Unique times march 2018

Vol 7 Issue No.77 March - April 2018

THE REMARKABLE

REAL ESTATE PHENOMENON Dr. Roy C.J, Hon. Consul, Slovak Republic Founder & Chairman

Confident Group

Are interest rates poised for reversal?

Shri V.P. Nandakumar MD & CEO, Manappuram Finance Ltd.

A peregrination to Africa’s young nation

Printed by: Ajit Ravi Published by: Ajit Ravi Owned by: Ajit Ravi Printed at: Sterling Print House Pvt. Ltd. Cochin P.B. No: 3627, Veekshanam Road, Cochin Published at: Pegasus, L5-106 Changampuzha Nagar Kalamassery Ernakulam-682 033 e-mail: editor@uniquetimes.org uniquetimesindia@gmail.com Ph:0484 3242220, 6555533, 4025666 Mob:+91 98460 50283, 94470 50283 Editor Ajit Ravi Sub-Editor Vignesh Associate Editor Ravi Saini Editor-In-charge Jebitha Ajit Legal Advisor Latha Anand B.S.Krishnan Associates bskrishnanassociates@gmail.com Correspondents Dr. Thomas Nechupadam Vivek Venugopal- Quarter Mile Amrutha V Kumar Karthika S Nair Marketing UAE Phygicart.com P.O. Box: 92546, Al Karama Dubai Mr. Anish K Joy Mob: +971528946999 info@phygicart.com Tamil Nadu Vice president Uma Riyas Khan chennai, Mob: 9841072955 Unique Times, No.6/31, Arunachalam main road, Saligramam, Chennai – 600093 Andhrapradesh & Karnataka PEGASUS Ph: 09288800999 Sunilkumar NN, Saneesh Ashok Your wing Director Shwetha Menon Photographer Ashique Hassan Creative Design PEGASUS Cover Photograph Dr. Roy C.J Hon. Consul, Slovak Republic Founder & Chairman Confident Group

Editorial

"E

xperience tells you what to do; Being Confident allows you to do it," says Stanley Roger Smith, a former world No.1 Amercian tennis player and two time Grand Slam Singles champion.

Meet the maganimous Dr. Roy. C. J, the man behind the sprawling Confident group and it is his experience and confidence are the two qualities help him to scale up in life. Feathers on his cap are innumerable-the last one is his appointment as the honorary consul of the Slovak Republic which is a diplomatic position.

With a business empire spread across Bengaluru, Kerala and Dubaiasset strength of around one billion USD. In the regular column, V.P. Nandakumar, the Chairman & MD, Manappuram Finance, introduces inside out of the bond market. But he also predicts a future risk looming large in the Indian economy due to a reversal action in the bond market. What all precautions to be take in a scenario where the bond yield is rising? It is nice to read this article to understand a rare area of financial market.

In Auto, our expert team comes with third generation model of Swift and it has got roomier, got more equipment, has better ride quality.

Big advantage is the automatic models in both petrol and diesel. Our travel destination for the issue is ‘Swaziland', one of the smallest countries in the Southern region of Africa, where you can see the king of Swaziland because it is country where monarchy system still exists.

All regular staples are there to enjoy reading like film and book reviews, beauty tips and expert columns which opens new vistas of life.

CONTENTS

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16

20

Are interest rates poised for reversal?

12

Attention Economics in the Digital Age

16

The remarkable real estate phenomenon

20

E-way bills-The road that lies ahead

34

Two Time Stronger The growing India UAE partnership

42

46

48

52

54

58

46

Gadgets

48

Recipes

52

How to take care of long hair

54

A peregrination to Africa’s young nation

58

Swift

UNIQUE DIARY

Fertilizer import increases in third quarter

T

he import of fertilizers, such as urea and DiAmmonium Phosphate, has marked a sudden increase in the third quarter of the present Financial Year, indicating that a sudden increase in the price of agricultural products can be expected in the near future. The import of urea has gone up nearly a third, while the import of DAP has increased around sixtysix per cent. The rise in the price of the raw materials is the prime reason behind the increase in the import of fertilizers. The pre-stocking ahead of the rabi season is also a reason for the sudden shoot up in the fertilizer import rate.

Agriculture ministry introduces modified guidelines for PMCIS

“A satisfied customer is the best business strategy of all.�

Michael LeBoeuf

I

n order to remove flaws in the implementation of the Prime Minister Crop Insurance Scheme, the agriculture ministry has introduced modified guidelines. Apart from the guidelines, for the same purpose, the ministry is planning to hire at least twenty professionals to make sure that all issues around the scheme are confronted in a timely manner. The government aims to increase the coverage of the scheme from thirty per cent to fifty per cent by the year 2019. Since the launch, the coverage of the scheme has been consistently raising. Yet, the scheme has suffered the issue of the unequal implementation across the state.

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Magnetic Maharashtra Summit helps state amass huge funds

T

he Magnetic Maharashtra Summit, the three day business summit organised by the Indian state of Maharashtra, has helped the state to amass huge funds. The state has signed as many as four thousand investment proposals worth nearly twelve trillion Indian rupees. In addition to this, the state has also inked approximately one hundred investment proposals, worth nearly four trillion Indian rupees, with the central government.

The Maharashtra Chief Minister, Devendra Fadnavis, has said that the backward regions such as Marathwada and Vidarbha regions would benefit from these investments rather than the developed regions of the state. These new investments are likely to generate over thirty six lakh employment opportunities across the state.

FDI inflows in service sector drops sharply between April and December

“Making money is art and working is art and good business is the best art.�

Andy Warhol

C

ompared to the FDI inflow rate in service sector a year also, the Foreign Direct Investment inflows in service sector of India has dropped sharply (dropped at least forty-one per cent) in the present financial year between April and December. Fortunately, a slight increase in the FDI inflows has been reported in sectors such as telecommunication, pharmaceuticals, construction and automobile. Of the three prime sectors, the service sector is one of the most powerful sectors as it contributes huge sum to our economy every year compared to others. The decrease in the FDI inflow is likely to affect the sector adversely.

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UNIQUE DIARY

Trade fiction causes shadow over India-US relation

A

s per a sensitive report released by an International business media house, the Indian government is being pressurised by the United State government to bring down tariffs. At present, as part of the ambitious ‘Make in India’ program, the NDA government has envisaged a plan to increase tariffs for certain goods. Certain foreign companies, such as Ford and Apple, have already expressed their concerns about the increased tariff, which is the prime part of the Make in India program. While speaking to an International media reporter, a US State Department spokesperson has said that the Indian authorities should lower its tariffs.

India will become ‘Global Model’: NITI Aayog

Great things in business are never done by one person. They're done by a team of people.”

Steve Jobs

W

hile speaking at a function organised as part of the fortysixth Punjab University Colloquium-cum-third Shenmar Memorial Oration, the Niti Aayog Vice Chairman, Rajiv Kumar, has said that India would emerge as a model for the rest of the countries. There are indications in his statement that at present the country is undergoing economic, social and political transitions. Mr Kumar, in his statement, has asserted that once the country successfully completes the social, economic and political transitions, it would emerge as an ideal model for the rest of the countries. As per his observations, the Indian economy should properly identify challenges and opportunities such as the fourth industrial revolution.

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BUSINESS

The bond market trades in bonds just as the equity market trades in equity shares. A bond is defined as “a fixed income investment in which an investor loans money to an entity (typically corporate or governmental) which borrows the funds for a defined period of time at a variable or fixed interest rate.”

Shri V.P.Nandakumar MD & CEO Manappuram Finance Ltd.

ARE INTEREST RATES POISED FOR REVERSAL?

A

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n important development for the Indian economy in recent years has been the remarkable success achieved in lowering interest rates. This came about because the RBI had been steadily cutting its key policy rate since January 2014 when the repo rate had peaked at 8 percent. By August 2017, the repo rate had come down to 6 percent (where it stands today) for a total reduction of 2 percentage points over four years. The RBI’s move to cut interest rates over the last 3 to 4 years followed the decline in India’s inflation rate and indicated its confidence in the government’s ability to keep a tight lid on fiscal deficit.

markets in India have boomed recently.

For example, NBFCs have done well in recent years because the fall in interest rates made them more competitive visà-vis the banks, adding to their profitability.

The economy wide decline in borrowing costs has been beneficial to industry and business across sectors and this is one of the reasons why stock

Before getting into the recent action in the bond market, a brief word about how the bond markets work for the benefit of those readers who may not be

March-April-2018

Against this backdrop, recent events suggest that an unwelcome reversal of the trend may be in the offing. While the RBI has held rates steady since the last cut effected in August 2017, it is the action in the bond market that is a pointer to the turbulence that lies ahead.

Signals from the bond market

aware of its dynamics.

The bond market trades in bonds just as the equity market trades in equity shares. A bond is defined as “a fixed income investment in which an investor loans money to an entity (typically corporate or governmental) which borrows the funds for a defined period of time at a variable or fixed interest rate.� In other words, while an equity share represents fractional ownership of the company, buying or holding a bond makes you a lender to the company (or government, as the case may be).

As in the equity markets, bond market participants cheer when the prices of bonds go up. However, unlike the equity markets where

prices are influenced by a variety of factors, the price of bonds is determined by the prevailing interest rates. When interest rates rise, the value of bonds issued earlier (offering a rate of interest lower than the current rate) will fall to the extent that its yield is equalised with the current interest rate. Likewise, when interest rates fall, the value of bonds issued earlier (now offering a rate of interest higher than the current rate) will rise to the extent that its yield is equalised with the current interest rate.

This is best illustrated with an example. If the current interest rate is assumed at 10 percent, a bond with a face value of Rs.100 will pay the holder a sum of Rs.10 every year. If interest rates remain

unchanged, the bond holder will also be able to sell it in the bond market at its face value of Rs.100 (which is also his purchase price in this example). However, the question is, what would happen to the price of the bond should interest rates go up, say, to 20 percent?

At the new rate of interest, a (newly issued) bond will pay Rs.20 annually while the earlier bond fetches only Rs.10 per annum.

Therefore, the old bond will find a buyer only when its return (or yield) is equalised with the new rate of interest. In this case, if the price of the old bond falls to Rs. 50, the yield for the buyer will amount to 20 percent as he earns Rs.10 annually on his investment of Rs.50.

At this price, an investor in the

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bond market can buy a newly issued bond of Rs.100 or buy two bonds of the earlier issue at Rs.50 each, and be equally well off. Likewise, in the case of a fall in interest rates, bond prices go up to the extent that yields are equalised. A close look at the above explanation will also tell you why bond yields and prices move in Jan 04, 2017 *

opposite directions, i.e. when yields go up, prices fall, and vice versa.

India’s Bond market rallied from 2014 onwards Thanks to interest rates falling steadily since 2014, the bond market participants enjoyed a rally in prices for much of the last four years. Yields

Feb 28, 2018

6.37

had fallen from its peak of 9.10 percent in April 2014 to 6.19 percent in November 2016.

