Sterlite Power acquires Fatehgarh III Beawar Transmission from PFC


Sterlite Power Transmission Limited

Sterlite Power Transmission Limited


Sterlite Power on Wednesday said it has acquired Fatehgarh III Beawar Transmission, a special purpose vehicle, from PFC Consulting Limited.


PFC Consulting Limited (PFCCL) is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Power Finance Corporation Limited under the Ministry of Power.


“Sterlite Power acquires Fatehgarh III Beawar Transmission Project in Rajasthan from PFC. The project was awarded to Sterlite Power through tariff-based competitive bidding process in March 2023,” the company said in a statement.


Through the Fatehgarh III Beawar Transmission Limited special purpose vehicle (SPV), the company will set up a critical transmission project in Rajasthan on build-operate-transfer mode for 35 years.


The project will involve constructing a 350 kilometre, 765kV transmission corridor from Fatehgarh III to Beawar in Rajasthan. It will enable evacuation of a part of 20 GW of renewable power from renewable energy zones in Fatehgarh (9.1 GW), Bhadla (8 GW) and Ramgarh (2.9 GW) areas of the state.

Sterlite Power Managing Director Pratik Agarwal said, “The development of green energy corridors is a critical part of India’s nation building effort. These corridors will help the country achieve its renewable energy vision of 500 GW by 2030 with our unique capabilities and expertise.”

The company did not disclose financial details of the acquisition.


Sterlite Power is a leading private sector power transmission infrastructure developer and solutions provider with projects covering around 15,000 circuit km of transmission lines across India and Brazil.

(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)

First Published: Aug 02 2023 | 10:27 PM IST



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Tweaks to GST Act must factor in law banning online gambling: TN to Centre



In the proposed amendment to the GST Act and Rules to tax online gaming, suitable modifications should be made by taking into account the state law banning online gambling, the Tamil Nadu government conveyed to the GST Council on Wednesday.


In the 51st GST Council meeting, Tamil Nadu Finance Minister Thangam Thennarasu expressed strong reservations in respect of a certain clause in the proposals for amendment to GST Act and Rules in view of the TN Prohibition of Online Gambling and Regulation of Online Games Act, 2022 (banning online Rummy and Poker).


The GST meet, chaired by Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman was held through video conferencing today. The agenda of meeting included draft proposals to amend the GST Act and Rules for levy of GST on online gaming, casino and horse racing.


Thennarasu underscored the ban on online gambling (online wagering or betting), playing any online games of chance for money or other stakes, which are punishable offences in Tamil Nadu.


Expressing serious concern, the minister said the proposed amendments should conform to the State legislation and suggested modification of a specific clause in the draft proposals.


Thennarasu suggested that the definition of ‘Online money gaming’ in the Act should not include games where the performance or outcome is based on chance or where it is barred by or under any law for the time being in force.


He insisted that the modification suggested by the Tamil Nadu government should be incorporated in the proposed amendments to the GST Act and Rules.

“The GST Council assured to make suitable modification in amendments based on the suggestions of the Minister

for Finance and Human Resources Management of Tamil Nadu,” an official release here said.


The Tamil Nadu law banning online gambling was challenged by gaming companies and the mater is before the Madras High Court.


Principal Secretary (Finance), T Udhayachandran, Secretary (Commercial Taxes–Registration), B Jothi Nirmalasamy, Principal Secretary and Commissioner of Commercial Taxes, Dheeraj Kumar took part in the meet.

(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)



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Pakistan coach Butt thrilled to be in India



Two decades back, Rehan Butt used to be the reason for Indian defenders’ sleepless nights and the man known for his deft stick-work still reminisces the good old days when playing against the next door neighbours in their backyard felt like “playing a home game”.


With bilateral sporting ties between India and Pakistan coming to a halt due to simmering cross-border tension, Butt, now the head coach Pakistan is delighted that the players from current generation would get a chance to showcase their skills in-front of a knowledgable Chennai crowd in the upcoming Asian Champions Trophy.


