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₹10 • Pages 12 • Volume 29 • Number 60 Bengaluru Chennai Coimbatore Hubballi Hyderabad Kochi Kolkata Madurai Malappuram Mangaluru Mumbai Noida Thiruvananthapuram Tiruchirapalli Tirupati Vijayawada Visakhapatnam Regd. TN/ARD/14/09-11, RNI No. 55320/94
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J2 BusinessLine
WEDNESDAY • MARCH 2 • 2022
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WEDNESDAY • MARCH 2, 2022
MUMBAI
₹10 • Pages 12 • Volume 29 • Number 60
QUICKLY
MOSCOW UNDER SANCTIONS
GST mopup slips to ₹1.33lakh crore in February
Govt puts it to trajectory and the FY22 target
would be exceeded. “While on an
28day month; still overall basis, the collections are
5th straight month 18 per cent higher than the same
period last year, there is a signific
of ₹1.3lakhcrplus ant divergence amongst States
with increases in the range of 2
collection per cent to 23 per cent amongst
OUR BUREAU the large States,” he said.
New Delhi, March 1 Rajat Bose, Partner, Shardul
Collections from the Goods and Amarchand Mangaldas & Co,
Services Tax (GST) in February said the GST collection for last
dipped to ₹1.33lakh crore from month is a clear indicator that
₹1.40lakh crore in January. How As GST is a consumptionbased higher than the corresponding the economy has reached the
ever, the good news is that the tax, an increase in collection re previous month and 26 per cent preCovid levels. “The increase in
collection crossed ₹1.30 lakh flects an improvement in de higher than in February 2020. GST collections can be attributed
crore for the fifth time. mand. During the month, revenues to better compliance and a crack
“February, being a 28day The collection would have from import of goods were 38 down on fraudulent practices,”
month, normally witnesses rev been higher if services sector had per cent higher and that from do he said.
enues lower than in January,” a improved more. Experts expect mestic transactions (including
Finance Ministry statement said. higher collections in March. import of services) up 12 per cent Eway bills
Still, it said the collection was over the same month last year. Eway bill generation saw an im
high in February and it should GST cess tops ₹10,000 cr provement in February as the av
also be seen in the context of par Since the implementation of the Economy at preCovid levels erage daily generation rose to
tial lockdowns, weekend/night levy, for the first time GST cess MS Mani, Partner with Deloitte over 24.26 lakh against 22.20 lakh
curfews and the restrictions that collection crossed the ₹10,000 India, said that collections ex in January. As on February 27,
were put in place by various crore mark, which signalling re ceeding ₹1.33lakh crore despite over 6.6 crore eway bills had
States due to the Omicron wave, covery of certain key sectors, es the challenging pandemic situ been generated during the
which peaked around January pecially automobile sales. Febru ation in January indicates that month. A week before that, it was
20. ary revenues are 18 per cent collections are now on a stable over 4.76 crore.
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2 NEWS BusinessLine
WEDNESDAY • MARCH 2 • 2022
O
ise on future growth oppor marketing and after sales most price compet We have been talking about target. company focused on ad has identified Advanced
tunities. at Volkswagen Passenger itive environment the sub4 (metre) segment vanced ceramics with Ceramics as one of the new
Christian Schenk, Board Cars and Porsche veteran, but there is also By 2026, India is forecast which might be interesting. What are the plans for healthcare. materials for strategic
Member for Finance and IT, spoke to BusinessLine huge demand, but to be amongst the world’s Skoda is in the lead for that. electric vehicles? The deal is expected to be growth.
Skoda Auto, will be the new from Germany sharing we also want to be profitable. top three automotive We have to decide what that Battery electric vehicles (BEV) closed in 60 days
Chairman of SAVWIPL. Piyush perspectives on the Indian markets. Battery EVs are means for us at Volkswagen. are still very costly. We have to Promoted by Sabyasachi
Arora joins as Managing Dir market and how Volkswagen What guidance can you very costly. We have to It’s too early to talk about it see if there is a business case Roy and Tushar Gothi, the BusinessLine
Disclaimer: Readers are requested to verify
ector of SAVWIPL and Chris sees it. Excerpts: provide on product plans? see if there is a business though. This plan, however, is for us to get them to India. company’s core competence & make appropriate enquiries to satisfy
themselves about the veracity of an
tian Cahn von Seelen will as The interesting thing about case for us to get them to part of the €1billion invest VW’s current entry level car is is manufacturing various ox advertisement before responding to any
sume an Executive position as What is India’s importance India is its sheer size but the India. ment that VW group has com ID3. The ID Life is a concept car ide ceramic compositions published in this newspaper. THG
PUBLISHING PVT LTD., the Publisher &
Executive Director, in the overall scheme of size itself does not help you KLAUS ZELLMER mitted to India. that we showcased in Munich, through process routes such Owner of this newspaper, does not vouch
for the authenticity of any advertisement
Sales & Marketing. things at VW? make money. So, we have to Board Member, Sales and with a target entry price of as lslip casting, gel casting, or advertiser or for any of the advertiser’s
Thomas Schäfer, CEO, Skoda Marketing powder compaction, spray
We are aware of the import find the right opportunities. Is VW confident of achieving €20,000. This BEV would products and/or services. In no event can
Z
Y the Owner, Publisher, Printer, Editor,
Auto, said, “I am delighted to ance of India in the global The gap between product de the market share target of 5 provide an opportunity to drying and vibrocasting, Director/s, Employees of this
welcome this group of scope. By 2026, India is fore velopment decision and its like, what could be the right per cent? enter the Indian market but which are instrumental in ad newspaper/company
responsible/liable in
be
any
held
manner
seasoned professionals to bol cast to be amongst the top roll out is four years. We have product line up in the 210 We have to get back to a we need to see if that will be vanced ceramics whatsoever for any claims and/or damages
for advertisements in this newspaper.
ster the leadership team.” three automotive markets in to see what the future looks years for us to be part of the smooth production flow, not the exact car. manufacturing.
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BusinessLine
WEDNESDAY • MARCH 2 • 2022 NEWS 3
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4 THINK BusinessLine
WEDNESDAY • MARCH 2 • 2022
0
xyz
I
The proposed data-use policy is good on intent t is established that economic petition. So, more than conduct, the
freedom engenders superior context matters.
but lacks clarity on privacy and transparency economic outcomes. There From the perspective of state,
fore, the state has been ex every conduct at marketplace could
T
he draft India Data Accessibility and Use panding the horizon of economic be presumed to be a misconduct
freedom for business. This, how unless proved otherwise, consider
Policy, released by the Ministry of Elec
ever, poses extraordinary chal ing the context. Depending on the
tronics and Information Technology lenges for the ecosystem. skill and expertise of personnel, the
(MeitY), can pave the way for a radical Economic freedom is in a fluid kind and extent of information
change in sharing public data for the greater good. state: it is enhanced or curtailed rel available, and quality of tools and
Various government departments, local authorit atively easily depending on the con technology used, the same facts
temporary economic thought and and circumstances may not present
ies, police forces, the healthcare system, and philosophy, and sometimes even re a clear context, or present a false
schools have access to key data which when shared gardless. Right to property was a context. If context presented is
can improve public services, facilitate research and fundamental right some time ago, false, one may end up with either a
innovation, and inform policymaking. For ex but no more. false negative or false positive. Pun
Many statutes, which restricted ishing a false negative, that is, pen
ample, data shared by the Railways and local trans or even denied economic freedom, alising a business for its impeccable
port departments are used in various applications have been repealed or liberalised in conduct, is the most damaging to
to provide the schedule of buses and trains that sync with shift to a market regime. an economy. This calls for commen
help citizens plan their travel. With the digital eco Further, economic freedom is not surate institutional capacity
absolute. It has many shades of among the new agencies of the
nomy growing rapidly, data has become an import
grey, probably because it is encap state — the regulators and regulat Complex issue The abuse of economic power in the market is often determined by the context /ISTOCKPHOTO
ant economic and social resource and, in India, the sulated in economic laws, a domain ory tribunals — that have a duty to
government is the biggest data repository. In this served by both economists and law secure freedom. dom to survive and flourish in a figure out the relevant market (geo Research Foundation) and where
context, the draft policy proposes to consolidate yers, who by their multifarious, and From the perspective of business, world with choices. graphical and product) first, and no conduct at marketplace is, prima
public data repositories and make them available often conflicting, capabilities con market is all about freedom of Professional expertise required then determine whether the player facie, right or wrong.
fuse others! choice. In case of stress, for ex for economic freedom are quite dis is dominant in that market. Since economic freedom is
to interested parties like researchers, startups, en ample, a creditor has several op tinct as compared to civil liberty. In Thus, the laws relating to civil mainly the interplay of law and eco
terprises, individuals, and government depart Multiple perspectives tions for recovery as well as resolu case of murder (civil liberty), med liberty prohibit murder, whether it nomics, there is the need for devel
ments. While a similar attempt to share data was The determination of an issue relat tion. Its choice is, however, subject ical science answers whether the is by or of X or Y, while economic oping crosscutting expertise. Such
made by the government in 2012 ing to economic freedom in each to rights of others. If another cred death is unnatural, with reasonable laws prohibit abuse by a dominant expertise has to be used for enhan
context requires that all possible itor or the debtor triggers corpor precision. Thereafter, one sifts player only. While no one, not even cing State capacity, market capacity
Scan & Share under the National Data Sharing legal perspectives are considered ate insolvency resolution process through evidence to establish if X the state, can encroach upon civil and professional capacity, includ
and Accessibility Policy, it failed from all possible economic angles. (CIRP), it has no option but to parti intentionally caused the death, bey liberty, in certain contexts, the state ing practice before regulator,
to take off due to a lack of an in Consider this anecdote. Three cipate in the CIRP even if it pre ond all reasonable doubts. This is as well the business may encroach tribunals and courts.
