of UK for Rs 7,000 crore, the total fund raised is in excess of Rs 1.75 lakh crore, the company had said last week. Reliance had a net debt of Rs 1,61,035 crore as on March 31, 2020. "With these investments, RIL has become net-debt free," it had said. At the last AGM, Ambani had also announced plans to sell a USD 15 billion stake in his group's oil-to-chemical business to Saudi Arabian Oil Co but the deal has got slightly delayed. Not to be outdone by the delay, he lured partners to Jio Platforms Ltd, which houses India's biggest telecom firm by subscribers, Reliance Jio. With more than 388 million users, Jio has forced out several rivals and driven consolidation in the sector since entering the market in 2016 with free voice services and cut-price data. Sale of stake in Jio Platforms raised Rs 1,15,693.95 crore from leading global investors including Facebook, Silver Lake, Vista Equity Partners, General Atlantic, KKR, Mubadala, ADIA, TPG, L Catterton and PIF since April 22, 2020. Alongside, Reliance launched India's biggest right issue, which was subscribed 1.59 times. ANZ ANU ANU

Reliance to hold virtual AGM on July 15

Pride Circle is set to host its 3rd edition of Asia's biggest LGBT+ Conference and Job Fair -- Reimagining Inclusion for Social Equity (RISE) in May 2021. The event will be held on May 8, and aims to connect the largest pool of LGBT+ students and experienced professionals with 44 national and international organisations. Due to the social distancing norms, RISE, this year, will be held on the virtual platform allowing attendees to join the conference and job fair from their homes across the world. The job fair is designed to provide safe space for the job seekers where they will be interviewed and selected based on their talent and not rejected for their sexual orientation, gender identity, expression. The fair is expected to provide an enriching experience to the community members and help them understand what kind of skills can land them in a good job opportunity. It will also sensitise and encourage diversity and inclusion in the workspaces of the hiring organisations. Organisations such as <keyword id="6358584" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="HSBC">HSBC</keyword>, <keyword id="48085" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="Credit-Suisse">Credit Suisse</keyword>, J.P.Morgan, <keyword id="1042120" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="Uber">Uber</keyword>, <keyword id="6365707" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="ubs">UBS</keyword>, <keyword id="88858" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="Wells-Fargo">Wells Fargo</keyword>, Netflix, Novartis, <keyword id="6357147" type="DOMAIN" weightage="20" keywordseo="tata-steel">Tata Steel</keyword>, Twitter, VIP Industries and others will meet and interview over 1000 pre-screened LGBT+ candidates virtually on the date. These organisations have already started conducting telephonic interviews and have extended 12 job offers and many more are in the pipeline. The Conference will take place over May 4 and 5, and will have over 1,000 changemakers, businesses, organisations, students, human resource professionals, advocates, and experts across the globe. There will be over 90 international and national speakers who would be participating in engaging and insightful keynotes, plenary panels, CXO, CHRO and Chief Diversity Officer panel discussions, breakouts, launch of research reports. The conference is being supported by organisations like Intuit, Fiserv, Macquarie, Epsilon, American Express, Athenahealth, Factset, <keyword id="6361649" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="Goldman-Sachs">Goldman Sachs</keyword> and others. Srini Ramaswamy, co-founder, Pride Circle, says, "Through RISE, we are promoting the inclusion of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex people in the workforce. The first two editions of RISE in Bangalore and Delhi bore fruitful results and we aim higher placements in the third edition. Through different formats of dialogue between the job seekers and the employers, we aim to shed the stereotypes and misinformation developed due to the sexual orientation of the talent pool in workplace environments." "We have consistently engaged with the LGBT+ and allies; influencers from top multinational organisations (MNCs); Indian corporations, experts, policymakers across the country to make this kind-of job fair a reality. We are delighted that amid massive breakdown of the job market, we have got 44 companies who are ready to offer jobs to the community. With consistent support from the community and our partners, we hope to keep putting more efforts in the direction of enabling inclusive workplaces," said the co-founder of Pride Circle, Ramkrishna Sinha. SEE ALSO: <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/gadgets/news/exclusive-asus-rog-flow-x13-companys-portable-2-in-1-gaming-laptop-will-launch-in-india-on-may-12/articleshow/82322142.cms" style="">Exclusive: Asus ROG Flow X13 — company’s portable 2-in-1 gaming laptop will launch in India on May 12</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/science/health/news/if-you-have-just-recovered-from-covid-19-experts-say-you-dont-need-to-join-in-on-the-rush-for-vaccination-immediately/articleshow/82302460.cms" style="">If you have just recovered from COVID-19, experts say you don't need to join in on the rush for vaccination immediately</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/careers/news/atlassian-says-its-employees-only-need-to-come-into-the-office-4-times-a-year-under-its-new-team-anywhere-policy/articleshow/82304516.cms" style="">Atlassian says its employees only need to come into the office 4 times a year under its new 'Team Anywhere' poli</a>cy