“I have played all around the world but there is no place that can match the fun and thrill of playing in India – it would feel as if we were playing in Pakistan. I have always got a lot of love here, have also made some friends,Butt, who is famous for his twin goals in the dying moments of Pakistan’s Champions Trophy clash against India in Germany in 2002, told PTI Bhasha in an exclusive interview.


Overwhelmed by the appreciation and warmth Pakistan team often received in India, coach Butt said the two countries should resume bilateral hockey ties at the earliest.


Tasked with the duty of guiding his country’s premier talents, the 43-year-old former star centre forward couldn’t wait for the India game to start.


The contest between the two arch-rivals the world No 4 India and Pakistan is scheduled for August 9.

“I have heard that tickets have been sold out for the India-Pakistan clash. There is a lot of following for this game and it is time the bilateral hockey relations resumed between the two nations.”

“From sponsors to broadcasters to players, everyone will benefit from it, Butt, who represented Pakistan in 274 international matches, said.


Pakistan have sent a young side for the ACT and their focus is to prepare the side for the Asian Games in September.


“We have formulated a long-term plan having not qualified for the Olympics during the last two editions,” said Butt, who had stitched together a strong on-field partnership with Shakeel Abbasi.


“Captain Muhammad Umar Bhutta and Rana Waheed are the only experienced players, the rest of the Pakistan side will be facing India at the senior level for the first time,” noted Butt.


“Since we have a young side facing world No. 4 India, pressure will of course be on the players,” Butt said.


However even hosts can’t do away with the pressure associated with a Pakistan game.


“But India will be under pressure too, for they are playing on their turf. Our confidence will increase if we do well against India,” he added.


Butt said Pakistan are also looking to finalise their plans for the Asian Games through ACT.


“Our young players have a lot of potential and playing in the ACT will give them good experience. We want to qualify for the Olympics via the Asian Games.


“Hence, we are working on making the infrastructure of Pakistan hockey similar to India’s. Also, this tournament can bridge the gap between junior and senior levels for the younger players,” Butt said.


Butt also backed India to be a strong medal contender in the Paris Olympics next year.


“India are No. 4 in the world. If they continue to play similarly, they will be strong contenders for a medal in the Paris Olympics. India should not face any difficulty making it to the final of ACT on August 12. We would also want to gift the fans a title clash between India and Pakistan, Butt concluded.

(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)



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Pelicans’ Larry Nance Jr. criticizes Magic over donation to pro-DeSantis group


New Orleans Pelicans forward Larry Nance Jr. needled the Orlando Magic for the organization’s apparent donation to a super PAC that supports Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis’ bid for president.

The Orlando Magic LTD donated $50,000 to Never Back Down Inc., which describes itself as a “grassroots movement to elect Governor Ron DeSantis for President in 2024.” 

The Federal Election Commission had the “receipt date” listed as June 26. A Magic spokesperson clarified that check was dated and delivered on May 19. DeSantis announced his intention to run for president on May 24.

“So the @OrlandoMagic who have a majority black roster, a black head coach, and a black GM decided it was a good idea to support a man that claims that slavery had personal benefits for the enslaved?” Nance wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter.

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Orlando Magic LTD donated $25,000 to DeSantis in 2022 and Democratic Florida State Sen. Geraldine Thompson in 2020, according to OpenSecrets.org. Dan DeVos is the chairman of RDV Sports, which owns the Magic. The founding partners of the organization, the late Rich and Helen DeVos, were the in-laws of former Education Secretary Betsy DeVos, who served under President Trump. 

A spokesman for the Magic told USA Today the team doesn’t “publicly comment on political contributions.”

Larry Nance Jr claps

New Orleans Pelicans forward Larry Nance Jr. (22) reacts during a stop in play against the LA Clippers during the second half at Smoothie King Center in New Orleans April 1, 2023. (Stephen Lew/USA Today Sports)

The Magic made the clarification later Wednesday.

“To clarify, this gift was given before Governor DeSantis entered the presidential race,” the Magic spokesperson said in a statement. “It was given as a Florida business in support of a Florida governor for the continued prosperity of Central Florida.”

DeSantis announced his intention to run for president on May 24.

