Author: Newsdesk

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Sport

Capitals Regain Top Slot With A 13 Run Win Over Royals

Delhi Capitals (DC) on Wednesday beat Rajasthan Royals (RR) by 13 runs at the Dubai International Stadium and climbed back to the top of the IPL points table, even as the winning team’s fast bowler Anrich Nortje bowled the fastest ball of the tournament history.

Defending a total of 161/7 wickets in 20 overs, DC looked off the pace for much of the second innings but the bowlers led by South African duo Nortje (2/33) and Kagiso Rabada (1/28) stifled the batting side for runs in the ‘death’ overs to take the game away from them.

DC conceded just 26 runs in the last five overs, started off by Ravichandran Ashwin (1/17) conceding just two in the 16th. He finished his four overs with an economy of 4.25. Rabada then bowled the 17th and conceded just eight after which Nortje dismissed Robin Uthappa (32) in the next and conceded just four.

Rabada then conceded three in the 19th over and took the wicket of Jofra Archer (1) after which debutant Tushar Deshpande (2/37) was handed the ball for the last over by Shikhar Dhawan, who captained DC for much of the innings after Shreyas Iyer sustained a shoulder injury during the powerplay.

RR needed 22 to win from the last over and Deshpande gave just four off the first four, which included a brilliant fielding effort from Ajinkya Rahane, to seal the game in DC’s favour.

RR openers Ben Stokes and Jos Buttler got them off to a quick start and their rampage was stopped by the fiery Nortje, who broke the record for the fastest ball in the tournament’s history twice – his fastest delivery was timed 156.2 kmph – and the second of the two deliveries yielded Buttler’s wicket.

Earlier, Dhawan (57) and Shreyas (53) scored half-centuries as DC made 161/7 wickets.

Brief scores: DC 161/7 wkts in 20 overs (Shikhar Dhawan 57, Shreyas Iyer 53; Jofra Archer 3/19) beat RR 148/8 in 20 overs (Ben Stokes 41, Robin Uthappa 32; Anrich Nortje 2/33) by 13 runs

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Sport

Sam Curran is our complete cricketer: Dhoni

CSK Skipper MS Dhoni

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) captain MS Dhoni was all praise for all rounder Sam Curran after their 20-run win over SunRisers Hyderabad (SRH) on Tuesday at the Dubai International Stadium. Curran was sent out to open the innings with Faf du Plessis and scored 31 off 21 balls.

He later returned with figures of 1/18 in three overs, accounting for the wicket of SRH captain David Warner and thus providing CSK with their first wicket.

“He is a complete cricketer for us. You need a seaming all-rounder. He strikes the ball nicely, he can bat up the order, plays the spinners well,” said Dhoni in the post-match presentation ceremony.

“He can give us those quick 15-40 runs. You can push him up if you need that momentum and he is eager to do it. A good left armer is always good to have in the side. Especially with the new ball, which the batsman is always worried about.”

Curran has been a regular for CSK in the death overs but on Tuesday, they opted to use Dwayne Bravo, Karn Sharma and Shardul Thakur. “As the tournament progresses we’ll get more comfortable with the death bowling, which is why we kept Sam away from the death and Thakur and Bravo took over. We’ll get better,” he said.

Also Read: Batting is a worry for CSK: Dhoni

Also Read: IPL: Powerhouse CSK aim to continue domination

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Business

Demand in China boosts Indian steel industry

Good times seems to be making a return for Indian steel makers as global demand conditions, particularly in largest steel consuming market in China, has pushed up the metal prices worldwide.

The immediate impact of the development in China is that Indian steel prices have also firmed up and has shown consistent increase over last four months since July when unlock phases of the economy became more pronounced.

Steel trade data released by China suggests demand remains strong there with net steel exports declining to 10 year lows in September 2020. Moreover, high passenger car sales in September 20 20 confirm strong end user demand for steel in China. China’s domestic steel prices are also on the rise again post the National Holidays that ended last week.

“With strong steel demand supporting prices in China, we expect regional export prices to also remain strong, which should be beneficial for Indian steel prices,” Motilal Oswal said in a report.

India has already turned net exporter of steel to China for the first time in several years, with 69 per cent of semi-finished steel and 28% of finished steel heading there between April and August. The numbers have risen further in the months of September and October.

In China, net steel exports have declined to 0.94mt – a new 10-year low. Declining net steel exports despite rising steel production (up 4.7 per cent YoY over Jan-Sep’20) indicate strong steel consumption in China.

Moreover, China’s passenger car sales grew 8 per cent YoY to 2.09 million units in September 2020 (and by 7.8 per cent YoY in 3QCY20), indicating strong end-use demand for flat steel. The country’s iron ore imports also surged 9 per cent YoY to 108MT (8 per cent MoM) in September 2020, and inventories at ports rose 3 per cent MoM to 104.8MT.

