Iranian President Hassan Rouhani has said that Tehran is ready to rapidly increase oil production and exports.
Iran’s operational capacity as well as its experience makes it possible for an immediate increase in production and sales, Rouhani was quoted as saying on Sunday by the Xinhua news agency.
The 2015 Iranian nuclear deal, known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), enabled Iran to export more than 2 million barrels of oil before the US unilateral sanctions against Tehran in 2018, the President said
“The Iranian Ministry of Petroleum is tasked to take all necessary measures to prepare oil industry’s facilities for the production and sales levels, proportionate to the available capacity, within the next three months,” he added.
Iran has reduced its commitments under the JCPOA agreement in response to the US’ withdrawal from the deal in 2018.
In reaction to the US’ withdrawal and in response to Europe’s sluggishness in facilitating Iran’s banking transactions and oil exports, Tehran has been gradually moving away from its nuclear commitments since May 2019.
The Union government may look towards its cash-rich public sector undertakings and those falling behind on their capex plans for current fiscal to declare higher dividends this year to reward their shareholders in this difficult period of Covid-19 pandemic.
Official sources said that the PSUs with stock prices higher than their book values and those with sufficient cash may be asked to shell out higher dividends in FY21. A call will be taken after the third quarter results of companies are declared in late January or early February next year.
Also, PSUs, particularly in the oil sector, which are set to make big inventory gains due to firming up of crude prices, may also be looked at for higher interim dividends or special dividends and a few may even be considered for share buyback, depending on market conditions.
In a recent review meeting, the Finance Ministry had asked all central PSUs to step up their investment and complete 75 per cent of FY21 capex by December and more than 100 per cent by March next.
The idea is to increase the capital expenditure in order to strengthen the country’s industrial growth that has slowed down in the Covid-19 period. But if the targets are not achieved, sources said, money should reach the exchequer in the form of dividends or any other instrument.
With the central government the largest shareholders in PSUs, higher dividends would largely help it to fill its coffers at a time when revenue is constrained due to a overall fall in economic activity during the pandemic while expenditure has risen sharply.
Dividends from non-financial PSUs have been budgeted at Rs 65,747 crore in FY21. Any increase in this amount will give a boost to non-tax revenue of the government and help it bridge the rising fiscal deficit that as per the initial estimates is now pegged close to 8 per cent of GDP.
Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and her predecessors, including late Arun Jaitley and P Chidambaram, have maintained the policy of advising non-financial state-owned companies that if they are not utilising their cash reserves for capex needs, they should give it to the Centre through dividends or share buybacks.
As per the guidelines issued by disinvestment department DIPAM, every CPSE is required to pay a minimum annual dividend of 30% of PAT or 5% of the net worth, whichever is higher.
While the government is looking at its PSUs for investments and dividend, the companies are finding it difficult to meet capex targets, given the financial and project implementation constraints.
Officials of a few PSUs said that Covid-19 had severely dented the demand and slowed implementation of projects. Consequently, there is a already strain on their resources that would get further heightened if additional dividends were to be paid.
Several PSUs in power and mining space have completed just about 40 per cent of their annual capex by November due to constrained business environment.
Anti-India activists protest near Indian High Commission in London
Protesters violate Covid-19 regulations to stage anti-India rally at Aldwych, one of the busiest tourism, leisure and shopping districts in London …. reports Kaliph Anaz
Anti-India activists protest near Indian High Commission in London
A protest rally organised by anti-India activists and fringe groups in London turns aggressive after pro-Khalistan activists tried to break the barricades near India House.
The protesters flout strict Covid-19 rules and tried to break the police barricades to reach India House premises.
The Metropolitan Police draws flak for letting a huge gathering at one of the busiest tourist spots at London’s West End during the Christmas period. The protesters raised pro-Khalistan slogans.
Lord Rami Ranger, the most prominent Sikh politician in the UK and the Chairman of the British Sikh Association, condemned the organisers of the protest for flouting the Covid-19 restrictions.
A fake letter, forging the letter-pad of Lord Ranger, was used to create confusion in the Asian community. The letter along with a poster of Lord Ranger and Prime Minister Boris Johnson was circulated on social media to drum up support for the protest.
Indian officials are also complaining against the lack of proper crowd management and the police’s failure to gauge the anti-India activism in London. India House, one of the prime heritage buildings at Aldwych, was targeted by Pakistan sponsored protest rallies, especially during August 15, India’s Independence Day and January 26, Indian Republic Day. Few people are now attending the protests after Nazir Ahmed, the former Baron Ahmed of Rotherham, was charged with historical sex offences against a boy and girl besides his expulsion from the House of Lords. Nazir Ahmed was the main supporter of the Sikh For Justice, the main force behind the Khalistani movement, in the UK.
