#Latest Indian OFS News

[skytrust7]

What are the SEBI Guidelines for an IPO? Latest modifications

What are the SEBI Guidelines for an IPO? Latest modifications

The 2021’s IPO frenzy saw a listing of 60+ fresh IPOs. However, some IPO rules were changed to protect the interests of retail and non-institutional investors (NIIs).

The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) is a statutory regulatory body that regulates the Indian security market and protects the interests of investors investing in securities. SEBI guidelines for an IPO were already laid out, but recently some amendments were made to them.

The 2021’s IPO frenzy saw a listing of 60+ fresh IPOs. However, some IPO rules were changed to protect the interests of retail and non-institutional investors (NIIs). Logicalnivesh believes that these updated guidelines will help investors find the right IPOs to invest in. Below is the list of amendments made by SEBI to the IPO guidelines.

Increased transparency – IPO trading should always be based on transparency. As per the new SEBI guidelines for an IPO, companies raising money for inorganic growth objectives must clearly specify their goals and targets. If the company cannot qualify for the targets, the company must not exceed 25% of the total amount raised for investments and acquisitions. Such clarity will help investors make the right investment decisions for upcoming IPO stocks.

High lock-in time for anchor investors – Several companies that launch IPOs allocate some portion of their stocks to anchor investors to gain traction. But their immediate exit after 30 days increases the volatility of stock prices, leading to reduced confidence among regular investors. To combat such situations, anchor investors were allowed to sell only 50% of investments after a lock-in time of 30 days. To sell the remaining 50%, anchor investors will have to wait for 90 days.

Limit on offer to sell (OFS) – According to the new SEBI guidelines for IPO in stock market, the existing shareholders who own more than 20% of company stocks are not allowed to sell more than 50% of their shares. Those below 20% are not allowed to sell more than 10% of their shareholding. It is the best option to prevent promotors or stakeholders from exiting using the IPO route.

Sub-categories for NII investors – Many individual investors are not really small but also don’t fit into the high net-worth individual (HNI) category. Now here is a new bifurcation for them. IPO companies allotted 15% of the issue size to NIIs with no other bifurcation. But currently, one-third of the shares allocated to NIIs will be reserved for those with application sizes between Rs 2-10 lakh and two-thirds for those who exceed Rs 10 lakh.

Minimum price band – Earlier, companies looking for stock and IPO investment could set their price band as per their wish. However, to ensure proper price discovery and realistic pricing, SEBI mandated that the upper price band has to be a minimum of 105% of the lower price band.

Utilization of IPO proceeds – Scheduled commercial banks or public financial institutions will no longer monitor the IPO stocks. Instead, registered credit rating agencies will monitor the IPO proceeds, including the general corporate spending, till 100% of the funds are not utilized. This will help prevent the misuse of funds raised through IPO in trading.

Valuation report – During an IPO stock raise, the valuation report made by the independent valuer has to be furnished if a company allots 5% shares to an entity.

[skytrustit6]

What are the SEBI Guidelines for an IPO? Latest modifications

What are the SEBI Guidelines for an IPO? Latest modifications

The 2021’s IPO frenzy saw a listing of 60+ fresh IPOs. However, some IPO rules were changed to protect the interests of retail and non-institutional investors (NIIs).

The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) is a statutory regulatory body that regulates the Indian security market and protects the interests of investors investing in securities. SEBI guidelines for an IPO were already laid out, but recently some amendments were made to them.

The 2021’s IPO frenzy saw a listing of 60+ fresh IPOs. However, some IPO rules were changed to protect the interests of retail and non-institutional investors (NIIs). Logicalnivesh believes that these updated guidelines will help investors find the right IPOs to invest in. Below is the list of amendments made by SEBI to the IPO guidelines.

Increased transparency – IPO trading should always be based on transparency. As per the new SEBI guidelines for an IPO, companies raising money for inorganic growth objectives must clearly specify their goals and targets. If the company cannot qualify for the targets, the company must not exceed 25% of the total amount raised for investments and acquisitions. Such clarity will help investors make the right investment decisions for upcoming IPO stocks.

High lock-in time for anchor investors – Several companies that launch IPOs allocate some portion of their stocks to anchor investors to gain traction. But their immediate exit after 30 days increases the volatility of stock prices, leading to reduced confidence among regular investors. To combat such situations, anchor investors were allowed to sell only 50% of investments after a lock-in time of 30 days. To sell the remaining 50%, anchor investors will have to wait for 90 days.

Limit on offer to sell (OFS) – According to the new SEBI guidelines for IPO in stock market, the existing shareholders who own more than 20% of company stocks are not allowed to sell more than 50% of their shares. Those below 20% are not allowed to sell more than 10% of their shareholding. It is the best option to prevent promotors or stakeholders from exiting using the IPO route.

Sub-categories for NII investors – Many individual investors are not really small but also don’t fit into the high net-worth individual (HNI) category. Now here is a new bifurcation for them. IPO companies allotted 15% of the issue size to NIIs with no other bifurcation. But currently, one-third of the shares allocated to NIIs will be reserved for those with application sizes between Rs 2-10 lakh and two-thirds for those who exceed Rs 10 lakh.

Minimum price band – Earlier, companies looking for stock and IPO investment could set their price band as per their wish. However, to ensure proper price discovery and realistic pricing, SEBI mandated that the upper price band has to be a minimum of 105% of the lower price band.

Utilization of IPO proceeds – Scheduled commercial banks or public financial institutions will no longer monitor the IPO stocks. Instead, registered credit rating agencies will monitor the IPO proceeds, including the general corporate spending, till 100% of the funds are not utilized. This will help prevent the misuse of funds raised through IPO in trading.

Valuation report – During an IPO stock raise, the valuation report made by the independent valuer has to be furnished if a company allots 5% shares to an entity.

[skytrustit3]

What are the SEBI Guidelines for an IPO? Latest modifications

What are the SEBI Guidelines for an IPO? Latest modifications

The 2021’s IPO frenzy saw a listing of 60+ fresh IPOs. However, some IPO rules were changed to protect the interests of retail and non-institutional investors (NIIs).

The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) is a statutory regulatory body that regulates the Indian security market and protects the interests of investors investing in securities. SEBI guidelines for an IPO were already laid out, but recently some amendments were made to them.

The 2021’s IPO frenzy saw a listing of 60+ fresh IPOs. However, some IPO rules were changed to protect the interests of retail and non-institutional investors (NIIs). Logicalnivesh believes that these updated guidelines will help investors find the right IPOs to invest in. Below is the list of amendments made by SEBI to the IPO guidelines.

Increased transparency – IPO trading should always be based on transparency. As per the new SEBI guidelines for an IPO, companies raising money for inorganic growth objectives must clearly specify their goals and targets. If the company cannot qualify for the targets, the company must not exceed 25% of the total amount raised for investments and acquisitions. Such clarity will help investors make the right investment decisions for upcoming IPO stocks.

High lock-in time for anchor investors – Several companies that launch IPOs allocate some portion of their stocks to anchor investors to gain traction. But their immediate exit after 30 days increases the volatility of stock prices, leading to reduced confidence among regular investors. To combat such situations, anchor investors were allowed to sell only 50% of investments after a lock-in time of 30 days. To sell the remaining 50%, anchor investors will have to wait for 90 days.

Limit on offer to sell (OFS) – According to the new SEBI guidelines for IPO in stock market, the existing shareholders who own more than 20% of company stocks are not allowed to sell more than 50% of their shares. Those below 20% are not allowed to sell more than 10% of their shareholding. It is the best option to prevent promotors or stakeholders from exiting using the IPO route.

Sub-categories for NII investors – Many individual investors are not really small but also don’t fit into the high net-worth individual (HNI) category. Now here is a new bifurcation for them. IPO companies allotted 15% of the issue size to NIIs with no other bifurcation. But currently, one-third of the shares allocated to NIIs will be reserved for those with application sizes between Rs 2-10 lakh and two-thirds for those who exceed Rs 10 lakh.