stitutional framework. It’s good persons have received notices from ferred recovery. relatively easier to settle as com upon economic freedom and yet Since capacity building takes
the competition authority. They are Therefore, it needs to use its free pared to abuse of dominant posi not violate the law. The economic time, in the short run, economists
that the proposed new policy
comparing notes. The first says he dom strategically. If it chooses res tion (economic freedom). laws, therefore, allow greater latit may also be allowed to practise eco
will bridge this gap by setting up charges a price higher olution, it may evaluate Abuse means imposing an unfair ude to businesses, but for ascertain nomic laws — at least before regu
an India Data Office under MeitY with a data man than anyone else; he is ac CIRP as an option. If it price. What is unfair for one may ing the latitude and using it appro lators and tribunals. In the long
agement unit in every Ministry, headed by Chief cused of monopoly pri Scan & Share chooses CIRP, it joins not be so for another. What is unfair priately, State as well as the run, academics should produce
Data Officers. cing. The second says he committee of creditors in the morning may not be so in the business need assistance of profes economiclawyers or legaleconom
charges a price lower (CoC), which has the op afternoon. A conduct otherwise un sionals with high dexterity. ists who specialise in economic law
The benefits of effective data sharing could be than anyone else; he is ac tion of choosing between fair is not unfair if it is adopted to practice. Only expanding profes
huge — enabling health researchers to spot pat cused of predatory pri resolution plan and li meet competition. Thus, one has to Building expertise sional capabilities can reduce false
terns in inpatient data, and advancing knowledge cing. The last one says he quidation. If the CoC struggle to determine whether a To harness full benefits of the free negatives and protect, promote and
in the fields of science and medicine. It also demo charges the same price as chooses resolution plan, particular conduct is unfair and, dom to take the economy to greater preserve the hardearned economic
anyone else; he is accused it has choice among sev therefore, abuse in a given context. heights, the ecosystem — profes freedom.
cratises access to data wherein newage startup en of cartelisation. eral competing resolution plans. Further, who killed, who was sionals, firms, and state — needs to
trepreneurs can use raw datasets to develop user Thus, different conducts — high These choices are not formulae killed, where he was killed, what build commensurate capability. Sahoo is Distinguished Professor,
friendly applications using artificial intelligence price, low price and same price — driven, but by commercial wisdom. was the effect of killing, etc., are far This assumes further significance, National Law University, Delhi (NLUD).
and machine learning technologies, thus breaking could be misconduct, and the same The creditor does not acquire com less relevant to the case of murder. when business laws in the country Nair is Director, National Institute of
conduct could be bad or good, de mercial wisdom from legislation, On the contrary, who abused is ma have 26,134 clauses providing for Securities Markets (NISM). Views
the control on data by a few big tech companies.
pending on the ‘context’. There are which merely confers rights. It terial. It is an offence only if it is by a imprisonment in case of contraven expressed are personal.
However, pooling and sharing data give rise to im contexts where an apparent mis needs to develop commercial wis dominant player. One struggles to tions (recent study of the Observer
portant questions of privacy, as well as the extent to
which individuals have ownership of data that is
T
tutes highvalue data sets nor does it put in place he agriculture and allied cent for ‘livestock’ and 8.2 per cent The need of the hour is to im to the scheme in 202223 BE. The
sector is going through a for ‘fishing’. prove productivity of the agricul Market Intervention Scheme and
guardrails to protect individual privacy. Definition
slow but dynamic change. ture and allied sector, create jobs in Price Support Scheme (MISPSS) and
of more sensitive categories which should have re Does Union Budget 2022 Productivity growth the rural sector and provide in the Pradhan MantriAnnadata Aya
stricted access is left to the independent govern 23 anchor the sector into its more There has been a rapid rise in agri come support, in that order. Sanrakshan Abhiyan (PMAASHA),
ment ministries. This can be dangerous when the dynamic growth path? The answer cultural productivity of foodgrains which were set up to ensure proper
government acts like a data broker trying to max lies in the details. (driven mainly by rice and wheat) Allocation of funds price for farmers’ produce, have
The real growth of the agricul whereas the productivity growth in The combination of expenditures seen drastic cuts in this year’s
imise revenue from selling data. Unfortunately, In ture and allied sector has averaged the case of pulses, oilseeds, nutri of agriculture and allied activities, Budget.
dia still does not have a data protection law in around 3.6 per cent for the last dec cereals and horticultural crops has rural development and fertiliser The earlier one saw a cut of 58 per
place. The Personal Data Protection Bill has been in ade (201213 to 202122) with a 70 per remained sluggish (RBI Bulletin, subsidies form 11.7 per cent of total cent over 202122 RE and the latter
discussion for over four years now but is yet to be cent coefficient of variation (CV) — January 2022). Even the productiv Central expenditure. It is 6.3 per was almost done away with. Also, al
that is, growth in this sector has ity in foodgrains is lower than that cent lower than 202122 Revised Es location to the Agriculture Infra
tabled in Parliament. The proposed data use policy been volatile. It was the only sector of many emerging countries be timates (RE). Within that, fertiliser structure Fund (AIF), which is ear
More infra support needed THE HINDU
should be anchored to the data protection law if it that exhibited positive growth in cause of low farm mechanisation subsidies, PMKISAN and Mahatma marked for postharvest
has to find a larger acceptance. Perhaps, the Centre 202021, at 3.6 per cent, and is fore and irrigation levels, etc. the workforce (versus 48.8 per cent Gandhi National Rural Employ infrastructure, decreased to ₹500
can convert the policy itself into a Bill and get it en cast to grow at 3.9 per cent in 2021 Agricultural exports as a percent in 201112). Further, the sector acted ment Guarantee Scheme crore in 202223 BE from ₹900 crore
22. Growth in real gross capital age of total goods exports have as the shockabsorber — in April (MGNREGS) together form around 202122 BE.
acted as a law by Parliament given that public
formation (GCF) in this sector has gone up from 8.3 per cent in 201617 June 2020, the share of agriculture 53 per cent of total expenditure. There is an effort to change the
funds will be used to set up the institutional frame been highly volatile (CV of 392 per to 10.2 per cent in 202021 (Ministry in the workforce rose to 46.5 per Despite the allocation for ex mechanism of creating rural jobs
work to implement it. cent). The GCFoutput ratio in the of Commerce). The share of the al cent. The average monthly income penditure coming down by almost away from MGNREGA to other
sector declined from 14.1 per cent in lied sector in agricultural exports per agricultural household has 25 per cent between 202122 RE and schemes but the deduction from
201112 to 10.8 per cent in 202021 in has risen over time (RBI Bulletin, gone up from ₹6,426 in 2013 to 202223 BE, the share of fertiliser MGNREGA is higher than the in
nominal terms (MoSPI). January 2022). Specifically, the ₹10,218 in 2019 (Economic Survey subsidies in Budget 2022 was high crease to other schemes. Marginal
Within the sector, the share of the share of animal husbandry has 202122). at 22.8 per cent. Allocation to irriga reallocation of expenditure away
crops subsector has decreased risen from 10.4 per cent in the trien After accounting for retail rural tion has come down by 11.6 per cent, from income support towards
POCKET RAVIKANTH
from 65.4 per cent in 201112 to 55.1 nium ending (TE) 2000 to 20.2 per inflation, the compound annual driven by a 67 per cent fall in alloca more productivity and employ
per cent in 202021. The shares of cent in TE 2020. Further, there has growth rate was 3.4 per cent, lower tion to major irrigation. Allocations ment enhancement schemes could
livestock and fishing and aquacul been an expansion in agricultural than real GDP (6.8 per cent). The to major and medium irrigation have been adopted.
ture have gone up from 21.8 per cent export destinations. share of income from wages/salary and minor irrigation have risen by
and 4.5 per cent in 201112 to 30 per In 201920, the agriculture and al went up from 32 per cent to 40 per 32.6 per cent and 16.5 per cent, re Bhandari is a Senior Fellow, and Sahu
cent and 6.7 per cent in 202021, re lied sector formed 16.7 per cent of cent, farming of animals, rose from spectively. is a Senior Research Analyst, at NCAER.
spectively. While the decadal aver GDP and employed 45.5 per cent of 12 per cent to 16 per cent but cultiva The Sub Mission on Agriculture Views are personal
LET TERS TO THE EDITOR Send your letters by email to bleditor@thehindu.co.in or by post to ‘Letters to the Editor’, The Hindu Business Line, Kasturi Buildings, 859-860, Anna Salai, Chennai 600002.
Published by N. Ravi at Kasturi Buildings, 859 & 860, Anna Salai, Chennai-600002 and Printed by N. Vaidyanathan at Dangat Media Pvt Ltd, No. 22, Dighe MIDC, Vishnu Nagar, TTC Industrial Area, Dighe, Navi Mumbai-400701 on behalf of THG PUBLISHING PVT LTD., Chennai-600002. Editor: Raghuvir Srinivasan (Editor responsible for selection of news under the PRB Act). ISSN 0971 - 7528
BusinessLine
WEDNESDAY • MARCH 2 • 2022 THINK 5
T
he need to combat climate to remember battery electric vehicles Former US President Donald Trump was
change and stall ecological (BEVs) and FCEVs are not competing the first to question globalisation and the
degradation has made itself but complementary technologies, hy en masse move to China. In Trump’s mind,
felt with pressing signific drogenoperated EVs offer some im business was only worthwhile if the
ance. With leading nations actively at portant benefits over lithiumpowered factories were producing their products
tempting to reach the netzero emis BEVs. In the context of certain duty under his nose in the US. More crucially, he
sions goal in the next few decades, the cycles and applications, they possess spotted China’s economy was moving
quest to seek alternative energy higher energy density (more energy ahead faster and was poised to catch up
sources has become more earnest than per unit mass), require shorter fuelling PARAN BALAKRISHNAN and even possibly overtake the US. Trump
ever before. India, too, has set an ambi durations, and have longrange applic began the campaign to get US business to
tious target of reducing the emissions ations that are not viable with BEVs be THE WIDER ANGLE invest less in China.
intensity of its economy by 45 per cent cause of the constraints of LIIon batter So could globalisation be pushed onto a
by 2030. ies. With an inherent renewability different track? Will companies stay close
L
The automotive sector, in particular, component and no emissions, FCEVs et’s start by hoping Vladimir to home particularly for key items like
has sought to evolve to renewable en are also very environmental friendly. Putin doesn’t press the nuclear semiconductor chips which have been in
ergy sources and reduce its carbon In particular, transitioning to hydro button in the coming weeks. short supply in the wake of the pandemic.
footprint. Against this backdrop, hy gen fuel cell heavyduty vehicles can Secondly, let’s hope Kyiv will not Last year, Intel announced it would spend
drogen fuel cell technology is emer have a significant impact in reducing be reduced to Stalingradlike rubble. Even Changing times Will the continent turn into an armed camp, again? AFP $20 billion on a chip fabrication facility in
ging globally as a valuable multisector greenhouse emissions. In the near fu if we avoid those nightmare scenarios, the Arizona and $3.5 billion on a chip plant in
alternative for fossil fuels. ture, hydrogen fuel cells will be key in world’s political, economic and business trast, Putin has assumed the mantle of a crashed 40 per cent. To get round the sanc New Mexico. A few days ago, it announced
Fuel cell technology relies on the achieving higher range applications landscapes are going to be altered beyond global villain, behaving unexpectedly er tions, India is looking at the possibility of another $20billion plant in Ohio. India is
chemical energy of hydrogen to gener (exceeding 500 km) because of faster recognition now that Russian tanks have ratically and making dangerous nuclear revving up the rupeerouble trade. But also hoping to set up chip fabrication facil
ate electricity in a clean manner and ef refuelling and higher density. rolled into Ukraine. threats. clearly a country as large as Russia can’t be ities but it will be a long haul.
