Virat Kohli’s wax figure to be latest addition at Madame Tussauds Delhi

Kohli met with Madame Tussauds’ team for the sitting process, where a group of talented world renowned artists flown in from London took over 200 measurements to create an authentic figure.

Latest News : Indian captain Virat Kohli’s wax figure will be the latest addition at the Madame Tussauds Delhi as he is set to join other sports icons there.

Kohli’s wax figure will join other sports heroes including Sachin Tendulkar, Kapil Dev and Lionel Messi.

Kohli’s journey has been phenomenal, from his first-class debut in 2006 to captaining the Indian cricket team, winning the Under-19 World Cup on route.

With his unbeatable performances, Kohli has won several accolades including the Arjuna award, ICC World Cricketer of the year and three BCCI international cricketer of the year awards. He has also been honoured with the Padma Shri by the Government of of India.

Virat Kohli met with Madame Tussauds’ team for the sitting process, where a group of talented world renowned artists flown in from London took over 200 measurements to create an authentic figure.

Talking about his inclusion in Madame Tussauds Delhi, an excited Kohli said “It’s a great honour to be chosen as one of the figures at Madame Tussauds. All thanks to the Madame Tussauds team who were extremely patient during the sitting sessions and for giving me a lifetime memory”.

Anshul Jain, General Manager and Director, Merlin Entertainments India Pvt. Ltd., said, “We are thrilled to announce the Indian cricket team captain Virat Kohli’s figure as the 23rd attraction. He holds the heart and respect of every Indian and a perfect choice to have him as our next Figure.”

Madame Tussauds Delhi is an attraction that portrays the fascinating world of Bollywood and Hollywood, renowned sportspersons, historical and political personalities under one roof, through planned themes and interactive areas.

OnePlus 6 to have a screen notch, but smaller than Apple iPhone X

In an interview, Pei made references to iPhone X, its notch-based screen and what OnePlus has learnt from Apple’s notch-based screen set-up to enhance the user experience in its upcoming OnePlus 6.

Technology News : Some important insights on the still unofficial OnePlus 6 that had been doing the rounds of the internet for a while have now been made official by the company’s CEO and co-founder Carl Pei. In an interview with technology portal The Verge, Pei confirmed that the upcoming smartphone would embrace the notch screen, but with more thought and care than the other Android-based manufacturers that have adopted it.

Throughout the interview, Pei made references to iPhone X, its notch-based screen and how OnePlus took lessons from Apple’s notch-based screen set-up to enhance the user experience in its upcoming OnePlus 6.

Pei also made a reference to Essential PH1, which is among the first smartphones to sport a tiny circular display notch in the Android space. However, Pei believes that incorporating such a small notch could not be done without making some modifications to the device’s earpiece, selfie camera, sensors and notification lights, which might compromise the overall quality of the device.

On the other hand, Pei also stated that the notch size in the iPhone X was bigger due to its Face ID module; the notch in the OnePlus 6 would be smaller than iPhone X but bigger than the one found in Essential PH1. Pei also provided the precise measurements for the notch in OnePlus upcoming device; it will be 19.616mm x 7.687mm.

Talking about software enhancements, Pei said the company was working on enhancing the user experience by employing gesture-based navigation – again, something similar to iPhone X – to allow the phone to do away with Android navigation keys while allowing enhanced user experience based on gestures.

According to Pei, the company had to manually test the top 1,000 Play Store apps to understand how to make them compatible with the notch. To accommodate the notch, the company is shifting its clock to the left side of the screen, releasing more room for status icons.

Karnataka Polls Date Leak: Election Commission examines responses

Following the meeting, the ECI stated that further inquiry would be conducted into the matter and necessary action would be taken.

Karnataka Elections Date Leak : Following the alleged data leak regarding the schedule of the upcoming Karnataka Assembly polls, an Officers’ Committee constituted by the Election Commission of India (ECI) examined responses submitted by the parties involved.

Following the meeting, the ECI stated that further inquiry would be conducted into the matter and necessary action would be taken.