DeSantis was scrutinized after Vice President Kamala Harris, Sen. Tim Scott, R-S.C., Rep. Byron Donalds, R-Fla., and others claimed Florida’s school curriculum teaches students that slaves in the U.S. “benefited from slavery,” an accusation the DeSantis administration has fiercely denied.

The Republican governor appeared on “The Faulkner Focus” Wednesday and defended the curriculum.

NBA PLAYER JONATHAN ISAAC LAUNCHES ANTI-WOKE, PRO-CHRISTIAN ALTERNATIVE TO NIKE: ‘OUR VALUES ARE VALID’

“I’m fighting back against false narratives,” DeSantis said. “I do not let people like Kamala Harris or the media take false narratives and run with them. We will stand our ground, and we will speak the truth”

The sentence that sparked controversy said “instruction includes how slaves develop skills, which in some instances could be applied for their personal benefit.”

Larry Nance Jr vs Warriors

New Orleans Pelicans power forward Larry Nance Jr. gestures after missing a shot against the Golden State Warriors during the fourth quarter at Chase Center in San Francisco March 28, 2023. (Kelley L Cox/USA Today Sports)

DeSantis said the passage is not being interpreted fairly. 

“This was done by Black history scholars, most of whom are Black themselves. They are not shilling for slavery. They are showing the injustice of slavery. But that particular passage wasn’t saying that slavery was a benefit. They were saying there was resourcefulness and people acquired skills in spite of slavery, not because of it. And then they used those when they achieved their freedom,” DeSantis explained.

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The Florida Republican called out Harris specifically, arguing she endorsed an AP African-American history course that was rejected in Florida due to concerns about Marxism and other left-wing ideology.

“It had the same exact provision. And you’ve seen that same basic provision has been in other curricula. Nobody ever said anything, and indeed nobody said anything about this. These guys put this together in a public fashion and there were comments,” he added.

Republican Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis speaks at a press conference at the American Police Hall of Fame & Museum in Titusville. (Paul Hennessy/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images)

“When we eliminated critical race theory, people lied then saying we didn’t want to teach about the history of African Americans. In reality, that same bill required us to develop even stronger standards, and that’s why this working group was created. 

“So, they did a good job. I think it’s wrong to demagogue people,” he said, adding that critics picked one passage out of hundreds of pages of “painstaking” details about Black history.

Fox News’ Elizabeth Heckman contributed to this report.



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The case for staying with ethanol 10


Ethanol blending

Premium

Illustration: BINAY SINHA


India’s biofuel initiatives have been successful in getting us to a 10 per cent ethanol blend with petrol (E10). At this level, petrol engines sold in India since 2008 are not harmed, although older engines need modifications or no ethanol. Also, molasses as feedstock for ethanol from sugar factories have been adequate, supplemented by grain in good years, while the effluents are manageable, and there is less risk of “phase separation”, where a water-ethanol mix separates from the fuel. However, increasing ethanol to 20 per cent (E20) by the target date of 2025 is likely to be too disruptive. 

Disclaimer: These are personal views of the writer. They do not necessarily reflect the opinion of www.business-standard.com or the Business Standard newspaper

First Published: Aug 02 2023 | 10:39 PM IST



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‘Untrained’ Somali runner’s horrible performance at World University Games causes outrage


Outrage has ensued following an “untrained” Somali runner’s performance during a women’s 100-meter race at the World University Games in Chengdu, China, on Monday that can only be seen to believe. 

Nasra Abukar Ali, who is said to be 20 years old from Somalia, ran the 100-meter heat in 21.81 seconds. She finished dead last in the race.

Brazil’s Gabriela Silva finished the race 10 seconds before Ali crossed the finish line. The cameras for the event even panned back to Ali as she was still running while the rest of the competition was slowing down.

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General view of track

General view of a hurdle on the track at Hayward Field ahead of the USATF Outdoor Championships on July 5, 2023, in Eugene, Oregon. (Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

The performance – Ali was seemingly giving it her all, to her credit – has been viewed as a catastrophe for Somalia, and while some find it amusing to see Ali competing against some of the best athletes in the world, others don’t.