Minimum price band – Earlier, companies looking for stock and IPO investment could set their price band as per their wish. However, to ensure proper price discovery and realistic pricing, SEBI mandated that the upper price band has to be a minimum of 105% of the lower price band.

Utilization of IPO proceeds – Scheduled commercial banks or public financial institutions will no longer monitor the IPO stocks. Instead, registered credit rating agencies will monitor the IPO proceeds, including the general corporate spending, till 100% of the funds are not utilized. This will help prevent the misuse of funds raised through IPO in trading.

Valuation report – During an IPO stock raise, the valuation report made by the independent valuer has to be furnished if a company allots 5% shares to an entity.

[nivesh32]

What are the SEBI Guidelines for an IPO? Latest modifications

What are the SEBI Guidelines for an IPO? Latest modifications

The 2021’s IPO frenzy saw a listing of 60+ fresh IPOs. However, some IPO rules were changed to protect the interests of retail and non-institutional investors (NIIs).

The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) is a statutory regulatory body that regulates the Indian security market and protects the interests of investors investing in securities. SEBI guidelines for an IPO were already laid out, but recently some amendments were made to them.

The 2021’s IPO frenzy saw a listing of 60+ fresh IPOs. However, some IPO rules were changed to protect the interests of retail and non-institutional investors (NIIs). Logicalnivesh believes that these updated guidelines will help investors find the right IPOs to invest in. Below is the list of amendments made by SEBI to the IPO guidelines.

Increased transparency – IPO trading should always be based on transparency. As per the new SEBI guidelines for an IPO, companies raising money for inorganic growth objectives must clearly specify their goals and targets. If the company cannot qualify for the targets, the company must not exceed 25% of the total amount raised for investments and acquisitions. Such clarity will help investors make the right investment decisions for upcoming IPO stocks.

High lock-in time for anchor investors – Several companies that launch IPOs allocate some portion of their stocks to anchor investors to gain traction. But their immediate exit after 30 days increases the volatility of stock prices, leading to reduced confidence among regular investors. To combat such situations, anchor investors were allowed to sell only 50% of investments after a lock-in time of 30 days. To sell the remaining 50%, anchor investors will have to wait for 90 days.

Limit on offer to sell (OFS) – According to the new SEBI guidelines for IPO in stock market, the existing shareholders who own more than 20% of company stocks are not allowed to sell more than 50% of their shares. Those below 20% are not allowed to sell more than 10% of their shareholding. It is the best option to prevent promotors or stakeholders from exiting using the IPO route.

Sub-categories for NII investors – Many individual investors are not really small but also don’t fit into the high net-worth individual (HNI) category. Now here is a new bifurcation for them. IPO companies allotted 15% of the issue size to NIIs with no other bifurcation. But currently, one-third of the shares allocated to NIIs will be reserved for those with application sizes between Rs 2-10 lakh and two-thirds for those who exceed Rs 10 lakh.

Minimum price band – Earlier, companies looking for stock and IPO investment could set their price band as per their wish. However, to ensure proper price discovery and realistic pricing, SEBI mandated that the upper price band has to be a minimum of 105% of the lower price band.

Utilization of IPO proceeds – Scheduled commercial banks or public financial institutions will no longer monitor the IPO stocks. Instead, registered credit rating agencies will monitor the IPO proceeds, including the general corporate spending, till 100% of the funds are not utilized. This will help prevent the misuse of funds raised through IPO in trading.

Valuation report – During an IPO stock raise, the valuation report made by the independent valuer has to be furnished if a company allots 5% shares to an entity.

[alwaysfirst]

Koffee with Karan 7: Anil Kapoor shares how insecure he was with Jackie Shroff's success

Sep 15, 2022 12:49 IST New Delhi , September 15 (Always First): While.... 'N' bomb was dropped again in the latest episode of 'Koffee With Karan,' the host sparked the nepotism debate- outsider vs star kids with Anil Kapoor and Varun Dhawan. Anil revealed he was insecure about Jackie Shroff's success. During the almost hour-long show, conversations among the guests and the host swung from topics of infidelity, and role-playing to nepotism, and much more. Anil Kapoor revealed that he was insecure about Jackie's success after he bagged the big project under Subhash Ghai's banner. When Karan Johar asked the 'Mr India' actor, about his view on Nepotism. Anil said, "I just don't take it seriously. I feel you just keep doing your work and your work speaks. This is a kind of question, especially if you are an actor, you can't pass on that legacy to your brother or son. You either have it or you don't. I remember when I started, there was Sunny (Deol), Sanju (Sanjay Dutt)." Karan Johar interrupted him and brought Jackie's (Jackie Shroff) name. To which Anil responded, he was an outsider but he got his big break with a Subhash Ghai film and he became an A-lister just with the announcement. He said, at that time, he was doing big roles and South Indian films and I did feel, you know kind of not feeling good about it. Yaar why. The day I signed a Yash Chopra film, I felt like now I am fine." Karan asked, "Did you feel insure about Jackie's success at that time." Anil admitted that by saying, yeah he became a huge success. And I remember so well and he was such a sweet guy. When we were shooting, whenever he used to get the autograph book, he always passed it to me to sign first. However, these discussions might sound like Koffee staples to the regular audience of the show however, in an interesting turn of events, there was a new segment for which Anil and Varun played marriage gurus and shared advice with callers. The first person on the call asked for advice from Anil regarding how to spice up his sex life, to which Varun recommended trying ashwagandha and practising making love at least three times a week. Another caller rang in to ask Varun for advice about how to get intimate with his wife while living in a small house along with family members. To this Varun said, "I think when you are in your room, play some romantic music and it will also help with the mood." This was followed by the rapid-fire round where the 'Badlapur' actor kept taking Arjun Kapoor's name as his answer for a number of questions. Meanwhile, on the work front, Anil will be next seen in an aerial action thriller film 'Fighter' alongside Hrithik Roshan and Deepika Padukone. Helmed by Siddharth Anand, the film's official release date is still awaited. Varun, on the other hand, will next be seen in 'Bawaal' opposite Janhvi Kapoor. He also has 'Bhediya' opposite Kriti Sanon in the offing. (Always First) Read the full article

[classyfoxdestiny]

Business news live - The Hindu

Business news live - The Hindu

2:05 P.M.

China regulator approves establishment of state pension company

China’s banking and insurance regulator said it had approved the establishment of a state pension company to boost funds for its citizens’ retirement as the country faces mounting pressures from an aging population, Reuters reported.

China Banking and Insurance Regulatory Commission (CBIRC) approved on Sept. 2 the plan for 17 bank-affiliated wealth management units, insurers and state institutions to jointly set up the state pension company with registered capital of 11.15 billion yuan ($1.73 billion), according to a statement on the regulator’s website on Wednesday.

1:59 P.M.

Cabinet did not take up proposal for telecoms relief measures

India’s cabinet did not take up proposals on Wednesday for providing financial relief to the country’s cash-strapped telecoms sector, a government source said, according to Reuters.

The cabinet was widely expected to take a decision on a so-called relief package for the telecoms industry, which would have helped all wireless carriers but especially the embattled Vodafone Idea.

1:54 P.M.

JPMorgan to buy major stake in Volkswagen’s payments unit

JPMorgan has struck a deal to buy a majority stake in German car giant Volkswagen’s payments business ahead of a planned rollout of in-car technology that allows drivers to automatically pay for fuel or tolls.

The U.S. bank has agreed to buy close to 75% of Volkswagen Payments S.A. for an undisclosed sum, subject to regulatory approvals, Reuters reported.

1:47 P.M.

Tesla sold 44,264 China-made vehicles in August

U.S. electric vehicle maker Tesla Inc in August sold 44,264 China-made vehicles, including 31,379 for export, the China Passenger Car Association (CPCA) said on Wednesday.