Pride Circle to host Asia's biggest LGBT+ conference and job fair virtually on May 8

New Delhi, May 27 (IANS) With the Covid-19 pandemic causing significant changes in consumer behaviour, businesses need to embrace hyper-localisation, create virtual experiences and build messaging around new habits such as increased focus on health and hygiene, a report from Facebook India and Boston Consulting Group said on Wednesday. The report titled "Turn the Tide" shares actionable guidance for brands to build for the new consumer journeys in times of Covid-19 and beyond. The research revealed that only one in six companies emerged stronger in past crises. Those businesses which show the agility to reinvent their value propositions, go-to-market plans and business models to address these demand shifts are more likely to emerge as winner, suggests the report. The research showed that it is important to engage with consumers in their context and connect with them where they are. Micro-targeting can help brands get the first-mover advantage, it added. As people turn to virtual experiences for every facet of their life, it becomes important for brands to build for this new customer journey. More brands are already exploring Facebook and Instagram "Live" to connect with their followers and customers. Now brands are thinking about using social media platforms for new product launches too. "We have seen massive growth in use of our services since the outbreak of Covid-19. Going ahead, I think the role of the influencer will increase significantly in marketing or products," Sandeep Bhushan, Director and Head, Global Marketing Solutions, Facebook India, told IANS. As people, creators, and celebrities are on social media platforms in an unprecedented way, and brands have an opportunity to leverage this massive engagement to build stronger dialogues and deeper connect with users. The Facebook family of apps continue to be popular and valued in India with 328 million monthly, and 195 million daily users on Facebook, and 400 million on WhatsApp. In April, the social networking giant announced that for the first time ever, there are now more than 3 billion people actively using Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp or Messenger each month globally. That includes 2.6 billion people using Facebook alone, and more than 2.3 billion people using at least one of its services every day. "The 'Turn the Tide' report outlines the opportunities that businesses need to embrace in the context of new consumer journeys and category needs," Bhushan said. "In response to consumers embracing the digital medium, brands need to focus on solutions that are relevant for the new normal such as hyper-localization, creating virtual experiences, re-looking at the media-mix to build efficiency, or building messaging around new habits such as DIY and the increased focus on health and hygiene," he added. Facebook and Boston Consulting Group also said they will share vertical-specific insights to help businesses gain almost real-time insights, enabling them to "Turn the Tide" in the coming weeks. "We are experiencing unprecedented shifts in consumer attitudes and behaviours  80 per cent+ consumers will continue to practice social distancing and are bringing the outside inside, over 40 per cent of consumers are dialing up on health and wellness spends, e-commerce adoption has already advanced by 2-3 years - to name a few," said Nimisha Jain, Managing Director and Partner, Boston Consulting Group. "These aren't just temporary surges, and many will last longer and become more defining traits," she added. The report especially calls-out the massive acceleration in digital led by social media, the emergence of micro-market opportunities, and a definite increase in spends on health, hygiene and wellness, and a rise in do-it-yourself (DIY) trends. --IANS gb/ma