“The Ministry of Youth and Sports should step down. It’s disheartening to witness such an incompetent government,” Somali commentator Elham Garaad posted on X, formerly known as Twitter. “How could they select an untrained girl to represent Somalia in running? It’s truly shocking and reflects poorly on our country internationally.”

WEST VIRGINIA WOMAN WHO IS BLIND RUNS 5K RACE, RANKS IN HER AGE GROUP: ‘THIS IS JUST THE BEGINNING’

Since the event caused worldwide outrage, the Ministry of Youth and Sports of Somalia did their own investigation into how Ali was selected for the World University Games despite clearly not showing she can compete against her opponents.

Ali did not need to qualify to participate in the games, but it was reported she is the niece of Khadija Aden Dahir, chairwoman of the Somali Athletics Federation. Dahir has posted a photo of Ali at her graduation on social media, which brought about a ton of suspicion and allegations of nepotism. 

On Tuesday, the Ministry of Youth and Sports of Somalia called for the suspension of Dahir following “a preliminary investigation meeting with the Executive Committee of the National Olympic Committee of Somalia.”

That investigation concluded that Ali “has been identified as not sports person nor a runner” and Dahir “has engaged in acts of abuse of power, nepotism, and defaming the name of the nation in international arena.”

“Furthermore, the Ministry of Youth and Sports firmly declares its intention to pursue legal action against both the Chairman of the Athletics Federation of Somalia and individuals responsible for the falsification of the Somali University Sports Association,” a statement from the office of the Minister of Youth and Sports Hon. Mohamed Barre Mohamud.

Ali being able to participate in the event in China, though, is a mystery to many. Normally, qualifications are needed to be able to compete in an event, but World Athletics does have one loophole that Dahir seems to have exploited.

“Countries who have no male and/or no female athletes who had achieved the entry standard or considered as having achieved the entry standard or a qualified relay team, can enter one unqualified male athlete or one unqualified female athlete in one event of the championships,” World Athletics states, per Yahoo Sports.

Countries will often enter an unqualified male or female athlete in the 100-meter race, which included Ka’Alieena Bien of the Marshall Islands during the 2022 World Athletics Championships. She finished her race at 14.71 seconds, which was well behind the 10.67-second gold medal-winning time.

General view of track

General views during the London Athletics Meet, part of the 2023 Diamond League series, at London Stadium on July 23, 2023, in London. (Sam Mellish/Getty Images)

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However, it was a much better finish than Ali’s time at the end of the day.



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Railways withdraw statement on mental condition of accused RPF constable



The Railways on Wednesday said in a statement that no mental ailment was detected in the last periodic medical examination of the RPF constable accused in the Jaipur-Mumbai train shooting incident but withdrew it within hours.


Railway Protection Force (RPF) Constable Chetan Singh (33) is accused of gunning down his senior colleague Tika Ram Meena and three passengers aboard the moving train near Palghar railway station on the outskirts of Mumbai in the early hours of Monday with his automatic weapon, officials had said. He was nabbed later.


Following media reports claiming that the constable suffered from “abnormal hallucinations” and was diagnosed with serious anxiety disorder, the Ministry of Railways in a statement said that the matter is being investigated by the Government Railway Police (GRP), Borivali.


“In this regard, it is stated that there is system of Periodical Medical Examination (PME) of Railway Protection Force constables, and in the last PME, no such medical ailment/ condition was detected,” it said.


In the evening, the statement was withdrawn.


“The press release has been withdrawn,” a Railway spokesperson said, without elaborating.


On July 31, around 5:23 am, on duty, RPF train escort staff Constable Chetan Singh shot his in-charge ASI Meena using his service ARM rifle (AK-47) while he was performing duty in the B-5 coach of the Jaipur-Mumbai Express at Vaitarna railway station, the railways said.


He also shot dead three passengers.


Singh was apprehended by officers and staff of RPF Post, Bhayandar, and handed over to the local police in Borivali for further legal action.


A high-level committee headed by an ADG of the RPF has been constituted to conduct a comprehensive inquiry into the incident.

(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)



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