CPCA said passenger car sales in August in China totalled 1.5 million, down 14.7% from a year earlier, Reuters reported.

1:45 P.M.

India considering foreign institutional investment of up to 20% in LIC IPO

Indian government is considering allowing foreign institutional investment of up to 20% in Life Insurance Corporation, according to a government source, Reuters reported.

The listing of LIC is set to be India’s biggest ever IPO, with the government aiming to raise up to 900 billion Indian rupees ($12.24 billion) from its stake sale.

1:02 P.M.

India’s economic growth will remain strong in coming quarters: S&P

India’s economic growth will remain strong in the coming quarters while inflation in Asia’s third largest economy is likely to remain at elevated levels, analysts at Standard and Poor’s said on Wednesday.

S&P said the next rating action on India will depend on the pace of recovery over the next 24-month period. S&P has a ‘BBB-‘ rating with a stable outlook on India, Reuters reported.

12:59 P.M.

First Abu Dhabi Bank hires new head of investment banking from HSBC

First Abu Dhabi Bank, the United Arab Emirates’ largest lender, has hired Martin Tricaud as head of investment banking, sources said.

Tricaud was previously chief executive officer for the Middle East, North Africa and Turkey region at HSBC, Reuters reported.

12:51 P.M.

Maruti Suzuki reports 8% dip in production in August

The country’s largest carmaker Maruti Suzuki India on Wednesday said its total production in August declined by 8% on a yearly basis to 1,13,937 units as semiconductor shortage impacted its manufacturing schedules.

The company had produced a total of 1,23,769 units in the year-ago period, Maruti Suzuki India (MSI) said in a regulatory filing, according to a PTI report.

12:44 P.M.

Sansera Engineering IPO to open on Sep 14; price band set at ₹734-744/share

Auto component maker Sansera Engineering on Wednesday said it has fixed a price band of ₹734-744 a share for its ₹1,283-crore initial share-sale.

The IPO will open for public subscription on September 14 and close on September 16. The bidding for anchor investors will open on September 13, the company said.

The initial public offering (IPO) is entirely an offer for sale (OFS) of 17,244,328 equity shares by promoters and investors, PTI reported.

12:32 P.M.

India to give $3.5 billion in revised clean tech scheme for automakers

India will give about $3.5 billion in incentives to auto companies over a five-year period under a revised scheme to boost the manufacturing and export of clean technology vehicles, Reuters reported, citing two sources familiar with the latest proposal.

The government’s original plan was to give about $8 billion to automakers and part manufacturers but, the scheme was redrawn to focus on companies that build electric and hydrogen fuel-powered vehicles, the report noted.

A government official with direct knowledge of the matter said the initial allocation over the five-year period has been reduced but that up to $8 billion could be made available if the scheme is successful, initial funds are spent, and certain conditions are met.

12:14 P.M.

EV maker Ultraviolette Automotive to invest ₹500 crore to scale up business

Electric two-wheeler maker Ultraviolette Automotive Pvt Ltd will invest ₹500 crore in the next three to five years to scale up business, including setting up of a new manufacturing unit and product development, according to top company officials.

The company, in which TVS Motor Company is an investor, is setting up its manufacturing and assembling facility near Electronics City, Bengaluru, from where it will start producing its high-performance electric motorcycle – the F77 in the first quarter of 2022, a PTI report noted.

In the first year, the company said it will produce 15,000 electric motorcycles and will scale up to an annual capacity of 1.2 lakh units.

11:59 A.M.

Bitcoin nurses losses in wake of El Salvador’s glitched rollout

Bitcoin nursed losses Wednesday after plunging amid El Salvador’s troubled rollout of the largest cryptocurrency as legal tender, according to a Bloomberg report.

The virtual coin was trading at about $45,474, having slid as much as 17% a day earlier before paring some of the losses. The downdraft also swept across tokens such as Ether and Dogecoin, the report noted.

Tuesday’s selloff is the most significant break in a rebound that had lifted Bitcoin almost 75% since late July. Overall cryptocurrency market value fell about $300 billion in the past 24 hours, according to tracker CoinGecko.

11:40 A.M.

Toshiba says detailed talks on buyouts meaningful only after option review

Toshiba Corp said detailed talks on potential take-private deals would make sense only after all strategic options are carefully reviewed, spurning calls from some shareholders to start soliciting buyout bids.

But the latest process is not meant to formally solicit buyout bids for the overall company or some of its assets, puzzling some investors who have questioned why the company has not started an official soliciting process, Reuters reported, citing sources.

11:13 A.M.

SEC threatens to sue Coinbase over crypto lending programme

The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has threatened to sue Coinbase Global Inc if the crypto exchange goes ahead with plans to launch a programme allowing users to earn interest by lending crypto assets, according to a Reuters report.

The SEC has issued Coinbase with a Wells notice, an official way it tells a company that it intends to sue the company in court, Coinbase CLO Paul Grewal, said in a blog post. He said Coinbase would delay the launch of its ‘Lend’ product until at least October as a result.

10:54 A.M.

Rupee plunges 23 paise to 73.65 against U.S. dollar in early trade

The Indian rupee plunged 23 paise to 73.65 against the U.S. dollar in opening trade on Wednesday, tracking a strong American currency and muted trend in domestic equities, a PTI report noted.

At the interbank foreign exchange, the rupee opened at 73.48 against the dollar, then fell to 73.65, registering a decline of 23 paise from the last close.

10:45 A.M.

VAHDAM India raises ₹174 crore from IIFL AMC, others

Premium tea and wellness products maker VAHDAM India has raised ₹174 crore from investors, including IIFL AMC’s private equity fund, to expand its business globally and enter new categories, PTI reported.

The series D round of funding also saw participation from existing investors, which include a consortium of Sixth Sense Ventures affiliates, the Mankind Group Family Office, Infosys Founder Kris Gopalkrishnan’s Family Office, Urmin Group and White Whale Ventures.

10:30 A.M.

OYO increases authorised share capital to ₹901 crore

Oravel Stays Pvt Ltd, that operates hospitality firm OYO, has approved an increase in the authorised share capital of the company from ₹1.17 crore to ₹901 crore, according to a regulatory filing by the hospitality firm.

The development comes ahead of proposed initial public offering (IPO) by OYO, for which a draft red herring prospectus is likely to be filed in the next few months, PTI reported, citing sources familiar with the matter.

10:22 A.M.

Apple to hold event on Sept 14, new iPhones expected

Apple Inc said on Tuesday it would hold a special event on Sept. 14, which most industry watchers believe will be used to unveil a new line of its flagship iPhones.

10:11 A.M.

Intel to invest up to 80 billion euros in boosting EU chip capacity: CEO

Intel on Tuesday said it could invest as much as 80 billion euros in Europe over the next decade to boost the region’s chip capacity and will open up its semiconductor plant in Ireland for automakers.

Intel CEO Pat Gelsinger, speaking at Munich’s IAA auto show, also said the company would announce the locations of two major new European chip fabrication plants by the end of the year.

10:01 A.M.

Crypto not currency; needs to be regulated as asset: ex-RBI DG Gandhi

Former RBI Deputy Governor R. Gandhi on Tuesday made a case for treating and regulating crypto as a separate asset class with a view to enabling governments around the world to effectively deal with illegal activities associated with virtual currencies.

After quite a lot of debate over the years, he said, people have fully understood that crypto cannot be a currency because the fundamental element of a currency— that it should be a legal tender— is missing in this case.

9:46 A.M.

RBI enhances scope of tokenisation to ensure security of card data

In a bid to ensure security of card data, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has enhanced the scope of tokenisation and permitted card issuers to act as token service providers, PTI reported.

The RBI extended the device-based tokenisation to card-on-file tokenisation services, a move that will bar the merchants from storing actual card data, the report noted.

