Guest Speak

Good causes attract good people who join in to support you,” says Chairman of Pai Kane Group, Atul Pai Kane.

As the pandemic was on a rise, Atul’s wife Gaurapriya walked up to him and declared that she wished to do something for the covid-affected families. And just like that she has been personally cooking 80 meals a day! Soon, Prahlad and Sabreen Sukhtankar of Blackmarket / Black Sheep Bistro began providing meals to a part of her list. But even after cooking meals day Atul and Gaurapriya Pai Kane in and day out, Gaurapriya felt that they should be doing more in this moment of crisis. The lack of oxygen concentrators in Goa, was a right pain point that the couple wished to address.

Atul counts his blessings and feels that people with means should give back to the society and so he went with Gaurapriya’s idea of creating a bank for oxygen concentrators to some trade also heads CII’s IWN in Goa, Atul and organizations. The lukewarm response Gaurapriya are left to ideate the program. left him to explore options within his As an entrepreneur, for Atul, the family run Shri Devidas Pai Kane Health, pandemic has been a platform to reflect Every Breath Matters OXYGENATE GOA BY PAI KANE GROUPEducation and Fellowship Trust, that otherwise funds educational causes. “We were good to fund 5 oxygen concentrators. But soon other people joined in and today we and fine tune the organization, which have 17 machines, which are given to the is Goa’s leading genset manufacturer. needy free of cost. The effort of reaching Atul has managed to cut through the out to the needy is looked after by Karpe otherwise uncertain period and focus family in Mapusa,” adds Atul. on his entrepreneurial goals, knowing

Atul’s business group quickly put up well that the business place left behind a website where one could enter details by coronavirus will be vastly different and avail the facility. The entire family from what it once was, and he wishes to has chipped in to make this initiative pursue new goals for his enterprise with work. With the co-ordination left in the same zeal and passion that he has the able hands of Sheetal Pai Kane, who brought to influence a social cause

GUEST SPEAK / AJAI CHOWDHRY VACCINE PLUS TECHNOLOGY

The writer feels that the only way forward in a covidised world is to rely on technology and get vaccinated

The last 8/12 weeks have been a We still don’t know enough to 99.9 % of SARSCoV-2. Another Indian nightmare for India. All the talk of herd immunity and innate immunity due to our living conditions has been turned upside down by the second wave. We got about the disease and the vaccines, but many predict that we may end up living company AARMR has designed some really cool masks to protect and still look good. so carried away by our own hyperbole with it and taking shots Surfaces and technology that we started believing in it. every year for various strains A variety of studies are still looking at how

Many countries have faced the same long the virus stays alive on surfaces. It is situation whether it is Sweden, Thailand, Adalja of John Hopkins University still unclear if this increases the chance Germany and Canada, all have had to Centre for Health Security - “The goal of transmission. But it is known that the face the second wave despite all past of the vaccine program for COVID-19 is virus can survive on surfaces from a few successes. not necessarily to get to Covid Zero but hours to a few days depending on the

The whole country is in this ‘curfew to tame the virus, to defang it , to remove material. So many types of technologies mode’ (a new name for lockdown). And its ability for serious hospitalization and are in use. The most popular are sprays. we are seeing more and more people die. death”. So, the real purpose is to give But these need to be used many times And already 300 odd doctors have also your body enough protection to avoid a day. Many service companies have died. So why are we still looking at only hospitalization and death. (Of course, emerged who promote solutions at one solution for Covid – Vaccination! you can still get infected despite the offices, what with use of special materials, We can prevent many deaths and bring vaccine) spraying and using tunnels at offices etc. the country back to normal if we look at We still don’t know enough about All these provide temporary relief. And alternatives. the disease and the vaccines, but many studies done by CDC have clarified that predict that we may end up living with surface transmission is “not thought to The Vaccine Dilemma it and taking shots every year for various be the main way the virus spreads.” Today, we are a little better prepared with strains. WHO said that the second year two vaccines manufactured in India and of pandemic could be even tougher Technology to the rescue for prevention the Russian vaccine approved. The US was as Coronavirus surges (Global News, So, the Coronavirus basically spreads very fast off the block and is vaccinating January 2021). Concerns about clots from person to person. An infected with great speed. The rest of the western persist. But we just need to move ahead person (even with no symptoms) may world, who have cornered the vaccine are and get on with vaccination. And this emit aerosols when they talk, breathe or also moving fast. could not be the end to all problems from eat. These infectious particles can float or

