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As lovely as the Mumbai monsoons are, no amount of enjoyment derived from some chai-pakoda can make up for the utter mess that accompanies the city during the rainy weather. Mumbaikars, who like to keep a positive outlook to things, are also having a tough time doing so while having to wade through almost knee-deep rainwater. Incessant <keyword id="19968257" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Monsoon" source="keywords">monsoon</keyword> rains have wreaked havoc on Maharashtra's coastal belt, with Mumbai and the rest of the Konkan belt bearing the brunt of the downpour. Emergency services remain on high alert as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) predicts heavy to very heavy rainfall in the region for the next few days. <h2>Coastal areas submerged, flights diverted</h2>The relentless rains submerged low-lying areas across Mumbai, Thane, Navi Mumbai, and several parts of Ratnagiri, Raigad, and Khed districts. The situation worsened on Sunday, with over 100 mm of rainfall recorded in the city and suburbs within a 12-hour window. The incessant showers caused waterlogging, disrupting local train and road traffic. Flight operations at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport were also impacted, with at least 15 flights diverted due to poor visibility. The airport authorities were forced to suspend operations twice on Sunday. According to the Times of India, the Western Railway reported that local train services were operating as usual on Monday. However, commuters have claimed that trains were running behind schedule by 5 to 10 minutes. <h2>Authorities on high alert, NDRF deployed</h2>Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has directed the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Relief Force (SDRF), and local authorities to remain on high alert and provide immediate assistance wherever necessary. Teams have been deployed across Maharashtra, with a particular focus on Mumbai, Thane, Palghar, Raigad, Ratnagiri, Satara, Sangli, and Kolhapur. The <keyword id="36730" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="mumbai-police" source="Orion">Mumbai Police</keyword> have advised residents to avoid venturing out, especially near coastal areas, unless absolutely essential. Schools in Nagpur, Bhandara, Gondia, Chandrapur, Gadchiroli districts (Vidarbha region), and four tehsils in Raigad district have been declared closed on Monday as a precautionary measure. <h2>IMD issues alerts, rains expected to continue</h2>The IMD has issued an orange alert for Raigad and Ratnagiri districts on Monday and Tuesday, indicating very heavy rainfall. A yellow alert has been issued for Mumbai, predicting heavy showers throughout the day. Similar forecasts are in place for several other regions in the state, with a possibility of heavy rainfall in Thane, Pune, Palghar, and Nagpur. The incessant rains pose a significant challenge for several parts of Maharashtra, prompting the IMD to issue a red warning (meaning ‘take action’) over Konkan, Goa and Madhya Maharashtra. Flash flood warnings have also been issued in the regions due to the possibility of waterlogging, particularly in the low-lying areas. Residents are urged to exercise caution and stay informed about the goings-on to ensure their safety. <div type="Article" hostid="261" msid="111810464" title="Mumbai&amp;#39;s first underground metro line set to begin operations on July 24" mstype="2" mssubtype="0"></div>

Mumbai on alert: Heavy rains to continue lashing city; IMD issues flash flood warnings

The rain gods went a tad bit crazy over <keyword id="19895282" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="mumbai" source="keywords">Mumbai</keyword> yesterday, emptying buckets of rain from the heavens. In the span of a few hours, between 1 AM and 7 AM last night and early this morning, the city has reportedly recorded over 300 mm of rains in various parts of Mumbai. And these downpours were enough to bring the financial capital’s creaky infrastructure to its knees. Several key roads, including those near King's Circle in Dadar, were submerged underwater, causing traffic gridlock and disrupting commutes. The relentless rain caused severe waterlogging in several other areas too, with reports of knee-deep water in Buntara Bhavan in Kurla East and Powai. This led to the diversion of many BEST buses from their regular routes, causing further inconvenience for commuters. Flight operations at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport were also impacted. Airlines like IndiGo and Vistara advised passengers to expect delays and heavy traffic congestion while travelling to the airport. IndiGo even offered passengers flying into or out of Mumbai the option to rebook their flights or get a full refund due to the weather conditions. Train services, a lifeline for Mumbaikars, were not spared either. The Central Railway's suburban network faced delays due to waterlogging at stations like CSMT, Churchgate, and LTT. However, the Western Railway managed to clear tracks using high-capacity water pumps, ensuring normal operations in their suburban section. Further, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) prioritised student safety by declaring a holiday for the first session in all BMC, government, and private schools and colleges within their jurisdiction. The decision on afternoon classes was to be made later based on the evolving situation, but a holiday has been declared for all schools and colleges today. Citizens took to social media to share their experiences, posting videos and updates on waterlogged streets and areas to avoid. However, Mumbai’s skirmish with the torrential rains is hardly over yet. <h2>Heavy rains to continue pounding Mumbai and nearby districts </h2>The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast up to widespread rains accompanied by thunderstorms and lightning over various parts of Maharashtra over the next five days. During this period, heavy rains (64.5 mm-115.5 mm) are likely over Konkan, Goa and Madhya Maharashtra until Friday. Mumbai’s Regional Meteorological Centre had earlier issued a yellow alert for rain in Mumbai and surrounding areas. With heavy rain expected to continue, citizens are advised to stay cautious and avoid venturing out unless absolutely necessary. Apart from the Maharashtra capital, other districts like Thane, Palghar, Pune, Ratnagiri, Dhule and Raigad will all be in for similarly heavy rains today. <h2>Impacts due to heavy rains</h2><ul><li>Water logging/inundation in most parts of low lying areas and river banks</li><li>Occasional reduction in visibility due to heavy rainfall</li><li>Disruption to road, rail and ferry transport</li><li>Local disruption of municipal services such as water and electricity etc</li><li>Possible uprooting of weak trees and collapse of old and unmaintained structures.</li><li>Damage to horticulture and standing crops due to water inundation and gusty winds</li><li>Minor damage to kutcha houses/walls and huts</li><li>Occasional gusty winds with speed reaching 35-45 gusting to 55 kmph along and off the coast resulting in possibilities of damage to vulnerable/temporary structures</li><li>Possibility of landslide/mudslides and rock falls in hilly areas</li><li>Rough sea conditions along the coast</li></ul>Residents must be cautious and prepared for the inclement weather conditions in Mumbai. They are advised against venturing out unless necessary.