fectively. Unlike primary fuels like coal Firstly, what went wrong with the Rus What’s more, with no signs the fighting cut out of the global trading system
and petroleum, or renewable energy The road ahead sian campaign? Moscow looks to have will conclude quickly, the Americans and without it making an impact on just Europe will face the brunt
sources like wind or solar power, hy Hydrogen technology is still at a very overestimated the strength of proRussia Europeans are tightening the sanctions about everyone. The direct impact of the events will, of
drogen is an energy carrier. This means nascent stage in the country, and there feelings among their Slavs brothers. Rus noose on Russia. They’re even taking the For almost 30 years now, globalisation course, be in Europe. This is a continent
that hydrogen is required to be pro is limited infrastructure, especially hy sia expected a quick thrust into Ukraine drastic step of booting the Russians out of has been the lynchpin of the New World ripped apart by two wars just 21 years
duced using primary sources such as drogen dispensing units. This raises would be largely unopposed and the cam the SWIFT banking system which will Order. Top US companies slashed costs by apart; a continent wearied by the dread
natural gas, water, biomass, etc. Once the acquisition and total cost of owner paign would end with a rapid takeover of massively complicate fund transfers. moving to China where they could hire fulness of the Holocaust. From those
procured, hydrogen can ship for FCEVs. Further, Kyiv and installation of a puppet regime Even China has signalled it doesn’t ap armies of lowcost workers. Companies memories sprang both the European
be used to supply electri most hydrogen produc in place of the government of “drugtak prove of Russia’s march into Ukraine. The also discovered new markets in Third Union and NATO. The EU aimed to create
city across sectors, in tion methods deployed ing Nazis”, as Putin so delightfully put it, ChinaRussia alliance, which had been World countries. The world had become a economic ties that would bind the entire
cluding for industrial today rely on fossil fuels. led by President Volodymyr Zelensky, growing stronger, now looks more fragile. smaller place and globalisation was the continent and prevent conflict. But there
and commercial use, However, government who’s gained superstar status. (Zelenskyis India, too, though it abstained in a UN Se way forward. was more than that.
transportation, and incentives and localisa also definitely not a Nazi because he’s curity Council vote deploring the inva Have the Russians struck the final nail Says British thinker and journalist Will
longterm gridbased tion of core aggregates Jewish.) sion, has just announced it’s sending in the coffin of globalisation? Clearly, it Hutton: “Its (the EU’s) foundations lay in
storage in reversible are likely to reduce costs Ukraine humanitarian aid and medicines. sends a message to corporations that in the collective recognition Europeans have
systems. and improve the overall Clumsily planned These are two strong, unexpected rebukes vesting in foreign locales could be danger to stand together to protect their security
Fuel cell electric economics of FCEV. A The Russian government knew heavy for the Russians. ous. For a long time now, global corpora and values.”
vehicles (FCEVs) are surge in the demand for Ukrainian casualties would be unpopular The acrosstheboard sanctions coupled tions and even smaller companies had NATO was the sword arm to keep the
powered by hydrogen. Like all electric this technology is expected in the at home and even amongst its soldiers so with Russia’s sudden status of an outcast made their blueprints for the future on Russians in their corner of the continent
vehicles, FCEVs use electricity to power second half of the current decade. it has held back on attacking cities, are also breaking up longstanding cor the premise the world was their oyster. and ensure the US pledged to defend the
an electric motor. However, instead of The newly introduced National Hy though now that seems to have changed. porate alliances. BP has just announced entire continent. Even after the Iron Cur
using electricity through batteries, drogen Energy Mission Programme Overall, it’s been a clumsily planned cam it’s exiting a $12billion tieup with Russian China’s onslaught tain collapsed, NATO treated Russia as its
FCEVs generate electricity using a fuel aims to bring open access to renewable paign marked by bad logistics with re oil giant Rosneft that may mean a $25bil An earlier signal about investor risks from main enemy, squandering any chance to
cell stack powered by hydrogen, which energy and increase the production of ports of Russian tanks out of gas and lion writedown. ExxonMobil is under globalisation came from China when it forge a new relationship.
is stored onboard. green hydrogen (that does not rely on stranded. Now, though, it looks like the pressure to take similar action. Exxon launched an onslaught against its own Now, the Germans have pledged to
FCEVs are among the cleanest modes fossil fuels to be produced). war may be entering a far bloodier stage. Mobil has a 30 per cent stake in the tech giants. Overnight, China’s stockmar spend the gigantic sum of $100 billion to
of transportations as they release no With these positive steps, one can ex As the campaign is a week old, it’s clear Sakhalin oilandgas fields in which ONGC ket darlings found themselves in the gov rearm. The French will be forced to follow
harmful tailpipe emissions, and only pect a decisive move towards a sustain though, if nothing else, that the Russians Videsh is also a partner. ernment’s sights. Alibaba was fined $2.8 suit and so will the British, if they can af
emit water vapour and warm air. With able future of mobility, with hydrogen have lost the PR battle, outstaged every What happens, as looks likely, if Russia billion and the Ant Group was ordered to ford it. Historians talk about how starting
future technical enhancements, there fuel cell technology playing a domin step of the way by the resilient Ukrainians. is squeezed out of the global trading sys scrap a New York megaIPO. Didi, the ride around 1905 the Germans, French and
will be an improvement in the overall ant role across segments, in public Zelensky, the lawyerturnedcomedian tem? Oil and gas prices will certainly hailing company, had to suspend its app British began to build their military
WTW (welltowheel) efficiency for transport, commercial vehicles, and turned president, armed with his mobile climb — some traders are looking at crude and educational companies were ab might and turned the continent into an
FCEVs which is pegged at 30–35 per cent passenger vehicles. phone with which he rallies world sup at $120 (someone’s going to have redo the ruptly told they could no longer charge armed camp that ended in the 191418
today. port, has ably filled the role of a national math in India’s Budget which assumes students. Inevitably, global investors took Great War. Will history be repeated once
FCEVs can be instrumental in achiev The writer is President and CTO, Tata Motors leader in Ukraine’s darkest hour. By con crude at $7075). The rouble has already a heavy hit amidst all this. again?
SHORT TAKE
BusinessLine
Beware an TWENTY YEARS AGO TODAY
isolated Russia’s March 2, 2002
‘splinternet’ Reliance Industries, RPL to be merged
The Reliance group today announced the merger of its two
PARMY OLSON flagship companies to create a ₹65,000crore
(approximately) integrated giant in the oil refining,
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the QR code or click the link
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WEDNESDAY • MARCH 2 • 2022
Centre gears up to meet coal shortage Digital payments continue
To track rake movement to ensure
domestic supply even as imports decline
for blending with domestic
coal. robust growth in February DigiDhan dashboard shows
High prices SURABHI
RISHI RANJAN KALA fallen to 3 per cent due to Care Edge in a previous report Mumbai, March 1 a total of 3,603.33 crore trans
New Delhi, March 1 higher coal prices. said post June 2020, the coal Digital payments have re actions have been processed
As thermal power generation prices were at an alltime low mained robust in February through BHIM UPI in this
from imported coal has been Strain on railways impacted by Covid19 and Chi with transactions on the Uni fiscal. Meanwhile, IMPS trans
on a declining trend due to Jain warned that power genera na’s cut down on import from fied Payments Interface (UPI) actions also remained robust
high prices, the government is tion from imported coal is ex Australia. Australian thermal platform remaining well last month, processing 42.09
gearing up to meet the short pected to drop further in fu coal prices dipped to $50.1 per above the ₹8lakh crore mark. crore payments worth ₹3.84
age through domestic sources ture, which will put a strain on tonne in August 2020. Eventu According to the data re lakh crore compared to 44.01
as majority of plants are either railways for transportation of ally, prices started rising again leased by the National Pay compared to February 2021, crore transactions valued at
on the coast or far off from domestic coal to substitute for from April 2021 and in October, ment Corporation of India the value and volume of UPI ₹3.87lakh crore in January.
mines. To ensure availability of imports. Coal imports by power seaborne thermal coal prices in (NPCI) on Tuesday, UPI pro transactions has shown hu As many as 9.44 crore trans
the dry fuel, the Cabinet Secret plants fell to 215 MT in FY21 from Asia peaked to a new record of cessed 457.2 crore transac mongous growth at 94.5 per actions amounting to
ary will now periodically review 248.54 MT in FY20. During April $224.5 a tonne. It then dipped to tions worth ₹8.26lakh crore cent and 97.5 per cent, re ₹25,514.75 crore were pro
railways rake movement. October in FY22, the imports Last month, Jain had said In cannot be bridged completely $157.5 per tonne in November in February, as against 461.7 spectively. This is the third cessed in February through
Last month, Coal Secretary stood at 18.14 MT against 26.79 dia will end coal imports for as there is insufficient availabil before rising to $169.7 per tonne crore transactions amount straight month when UPI pay Aadhaar enabled Payment
Anil Kumar Jain met senior offi MT in the yearago period. thermal power generation by ity and reserve of prime coking the next month. ing to ₹8.31lakh crore in Janu ments have remained above Service, as against 11.5 crore
cials from the ministry, railways At present, the rake move 2024. The Centre has also set a coal in India. Presently, coal is According to Fitch Ratings, ary. the ₹8lakh crore mark and it payments worth ₹29,345.91
and coal mining companies on ment is not sufficient to meet target of 1.2 billion tonnes up to under Open General License Indonesia’s ban on coal exports is expected to register further crore in January.
availability for the power sector. the demand. Against a daily av FY24. The Ministry of Power has and consumers are free to im has led to a rebound in APAC Further growth in offing growth in coming months FASTag payments, too, saw a
He said almost 8 per cent of erage loading plan of 301 rakes, also projected a requirement of port coal from the source of thermal coal prices. It expects However, the volume and with plans to encourage its sharp uptick in growth with
thermal power generation the railways could load only 727 MT of domestic coal for their choice. Thermal power more pressure in the near term value of payments on UPI re use in smaller towns as well as 24.36 crore transactions
used to come from imported 259.6 rakes. During December power generation for FY23. The based on domestic coal can use due to weaker demand and the mained at levels similar to the UPI Autopay and IPO worth ₹3,631.22 crore being
coalbased plants, which has 2021, it stood at 264.6 rakes. current demandsupply gap imported coal up to 10 per cent lifting of restrictions. that of December 2021. Even facilities. processed in February.