India now has a plan in place with pandemics. Bill Gates has warned that the drift around the air for up to three hours. more vaccines to be approved. However, next pandemic could be 10 times worse. Closed spaces is where the virus thrives. it will still take a lot of time. And will Many technologies have emerged to depend on approvals and manufacturing Vaccine Plus fight this Coronavirus for closed spaces. capacity of other new vaccine producers. Even if you take the vaccine, it is Currently there is also no vaccine that important to observe the right behaviour Air Ionizers: There are some companies is approved for children and pregnant – masks, social distancing and washing in India and abroad who have created women, that constitutes 51% of the hands frequently. This is very difficult such products. These are effective for 2 population. in our country what with high density to 4 hours and can take care of airborne

On top of all of this, there is always population and mask fatigue and so transmission only. They may produce some confusion in the minds of the many festivals and weddings where all ozone which is harmful for human eligible population. It is believed that even this goes for a toss. beings. This may be efficient in very small all the frontline workers may not have But there are masks and there are spaces and needs constant filter change taken the vaccine. And as per the Health masks. The most basic masks are use and and maintenance. Ministry, the number of those vaccinated throw. But lot of technology has crept in under this category is 24% higher than here. N95 masks with proper fit are the Ultraviolet devices Many products are the known number. So, as usual ‘jugaad’ ones recommended based on the study available with many dubious claims. is happening in many locations. done by University of Cambridge. But These are mainly effective in one time

Lots of people worry about efficacy of breathability is also important. Many disinfecting. Exposure from this can be each vaccine. ‘Mine is better than yours’. technologies have appeared on the very harmful to human eyes and skin. So they get confused and wait for the material used for masks. IIT Kanpur best! But as I read more and saw videos start up, Espin has created Swasa N95 Sprays: Many products are available about it, I found that efficacy is not that mask. This is reusable for hundred hours. here. But these are again one time use important. This is because the trials Livinguard, a company in Switzerland and temporary and some can be toxic to were done at different state of growth of founded by an Indian, Sanjeev Swamy humans and the environment. the virus (including more variants). We has a range of very advanced technology What is it really needed is to bring should take what we get. All vaccines are masks. These are washable 30 times and back businesses to normal and kickstart okay to take if approved. As per Amesh the material used is claimed to destroy up the economy during Covid 2.0. No

amount of advisories will work except vaccine and technology. Our schools will be closed for second year running. Most IT companies and BPOs are running with WFH and in some cases sub optimal operations. Most large corporates and factories are again getting threatened by lockdowns, supply chain breaks etc. And hospitality has a huge problem as restaurants etc will close.

So, some interesting technologies have emerged. A US company has created an AI system that uses existing surveillance to create a realtime indoor positioning system for targeted disinfection. But this depends on constant disinfection and is not a 24x7 solution.

I have also heard of a water based technology being worked on by some researchers in India.

The most promising and proven technology comes from a startup, Shycocan Corp in India. When the Indian scientist Dr Rajah Vijay Kumar announced this last year, there were a few naysayers who felt this was not possible. Some questioned the physics. He says it adopts old physics principles. “When a superalloy (proprietary technology of the inventor) is excited, it emits a certain amount of photons. These photons bounce off various surfaces to eject electrons.”

These electrons seek the negative charge of the virus, which in turn disables the spike protein of the virus. The cycle continues as these electrons combat the virus irrespective of the number of infected persons in the room. Interestingly, he says that “the Shycocan does not harm any living thing – from micro organism to fungi to even largest animals and human beings.”

I met Dr Rajah Vijay Kumar in Bangalore many years ago. He is a prolific inventor and he showed me some amazing technologies like the Cytotron that is known to cure cancer and is CE approved. He has 30 odd patents to his credit. The product has been tested scientifically in labs in the US, Mexico and India. It also has CE Mark approval and the US FDA has allowed it to be sold in the USA under its ‘Enforcement’s Discretion Guidance’ during Covid 19 health emergency. Many other countries like Australia, New Zealand, UAE, Malaysia have allowed it to be sold there. The company claims to have started exports already.

The product is now used by some marquee customers in the private sector and the government. I was shown some real experience of customers (on videos) in a factory, at a dentist practice, a café and a finance company etc.

I do believe that all governments and businesses should encourage such technology and enable ‘opening’ up of offices, schools, colleges, cinemas rather than another specter of lockdowns. We now need Unlockdowns and to be the first in the world to use Indian technology to do so.