Mumbai rains cripple flight and train services; more heavy showers likely to spark flash floods today!

Schools and colleges in <keyword id="826" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="goa" source="Orion">Goa</keyword> will remain closed till January 26 in view of a surge in Covid cases in the coastal state, Dr. Shekhar Salkar, a member of the Goa government's task force for Covid management said on Monday. A night curfew from 11 p.m. to 6 a.m. will also be imposed in Goa soon, he said. "Schools and colleges will be closed in Goa till January 26 in view of the rising Covid cases. Classes will be conducted online during the period," Salkar told reporters here, after a meeting of the state government's taskforce on Covid management. The task force is chaired by Chief Minister Pramod Sawant. Salkar also said that while offline classes will not be conducted in schools and colleges, students who are eligible for vaccination will be inoculated in school premises over the next few days, after which they are not required to visit their respective schools until January 26. "The task force will meet again to review the situation a couple of days before January 26, to take a decision on the future course of action. The official also said that a night curfew would be imposed in Goa soon from 11 p.m. to 6 a.m. "The government is also imposing a night curfew from 11 p.m. to 6 a.m. A formal order will follow tonight or tomorrow. Restrictions will also be imposed on indoor functions," he said. Salkar also said that the infection rate in the coastal state had crossed an average of 5 per cent, which was the reason why the task force had decided to shut down schools and impose a night curfew. SEE ALSO <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/startups/news/mamaearths-revenue-neared-500-crore-by-selling-its-personal-care-products-in-fy2021/articleshow/88658722.cms" data-type="tilCustomLink">Mamaearth says it has turned profitable as revenue neared ₹500 crore last year</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/startups/news/khatabook-dunzo-purplle-rapido-and-17-other-startups-that-can-become-unicorns-in-2022/slidelist/88614480.cms" data-type="tilCustomLink">From Dunzo to Purplle to Khatabook — here are the 21 startups that may turn unicorns in 2022</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/#:~:text=Tata%20Motors%2C%20Maruti%20Suzuki%2C%20Future%20Retail%20and%20other%20hot%20stocks%20on%20the%20first%20trading%20day%20of%202022" data-type="tilCustomLink">Tata Motors, Maruti Suzuki, Future Retail and other hot stocks on the first trading day of 2022</a>

Goa has decided to shut school and colleges till Jan 26, will impose night curfew soon

Coronavirus: Kerala declares health emergency, shuts schools, cinemas and calls off weddings

