Land issues delaying construction: NHAI
The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has said that service road construction between Bhagawan Mahaveer (Pumpwell) Circle and Talapady on the four-lane NH 66 is being delayed for want of physical possession of required land to be handed over by the State government. Samson Vijay Kumar, NHAI Project Director, Mangaluru, Zone, told The Hindu that the authority and the concessionaire—Navayuga Udupi Tollway Pvt., Ltd., are ready to construct the service roads, but for technical reasons. The Special Land Acquisition Officer (SLAO) is unable to disburse compensation to a tune of about Rs. 32 crore to land owners because of their non-availability. Mr. Kumar was responding to a news article “Police will not hesitate to book NHAI if flaws in road building lead to accidents,” appearing in these columns on Monday. On specific queries by The Hindu about incomplete service roads all along four-lane NH 66 between Pumpwell and Talapady, he said though technically the lands (about 16 hectares) vested with NHAI, it cannot go ahead for want of physical possession. The district administration too had conducted special adalats to settle such cases recently and a few were settled. In Udupi district too, possession of about 5 hectares of land is yet to be given to NHAI as about Rs. 21 crore of compensation to land owners is yet to be disbursed. Mr. Kumar said the NHAI has already deposited the entire compensation amount with SLAOs concerned. With regard to absence of median opening at Yekkur Junction on NH 66, Mr. Kumar said initially there was a proposal to provide one. It was deleted as the height of the main carriageway on the other side had to be increased to match the height of the new Road Over Bridge on the Railway line. The authority is willing to provide one, if the City Police suggest so, Mr. Kumar added. Mr. Kumar also said the Dakshina Kannada Deputy Commissioner has appointed a designated SLAO for NH projects in the district to relieve the Assistant Commissioner of Mangaluru revenue sub division from the additional charge. Danny Gare Womens Jersey
As imports get costly, CIL woos power sector afresh
It has been a bad year for Coal India as fuel sales remained flat in the April-August period, sending profits on a tailspin. To survive the slowdown, the miner is looking to substitute imports in the power sector. Behind the project is the rising price of imported coal since February, widening the price gap with domestic coal. According to the “India Coal Market Watch” of mjunction, popular import varieties from South Africa (5,500 kcal) and Indonesia (4,200 kcal) have become costlier by 5.5 per cent and 19 per cent respectively over the past 45 days. Import of thermal coal is down 12 per cent this fiscal. Imported coal is used in power generation for two purposes. While the plants in the hinterland use limited quantities of these for blending, to meet emission standards; coastal power plants (away from the mining zone) run on low quality imported fuel for its freight advantage. Hinterland imports CIL is now planning to replace both the demands, partly or fully. While it is now flush with low-calorific value coal, the limited quantities of high value coal available in Ranigunj in West Bengal and Korea Rewa in Chattisgarh — which did not find too many takers in the past — can be used for blending. To make it workable CIL will make Railways and port authorities party to the negotiation so that coal can be reached to these consumers at a lower price than the imported coal. Considering India’s inefficient transportation infrastructure that (along with taxes) makes landed cost of fuel nearly two times costlier than the price of coal, the practical aspects of this proposal are yet to be tested. But to some extent, it has already started happening — NTPC and Neyveli Lignite have stopped issuing fresh import orders. This will replace nearly 17-18 million tonne of import demand beginning the second half of FY17. NDA-ruled hinterland States such as Chattishgarh, Punjab, Haryana and Madhya Pradesh have stopped issuing fresh import orders, too. Last year hinterland States consumed 37 million tonnes of imported fuel. Many lose ends The greater puzzle of servicing the coastal power plants, which are mostly idle due to low demand, is yet to be solved. A CIL source said these plants used 45 million tonnes of fuel last year, which is enough to generate over 9,000 MW of electricity. How does coal produced in say Odisha or Madhya Pradesh travel 2,000 km to say Tata Power’s ultra-mega power plant at Mundra, by India’s inefficient trains, and still remain cheaper than Indonesian coal delivered at the doorstep by cape-size vessels? Even if the logistics puzzle is worked out, the plan might face serious hurdles from the pricing point. According to Deepak Kannan, Managing Editor, Asia Thermal Coal of