The sustained decline in bond yield was mainly due to the easy monetary policy followed by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) after January 2014, with the repo rate brought down from 8 percent in 2014 to 6 percent as of today.

Change

7.72

Feb 28, 2017 (+) 1.35

6.87

Change (Y on Y) (+) 0.85

* Lowest point in 2017

Reversal of trend

The decline in bond yield (in other words, rally in bond prices) came to a halt by November 2016 as the RBI neared the end of its easy monetary policy cycle, with only one rate cut taking place thereafter (in August 2017). The RBI was not in a position to push for further rate cuts despite the slowdown in the economy (following demonetisation) because

The spread between the 10 year benchmark bond yield and the repo rate has widened considerably since the August policy rate cut (as depicted in the above diagram), which is an indication that the market is anticipating even higher government borrowings, and therefore a larger

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of the risk of higher inflation heightened by the increased borrowing by the government.

Indeed, the increased borrowings had caused the yield on the 10 year benchmark bond to go up from 6.4 percent to nearly 7.8 percent during the period from July 2017 to February 2018.

In fact, yields on government

supply of government bonds in future.

Negative impact of rising yields

The overshooting of the fiscal deficit in FY 2017-18 and the revised higher deficit estimated for the current FY 2018-19 will put

bonds increased across maturities, with the yield on short term treasury bonds of 364-days increasing from 6.27 percent to 6.57 percent while the 91-day T bill moved up from 6.05 percent to 6.44 percent.

further pressure on bond yields.

The rising yield increases inflationary pressure (by pushing up costs for producers) and can lead to a slowdown in private investment and economic growth. As the supply of government bonds increases, it tends to “crowd out� private borrowers and forces up

interest rates for them.

Banks are also adversely affected by rising yields as it erodes bond prices and the value of their existing bond portfolio. The higher mark to market losses that banks are forced to book will further erode their profitability at a time when it is already strained by nonperforming loans. The cost of raising deposits for banks has also increased in recent months.

Although RBI has kept policy rate unchanged since August 2017, India’s banks have been finding it difficult to lure bulk deposit as liquidity has dried up with the increasing demand for working capital from companies and the rise in bond yields across various maturities.

Moreover, with Basel III norms to be adopted fully by March 2019, banks have started maintaining higher Liquidity Coverage Ratio (LCR). The rise in LCR accompanied by lower liquidity and higher marginal cost of funds based lending rate (MCLR) will push up deposit rates. Most banks have raised their MCLR by 5 to 10 basis points since January 2018, even before the RBI begins increasing policy rates. Corporate entities are finding it harder to borrow from banks at competitive rates.

Earlier, higher rated corporate could borrow via corporate bonds at lower yields com-

pared to bank borrowings. In a scenario of rising yields in the bond market, this window is also turning costlier.

Outlook

As in India, bond markets in the advanced economies have also witnessed rising yields (and falling prices). Recently, the US Treasury bond yield hit its highest level in four years.

The 10-year UK and German government bond yields also rose to their highest levels since 2016. With central banks in the west gradually unwinding their stimulus packages, liquidity is likely to dry up and we may even see capital outflows from emerging markets. In this context, any deviation by the Indian government from the path of fiscal prudence will further pressurise the 10 year benchmark yield given the limited scope of help from central bank. And that, as we have seen, can only make things more difficult for corporate borrowers who are now well advised to get used to a period of belt tightening

(V.P. Nandakumar is MD & CEO of Manappuram Finance Ltd. and a Board Appointee to the Lions Clubs International Board of Directors.)

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BUSINESS

Rajesh Nair, Director, Ernst & Young LLP Rajesh is also the President of the Kerala Chapter of TiE Global

The entire automation theme is likely to bring quantum changes in the ability to consume data and implement various complex iterations with a scale and speed that was hard to imagine even as recent as couple of years ago.

W

e live in interesting times.

The surfeit of information around us is astronomical, and internet has just exploded with choices for every subject -every area of science and every area of art. To add to this, we also have gazillion media channels, websites and social media communities. It is much like the situation of little kid looking around the stacks of books in a large metropolitan museum, checking where to begin from and what to read. Being spoilt for choice is fantastic but too much of it clouds our mind and makes us lose focus.

The spotlight is clearly on the gargantuan topic of ‘Digital’. We often limit our thoughts on digital with something related to ‘technology’. But, technology has always been around. Artificial Intelligence has been the moot topic for several decades now, and robots caught our fancy half a decade ago. But, what is different today is the surfeit of various areas of technology which has come together. The key elements of robotic process automation have efficiently attached the ‘routine tasks’ at the workplace and made them far more effective and time consuming that ever before.

The focus is also on the various tasks and businesses which have, in the past, been constrained by capacity and speed of decision-making and human coordination. The entire automation theme is likely to bring quantum changes in the ability to consume data and implement various complex iterations with a scale and speed that was hard to imagine even as recent as couple of years ago.

Enter Attention Economics! Atten-

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Attention Economics in the Digital Age

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tion economics is an approach to the management of information that treats human attention as a scarce commodity, and applies economic theory to solve various information management problems. Avant-garde economist Matthew Crawford quotes; "Attention is a resource —a person has only so much of it. This generation is often blamed to lack attention and for being a breed of dilettantes, great dabblers who shift their thoughts between subjects in a nanosecond.

We don’t have the patience for deep work and tend to skim the surface in most surfaces. Rigor of concentration permits us to peruse through things, rather than thinking it through.” In this perspective, Thomas H. Davenport and J. C. Beck define the concept of attention as: “Attention is focused mental engagement on a particular item of information. Items come into our awareness, we attend to a particular item, and then we decide whether to act!”

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Enter the Search Engines!

Today, Google decides (of course, an algorithm) what the results of your searches are. This fact means a search engine can present a filter bubble to you and feed you what it wants. This is not to hint the prosaic and fuel the eternal debate that software programs are taking over, but to aver that the information you get is what a software program logic decides. Another school of thought on the ‘filters’ is that the more you search and increase your online footprint, the kind of information you are fed is also akin to your search and browse histories (That is, the more you read economics, the more suggestions in that area). The online commerce sites are already doing it. Your shopping history prompts suggestions on what else to buy.

The propensity for you to buy something which was not in your radar is much more during an online jaunt rather than a walk in the supermarket.

All this will call for a huge skill augmentation in the workforce of today. Seldom in human history has so many generations been working together. The composite nature of work today and the ability to log in from anywhere and deliver have a demographically diverse workforce which spreads from the traditionalist of the past, baby boomers, the Generation X and now the popular ‘Millennials’.

So, does this sound conspiratorial or are the machines winning it? Will we lack diversity with more than ‘aligned’ information thrown our way? Well, not really, we are still holding that power of the click!

The human attributes like lateral thinking, intuition, innovation and empathy will become increasingly important to balance the machine –human interface. The often repeated message of the ‘robot’ replacing the human is not true. I would think that the relation will be complementary. We will find

tasks which can get efficient by getting done by machines. The impact will also be different in different sectors and industries. Areas like taxation which is increasing different with changes cross border can be easily managed with a ‘Digital tax solution’. Business leaders will have to actively experiment around the interface between a human and machine. It will never be easy to find the true balance. Success will come to those who will find the perfect synergy by embracing concepts like empowerment and design the best interfaces between technology and human beings.

It is also the age of the ‘digital

disease!’ The culture of ‘always on’, that is technology over-usage, is causing a rise of mental health and stress patterns from the 24/7 ‘availability paradigm’. A recent legislation in France in January 2017, raised many eyebrows, where the legislation gives workers in organisations with more than fifty employees, the ‘right to disconnect’ from the ‘always on’ work culture enabled by technology.

A conscious click and a thoughtful prompt can always get you what you want and burst the bubble around you! In every person around us like much of us, we see the urge to casually glance at

the cell phones, peruse the laptop screens endlessly and at times, even meaninglessly dancing our fingertips on the keyboard. It has been, but a decade, since we have been toasting and celebrating these prodigious time saving devices. We need to mull over the fact that, these are perhaps ‘weapons of mass distraction’, which have to be handled with care and responsibility.

A little stillness can also help, time to think to ourselves, long walks in wilderness, hearing the harmonious chimes of nature and celebrating a ‘internet and network’ Sabbath! Cheers to that! 

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THE REMARKABLE REAL ESTATE PHENOMENON 20

March-April-2018

A real inspiration, the best and brightest in real estate, the Dubai-based Indian real estate Mogul Dr. Roy CJ has been appointed as Honorary Consul of the Slovak Republic, Member Country European Union and this is a Diplomatic Position.

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W

e are more than honoured to present to you the magnanimous Dr. Roy C.J, the man behind the sprawling Confident Group. A real inspiration, the best and brightest in real estate, the Dubai-based Indian real estate Mogul Dr. Roy CJ has been appointed as Honorary Consul of the Slovak Republic, Member Country European Union and this is a Diplomatic Position. The Founder and Chairman of Confident Group will be the Head of the that Country’s Honorary Consulate in Bangalore.

He is the first NRI from the UAE to receive such a recognition from a European Union member state. The Confident Group of Companies is headquartered in Bengaluru and it’s International Operations is Headquartered in Dubai and has operations in Kerala, Karnataka and the GCC and the USA. Dr.Roy was named the 14th in the Forbes’ list of Indian business owners in Arab world.

The much celebrated Indian business tycoon, Dr. Roy C.J. has been appointed as the Honorary Consul of the Slovak Republic, with jurisdiction of affairs in Karnataka and Kerala. He talks about his new responsibilities, trade and cultural tie-ups between the two countries. He states confidently, “I will be looking after the Slovakian citizens in Karnataka and Kerala. There are numerous Slovakians reside in these states and can contact us in case of an emergency –including medical emergencies, for instance. Most Slovakians work in the manufacturing sector here and I will also see to improving trade between the two countries.”

Dr. Roy’s spectacular dreams are shared by wife and business partner Mrs. Liny Roy. The business establishment focuses on earning the confidence of the customers and to gain the maximum with their best services. This

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quality has turned him an odd among the vast real estate sector in the country. Since its birth, it has not tainted the confidence of its customers. The hard-gained trust has inducted this company into the top list of successful companies.

After gaining good education, Roy joined some big conglomerates; subsequently, with the strength of experience, he established the company to achieve his dream.

The giant Group has established their authority in the domain with numerous projects and constantly ranks among the top

positions in the list of real estate developers in India. Guided by the enigmatic and purposeful personality of Dr. Roy C.J, Confident Group soon found its portfolio expanding further into many different verticals namely Hospitality, Aviation, Entertainment, Education, Golfing, Retail and International trading (Building Materials).