<ul><li>Telangana has extended the lockdown in the containment zones till June 30 and till June 7 in non-containment zones.</li><li>The government has relaxed the night curfew and removed restrictions on inter-state travel.</li><li>The Telangana government will adopt the phased reopening plan for the non-containment zones.</li></ul>Following an order by the Ministry of Home Affairs to extend the Coronavirus lockdown in containment zones, the Telangana government has issued a GO to implement Lockdown 5.0. While the lockdown in containment zones has been extended to June 30, the non-containment zones will be under lockdown till June 7. Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao announced the lockdown extension after Chief Secretary Somesh Kumar, DGP Mahender Reddy and other senior officials from the state. The Telangana government has implemented the lockdown relaxations announced by the Centre in the non-containment zones with some changes. “It was decided to implement the relaxations given to the guidelines by the Centre in all the areas except in the containment zones. The chief minister instructed the officials concerned to implement strictly the lockdown in the containment zones,” an official release said. Telangana Lockdown 5.0 guidelines The first change from the current lockdown is the relaxation of the night curfew in the state. The government has announced a restriction on movement from 9 pm to 5 am, except for accessing emergency medical care. Apart from this, all shops and establishments except hospitals and pharmacies have to be closed by 8 pm. In a major relief to people looking to travel to other states or returning to Telangana from other states, the government has removed all restrictions on inter-state movement. This means that no special permission is required for inter-state travel. In non-containment zones, the phased reopening announced by the Centre will be followed by the state government. 1. Phase I The following activities will be allowed from June 8, 2020: <ul><li>Religious places, places of worship for the public. </li><li>Hotels, restaurants and other hospitality services. </li><li>Shopping malls. </li></ul>2. Phase II Schools, colleges and other educational institutions may be reopened after a review by the state government in July. 3. Phase III In this phase, the state government will decide on allowing the following activities after an assessment of the situation: <ul><li>International air travel. </li><li>Metro rail. </li><li>Cinema halls, gymnasiums, swimming pools, parks, theatres, bars and similar places. </li><li>Social, political, entertainment, academic and other large gatherings. </li></ul>The following activities will not be allowed in the state till June 30. SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/india/news/lockdown-extended-till-june-30-in-containment-zones-only-all-over-india/articleshow/76109422.cms">Lockdown extended till June 30 in containment zones only all over India</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/india/news/goa-government-issues-advisory-for-gradual-relaxations-from-june-8-in-the-covid-19-lockdown-norms/articleshow/76116529.cms">Goa issues advisory for gradual relaxations in lockdown norms from June 8</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/india/news/fourth-phase-of-lockdown-accounts-for-nearly-half-of-total-covid-cases-in-india/articleshow/76118094.cms">Fourth phase of lockdown accounts for nearly half of total COVID cases in India</a>

Telangana extends lockdown till June 30, new guidelines allow inter-state travel

(Eds: Updating with details of death of patient) New Delhi, Mar 13 () A 68-year-old woman in Delhi became the country's second victim of <keyword id="1754604" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="coronavirus">coronavirus</keyword> on Friday as several states went into battle mode to contain the spread of COVID-19, shutting down schools, theatres and colleges, and many public events, including the IPL, were postponed. The Union Health ministry put the number of positive cases at 82, eight more since Thursday night, which includes the woman and a 76-year-old man from Karnataka who became the country's first coronavirus fatality besides 17 foreign nationals, Health Ministry officials said. Health Ministry and Delhi government officials said the woman came in contact with her son, the fifth case of coronavirus in the national capital, with a history travel history to Switzerland and Italy between February 5 and 22. Her death was caused due to co-morbidity (diabetes and hypertension), they said, adding she had tested positive for COVID-19. The woman was admitted in Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital, officials said. Cases of the infection have been reported from at least 11 states and territories, including Delhi, Karnataka, Maharashtra and Kerala, where three patients were discharged last month after they recovered. Addressing reporters, officials said coronavirus -- a pandemic that has infected 1,31,500 people