Create virtual experiences to turn the tide: Facebook-BCG report

New Delhi, Mar 29 () Appliances and consumer electronics makers are using social media platforms and other online tools to reach their customers, who are facing problems with products amid the lockdown.Companies -- like Sony, Samsung, Panasonic, Haier and Godrej Appliance -- are leveraging Livechat, WhatsApp, DIY video as well as on-call assistance, and helping remotely on real time basis as their service centres are closed in compliance with the government directives.Besides, some firms such as Haier has also extended the warranty on products across all categories by two months after the lockdown is lifted."As the entire market is closed, we are educating our consumers through videos and in case if any service intervention is required, then we have a chat facility. We are also trying to do WhatApp calls (Video), in which both sides can see what is happening and help the customers, in some minor changes, which they can do themselves," Godrej Appliances Business Head and EVP Kamal Nandi told .As the summer is knocking and use of air-condition is going to start soon, the manufacturers are helping the customer with DIY video (Do it yourself) to clean their machines themselves."Summer is here and AC will require servicing soon. We have developed a DIY video helping people to clean their machines themselves," said a Panasonic India spokesperson, adding that it is "calling all registered customers and sharing the mobile numbers of our local staff for support, if required.The company is also active on social media, where its consumers can tag it and share their issue.The appliance and consumer electronic manufacturers have already suspended manufacturing operations at their plant in compliance with the government directives to prevent Covid-19 pandemic.Sony India, which has suspended its call centre support, is requesting customers through IVR message to visit the support page on its web site for self-help and fill the service request web forms for the company to contact them."Depending on the nature of the issue reported by a customer, the team is providing self-help tips/steps, self-help video links and if needed seeking consent with the customer to call back and extend resolution over phone as well."Customers visiting our support page can also do Live Chat with our customer care representative to resolve any queries on real time basis. In addition to this, our support page has standard FAQ's in place to assist customers resolve their issues," Sony India Spokesperson said.While Samsung India, which has also shut down operations of its service centres and customer call centres, is asking its customers to reach it through live chat."We urge our customers to use our Live Chat facility to reach out to us with any queries on their products," said a Samsung India spokesperson.Haier is also remotely helping its customers with their service queries through multiple channels -- which includes WhatsApp, Live chat along with its Careline on toll-free numbers."In these times of uncertainty, we at Haier are taking all necessary steps to provide unrestricted services to our customers. From operating our call centers with the active support of our service engineers to extend the warranty on Haier products across all categories, we want to ensure that our customers are provided with the best service experience at all times," Haier Appliances India President Eric Braganza said.The number of COVID-19 cases climbed to 979 in India on Sunday with the death toll rising to 25, according to the Union Health Ministry. KRH BALBAL