This wonderful Group has over 12000 Customers and is proudly deploying nearly 150 projects with-

in the infrastructural sphere. It currently includes Gated communities of Townships, Commercial Towers, Malls, Villas, Apartments, Schools, Software Towers & Parks and Hotels & Resorts. Confident Group also owns Confident Building Materials LLC which is a large building materials trading firm in Dubai and a multi-million dirham turnover company. With a strong will and dedicated team of employees, the group was able to gather a strong base and soon rose to the pinnacle of property developers in India and the UAE. Confident Group is also implementing the USD 500 Million investment Golf course in Bangalore on a nearly 450 Acres of Commercially Converted land near Bangalore. This is the Largest Single Privately Owned Commercially Converted development in Karnataka and fully Owned & Zero Debt Golf Course in India. Dr. Roy and his Team is Implementing one of the Largest Single Housing Project with over 6000 Flats in a Single Project with a Projected Customer base of 25000 people living in a Single Project. The Full Land Acquisition is completed for this Project and Approvals are on Track. This Project is also implemented on Zero Debt Basis. The Best part of Confident Group is that each of the Real Estate Project is Implemented and Executed on a “Zero Debt on Project Basis” thereby 100% Safeguarding the Customers Hard earned investment and Purchases in the Project.

Fueled by his amazing dedication, hard-work and passion, the initial investment has grown-up to billions. Every small investor is seen as a huge asset for the group. Now, the company has asset strength of around one billion USD and it is financially very stable and strong. As the organization gives utmost importance and priority to real estate business, it has attracted plenty of customers and gained

their confidence. Confident Group’s reach is not limited to single sector or place, the vision of Dr Roy and Confident Group is expanding with many different schemes and plans for different fields, reaching many places. The company has the glory of implementing around 150 real estate projects, and it secured special attention when it was tagged with “zero debt on any of the Real Estate Project” note. And are proud to Say that “None of our Gigantic Portfolio of nearly 150 Projects have been stalled” due to any reasons, be it Organization reasons, Titles or Government Reasons. While keeping a strong base in the Bangalore with status as one of the top 5 Brands, the company have projects all over Kerala from Calicut to Trivandrum with strong presence in Kochi, Trivandrum, Calicut, and Trissur; and also in Dubai, a strong presence has been established.

Even though Roy concentrated in the real estate sector, he had invested giant mass of money in different sectors like health care, aviation, hospitality, entertainment, education and sports. Confident Group is well known for delivering the Projects on time and today is the Largest Real Estate Developer in Kerala in terms of Delivery and Ongoing Projects.

The Group has Produced or Presented to Large Audience 8 Movies in Malayalam and Kannada.

The Biggest Budget Multi Star Malayalam Movie “Casanovva” is also Produced by Dr. Roy C.J Dr. Roy C.J has brought World Famous Star Ms. Kim Kardashin to Dubai for the grand opening of Perfume Business “Parfum Monde” in Dubai.

The Group was also the World Wide Sponsor of West Indies Team for the 2013 ICC Champions Trophy World Cup Cricket Tournaments and 2014 Twenty 20 for the ICC World Cup Cricket Tournaments and also The World Wide Sponsor of Sri-Lankan team for the 2016 ICC Champions Trophy World Cup Cricket Tournaments.

Confident Group also was the Sponsor for the Dubai in 2015 and Singapore in 2016 the SIIMA Mega Film Awards which is attended by

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Now, the company is trying to build around 40 multiplexes in all around Karnataka and they will be producing Malayalam, Kannada and Tamil films next year.

over 500 Mega Stars from Malayalam, Tamil, Kannada and Telugu Industry.

With an aim to maintain their irrevocable standard in the hospitality sector, confident group have 4 hotels and resorts in Bangalore. Key point is the golf course and they have signed for 3 more projects with one of the biggest international brands. The Confident Cascade and Confident Amoon are still un-jolted giants; these glamour-five-star hotels are showcasing vivid experience of the hospitality.

Apart from they have more hotels and malls in their manifesto.

With the restless effort of the talented supremo, the company is marching towards a superior growth in import and export sector; now, the group is set to become the largest importer of the construction materials. In Dubai, the group is in the process of building Multiple apartment Projects.

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Another major pinnacle of activities by the Confident Group is their involvement in Corporate Social Responsibilities. A benevolent philanthropist Dr. Roy C.J. had been helming infinitely charitable activities within his influence for years now. The group works on helping, motivating and providing necessary assets for the people in need. In hospital care, they provide free cataract operations, free dialysis, provides dialysis machines and on a yearly basis, conducts many open heart surgeries. In education sector, Confident Group has the up and running Confident Gear Foundation School and implementing many more such schools in and round in Bangalore. The group resolves to strengthen their role in corporate social responsibilities in coming years with their well-fortified company establishment.

Roy hails from Guruvayoor, Thrissur district of Kerala. Being a prefect half, Mrs. Liny Roy, wife of Dr. Roy C.J, is a continuous motiva-

tion and support to her husband.

She has been entrusted two key responsibilities –Hospitality business and Perfume business- to lighten the job load of her partner. Acclaiming the caliber of Roy and his company, he has been inducted in the top hundred business man list of UAE and rank 14th by Forbes.

He was awarded the Doctorate in Business Administration by the SBS business school, Switzerland.

The key factor, which is contributing his business growth, is his

strong vision. If we have a noble vision, the victory will definitely bless you. Dr. Roy C.J of Confident Group is named ‘The Best Indian Builder’ at the Asia Vision Excellence Awards 2018.

“Experience tells you what to do; Being Confident allows you to do it!”

DISTRIBUTION & ENQUIRIES 9846050283

The prospective investors will obviously create a platform of using Structured Investment as an answer to mitigating Global Warming or Climate Change.

Ravi Saini

Punjab

Restoration Story

P

unjab is a state that is known for its hospitality, and the whole world has recognised it. But, its tendency of ‘grow too quick-too fast’ has largely destroyed three things: a) Soil Fertility, b) New generation not taking up farming sector, c) Lost investor confidence.

The way forward to all this as stated above is “Creating a River Front Management Corporation” and allowing the investors to leverage the rich pool of land resources to build new destinations that are going to attract tourism in the state. Horticulture and floriculture will pave the ways to increase green cover through plantation using the PTC (i.e. Plant Tissue Culture) through which various fruits and medicinal plants could be grown such us Apple, Jamun, Neem, Moringa and this will tremendously

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help in dealing with the “Global Warming”.

The success story of DMRC and Konkan Railway must become a pivotal point while taking up setting up of River Front Management Corporation –RFMC, by having an official chosen to be empowered with the similar powers as were given to “The Metro Man –Shri E Sreedharan” or otherwise the pace at which a developmental work needed to be taken up, can’t become a reality. The master plan preparation be left to be taken up by the professionals picked by the prospective investors and it should have about 200-300 years of future forecasting in mind so that one time investment is leveraged year after year and not becoming another stinking story that makes “Crowding Around and creating encroachments and haphazard ways of developments”. Master Planners such as U-TT (Urban Think Tank, Zurich) is one such name that eas-

ily comes to mind, but the selection methodology must be left to the prospective investor picked professional board for the RFMC. "The prospective investors will obviously create a platform of using Structured Investment as an answer to mitigating Global Warming or Climate Change. While Punjab is struggling with its commitment towards “Dealing with Global Warming”, doing this will also going to change the Socio-Economic fabric of Developing nations with a TTTT (Tree Plantations, Telecom, Transportation and Tourism) drive in India, through a role model created in Punjab, where for every tree planted, will basically offset CO2 by one ton; So, for hundreds of acres of river front land, plant trees, each acre can have from 200 trees to 700 trees, depending on the eventual use of these trees, they can be used for Timber every 8 years or for biomass every 3 years, this will provide the much

needed biomass needed for feeding the “Bioethanol Refineries”. This we will require hiring unemployed people, provide them with free housing, their kids education to at least high school and beyond if need be. This in turn will change the landscape of those communities where abject poverty is rampant and empowerment missing for decades. These initiatives are also going to reward people with doubling their income from the farm land they possess, where they have to work in harmony with the prospective investors for organic farming with animal husbandry.

"How do we simultaneously mitigate climate change and improve food security? Is there a way for us to provide wildlife habitat while creating jobs? What about better air and water quality? The

answer is: landscape restoration.

This occurs through the planting of trees and other vegetation (active restoration), or leaving the land alone to regenerate naturally (passive restoration).

Restoring degraded land provides environmental benefits such as carbon sequestration, wildlife habitat, and improved water and air quality. Restoration is crucial to mitigate climate change and is also a key strategy to improve food security and support livelihoods.

While restoration has so far been funded primarily through public finance from governments, this source of money is insufficient today and in the future. It’s important for the private sector to be involved, and this requires that restoration deliver a financial return. That is where The New

Restoration Economy —part of the Global Restoration Initiative at WRI (World Resources Institute)— comes in.

The current leadership in Punjab and especially the Hon’ble Finance Minister, Shri Manpreet Badal, whom I have personally interacted, is equally committed to make restoration profitable and capable of attracting private investments. By making the economic case, all the stake holders will have to work in harmony as it will catalyse a growing space with the potential to deliver significant financial, environmental, and social returns."

Many investors don’t know what restoration is or realize the extent of its potential. A new report by World Resources Institute (WRI) and The Nature

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The long-term growth outlook is positive as technology lowers the costs of tree-planting, consumers reward companies who restore forests, governments make large commitments to rehabilitate their land, and business model innovation continues.

Conservancy (TNC) reveals that businesses around the world are making money by planting trees, unleashing a growth opportunity for venture capital, private equity and impact investors. The research indicates the restoration economy is at a tipping point.

The new report, The Business of Planting Trees: A Growing Investment Opportunity, shows that restoring degraded and deforested

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lands is not only a boon for the environment, but a lucrative opportunity for investors and entrepreneurs.

'The long-term growth outlook is positive as technology lowers the costs of tree-planting, consumers reward companies who restore forests, governments make large commitments to rehabilitate their land, and business model innovation continues. 'The confluence of

these factors signals that now is the time to invest in restoration."

While Telecom sector has witnessed a tremendous growth, Tree Plantation, Transportation and Tourism still has a long way to cover. I firmly believe that A STRONG WILL TO DO, will iron out the creases and paves the ways to bring back past glory for not only to Punjab but to the country “Through Punjabâ€? 

Vinod Kumar

In education and academic system, there is a name for this ripple effect. Excessive rote learning or irrelevant subjects. Heavy examinations and it’s marking of results.

Ripple Effect W

e have one more death to talk about. Media and the anchor and panelists has work to do.

It is death. May be of that of the richest industrialist or the most popular celebrity from the entertainment industry. Maybe it is a murder of a social activist.

Or even the victim may be an innocent man from tribal and forest area. The dead one may be victim of vehicle accident or even of terrorism. The debates and discussions and deliberations are loud. They certainly, keep it’s memory, beaming into the heads of society, bureaucracy, law enforcers, legislators, regulators and many others. But all accusation and allegations are wasteful if the trend of rage and fury is not ended. Why does the people get ignited in anger?

Why does the arguments become volatile? We need answers and solutions. On whom shall we peg and attribute the accountability, for the social evils?