₹216 • ITC
within it. Go long now and at 1705
with a stoploss at 1680
Korea’s floating solar flowers: A vision that can light up others’ path
S1 S2 R1 R2 COMMENT
Floating solar arrays are gaining traction Hapcheon shows how reser per cent annual return over 20
213 210 218 221 Nearterm bias is positive. Go long voirbased systems can help years.
only on a break above 218. Keep the in countries where land is at a premium overcome one of the biggest The arrays use Hanwha’s
stoploss at 215 obstacles to expanding renew latest technology, specially ad
BLOOMBERG Korea’s industrialised eco ables in developed nations. apted for water, with greater
₹160 • ONGC March 1 nomy relies heavily on impor The Hapcheon Dam was built resistance to humidity and
S1 S2 R1 R2 COMMENT
More than 92,000 solar pan ted fossil fuels. in the late 1980s during the heat, according to the com
156 151 163 167 High risk appetite traders can go els, in the shape of plum blos At a commissioning cere military dictatorship of Chun pany. “We see a huge potential
long now and accumulate at 157. soms, floating on the surface mony for the plant in Novem Doohwan, with villagers for in the global floating solar
Stoploss can be kept at 154 of a reservoir in South Korea, ber, South Korea’s President cibly evicted in order to pro market as more countries ad
offer a vision of how land Moon Jaein said floating solar mote hydropower and irriga opt the technology,” said Shin
₹2355 • Reliance Ind.
S1 S2 R1 R2 COMMENT
scarce developed nations can panels can help the nation tion. Hyungseob, general manager
overcome local resistance to reach its goal of becoming car Floating solar panels on the Hapcheon Dam BLOOMBERG at Hanwha Solutions, which
2320 2305 2375 2400 Immediate outlook is bullish. Go
giant renewableenergy bon neutral by 2050 with the Local investors produces panels under the
short now and on dips at 2330 with
a stoploss at 2310
projects. potential to add 9.4 gigawatts, voir last year, and Singapore els can also help restrict algae The reservoir is now managed brand Q Cells. “We’re hoping
The 17 giant flowers on the or the equivalent of nine nuc has started a 60megawatt blooms, while the water helps by Staterun Korea Water Re to export the modules.”
₹484 • SBI 12milelong reservoir in the lear reactors. peak plant on its Tengeh Reser keep panels cool in hot cli sources Corp. and when the While solar is South Korea’s
S1 S2 R1 R2 COMMENT southern county of Hapcheon Floating solar arrays have voir. India plans to complete mates, increasing their floating power plant was pro leading renewableenergy
477 470 492 496 Wait for a rise and go short if the are able to generate 41 mega been gaining traction, espe its huge 600 MW plant above efficiency. posed, the villagers were given source, with 21 gigawatts, the
stock reverses lower from 492. Keep watts, enough to power cially in Asia, from nations like the Omkareshwar dam by They are costlier to build, the chance to invest. Some loc nation will need at least 375
the stoploss at 495 20,000 homes, according to South Korea and Singapore 2023. though. Due to the need for als were also offered jobs dur gigawatts to reach net zero, ac
Hanwha Solutions Corp., where most available land for Floating projects typically floats, moorings and more re ing construction, in an area cording to the Green Energy
₹3550 • TCS which built the plant. It’s one largescale solar farms is benefit from an easier connec silient electrical components, where the average age is al Institute.Kim Jiseok, a climate
S1 S2 R1 R2 COMMENT of the biggest floating solar already given over to build tion to the power grid, either floating systems are con most 60. About 1,400 resid and energy specialist at Green
3500 3450 3575 3625 Can rise in the nearterm. Go long plants in the world, and it’s in ings or agriculture. Thailand via an existing link from a hy sidered about 18 per cent more ents collectively have invested peace Korea, said, “If we don’t
now and accumulate at 3520. a nation that has been a lag built the world’s largest hy droelectric plant, or because expensive than landbased 3.1 billion won ($2.6 million), speed up the deployment of
Stoploss can be placed at 3490 gard in adopting renewable drofloating solar hybrid sys the reservoir is close to an ones, according to the World or about 4 per cent of the total renewable energy now, we’re
energy, even though South tem on the Sirindhorn reser urban area. Photovoltaic pan Bank. cost, expecting to receive a 10 going to miss the deadline.”
S1, S2: Support 1 & 2; R1, R2: Resistance 1 & 2.
CM .. .... . .. ...BM-BME
YK
MUMBAI
BusinessLine
WEDNESDAY • MARCH 2 • 2022 NEWS 7
Sovereign Gold Bond scheme: Should you subscribe? Bitbns exchange ‘CSB Bank working to
to trade in grow balance sheet’
Gold has been in focus in recent weeks On specific request while
crypto currency
applying, you can get the
because of geo-political concerns, bonds in demat form.
besides inflation across the globe The annual interest of 2.5 index IC15 We are finalising
per cent will be paid semi strategy for
AKHIL NALLAMUTHU gold as an asset class is un annually. The payment will OUR BUREAU
BL Research Bureau, March 1 correlated to other assets, be made to the bank account Mumbai, March 1 wholesale banking
Series X of the Sovereign and it always provides a pro that you mention in the ap CryptoWire, a global crypto business: Deputy MD
Gold Bond (SGB) scheme tective net during economic plication form. You can get app, has entered into an agree
202122 opened for subscrip or political distress. There the certificate from the insti ment with Bitbns exchange for
trading in India’s first global OUR BUREAU
tion on February 28, 2022. fore, longterm investors tution through which you
crypto index IC15. Trading of Mumbai, March 1
The Reserve Bank of India should consider adding gold apply. If you provide your e Pralay Mondal,
IC15 will begin from first week CSB Bank plans to grow its bal
has fixed the issue price at to their portfolio. Gold has mail, you will receive the di Deputy MD, CSB Bank
of April, said CryptoWire ancesheet and is working on a
₹5,109 per gram and online produced a CAGR of nearly 11 gital copy in mail.
which launched the index in number of retail products and
applicants will receive a dis per cent over the past five In case you want to exit
January. is also finalising a strategy for grew 11.42 per cent on a yearon
count of ₹50 per gram. The years, and about 6 per cent after five years, you should
Bitbns exchange has four the wholesale banking year basis to ₹14,362 crore as on
issue will remain open for over the last ten years. inform the respective finan
Bond basics million users and 350 coin business. December 31, 2021. Gold loans
subscription till March 4. Yes, there are alternative cial institution through
pairs traded on its platform. “We need to grow our bal accounted for 37.3 per cent of
ways through which you can ■
The RBI has fixed the issue price at ₹5,109 per gm which you bought the
By trading in the index, mar ance sheet and a become larger the advances mix and retail
Safe haven take exposure on gold like bonds, 30 days prior to the
■
Online applicants will receive a discount of ₹50 per gm ket participants can spread bank over a period of time. Most loans were at 7 per cent at the
There has been a spike in in Exchange Traded Funds coupon payment date.
their risks by taking a view on of our ratios, most of our basic end of the third quarter of this
terest in gold in recent (ETFs), digital gold and phys ■
The issue will remain open for subscription till March 4 While capital gains on ma
the entire market versus con parameters are looking very fiscal.
weeks due to the conflict ical coins and bars. But there turity are exempt from tax,
centrated risk on a single cur good. The only place where we Over the next five to six years,
between Russia and Ukraine, are certain advantages that the interest will be taxed as
rency. Liquidity related risks need to now start focusing on is the bank wants to bring the
and rising inflation across come along with SGB. Therefore, if you are a limit per year for individuals per your slab. TDS is not ap
will also be mitigated by trad growth in the balance sheet,” share of retail loans including
the globe. Gold, known as a First and foremost, SGBs longterm investor, you can and Hindu Undivided Famil plicable. Even if you sell in
ing on the index, said said Pralay Mondal, Deputy gold loans to about 50 to 55 per
safe haven, is also seen as a are issued by the RBI. Two, go ahead and subscribe. ies (HUFs) is 4 kg and for the secondary market prior
CryptoWire. Managing Director, CSB Bank. cent of the advances while
good tool to hedge against there are no storage costs, Prior series are available at a trusts and similar entities it to maturity, you will have in
It will broaden the product We have a full service bank li wholesale and SME would be
inflation. Therefore, making charges, etc., Three, discount in the secondary is 20 kg. dexation benefit, if you have
offerings through Exchange cense and we must leverage about 20 per cent to 25 per cent
everything seems to be fall you will receive an interest market; however, liquidity is SGBs are sold through held the bonds for more
Traded Funds and other wealth that and have all products and each of the book.
ing in line for the yellow payment of 2.5 per cent per low, and it can be very diffi banks, designated post of than 36 months.
management products, deriv services, he added.
metal for the nearterm. annum, which can add to cult to buy unless you aim fices, the Stock Holding Cor On maturity, the payment
atives and basket trading for “Retail is where the growth Focus on SMEs
However, SGB is a long the overall return of invest for a small quantity. poration of India Ltd. (SH will be made based on the
arbitrage benefits. will come in the long run and Mondal noted that the retail
term instrument. The latest ment. Four, these can be CIL) and authorised stock prevailing price of gold i.e.,
Joseph Massey, Managing will drive the growth of the strategy will show results in
issue is priced nearly 7 per used as collateral for loans SGB facts exchanges, either directly or the simple average of the
Director & CEO, CryptoWire bank,” he said in an interaction about two to three years. The
cent higher than the previ and five, capital gains are ex SGBs are denominated in through their agents. It can closing price of gold of 999
said IC15 is India’s first Global with BusinessLine, adding that bank is also focussing on SME
ous few isssues. Is it worth empt from tax if you hold grams of gold and one can also be applied online to purity on the previous three
Index of Cryptocurrencies, and the bank will offer a compre segment, where there is a lot of
betting on it today ? them until maturity, which buy as low as one gram. But claim a discount of ₹50 per business days from the date
it represents over 80 per cent hensive range of products and opportunity, as well as on the
is eight years. Early redemp a person should be a resid gram. Note that if you are of repayment, published by
of crypto assets by market cap services over the next 18 to 24 wholesale and midmarket
Why Sovereign Gold Bond tion is allowed after five ent Indian at the time of sub paying in cash, there is a the India Bullion and Jew
italisation. months. The lender’s advances segments.
One should remember that years. scription. The maximum limit of ₹20,000. ellers’ Association Ltd.