in 116 countries and territories and killed more than 4,900 -- is not a health emergency and there is no need to panic. They said India has evacuated 1,031 people, including from Maldives, US, Madagascar and China. The Centre has also decided to allow international traffic only through 19 border checkposts out of 37 and continue the suspension of Indo-Bangladesh cross border passenger trains and buses till April 15, or earlier, if so decided. Officials disclosed that 42,000 people across the country are under community surveillance. Taking stock of the situation, Prime Minister Narendra Modi proposed a video conference of SAARC leaders to chalk out a joint strategy and set an example for the world. "Our planet is battling the COVID-19 Novel Coronavirus. At various levels, governments and people are trying their best to combat it," Modi said on Twitter. South Asia, which is home to a significant number of the global population, should leave no stone unturned to ensure that the people are healthy, he said. Amid speculation over the ongoing Budget Session being shortened, Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi told , "There is no question of curtailing the session." While states such as Karnataka, Odisha, Delhi and Bihar went into virtual shutdown mode, the under-pressure BCCI suspended the start of this year's IPL cricket tournament from March 29 to April 15. "The Board of Control for Cricket in India has decided to suspend IPL 2020 till 15th April 2020, as a precautionary measure against the ongoing Novel Corona Virus (COVID-19) situation," BCCI secretary Jay Shah said in a statement. The statement made it clear that it's a "suspension" and "not postponement", which means there is no clarity on whether the event will start on April 15. Even if it starts on April 15, it is expected to happen behind closed doors without the fans. The decision came hours after the Delhi government, which on Thursday announced that schools, colleges and cinema halls would be closed till March 31, sad it was also stopping all sports gatherings, including IPL 2020. Sisodia said district magistrates have been asked to ensure that all directives pertaining to coronavirus are implemented. A day after the country's first <keyword id="8652425" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="Coronavirus-death">coronavirus death</keyword> was reported from Kalaburagi in the state, the Karnataka government announced a lock-down of malls, cinema theatres, pubs and night clubs for a week. Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa also issued instructions to stop all kinds of exhibitions, summer camps, conferences, marriage events and birthday parties. "We will close all universities for a week in the entire state," he told reporters. Tech giant Google confirmed that an employee of its Bengaluru office, who had returned from Greece, was diagnosed with COVID-19. In Kalaburagi town, 46 people who were in direct contact with the 76-year old man who died on Tuesday night were placed under quarantine, district officials said, adding that 31 were categorised as "high risk" and 13 as "low risk". Four family members of the man have displayed flu symptoms and their swab samples have been sent for testing. In Odisha, the Naveen Patnaik government announced that educational institutions would be closed till March 31 but provided an exception for holding exams. He said the government has earmarked Rs 200 crore to combat the coronavirus threat and declared COVID-19 a "disaster". Non-essential official gatherings such as seminars, workshops and conferences are to be cancelled, Patnaik said. Social gatherings and assemblies like religious functions, marriage receptions and parties will be regulated by local authorities. Cinema halls, swimming pools and gyms in the state will be closed as well. Jawaharlal Nehru University, Delhi University and Jamia Millia Islamia suspended classes in Delhi. Other universities such as Jindal University in Sonepat in Haryana announced the university would be open but there would be no classes till March 29. As concern mounted, people scrambled to change their travel plans. At an Air India office in Delhi, for instance, there were crowds of people waiting to change their tickets. Aviation watchdog DGCA has asked international airlines to consider waiving ticket cancellation and reschedule charges or look at providing any other incentives. States which had not reported any case were also on alert. Schools, colleges, coaching institutes, zoos and parks in Bihar will be shut till March 31 over the coronavirus threat, an official said. Vishwajit Rane, health minister in the tourism hub of Goa, said the government will issue a circular asking hotels and industries to take preventive measures in the wake of the coronavirus scare. In all this, there was some good news. All 112 people admitted to an ITBP quarantine facility in Delhi for over a fortnight tested negative for the coronavirus. All of them were evacuated last month from Wuhan in China. TEAM MIN ZMN