For the unversed, controversy erupted on Tuesday after Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) IT Cell head Amit Malviya took to Twitter to reveal the polling date as May 12 and counting as May 18, ahead of the ECI’s official announcement.

However, Malviya deleted the tweet, post social media uproar.

Following this, the BJP leader in his response to the election-governing body, claimed that the tweet was based on a flash taken out by a leading TV channel, thereby downplaying the possibility of an information leak.

“I wish to reiterate that I firmly believe in the exclusive constitutional domain of the Election Commission to conduct free and fair elections in the country, and also in the confidentiality and secrecy mandated upon it in process of doing so. It is my kind submission that my tweet was in no way intended to infringe upon the constitutional mandate of the Election Commission,” Malviya clarified.

Meanwhile, a local media in Karnataka also announced similar dates, following updates from the aforementioned leading channel, as per their clarification.

However, the national TV channel clarified that no information leak had taken place.

On a related note, the 224-member Karnataka Assembly will go to polls on May 12, and counting of votes will be held on May 15.

→ Karnataka Assembly Election 2018 ←

Convertible SUV Range Rover Evoque launched in India at Rs 6.95 million

The model has features such as the All-Terrain Progress Control (ATPC) system which enables drivers to set and maintain a steady speed in challenging conditions.

Business News : Tata Motors-owned Jaguar Land Rover India on Tuesday launched Range Rover Evoque Convertible priced at Rs 6.95 million, ex-showroom.

The new luxury convertible SUV is powered by a 2 litre Ingenium petrol engine with a compact 9-speed automatic transmission, the company said in a statement.

JLR India President & Managing Director Rohit Suri said: “We are excited to launch India’s first luxury SUV convertible today… It adds another dimension to the Land Rover family, further enhancing its desirability and appeal.”

Evoque Convertible combines the bold design and refinement of Evoque with a sophisticated folding roof, he added.

The new model has features such as the All-Terrain Progress Control (ATPC) system which enables drivers to set and maintain a steady speed in challenging conditions, the company said.

Besides, it is also equipped with surround camera system that uses cameras placed around the vehicle to offer a near-360 degrees view.

Apple unveils affordable iPad: 9.7-inch display, 8MP camera with Pencil

Apple executives said the company will release a iPad model that works with its Apple Pencil accessory and features an upgraded A10 Fusion chip, the same CPU that powers the iPhone 7.

Technology News : Apple Inc on Tuesday kicked off an event in Chicago where it announced a new iPad that would work with its Apple Pencil accessory aimed at helping it grab more of the U.S. education market.

The tablet will have a starting price of $299 for students and $329 for consumers. Tech companies are battling for dominance in US schools with inexpensive devices and laptops that are geared towards classroom use and seen as a way to hook young consumers.

Education-geared laptops running operating systems by Alphabet Inc’s Google or Microsoft Corp can be had for less than $200.

Apple hit hard on the education theme on Tuesday, with school bells and announcements over a public address system directing press and teachers into an auditorium at Lane Tech College Prep High School. Apple board member and former US Vice President Al Gore mingled with the crowd.

Apple Chief Executive Tim Cook opened the keynote with a nod to politics, saying “we are deeply inspired by the courage of the students who walked out” and marched on Washington, advocating for stricter gun control laws following a school shooting in Florida. The line elicited loud cheers from students seated at the rear of the auditorium.

The Chicago event comes during a spring buying season when many schools are making purchasing decisions for the upcoming school year.

Apple executives said the company will release Apple new iPad model that works with its Apple Pencil accessory and features an upgraded A10 Fusion chip, the same CPU that powers the iPhone 7. The company also released a new version of its word processing apps for the iPad designed to work with the pencil and allow students to take handwritten notes more easily.

Don’t let Virat Kohli play county cricket; he must suffer in England

Virat Kohli is expected to play for Surrey in the Division One of English county in his bid to prepare for the five-Test August-September series in England.

Letting Virat Kohli play county cricket is “nonsense”, feels former England captain Bob Willis, who wants the prolific Indian captain to “suffer” from the wretched form he endured in 2014, when his team comes here for a Test series later this year.