TCS’ cyber security deals grew nearly Paint makers hold back on price hikes
three times over the last 12 months amidst volatility in crude rates
IT services major plans to add over 3,000 someone far away in India,” Last round of price
she said. “From the platform monomers and TiO2.
employees for cyber security wing in FY23 strategy perspective, these hike was initiated Price hikes, the bulk of
threat management centres by AkzoNobel India which was announced post
DEBANGANA GHOSH ive, we have really exploded provided the near sure ser Diwali, will see its full impact
Mumbai, March 1 and there is no other word for viceability. This worked out ABHISHEK LAW in the current quarter. While
Cyber securityrelated deals it. If you really want to put a very well. We have grown New Delhi, March 1 gross margins are poised to
for Tata Consultancy Services number to it, we have grown these centres by at least 150 Despite the fluctuation in see a gradual improvement,
(TCS) have grown by at least at least 2.5x to 3x in pipeline in per cent, we have over 300 as crude prices due to geopolit nearterm volume growth
2.53 times over the last 12 the last 12 months alone. And sociates working out of these ical tensions, Indian paint may not be as bright, say ana
months. The IT services major it is over all kinds of services, centres and our biggest are in makers are holding back on lysts tracking the sector.
is now actively ramping up its be it part of our managed se the UK, Ireland, and Mexico,” price hike, at least for another “There has been some slow
Santha Subramoni, Global Indian paint majors have already hiked prices by 22 per cent in the
offerings in this space, plan curity or large transforma Subramoni added. quarter. down in demand in upcoun
Head, Cyber Security Services ninemonth period of this fiscal
ning to add 3,0003,500 em tion visavis digital identity, Paint companies say recent try markets that have not
ployees for cyber security adoption of a platform ap Hiring plans price hikes are yet to have full through the shortterm primarily crude derivatives, is grown with the same pace as
alone in FY23, a senior official proach to uplift cyber hygiene world, including in the UK, TCS will be adding 3,000 effect and another 4560 days period without any major expected to continue for metros. Moreover, there was
of TCS said. or visibility analytics cloud the US, Spain and India. The 3,500 associates for cyber se of raw material should be price hike. However, if crude paint companies for another some hit in demand too with
Last week, the company adoption. The growth has goal was to ensure privacy curity alone across experience enough to see through short continues the upward trend three to six months before sta Omicron,” an analyst said.
launched TCS Cyber Defense been uniform across cyber and data protection as levels and not necessarily term price fluctuations. and geopolitical tensions per bility comes in. In Q3 FY22, on a twoyear
Suite globally, a 360degree domains.” defined by governments in entry level. Indian paint majors have sist, add to that supply side “The hope is high raw ma CAGR (compound annual
set of modular cyber security “For us, it is more about different geographies. The These estimates may fur already taken a 22 per cent uncertainties, then it be terial prices should start cool growth rate) basis, Asian
services offered under a plat meeting the demandrich en move also helped when mo ther increase if the target is price hike so far in the nine comes difficult to predict ing or stabilising around Au Paints Ltd saw volume and
form. vironment. However, we don’t bility of TCS’ staff was difficult met midyear. monthperiod for the current longterm price movements. gust. value growth of 25 per cent
This includes all of its stan want to be getting lost in that. due to the Covid pandemic Subramoni said, “It is a very fiscal to offset rise in the So at least for this quarter, we “So another three to six and 27 per cent, respectively.
dalone services launched over We also know that there is and they were able to bank on conservative estimate. prices of raw materials and are not looking at price months of such up and downs Berger’s twoyear CAGR
the past two years, such as its only so much a customer can these threat management Around 3,500 is what we abso other inflationary pressures. hikes,” Abhijit Roy, MD and are expected,” he said. volume and value growth
SaaS platform offering for spend. We also want to give a centres to provide localised lutely want to add, but we be CEO, Berger Paints India, told The price of Titanium diox stood at 20 per cent and 23 per
automated vulnerability re costoptimised, automated, services. lieve it may be more. We may Rise in crude oil price BusinessLine. ide, although stable at the cent, say sources.
mediation and cyber threat sustainable approach to the According to Subramoni, plan for some, but we cross The last round of price hike in moment, is expected to rise Another factor that could
management centre solu customer,” she added. ” these centres also helped TCS that target midyear. I believe January was initiated by Input costs primarily because of geopolit impact volume growth is
tions, to name a few. As of now, the cyber secur address talent shortage and we will finish it (hiring target) AkzoNobel India, which Paint companies use crude ical tensions. Monomer and loading of inventory by deal
Speaking about the growth ity vertical has over 500 cli provide closer customer prox midyear and then we will upped the price by 4.7 per based derivatives, monomers solvent prices are also on the ers ahead of the price hikes in
of the cyber security vertical, ents. imitybased services. redo our strategy because it cent. Market leader, Asian and titanium dioxide (TiO2) uptrend. Q3 FY22.
Santha Subramoni, Global “The threat managment helps to keep that agile rather Paints, the country’s second as inputs. Raw materials ac Since paint companies are
Head, Cyber Security Services, Global operations centres gave us the founda than plan upfront.” largest player Berger and the count for about 55 per cent of Demand-supply dynamics now indicating that product
TCS, told BusinessLine, “We are Amidst the thick of cyber se tion to attract local talent, at She added that the talent number three player Kansai the sector’s total operating Berger’s Roy adds that de price hikes may not be
growing very very steadily curity threats and data tract local expertise and crunch is too big of a problem Nerolac did not announce cost. mandsupply situation in needed anymore, dealers may
and we are one of the fastest breaches in October 2020, TCS provide a feeling of comfort to solve so soon, and hopes hikes though. AkzoNobel India’s MD Rajiv Europe will also play a de not add more inventory in the
growing service lines within had started 10 threat manage to those customers that were that TCS’ hiring strategy will “At present, there is suffi Rajgopal believes that volatil termining role in terms of current quarter, keeping
TCS. From a pipeline perspect ment centres across the not being serviced by help solve that. cient stock which could see us ity in raw material prices, price movements of volumes low.
CM .. ..... . . ...BM-BME
YK
MUMBAI
8 COMMODITIES/AGRI-BUSINESS BusinessLine
WEDNESDAY • MARCH 2 • 2022
RUSSIA-UKRAINE CRISIS
India signs deals to export Coconut oil makers bet big on global
rally in sunflower oil, palm oil prices
5.5 lakh tonnes of wheat V SAJEEV KUMAR
Kochi, March 1
cially when sunflower and
palm oil rates have sub
sumer intake of coconut oil
to a certain extent.
Asian nations look say, two months, India could Will the surge in sunflower stantially spiked due to Reuters adds: Palm oil
turn out to be a huge supplier in and palm oil prices in the Ukraine crisis. has become the costliest
to New Delhi for West Asia and even ship to as far wake of UkraineRussia Thalath Mahmood, Dir among the four major ed
supplies; shipments as Egypt,” said MuBala’s Mukesh. conflict benefit coconut ector, Cochin Oil Merchants ible oils for the first time as
Pramod Kumar, VicePresid oil? Association, hoped that the buyers rush to secure re
may top 30 lt by June ent, Roller Flour Mills Associ Coconut oil producers surge in sunflower and placements for sunflower
ation of India, said domestic are hoping to cash in on palm oil prices will push up oil shipments from the top
SUBRAMANI RA MANCOMBU wheat prices have gained in view the global crisis at a time local consumption of exporting Black Sea region
Chennai, March 1 of higher exports. “In the global when there is a gradual coconut oil, leading to an cautiously optimistic about that were disrupted by Rus
Indian wheat exporters have market too, wheat prices are shift in consumer prefer improvement in its prices. a sudden hike in prices not sia’s invasion of Ukraine.
signed deals to export at least 5.5 above our MSP,” he said. ence toward coconut oil in Currently, copra prices happening, citing a good Palm oil’s record
lakh tonnes (lt) over the next the domestic market en are ruling in the range of production season, ensur premium over rival oils
couple of months as nations in Freight heading north couraged by its lower price ₹8590, while coconut oil ing sufficient availability of could squeeze pricesensit
South Asia, SouthEast Asia and Currently, the modal price or the compared with other oils. prices stand at ₹145150 copra stock in the market. ive Asian and African con
West Asia are looking to meet rate at which most trades took Last year, the high price against last year’s ₹175180 sumers already reeling
their requirements for food and place in Uttar Pradesh and Mad of coconut oil resulted in in the wholesale market. Dip in consumption from spiralling fuel and
feed in view of the UkraineRus hya Pradesh is between ₹1,900 consumers migrating to Today, sunflower oil prices Ubais Ali, CEO, Mezhukkat food costs, and force them
sia crisis. high with the rates swinging be at 41.14 lt. While the per tonne and ₹2,000 a quintal. In markets cheaper edible oils. Traders are ruling at ₹180 per kg til Mills, a leading coconut to curtail consumption and
“We have demand for Indian low and above $9 a bushel. On realisation was $280 until such as Agra, prices are firmly are now expecting the re while palm oil is ruling at oil trading company in Ko shift to rival soya oil, deal
wheat from MarchApril. Our ex Tuesday, benchmark wheat fu November, it increased to $285 in above ₹2,000. But the problem turn of these consumers in ₹160 compared with ₹130 chi, told BusinessLine that ers said.
porters have committed to ship tures on the Chicago Board of December. Bangladesh bought for Indian exports will be that cluding hotels, catering and ₹120, respectively, a the increased availability of The Black Sea accounts
5.5 lakh tonnes. Both old and the Trade was quoted at $9.75 a 29.68 lt of Indian wheat in the freight rates are also rising in units, individual house month ago, he said. copra and the sluggish de for 60 per cent of world
new crop will be shipped out by bushel or $358.24 (₹27,150) a first nine months of this fiscal, view of the geopolitical crisis. holds, etc to this traditional However, official sources mand in the market due to sunflower oil output and 76
exporters under these deals,” tonne. followed by Sri Lanka (4.04 lt), “If the Government can sup cooking oil medium, espe in the coconut sector are Covid has reduced con per cent of exports.
said Rajnikant Rai, Divisional UAE (3.69 lt) and the Philippines port transportation of wheat, we
Chief Executive, ITC Korea buying for feed (2.96 mt). can certainly do well on the ex
AgriBusiness. “We have been witnessing good Higher wheat exports this port front,” ITC’s Rai said.