Platts, the traction behind the current price rise is weak and is almost solely driven by the Chinese demand for imported coal over domestic fuel. In an effort to cut the domestic production, arguably to offer traction to plummeting prices, China had cut the working days of mines from 330 to 270 for this year. This has pushed domestic prices above imported coal prices. Also, in Indonesia, production suffered early in the year due to unseasonal rains. But, according to Kannan, as we look at the production outlook of the top 10 Indonesian miners contributing up to 80 per cent of the country’s production, no supply constraint is in the horizon. More importantly, Chinese regulator NDRC held a meeting last week. And, the rumour is that Beijing may relax the production cap. If that happens, coal prices should melt down in the fourth quarter. Kannan is not sure if the prices will remain firm next year. And, that’s not music to the ears of CIL. Any meltdown in coal prices may spoil its plan to tap import demands as coastal plants especially will have little logic in replacing imported coal with domestic varieties. Dexter Manley Jersey
Power tariff to be cut by half if Cong forms govt in UP
Congress’ chief ministerial candidate in the 2017 Uttar Pradesh Assembly election Sheila Dixit has said farmers’ loans will be waived and power tariff will be cut by “half” if her party forms the government in the state. Addressing the gathering at the reception ceremony of the party’s ’27 saal, UP behaal’ campaign at Ashoka Palace in Rampur Maniharan here in the district, she blamed the SP, BSP and BJP for the “backwardness” of the state. The former Delhi chief minister claimed that the state lagged behind during the 27 years of non-Congress rule. “The roads as well as the law and order situation of the state are in a pathetic condition. The education system is shattered. There is no safety for anyone here. “The sugar mills are being closed down. The farmers do not get paid. That is why Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi has said if the party comes to power, farmers’ loans will be waived, the power tariff will be decreased by half and the farmers will be paid more,” she said. Dixit said due to lack of employment opportunities, the youth of the state was migrating to big cities such as Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata as well as to other states. Referring to the recent “feud” in Mulayam Singh Yadav’s family, she claimed that the SP stood “exposed”. “It (the feud) shows that they (the Yadavs) are worried about their family and not the state,” she alleged. Speaking on the occasion, Congress general secretary Ghulam Nabi Azad alleged that ever since the SP, BSP and BJP started ruling the state, they created divisions in the society.
Availability and affordability of power is a key enabler to meet SDGs: Minister Piyush Goyal
Electricity is key to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). India is a power surplus country and can generate 50 percent more power in relation to current production. Government of India is working on addressing last mile connectivity, stated Mr Piyush Goyal, Minister of State (I/C) for Power, Coal, New & Renewable Energy and Mines, Government of India. Mr Goyal stressed India’s commitment to its Intended Nationally Determined Contributions (INDCs) and to sustainable development and SDGs. He announced that the Government would shortly come up with a mandate for thermal power plants to utilize processed wastewater from a radius of 50 km and replace the fresh water utilization by treated wastewater. He added that India is the only country which taxes carbon. Clean coal cess has been substantially increasing over past few years. Now it is time for the world to start looking at the consumption in terms of carbon footprint rather just exporting the pollution to other parts of the world. India is only contributing to 4 percent of the global GHG emissions while supporting 17 percent of world population, he noted, adding that the world must recognize the principle of ‘polluter pays’. Mr. Yuri Afanasiev, UN Resident Coordinator & UNDP Resident Representative in India, said that given the size and complexity of social problems in India, the solutions to global challenges would be developed here over the next 10-15 years. India has come out with innovative solutions for developmental challenges like creation of 175 GW of renewable energy capacities, fulfilling Swachh Bharat targets etc. He stressed that the financial gap for meeting developmental goals can only be fulfilled by the private sector through sustainable and moderately profitable business models. In the last few years, there have been great efforts, both at the global level as well as in India, to encourage industries to move towards sustainable business models, said Mr. Ajay S Shriram, Past President, CII and Chairman & Senior