Delhi became the country's second victim of coronavirus

<ul><li>India's COVID-19 caseload has breached 94.31 lakh as of November 30.</li><li>In order to battle the rising COVID cases, states and district authorities have imposed several curbs on the local levels. </li><li>Here’s a quick look at which states have imposed fresh curfews and restrictions to combat coronavirus spread.</li></ul>The number of COVID-19 cases in India are on the rise again. While most European countries have already seen the second wave of coronavirus sweep over the continent — India had so far been sheltered. That may no longer be the case. Experts believe India is now riding on the second<a href="https://www.nationalheraldindia.com/national/india-vulnerable-to-second-wave-of-coronavirus-aiims-director"> wave of COVID-19 nationwide</a>. After keeping at around 29,000 new cases daily earlier this month, things took a turn for the worse when the country recorded nearly 39,000 cases on November 30. As of November 30,India's Covid-19 tally has breached to 94.31 lakh mark with 38,772 fresh cases, while the recoveries surged to 88,47,600, according to the Union Health Ministry's data updated on Monday. As the crisis grows, state and district authorities have imposed several curbs on local levels. Here’s a quick look at the states that have imposed fresh curfews and restrictions to combat coronavirus in India: Uttar Pradesh: Government issued a fresh set of COVID-19 guidelines The Uttar Pradesh government issued a fresh set of guidelines, authorising the districts’ administration to impose night curfews and local restrictions, based on the assessment of the situation in order to contain the spread of the coronavirus. The new guidelines with regard to social and other gatherings, including marriage parties, outside containment zones will remain the same as <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/india/news/section-144-imposed-in-lucknow-kanpur-ghaziabad-greater-noida-meerut-and-agra/articleshow/79423248.cms">issued by the state government on November 23</a>. Tamil Nadu: TN extends COVID-19 restrictions till December 31 Tamil Nadu Chief Minister K Palaniswami on Monday extended the COVID-19 lockdown in the state till December 31 subject to certain relaxations. In a statement issued here, Palaniswami said based on the discussions with medical, public health experts and District Collectors to prevent coronavirus spread, the Covid-19 lockdown is extended till December 31 from November 30. <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/india/news/tamil-nadu-extends-covid-19-restrictions-till-december-31/articleshow/79484878.cms">Checkout the detailed guideline here.</a> Rajasthan: Government imposes night curfew in 13 districts Amid a spike in COVID-19 cases, the Rajasthan government has decided to impose lockdown in containment zones till December 31 and increase night curfew from 11 to 13 districts of the state. The government issued guidelines for surveillance, containment and caution for the period of December 1 to December 31. Taking in account the prevailing COVID-19 scenario in the state, it has been decided to force lockdown in containment zones till December 31, according to the order issued on Sunday night. The state government has increased the number of districts from 8 to 13, where the night curfew will be imposed from 8 pm to 6 am. Kota, Jaipur, Jodhpur, Bikaner, Udaipur, Ajmer, Alwar, Bhilwara, Nagaur, Pali, Tonk, Sikara and Ganganagar are the districts where the night curfew has been imposed. Uttarakhand: CM Trivendra Singh Rawat issues new COVID-19 guidelines Uttarakhand chief minister Trivendra Singh Rawat-led government has come up with fresh guidelines with certain restrictions such as the ceiling of 100 people in marriage, religious, educational and entertainment events. The state earlier allowed up to 200 people for such events. The government has also directed inter-state travellers to register themselves on the smart city website. The government has also made the COVID-19 test mandatory for people coming from Delhi. Punjab: Night curfew from December 1 As the coronavirus cases surged in Punjab, the Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh has imposed night curfew in all towns and cities from 10 pm to 5 am, starting December 1. The government has also doubled the fine for people flouting COVID-19 rules effective from December 1. The fine for not wearing masks and not following social distancing norms has been hiked from ₹500 to ₹1,000. Gujarat: After Ahmedabad, night curfew in Surat, Vadodara and Rajkot The police commissioner of Ahmedabad, Sanjay Shrivastav, has decided to extend the night curfew in the city till December 11 in view of the prevailing coronavirus situation. The Gujarat government had imposed a night curfew in Ahmedabad, Surat, Vadodara and Rajkot from Saturday 9:00 pm due to a massive rise in the number of coronavirus cases. After the Diwali festivities, there has been a significant rise in the number of COVID cases in Gujarat, especially in the financial capital of the state, Ahmedabad. Many people were seen roaming the markets without adhering the standard precautions. The state authorities had earlier announced the curfew till December 7. “People must remain indoors during this period. People must not stand at public roads, streets or public places or move around on foot or in vehicles during this period," the order said. Himachal Pradesh: Night curfew from 8 pm to 6 am Himachal Pradesh is the latest state to impose night curfew from 8 pm to 6 am in 4 districts — Shimla, Kangra, Mandi and Kullu. The government has ordered schools and colleges to be closed until December 31. The government has also increased the fine for not wearing masks from ₹500 to ₹1,000. Madhya Pradesh: Night curfew in five district The Madhya Pradesh Government has also ordered night curfew in five districts due to rising COVID-19 cases. They have already come into effect in Indore, Bhopal, Gwalior, Vidisha, and Ratlam districts from Saturday and will be effective from 10:00 pm to 6:00 am every day. Maharashtra: Covid negative report mandatory to enter Maharashtra As Covid-19 cases are on the upswing in several parts of the country, Maharashtra on Monday imposed conditions for all travellers arriving in the state from Gujarat, Goa, Rajasthan and Delhi, starting from Wednesday (November 25). The state has made it compulsory for a RT-PCR negative test report for all people arriving by air, road or rail from these four states. In a notification, the state has said that for people who land here by flights, the RT-PCR test must have been done within 72 hours of their scheduled arrival at the Mumbai, Pune, Nagpur and Aurangabad airports. For those entering the state by roads, the administrations in the state's border districts will make arrangements for checking symptoms, body temperature and conducting tests before they are permitted onward travel in Maharashtra. Haryana: Khattar shuts down schools, lockdown may not be on the cards After nearly 150 students tested positive, the Haryana government ordered the closure of schools in the state until November 30. Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar has also appealed to people to adhere to COVID-19 safety guidelines, like wearing masks and maintaining social distancing, in the wake of rising coronavirus cases in the state. "Now, the issue comes whether we should impose another lockdown, which can be done with just one order. But we have seen earlier that markets and factories were closed and how people faced difficulty. We have seen that phase... if at this stage, we can take full precautions to help check the spread of this infection, we must do that," Khattar said. SEE ALSO:<a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/auto/news/heres-what-to-expect-from-maruti-mm-hero-bajaj-auto-in-november-car-bike-sales/articleshow/79489474.cms" data-type="tilCustomLink"> November auto sales estimates — Here’s what to expect from Maruti, M&amp;M, Hero, Bajaj Auto, and other automakers</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/india/news/centre-invites-agitating-farmer-unions-for-talks-on-december-1-two-days-ahead-of-a-scheduled-meeting/articleshow/79502391.cms" data-type="tilCustomLink">Centre invites agitating farmer unions for talks on December 1, two days ahead of a scheduled meeting</a>

Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand issue fresh COVID-19 guidelines, TN extends lockdown — these are the states reimposing curfews and restrictions