Appliances, consumer electronic makers assist customers virtually amid lockdown

<ul><li>'How do you market to the generation addicted to buying things yet vary of every advertisement and deal that reaches them,' asks <keyword id="9025059" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="abhik-choudhury">Abhik Choudhury</keyword>, Chief Strategist &amp; Founder, <keyword id="9206683" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="Salt-and-Paper-Consulting">Salt and Paper Consulting</keyword>. </li><li>As a solution, he further shares 4Cs that marketers can keep in mind while targetting millennials. </li></ul> The youngest millennial would be graduating this year and the oldest would be ready to enter forties. It is understandable if the internet lingo would have made you believe they are high schoolers and undergrad Beliebers who love to follow trends and post memes. While the truth is most are working, creating those trends and didn’t have a virtual life before college. They are the core spenders in the world and the dream segment of nine out of ten brands. In the last decade justified by the abundance of internet information and acquired wokeness, they went from being the most brand loyal to least brand loyal demographic. One thing though is certain, they demand a certain shareability from every brand they engage with - shared purpose, passion and experience. So how do you market to the generation addicted to buying things yet vary of every advertisement and deal that reaches them? This is where the 4Cs come in: Custom: It’s 2020 and the clutter across is so much that millennials get hooked to anything curated for them, makes them feel unique and extra special (right up there with free shipping and easy returns). Even if it is the packaging of cola, chocolate bars, shoes or headphones. The personalisation though needs to happen in both marketing and operations for it to truly work. So Sainsbury’s will do geotargeting to people around their stores and treat them with coupons on specific products and categories they have previously purchased. Content streaming sites will show different movie posters in accordance to visual preferences. Even news sites are tailoring the position of articles to the relevant interest of returning visitors. If you want to design your favorite sneakers on NikeID and get a personalized video of your favorite athlete with your design and the order confirmation - it is already a reality. These kinds of surgical custom designed products and services are the new normal, irrespective of the category. Any brand that still thinks it can prosper with the millennials by talking to all of them at the same time is basically trying to trend the thousand year old Yoda during baby Yoda’s pinnacle. And you can see it even in brand ambassador choices, luxury carmaker Audi once only signing global HollyWood sweethearts like Hugh Jackman (peak of Wolverine) &amp; Chris Hemsworth (peak of Thor) is now enlisting Stephanie Gilmore, the seven time world surfer champion and Masie Williams, best known from the cult GoT driving their electric models. The millennials want to feel the communication is realistic and made for them. Conscious: In a world that feels on the edge all the time, a sense of shared purpose can be an exceptionally underrated motivator for millennials. They were the first generation coming out of their puberty listening to the desperate warnings of climate change. While stories of dire animal extinction and water wars have been there for two decades, they are finally in a position to do something about it. So when they have to choose between two global sports shoe brands one made from ocean waste, another from regular synthetic materials, the preference shift is automatic. When for baby boomers likeability of the products is paramount, millennials desire corporations they can look upto and pride in the said association. Overnight millennial hashtag takeovers on social media can tell you, an ethically and environmentally careless brand will be bulldozered irrespective of the billion dollar revenues it might have clocked until then. Aerie and Rihanna's profitable lingerie brands rightfully promote body positivity and comfort over being seduction machines. At the same time, the once legendary Victoria’s Secret, still insensitive in gauging the evolution of beauty and inclusion, consequently had to close 50+ stores in North America and even cancel its annual fashion show over declining viewership. Just last year Coke’s bold headline read: 'Don't buy Coca-Cola if you're not going to help us recycle!'