We are not new to protests, strikes and hartals. Many people’s movements has expressed resistance to injustices and unfairnesses. Yet, none seem to

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be able to eliminate brutalities of one person on another.

Shooting with automatic guns and assault rifles has made many news in United States.

Students shooting down fellow students. In the times when informations technology and other internet services, how is it that one of the student feels compelled to do such crimes? Is our civilisation so very weak, that we cannot design the correct method to administer and govern ourselves? Is it the political system or the education? What is the gap in our understanding, that inhibits harmonics and tranquility, in our transactions?

Maybe the human race is demanding much pampering and convenience and comforts.

Our indulgences in temptations must be audited. Each individual must get the skill to understand the working of their own minds. Our minds produces thoughts. All that we express has a ripple effect. Our expressions are signals from our psychology. The listener is picking up signals from your body language. The message of these signals become registered in the

persons, who are observing your output and communications.

So, the directive is becoming clear. An insight, into the method of the working of our minds.

We need education to this effect. We must expose ourselves, to learning on the dynamics of methods of thinking. If we attend to the intelligence quotient and emotional intelligence, then there are possibilities. Discover methods and activities that can quieten the restlessness in mind. Practice techniques by doing which, people can cool down the heat in the brain. Is the comparison and competitiveness able to bring harm to the way, we relate with each other? The older generation has set the ripple effect.

In education and academic system, there is a name for this ripple effect. Excessive rote learning or irrelevant subjects.

Heavy examinations and it’s marking of results. Promotion or detention. A framework of confinement, more than progression? This needs a revisit and then a reform. There are drops out from the schools and colleges. Many drop outs from scholastic and academic

systems are illiterate about social norms and interpersonal alignment. They then has to rely on means of corruption to survive and sustain a living. A sense of denial and deprivation can become the rallying point for many destitute people. The young people who are marginalised can become organised by the successful, industrialists and other professionals. The young people, below the age of thirty must get a chance to join back into the mainstream society.

The government must have vocational skill training programme to the young people. Training in technical education and skill of information technology must be taught at all village levels. The young people of our country must get gainful employment. The industry must be able to set up manufacturing units and factories with objective to employ these young people.

Profits alone need not become the focus of companies. Value of living in a township, must be understood.

Living in ghettos and unhygienic slums must be discouraged. The young people must get access to live in good townships. The older generation and the people with resources must participate in such social endeavours. Provide for more hospitals and health centres.

Mental skills, soft skills and psychological infrastructure, must get much attention. Distress and despair in young people, must get vent and solace. Young people must be encouraged to expose and submit into personality development courses. Attitude and behaviour must be learned through a certified and formal training programmes.

Researchers and scientists are probing to find value in pranayama techniques and practices of meditations. Students in some

university and colleges are claiming benefits from Sudarshan Kriya techniques. The knowledge about the principles by which our mental faculties function are premium.

Precious is the ability to innovate solutions.

Sense of frustration or stifling can bring a thought suffocation in young minds. Addiction to contraband substances, drugs and alcohol is becoming common among young population. The elders must participate to cleanse the neighbourhood from antisocial activities. The law enforcers must keep vigil and monitor the increase of behaviour disorders. Rowdyism, hooliganism and bullying by goons can frighten people from cultural participation.

If you don't participate to bring the erring youngsters to purposefulness, then they are prone to be misled by criminals. Bring them to the path of employment. So, this is

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the ripple effect.

The mindset that breeds anger, rage and fury, manifests as violence and brutality. May be even murders. If the government would provide good infrastructure such as roads and railways, then the travel possibilities will be enhanced.

Domestic tourism and travels to adventure parks will increase.

Then, the young people has more productive activities for indulgence. It’s all a ripple effect.

Choking the businesses with strike from work and hartals has given regressive messages to the new generation. The leaders of politics must note that their protests, if not reasonable, can transmit messages of turmoil and trauma.

So, even the methods of protests must have sanity and logic and rationale. The elder generation and peers and the adult community must all take cognizance for good social conduct. The lawmakers create much ripple effect. If the law makers and the legislators are weak and dull, then it will force miscreants people, to become smugglers and thieves. Though there are strict policing, yet, the community and society also has their duties and responsibilities. And one chief duty is to rehabilitate, the young people who has already strayed away, out of the system of compliance.

The Youth Leadership Training Programme(YLTP) must become mandatory in the college level education. The YLTP has in it, syllabus to educate

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the young people, that they work together in groups. The YLTP lessons educate the young people to also take responsibility for the events that happen towards them.

The habitat of the young people must have abundances of electric power, drinking water and food materials. Exposure to developing agriculture is essential as an occupation for young minds. Most of all the society and the mayor of city and the collector must have regular conferences with prominent members of society. The bureaucrats in power, must continuously engage the public through seminars and other round table conferences. The young people must get interactive opportunity the officers of Administrative and Police services. The topics of discussion are enormous. Right from setting up entrepreneurship to startup incubation to Artificial Intelligence and blockchain technology. Or even about sexual misconduct and education about healthy and hygienic sexuality practices. Vast, range of concerns must get attention. Provision of infrastructure for outdoor sports and indoor games must be increased at least by twenty times, than what is available.

The ultimate objective is to engage the young generation, into a mainstream, productive economy.

To cleanse the neighbourhood from lifestyle of vagabonds and waywards people. To eliminate expression of apathy, lethargy and laziness.

To downgrade greed for consumption of goods and services which are not directly uplifting the human psychology. To introduce some ability for sacrifice and penance so the one

can reject the fixation on immediate gratification. A civilization that has a vision for long term, consistent and sustainable, plans. To design a behavioral policies to harness the innovative energies of the young people. We must construct a collective social and community alignment, to the cause of an intelligent community. Then, we can together get rid of possibility of radicalised youth. Even dangers of extremist ideology can disrupt the youth from, their mental poise and composures. Many mindsets are victims of indoctrination with distorted ideologies.

The Youth Leadership Training programme has ingredients and curriculum, to its participants, to become mentally mature. The entire society and neighbourhood is in effect an extension of their own family. There is intimacy among all the individuals of neighbourhood.

Each adult can open up to this new education of expanded familyhood.

Then the tendency in people to be coersive to each other or even extortions of resources can be neutralised. Because the element, that these victims are strangers can be converted to, these victims are members of my immediate family.

We must call for a social churning. A metamorphosis that all can together plough through, the rigid and superstitious mannerisms that outcasted and outlawed a large proportion of our young people.

It’s important and urgent to enter into a pact of this idea of “Ripple Effect”.

The time is here for those with courage to connect together and decide to fabricate a harmonious society. Is the adult community, benevolent enough to, prepare the environment, so that next generation has a better world than that what you enjoyed? Are you ready to take charge of the Ripple Effect?

Then you will shape the future of your neighbourhood. This is the way to get fulfillment, to the way that you live

Although the concept of E-Way bill had existed under GST, the same was not implemented until recently.

Adv Sherry Samuel Oommen is a practising lawyer at High Court of Kerala who specialises in tax and Corporate Laws.

Presently he heads the tax and corporate law practice of Nash Capital Partners. Apart from being a qualified lawyer, he is also a chartered accountant, cost accountant and a company secretary. He is currently pursuing his Doctorate Degree and is reachable at sherryoommen@nashcp.com.

A

s per recent reports, the litigation on the detention of goods has been showing an upward trend. There has also been a dip in revenue of transporters and suppliers of goods designated for inter-state supply, which is a cause for great alarm.

Reasons for this are several, some of the most frequently occurring being that suppliers and transporters are not ensuring that the relevant documents are accompanying the goods and the fact that inspecting officers under the GST regime are overreaching their prescribed powers and are detaining goods for minor infractions.

Until the implementation of EWay bills, suppliers and transporters were mostly confused regarding the procedures to be followed regarding the movement of goods.

Requirements such as the need for a duly-authorised-Invoice that is to accompany the consignment were many a times overlooked. There have also been several instances

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of misclassification of the goods wherein the assessee would be of the opinion that the goods were those falling under one HSN code whereas the inspecting authorities were of the impression that the goods would be falling under a different HSN code. The end result for all of this was the detention of goods.

However, in a recent ruling of the Hon’ble High Court of Kerala in Sameer Mat Industries v. State of Kerala [[2017] 87 taxmann.com 337 (Kerala)], pertaining to the detention of goods in case of misclassification of the same during an inter-state movement of goods, the Hon’ble High Court has held that the specific power to issue the notice of detention is under the CGST/SGST which is only applicable to the intra-state movement of goods and hence the issue of classification is one that is to be dealt with by the respective assessing officer and not by the detaining officer. The Hon’ble High Court has also allowed for the release of the goods on the execution of a simple bond.

This is a much welcome ruling as several cases of detention now be easily resolved. The issue of misclassification can be gone into detail by the assessing officer at a later time. However, the detaining officer does not have the power to detain the goods and should release the same once a simple bond has been executed. This shall also help in cutting down of the numerous cases that are filed on near identical issues.

In light of the above, the implementation of the E-Way bill

will bring about much-needed uniformity. The recent amendment shall bring about greater clarity relating to the movement of goods in the minds of the consigners, the consignees and the transporters.

This shall also hopefully reduce the litigation on the subject of movement of goods.

Although the concept of E-Way bill had existed under GST, the same was not implemented until recently. As per the section 68 of the CGST Act, it was the prerogative of the government to require any person in charge of conveyance carrying any consignment of goods, exceeding a specified value, to carry with him such documents as may be prescribed by the government. This, along with the section 138 of the CGST Rules, 2017, which specified the circumstances in which an E-Way bill was required are now to be implemented with effect from 01.02.2018.

Simply put an E-Way bill is a document that is required during the transit of goods. An E-Way bill may be generated through the portal www.ewaybillgst.gov.in. An E-Way bill is required to be generated by every registered person who causes the movement of goods if the value of the consignment exceeds INR 50,000/-. Additionally, an E-Way bill is also required to be generated by a principal, irrespective of the value of goods, if the goods are sent by the principal from one state to a job worker located in an another state. Besides this, there are also other circumstances under which an E-Way bill is to be generated. The Central Goods and Services Tax Rules, 2017 (the “Rules”) also lay out cir-

E-way bills-The road that lies ahead

cumstances in which an E-Way bill need not be generated. In order to generate an E-Way bill, Form GST EWB-01 is to be filled out from the portal. This form contains two parts: the first part deals with the details of the goods moved and the details of the supplier and the recipient and, the second part deals with the details of the vehicle and the vehicle documents. Only once both parts are filled out does the EWay bill get generated. Although it is not mandatory, even a registered person transporting goods of a value exceeding INR 50,000/- may generate an E-Way bill.   There is a slight scope of confusion as to who should fill out the relevant parts of FORM

GST EWB-01, as both supplier and recipient and the transporter may be registered or unregistered.