Indian wheat is currently be
ing quoted at $330 a tonne, up
from $300 before Russia ordered
demand for Indian wheat over
the last couple of months. We are
also finding parity in shipping
year have helped growers with
prices topping the minimum
support price (MSP) of ₹1,975 a
However, in view of the rise in
wheat price the user industry
has written to the Centre to sus
Metal cos to see squeeze in profit margin
its troops into Ukraine on Febru the grain,” said Mukesh Singh, quintal announced for the 2021 pend wheat shipments until the
ary 24. Director, MuBala Agro. rabi marketing season. This year, UkraineRussia crisis ends. SURESH P IYENGAR on value buying across freight cost for steel compan Rajnath Yadav, Research
ITC’s Rai said countries in the MSP has been hiked to Though the crop is expected Mumbai, March 1 sectors. ies has already increased due Analyst, Choice Broking, said
Market volatile South Asia, West Asia and even ₹2,015. to be a record this year, arrivals Russia’s invasion of Ukraine to higher oil and gas prices. Russia is also one of the key
“Russia and Ukraine make up 35 the Philippines in the SouthEast “If the UkraineRussia stan have been delayed in view of the is all set to push up the opera Input costs to spike Now the key raw material players in the global market
40 per cent of global wheat ex Asian region are buying Indian doff prolongs, Indian exports cold weather. “Wheat harvest tional cost of domestic metal Most metal companies are prices including coking coal of nickel, aluminium, cop
ports,” the ITC official said. wheat. “Even South Korea is buy will gain. Both Ukraine and Rus has been delayed by 1520 days,” companies and impact the dependent on imports for are expected to witness a per, palladium and plat
According to FAOSTAT, Russia ing Indian wheat for feed pur sia too have a bumper wheat Rai said. bottomline as any attempt to sourcing raw materials in sharp rise. inum. Any restrictions on
exported 37.26 million tonnes poses,” he said. crop. But if the current situation Kumar said the quality of the pass on the incremental cost cluding coking coke, nickel, trade will act as a positive
(mt) and Ukraine 18.06 mt of Olam’s Gupta said India could continues, exports will be good wheat crop this year is good and will suppress the demand molybdenum, manganese, Global steel demand trigger on metal prices with
wheat of the total exports of easily ship out 34 mt by June this until JuneJuly,” Rai said. any drop in the grain’s acreage further. titanium, The war has nickel already trading with
202.48 mt in 2020 by various year, particularly when 56 lt are will be made good by a better Constrains in the global boron and co delayed the positive bias since the start of
countries, including India. being exported every month. “In Record output yield. energy supply chain has balt. Russia pandemic the conflict, he added.
“The wheat market is volatile December, we exported close to According to the second ad “We will have to watch out for already led to a spike in the produces battered However, he said if the con
with buyers and sellers in a wait one million tonnes,” he said. vance estimates of foodgrains the weather over the next 30 international crude and gas about 6 per global eco sumer demand lags it will be
and watch mode. But prices have According to Agricultural and for 202122 (JulyJune), wheat days. If there is no rain, then we prices. cent of the nomy, which difficult for metal producers
increased by $1520 a tonne after Processed Food Products Export production is projected at a re will have a good crop,” said Rai. This will indirectly lead to world’s alu has not only to pass on the cost. Most of
the Ukraine crisis deepened. In Development Authority (APEDA) cord 111.32 million tonnes Indian wheat exports are also rise in key raw material minium and impacted the the key consuming sectors
dia’s advantage is that no other data, India exported 50.41 lt of against 109.59 million tonnes in aided by higher inventories with prices and inflate the cost of accounts for global steel de have already taken series of
origin has its new crop coming wheat valued at $1.43 billion dur 202021. the Food Corporation of India production across the eco about 7 per mand but also price hike in the last three
during this time of the year,” ing the AprilDecember period “India’s wheat exports will be (FCI). As of February 1, FCI had nomy. However, expectation cent of global nickel mine reduced the possibility of months. If the crisis does not
said Nitin Gupta, VicePresident, of the current fiscal compared more in 2022 than last year in 28.27 mt of wheat with it against of spike in benchmark global supplies. higher input cost being get resolved in next one
Olam Agro India Ltd. with 10.69 lt valued at $278 bil view of the current UkraineRus 31.83 mt during the same period metal prices was a sentiment Vinit Bolinjkar, Head of Re passed on to consumers, It month, then it will have a
Wheat prices in the global lion lt in the yearago period. sia problem,” said Gupta. a year ago. Currently, it is estim booster and led to BSE Metal search, Ventura Securities, was a doublewhammy on cascading impact on the
market are ruling at a nineyear Until November, exports were “If the market is disturbed for, ated at around 26 mt. index gaining five per cent told BusinessLine that the profitability, he said. global economy, he said.
Relief for moong importers as DGFT Too early to take a call on South-West monsoon: IMD
relaxes policy to permit shipments VINSON KURIAN
Thiruvananthapuram, March 1
It is too early to take a call on
ditions (neither positive or
negative IOD) are likely to
continue during the spring
dia, the East Coast and some
areas along the foothills of
the Himalayas.
across areas which are tradi
tionally known to experience
them.
India and the northernmost
parts of NorthEeast India.
But below normal day tem
Allowed import be registered before March 15 the prospects of the 2022 and summer seasons, Ma Above normal maximum peratures are expected over
at the jurisdictional regional SouthWest monsoon but the hapatra said quoting the No intense heat waves (day) temperatures are most most parts of the South Pen
volume will now offices of additional DGFT in country can take comfort IMD’s Monsoon Mission Intense heat waves will likely likely over many areas from insula, East and NorthEast
depend on payment Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, from the fact that there is Coupled Forecasting System. be conspicuous by their ab the West and adjoining areas India and the northern
Chennai, Bengaluru, Hydera practically nil probability of sence during this period of Central India, NorthWest plains.
made before Feb 11 bad, Ahmedabad and an El Nino rearing its head in Outlook for March
Ludhiana. the East Pacific once the on Addressing a virtual press
OUR BUREAU
Bengaluru, March 1
Trade sources, following
the change in moong bean
going La Nina runs its course.
The La Nina will gradually
conference on Tuesday, Ma
hapatra said rainfall expec
Pre-monsoon season rings in with
The DirectorGeneral of For
eign Trade (DGFT) has decided
to relax some provisions of
for import would be propor
tionate to the amount paid
prior to February 11, 2022, as
import policy early last
month, had indicated that
cargoes of upto 50,000
give in to neutral conditions
(neither El Nino and or La
Nina) into the premonsoon
ted during March is most
likely to be normal (83117 per
cent of the longperiod aver
low-pressure area over Bay of Bengal
VINSON KURIAN Heavy rain for Tamil Nadu
foreign trade policy (FTP) to advance. If the advance pay tonnes were getting prepared season (MarchMay) and at age) for the country as a Thiruvananthapuram, March 1 The third day on Thursday will
help importers bring in their ment had been made in full to be shipped to India before least into the middle of the whole.
A lowpressure has formed over likely see Tamil Nadu getting im
moong cargoes contracted for the entire contracted March 31 from origins such as SouthWest monsoon season But it will be below normal
the SouthEast Bay of Bengal and pacted with heavy to very heavy
before February 11, in a move quantity, then the eligibility Myanmar. that follows, according to for most parts of NorthWest
adjoining Equatorial Indian rainfall being forecast at isol
that could provide relief to a would be for the entire con India’s moong imports dur Mrityunjay Mahapatra, Dir and Central India and some
Ocean this (Tuesday) morning ated places over the Tamil Nadu
section of the pulses trade. tracted quantity. “If there is a ing the AprilSeptember ectorGeneral, India Meteoro parts of NorthEast India. In
along the lines predicted by the PuducherryKaraikal region and
Last month, the Centre had partial payment, quantity ad period of the current fiscal logical Department (IMD). contrast, it would be normal
India Meteorological Depart IMD sees the system becoming KeralaMahe to the West across
amended the moong import missible for import shall be were valued at $76.9 million A La Nina (warmer West Pa to above normal rainfall
ment (IMD) the previous day, ‘well-marked’ en route to the interstate border.
policy by moving it from limited to the quantity in pro against $77.14 million in the cific and cooler East) has co likely over many parts of the
formally ringing in the pre Sri Lanka. WWW.METEOLOGIX.COM/IN As for Thursday and Friday,
”free” to “restricted”, a move portion to the advance pay entire f202021 fiscal. incided with a good mon Peninsula.
monsoon season (MarchMay) the outlook suggests fairly wide
that shocked importers. ments made,” DGFT said in a As per the Second Advance soon while El Nino (cooler The upcoming hot weather
of the year. 50 km/hr gusting to 60 km/hr, spread light/moderate rainfall
Following representation trade notice issued on Estimates, moong production West Pacific and warmer season (March to May) will
The “low” is likely to intensify almost depression strength) with thunderstorms/lightning
from various entities, the Monday. during the 202122 (JulyJune) East) has been associated likely see normal to above
and become “wellmarked” as it may prevail over the SouthEast and isolated heavy to very heavy
DGFT has decided to relax the DGFT said the import con crop year is expected to be with drought or a failed mon normal minimum (night)
moves initially towards the Sri and adjoining South Andaman rainfall over Tamil NaduPu
FTP provision to allow import tracts should have been 3.06 million tonnes, includ soon, though not without ex temperatures over many
Lanka coast during next three Sea. ducherryKaraikal. Isolated
ers to ship in moong for fiscal entered into prior to February ing 2 million tonnes in kharif ceptions in both cases. parts of NorthWest India,
days. Fishermen are advised not to heavy falls is also likely over Ray
202122, subject to some con 11 with payments made. De and 1.06 million tonnes in As for Indian Ocean Dipole most parts of NorthEast In
Squally weather (speeds 40 venture into these areas. alaseema on Friday.
ditions. The quantity eligible tails of such contracts have to rabi season. (IOD), prevailing neutral con dia, some parts of Central In
Agriculture sector grew at a CAGR COMMODITY CALL WRMS’ SecuFarm solution that covers
of 11 per cent during 2015-20: Report Bet short in MCX nickel farm level risks getting ‘good’ response
OUR BUREAU
Chennai, March 1
wheelers and consumer dur
ables. Technology disruption
at current levels OUR BUREAU
Bengaluru, March 1
farmer on various crop dis
eases through vernacular au
The agriculture sector has played a key role in this AKHIL NALLAMUTHU Agri risk management com diovisual content and con
grown by a CAGR of 11 per cent growth by lowering loan ser BL Research Bureau pany WRMS says it has started nects with agri experts who
between 2015 and 2020 with vicing costs, which enabled The continuous contract of covering the ‘farm level’ fin answer all their crop related
the sector witnessing the lenders to service lowervalue nickel on the Multi Commodity ancial risks of farmers arising queries, besides providing
highest disruption in terms loans. Exchange (MCX), which broke out of events such as adverse them solutions within 24
of smartphone and internet All these have resulted in out of ₹1,780 before a couple of weather, pests and diseases hours, Kumhbat said.
penetration,” a report on “In the growth of agtech start weeks, rallied and hit a fresh among others. The company Currently, WRMS is offer
novation in India’s Rural Eco ups, which attracted ₹6,600 high of ₹1,958.7 last Thursday. expects to double farmer en ing its crop advisory and risk
nomy” prepared jointly by the provided employment for 350 crore as private equity invest On the same day, the contract rolments for its SecuFarm Anuj Kumbhat, Founder & CEO management cover to grow
Confederation of Indian In million people, who made up ments between 2017 and gave away all the gains, ending solution to more than 50,000 ers of barley and cumin in Ra
dustry (CII) and Bain and 68 per cent of the total work 2020. “As newer generations the day on a flat note. This resul this year. vanced crop advisory backed jasthan, in Uttar Pradesh for
Company, has said. force. of farmers and FPOs become ted in the candlestick forming a this level, at least on a daily WRMS Founder and CEO by technology, WRMS is giv farmers growing paddy and
Agriculture is the largest digitally savvy, new business gravestone doji pattern, hint basis, to negate the weakness. Anuj Kumbhat said the farm ing yield assurance to farm potato, in Gujarat for ground
subsector in the rural eco 10% growth in agri credit models are emerging across ing at a price correction. The rel So, the above factors show that ers following the company’s ers, Kumbhat said. nut and cumin, and in Hary
nomy, contributing nearly 37 Agriculture credit has grown the agriculture value chain, ative strength index (RSI) on the probability of the futures package of practices for crops Farmers enrolling for the ana for cotton, paddy, wheat
per cent of total rural GDP in by 10 per cent in the last five from inputs and harvesting to the daily chart shows a negative price dropping outweighs the such as potato, onion, barley, SecuFarm solution will re and tomato.