. Levis’ claims to have saved 3 billion liters of water till now and their corporate goal this 2020 is to make 80% of denims with their Water&lt;Less™ techniques. Fast fashion giants H&amp;M with their Garment Collecting programme promises to use 100% of clothes gathered and even give gift vouchers in exchange to preserve a more sustainable environment. Do they stand the conscious test of millennials? While Forever 21 went bankrupt last year, H&amp;M as per official statement went on thriving globally with 33 percent increase in India, Poland by 21 percent, in Mexico by 18 percent and in Russia by 12 percent. And while denim brand Diesel filed for bankruptcy last March, Levis’ went public the same month, entered<a href="https://fortune.com/fortune500/2019/levi-strauss/"> Fortune 500</a> and saw an annual revenue growth of over 13.7%. So yes, sustainable stands by brands can be both socially contributive and profitable. Community: Millennials work on two spectrums simultaneously; personalisation and togetherness, much more than any other preceding generation. As much as they would need to feel special, they feel empowered with the knowledge of shared interests. That's why Marvel Universe becomes the global infallible franchise of the decade while Xiaomi (approx. 3% to 30%) and OnePlus (approx. 4% to 40%) enter the pinnacle of their smartphone segments in a highly competitive Indian market in just 4 years. And that’s the beautiful fabric of a strong brand community, it can create viable, long-term fans who not only purchase more but turn into serious advocates impressed with the quality of service and value system. Another reason community building is so imperative for millennial brands is that e-commerce in 2020 is deal driven and opportunist. A pure black Adidas training t-shirt is available on two dozen e-commerce websites from anywhere between 10-70% discount. The alarming bit though is that the same is true for similar competition offerings of Nike, Puma, Reebok and Under Armour. Without an earned community, none of them can survive in such a cannibalistic mass market. In the end we are living in that stage of civilisation where below the layers of custom we all love to be a part of a cult. Gifting that feeling of belongingness is the key to become more than a product, become the shared 'experience' you keep hearing about every now and then. A cafe like Starbucks boosts walk-ins from the stay at home generation with a loyalty program that makes the music playing at the cafe available for download through Spotify, Lyft users collating ride points for in-store purchases and the occasional free Instagram friendly Pumpkin spice. You are a new beer, you need to socialise in strategically designed brunches with the right crowd. You are a tea cafe and you need to do poetry readings and book signings so that a shared community evolves beyond the listed product or service. As long as the word is being positively spread by your homegrown community even before your advertising agencies, you will keep growing 2020 or 2050. Connected: Harnessing the intricate bond between audiences and brands technologically and emotionally. If there is one thing millennials respect as much as black friday deals, it is a brand who is smart and knows where, when and how to reach them real time. And especially since most know (and approve if the overall experience evolves remarkably) they are being tracked 24*7 through IoT hotwords and their internet journey, they expect you to market to them in smarter ways. Precisely why you need to be clever, it is an open book exam and just knowing the definition won’t impress the reviewer anymore. Automation is the expected form of communication and each product should transform into more than what it used to be. Smartphones are mini DSLRs, smartTVs convertible laptops and even players like Dyson have patented headphones that will purify the air around. Connected brand relationships are forged on transparency, value and relevance, are responsive to trends and proactively encourage immersive and memorable experiences. Millennials are habituated to infinite information and reviews at their fingertips. You can’t work in silos with a “great product” anymore, if your competition knows how to trend his pizza bar or sneaker cafe they are the one who will be written about and the hashtags tailor made for. Your marketing via technology needs to be connected at all levels and soon enough you will see your audience gravitating towards you. Upon deep data mining, Vans sees that skateboarders are one of their biggest supporters and decides to host House of Vans pop-up locations at skateparks within major cities like NYC and Chicago. This gave skateboarders a feeling of exclusive belongingness whilst sharing thoughts with like minded people, listening to live music, and shredding. What was step two? Vans then promoted the launch of their new shoe line honoring David Bowie in these pop ups. Millennials are like those misunderstood artists who might come across as aloof in the first go but when stirred with honesty they manifest into the most passionately driven customers. Conscious. Custom. Community. Connected. Go unlock your core audience’s full potential. - By Abhik Choudhury, who is the chief strategist &amp; founder of Salt and Paper Consulting. He is also a visiting faculty of Market Research &amp; Campaign Planning for the Advertising &amp; PR department at Indian Institute of Mass Communication, New Delhi. You can reach him at abhik@saltandpaper.co