And just the way, the Government encouraged development of ventilators etc last year, we should encourage more innovation like this to come up and save the economy. This will be a welcome step towards real atmanirbharta and show our technological prowess to the world in addition to vaccines. What I call vaccine plus technology

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GCCI DEMANDS RELIEF FOR RETAIL BIZ

The trade and industry body has been vocal in demanding relief from the government for retailers who have been bearing the brunt of the pandemic since last year

By BUSINESS GOA NEWS DESK

Goa Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) has sought a financial relief for retailers and malls, for the second time for small and big retail establishments in the State.

According to the GCCI, the government must waive off the local taxes levied by the municipal councils and panchayats for the first five months of the year – April to August 2021 – or until normalcy is attained.

The waiver in taxes must be immediate and on house tax, property tax, sanitation tax, trade / occupation licences etc which are levied on retailers and traders, said the industry body.

The GCCI has also asked for special loan package from the Economic Development Corporation (EDC) to assist retail businesses. “With zero revenues, retailers are still expected to pay overheads such as salaries, electricity, taxes and rentals. If timely relief package is not provided by the Government, to ease the financial stress,then the retail sector will find it hard to survive this second wave, factoring that they have barely managed to survive the first wave”

Manoj Caculo | President, Goa Chamber of Commerce & Industry

Manoj Caculo, President of GCCI, stated that such loans should be collateral free and secured against inventory or debtors. “The loans should be at a lower rate of interest and long term. If possible, the loans could be guaranteed by the State Government so that other banks could participate as well.”

The memorandum submitted to Chief Minister Pramod Sawant points out that the retail sector works on thin margins and volumes, which by nature makes their business model vulnerable. To remain afloat, it needs consistency of business hours, certain number of foot-fall, conversions and spending power and optimism from the consumers. According to GCCI, COVID-19 had a deeper impact on the retailers, as the curfew restrictions led to operations coming to a grinding halt, with the only exception being pharmacy stores.

The industry body said that establishments need to pay wages, rent, taxes, interest on borrowings, need cash flow for purchases, credits, have huge maintenance costs – with all these factors being almost constant, irrespective of the business.

Further, Caculo added that the cash inflow of the retail sector has come to a grinding halt, while fixed operating costs reamain intact. “If a timely relief package is not provided by the government to ease the financial stress, then the retail sector will find it hard to survive the second wave, factoring that they have barely managed to survive the first wave.”

A few weeks back, Caculo had asked for retailers and their employees to be treated as frontline COVID warriors on account of their constant interaction with customers

“The Goan jewellery business has been hit hard by the pandemic. Cancelled or postponed events and weddings had brought the jewellery industry to a standstill with virtually no footfalls in jewellery stores, amidst the fear of virus spread. Many small jewellers had to even shut down their stores. The industry further lost out on Gudi Padwa and Akshaya Tritiya, which fell during the time of curfew and lockdown.

When it looked like businesses were recovering in early months of 2021, have now been left scattered by the second wave.

It is a commendable effort from GCCI to seek relief for retail businesses from the government is much-needed in today’s crisis.” “Exigent costs, fierce online competition and reduced volumes have already depleted working capital in retail businesses in the last few years. The last 15 months of staggered business with lockdowns have eroded into the fixed savings which were kept aside for future plans.

Yearly local governemnt levies, if rebated to the extent of closure of operations, will afford a small respite out of the many stacks of cost burdens on retail businesses.

If the intent is to cure the retail business suffering from weakness in working capital as well as uplift his spirits, fiscal policy must provide the vitamin of interest loan, to kickstart movement to halted inventory. The GCCI’s appeal to the government for relief to retail is timely and worthy.” “The impact of the second wave of Covid 19 with the anticipated third wave, has totally derailed the economy and a rigorous implementation from the Government to provide support is highly essential.

An interest rebate for at least two years on term loans and credits availed, will be essential for businesses which have been affected due to a drop in cash flow. Municipalities should waive house tax and trade fees, electricity concession and an extension in payment credit is required.

We need the Government to support us with revenue getting affected. It will take around 2 years for things to stabilize with the above reforms, with vaccination as the key.” Since pandemic retailers have been struggling because of drop in demand and consumption. The main driver of retail business is consumption led demand. Small and medium retailers are managing their working capital through operation revenues. Retailers are not getting any State support like manufacturers or MSME, which makes it difficult for them to pay fixed costs and also plan for fresh merchandise.

Therefore, GCCI’s demand to government to provide some relief to retailers and help them stand and get back to business. We request to waive off various state levies, taxes collected by various local authorities and offer deferment in the payment of GST and electricity charges.”