It said the decision will reinforce the safety and security of card data while continuing the convenience in card transactions.

9:32 A.M.

Govt. mulls allowing SEZ occupants to sell locally

The government is considering a proposal to allow producers in Special Economic Zones (SEZs) to sell their output to the domestic market without treating them as imports. It is also reviewing the exclusion of export-oriented units and SEZs from the recently notified tax refund scheme for exports.

9:19 A.M.

Indian benchmark indices open on flat note

Indian indices opened on a flat note on Wednesday amid tepid cues from global markets. BSE Sensex opened at 58,350.56, up 71.08 points, while Nifty opened at 17,375.75, up 13.65 points.

On Tuesday, the 30-share BSE Sensex settled 17.43 points or 0.03% lower at 58,279.48, while the broader NSE Nifty fell 15.70 points or 0.09% to 17,362.10.

9:09 A.M.

Oil climbs amid slow supply return after Hurricane Ida

Oil prices rose on Wednesday, paring overnight losses, with producers in the U.S. Gulf of Mexico struggling to restart operations nine days after Hurricane Ida swept through, a Reuters report noted.

Brent crude futures inched up 0.2%, to $71.83 a barrel, while U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude futures rose 0.4%, to $68.62 a barrel.

9:00 A.M.

Asian shares on edge in choppy trading

Asian shares hovered just off six-week highs on Wednesday, as a more risk-averse mood spread into the market from the United States overnight due to worries about slowing growth that hurt equities, Reuters reported.

MSCI’s broadest index of Asia-Pacific shares outside Japan fell 0.13% having posted gains, if sometimes small, for 11 of the last 12 sessions.

Japan’s Nikkei reversed early losses and was last 0.82% higher, Australia slipped 0.32%, Chinese blue chips fell 0.04%, and the Hong Kong benchmark gained 0.12%.

. Source link

[eagle-eyez]

Amid heightened speculation over his political future, Karnataka chief minister BS Yediyurappa on Thursday, hinting at a possible exit, said he will remain in the post till the BJP's central leadership asks him to step down.

The 78-year-old Lingayat strongman said he had offered to resign two months ago with an intention to make way for others and asserted that he won't name a possible successor even if asked to.

Central BJP leaders did not talk about his replacement during his recent Delhi visit, he said. "The party high command is likely to give directions on 25 July regarding my future as the chief minister and I will continue to perform my duties till the last minute and thereafter will work for strengthening the BJP with an aim to bring it back to power," he added.

"I still haven't got any message (regarding his future as chief minister), I'm waiting if there will be any message on 25 July. I will abide by the Centre's decision, I have said this in the past and I'm saying it once again," Yediyurappa said.

Noting that he will continue with the work and will inspect the developmental works in Bengaluru on Friday like construction of roads and rajakaluves (stormwater drains), the chief minister said, "I will perform my duties till the last minute, let's see what happens in the end."

Asserting that there is no confusion and the party is united, he said abiding by the instructions of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah and BJP national President JP Nadda is "our duty".

Here's what who said so far in the Karantaka leadership crisis:

BS Yediruppa: Reiterating his earlier statement that there are alternative leaders in the state to replace him, Yediyurappa said, "I will not make any suggestion (on successor) who should be made (the next chief minister) is left to the central leadership. I'm not naming anyone, there is no need for it also. Even if I'm asked, I will not suggest any names."

Asked whether anyone from the Lingayat community should be his successor, the leader who hails from the community said, "I will not put any such pressure. Why are you coming to such decisions so soon? After 25 July, based on what the central leadership says, let's see."

To a question whether the central leaders spoke to him regarding the replacement, during the recent visit, he said, "absolutely not."

The chief minister on Thursday chaired a cabinet meeting, which is being seen as his "last", in case he steps down after 26 July. Earlier in the day, Yediyurappa said he will abide by the BJP central leadership's decision, regarding his continuation as the chief minister.

Based on the instructions that the central leaders will give him on 25 July, he said he will begin "his work" from 26 July.

"Narendra Modi, Amit Shah, and Nadda have a special love and faith towards me. You are aware that no position has been given to those who have crossed 75 years of age," he said, but appreciating his work they have given me an opportunity despite his age crossing 78.

Yediyurappa's sudden trip to Delhi last week during which he met national leadership, had raised questions in some quarters if the party is now working out a succession plan.

On his return from the National Capital, Yediyurappa had, however, rubbished talks in some quarters that he is on his way out, and asserted that the central leadership has asked him to continue in the post.

Asking his supporters and well-wishers not to give any statements in his favour or indulge in any kind of protest, Yediyurappa said, "It is not appropriate, I appeal for cooperation, without indulging in such things."

Lingayat pontiffs rally behind BS Yediyurappa: Support has continued to pour in for Yediyurappa from Mutts, pontiffs, political leaders across the party line (especially Congress), amid speculations that his exit was on the cards. Leaders and pontiffs, especially from the Veerashaiva- Lingayat community, and also All India Veerashaiva Mahasabha have declared support to Yediyurappa and have urged for his continuation as the Chief Minister, while also warning "bad consequences" for the BJP if he is replaced.

"Why is it (leadership change talks) happening, when the Chief Minister is working efficiently at the time of crisis? The wish of all the Swamijis is that he should be the chief minister for a complete term. Earlier too, he was not chief minister for the complete term," Siddalinga Swamiji of Siddaganga Mutt, an influential Lingayat seminary in the State, said.

Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Siddalinga said all that the chief minister has said is that Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah and BJP National President JP Nadda have shown special care towards him, and he was the only one who was given the exception to continue in the top post despite completing 75 years of age.

"Yediyurappa has said he will continue to serve the party until his last breath, but he did not say anything when asked about the resignation," Siddalinga added.

Rejecting criticism that pontiffs are indulging in politics, Siddalinga Swamiji said the pontiffs have supported all chief ministers, whichever party they may be from. "We are non-partisan, but the special thing about Yediyurappa is that we want him to complete the term," he said.

Meanwhile, Congress leaders Shamanur Shivashankarappa and MB Patil, also Shivamurthy Murugha Sharanaru, the head of the Chitradurga-based Sri Jagadguru Murugharajendra Mutt, Sri Veera Someshwara Shivacharya Swami of Rambhapuri Peetha of Balehonnur, and Srisaila Jagadguru Channa Siddharama Panditaradhya, had too warned BJP of backlash if Yediyurappa is replaced.

Congress leader Siddaramaiah: Accusing Yediyurappa of providing a "bad government" to Karnataka, senior Congress leader Siddaramaiah on Thursday said he doesn't expect that the state will get a competent government and an honest chief minister by removing him, as the BJP itself is a "corrupt party".

"Yediyurappa gave a bad government to Karnataka. He gave an incompetent government which was corrupt and not in favour of development," Siddaramaiah alleged.

Speaking to reporters, he reminded them that he has been saying for the past six to seven months based on confirmed information that Yediyurappa will be replaced, but no one believed and were denying it, but that it has proved to be true today.

Former Union Minister DV Sadananda said: The former prime minister said there was no "chance" of leadership change in Karnataka as the BJP central leadership was pleased with the developmental activities and the handling of COVID-19 in the state.

Gowda, a BJP MP from Bengaluru North, said he does not believe that there was any such move in the offing.

"I don't think there is any truth in the ongoing discussion about the leadership change because these are the decisions which are taken by our central level leaders keeping in view the political situation in the states," the former Chief Minister, told reporters.

BJP: While, BJP national general secretary in charge of Karnataka Arun Singh, ducked the questions on leadership change in the state, several ministers of the Yediyurappa cabinet either maintained that they were unaware of the developments or said that they will abide by the decision of the high command.

BJP leader Basanagouda Patil Yatnal had earlier said that the party’s central leadership will soon pick a new chief minister for Karnataka who is “honest, pro-Hindu and capable of bringing the BJP back to power”, Indian Express reported.