Managing Director, DCM Shriram Limited. Mr Shriram lauded the government’s efforts in increasing the share of renewable energy and mentioned that Indian industry has given green energy commitments of over 200,000 MW. He added that hydropower which has been an important source of energy in total energy portfolio should have faster environmental clearances particularly for small and micro hydropower projects. Mr. Sanjiv Puri, Chief Operating Officer, ITC Limited, said that India’s INDCs have targeted lowering the carbon emission intensity to 33 to 35 percent by 2030 and proactive steps are required for energy security. Mr Puri mentioned the efforts of ITC to become water positive, carbon positive and positive on waste recycling. Mr. S. Raghupathy, Deputy Director General, CII, said that CII through Indian Green Building Council has been able to achieve 3.9 billion sq feet of green building. Payback period of adoption of energy efficient technologies has come down to 4-5 years. John Stallworth Authentic Jersey
India saved 55.7 million units of energy through UJALA
The ministry of power’s initiative Unnat Jyoti by Affordable LEDs for All (UJALA), has already resulted in 55.7 million units of energy savings and has reduced carbon emissions over 45,000 tonnes. UJALA has benefitted more than 5 crore citizens across 18 states and 4 union territories. This has been possible only through robust distribution and awareness mechanisms. The government has also ensured that awareness of its UJALA programme reaches every beneficiary, irrespective of their social and economic background. Nevertheless, there are four states where the scheme has not taken off owing to necessary state government approvals. The government is engaging with the respective state governments and ensuring that the scheme is rolled out soon. The ministry of power, along with the state information departments, distribution companies and several other partners have ensured that the common man is made aware of the scheme through various platforms and in respective local language of the state. In every state where the scheme is functional – traditional media such as television, radio and newspapers; out of home media such as hoardings, communication vans, posters and digital platforms such as website, social media, mobile app and microsite have been used to spread awareness about distribution of these bulbs In order to make sure the scheme takes off the power ministry has developed and has actively promoted a dashboard, which provides real-time update of number of bulbs distributed in cities, towns, villages the scheme is presently operational. Also, each distribution centre is geo-tagged for consumers to ascertain its exact location. The dashboard can be viewed at www.ujala.gov.in or downloaded from Google or Apple store. It details all the publicity material released by the government. In fact, the government actively directs consumers to UJALA website for queries received on Twitter and Facebook about the location of distribution kiosks. The Ministry has also urged consumers to visit the dashboard and identify the location of the nearest distribution centre along with lodging complaints to the ministry on any challenges faced, including faulty bulbs. Haason Reddick Jersey
BP looking to sell 8.5% stake in Castrol India
BP is looking to sell 8.5% stake in Indian subsidiary Castrol India through a block deal worth Rs1,750 crore on Tuesday. The share sale is happening at an indicative range of Rs 408 – Rs 422.50 per share, a discount of up to 3.5% to Castrol’s Monday closing price. Shares of Castrol India declined 4.5% to Rs 422.45 on Monday. In May UK’s BP sold 11.5% stake in the lubricant maker to reduce its holding in the company from 70.92% to 59.42% for about Rs 2072 crore. Shares of Castrol have declined 5% so far this year as against 9.5% rise in Sensex. Early this year, BP reported its record annual loss of $ 6.5 billion and revealed it is cutting thousands of jobs in an attempt to cope with the oil price slump. BP’s business has also been dealing with the fall-out from the 2010 Gulf of Mexico disaster. For the quarter ended June 2016, Castrol reported a 12% jump in net profit to Rs 207 crore over the same period last year. In May, Castrol said that BP has undertaken a strategic portfolio review to optimise the deployment of capital across different businesses. “BP believes this option is a good opportunity to release capital while maintaining its commitment to our lubricant business in India and continuing to have strategic control of Castrol India,” it said. Ken Crawley Womens Jersey
One in three applicants for a pilot job with Air India failed the psychological health test introduced after the Germanwings aircrash