BATTLEGROUND MOLLEM ENVIRONMENTALISTS STAND VINDICATED

The Supreme Court appointed Central Empowered Committee (CEC) has issued recommendations against three linear projects that cut through the Mollem National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary to the Apex Court

By SYBIL RODRIGUES

In a major victory to environmentalists and Goans at large, the Supreme Court appointed Central Empowered Committee (CEC), has issued recommendations against three linear projects that cut through the Mollem National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary, to the Apex Court.

Following an application filed by Goa Foundation, the CEC examined the proposals cleared by the Standing Committee of the National Board for Wildlife (SCNBWL) for the three linear projects in Goa – doubling of railway tracks, four-laning of a national highway, and the Goa-Tanmar Transmission Project – that will cut through the Bhagwan Mahaveer Wildlife Sanctuary (BMWS) and Mollem National Park (MNP) in South Goa.

Goa Foundation had filed an application before the CEC on June 26, 2020, alleging violation of the Supreme Court’s order of October 5, 2015 on matters relating to the National Park I Wildlife Sanctuaries and contravention of the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972, by the Standing Committee of National Board for Wildlife (SC-NBWL), which had cleared the three linear infrastructure projects within the boundaries of Wildlife Sanctuary and National Park in Goa.

The SC-NBWL had given wildlife clearance to the proposal for doubling of the railway track on December 17, 2019. On April 7, 2020, the SC-NBWL cleared the proposal for the power transmission project, and took up for consideration the project of four-laning of the national highway.

Goa Foundation submitted that taken together, the three projects involved diversion of about 170 hectares of forest land and sanctuary land, and the felling of an estimated 37,000 trees.

Goa Foundation Director Claude Alvares, said, “Today we got the best possible news. The railway doubling project has been recommended for wholesale cancellation.”

He pointed out that the CEC had recommended the cancellation of the entire segment of the SWR doubling from Tinai Ghat to Vasco, whose approval had been granted by the NBWL Standing Committee.

Explaining the CEC’s recommendation, Alvares said the Tamnar 400 KV line alignment, which is going through a new portion of the Bhagwan Mahaveer Sanctuary in the North has been cancelled.

“The Tamnar authorities have been told to go back to the old 110 KV alignment, where there is already a right of way and where there will be no further damage to the forests. On that ground they have said that they agree with what has been suggested to them, that they should go to the 110-220 KV line and eventually their argument is once the 400 KV line comes in, in any case the 100 line and 220 line are going to be of no use. So rather than having three lines in the wildlife sanctuary, they said you will shelve the present alignment, and go back to the 110 KV alignment, so that the corridor and the wildlife sanctuary is not damaged, in another virgin area,” Alvares added.

CEC’s Examination of the Issue

In December 2020 and April 2021, the CEC held virtual meetings with Goa Foundation, representatives/ counsel for Goa Tamnar Transmission Project, Ministry of Power, Ministry of MoEF&CC, South Western Railway, Rail Vikas Nigam Limited (RVNL), the PWD, Electricity and Forest Departments of the Government of Goa, and the Government of Karnataka.

From January 18 to January 22 this year, CEC Chairman P V Jayakrishnan, Member-Secretary Amarnatha Shetty, Member Mahendra Vyas, and amicus curiae ADN Rao made site visits. The CEC also went through all documents filed by the applicant and the various agencies.

CEC findings on DoubleTracking Project

In its report, the CEC said the doubling of the railway track from Castle Rock in Karnataka to Kulem “will destroy the fragile eco-system of the Western Ghats which is an internationally recognised biodiversity hotspot and also one of the most important wildlife corridor of the country.” It asked the Supreme Court to considers revoking the permission granted by the SC-NBWL for the doubletracking project.

The CEC observed: “The estimate of projected increase in traffic from Karnataka to Goa furnished by the railways is not based on facts and is without any sound reasoning and as statistics show mostly includes empty rakes returning to Goa and that despite the change in policy on import of coal the same has not been reflected in the projected traffic from Goa to Karnataka.”

On Power Transmission Project, Highway Expansion

The CEC recommended that the alignment of the Goa-Tanmar Transmission Project for laying of lines for the additional 400 KV feed to Goa be redrawn and modified along the existing 220 KV line. This will “help in saving the precious forest cover and wildlife in the ecologically fragile and biodiversity rich Western Ghats”, the CEC stated.

The CEC said, “Considering the future increase in traffic, something unavoidable, and keeping in view the interest of the Wildlife Sanctuary and the National Park, it is imperative to ensure improvement of the existing road by shifting it to an elevated structure at

“The Tamnar authorities have been told to go back to the old 110 KV alignment, where there is already a right of way and where there will be no further damage to the forests”