Mr Vishwesh Negi, Minister, Political, Press & Information, at Indian High Commission, in a statement, said that they are co-ordinating with the police, Home Office and Foreign & Commonwealth Office to take stock of the situation. The officials were surprised to see the arrival of nearly 4000 protesters near the mission premises flouting all the Covid-19 regulations.
“The protesters had gathered in large numbers, around 3500 to 4000, in front of the High Commission flouting social distancing norms during a pandemic,” said Mr Negi. “About 700 vehicles had participated in the rally. Protesters were seen to be arrived by vehicles. High Commission had been informed that as per normal practice. Permission had been sought from London Metropolitan Police for a drive past protest involving about 40 vehicles. We were also aware that the police had given specific warning against a gathering of more than 30 people.
“The developing situation was brought to the attention of the UK Foreign Office and Home Office,” he added. “London Metropolitan Police managed, controlled and eventually disposed the crowds. We could see that a few violent protesters were arrested.”
Mr Negi said anti-India activists are exploiting the opportunities in London.
“As expected, it soon became clear that the gathering was led by anti -India separatists, who had taken the opportunity of the farm protests in India to to pursue their own anti-India agenda. As many are aware, the protest against agri-reform bills in India is part of a democratic process. It is work in progress in our functioning democracy. Government of India is in talks with the protesters which are still ongoing. Needless to say, It is an internal issue of India.”
In recent days, the High Commission has comprehensively briefed the relevant interlocutors in the UK government and the Parliament on the fundamental features of the path breaking farming sector reforms initiated by the Govt. of India. The fact that currently the Govt of India has reached out to the farmers’ organisations in India to address any of their apprehensions and concerns about the relevant reform measures is part of the democratic decision making process and exemplifies the spirit of responsive governance in India.
Last week, 36 British MPs from various parties have written to British Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab, asking him to intervene in the issue. Coordinated by Labour MP Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi, the letter seeks an urgent meeting with Raab. Signatories to the letter include MPs from Labour, Conservative and Scottish National Party, including former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn, Virendra Sharma, Seema Malhotra, Valerie Vaz, Nadia Whittome, Peter Bottomley, John McDonnell, Martin Docherty-Hughes and Alison Thewliss.
Anti-India activists protest near Indian High Commission in London
Protesters violate Covid-19 regulations to stage anti-India rally at Aldwych, one of the busiest tourism, leisure and shopping districts in London …. reports Kaliph Anaz
A protest rally organised by anti-India activists and fringe groups in London turns aggressive after pro-Khalistan activists tried to break the barricades near India House.
The protesters flout strict Covid-19 rules and tried to break the police barricades to reach India House premises.
The Metropolitan Police draws flak for letting a huge gathering at one of the busiest tourist spots at London’s West End during the Christmas period. The protesters raised pro-Khalistan slogans.
Lord Rami Ranger, the most prominent Sikh politician in the UK and the Chairman of the British Sikh Association, condemned the organisers of the protest for flouting the Covid-19 restrictions.
A fake letter, forging the letter-pad of Lord Ranger, was used to create confusion in the Asian community. The letter along with a poster of Lord Ranger and Prime Minister Boris Johnson was circulated on social media to drum up support for the protest.
Indian officials are also complaining against the lack of proper crowd management and the police’s failure to gauge the anti-India activism in London. India House, one of the prime heritage buildings at Aldwych, was targeted by Pakistan sponsored protest rallies, especially during August 15, India’s Independence Day and January 26, Indian Republic Day. Few people are now attending the protests after Nazir Ahmed, the former Baron Ahmed of Rotherham, was charged with historical sex offences against a boy and girl besides his expulsion from the House of Lords. Nazir Ahmed was the main supporter of the Sikh For Justice, the main force behind the Khalistani movement, in the UK.
Mr Vishwesh Negi, Minister, Political, Press & Information, at Indian High Commission, in a statement, said that they are co-ordinating with the police, Home Office and Foreign & Commonwealth Office to take stock of the situation. The officials were surprised to see the arrival of nearly 4000 protesters near the mission premises flouting all the Covid-19 regulations.
“The protesters had gathered in large numbers, around 3500 to 4000, in front of the High Commission flouting social distancing norms during a pandemic,” said Mr Negi. “About 700 vehicles had participated in the rally. Protesters were seen to be arrived by vehicles. High Commission had been informed that as per normal practice. Permission had been sought from London Metropolitan Police for a drive past protest involving about 40 vehicles. We were also aware that the police had given specific warning against a gathering of more than 30 people.
“The developing situation was brought to the attention of the UK Foreign Office and Home Office,” he added. “London Metropolitan Police managed, controlled and eventually disposed the crowds. We could see that a few violent protesters were arrested.”
Mr Negi said anti-India activists are exploiting the opportunities in London.