Kohli is expected to play for Surrey in the Division One of English county in his bid to prepare for the five-Test August-September series in England, which has been his focus for sometime now.

“I can’t stand overseas players in county cricket,” Willis told ‘Sky Sports’.

“He should be made to suffer and average 30 in England as he has done before. We don’t want England starting to lose Test matches at home because we’re accommodating all of these visiting players,” Willis commented.

Apart from Virat Kohli, the likes of Cheteshwar Pujara (Yorkshire) and Ishant Sharma (Sussex) are also set to play for different sides.

Willis, however, is upset that England will be losing home advantage ahead of the series and termed it as a detrimental move for the counties.

“It doesn’t benefit the players stranded in the second XI year on year and the youngsters. The only way to improve our Test team is to have as many England-qualified players playing in the County Championship as possible,” said Willis, who has played 90 Test matches for his country taking 325 wickets.

“Instead, they’re going to pay Kohli, presumably, five figures a match so he can hone his skills in English conditions before a Test series. It’s a nonsense,” fumed Willis.

The 68-year-old feels that like last time, when Kohli failed to score a single half-century across five Tests, England should once again make him suffer.

Aadhaar-PAN linking deadline extended to June 30; all you need to know

Earlier deadlines for linking Aadhaar with PAN were July 31, August 31 and Dec 31, 2017, with the last being March 31 this year.

Latest News : The Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) on Tuesday extended the last date for linking of Aadhaar with Permanent Account Number (PAN) from March 31, 2018, to June 30, 2018.

The order said the deadline for PAN-Aadhaar linking for filing I-T returns is being extended after “consideration of the matter”.

It is understood that the latest order by CBDT has come in the backdrop of the Supreme Court, earlier this month, directing extension of the March 31 deadline for linking Aadhaar with various other services.

The apex court ordered for the extension of the deadline till the five-judge constitution bench delivers its judgment on petitions challenging the validity of the biometric scheme and the enabling law.

This is a fourth extension given by the government for individuals to link their PAN with their biometric ID.

The government has now made quoting of Aadhaar mandatory for filing income tax returns (ITRs) as well as obtaining a new PAN.

Section 139 AA (2) of the Income Tax Act says that every person having PAN as on July 1, 2017, and eligible to obtain Aadhaar, must intimate his Aadhaar number to the tax authorities.

As per updated data till March 5, over 166.5 million (16.65 crore) PANs, out of the total about 330 million (33 crore), have been linked with Aadhaar.

The earlier deadlines for linking the two databases were July 31, August 31 and December 31, 2017, with the last being March 31 this year.

→ Aadhaar Deadline ←

Cambridge Analytica Scandal: How India can save democracy from Facebook

Hegemonic incumbents like Google and Facebook need to be tackled with regulation; govt should use procurement power to fund open source alternatives.

Cambridge Analytica Scandal : Those that celebrate the big data/artificial intelligence moment claim that traditional approaches to data protection are no longer relevant and therefore must be abandoned. The Cambridge Analytica episode, if anything, demonstrates how wrong they are. The principles of data protection need to be reinvented and weaponized, not discarded. In this article I shall discuss the reinvention of three such data protection principles. Apart from this I shall also briefly explore competition law solutions.

Collect data only if mandated by regulation

• One, data minimization is the principle that requires the data controller to collect data only if mandated to do so by regulation or because it is a prerequisite for providing a functionality. For example, Facebook’s messenger app on Android harvests call records and meta-data, without any consumer facing feature on the app that justifies such collection. Therefore, this is a clear violation of the data minimization principle. One of the ways to reinvent this principle is by borrowing from the best practices around warnings and labels on packaging introduced by the global anti-tobacco campaign. A permanent bar could be required in all apps, stating ‘Facebook holds W number of records across X databases over the time period Y, which totals Z Gb’. Each of these alphabets could be a hyperlink, allowing the user to easily drill down to the individual data record.