Coronavirus cases in India double from last week to 62: Kerala shuts down

<ul><li>Billionaire <keyword id="6354819" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="anil-agarwal">Anil Agarwal</keyword> announced to buyout public shares of his Vedanta Ltd on May 12.</li><li>Anil Agarwal has lost more than half his wealth in last nine years. However, his decision to delist Vedanta had the investors cheering with the stock surging 9.99% as trade opened on Wednesday. </li><li>Agarwal and his family member own 50.14% stake in Vedanta. And as the shares surged 10%, adding about $400 million to their net worth.</li></ul> Anil Agarwal has lost more than half his wealth in last nine years. However, his decision to delist Vedanta had the investors cheering with the stock surging 9.99% as trade opened on Wednesday. And the promoters, including Agarwal, hold half of all the Vedanta shares. Vedanta shareholders will get ₹87.5 per ⁠— a 9.9% premium to Monday’s closing price of ₹79, but lesser than Tuesday’s closing price of ₹89.30. <div type="image" title="555" msid="75708415" hostid="261"></div> The 66-year old commodities moghul Agarwal is the 648th richest person in the world. According to Forbes, he was worth $6.4 billion in March 2011 but now he owns $3.1 billion. However, Agarwal and his family member own 50.14% stake in Vedanta. And as the shares surged 10%, it added nearly $400 million to their networth. From a tiny scrap business to $4.4 billion Vedanta <div type="image" title="F542AB45-5030-4571-8C65-37A880C131F8" msid="75715355" hostid="261"></div> Agarwal grew up in the narrow lanes of Goria Toli in Patna. As a child, he was ambitious but didn’t want to spend time studying. He started helping his father in trading aluminium conductors in the city. However, he wanted to do something of his own. It was his history teacher Shiv Shankar who suggested he drop out of school and start his business. In 1976, Agarwal, 20, went to Mumbai and <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eVmkrYeVEjI">started a tiny business of scrap metal</a> — Vedanta Resources. He also bought Shamsher Sterling Corporation, a cable company in the same year — which was later renamed to Sterlite Industries. The Big Break <div type="image" title="D473A48F-FAC4-4912-89C0-A53133C4A9CB" msid="75715345" hostid="261"></div> Shamsher Sterling <a href="https://www.indiatoday.in/magazine/cover-story/story/20100920-bold-baron-744045-2010-09-10">was the big break Agarwal was waiting for from years</a>. It went public in 1988 and raised a whopping ₹4.06 crore. Sterlite's IPO followed a series of acquisitions. Agarwal’s expansion plans were eerily similar to Dhirubhai Ambani’s plan. Both of them were the first to realise the high returns from cheap assets in India. His expansion plan grew bigger with each purchase. In 2011, he bought 58.5%<a href="https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/companies/vedanta-seals-the-deal-acquires-585-in-cairn-india-for-867-b/article23068291.ece"> in Cairn India — a company that produced oil and gas — for $8.67 billion. </a> The acquisition of Cairn India made him worth ₹1,67,000 crore — richer than Mukesh Ambani’s wealth at that time (₹1,45,275 crore). In 38 years, Vedanta went on to become a multibillion dollar company with $15 billion revenues. It expanded operations in Zambia as well as Australia. Today, Vedanta Resources — trades everything from metal, mining power to oil — has a market capitalization of $4.4 billion. Privatisation: The game changer <div type="image" title="D28D9D6E-C745-4545-88AB-D54CB67E900E" msid="75715334" hostid="261"></div> The game changer for Agarwal came in when, in 1991, Finance Minister Manmohan Singh liberalized its economy. The Indian government announced disinvestment of ₹3,038 in 31 selected public sector units. Agarwal placed his ₹550 crore bets on Bharat Aluminium. Agarwar told ABP news, since he didn’t have sufficient money to fund the bid hence he opted for a positive PR strategy soon after they placed their bet. “We wanted ₹550 crore and we told banks we will take loans on a first come first serve basis. And we got ₹2000 crore bids from the banks.” And there was no stopping from then. He <a href="https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/magazines/panache/the-real-reason-why-anil-agarwal-moved-to-london/articleshow/72936351.cms">moved </a>to London to get a ₹100 million market cap for Vedanta. His company was the first Indian company to get listed in the London Stock Exchange. Fifteen years into business Agarwal was betting big on privatisation. He made a firm $1-billion offer to buy<a href="https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/markets/stockmade%20a%20firm%20$1-billion%20offer%20to%20buy%2033.47%20per%20cent%20non-promoter%20shares%20of%20Vedanta%20Resources%20in%20a%20deal%20that%20values%20the%20conglomerate%20at%20$3.07%20billion.-markets/anil-agarwal-makes-1-billion-offer-to-delist-vedanta-from-london-stock-exchange/article24562415.ece#"> 33.47% non-promoter shares of Vedanta Resources</a>. In 2019, <a href="https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/company/corporate-trends/vedantas-anil-agarwal-bats-for-privatisation/articleshow/72745375.cms?from=mdr">Agarwal told Times Network</a>, “I have acquired four government companies. All four have become three times (in terms of) productions and have shown tremendous capability. Still an ordinary man <div type="image" title="702520A8-5664-4D34-BA40-8D1178E0C53D" msid="75715308" hostid="261"></div> Agarwal is among India’s top self-made billionaires. but despite his growth Agarwal has faced heavy criticism from western countries because of his aggressive plans. Western corporations blamed that Agarwal grew his business internationally at the cost of the environment. Back in 2010, the Church of England and pensions of funds from Netherlands and Norway sold their shares as it violated human rights and environment. The latest instant is the <a href="https://theprint.in/economy/vedantas-epic-battle-to-restart-iron-ore-mining-in-goa-to-begin-in-supreme-court-next-week/401942/">battle with several NGOs to resume mining in Goa</a>. Unlike other billionaires who are always in Armani suits, Agarwal keeps it simple. When he was a kid, English language scared him and now even when he is in London he finds it difficult to communicate in English. “Though I live in London, I have not come out of Bihar, I eat with my hands, I sing local countryside music, and no matter how much I am trying to improve my English, the same accent comes out.” <a href="https://www.ft.com/content/b4f90c32-f178-11e3-a2da-00144feabdc0">he told Financial Times. </a>