There can be several combinations of the same. In case of transport by road through a transporter where all three persons are registered, it shall be the registered person in whose name the consignment note is issued who shall fill the Part A of FORM GST EWB-01 and it shall be the registered transporter who shall fill the Part B of FORM GST EWB-01 and in case of an unregistered transporter it shall be the enrolled transporter who shall fill the Part B of FORM GST EWB01. In case of transport by means of rail, air or vessel and both the supplier and the recipient are registered, it shall be the person who

has booked the parcel who shall fill both parts of FORM GST EWB-01.

In cases where both the recipient and the supplier are registered and the movement of goods is by way of hired or own vehicle, it shall be the registered person who owns the vehicle or who has hired the vehicle that shall fill both parts of FORM GST EWB-01. There may exist other possible combinations as well and the above description is merely indicative and not exhaustive. As a rule of thumb, it is the duty of the registered person as well as the registered or enrolled transporter to fill up the relevant parts of FORM GST EWB-01.

It is primarily the duty of the transporter to fill up the Part B of

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FORM GST EWB-01 where vehicle number is not known in advance.

In the event that no E-Way bill has been generated in accordance with Rule 138(1), (2) or (3), it shall be the duty of the transporter to generate the E-Way bill.

In case multiple consignments are being transported by the transporter, the transporter only needs to ensure that an E-Way bill is generated for such consignments whose value exceeds INR 50,000/-.

There also exists the concept of a consolidated E-Way bill wherein the same may be generated by filling FORM GST EWB-02. This shall require the E-Way bill numbers generated for each specific consignment.

the E-Way bill being generated.

However, the E-Way bill shall not be cancelled if it has been verified during the course of the transit.

The validity of the E-Way bill shall be calculated on the basis of the distance to be covered, i.e. up to 100KM, the E-Way bill shall be valid for one day and every 100KM thereafter shall extend the validity of the E-Way bill by one day. The period of validity of the E-Way bill shall be counted from the time it has been generated. In exceptional cases, a relaxation has been given to the transporter whereby the transporter may generate another E-Way bill. However, this shall require the consent of the commissioner and the process is yet to be notified.

As per the notification, all states are required to mandatorily roll out E-Way bill with effect from 01.02.2018. However, presently, this is only for any interstate movement of goods and the requirement of E-Way bill in intra-state movement of goods has been deferred until 01.06.2018.

Although the state governments have been given an option of implementing State E-Way bills until 01.06.2018, as of now, only a few states have proposed to roll out State E-Way bill.

The latest notification has inserted the Section 55A to the rules which states that where a person is not required to carry an E-Way bill under the rules, he shall be required to carry a copy of the In the event that there is a tax invoice or the bill of supply as change in the conveyis specified under the ance (vehicle), the Rule 46, 46A and 49 of details of the new conthe Rules. This inserveyance shall be updated tion does away with any in FORM GST EWB-01 ambiguity that may have prior to the transfer and existed regarding persons The amendment has also gone ahead and further movement of who are not required to clarified that the value of consignment goods. This is in case carry an E-Way bill. It is shall mean such value as may be deterthe vehicle changes possible that one might due to accidents or any mined in accordance with the Section have assumed that if other reason. However, they are not required to 15, value of taxable supply, of the Centhis is only with regard carry an E-Way bill, then tral Goods and Services Tax Act, 2017 (the to a change in vehicle they do not come under “Act”). and not a change in the the scanner of GST transporter. In case of a during the movement of change in transporter, goods. the person furnishing the inforThe goods specified in the Anmation required for the Part A of nexure to Rule 138(14) shall be The said notification has also FORM GST EWB-01, may assign exempted from the requirement of amended the Rule 138. Although the E-Way bill number to another E-Way bill. the requirement of who is to transporter before the details are generate an E-Way bill remains The central government has, updated in the Part B of FORM the same, the scope of information vide Notification No. 3/2018 dated GST EWB-01. In case there is a required to be furnished in the 23.01.2018, now made E-Way bill change in the transporter after the portal has been expanded. Once mandatory for all inter-state movePart B of FORM GST EWB-01 is the necessary information has been ment of goods with effect from updated, which can happen in the uploaded, a unique number will be 01.02.2018. Furthermore, the said case of sub-contracting, it shall be generated by the portal. This shall notification has also amended the only the transporter who may assimplify the tracking process of the rules. sign the E-Way bill number. goods.

In case an E-Way bill that has been generated is to be cancelled either because the goods are not being transported or in case the goods are not being transported as per the details furnished in the E-Way bill, the same may be cancelled within 24 hours from

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Although many of the requirements of who should generate and when an E-Way bill should be generated remain the same, the latest notification pursuant to the 25th Council Meeting has brought about certain changes.

The amendment has also gone ahead and clarified that the value of consignment shall mean such value as may be determined in accordance with the Section 15, value of taxable supply, of the Central Goods and Services Tax Act, 2017 (the “Act”).

The amendment has made it necessary that in case the goods are transported by rail, air or vessel, the E-Way bill shall be generated by the supplier or the recipient, who is the registered person, who shall be required to furnish information relating to the Part B of FORM GST EWB-01 and the serial number and date of the railway receipt, the air consignment note or the bill of lading, as the case may be.

In case of transfer of goods from one consignment to another consignment, it shall be the person who has provided the information in the Part A of FORM GST EWB01, who shall update the details of the conveyance in the common portal. Earlier, this was the duty of transporter.

The amendment has also introduced a new provision whereby the consigner, the recipient or the transporter may assign the E-Way bill number to another registered transporter for updating the information in the Part B of FORM GST EWB-01 for further movement of the consignment. However, once the details of the Part B of FORM GST EWB-01 has been updated by the transporter, the consigner or recipient who has filled in the Part A of FORM GST EWB-01, shall not assign the E-Way bill number to another transporter.

The said amendment allows for an e-commerce operator to fill in the Part A of FORM GST EWB-01, where the goods to be supplied are

supplied through the e-commerce operator, in case the consignor or consignee has not generated FORM GST EWB-01 in accordance with the provisions of Rule 138.

As per the amendment, for the purposes of calculating the validity of the E-Way bill, it is clarified that the distance, in accordance with which the period of validity of the E-Way bill is calculated, shall be the distance within the country.

Previously, the details of the EWay bill were to be made available to the recipient, who was required to communicate his acceptance or rejection of the consignment covered by the E-Way bill. However, as per the amendment, even the recipient may upload the details required for the Part A of FORM GST EWB-01, in which case, the recipient shall be required to make available the details regarding the E-Way Bill to the supplier for his acceptance or rejection of the same.

The recent amendment has also expanded the exemption for generating an E-Way bill to include the goods specified in the Schedule of Notification No. 2/2017 –Central Tax (rate) dated 28.06.2017 (except de-oiled cake), alcoholic liquor for human consumption, petroleum crude, high speed diesel, petrol, natural gas, aviation turbine fuel and such goods which are treated as no supply under the Schedule III of the Act.

The amendment has completely overhauled the annexure to Rule 138(14) and has limited the number of items in the annexure for which no E-Way Bill is required to only eight items, which are retained from the list prior to the amendment. Items such as poultry, fish, meat, live animals etc. have been removed from the annexure.

The amendment has modified FORM GST EWB-01 to include information such as the E-Way bill number, the E-Way bill date, the person generating the E-Way bill and the validity of the E-Way bill.

Furthermore, the GSTIN of the supplier is also added in the Part A of the Form. Prior to the amendment, it was a requirement that the invoice or challan number and date also be included, now it has been changed to document number and document date and a new note has been included explaining that document shall mean and include Tax Invoice, Bill of Supply, Delivery Challan or Bill of Entry.

In the Part B of the form, a new heading has been inserted whereby the Goods Receipt Number, or the Railway Receipt Number or the Airway Bill Number or the Bill of Lading Number shall also be included.

The amendment has also brought in minor changes to FORM GST EWB-02, Consolidated E-Way bill, to include Consolidated E-Way bill number, Consolidated E-Way bill date, the person generating the same and the vehicle number

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MOTIVATION

Dolly Neena Dolly Neena is founder of Your Wing, a training company born out of a noble cause and spirit. She holds a decade long experience being a passionate mentor and entrepreneur.

“It is impossible to live without failing at something, unless you live so cautiously that you might as well not have lived at all, in which case you have failed by default.”J.K. Rowling

I

n life or business, there are several instances you might have to go through failures –situations that hurt you at the core that you might feel like quitting. In fact, it is when we need to remind ourselves what a great teacher failure is. Why is it so important to fail before we succeed?

The emotional turmoil and chaos it inflicts can be intolerable. However, it is just the stepping stone, to getting things right. Most successful people have failed several times.

When a baby learns to walk, he/ she falls several times and do not think that I am not going to get up again. Why do we still try? We simply know that it’s how we learn to walk. This is the same principle behind life’s successes too. Failures always give you ample opportunities to think on the gaps that you had between what you wanted to achieve and the results you got. At times, you might have given your best and the results might have

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Instead, failure helps you to get out of your comfort zone and strive harder, and strengthens you to be more courageously pursuing your dream, this time with better strategies and groundwork.

FAILURE IS been staggeringly faulty or disappointing. It is still learning, and strengthening your mind to hang on, or to let go. There will be no situations in life where you may see all the conditions perfectly aligned in your favour. It is a constantly changing world and that’s when we tend to fail at times. Preparation is the key. Prevention is better than cure. Be planned on the contingencies.

What’s the survival rate of new

businesses? Statistically, roughly 66 percent of new businesses survive two years or more, 50 percent survive at least four years, and just 40 percent survive six years or more.

Yes, when you fail, when you face struggles, I know, it’s that miserable feeling, it’s that gut-sinking. But, success and failure are symbiotic, without one the other becomes non-existent. There are comfort zones we grow around us. And, those are the real obstacles to our success and progress. Denials on

YOUR STRATEGY!

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the realities of life, excuses and blamegames are dangerous. It curbs down your spirit’s urge to fly high.

Surrendering and being redundant make you weak and vulnerable.

Instead, failure helps you to get out of your comfort zone and strive harder, and strengthens you to be more courageously pursuing your dream, this time with better strategies and groundwork. Careful planning and precise execution should always go hand in hand.

Those who have survived failures have gained inimitable knowledge and irresistible perseverance born out of overcoming adversity.

Difficult times tend to turn our world upside down. It’s always good to contemplate and deliberate before you make a move. There is always silver lining to tough times. This very perpetual wheel of rediscovering, re-identifying and re-inventing yourself will become a relentless cycle of growth and passion. When you take the courage to stretch yourself out of the comfort zone, strive unyieldingly without losing enthusiasm, it will take you to new heights of redefining your individuality. We are all emotional beings. Your struggle is all about your feelings. You never can get comfortable with the pain you feel.

Hence, when you decide to fight that pain, you have succeeded in the first step in winning over your comfort zone. It empowers your mental strength. Breaking limits and becoming a fighter give you an

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inner motivation as well. Greater the failure, greater potential for reward.