Consent must be explicit, informed and voluntary

• Two, the principle of consent requires that the data controller secure explicit, informed and voluntary consent from the data subject unless there are exceptional circumstances. Unfortunately, consent has been reduced to a mockery today through obfuscation by lawyers in verbose “privacy notices” and “terms of services”. To reinvent consent we need to bring ‘Do Not Dial’ registries into the era of big data. A website maintained by the future Indian data protection regulator could allow individuals to check against their unique identifiers (email, phone number, Aadhaar). The website would provide a list of all data controllers that are holding personal information against a particular unique identifier. The data subject should then be able to revoke consent with one-click. Once consent is revoked, the data controller would have to delete all personal information that they hold, unless retention of such information is required under law (for example, in banking law). One-click revocation of consent will make data controllers like Facebook treat data subjects with greater respect.

→ Cambridge Analytica Row ←

Kim Jong-un meets Xi, says he is committed to de-nuked Korean peninsula

Kim Jong-Un is understood to have reiterated his commitment to the denuclearisation of the Korean Peninsula.

International News : China confirmed Wednesday that Kim Jong Un met with President Xi Jinping on a surprise visit to Beijing, and said the North Korean leader would be willing to give up his nuclear weapons and hold a summit with the US.

“The issue of denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula can be resolved, if South Korea and the United States respond to our efforts with goodwill, create an atmosphere of peace and stability while taking progressive and synchronous measures for the realization of peace,” Kim said during the four-day visit, according to Xinhua. Xi said that China continues to push for denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula and made four proposals to improve relations with North Korea, including maintaining frequent contact with Kim. Xi said China will continue to share friendship with North Korea as a “strategic choice” that “will not change because of any single event at a particular time.”

“We speak highly of this visit,” Xi told Kim, according the Xinhua story that repeatedly referred to the two leaders as comrades.

“We are willing to work together with DPRK comrades, remain true to our original aspiration and jointly move forward, to promote long-term healthy and stable development of China-DPRK relations, benefit the two countries and two peoples, and make new contribution to regional peace, stability and development,” Xi said.

The visit comes amid a diplomatic flurry in Asia as leaders jockey for face time with Kim and seek to defuse tensions over North Korea’s nuclear weapons program.

Key Points:

• Xi hosted a grand banquet for Kim at the Great Hall of the People
• Kim reiterated his commitment to the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula

Read More on → Kim Jong Un Xi Jinping Meeting ←

Xiaomi Redmi 5 Review: Premium-priced all-rounder with a modern 18:9 screen

The Redmi 5 costs a tad higher when compared with the earlier Redmi-series smartphones. But the Redmi 5 notches up the smartphone game with its modern 18:9 aspect ratio screen.

Technology News : After a successful run in 2017 with its value-for-money smartphones, Xiaomi started 2018 with the launch of its budget-centric devices. Soon after the launch of the Redmi Note 5 and the Redmi Note 5 Pro, the Chinese mobile phone maker has launched the entry-level Redmi 5 in India at a price of Rs 7,999 for the base model.

Unlike what has been seen in previous-generation devices, the succeeding generation of Redmi-series smartphones costs a tad higher than the predecessor — be it the Redmi 5 Pro or the Redmi 5. However, the Redmi 5 notches up the smartphone game with its modern 18:9 aspect ratio screen wrapped in a metallic-plastic chassis which looks premium.

The smartphone is built on the blue print of its elder sibling, the Redmi Note 5, which gives it an edge in terms of design. However, the innards have been kept in line with previous generation, besides some minor improvements, to keep the price in check.

The Redmi 5 takes design cues from the Redmi Note 5 and, therefore, looks similar. However, the younger sibling has a few elements of difference. The front of the Redmi 5 is dominated by a 5.7-inch HD+ 18:9 aspect ratio screen, covered by a 2.5D glass. It does look plush; but for an 18:9 screen device, the smartphone has huge bezels on the top and bottom.

The screen is bright and vivid. However, the HD+ resolution in the 5.7-inch screen looks pixelated. For a budget smartphone, the screen works satisfactorily to render multimedia content such as photos and videos. The touch response is smooth and the phone registers the touch without lag.