Without mentioning any names, Yatnal said a party leader was making trips to Delhi with the demand of being made the chief minister. “He has also tried to bribe the party’s central leadership,” Yatnal said, according to The Hindu. “The party leadership is very honest and they will not tolerate such things.”

Revenue minister R Ashoka and home minister Basavaraj Bommai, who have been dismissing reports of possible leadership change in the past few days, today said they will abide by the decision of the high command and they were not aware of what discussions are happening at the leadership level.

Food and Civil Supplies Minister Umesh Katti expressing his aspiration to become chief minister said he has all the "qualifications" as he has won the Assembly election nine times.

"I also desire to become chief minister, age is also on my side as I'm 60 years now... may become someday. If I get an opportunity I will perform by giving good administration."

Rural Development Minister KS Eshwarappa, welcoming Yediyurappa's statement to abide by high command's decision and the party, appealed to pontiffs not to cause embarrassment to the chief minister by issuing statements against BJP while demanding for his continuation.

Meanwhile, there seems to be a sense of nervousness among 12 legislators who became ministers after defecting from the Congress and JD(S), as they had come to BJP trusting Yediyurappa's leadership, and without him, they fear uncertainty, sources said, adding that they met the chief minister today.

With inputs from PTI

from Firstpost Politics Latest News https://ift.tt/3iHk0FW

[intellisensetechnologything-blog]

Economic Opportunities: Dubai is a fast growing economy with growth rates well above 15% last year and double digit for many years in running now. Last few years have seen Dubai growing from a tiny city state to a huge metropolitan city. Hundreds of Billions of Dollars have been pouring in every year to fuel the building Bonanza that is unparalleled in the History of the region at least, if not the history of the world. There are all kinds of opportunities to make money in Dubai. Rent a car in Oman These opportunities abound in Investments or Setting up your own business or if you wish to seek employment and you think that you are better than the best, then Dubai is a place that has a huge appetite for Experts and Talented people. Corporate world can't get hold on enough Human Capital and this creates opportunities for people all around the world. You would be amazed that there are 180 nationalities working in Dubai. Dubai is also known to create opportunities for Companies from around the world when they visit Dubai to showcase their products and services to the buyers from around the world in the Trade fairs and Trade Exhibitions that are held in the Exhibition halls and Convention Centers of Dubai World Trade Center.

2. TAX FREE INCOME: What more reason you want to apply yourself best when you are secure in the knowledge that whatever you earn, it's all yours and you don't have to pay Income or wealth or Corporate Taxes. There are no Taxes in Dubai! Wow! That's cool.

3. LIFE STYLE IN DUBAI: Minimum Living Standards in Dubai (improving all the time) are much higher than many Fast Developing Economies of the world. Dubai offers a range of Life Style options. World Class infrastructure, Quality Products with High Class living options offer a great choice of Life-Style you wish to live in Dubai. Living in a posh residence and driving a chic car is very much in your reach. Cost of living has gone up in recent years due to massive influx of people opting to live in Dubai from around the world and thus hiking the rents exponentially.

4. ENTERTAINMENT & LEISURE IN DUBAI: For expatriates living in Dubai the nightlife is going to be one of the first things to check out! It's after dark that the social scene in Dubai really kicks off and there are such a wide variety of events, attractions and venues offering a very impressive array of nightlife entertainment that it can be hard to know where to start! Dubai is a fast paced, hard working, young, pulsating place and the nightlife purely reflects the vibe of the city. If you're going to be living in Dubai the nightlife will not let you down and you will have a different venue and a different event to sample every time you venture out! For the latest bar, pub, club and event listings and reviews, Time Out Dubai is a good source.

5. SHOPPING IN DUBAI: Dubai is shopping haven not only for the expatriates living in Dubai but also for visitors and tourists on short visits to this city state. The experience starts right from the Dubai Duty Free Shops which are probably the best in the world in terms of Variety, Prices and ambience. There is an aura about Dubai Duty Free shops or DDF. Millionaire Raffle and Raffles for Luxury Cars and Bikes offer great opportunity to win Big and are very popular Tickets around the world. Moving away from DDF and into the city, there is a wide range of Shopping choices - from Posh Malls selling exclusive Brands from all over the world to exotic Souks (Souk or Souq is Arabic word for market) for affordable, everyday shopping. Gold and Spice Souks are big tourist attraction due to their unique character and variety of products at bargain prices. Shopping is boosted during Dubai Shopping Festival (January-February) and Dubai Summer Surprises (June - August) and billions of Dollars are poured into Dubai Economy during these Shopping periods.

6. ACCESSIBILITY TO THE WORLD: Dubai Airport is one of the busiest airports in the world now. It's home to scores of airlines flying in and to almost all corners of the world and places in-between. Accessibility is not an issue at all. You can catch a Direct flight to almost all the major cities of the world and there would be multiple choices in terms of Airlines and timings for each of these destinations. Emirates Airlines is Flag-bearer Airline of Dubai and is considered (voted many a times) one the top Airlines of the world where Air Crew speaks at least 7-8 languages if not more! Dubai Airport is expanding all the time and good news is that there is a new airport in the offing to be built alongwith a whole new city in Jabel Ali.

7. EDUCATION FOR CHILDREN: Expatriates have a range of schools to choose from in terms of location and curriculum. The majority of schools have a website with information on curriculum, method of teaching and annual fees etc. It is wiser to locate your accommodation nearer to Schools as Traffic congestion at peak hour can prove to be a nightmare for both children and parents alike. Those who herald from the UK or USA have the greatest choice of schools in UAE because the majority of establishments follow either the British or American curriculum. For those seeking alternatives there are French schools in Dubai and there's an Australian and a German school in Sharjah. There are number of Indian and Pakistani Schools offering curricula based on home country's education systems.

8. WORLD CLASS INFRASTRUCTURE: Dubai, as a true metropolitan, is always working on providing the world class infrastructure to compliment the image that it has carved over the years in the comity of city states. Roads, although falling short yet catching fast with the pace of development, the flyovers and overhead bridges, the underpasses etc. compete with the best in the world in terms of quality and finesse as well as safety standards. Dubai Metro Project is in full swing running toward the completion of its first phase and once completed will offer respite to the commuters who are often caught in the traffic maze for hours at stretch these days. The whole city is one big workshop for the Metro project. Other infrastructure like Exhibition Centers, Telecommunication facilities, Bandwidth of Internet, and Air and Sea Travel facilities for Passengers as well as cargo are simply top of the line.

9. CULTURAL & SPORT EXPERIENCE: Dubai is often called a cultural melting pot. The description couldn't be more accurate as there are 180 different nationalities that are working and living in such a small place. There are all types of events going on all the time. Theater and Art exhibitions are fast becoming regular features of the city's Cultural Scene. For the discerning eyes and ears there is plenty going on in places like Madinat Theater and other art galleries. Sport is another facet that is putting Dubai on World map. Dubai is regularly organizing mega events in Tennis, Horse Racing and Golf and Rugby etc. where the best names in the respective sports grace the city by competing and entertaining the sport lovers.

10. SECURITY: Dubai is one of the safest places on earth. One can walk at any time of the day or night on the streets and walkways of Dubai without any fear of getting Robbed or attacked. With almost negligible Crime, one must commend the authorities for creating such security apparatus where security forces are hardly seen on public places yet everyone feels safe. They are vigilant and yet not ostensible. No Doubt a newcomer feels very welcomed in Dubai.

I am an Ex-Pat living in Dubai for last 10 years. I moved to Dubai in 1997 when I bid farewell to my lucrative banking career to venture into something more challenging and less certain – Entrepreneurship! And that too in a totally foreign land and settled in Dubai.

I simply Love Dubai because this is the only place on this planet which excites people from all over the world to come here for Tourism, for work and for Living.