201920. Its contribution to years, from ₹8lakh crore in processing and distribution,” divergence. So, although the probability of it scaling new cotton, wheat and chillies ceive timely weather related In Punjab, growers of
the nation’s GDP was ₹35lakh 201415 to ₹14lakh crore in the report said. overall trend is bullish, there heights. among others will be com information on their ver wheat and paddy are availing
crore, said the report by Pari 201920. Rural microfinance The Centre’s policies such can be a temporary price mod Traders can risk initiating pensated for any shortfall in nacular app to plan their the WRMS crop advisory,
jat Jain, partner of Bain and gross loan portfolios also as formulating a Model Con eration in MCXNickel futures. fresh short positions at current yields due to the crop loss on crop protection and irriga while in Jharkhand the to
Company. grew, rising from ₹1,32,900 tract Farming Act in 2018 and Also, the cumulative open in level of ₹1,850. One can also account of adverse climate, tion based on crop health mato and paddy are being
Stating that the Indian crore in March 2020 to permitting initiatives by terest (OI) has dropped to 2,282 consider adding shorts if price pests attacks and diseases. and soil condition, which covered. Growers of chillies
rural sector is large and grow ₹1,46,700 crore in March 2021. private and nonprofit organ contracts as on Monday from rallies to ₹1,900. Place initial helps them to optimise water in Andhra Pradesh, cotton
ing steadily, it said the rural Demand for credit has in isations have boosted the set 2,644 contracts a couple of stoploss at ₹1,965 and revise it Sustainable solution use. Also, they will receive and soyabean in Maharash
economy contributed nearly creased, especially among ting up and development of weeks back. In addition, ₹1,900 to ₹1,900 if price falls below Through its smart and sus customised solution for op thra and onion in Madhya
half the nation’s overall GDP consumptiondriven loan farmer producer organisa is a strong resistance and the ₹1,780. Exit the shorts at ₹1,670 – tainable farming solution timised use of agrochemic Pradesh are also being
in 201920. Besides, it products like those for two tions (FPOs), it said. contract should close above a strong support. SecuFarm, which bundles ad als. The app also educates covered.
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MUMBAI
BusinessLine
WEDNESDAY • MARCH 2 • 2022 NEWS 9
Extreme climatic events may impact mental health: IPCC pension scheme, BMS urges PM
₹899.50 per 14.2kg cylinder.
The hiatus in those rates
came after criticism from
OUR BUREAU Jharkhand governments are the Opposition over prices
Anxiety, depression, acute traumatic matic stress, posttraumatic years was associated with a two New Delhi, March 1 also going to bring their em being hiked by ₹90 in the
stress disorder, suicide, sub per cent increase in mental The Bharatiya Mazdoor ployees out of the new pen previous six months.
stress and sleep problems can range stance abuse, and sleep prob health problems,” the report Sangh, has written to Prime sion scheme. Just like LPG, petrol and
from mild to severe, cautions report lems, with conditions ranging said. Minister Narendra Modi ur Singh cited manifestos of diesel prices too have been
from being mild in nature to “Another study found a 1° C ging him to revive the old various Opposition parties in on a freeze since early
PRESS TRUST OF INDIA “The pathways through those that require hospitalisa rise in monthly average tem pension scheme for all Cent the five States where elections November 2021.
New Delhi, March 1 which climatic events affect tion,” the report, approved by peratures over several decades ral government employees. are taking place and said they It is being speculated that
Extreme climate conditions mental health are varied, com nearly 200 countries said. was associated with a 2.1 per BMS leader and Secretary have promised that that if fuel prices will be hiked
can cause mental health issues plex and interconnected with South Asia will face increased cent rise in suicide rates in Mex General of Government Em they come to power, they will once Assembly elections in
like anxiety, depression, acute other nonclimatic influences unbearable heat waves: IPCC Behavioural disorders ico and a 0.7 per cent rise in sui ployees National Confedera implement the old pension Uttar Pradesh and four
traumatic stress and sleep that create vulnerability. The Referring to a study, the report cide rates in the US. A system tion, Sadhu Singh, said in a scheme. other States end next week.
problems ranging from mild to climatic exposure may be dir heat waves, food and water said that in Canada, an associ atic review of published letter to Modi that the Con The BMS has been demand
severe, even requiring hospital ect, such as experiencing an ex scarcity and sea level rise. ation was found between mean research using a variety of gressled Rajasthan govern ing that if the OPS is not im
isation, according to the latest treme weather event or pro The report also mentioned heat exposure of 28° Celsius methodologies from 19 coun ment’s announcement of re plemented, then a minimum
IPCC report on climate change. longed high temperatures, or nonclimatic moderating influ within four days of exposure tries found increased risk of launching the old pension pension guarantee under NPS
The Intergovernmental indirect, such as mental health ences which range from an in and greater hospital admis suicide associated with a 1° C scheme should be emulated should be given, which
Panel on Climate Change consequences of undernutri dividual’s personality and pre sions for mood and behavi rise in ambient temperature,” at the Central level too. should not be less than 50 per
(IPCC) Working Group II’s re tion or displacement,” said the existing conditions, to social oural disorders, including the report added. cent of the last pay.
port titled ‘Climate Change report. support, to structural schizophrenia, mood, and It, however, said that expos Moving away from NPS “Therefore, it is a humble
2022: Impacts, Adaptation and inequities. neurotic disorders. ure may also be vicarious, with He said all Union government request to you that according
Vulnerability’, released on Dire warning “Depending on these back “A US study found mental people experiencing decreased employees who were appoin to the CCS Pension Rules 1972,
Monday, warned that a wide The IPCC report has cautioned ground and contextual factors, health problems increased by mental health associated with ted on or after January 1, 50 per cent of the last pay
range of climatic events and that not eliminating emissions similar climatic events may res 0.5 per cent when average tem observing the impact of cli 2004, are at present under should be provided as pen
conditions will have detri will cause serious harm to the ult in a range of potential men peratures exceeded 30° C, com mate change on others, or the Contributory Pension sion to the Central govern
mental impacts on mental world, especially South Asia tal health outcomes, including pared to averages between 25– simply with learning about cli Scheme. ment employees at the time
health. with increased unbearable anxiety, depression, acute trau 30° C; a 1° C warming over five mate change. Citing media reports, he of their retirement,” Singh
added that Maharashtra and added in the letter.
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MUMBAI
10 NEWS BusinessLine
WEDNESDAY • MARCH 2 • 2022
‘Maharashtra
Cabinet requests L&T Fin’s retail-only strategy could be tricky and time-consuming
CM to ease curbs’ How the new product launches planned that L&T Finance has a tall task launch the product for public ments. While they are
set. Even as its pilot project at large. Bajaj Finance is already gradually back on feet, the risks
PRESS TRUST OF INDIA match competition is key monitorable (consumer loans) hasn’t the market leader here and haven’t abated entirely, given
Jalna, March 1 kicked off materially, there banks also find personal loans that asset quality of the lender
Maharashtra Health Minister HAMSINI KARTHIK vestors of L&T Finance. would be much pressure on a convenient growth option, doesn’t offer much comfort.
Rajesh Tope, on Tuesday, said BL Research Bureau the new products to be despite being as risky asset. Un Restructured assets at 3.6 per
the State Cabinet has requested L&T Finance once was a bankli A warning sign launched. der such circumstances the cent of the total loan book and
Chief Minister Uddhav Thack cence aspirant. In fact, it For one, it’s a warning sign question is if L&T Finance has gross stage three assets (loans
eray to ease Covid curbs, in the transitioned from an inhouse from its parent to buck up its Pricing competition adequate tailwinds. Analysts at due past 90 days and more) at
wake of the viral infection cases lender to a fullsuit nonbank operations. Having subscribed There is also intense volume Axis Capital, while trimming 5.91 per cent in Q3 does not
going down, and they are hope for this reason. A decade later, to L&T Finance’s rights issues in and pricing competition to their loan growth estimates for paint a good picture (see table).
ful that a decision on it will be AM Naik, Group Chairman, L&T 2021 and subscribing to its non consider. Barring nonbanks FY22 by five per cent, note that Meanwhile, how the revised as
taken this month. (parent company of L&T Fin convertible debentures a year such as Bajaj Finance or though the company remains set quality norms issued by the
Speaking to reporters here, ance), says he’s not happy with ago, the return on investments Cholamandalam Investments optimistic on retail book, the RBI play out also need to be
Tope said the number of fresh the performance of L&T Fin for L&T from its finance arm and Finance, which have been overall growth reverting to seen. The revised provisioning
cases has come down. ance. has been steadily falling from successful in retaining their mean will be delayed. requirements for nonper
“So, the Chief Minister is also On February 28, he an 17.92 per cent in FY19 to 12.1 per ment over L&T Finance is un FY22 with an urbancentric fo dominance and ringfencing Consumer loans aside, L&T forming assets is aimed at har
positive about giving relaxa nounced that SN Subrahman cent in FY20 and 5.7 per cent in derstandable. But is retailisa cus. Likewise, it aspires to grow nicheness amid competition Finance’s retail book com monising the practices for
tions in restrictions. The Cab yan, CEO and MD, L&T, would FY21. tion the best answer to the the retail portfolio at 25 per from banks, most NBFCs have prises twowheeler, tractor, mi NBFCs and bank.
inet has also requested the be appointed as Chairman of Estimates for FY22 stand at problem? Recently, while an cent CAGR from FY2326, with ceded market share. L&T Fin crofinance (referred as rural With uncertainties looming
same to the Chief Minister. I L&T Finance, replacing 5.2 per cent. At a time when nouncing its 3 to 5 years’ 1015 per cent contribution ance may be in for a larger finance) and housing loans over L&T Finance stock, even if
also have faith that what all re Shailesh Haribhakti, a veteran L&T’s other subsidiaries in strategy, the company indic from the existing book. battle. (see table). These portfolios valuations seem affordable at
laxations are to be given, a de Chartered Accountant. technology space are deliver ated its retail loans will ac Growth of the existing retail After piloting consumer took a beating during the pan 0.8x FY22 estimated book, in
cision regarding it will be taken This announcement holds ing stellar returns upwards of count for 80 per cent of the book has been at sub10 per loans (largely personal loans) demic, in terms of collection ef vestors should tread
positively in March,” he said. immense importance for in 12 per cent, Naik’s disappoint book against 50 per cent in Q3 cent so far in FY22, indicating for about a year, it plans to ficiencies and loan disburse cautiously.