Coming on to the back side, it is covered with a metallic sheet, but the chassis is made out of plastic that extends towards the back from top and bottom. The colour of the metallic sheet and plastic chassis has different shades; it comes to notice in bright light conditions. As for the build quality, it is top-notch and the edges blend well into the chassis with no gaps, either on the front or back.

→ Redmi 5 Review ←

Nokia 1 with Android Oreo Go OS launched at Rs 5,499: Know specs, features

Nokia 1 would be available on both online and offline platforms starting March 28. The phone would be available in red and blue colour variants which can be customised with Nokia Xpress On covers.

Technology News : Nokia, the mobile phone brand licenced to Finnish manufacturer HMD Global, on March 26 launched the Nokia 1 in India at Rs 5,499. The Android Oreo (Go edition)-based smartphone had first been unveiled at the Mobile World Congress, along with the Nokia 7 (2018), Nokia 8 Sirocco and Nokia 8110.

The Nokia 1 would be available on both online and offline platforms starting March 28. The phone would be available in red and blue colour variants which could be customised with Nokia Xpress On covers available for Rs 450.

In terms of features, the Nokia 1 runs Android Oreo (Go edition), which is a light-weight version of Android Oreo compatible with devices with limited hardware prowess, such as 1GB RAM or less, etc. The Android Oreo (Go edition) also comes with a dedicated package of Google apps, which take less space and are optimised to use less hardware resources.

Coming to Nokia 1 features, it sports a 4.5-inch display with 480 x 854 pixels resolution.

It is powered by a MediaTek MT6737 quad-core processor clocked at 1.1Ghz, coupled with 1GB RAM and 8GB internal storage. The smartphone features a 5MP primary camera and a 2MP selfie camera. The 4G phone supports dual SIM and a microSD slot for storage expansion. Powering the device is a 2150 mAh removable battery.

Karnataka Assembly Elections on May 12 and Results on May 15

The Election Commission is set to announce dates and the entire polling schedule of Karnataka Assembly Elections for the 224-member Karnataka assembly today.

Karnataka Assembly Elections 2018 will be held on May 12 and the result will be declared on May 15, 2018, the Election Commission announced on Tuesday. Karnataka elections will be held in a single phase. Chief Election Commissioner OP Rawat addressed the media in New Delhi and said that the model code of conduct has come into effect immediately.

The elections are being held to choose the 224 members of the Karnataka Assembly whose tenure ends in May 2018. The polls are being seen politically crucial for the ruling Congress, as well as the BJP, as Karnataka is the only big state where the former is in power after losing a string of Assembly elections to the saffron party in the past few years. The BJP is making a concerted bid to unseat the Congress. Besides, the Congress and the BJP, another player in the fray is former prime minister H D Deve Gowda’s JD(S).

Currently, the Congress party holds a simple majority of 123 seats in the 224 constituencies’ strong Karnataka legislative assembly. The BJP holds 44 and the JD(s) has 40 seats respectively. BJP President Amit Shah on Monday asserted there was a “tsunami” in favour of his party which will not only defeat the ruling Congress but also ‘uproot’ it in the coming assembly polls in Karnataka.

“Since 2014 see the election records,” he added citing BJP’s winning streak since coming to power at the centre.

Highlights: Important dates for Karnataka Assembly Election 2018

• 17 April: Issue of notification 24 April: Last date of nomination 25 April: Date of scrutiny
• 27 April: Last date of withdrawal of candidates 12 May: Date of Polling 15 May: Counting of votes/ Result day

→ Date of notification is April 17 and nominations should be filed by April 24. The last date of withdrawal of candidature is April 27. Counting of votes will take place on May 15.

→ It will be investigated. Be assured that actions legally and administratively befitting will be taken: Chief Election Commissioner OP Rawat on the question of how BJP’s IT Cell head Amit Malviya had put dates of Karnataka elections on social media.

→ Certain things may have leaked for which Election Commission will take appropriate action: Chief Election Commissioner OP Rawat on the question how BJP’s IT Cell head Amit Malviya had put dates of Karnataka elections on social media.

→ Voting in Karnataka to be held on 12 May, counting on 15 May, announces Election Commission.