All these are indicative of a boom coming back in the global steel market that should benefit Indian steel sector as well. Though India steel prices have moved up for past few months, there were concerns on demand conditions in China exerting downward pressure on prices.

Closer at home, steel companies have increase the price of the metal for the fourth month in a row in October on the back of demand revival and firm price trends in the overseas market.

Benchmark hot rolled coils (HRC) prices have increased by Rs 1,000-2,000 per tonne for October deliveries to Rs 43,000-43,500 per tonne whereas (cold rolled coil) CRC prices stand at Rs 52,000 per tonne.

The outlook is positive long steel products as construction activity in the country picks pace after monsoon.

Also Read: India’s Steel Exports To China Hit New Highs

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Business India News

India Set To Be A Top Investment Choice: Survey

India will emerge as one of the top three choices for overseas investments in the next 2-3 years, a CII-EY FDI survey report showed on Tuesday.

According to the survey, India is the first choice for future investments for more than two-thirds of the MNC respondents.

The survey also showed that 25 per cent of the respondents, who represent non-Indian HQ MNCs, view India as the first choice for future investments.

“The survey shows that more than 80 per cent of all the respondents and 71 per cent of the non-Indian headquartered respondents plan to make investments globally in the next 2-3 years,” the report said.

“About 30 per cent of companies are planning to invest more than $500 million. About 50 per cent of the respondents see India among the top three economies or leading manufacturing destinations of the world by 2025,” it added.

The respondents have picked market potential, skilled workforce and political stability as the top three reasons to make India their favoured destination.

Other key factors which contribute to the attractiveness of India as an investment destination include cheap labour availability, policy reforms, and availability of raw materials, the report said.

“Recent reforms in the country such as corporate tax cuts, ease of doing business measures, simplification of labour laws, FDI reforms, and focus on human capital have emerged as the top drivers for fresh investments,” the report said.

“Non-Indian HQ MNCs have also opined that major investment in infrastructure and 100 Smart cities as well as financial sector reforms will also help establishing India as a favourable destination for FDI,” it said.

In addition, the survey brought out some key recommendations sought by the respondents.

As per the report: “Infrastructure development, faster clearances, and proper implementation of the improved labour laws and labour availability as the top three issues that the companies want the government to focus on, followed by R&D and innovation, and tax reforms.

“In terms of trade policy reforms, investors would like to see a faster turnaround time for exports and imports, improved cargo handling, and trade facilitation measures to be in place.”

Also Read: Tesla To Begin India Pre Launch Activities In January

Also Read: Semi Urban, Tier 2 Markets Driving Growth: Honor India Head

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Sport

Come out of Retirement; Shastri asks de Villiers

India head coach Ravi Shastri has urged former South Africa captain AB de Villiers to come out of retirement and again play international cricket.

On Monday evening, de Villiers played a scintillating knock of 73 runs for the Royal Challengers Bangalore in their Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020 match against Kolkata Knight Riders. His 33-ball inning was studded with five 4s and six 6s and it helped RCB post 194/2 which they defended quite comfortably in the end at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium.

“Now, that the penny has dropped. What one saw last night was unreal. And the feeling is the same waking up. AB de Villiers, the game in these trying times or otherwise needs you back in the international arena and out of retirement. The game will be better off,” Shastri tweeted on Tuesday.

The former Proteas skipper played 114 Tests, 228 ODIs and 78 T20Is for the national side before his retirement in 2018.

de Villiers has been in great form in the ongoing IPL, having so far scored 228 runs in seven matches for the RCB.

Courtesy their 82-run win over KKR, RCB are currently placed at the third spot in the points table and will next face Kings XI Punjab on Thursday.

Also Read: Rohit Sharma becomes third in IPL to cross 5K runs

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Business Economy

Festive Season To See Increased Spending On Electronics: Survey

Despite the pandemic triggered financial crisis, India might witness an increased spending on electronics during the coming festive seasons. A recent study has revealed that a good majority of the people are saving money to spend on white goods.

More than 3 in 4 Indians have been saving in the past few months to splurge on electronics and gadgets this festive season, according to ZestMoney, an AI-driven EMI financing and Paylater platform.

The pan-India survey which received approximately 12,200 responses suggests that 74 per cent of the respondents said they have been saving for the upcoming festive season.

While 48 per cent said budgets have been impacted this year, 80 per cent of those surveyed wish to choose EMI options to plan their finances better this year.

“It is interesting to note that 52 per cent of them revealed that they planned to spend more or the same as they did last year,” the findings showed.

While 42 per cent plan to visit retail stores in coming months, 52 per cent said they will prefer online gifting for family and friends.

“Online habits of consumers are here to stay with the boom in demand for e-commerce services. COVID-19 has not only changed how people plan their purchases but how they want to fund them too,” said Lizzie Chapman, CEO and Co-founder of ZestMoney.

“Some of our partners have witnessed a 100 per cent increase in EMI transactions signalling the importance of affordable solutions in boosting demand. There is increased interest in Buy Now, Pay Later solutions especially for big ticket items,” Chapman added.