If you are living in Dubai and are not involved in Hospitality and Real Estate, then you are missing the action. I don't believe in missing the action so I Run Short term rental Apartments and Sell Real Estate not only in Dubai but also in other States of UAE.

For a detailed listing of international, British and American Schools try http://english-schools.org and for a list of schools specifically in the UAE try [http://www.theemiratesnetwork.com/dir/Education/Schools/] where the schools are divided by emirate and where you can find internet links to the majority of institutions listed.

[dropbee7-blog]

Lukewarm Stove: Marlins Insane Price on Realmuto, Dozier and the Brewers, Pollock, Phillies, More

Hey. I’m in Tampa, Florida. That’s neat. [Brett: So I guess when I said the thing earlier about Michael being on vacation, I meant “mostly” on vacation … ]

And while I may not have any Rays rumors for you this hot and sunny afternoon where I lounge, another Florida team remains in the news – but with this attitude, I’m not sure for how long:

I get that the Marlins might feel a little gun-shy after receiving sub-par returns (and some embarrassment) for their trades of the 2017 and 2018 NL MVPs, but that sort of request for J.T. Realmuto is nearly laughable. Realmuto is a phenomenal catcher, but he’s really only got ONE good offensive season under his belt and he has only two more years of team control. Bellinger, to use Rosenthal’s example, is four years younger, isn’t even arbitration eligible for another year, and has a total of FIVE more years of team control. You want him AND good prospects? I mean, nah … that’s not happening. That’s nuts. One or the other (especially prospects)? Yeah, sure. And I still believe Realmuto will be on the move this winter, but it won’t be for Bellinger++. Get outta here with that.

The Nationals are apparently looking into second baseman Brian Dozier, as a sort of short-term stopgap, but they’re joined, at least, by the Milwaukee Brewers. The Cubs were connected to Dozier earlier in the season, though it’s not entirely clear how the addition of Daniel Descalso really affects that. Dozier has some more obvious upside if he can bounce back from 2018, but the Cubs might be fine rolling with some combination of Ben Zobrist, David Bote, and Descalso at second base while Javy Baez handles shortstop – and that’s without considering the Addison Russell of it all. Ultimately, if the Cubs are going to add another middle-infielder, I suspect it’ll be someone who can more obviously cover shortstop in the event of Russell’s departure.

Oh, hey look, I do have a Rays rumor for you: The Rays, Astros, and Dodgers have reportedly shown some interest in displaced (by Paul Goldschmidt) Cardinals first baseman Jose Martinez. However, the Cardinals are apparently reluctant to move Martinez, in case Dexter Fowler fails to bounce back and/or if Goldschmidt doesn’t want to sign an extension beyond 2019. Martinez’s bat makes him an extremely attractive trade candidate, but his defensive limitations cut that in half. An American League team seems to make more sense to me, but we’ll see if the Cardinals don’t just hang on until things are more clear with Goldschmidt. This could all be posturing by the Cardinals, of course, who may not yet like the offers they’ve received.

A.J. Pollock’s market continues to linger on, and the White Sox and Phillies are likely his most obvious landing spots at the moment. With that said, Jeff Passan also throws in the Indians, Mets, Reds (who still don’t have a center fielder, even though they traded for two Dodger OFs), and other teams, as well. I know we push for the Cubs to get Bryce Harper a lot around here, but that’s not necessarily because we think they need “an outfielder.” In other words, I don’t think Pollock is the sort of outfielder the Cubs will want to target. They need a more obvious *offensive* upgrade instead, and with Jason Heyward and Albert Almora around, a corner outfielder with an elite bat would do just fine.

It’s easy to lose sight of this, but there are still a ton of quality free agents out there like catcher Yasmani Grandal, second baseman D.J. LeMahieu, starting pitcher Dallas Keuchel, and relievers Craig Kimbrel and Adam Ottavino. Jeff Passan has the latest on each of them, so be sure to check that post out. And I mention those names specifically, by the way, because they’ve all been connected to the Cubs, the NL Central, or a team like the Dodgers, each of which could end up impacting the Cubs’ chances or plans for 2019 and beyond. There is still SO MUCH offseason in front of us, I keep losing sight of it thanks to the robust trade and free agent markets.

Although adding a player like Troy Tulowitzki – who costs very little and is as likely to make no impact at all as he is to help even a little – should have no effect on the Yankees’ ability or desire to get Manny Machado, there are still implications. Joel Sherman lays them out:

I actually found point 4a particularly compelling: while adding Tulowitzki does not mean the Yankees can’t or shouldn’t get Machado, it could signal their concern that he will be signing elsewhere. I don’t think the union would be very justified in complaining about the Yankees saying they’re out on him publicly, but I also think keeping that quiet would be appreciated (perhaps by everyone besides the team that signs him). For what it’s worth, I still think Machado ends up in New York.

But even if that is the case, it doesn’t necessarily have to happen soon:

Obviously, now that the Phillies have signed David Robertson, all attention is turning to guys like Zach Britton and Adam Ottavino. And according to Jayson Stark, Britton has been holding out for a 4-year deal, which would be a no thanks from me (you can say it depends on the financials, but this is Britton and Boras – we know it ain’t gonna be a low AAV). The Yankees, however, have reportedly been in discussions with Britton, so he may wind up returning there.

As for the Cubs, well, we know they’re likely to add some lower-tier relief arms (in this market, that’s actually not a bad plan), but we always held out hope that one of those big left-handed relievers – Andrew Miller or Zach Britton – would wind up falling into their lap. With Miller in St. Louis and Britton possibly zeroing in on New York, though, that may be that.

Mark Sheldon has a little rumor roundup on the Reds, who aren’t done adding this winter. In addition to a center fielder, as we mentioned above, they’re still in play for another starting pitcher, be it through free agency (Dallas Keuchel, Wade Miley, Gio Gonzalez, Derek Holland) or trade (Sonny Gray). The Reds were previously connected to the Indians’ available starters, Corey Kluber and Trevor Bauer, but both sides have seemed to back off such a deal in recent weeks. I think it’ll be tough for the Reds to really compete this summer, but they’ve certainly made moves like they think they can. With Joey Votto still kicking it, maybe it’s possible.

The Pirates have added former Cardinals reliever Tyler Lyons and could still look to add a free-agent shortstop. I don’t think that interest (in a shortstop) will necessarily overlap with the Cubs – I can’t see them signing Jose Iglesias, Freddy Galvis, or Adeiny Hechavarria – but I suppose it’s possible. Again, with Descalso in the fold and the Russell decision still unclear, the Cubs plans are difficult to discern as far as shortstop goes, so it’s good to keep a tab on things.

And just a bit of confirmation that the Phillies do plan to meet with Bryce Harper, as came out yesterday:

Source: https://www.bleachernation.com/2019/01/03/lukewarm-stove-marlins-insane-price-on-realmuto-dozier-and-the-brewers-pollock-phillies-more/

[winterolympicssports2018-blog]

S. Korean Chung Hyeon suffers hard-fought loss to Federer in ATP Tour quarterfinals

Click here for More Olympics Updates https://www.winterolympian.com/s-korean-chung-hyeon-suffers-hard-fought-loss-to-federer-in-atp-tour-quarterfinals/

S. Korean Chung Hyeon suffers hard-fought loss to Federer in ATP Tour quarterfinals

SEOUL, March 16 (Yonhap) — South Korean tennis player Chung Hyeon has suffered a hard-fought loss to world No. 1 Roger Federer in their latest meeting.

Federer defeated the 26th-ranked Chung in straight sets 7-5, 6-1 in the quarterfinals of the BNP Paribas Open at Indian Wells Tennis Garden in Indian Wells, California, on Thursday (local time). Chung gave Federer all he could handle in the opening set before running out of steam in the second set.