A third of shortlisted candidates applying to be pilots with India’s leading airline have failed the test which analyses their psychological health, since December 2015. These applicants to Air India had all previously successfully cleared the simulator and technical exams before failing the psychometric test. Air India sources have revealed that 130 of the 413 candidates had not passed this crucial test which was introduced by the airline in December. The exam was introduced after the co-pilot of a Germanwings flight crashed his plane into the Swiss Alps in March 2015, killing all 150 on board. Evidence shows Andreas Lubitz, 27 locked the captain out of the cockpit of the flight from Barcelona to Duesseldorf, triggered the automatic descent mechanism and deliberately steered the plane into a remote mountainside. An investigation into the incident showed he had been suffering from psychological issues for several years and was plagued by depression and suicidal thoughts. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) – the Indian governmental regulatory body for civil aviation – ordered regular monitoring of pilot’s mental health last year based on recommendations of a committee headed by joint director general Lalit Gupta. However it is unclear whether candidates rejected by Air India went on to find employment with other private carriers. Matthew Lorito Authentic Jersey
Budget carriers refuse to shift from Delhi’s Terminal 1D
The GMR-led Delhi International Airport’s (DIAL) major expansion plan faces a fresh hurdle, as low-cost carriers have opposed the move to shift base from Terminal 1D (T1D) to Terminal 2 (T2), citing operational constraints. SpiceJet and GoAir, asked to shift to T2 from T1D, have opposed the move, citing passenger inconvenience. The no-frills carriers feel this will lead to drop in passenger count. While SpiceJet has sent out a missive to the airport consortium, GoAir has verbally communicated its decision to the airport operator. The resistance might lead to delay in DIAL’s expansion plans, given the private airport operator will have to convince the carriers or find a suitable alternative, before going ahead with the development work. At present, IndiGo, SpiceJet and GoAir are based out of T1D. DIAL had asked SpiceJet and GoAir to shift operations to T2, for it to be able to carry out construction work and airside development at T1D. In a letter to SpiceJet Chairman Ajay Singh, the airport operator had said all amenities will be provided to ensure seamless operation of the airline. “With SpiceJet having international operations, the airport operator had assured smooth transit for its passengers,” said a ministry official. But, SpiceJet officials say the airline had written to the airport operator, opposing the move. Jerry Rice Jersey
What Air India should do to retain its lost glory
Aviation Minister Ashok Gajapati Raju in his inimitable way is attempting to bring back the glory that Air India once commanded. But more interesting is the kinship that Raju, a scion of the royal family of Vizianagram, finds with the airline’s iconic mascot: The Maharaja. Raju, in a nostalgic mood, has been regularly tweeting classic pictures of the Maharaja from times when Air India was in all its glory — the sole Indian airline that was a symbol of the luxuries that only the rich and eminent were able to afford. In the last week of August, Raju tweeted a 1960s promotional poster of the airline done in the style of a Mughal painting. It showed the Maharaja, with his turban and twirly moustache, proudly seated atop an elephant. His entourage includes attendants on foot and horseback, some of them playing Indian musical instruments. The entourage even has two flying peacocks overhead. The caption said: There is an Air about India. The Maharaja was most ingeniously used when the carrier introduced a new route. One of the posters from the “retro Air India” collection, as Raju calls it, shows the Maharaja as a Russian Kalinka dancer when the airline started flying to Moscow. Another shows him speed boat surfing in Australia with the boat replaced by two mermaids. In yet another, the Maharaja is being carried like a prey, hands and feet tied, by two lions in the jungles of Nairobi. Kyle Turris Womens Jersey
Chandigarh airport embarks on global journey
At 5.15pm on Thursday (Sept 15), Chandigarh International Airport actually became international as a flight from Sharjah landed with 128 passengers onboard a 186-seater plane. At 6.35pm, an Air India Express plane carrying 182 passengers to Sharjah departed too, this being the first flight from this airport to a foreign destination. Union civil aviation minister P Ashok Gajapathi Raju said on the occasion that government-owned carrier Air India will start a flight to Singapore by March. Air India chairman Ashwani Lohani added Bangkok to the list. These will be thrice a week. Immediately next up, from September 26, IndiGo airlines will start a daily flight between Chandigarh and Dubai. Wayne Gretzky Womens Jersey