Novavax to apply for full India saw 11% rise in ultra-high-net-worth-individuals last year
approval of vaccine in H2 Country also ranked third in the
REUTERS billionaire population globally ‘18% of super-rich Indians
March 1
Novavax said on Monday it
will pursue full approval of
PRESS TRUST OF INDIA
New Delhi, March 1
APAC,” said Knight Frank in a
statement. The number of UH
invested in cryptos, NFTs’
its Covid vaccine in the The number of ultrahighnet NWIs in India grew to 13,637 in PRESS TRUST OF INDIA the building blocks of
second half of this year, and worthindividuals (UHNWIs), 2021 from 12,287 in the previ New Delhi, March 1 cryptocurrencies and NFTs, a
forecast total revenue of having net assets of $30 mil ous year. Nearly 20 per cent of Indian third of the survey respond
between $4 billion and $5 bil lion (about ₹226 crore) or ultra highnet worthindi ents said they doubted their
lion for 2022. more in India, increased 11 per Growth of the super-rich viduals (UHNWIs) invested in clients had even heard of
“We expect to gain addi cent last year on the back of Among the key Indian cities, crypto assets last year amid them, and just 14 per cent
tional authorisations where million vaccine doses to In buoyant equity markets and Bengaluru witnessed the rising popularity of crypto reckoned that blockchains
we have already filed, includ donesia, 6 million to Aus digital revolution, according highest growth in the num currencies and NFTs, accord would significantly influ
ing in the US. We will pursue tralia and 2 million to South to Knight Frank. ber of UHNWIs at 17.1 per cent Bengaluru witnessed the highest growth in the number of ing to a Knight Frank report. ence how wealth was
full approval of our vaccine Korea, and expects to supply India also ranked third in to 352, followed by Delhi (12.4 UHNWIs at 17.1%, followed by Delhi (12.4%) and Mumbai (9%) In its Wealth Report re managed.
including filing our BLA (bio 69 million doses to Europe in the billionaire population per cent, 210) and Mumbai (9 leased on Tuesday, Knight “2021 was the year that
logics licence application), in the first half of this year. globally in 2021. US is the per cent, 1,596). incredible in India and we increase of over 10 per cent in Frank said 18 per cent global crypto investments went
the second half of 2022,” said The company earlier fore number one with with 748 bil The consultant has pegged foresee them to drive new in their net worth in 2022. “Asia UHNWIs now own cryptocur mainstream. The sector’s
Chief Executive Officer Stan cast to send 2 billion Covid lionaires, followed by Chinese the number of UHNWIs grow vestment themes and innova continues to be the forerun rencies or tokens, and 11 per growth was certainly eyewa
ley Erck during a postearn shots around the world in mainland at 554 billionaires ing 39 per cent by 2026 to tion.” ner in the billionaires’ club cent have invested in NFTs tering. According to The Eco-
ings call. 2022. and India with 145 19,006 from 13,637 in 2021. In With a healthy growth in contributing to 36 per cent of (nonfungible tokens). nomist magazine, the global
Novavax late last month Novavax did not disclose billionaires. 2016, the number of UHNWIs the UHNWI and billionaire the total billionaires in the “In case of India, 18 per value of crypto assets was
filed for emergencyuse au how many doses it expects to In its latest edition of The stood at 7,401. population, he said India is ex world in 2021. India has cent of ultrawealthy have in $2.4 trillion at the end of
thorisation of the shot in US deliver in the first quarter, Wealth Report 2022, property pected to be one of the fastest ranked 3rd in terms of billion vested in crypto assets. 10 2021, a 12fold increase since
adults, a muchawaited step but forecast $4 billion to $5 consultant Knight Frank said ‘Equity markets help’ growing countries amongst aires’ population in 2021 fol per cent of them being inves early 2020,” said the report.
following months of billion in overall revenue in the number of UHNWIs glob Knight Frank India Chairman its global peers, further lowing US and China,” said ted in cryptocurrencies/
struggles with development 2022. Analysts had forecast ally increased by 9.3 per cent and Managing Director, strengthening itself econom the statement. tokens, and 8 per cent being Cryptos in circulation
and manufacturing $4.70 billion in revenue. A big in 2021 to 6,10,569, from Shishir Baijal, said: “Equity ically and emerging as a su For the first time, Knight invested in NFTs,” said There are now more than
problems. chunk of the revenue would 5,58,828 in the previous year. markets and digital adoption perpower in different sectors. Frank has examined the size Knight Frank India in a state 8,000 cryptocurrencies in
be through product sales, “In India, the number of have been the key factors driv According to the report, of the next generation of the ment. In 2018, when The circulation for investors to
Vaccine delivery and of that the vast majority UHNWIs has grown by 11 per ing the growth of UHNWIs in around 69 per cent of the su world’s UHNWI population Wealth Report first explored choose from, as well as
Novavax said it has com is related to vaccine product cent yearonyear in 2021, the India. The growth in younger, per wealthy individuals in In and assesses what that could the potential of blockchains, myriad NFTs, it added.
pleted delivery of around 9 sales, the company said. highest percentage growth in selfmade UHNWIs has been dia are expected to witness an mean for property markets.
Pfizer vaccine ‘less effective’ against Hong Kong’s Covid death rate now one of the world’s highest
Covid in kids aged 5-11, shows study BLOOMBERG
March 1
A wave of deaths among Hong
break spreads through a
growing number of care facil
ities, a sector which in many Plans lockdown
PRESS TRUST OF INDIA
Washington, March 1
slowly than it did for smaller chil
dren. The vaccine effectiveness
Kong’s undervaccinated eld
erly has pushed the city’s
places has accounted for a dis
proportionate share of Covid
for mass testing
The effectiveness of the Pfizer waned from 66 per cent in early fatality rate to the highest in fatalities. About 580 care BLOOMBERG
Covid vaccine for children waned December to 51 per cent by the the developed world, ramp homes in Hong Kong are ex March 1
quickly during the Omicron end of January for children in the ing up pressure on officials to periencing outbreaks, with Hong Kong plans to enforce a
surge in the US, especially among age group of 12 to 17, the research get the outbreak under con 2,900 residents and 860 staff lockdown of the city to ensure
those aged 5 to 11 years, but the ers said. trol as cases continue to infected. Almost 75,000 eld that a mandatory Covid test
preventive was still protective For hospitalisations, vaccine ef surge. erly and disabled people live ing drive planned for this
against severe disease, according fectiveness fell from 85 per cent to The financial hub averaged in residential facilities in month is effective.
to a study. 73 per cent over the same time eight deaths per 1 million Hong Kong. The mass testing for the
Researchers from the New York frame, they said. people in the past 10 days, the city’s 7.4 million people will
State Department of Health and “In the Omicron era, the effect most among advanced eco Vaccination drive People shop at a supermarket in Hong Kong as panic buying be held after March 17. Offi
the University at Albany School of iveness against cases of BNT162b2 nomies, according to Hong Kong is reporting returned to the city ahead of the planned lockdown AFP cials are targeting to hold
Public Health, US, estimated the fell from 68 per cent to just 12 per (Pfizer) declined rapidly for chil Bloomberg calculations doubledigit daily deaths, and three testings within nine
effectiveness of Pfizer vaccine cent in children 5 to 11 years old dren, particularly those 511 based on Johns Hopkins Uni more than half of the 87 an after the omicron outbreak tem is straining, patients are days, together with a lock
against Covid cases and within one month of being fully years,” said the authors of the versity data. While most ma nounced on Monday came started, less than half of the stuck outside hospitals, pub down to maximise the effect.
hospitalisations. vaccinated. study. jor Western countries are past from care homes. Most of the city’s residents aged 80 and lic morgues are over The city’s core financial ser
They used data from 852,384 Effectiveness against hospital “However, vaccination of chil the peak of their latest wave fatalities during the current older have received a first whelmed, and there’s specu vices, including the opera
fullyvaccinated children of 1217 isation in the same age group was dren 511 years was protective of infections and aren’t re wave have been elderly and 91 dose. Singapore has vaccin lation the city may go into a tions of the Hong Kong stock
years of age and 365,502 children higher, but also dropped substan against severe disease and is re porting a high number of per cent hadn’t received two ated about 95 per cent of its lockdown. exchange and Covid vaccina
aged 511 years during December tially, falling from 100 per cent in commended,” they added. fatalities, Hong Kong’s cur doses of a vaccine, according seniors, and is averaging far The situation is at risk of tion programme, will con
2021 and January 2022. early December to just 48 per cent The researchers said these res rent ratio is about to surpass to government data released fewer deaths – about 5 per day worsening. Authorities an tinue during the mass testing.
The yettobe peerreviewed by the end of January. ults highlight the potential need the nine deaths per 1 million on Sunday. in February. nounced more than 34,000
study, posted on the preprint re to study alternative vaccine dos that the US recorded at the For nearly a year now, ex More than two years into cases on Monday, a new daily Mobility
pository MedRxiv on Monday, Effect on smaller kids ing for children and the contin peak of its omicron wave perts have warned that the the pandemic, scenes remin record. There are 49 patients Residents, however, can still
found that the effectiveness of The study also found that while ued importance layered protec around late January. city’s low elderly vaccination iscent of the chaotic days of in critical condition in hos go out and buy necessities
the Pfizer shots against infection vaccine effectiveness fell for older tions, including mask wearing, to The city’s death toll is likely rate was a ticking time bomb. early 2020 are playing out in pital and 66 in serious and food during the lock
caused by the Omicron variant children and teens, it fell more prevent transmission. to keep climbing as the out Though inoculation jumped Hong Kong. The health sys condition. down.
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