Some people think that failure ruined them, and for some, it has just is a beginning of something beautiful for them. One of the best things failures teaches you is what doesn’t work and what you should not do. You get to see whole new level of the situation now. In a new perspective and with added clarity.

It introduces you to humility and hard work. Makes you say, “Sorry, I did it wrong. Let me correct it the next time.” Because, only when you accept your mistakes, that’s when you can completely embrace the foundations of what failure has taught you and start making apt changes in life. Mistakes aren’t a grave problem. Unless we do mistakes, we do not learn new ways to succeed. Initially, it is inevitable to do things imperfectly. By the way, as perceptions are different, there is nothing ‘perfect’ in this world.

We just make ourselves a better version of us, day by day.

Some people brood on the past, hang onto the past troubles, and sink in dilemma and depression.

We might have made blunders in the past, would have made dumb decisions, and would have let down people. It’s all part of life, a learning curve, to become a better you.

You win when you can make peace with your failures, learnt the elements that need to be learnt, make necessary changes in order to pro-

gress , relentless persevere to make that dream come true, believe with all your might in what you want to achieve and eventually see that coming true in between your eyes.

The failure should not define us, but our trials to outlive it should.

The more we fail, the more resilient we become, the more strength we gather to face another blow. It would be foolish to think that you will get through in the first try. To set up the win, you need to bouyant and spirited. Life is designed to change, grow and improve. It’s an inevitable cycle, and failure is unavoidable. Ignore the naysayers and proceed with might. Understand and accept that it’s okay to fail. It is not okay to give up on something you believe in, something you’ve put your heart and soul into. Once you learn to recover, it will become easier the next time. Use failure as a leverage. A turn in the road is never the end of the road. Do believe in your goals and make things happen

“I’ve missed more than 9000 shots in my career. I’ve lost almost 300 games. 26 times, I’ve been trusted to take the game winning shot and missed. I’ve failed over and over and over again in my life.

And that is why I succeed.”

-Michael Jordan

Last month, we saw an agreement signed to remove the middle currency to make trade smooth and save the cost of conversation at every step of transactions between India and the UAE.

Mr. James Mathew

is the Group CEO of Crowe Horwath in UAE & Oman and also serves on the Global Board of Crowe Horwath International; the 8th largest accounting and audit firm in the world. Based in Dubai for the last 25 years, he is one of the most celebrated finance professional and leading entrepreneur in the Middle East region. Among several recognitions & professional affiliations, Mr. James is the Former Secretary General of Indian Business & Professional Council, Dubai and Past Chairman of ICAI, Dubai Chapter.

T

he first time could have been a diplomatic pursuit but as UAE becomes one among the few countries where the Indian Prime Minister made the second visit during this tenure reflects the strong commitment, growing partnership between the two nations and friendship of our leaders.Last month marked the second visit by the Prime Minister of India to the UAE, the second visit within two years. Earlier, the visit in August 2015 was the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister after 34 years long wait.

I had the opportunity to have met Prime Minister Modi during his first visit in 2015 and be part of his Dubai Opera address this time. As the Prime Minister opined it’s the first time after decades that we have a strong, comprehensive and vibrant partnership with the Gulf region and not just a relationship between a buyer and seller.

Apart from the major agreements, a commitment of USD 75 billion investment in India in terms of trade was a prominent one during the first visit.

Later while we saw DP

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World opening up the NhavaSheva Port in Mumbai and now an agreement for infrastructure development in the state of Jammu & Kashmir; Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) agreed to have a strategic oil reserve in Mangalore and now an investment of 10% stake in Abu Dhabi’s offshore Lower Zakum oil concession with the ADNOC. These are the developments that show how people to people trade relationship has grown into larger trade partnership between the two nations.

Last month, we saw an agreement signed to remove the middle currency to make trade smooth and save the cost of conversation at every step of transactions between India and the UAE. It will immensely facilitate the goal of USD 100 billion trade by the year 2020 from the present USD 53 billion in the year 2016-17.

Few major strides were taken ahead in-line with the UAEIndia Strategic Dialogue during this visit namely MoU on manpower, combating cybercrime, space cooperation; MoU between Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange and Bombay Stock Exchange; India’s participa-

Two Time Stronger

The growing India UAE partnership

tion in Expo 2020. Prime Minister Modi welcomed ADIA’s participation in India’s National Infrastructure Investment Fund as an anchor investor and welcomed DP World's agreement with NIIF to create a joint investment platform for ports, terminals, transportation and logistics businesses in India.

Apart from the increasing and engaging trade relations, what makes us NRIs happy is the growing relations between our leaders.

HH Shaikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan being the Guest of Honour of the 2016 Republic Day

parade in New Delhi; Hon Prime Minister Modi being invited as the keynote speaker on the inaugural day of World Government Summit and India being the guest country personifies the friendship. A Hindu temple complex being built in Abu Dhabi is a symbol of humanity and harmony and above all is the respect for India as a nation. We hope that the friendship and the bilateral relations between our nations grow even stronger and translate into the welfare of its people.

I believe it’s a golden period for all the businessmen and profession-

als with interest in India and the UAE to work harder and benefit from the growing engagements between our governments. The second visit of the Prime Minister was of ‘jet speed’ in his own words. He spent around 30 minutes with the diaspora and yet again, left them with a new zeal and vigour with his short but inclusive speech. We left the iconic Dubai Opera premises with the closing remark and reassurance by the Prime Minister that the dreams which we, the NRIs and our people back home have envisioned, together we will make sure that they come true before time

March-April-2018

43

DHANYA RAVI

Natural healing with Black Seed Oil

I

n the modern times, many of us have forgotten the time-tested benefits of natural remedies.

The long and proven history of these remedies shows how they healed health problems, and invigorated and rejuvenated overall wellness. They have now been replaced by fast-mushrooming beauty and cosmetic clinics.

The state of the art clinics with their super-advanced medical treatments have pushed more and more citizens to opt for them and to discard home remedies. However, selected few still resort to these time-honoured kitchen remedies.

Medical practitioners have found success in combining conventional medical treatments with naturopathy to support treatments.

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One of the natural gifts that gained popularity in recent times is 'Black Seed Oil‘, also known as ‘Nigella Sativa'.

In a nutshell, Black Seed Oil, popularly known as Black Coriander Oil, is extracted from the Nigella Sativa plant, native to Asia.

Technically, this plant is a part of the buttercup family and has crescent-shaped black small seeds.

This age-old remedy finds mention in the historical account from Ancient Egyptian era. It is recorded that Cleopatra used black cumin seed oil for beautiful hair and for glowing skin; whereas, Hippocrates (Greek physician) used it to improve the digestive system.

There are hundreds of studies persisting even today, based on research of black cumin seed oil.

There is a lot of effort put down in researching its active compounds which include myristic acid, palmitic acid, palmitoleic acid, oleic acid, stearic acid, arachidonic acid, linoleic acid, calcium, proteins, vitamins (such as B1, B2 and B3), iron, copper, zinc and phosphorous.

The most research has been done on crystalline nigellone and thymoquinone to aid with autoimmune diseases.

Black Seed Oil is formed from the nigella sativa plant, and the oil is extracted through a process by compressing the seeds. According to the National Institute of Health, "infection or virus" has been a significant health risk. And, there is a promising research taken over by connecting Nigella sativa to multidrug resistant bacteria. This tiny

ingredient acts as an adaptable tool to heal the human body system.

Why Black Seed Oil?

1. The unsaturated omega 6 & 9 acid, as well as phytosterols in the black seed, actually gives your heart more smiles. Black seed benefits heart health the most. It reinforces elasticity in the blood vessel walls and prevents blood arterial pressure and clot formation. This also helps in lowering the cholesterol and blood sugar level.

2. Diagnosis shows that bacteria causes fungal infections, rashes and many other skin diseases.

Research confirms that fungus and mould cannot exist together with the compounds involved in the black seeds. Hence, scientist asserts that black seed oil is definitely a powerful herb, a true natural remedy. It extensively treats and cures fungal infections.

in black seeds prevent cancer, mainly skin cancer.

Here are some of the compelling properties of the black seeds Black seed is Anti-bacterial, Anti-inflammatory, Anti-oxidant, Anti-fungal, Antiasthmatic, Antihistamine, Anti-viral, Anticoagulant and Anti-cancer -to name a few.

Methods & Benefits of Black Seed Oil (based on multiple studies)

Here are some of the best ways to utilize black seed oil: 1. Black seed oil's anti-asthmatic influences to control asthma and allergies. At times, it has been more effective than conventional

Probably, its efficacious antioxidant and antimicrobial properties strengthen the hair follicles and strengthen hair roots.

5. Black seed oil improves health by balancing the immune system. The play of antioxidants and other beneficial acids and vitamins gradually support and help increase the functionality of immune system.

6. Black seeds anti bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties are targeted at the white blood cells and so it enhances the immune health and extinguishes cancer cells, to some extent.

7. We all are aware of the importance of the organ Liver.

Most of our toxins are processed and filtered by this organ.

The bile produced by the liver aids the digestion and helps to keep the body and mind healthy.

Black seed oil is a great 3. Due to pollution The amendment has also gone ahead and accelerate to improve and other environmental clarified that the value of consignment liver function. While factors like pollen and some of us struggle with dust, allergies and sinus shall mean such value as may be deterpoor liver function due infections have become mined in accordance with the Section to excessive alcohol common. It is primar15, value of taxable supply, of the Cenconsumption, because ily because of the weak tral Goods and Services Tax Act, 2017 (the of any health condition immune system. Black or a side effect of certain “Act”). seed oil is known to cure medication. Black cumin allergies very quickly. oil prevents the damage Also, the powerful anof not getting it to worse. tibacterial and anti-inflammatory treatment. For many people, the compounds involved in black seed same properties have relieved alDifferent ways to consume battle with sinus infections eflergies. black seed in your diet fectively.

1. Consume a teaspoon of black 2. For Eczema and psoriasis, 4. Tone to fine texture! If you seed oil every day.

Black seed oil is used for skin comare the looking out for healthier 2. Consume the combination of plexities. It soothes the inflammaskin, Black seed oil is one of the black seed oil and honey. tion and regulates the blood flow. seeds which have a factory of 3. Chew black seeds few minBlack seed oil is recommended benefits. This includes vitamins, utes before breakfast. for diverse autoimmune disease, essential fatty acids, anti-aging 4. Consume the mixture of Rheumatoid arthritis and Thyroidiproperties, antioxidants and amino lukewarm water and black seed oil. tis -to name a few. acid. It is a total moisturizer, which 5. Black seeds can be used in also works favorably in protecting foods like bread and pastries.

3. Black seed oil can aid in from sunburn and wrinkles.

The inclusion of Black seed digestion and decrease gastritis, oil in daily diet using the aforestomach pain and bloat.