→ Last date of nomination 24th April, 2018

→ Karnataka Elections Date ←

Ball Tampering Row: Steve Smith & company deserve punishment, not vengeance

ICC has handed out punishment as provided by the rules, Cricket Australia may punish them severly but calls for a life ban are beyond the pale.

Ball Tampering Row : Steven Smith, Australia’s Cricket captain who presided over the most demonstrably pre-meditated act of cheating on a Cricket field will not play in his team’s next Test match. He will likely be stood down from his leadership position longer than that. He would be ill-advised to try and see out a contract at the Rajasthan Royals and he should go stand in a corner, facing the wall, for the foreseeable short-term future.

Suitable punishments for Smith have been discussed with life ban having been suggested too. The outrage, especially in social media circles, has reached such a fever pitch that those baying for blood will continue to bleat till they have been heard.

The most absurd suggestion has compared the actions of Cameron Bancroft, Steve Smith and David Warner, and anyone else in the leadership group, to match-fixing. If anything, this is the opposite of that, the worst thing a cricketer can possibly do. Match fixers undermine the credibility of a game, underperform for a fee, while this Australian team, was doing the opposite.

Make no mistake, Bancroft and friends were trying to gain an unfair advantage over South Africa, to try and win. You can only fix a match, or a performance, to under-perform.

Here is a team trying to take an unfair advantage over the opposition. This is more akin to a sportsperson doping than one trying to make a big buck by selling his game out. There is no excusing Bancroft and friends, but comparisons to match fixing, and suggestions of life-time bans are ridiculous.

Acting as swiftly as it possibly can, the International Cricket Council brought charges, heard the case and delivered their verdict: Smith was gone for a game, Bancroft fined heavily and put on notice.

The ICC acted precisely as their Code of Conduct allowed, and handed out punishments in proportion to the breaches committed.But, this was never about ball tampering alone. As has been made clear, there is almost no team that does not try to gain the greatest advantage over the condition of a ball, but the manner in which this Australian team blatantly flouted the laws, challenged the umpires when caught and then tried to jettison the evidence, left the rest of the Cricket world with little choice.

As for the charges brought, the ICC has done its bit and doled out justice as per its parameters. Cricket Australia are yet to move, but there is every indication that they will go above and beyond what the ICC have sanctioned.

Oppo F7 with 25MP AI selfie camera launched: Know price, specifications

The phone would be available in two storage and RAM variants – 64GB/4GB and 128GB/6GB. Price starts at Rs 21,990.

Technology News : Chinese smartphone manufacturer Oppo Mobiles has launched the Oppo F7 in India at a starting price of Rs 21,990. The selfie-centric smartphone boasts a 19:9 aspect ratio screen, artificial intelligence-based camera filters and a mammoth 25-megapixel selfie camera.

In terms of specifications, the Oppo F7 sports a 6.23-inch fullHD+ (2210 x 1080p) screen, with a notch on top, in the 19:9 aspect ratio. It features a MediaTek Helios P60 processor, coupled with the company’s NeuroPilot AI technology. Powering the device is a 3,400 mAh battery. In terms of imaging, the Oppo F7 has a 16-megapixel rear camera and a 25MP high dynamic range (HDR)-enabled front camera assisted by AI.

The selfie camera supports artificial reality-based stickers, along with an enhanced beauty mode.

On the feature side, the phone boots Oppo’s proprietary ColourOS 5.0 based on Google Android 8.0. The Oppo F7 will come with the face unlock feature, along with a fingerprint scanner capable of recognising wet fingers, too. Powering the device is a 3,400mAh battery. The phone would be available in two storage and RAM variants – 64GB/4GB and 128GB/6GB.

The phone would go on sale starting April 9. However, there would be a flash sale exclusively on Flipkart and offline retail stores on February 2 with limited stocks.