Federer has only lost three sets this year and has matched his previous best start to a season, which came in 2006, when he opened the year 16-0.

In this Associated Press photo, Chung Hyeon of South Korea hits a shot against Roger Federer of Switzerland during their quarterfinals match at the BNP Paribas Open at Indian Wells Tennis Garden in Indian Wells, California, on March 15, 2018. (Yonhap)

This was the first showdown between the two since the semifinals at the Australian Open in January, when Chung was forced to retire in the second set because of blisters on his foot. Federer went on to win the championship for his 20th career Grand Slam singles title.

In this meeting, Federer needed just eight minutes to go up 3-0 in the opening set. He was down 40-0 in the second game before rallying to break Chung.

But just when a rout appeared to be in the offing, the South Korean started battling back, winning the next three games to pull to a 3-3 tie.

The two traded games and were locked at 5-5, before Federer pulled away to take the set 7-5.

Federer built another 3-0 lead in the second set and didn’t let Chung creep back into the match this time, keeping the South Korean on the run with an array of outstanding shots.

Despite the loss, Chung is still having a fine season. He has reached at least the quarterfinals in five consecutive tournaments, dating back to the ASB Classic in New Zealand in January.

Chung began the year at No. 58 in the world rankings but has jumped 32 spots since, thanks in large part to his run to the semifinals at the Australian Open in January. He’s expected to climb even higher after this week. No South Korean tennis player, male or female, has ranked higher than the 21-year-old.

jeeho@yna.co.kr

(END)

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[superpruchika99world]

Krishna Institute of Medical Sciences IPO: Here's all you need to know

Latest news According to a Crisil report, the Indian healthcare industry is expected to log a CAGR of 17-18 per cent and Rs 7.1 trillion by FY24.

Besides, in FY20, 68 per cent of hospital treatments, in terms of the treatment value, were carried out in private hospitals, and the number is expected to reach 72 per cent in FY24, the report said.

ALSO READ: Dodla Dairy IPO: Should you subscribe to the issue?

About the issue- The IPO comprises a fresh issue of Rs 200 crore and an offer for sale (OFS) of up to 23.56 million shares, amounting to Rs 1,943.70 crore, by its existing promoters and shareholders.

The price band for the issue is in the range of Rs.815 - 825 and the bid lot is 18 shares and multiples thereof. The proceeds from the fresh issue will be used to repay debt of the company and its subsidiaries...Read more.

[aion-rsa]

Top New Horror Books in September 2020

https://ift.tt/eA8V8J

There’s so much to look forward to in our speculative fiction future. Here are some of the horror books we’re most excited about and/or are currently consuming…

Join the Den of Geek Book Club!

Top New Horror Books in September 2020

Night Of The Mannequins by Stephen Graham Jones

Type: Novella Publisher: Tor.com Release date: 09/01/2020

Den of Geek says: The second book by Stephen Graham Jones this year after The Only Good Indians this zippy horror sees a bunch of teens pull a prank in a movie theater involving a dressed up mannequin which turns tragic. Now our protagonist Sawyer needs to put things right. Funny, camp and gory, this is a quick read, a coming of age story with a b-movie feel that’s full of surprises.

Publisher’s summary: Award-winning author Stephen Graham Jones returns with Night of the Mannequins, a contemporary horror story where a teen prank goes very wrong and all hell breaks loose: is there a supernatural cause, a psychopath on the loose, or both?

Clown in a Cornfield by Adam Cesare 

Type: Novel Publisher: HarperCollins Release date: 09/17/2020

Den of Geek says: You might be tempted in by the title alone (or indeed the cover art which is pleasingly cheeky) but this YA novel from author and horror nut Adam Cesare sounds like it should be also be a fun romp as a clown mascot goes nuts and starts offing the kids of a run down town. This is Cesare’s first foray into YA, though he has a rich background in genre.

Publisher’s summary: In Adam Cesare’s terrifying young adult debut, Quinn Maybrook finds herself caught in a battle between old and new, tradition and progress—that just may cost her life.

Quinn Maybrook and her father have moved to tiny, boring Kettle Springs, to find a fresh start. But what they don’t know is that ever since the Baypen Corn Syrup Factory shut down, Kettle Springs has cracked in half. 

On one side are the adults, who are desperate to make Kettle Springs great again, and on the other are the kids, who want to have fun, make prank videos, and get out of Kettle Springs as quick as they can.

Kettle Springs is caught in a battle between old and new, tradition and progress. It’s a fight that looks like it will destroy the town. Until Frendo, the Baypen mascot, a creepy clown in a pork-pie hat, goes homicidal and decides that the only way for Kettle Springs to grow back is to cull the rotten crop of kids who live there now. 

The Loop by Jeremy Robert Johnson

Type: Novel Publisher: Gallery / Saga Press  Release date: 09/29/2020

Den of Geek says: An evil corporation conducting nefarious experiments on unsuspecting teenagers in a small town, a violent outbreak which sounds zombie-adjacent and a group of plucky outsiders trying to survive and even save the day, this should be a sci-fi horror page turner for lovers of this particular sub-genre. Despite the slightly generic sounding plot, Johnson is known for his ‘bizarro’ work so we’d expect this to have hidden flair.

Publisher’s summary: Stranger Things meets World War Z in this heart-racing conspiracy thriller as a lonely young woman teams up with a group of fellow outcasts to survive the night in a town overcome by a science experiment gone wrong.

Turner Falls is a small tourist town nestled in the hills of western Oregon, the kind of town you escape to for a vacation. When an inexplicable outbreak rapidly develops, this idyllic town becomes the epicenter of an epidemic of violence as the teenaged children of several executives from the local biotech firm become ill and aggressively murderous. Suddenly the town is on edge, and Lucy and her friends must do everything it takes just to fight through the night.

The Ghost Tree by Christina Henry

Type: Novel Publisher: Titan Books/Ace Berkeley Release date: 09/08/2020

Den of Geek says: A very dark coming of age tale from Christina Henry whose novels Alice and Lost Boys were reimagining of classic tales. The Ghost Tree is a standalone story which sees a teenage girl become her own hero in the face of terrible circumstances. Though it’s about young adults, this isn’t a YA novel, more, says Henry, it’s “an homage to all the coming-of-age horror novels I read when I was younger – except all those books featured boys as the protagonists when I longed for more stories about girls.”

Publisher’s summary: A brand-new chilling horror novel from the bestselling author of Alice and Lost Boy

When the bodies of two girls are found torn apart in her hometown, Lauren is surprised, but she also expects that the police won’t find the killer. After all, the year before her father’s body was found with his heart missing, and since then everyone has moved on. Even her best friend, Miranda, has become more interested in boys than in spending time at the old ghost tree, the way they used to when they were kids. So when Lauren has a vision of a monster dragging the remains of the girls through the woods, she knows she can’t just do nothing. Not like the rest of her town.

But as she draws closer to answers, she realizes that the foundation of her seemingly normal town might be rotten at the centre. And that if nobody else stands for the missing, she will.

Dracula’s Child by J. S. Barnes

Type: Novel Publisher: Titan Books Release Date: 09/22/2020

Den of Geek says: A long and thorough tribute to Bram Stoker’s original, written in the style of Stoker’s prose and imagining a continuation of the story this is a must-read for Dracula fans. It follows on directly from the original novel and imagines the Harkers’ lives some years after their ordeal at the hands of the Count.

Publisher’s summary: Evil never truly dies… and some legends live forever. In Dracula’s Child, the dark heart of Bram Stoker’s classic is reborn. Capturing the voice, tone, style and characters of the original yet with a modern sensibility this novel is perfect for fans of Dracula and contemporary horror.

It has been some years since Jonathan and Mina Harker survived their ordeal in Transylvania and, vanquishing Count Dracula, returned to England to try and live ordinary lives.