The essential 4Cs of millennial marketing

OCD or obsessive compulsive disorder can be synonymous to India’s obsession with <keyword id="18712" type="ENTERTAINMENT" weightage="40" keywordseo="Gold">gold</keyword>. The yellow metal has always been the most sought-after investment avenue across the country. However, this obsession for gold has been negative for the country’s trade balance due to increase in imports bill. 
 
Gold &amp; CAD India’s trade deficit has been fuelled by high imports of gold and crude oil, contributing to the current account deficit (CAD), which has touched an all-time high of 4.8% of <keyword id="35050" type="CITY" weightage="40" keywordseo="gdp">GDP</keyword> or $88.2 billion, in 2012-13. During the first half of the current fiscal, gold and silver imports rose 8.7% to $23.1 billion. Oil imports during April-September also grew 3.58% to $82.87 billion. In contrast, non-oil imports declined 4.55% to $149.35 billion. In September this year, these dipped 24.19% to $21.24 billion. Therefore, gold import is mainly responsible for the rise in CAD and impacts the <keyword id="163339" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="40" keywordseo="foreign-exchange-reserves">foreign exchange reserves</keyword> of the country, as well as the value of <keyword id="6355302" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="40" keywordseo="Rupee">rupee</keyword>. 
 
 
 
 
 
RBI stance on gold The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and the <keyword id="44734" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="40" keywordseo="Indian-Government">Indian government</keyword> battling a record high trade deficit, coupled with weak Rupee, are trying to curb gold imports, the most expensive non-essential item in its imports bill. The more Indians buy gold and buy it with dollars, the money moves out of the country, pushing the Rupee downwards. 
 
The RBI introduced the 80:20 scheme in July, under which 20% of the gold purchased from overseas had to be exported to avail further import of the metal. The restriction was aimed at curbing the widening current account deficit. Moreover, in a bid to fight the rising gold imports, the government has been raising the import duty on gold over the past few months – from 1% in January 2012 to the current 10%. In September this year, it also increased the import duty on gold jewellery to 15% from the previous 10%, in an effort to protect the local gem and jewellery manufacturers and exporters from gold jewellery imports. 
 According to government data released in October this year, gold imports during July-September 2013 was pegged at 63.13 tonne, valued at $2.69 billion, which was down 28% in volume and 77% in value over the corresponding 2nd quarter of the previous fiscal. This prompted a statement from the <keyword id="47209" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="40" keywordseo="Finance-Ministry">Finance Ministry</keyword> who reiterated that this would enable the CAD to be limited to $70 billion as per the target. India’s gold imports in August dipped to $0.65 billion from $2.9 billion in July and a record $8.4 billion in May. 
 
Price trends in metros &amp; non-metros During April-June 2013, NHB Residex shows fall in real prices (inflation-adjusted), mostly in metros like Chennai, Hyderabad, <keyword id="6354925" type="COMPANY" weightage="40" keywordseo="Kolkata">Kolkata</keyword> and Bangalore, whereas marginal increase was seen in Delhi and Mumbai. 
 
India’s foreign trade and future outlook 
India’s trade deficit improved substantially in September 2013, raising hopes that the FY14 CAD will be much lower than the government’s estimate ($70 billion). At $6.8 billion, the September trade deficit touched the lowest level in 30 months. Exports during September, 2013 were valued at $27,679.33 million (₹1,76,461.53 crore), which was 11.15 % higher in dollar terms. Imports during the same period were valued at $34,439.50 million (₹ 2,19,559.04 crore) – representing a negative growth of 18.10 % in dollar terms and a negative growth of 4.38 % in rupee terms. 
 
Imports have been on a downward trajectory of late, with the sharpest fall seen in September 2013. 
 
The government’s and the RBI’s efforts in curbing gold imports helped to lower the demand for gold after the April-May spurt. Gold imports for August and September stood at $1.5 billion, the lowest in 52 months. 
 
Lower industrial growth has also led to muted demand for non-oil, non-gold imports. For April-August period this year, machinery and project goods imports were down 12% and 38% YoY, respectively. Industrial growth recovery during the 2nd half of FY14 is likely to revive non-oil, non-gold imports, potentially reviving overall imports. Having said that, overall trade deficit in FY14 will still be lower than FY13 as export growth will remain favourable and imports will be well contained. 
 Financial inclusion through financial literacy with help from banks and other financial intermediaries is also required as most Indians refrain from participating in the <keyword id="6357264" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="40" keywordseo="capital-market">capital market</keyword> due to lack of knowledge. Financial literacy is crucial in creating awareness about the way capital market functions and also about the fact that the <keyword id="44794" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="40" keywordseo="Equity-market">equity market</keyword> provides relatively higher returns, coupled with higher risks, as compared to other <keyword id="6362476" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="40" keywordseo="investments">investments</keyword> like gold or real estate. 
 
 
The author of this article is the Director of WealthRays Securities.

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Maldives President Muizzu met with PM Modi in Delhi today. Here’s how it went!

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Appliances, consumer electronic makers assist customers virtually amid lockdown

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The essential 4Cs of millennial marketing

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