Billionaire Anil Agarwal’s Vedanta shares just added about $400 million to the family kitty after the decision to delist the company

<ul><li>Increasingly, consumers are gravitating towards brands that are working towards a greater good. More and more people are choosing brands that are helping people and communities in whichever way they can.</li><li><keyword id="11471394" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="two-brothers-organic-farm">Two Brothers Organic Farm</keyword>, an organic foods brand based out of a village in Maharashtra manufactures products like peanut butter, groundnut oil, traditional wheat flour, ghee jaggery, jowar among other things and has consumers spread over 45 countries. The business has also turned its employees into stakeholders by distributing stocks worth close to a million dollars to them, to make them 'owners' of the business.</li><li>We speak to <keyword id="11471393" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="satyajit-hange">Satyajit Hange</keyword>, Co-founder, TBOF, who talks to us about the brand’s story so far, the ethos on which they are building the brand and what made them, a new business, distribute stocks worth a million dollars to its employees.</li></ul>The pandemic has made us realize a few things about today’s consumers. Many of the younger consumers, millennials and GenZ’s today want to consume brands that stand up for causes and in general are doing their bit for the environment and the community. Consumers have also been gravitating towards organic, more natural brands, as we have seen from the launch of many such brands. While big corporations have been trying to do their bit to assist society in whichever way they can, it is heartening to see many made-in-India brands coming up today that are going above and beyond their call of duty, and trying to give back to the society, to their employees. Two Brothers Organic Farm (TBOF), since its launch in 2014, has been on a mission. It has been aiming at increasing rural livelihood and creating more jobs for women in villages, and to use the power of community to come up with solutions to public health and climate change problems. After working for corporates for almost a decade, Satyajit and Ajinkya Hange, two brothers, wanted to do something more fulfilling. They wanted to get back to their roots, their village, and create a meaningful business. That was the inception of the brand. Over the past 7 years, the brand has expanded its product portfolio to 24 products including peanut butter, groundnut oil, traditional wheat flour, ghee jaggery, jowar varieties, and nutritionally rich rice that are delivered to customers in around 45 countries. What makes the brand really different, however, is the fact that everybody involved in the chain starting from the cow herder to the driver is a stakeholder in the company. The Hange brothers have distributed stocks worth almost half a million dollars to their employees. In a recent chat with Satyajit Hange, Co-founder, TBOF, we tried to understand the brand’s story so far, the ethos on which they are building the brand and why they distributed stocks worth a million dollars to its employees. Excerpts: Q) Take us to the start, how did TBOF come about? Our story has its beginning in the soil; back in 2011 when the 'Two Brothers' returned home to their village to take up farming full-time. With small, purposeful steps in pursuit of soil-health, today the Two Brothers Organic Farms is a biodiverse, self-sustaining natural food system, certified by ECOCERT, located in the beautiful village of Bhodani in Maharashtra, India. Our work is inspired by the simplicity and stillness of the village life and guided by the principles of Regenerative Natural farming. While securing rural livelihoods and creating more jobs for women in our villages, we harness the power of Community to offer real solutions to Public Health and Climate Change problems. At TBOF, our brand's mission is to protect all that nature has to offer and to empower farmer folk and rural communities in our villages. Everything that we do upholds this sentiment. We launched with the help of Shopify which made it possible for to step into the world of ecommerce. Besides this, we have been able to garner support across social media platforms like Instagram, Facebook, Whatsapp, Youtube and Twitter. Over the years, we have built strong communities across these channels and they do not just support but drive business by giving us access to new markets and communities across geographies. Our biggest USP is that our products are organically and locally made. For consumers who want to support local businesses making a positive impact on the environment, our brand is a perfect fit. Also, we work with over 1000 school students and three mainstream schools in Mumbai and Pune to develop community-led Organic farming training modules for them. Along with our success in organic farming, we want to spread the word, and have trained more than 9,000 farmers on practices in organic farming and will be working consciously towards betterment of people and farmers. Q) Today, your brand reaches customers in over 45 countries, through e-commerce which is a big feat for a brand only 7 years old. What kind of reception have you seen globally? More and more people are concerned about the impact these choices make on the planet and local ecological systems. They want to be informed of the source of ingredients, the packaging used, the people and processes involved in its making - how big is a product's ecological footprint and how sustainable is the entire lifecycle of the product – right from sourcing to designing to packaging and shipping. Our audience are consumers who understand the unmatched benefits of