Croatian 5. It is when the DNA mutasaid combinations is not advised scientists affirm that black seed tions multiply spontaneously, the without a proper consultation oil can help prevent colon cancer immune system finds it hard to with an experienced doctor as the cells. balance and that's one of the sympaforementioned combinations work toms of cancer. The thymoquinone differently for each individual 4. Black seed oil has the incredand thymohydroquinone attributes ible ability to help restore hair loss.

March-April-2018

45

GADGETS

Vivo X20 Plus UD

MRP: `39, 990 (approximately)

Android v7.1.1

6.43 inches Display

12 MP + 5 MP Dual Primary Cameras

12 MP Secondary Camera

4 GB RAM

64 GB Internal Memory

256 GB Expandable Memory

3905 mAh Battery Capacity

Ziox Duopix R1

MRP: `6, 249 (approximately) Android v7.0 (Nougat) 5.0 inches Display 8 MP + 0.3 MP Dual Primary Camera 5 MP Secondary Camera 1 GB RAM 8 GB Internal Memory 32 GB Expandable Memory 2600 mAh Battery Capacity Rs. 6,249 (approximately)

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Apple Iphone Xc

MRP: N/A iOS v11 5.8 inches Display 12 MP + 12 MP Dual Primary Cameras 7 MP Secondary Camera 2 GB RAM 32 GB Internal Memory 2716 mAh Battery Capacity

Infinix Hot S3

MRP: 8,999 (approximately) Android v8.0 (Oreo) 5.65 inches Display 13 MP Primary Camera 20 MP Secondary Camera 3 GB RAM 32 GB Internal Memory 128 GB Expandable Memory 4000 mAh Battery Capacity

March-April-2018

47

COOKERY

Toshma Biju

LEMON MAGIC

Ingredients

• • • • • • •

All-purpose flour.................2 1/4 cups Sugar...................................... 1/2 cup Butter........................................ 1 cup Eggs................................... 4 numbers Sugar..................................1 1/2 cups Lemon juice........................... 1/2 cup Lemon zest..................... 1 tablespoon

Method Preheat oven to 175 degrees Celsius.

Mix 2 cups of flour and sugar together. Cut in the butter or margarine. Mix well. Press the dough into a 9x13 inch baking pan. Bake until golden brown.

Beat together eggs, sugar, four tablespoons flour, lemon juice and lemon rind for at least 1 minute. Pour the mixture over the baked crust. Bake another 20 minutes, or until the lemon topping has set. Sprinkle with sugar when cooled.

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CHOCOLATE PEANUT BUTTER CUPS Ingredients

• • • •

Chocolate chips (divided)....................................................2 cups Peanut butter....................................................................... 1 cup Salt............................................................................1/4 teaspoon Confectioners' sugar.......................................................... 1/2 cup

Method Place 1/2 chocolate chips in a microwave safe container. Microwave it for 2 minutes, stirring after each minute. Spoon melted chocolate into muffin cups, filling halfway.

With a spoon, draw the chocolate up the sides of the cups until evenly coated. Cool in the refrigerator until firm. In a bowl, mix together peanut butter, confectioners' sugar and salt. Divide into the chocolate cups.

Melt the remaining chocolate, and spoon over peanut butter. Spread chocolate to edges of cups.

DEVILED EGGS Ingredients

• • • • • •

Cooked eggs (halved)................................................... 6 numbers Mayonnaise..............................................................3 tablespoons Rice wine vinegar......................................................... 1 teaspoon Mustard powder........................................................... 1 teaspoon Salt.................................................................................... 1 pinch Fresh dill (optional)................................................................... 12

Method Scoop egg yolks into a bowl and set egg whites aside. Mash yolks, mayonnaise, vinegar, mustard powder, and salt. Spoon the yolk mixture into egg whites. Garnish with dill sprigs. Refrigerate until ready to serve.

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COOKERY

BANANA PUDDING Ingredients

• • • • • • • • •

Sugar................................................................................ 2/3 cup All-purpose flour................................................................ 1/3 cup Salt............................................................................1/4 teaspoon Eggs.............................................................................. 3 numbers Milk.....................................................................................2 cups Vanilla extract............................................................1/2 teaspoon Butter.......................................................................2 tablespoons Bananas (peeled and sliced)........................................ 2 numbers Orio cookies............................................................ 1 small packet

Method In medium saucepan, combine sugar, flour, and salt. Add eggs and stir well. Stir in milk, and cook over low heat, stirring constantly. When mixture begins to thicken, remove from heat and continue to stir, cooling slightly. Stir in vanilla and butter until smooth.

Layer the pudding, with bananas and orio cookies, in a serving dish.

Chill at least one hour in refrigerator before serving.

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BEAUTY

Dr. Elizabath Chacko, MD-Kalpana's International

Mob: 9388618112

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March-April-2018

How to take care of

long hair A

long hair is very difficult to maintain. It is a matter of both patience and luck because the infrastructural changes imply that luck might run out if we are not vigilant enough. But, we could use methods to maintain hair during intense pollution and hot summer days.

Here are some of the tips.

Use a clean brush

This is a simple, yet an important method. Do not share the brush you are using.

Even if you do, make sure that you clean them. Just wipe your brush with a cotton piece or towel before combing your hair.

Comb your semi-dry hair until all locks and knots are removed. Then, when it becomes fully dry, it will be easier to comb and the chances for hair loss will be less.

Also, make sure that you use the right hair brush for the type of hair you have, from straight, curled, dry, oily etc.

Shampoo your hair every three days

You need not shampoo your hair every day as

shampoo strips the vital oils away. Just make sure that it hydrated and remove the dirt as often as possible. You may use natural products instead of a shampoo.

Braid

Tie your hair into a braid when it is fully dry. It is the best way in which you could avoid hair locks. If you don't your hair to curl then tie the end of your hair. Try to avoid ironing as the heat might affect your hair growth.

Use hair bands that do not create locks at the end. Avoid rubber bands.

Trim

Trim the end of your hair to remove splits from time to time. If you want a major haircut then go for it.

Cover your hair

Use your shawl or scarf to cover your hair to avoid the settling of dust and to avoid the UV rays, as the radiation could affect the hair growth.

If you are riding a bike then cover your hair and wear a scarf below the helmet.

Use these methods. They will help make your day

March-April-2018

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Swaziland is a landlocked country located in the Southern region of Africa. It is one of the smallest countries in the region. Swazis are the prime inhabitants of this land.

J

ourney is a special experience. It is the right time to learn and relearn. It is definitely a part of educational process.

Each travel destination imparts different kinds of knowledge. For that reason, it is very important to select travel destination in a thoughtful manner.

that twenty years is the median age of this country (that is the average age of Swaziland is twenty). It is a boon, at the same time, a bane, for this nation. Over thirty-seven per cent of country’s population is under fourteen years of age. The country’s population growth rate stands at above one per cent.

Swaziland is a landlocked country located in the Southern region of Africa. It is one of the smallest countries in the region. Swazis are the prime inhabitants of this land.

The Kingdom of Swaziland was originally established in the mid-eighteenth century.

It was Ngwane III who created his African empire. The kingdom went through several ups and downs. After the Anglo-Boer war, it temporary pushed under the clutches of the British Empire. It was in the year 1968 the country finally shattered all clutches and emerged as a sovereign nation.

The Kingdom of Swaziland is an absolute monarchy. In this country, King is the final authority. He appoints the prime ministers and lawmakers. Nonetheless, elections are held in every five years.

Unlike its culture, the country has a diverse climatic condition. It experiences cool as well as hot climate. The country’s mountainous regions experiences cool climate while its planes experiences hot climatic conditions.

The enviable fact about this country is

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Now, Swaziland is a developing country.

Though its economy is very small compared to other African countries, it has successfully defeated several adversaries with a kind of easiness and remains as one of the most stable economies in the region. This lowincome country’s Gross Domestic Product per Capita is slightly more than nine thousand US dollars. Notably, it maintains a good

A peregrination to Africa’s

young nation

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trade relation with other countries, in Africa, as well as across the world. It is the member of the Southern African Customs Union and Common Market of Eastern and Southern Africa. It does trade with South Africa, United States and European Union. Of the three, South Africa is the biggest trade partner of this country, probably due to its proximity. Unlike other African nations, Swaziland has a powerful manufacturing sector; this sector contributes heavily to their economy. The country’s agricultural sector, which is one of the prime sectors, and in which the majority of its people work, is less worthy and contributes little to the economy. It suffers due to the lack of proper irrigation facilities and crop yield.

The country maintains good friendly relation with its neighbours and all others which wish to engage with them. It is the member of the Southern African Development Community, African Union, Commonwealth of Nations and the United Nations. Unlike other African countries, it is stable and less vulnerable to violence and conflicts.

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The biggest threat the country is facing is AIDS and mental illness. It is one of the regions in the world badly affected by HIV and mental illness. The surprising fact is that most of the Swazis affected by mental illness are HIV patients.

The country only has a primitive health infrastructure; its mental health infrastructure is far less than primitive. Tuberculosis is the leading cause of death. Nearly eighty-three per cent Swazis suffering from TB are AIDS patients. At present, several Non-Governmental Organisations, International Groups, Research Groups, University Groups are in this country to mitigate the after-effects of this health condition. Anyway, it is an undeniable fact that the nation urgently needs more funds to develop their health infrastructure to help their ailing population.

The education sector of this country is far better and its infrastructure is developing consistently, giving hopes that this young nation will taste more growth, peace and stability with the help of our youngsters in future.

Mbabane is the capital of Swaziland. The city is protected by the Mdimba Mountains. It is the best place to know the art and culture of this land.

Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary, Mbabane, Manzini, Ngwenya and Lobamba are the prime tourist locations in the country.

Mbabane is the capital of Swaziland. The city is protected by the Mdimba Mountains. It is the best place to know the art and culture of this land. There are several caves, hot springs and water falls in this region. Mantenga Cultural Village, through which the country

showcases its rich culture in the form of traditional dance shows and well-maintained traditional huts, is situated in this region.

Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the central Swaziland region. It is one of the most beautiful wildlife sanctuaries in the world.

It is home to several rare animals, such as antelopes and zebras, and pleasing birds. It is a mountainous sanctuary. The spectacular natural beauty of this land gives the soul a special experience.

Manzini is the business city of Swaziland. It is the only place in this country where the modernity showers its blessings. For most travellers, it is their shopping hub. It is one of the most populous regions in the country.

Ngwenya is a small town located in the Western region of the country. It is where mining companies operate. For that reason, it has a good infrastructure. Several other factories, mostly glass factories, are located in this town. Apart of its modern traits, its natural beauty is what that attacks tourists towards it.

Lobamba is where the Swaziland’s parliament and king’s palace are situated. It is the land of festivals and art. Umhlanga and Incwala festivals are the two prime festivals celebrated in this region.

Almost all these festivals are celebrated in the royal compound. The King Sobhuza II Memorial Park is the place where travellers get a glimpse of the Swaziland Kingdom’s legacy, wealth and strength.

Swazis love music, dance and arts. They are the real propagators of traditional dance, music and art.

It is clear that they love their rich

culture.