Affordability solutions play a crucial role in these times as people cope with the economic uncertainty induced by COVID-19.

The online medium continues to be the preferred choice, with 62 per cent respondents planning to shop online for most of their needs.

“We have noticed that people want to plan their finances better and that same trend is playing out in the survey”, Chapman said.

Also Read: India Inc skeptical of govt’s plan to push festive demand

Also Read: Tesla To Begin India Pre Launch Activities In January

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-Top News Asia News

US Asks Turkey To Pull Back ‘Oruc Reis’

Morgan Ortagus US State Department spokeswoman.

The United States has demanded that Turkey pull back an energy research ship that it has sent back to waters contested with Greece, calling the move a “calculated provocation.”

In a strongly worded statement, the State Department said the US “deplores” the decision by Turkey that came just after tensions with Greece had subsided, reports Arab News.

“We urge Turkey to end this calculated provocation and immediately begin exploratory talks with Greece,” State Department spokeswoman Morgan Ortagus said in a statement.

“Turkey’s announcement unilaterally raises tensions in the region and deliberately complicates the resumption of crucial exploratory talks between our NATO allies Greece and Turkey,” she said.

Turkey’s Energy and Natural Resources Minister Fatih Donmez on Monday announced the return to its seismic survey vessel, the Oruc Reis, to the Eastern Mediterranean Sea to resume its activities.

Turkish seismic vessel Oruc Reis.

Donmez said on his Twitter account that the vessel raised the anchor to “take the X-ray of the Mediterranean” following the completion of its maintenance works, reports Xinhua news agency.

Last month, Turkey withdrew Oruc Reis from its activity area to a port in Antalya province for its monthly maintenance and supplies.

European Union countries have been trying to mediate between Turkey and Greece over their conflicting demands.

Turkey says that Greece’s maritime territory claims in the region, based on small islands near the Turkish coast, are in defiance of the international law.

Greece and Turkey are both NATO members, but have a history of border disputes and competing claims over maritime rights.

Also Read: Turkey Calls For Urgent Reconciliation With EU

Also Read: Canada suspends arms exports to Turkey

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-Top News UAE News

‘UAE’s Pandemic Response A Pioneering Model’

Obaid Rashid Al Shamsi, Director-General of the National Emergency Crisis and Disasters Management Authority, NCEMA.

The Director-General of the National Emergency Crisis and Disasters Management Authority, NCEMA, Obaid Rashid Al Shamsi, has said that the UAE is a pioneering global model in the way it responded to the COVID-19 pandemic, thanks to the government’s foresight and proactive approach in managing the crisis.

In a speech on the occasion of International Day for Disaster Reduction, observed on October 13th, Al Shamsi said that while the pandemic ravaged many countries around the world, the UAE has demonstrated how having a clear strategy and handling this imminent danger with professionalism, has allowed it to contain its repercussions.

“On International Day for Disaster Reduction, we are proud to be among the ranks of developed nations in our response to crises,” he said. “The UAE has become a pioneering model and its achievements are being witnessed by all regionally and globally,” he added.

He went on to say that having a clear strategy, that relies on communication and coordination, with no room for rivalry, opposition or dissonance, has allowed the UAE to rise to the forefront of effective decision-making.

The Director-General congratulated the country’s leadership for its achievements and the people for their part in the success and for overcoming this challenging time.

Al Shamsi said that at the end of 2019, and as governments all around the world were put under the test, “Everyone wondered, who will overcome this ordeal?”

He also noted that “despite this storm that hit all countries,” the UAE has proven its effective handling of the crisis by strengthening work between governmental and non-governmental bodies, pulling together a national effort to manage the pandemic. “This created a path which led to safety, so that the UAE society was able to enjoy peace and stability.”

He concluded by saying that this success was not just due to government efforts only but also the UAE community which has shown immense responsibility in dealing with the crisis.

Also Read: UAE tops regional Covid Economic Recovery Index

Also Read: One in 10 in world may have had Covid 19: WHO

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-Top News UK News

Asian Lite Daily Digital – JOBLESS RATE SOARS

JOBLESS RATE SOARS; Sadiq joins campaign against Government’s travel ban; Oli Facing Heat From Own Party Over Chinese Encroachment; Border Talks End in Deadlock; Slight Delay Expected For India’s Human Space Flight – All in Asian Lite Daily Digital, October 14, 2020 – please click here to read.

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-Top News UAE News

Asian Lite Daily Digital – India Cements Ties With Gulf

India Cements Ties With Gulf; UAE Focuses On Export Strategies For ‘Designing the Next 50’; ‘Switch to Impact-Based Forecasting’; Oli Facing Heat From Own Party Over Chinese Encroachment; Border Talks End in Deadlock; Slight Delay Expected For India’s Human Space Flight – All in Asian Lite Daily Digital, October 14, 2020 – please click here to read.