organic foods and are leaning towards organic farming as a natural shot to heal the planet. We have observed a change in lifestyle of people who are getting increasingly conscious about the food they eat, the source and nature of food and its health benefits. This rising consumer awareness and them wanting to make more informed choices that'll be good for not just them but also for the planet as well as make room for social good, the rapid advancements in technologies and it augmenting ecommerce and online social media platforms have made it possible for small businesses like us to access new markets and reach out to a global audience. Q) You distributed stocks worth half a million dollars to your employees, which is almost unheard of in a small business… One of the milestones we really wanted to tick off since we started TBOF was making our farm co-workers share holders of the company. Many of our farm co-workers are school dropouts, they have had to take to the life of hard work and toiling, working on the farm due to their circumstances, who never in their life thought beyond their monthly paycheck. But they are now 'owners' of TBOF. They were the ones who were ready to bet their life's hard work on us and they are the ones who have pulled the cart until this point. So we decided to make each one of those villagers, illiterate, economically poor but humanely rich people millionaires. So, we handed each one of them stocks worth a million Rupees, free of cost. We have just started our journey which is scaling up to help 1000's of other farmers across the country very soon. This is a milestone we have reached but a start for many other interesting things to come. Q) How have you been communicating about your products to your consumers? This rising consumer awareness and them wanting to make more informed choices that'll be good for not just them but also for the planet as well as make room for social good, the rapid advancements in technologies and it augmenting ecommerce and online social media platforms have made it possible for small businesses like us to access new markets and reach out to a global audience. Our journey began with us selling at Farmer markets, we invested a lot of our personal time to engage meaningfully with our early customers and made sure they got to know us well. Overtime, we opened up more and more channels to engage with each other. We have a team that works full time on our online presence and manages all our initiatives across social media platforms as well as our website, blogs, email newsletters. We also advertise online to reach out to new markets. Q) With the pandemic, there has been a shift wherein consumers now want more natural, safer food products. Have you witnessed visible increase in demand for your products post the pandemic? Yes, we definitely have witnessed an increase in demand for quality and authentic food. Like never before, we are seeing young consumers being conscious of their buying decisions. Shoppers all over the world have strong spending power and are willing to spend more to be involved with businesses that follow sustainable, environment friendly approaches. They are also always on the lookout for brands that connect with their beliefs and values. These trends have been only reinforced by the pandemic. Q) Looking ahead, what are a few things you will focus on, to grow the brand further? Firstly, technology - to tie gaps in the value chain and secondly, product range which will expand considerably in the coming months across all verticals - daily consumables, Health and fitness, wellness, gardening inputs for customer experience and community initiatives. Q) What is your vision for the brand? It was a surreal feeling to realize that we cater to more than 45+ countries as on date - and have shipped to 650+ cities across the world from our small village in a corner of Maharashtra. The vision is to be able to make a global impact - to be able to create a world-class business out of a farmer-led, made-in-India venture. We strongly believe that India is poised to become the Organic Food capital of the world, with the soil and biodiversity that is native to our land, the rivers that give generously and our indigenous cattle that provide for farmer livelihoods to this day. A UN report had stated how 70% of the food we eat comes from small farms, this is exactly what we have in this country, small land holdings and farmers who really are tired working with non cooperative machinery. We are farmers ourselves and we will always speak on their behalf - where should we begin? First things - reject the chemicals, rejuvenate the soil, bring back our biodiversity, conserve water. No, 2-5% of the consumer buck won't do, put back 50% of the consumer buck in the farmer's hand. Q) Once things open up and are relatively better, will you also focus on retail presence or is e-commerce where you will be present? We were always powered by e-commerce. Our online website runs on the Shopify platform and this remains our main revenue stream. Besides our online shop, we also sell on other online platforms like Amazon, Flipkart and a few other curated online ecommerce websites. We retail across Mumbai, Pune, Ahmedabad, Kolkata, Goa and a few other locations through retail partners like Swasthyam, U-TURN Organics, The Farmers Store, Saukhyam, Holistic Basket, Gauri Organics, Zama, Seawoods Organic Store, Foodhall etc. We also sell at Farmer Markets in Mumbai and Pune. When things open up further, we have been planning on getting an experiential store working in Delhi-NCR which we envision as a collaborative space for conscious brands, events and get-togethers that help strengthen community initiatives for our brand.

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