The local food travellers normally get to taste in this country is rated below average, probably due to its rawness.

It is advised to find a proper travel guide or tour adviser before planning a trip to this country.

There are several health precautions a traveller needs to take before entering its country.

Anyway, it is worth to take this risky journey. Visit this country at least once

March-April-2018

57

VIVEK VENUGOPAL

AUTO REVIEW

T

he Swift is the second best selling hatchback in the country after the Alto, and the third best-selling car in India. Even in its last days, the outgoing second generation car sold over 15000 units while it was being phased out. Its appeal is class-less and most households have had one as their only car or a second city runabout. No other small car has combined quality performance with beauty and cheeky handling like this one. For generations, the Swift has appealed to the family man looking for a reliable small car, as well as the enthusiast looking for a fun little car. The second generation car (2011-2017) was a marked improvement over the first gen (2005-2011), and, now, there is a third gen that is claimed to be even better. We had

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oks much lo it h g u oulift, tho n. The sh ation Sw r ig e s n e e d g y r r d The thir volutiona e lines are tighte e n a l il t s th still bolder, is re pronounced; shape is ll a r e o v m o , the ders are eanwhile m ; r ie v r t. and cu as a Swif le b a is n g reco

t f i Sw

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59

the mechanical grip from od go s ha r ca n ge This third rather the suspension set up th wi en ev d an sis chas the corners. softly, it does well in

to find out.

The third generation Swift, though it looks much bolder, is still an evolutionary design. The shoulders are more pronounced; the lines are tighter and curvier; meanwhile, the overall shape is still recognisable as a Swift. The front end styling is similar to that of the Dzire except for the new bumper and grill. The top spec model gets projector headlamps and DRLs that look cool. The rear gets squared tail lamps that flow into the fenders. The rear door handle has been moved up to the pillar area to give it a two door look, giving it a cleaner side profile. The Indian model gets 15-inch alloy wheels in place of the 16-inchers in the international variant: they do look small.

The car is 10mm shorter and 40mm wider, and the wheel base has gone up by 20mm. Importantly, it is 85 kilos lighter than before, and contrary to popular Indian belief, rigidity of the crash structure has actually been improved.

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Inside, it feels much more grown up. The dashboard design is similar to the one seen in the Dzire, but the Swift gets rotary elements for the AC vents and climate control area. While the Dzire has a black and beige combination, in the Swift, it is all black with the cheap looking wood finish on the steering replaced with a glossy grey trim. The flat bottomed steering wheel, with circular boss, looks like it belongs to an even more expensive car. The familiar touch screen audio system has Apple Car Play and Android Auto. The quality in plastics is nothing to write home about, but it feels well screwed together. Front shoulder room has been increased by 23mm, and the additional width of the cabin is felt everywhere. The front seats are unbelievably sporty and resemble Recaro Style JC sport buckets you see in many Euro cars. If you fit in them, you will find they are so snug and comfortable. The rear seat on the other hand, is flat and devoid of

any special bolstering. The inside of the rear door handle, where a quarter glass used to be -in the last two generations, restricts outward visibility for rear passengers. Legroom and shoulder room have been improved, the backrest angle has been increased by 2 degrees with an additional head clearance of 24mm. The boot also sees massive improvement with an extra 58 litre liberated to make it a more acceptable 268 litres.

Powering the Swift are the familiar 1.2 K series and 1.3 MJD engines carried over from the last two generations, but this time, they both are available with the choice of an AMT, which will broaden the appeal of the Swift even further.

The 82bhp petrol engine has about 113Nm torque and is undoubtedly the best of the naturally aspirated 1.2 litre engines. In the new Swift it feels even more willing thanks to the weight loss. It has adequate low end, decent midrange and revs cleanly to the red line. The light

clutch and snappy gearshifts add to the experience, but for sheer convenience you have to try the AMT. It has a bit of a delay, but things are much better now with improved AMT tuning helped of course by the engine’s four cylinder layout. The diesel engine has 75bhp and 190Nm torque and is even brawnier. It is a motor that is showing its age, but refinement is slightly better than in the last gen.

The low end torque makes it even more relaxing to drive on the highway and fuel efficiency is excellent.

The clutch action is light for a diesel too. It doesn’t feel peaky or rev happily to the 5000rpm redline as it once used to, but the lighter kerb weight makes it feel fast. The choice of AMT makes it the second diesel automatic hatchback (first being the Ignis) in the country and ideal for those who want convenience and economy. The laziness of the AMT combined with the inherent turbo lag of the diesel may catch you off guard initially, but soon you learn to work around the problem. Drive it in a relaxed manner and it will oblige with less perceptible shifts and progressive

acceleration.

The Swift was always one of the great handling hatchbacks. The second generation lost on some of the edginess of the first one, feeling much more mature -with improved ride quality as a bonus. This third gen car has good mechanical grip from the chassis and even with the suspension set up rather softly, it does well in the corners. The weight loss regime and the stiffer body structure both aid the handling. But, then, the conservatively sized 185 section Bridgestone Ecopia tyres which are built with less rolling resistance in mind, offer lower grip than similarly sized performance tyres. Not helping things is the lack of proper feedback from the steering. It is precise and lets you place it where you want, but it feels light and inconsistent and doesn’t return to the centre that well. The suspension on the whole is well tuned and the new Swift feels nimble and agile. You can go fast with it, but you don’t get the

same thrills you once used to. The brakes are good, with good pedal feel and resist fade for longer than before. As for ride quality, there is a hint of firmness at low speeds, but it absorbs big bumps much better now. That coupled with the relatively tall tyre profile makes it ideal for passengers.

It may not be as sharp to drive as the cars before it, but it is still a good little car.

It has got roomier, got

more equipment, has better ride quality, weighs less and is now safer with ABS and airbags as standard even in the base trim level.

Performance and fuel efficiency has got better with the car weighing less. And, with the choice of an automatic transmissions, that too in both petrol and diesel, Maruti has certainly broadened the Swift’s appeal

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MOVIE REVIEW

Hichki

T

his family drama, directed by Siddharth Malhotra, is based on the film ‘Front of the Class, which was created in the year 2008 by American filmmaker Peter Werner. This Bollywood film discusses the story of an undefeatable woman who suffers from the Tourette’s syndrome.

It portrays how the woman turns an uncomfortable situation into a favourable situation through her confidence and persistent hard work overcoming the physical difficulties posed by her disorder. Rani Mukerji appears in the lead role in the film as the newlyappointed teacher who has the aforementioned syndrome. Apart from Ms Mukerji, Supriya Pilgaonkar, Asif Basra and Shivkumar Subramaniam act in the main roles.

Hate Story 4

I

t is the suspense thriller directed by Vishal Pandya. It is the fourth film of the Hate Story series. Like the last two films of this series, this latest film of this series is also produced by the T-Series Films. Except the first film of the series, all other films of this series, including the latest film, are directed by the same director; Vivek Agnihotri is the director of the first film of the semi-erotic series. Ihana Dhillon, Urvashi Rautela, Sooraj Pancholi, Gurmeet Choudhary and Karan Wahi appear in the lead roles in the movie. In the film, the maker recreates a renowned Hindi song which gave a break to actor Emraan Hashmi, ‘Aashiq Banaya Aapne’.

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Death Wish

T

his film is a crime thriller directed by renowned American film maker Eli Roth. The film says the story of a surgeon who takes a violent path to avenge the intruders who has brutally attacked his wife and young daughter. Bruce Willis appears in the lead role in the film as Dr Paul Kersey. Apart from Mr. Willis, Vincent D’Onofrio, Dean Norris, Elisabeth Shue and Camila Morrone act in the main roles. There are several violent scenes in the film. It is recommended for those who wish to see a violent thriller. Nonetheless, the film has received positive reviews from almost all kinds of audience.

Red Sparrow I

t is an action thriller directed by Francis Lawrence. The film portrays the story of a talented spy who has been moulded through several sadistic training sessions by a leading secret intelligence service training school. It is the adaptation of a renowned book published in the same name in the year 2013. The writer of the book, Jason Matthews, is a former Central Intelligence Agency agent. Jennifer Lawrence appears in the lead role in the film as Dominika Egorovo. Apart from Ms Lawrence, Joel Edgerton, Matthias Schoenaerts, Jeremy Irons and Joely Richardson act in the important roles.

A critic claims that the film has successfully included even the minute details of the elusive spy profession.

March-April-2018

63

BOOK REVIEW

Indira Author Price

: Devapriya Roy : Rs. 499 (approximately)

T

he beautifully written book clearly describes the inspiring story of former Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. The writer correctly portrays the childhood, adult memories, unpleasant life experiences, political ups and downs and the tragic end of the one and only woman who have ever occupied the prestigious position of Prime Minister of the world’s largest democratic country. The way the writer uses to tell the story is entirely different from other books which come under this category and handle similar subject. In this book, the narrator does not address us. In contrary to the conventional style, the narrator tells the story to a kid who has been asked to write about the exceptional woman after whom her grandfather named her.

Coffee Can Investing: The Low Risk Road to Stupendous Wealth Author

Price

R

: Saurabh Mukherjea, Rakshit Ranjan and Pranab Uniyal : Rs. 374 (approximately)

eal estate, gold, fixed deposit, mutual fund and stock market are the common investment options considered as riskless options. For that reason, people only consider these options when they plan to make an investment. Aren’t there any other options? This book answers the aforementioned question clearly beyond the scope of any doubts and confusions. The writers of this book are quintessential wealth managers. The writers, through this book, aims to propagate the message that there are many riskless investment options other than the traditional options. It is the best book for those who are planning to make an investment and willing to open up the mind for more options.

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WATCHES

BOOK REVIEW

The Making of a CEO Author Price

: Sandeep K Krishnan : Rs. 215 (approximately)

T

he book is a perfect guide for senior professionals and fresh graduates alike. It clearly explains how it is like sitting in the top of an organisation and doing a job, which often receive less compliments and more difficulties. It contains several interviews and analysis reports. Almost all those CEOs who cooperated with the writer to bring out this excellent piece of work are eminent and renowned personalities in the business sector. The book successfully include either interview or analysis report of all kinds of CEOs -from those CEOs who manages family business, to those who manages public sector enterprises. Do you want to become a good CEO? Read this book! It will help you become one.

How Democracies Die Author Price

D

: Steven Levitsky and Daniel Ziblatt : Rs. 524 (approximately)

emocracy is one of the most valuable concepts human beings have developed. Yet, many youngsters are unaware about the struggle our forefathers have fought to make this concept a reality. For that reason, many of us, mostly those who are fortunate to born in a democratic country, is least bothered about the efforts made to stifle democracy. The book describes how modern world derail democracy. It elucidates, in detail, the three modern methods used to crush democracy: the election of an authoritarian leader, the complete repression of opposition, the abuse of government powers. The laudable fact is that this book explains how these aforementioned threats targeted towards democracy can be eliminated.

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Printed On 01/ 03/ 2018

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