“As expected, it soon became clear that the gathering was led by anti -India separatists, who had taken the opportunity of the farm protests in India to to pursue their own anti-India agenda. As many are aware, the protest against agri-reform bills in India is part of a democratic process. It is work in progress in our functioning democracy. Government of India is in talks with the protesters which are still ongoing. Needless to say, It is an internal issue of India.”
In recent days, the High Commission has comprehensively briefed the relevant interlocutors in the UK government and the Parliament on the fundamental features of the path breaking farming sector reforms initiated by the Govt. of India. The fact that currently the Govt of India has reached out to the farmers’ organisations in India to address any of their apprehensions and concerns about the relevant reform measures is part of the democratic decision making process and exemplifies the spirit of responsive governance in India.
Last week, 36 British MPs from various parties have written to British Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab, asking him to intervene in the issue. Coordinated by Labour MP Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi, the letter seeks an urgent meeting with Raab. Signatories to the letter include MPs from Labour, Conservative and Scottish National Party, including former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn, Virendra Sharma, Seema Malhotra, Valerie Vaz, Nadia Whittome, Peter Bottomley, John McDonnell, Martin Docherty-Hughes and Alison Thewliss.
Anti-India activists protest near Indian High Commission in London
Protesters violate Covid-19 regulations to stage anti-India rally at Aldwych, one of the busiest tourism, leisure and shopping districts in London …. reports Kaliph Anaz
Anti-India activists protest near Indian High Commission in London
A protest rally organised by anti-India activists and fringe groups in London turns aggressive after pro-Khalistan activists tried to break the barricades near India House.
The protesters flout strict Covid-19 rules and tried to break the police barricades to reach India House premises.
The Metropolitan Police draws flak for letting a huge gathering at one of the busiest tourist spots at London’s West End during the Christmas period. The protesters raised pro-Khalistan slogans.
Lord Rami Ranger, the most prominent Sikh politician in the UK and the Chairman of the British Sikh Association, condemned the organisers of the protest for flouting the Covid-19 restrictions.
A fake letter, forging the letter-pad of Lord Ranger, was used to create confusion in the Asian community. The letter along with a poster of Lord Ranger and Prime Minister Boris Johnson was circulated on social media to drum up support for the protest.
Indian officials are also complaining against the lack of proper crowd management and the police’s failure to gauge the anti-India activism in London. India House, one of the prime heritage buildings at Aldwych, was targeted by Pakistan sponsored protest rallies, especially during August 15, India’s Independence Day and January 26, Indian Republic Day. Few people are now attending the protests after Nazir Ahmed, the former Baron Ahmed of Rotherham, was charged with historical sex offences against a boy and girl besides his expulsion from the House of Lords. Nazir Ahmed was the main supporter of the Sikh For Justice, the main force behind the Khalistani movement, in the UK.
Mr Vishwesh Negi, Minister, Political, Press & Information, at Indian High Commission, in a statement, said that they are co-ordinating with the police, Home Office and Foreign & Commonwealth Office to take stock of the situation. The officials were surprised to see the arrival of nearly 4000 protesters near the mission premises flouting all the Covid-19 regulations.
“The protesters had gathered in large numbers, around 3500 to 4000, in front of the High Commission flouting social distancing norms during a pandemic,” said Mr Negi. “About 700 vehicles had participated in the rally. Protesters were seen to be arrived by vehicles. High Commission had been informed that as per normal practice. Permission had been sought from London Metropolitan Police for a drive past protest involving about 40 vehicles. We were also aware that the police had given specific warning against a gathering of more than 30 people.
“The developing situation was brought to the attention of the UK Foreign Office and Home Office,” he added. “London Metropolitan Police managed, controlled and eventually disposed the crowds. We could see that a few violent protesters were arrested.”
Mr Negi said anti-India activists are exploiting the opportunities in London.
“As expected, it soon became clear that the gathering was led by anti -India separatists, who had taken the opportunity of the farm protests in India to to pursue their own anti-India agenda. As many are aware, the protest against agri-reform bills in India is part of a democratic process. It is work in progress in our functioning democracy. Government of India is in talks with the protesters which are still ongoing. Needless to say, It is an internal issue of India.”
In recent days, the High Commission has comprehensively briefed the relevant interlocutors in the UK government and the Parliament on the fundamental features of the path breaking farming sector reforms initiated by the Govt. of India. The fact that currently the Govt of India has reached out to the farmers’ organisations in India to address any of their apprehensions and concerns about the relevant reform measures is part of the democratic decision making process and exemplifies the spirit of responsive governance in India.
Last week, 36 British MPs from various parties have written to British Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab, asking him to intervene in the issue. Coordinated by Labour MP Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi, the letter seeks an urgent meeting with Raab. Signatories to the letter include MPs from Labour, Conservative and Scottish National Party, including former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn, Virendra Sharma, Seema Malhotra, Valerie Vaz, Nadia Whittome, Peter Bottomley, John McDonnell, Martin Docherty-Hughes and Alison Thewliss.