Here are some of the features of the Oppo F7 :

• Facial unlock
• 16 AI-based scene recognition
• 16MP rear camera with portrait mode and vivid colour
• 25MP selfie camera
• AI-backed camera features
• Group selfie beautification
• Live video beautification
• AR stickers
• Full screen multitasking (pop-up)

→ Oppo F7 Features ←

Bandhan Bank makes strong debut; lists at 33% premium against issue price

The stock listed at Rs 499, a 33% premium against its issue price of Rs 375 per share on the National Stock Exchange.

IPO News : Bandhan Bank has made a strong debut at the bourses on Tuesday. The stocks listed at Rs 499, a 33% premium against its issue price of Rs 375 per share on the National Stock Exchange (NSE). On the BSE, the stock listed at Rs 485, 29% higher against its issue price.

At 10:04 am; Bandhan Bank stock was trading Rs 472 on the BSE and NSE. A combined 35.11 million shares changed hands on the counter on both the exchanges.

Bandhan Bank with a market value of Rs 571.59 billion stands at 53rd position in overall market capitalisation ranking, the BSE data shows.

The private sector lender raised Rs 45 billion through initial public offer (IPO), which was oversubscribed by 14.6 times. The qualified institutional buyers (QIBs) category was subscribed 38.67 times, the non-institutional investors category was subscribed 13.89 times and the retail individual investors (RIIs) category received subscription of 1.20 times.

The objective of the fresh issue was also to augment bank’s Tier-I capital base to meet the bank’s future capital requirements. The bank also believed that the listing of equity shares will enhance the bank’s visibility and brand name among existing and potential customers.

The bank has a very healthy business mix – on the asset side 96.5% of total advances qualifying as priority sector lending (PSL) and on the liability side 33.2% of total deposits in the low-cost current account & savings account (CASA).

Considering the healthy financials – NIM of 9.9%, gross and net NPA of 1.67% & 0.8%, respectively and high return ratios of 25.6% RoE and 4.1% RoA, analyst at Centrum Broking believe the bank will be able to attract adequate investor interest.

Further, the bank is expected to benefit largely from financialisation of household investments especially in the rural & underbanked areas, vast branch network and presence in high growth segments of micro lending, retail and SME banking.

→ Bandhan Bank IPO ←

Karnataka Elections 2018: Fresh Faces To Lead Congress

At least 30 MLAs in the Congress may not get the tickets this year. Fresh faces could be given party tickets and roped into the party.

Karnataka Assembly Polls 2018 : This April-May period is set to witness the Karnataka Legislative Assembly elections in 224 constituencies to elect their respective members. Karnataka Assembly tenure ends in May 2018.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is moving ahead with its Nava Karnataka Nirmana Parivarthana rally, which went on for seventy five days across the entire state lead by the state president, Y.S Yeddyurappa. The rally came to its end on February 8, 2018, covering all the constituents in Karnataka. The core aim of the BJP under the guidance of the Prime Minister is to liberate Karnataka from the dynasty rule of the inefficient Congress.

The Prime Minister wants to put a permanent end to corruption and dirty politics. He said that the entire world is busy with ease of doing business, while the Congress is busy with ease of doing murders.” “Anyone who criticizes the government will pay with death.” This implies that the BJP will be amassing votes thriving on the brand image of the Prime Minister Narendra Modi by having him as the mascot of their elections campaign. The chief minister seems to be shrewd in engaging the Prime Minister.

As the elections in Karnataka are taking its breath taking twists, there were two polls conducted by the Congress in Karnataka, having the polls ahead. The results were very shocking. At least 30 MLAs in the Congress may not get the tickets this year. There are bleak chances of their winning. The High-command seriously reviews this issue and they would take a final call on the party ticket to be given or not. There is a high possibility that these sitting MLAs may not get the ticket. Fresh faces could be given party tickets and roped into the party.

The state and the center Congress are discussing this matter. Mr. Rahul Gandhi is of the opinion that Karnataka should take Fresh faces. The CM Mr. Siddaramaiah says that winning or not winning is just a chance. Considering a fresh face may be a risk. The Congress high command will take a final decision on this issue on this March 28 and 29. As a preliminary, Mr. Madhu Sudhan Misry analyzed the constituencies where the Congress lost in the past.

→ Karnataka Assembly Election 2018 ←