Farmers Gather More Support As Centre Seeks Time; US Court asks trump to restart ‘DACA’; China launches new Earth observation satellite – all in India Daily Digital – please click here to read.
Farmers Gather More Support As Centre Seeks Time; US Court asks trump to restart ‘DACA’; China launches new Earth observation satellite – all in India Daily Digital – please click here to read.
The UN Children’s Fund, UNICEF, launched a $6.4 billion emergency funding appeal to reach more than 190 million children affected by humanitarian crises amidst the coronavirus pandemic.
The appeal for 2021, which is a 35 percent increase over the funds requested for this year, is the largest ever by the UN agency. It will support essential programmes in 149 countries and territories.
It is an “unprecedented” situation, said Henrietta Fore, UNICEF Executive Director.
“Today we are facing a child rights emergency in which COVID-19 and other crises are combining to deprive children of their health and wellbeing. This unprecedented situation demands a similarly unprecedented response.”
UNICEF
She called on donors to contribute “so that together we can help the world’s children get through this darkest of times and prevent a lost generation.”
As the world confronted the COVID-19 pandemic, new humanitarian crises erupted in Ethiopia’s Tigray region and Mozambique’s Cabo Delgado provinces in recent weeks while powerful storms wreaked havoc in Central America and the East Asia, and protracted emergencies worsened globally.
“When a devastating pandemic coincides with conflict, climate change, disaster and displacement, the consequences for children can be catastrophic,” said Ms. Fore.
As part of its Humanitarian Action for Children, which sets out UNICEF’s 2021 appeal, the agency plans to assist, about 300 million people – including 190 million children. Priority sectors include education, water, sanitation and hygiene, WASH,, nutrition, health and child protection.
India’s e-commerce industry reported nearly 56 per cent growth in order volume this festive season amid the pandemic as compared to the same period last year, said a new report on Friday.
The increase in order volume also led to the 50 per cent growth in gross merchandise value (GMV) as compared to the last year festive season, said the report by e-commerce focused software-as-a-service (SaaS) platform Unicommerce.
The report said that not just marketplaces but brand websites also reported huge growth in consumer demand his festive season.
Big brands are now committed towards selling through their own websites, Unicommerce said.
The brand websites witnessed nearly 77 per cent order volume growth as compared to 60 per cent order volume growth of the marketplace, said the report.
The research showed that personal care category has emerged as the biggest gainer with nearly 176 per cent order volume growth over last year’s festive month.
The electronics segment continues to be the highlight of festive season sales, with all marketplaces extensively promoting discounts and offers on electronic products.
e commerce
The segment saw a substantial growth of 65 per cent in order volume as compared to the festive month of 2019.
Beauty and wellness is another category that has reported approximately 52 per cent order volume growth as compared to previous year’s festive season.
“This festive month we have seen e-commerce grow beyond expectations, and it’s interesting to see the new emerging categories like personal care and beauty and wellness continuing their growth trajectory even during the festive season,” Kapil Makhija, CEO Unicommerce, said in a statement.
“With the rising consumer demand on brand websites, brands are now committed towards going D2C (direct-to-consumer) and offering great deals to attract more consumers.”
The report analysed shopping trends for the festive month of 2019 and 2020.
The time period for the analysis is 30 days prior to Diwali with a sample size of over 44 million orders.
In this festive season, Tier-II and beyond cities of India contributed over 59 per cent of the online consumer demand of India, while traditional metros and Tier-I cities contributed around 41 per cent to the overall online retail.
After crushing South Africa 3-0 in the T20 International series, all-rounder Ben Stokes said that the current England team can beat any team in the world if it is at full strength.
“It’s a scary thing to think about where this team could go when we have played some games together,” Stokes said.
The just-concluded series was a rare occasion when a full-strength England squad could play in a bilateral series as there were no franchise league tournaments clashing with it. Nor were there any injury concerns. England won the first game by five wickets, the second by four wickets and the third by nine wickets.
“We are very confident in our ability as a side and what we have always done is focus on ourselves. We look at the other team – their strengths and weaknesses – but what we do well is concentrate on ourselves and put pressure on ourselves,” said Stokes.
Ben Stokes
“We know if we play our best game of cricket we can beat most teams which is not an arrogant thing to say, it’s where we’re at. We know how strong this team is and it’s really exciting to be a part of it,” Stokes added.
England now go on to play three ODIs against South Africa, the series beginning on Friday.
With the 2021 T20 World Cup still 10 months away, to be held in October-November next year, the world No.1 England are shaping up well.
“As the series got deeper we really showed what we are about and it’s great to see some guys playing so freely in a short space of time. It’s amazing to see where this team can go when we get it together,” said Stokes.