But shadows linger long in this world of blood feud and superstition – and, the older their son Quincey gets, the deeper the shadows that lengthen at the heart of the Harkers’ marriage. Jonathan has turned back to drink; Mina finds herself isolated inside the confines of her own family; Quincey himself struggles to live up to a family of such high renown.

And when a gathering of old friends leads to unexpected tragedy, the very particular wounds in the heart of the Harkers’ marriage are about to be exposed…

There is darkness both within the marriage and without – for new evil is arising on the Continent. A naturalist is bringing a new species of bat back to London; two English gentlemen, on their separate tours of the continent, find a strange quixotic love for each other, and stumble into a calamity far worse than either has imagined; and the vestiges of something forgotten long ago is finally beginning to stir…

Top New Horror Books in August 2020

The Hollow Ones by Chuck Hogan and Guillermo del Toro

Type: Novel Publisher: Del Rey Release Date: 08/04/2020

Den Of Geek says: Master of horror Guillermo del Toro reunites with Chuck Hogan, who collaborated with del Toro on The Strain for the start of a new horror series. It’s a paranormal tale that begins in the world of crime as a young FBI agent experiences an otherworld evil on the job. Del Toro is a master of world building and Hogan is a well respected literary voice so this should be a corker.

Publisher summary: A horrific crime that defies explanation, a rookie FBI agent in uncharted, otherworldly territory, and an extraordinary hero for the ages.                                                                                                                              

Rookie FBI agent Odessa Hardwicke’s life is derailed when she’s forced to turn her gun on her partner, who turns suddenly, inexplicably violent while apprehending a rampaging murderer.

The shooting, justified by self-defence, shakes Odessa to her core and she is placed on desk leave pending a full investigation. But what haunts Odessa is the shadowy presence she saw fleeing her partner’s body after his death. 

Determined to uncover the secrets of her partner’s death, Hardwicke finds herself on the trail of a mysterious figure named John Silence: a man of enormous means who claims to have been alive for centuries, and who is either an unhinged lunatic, or humanity’s best and only defence against an unspeakable evil.

Night Train by David Quantick

Type: Novel Publisher: Titan Books Release date: 08/25/2020

Den of Geek says: Quantick is a former journalist and screenwriter for shows including Veep, The Thick of It and The Day Today. His latest novel is a high concept horror with an intriguing premise – a woman wakes up on a mysterious train full of the dead with no idea of where she is or how she got there. His books have been likened to David Wong and M.R. Carey which is incentive enough for us to pick this up. 

Publisher’s summary: A woman wakes up, frightened and alone – with no idea where she is. She’s in a room but it’s shaking and jumping like it’s alive. Stumbling through a door, she realizes she is in a train carriage. A carriage full of the dead. This is the Night Train. A bizarre ride on a terrifying locomotive, heading somewhere into the endless night. How did the woman get here? Who is she? And who are the dead? As she struggles to reach the front of the train, through strange and horrifying creatures with stranger stories, each step takes her closer to finding out the train’s hideous secret. Next stop: unknown. 

In Night Train David Quantick takes his readers on a twisting, turning ride through his own brand of horror, both terrifying and darkly funny. With echoes of Chuck Palahniuk, David Wong and M.R. Carey, Quantick’s unique and highly entertaining voice sings out in a page-turning adventure through a hellscape only he could imagine. If you haven’t discovered this rising star of the genre it’s time to step on board and have your mind melted. 

Nicnevin and the Bloody Queen by Helen Mullane, Dom Reardon, Matthew Dow Smith and Jock

Type: Graphic Novel Publisher:  Humanoids Inc. Release date: 08/20/2020

Den of Geek says: This is a great looking new graphic novel written by film distributor and documentarian turned sled dog racer Helen Mullane. It’s a British folk horror in the classic tradition with a modern twist, featuring a young female protagonist and gorgeous art. A proper page turner from an exciting new voice, illustrated by industry heavyweights. 

Publisher’s summary: Something strange has been unleashed in the north of England. A modern-day druid commits a series of ghastly murders in an attempt to unleash the awesome power of the ancient gods of Great Britain. But all hell really breaks loose when his latest would-be victim, Nicnevin ‘Nissy’ Oswald, turns out to be more than she seems. A British tale mixing black magic and horror, godfathered by Jock, one of the new masters of comic book suspense.

The Living Dead by George A Romero and Daniel Kraus

Type: Novel Publisher: Tor Books Release date: 08/04/2020

Den of Geek says: This is the book that zombie king George A Romero left unfinished when he passed away in 2017. It’s now been finished by Kraus who collaborated on the books of The Shape Of Water with Guillermo del Toro – this an multi-threaded origin story charting the start of the dead walking the Earth from the man who created the modern zombie genre this is pretty essential reading.

Publisher’s summary: It begins with one body. A pair of medical examiners find themselves facing a dead man who won’t stay dead.

It spreads quickly. In a Midwestern trailer park, an African American teenage girl and a Muslim immigrant battle newly-risen friends and family.

On a US aircraft carrier, living sailors hide from dead ones while a fanatic preaches the gospel of a new religion of death.

At a cable news station, a surviving anchor keeps broadcasting, not knowing if anyone is watching, while his undead colleagues try to devour him.

In DC, an autistic federal employee charts the outbreak, preserving data for a future that may never come.

Everywhere, people are targeted by both the living and the dead.

We think we know how this story ends. We. Are. Wrong.

Top New Horror Books In July 2020

Survivor Song by Paul Tremblay 

Type: Novel Publisher: William Morrow/Titan Books Release Date: July 7

Den of Geek says: The latest from the master of sad horror Paul Tremblay is one of his best yet. It is however, disturbingly prescient. Following an outbreak of fast acting rabies, hospitals are short of PPE and citizens are on lockdown. But when Doctor Ramola’s heavily pregnant best friend Natalie is bitten, the two must go on a perilous journey to save her unborn child. It’s gorgeously written, very moving and a little bit disturbing during a pandemic.

Publisher’s summary: A riveting novel of suspense and terror from the Bram Stoker award-winning author of The Cabin at the End of the World and A Head Full of Ghosts.

When it happens, it happens quickly.

New England is locked down, a strict curfew the only way to stem the wildfire spread of a rabies-like virus. The hospitals cannot cope with the infected, as the pathogen’s ferociously quick incubation period overwhelms the state. The veneer of civilization is breaking down as people live in fear of everyone around them. Staying inside is the only way to keep safe.

But paediatrician Ramola Sherman can’t stay safe, when her friend Natalie calls, her husband is dead, she’s eight months pregnant, and she’s been bitten. She is thrust into a desperate race to bring Natalie and her unborn child to a hospital, to try and save both their lives.

Their once familiar home has become a violent and strange place, twisted into a barely recognisable landscape. What should have been a simple, joyous journey becomes a brutal trial.

The Only Good Indians by Stephen Graham Jones

Type: Novel Publisher: Gallery/Titan Books Release date: July 21

Den of Geek says: Stephen Graham Jones is being touted as the next big thing in horror circles and while he’s had more than 20 books published it’s likely this will be his big breakout hit. The Only Good Indians follows a group of Blackfeet Native Americans who are paying the price for an incident during an Elk hunt a decade ago. Social commentary, a supernatural revenge plot and an intimate character study mix in this literary horror with something to say which brings genuine chills.

Publisher’s summary: Adam Nevill’s The Ritual meets Liane Moriarty’s Big Little Lies in this atmospheric gothic literary horror.

Ricky, Gabe, Lewis and Cassidy are men bound to their heritage, bound by society, and trapped in the endless expanses of the landscape. Now, ten years after a fateful elk hunt, which remains a closely guarded secret between them, these men and their children must face a ferocious spirit that is coming for them, one at a time. A spirit which wears the faces of the ones they love, tearing a path into their homes, their families and their most sacred moments of faith.

The Only Good Indians, charts Nature’s revenge on a lost generation that maybe never had a chance. Cleaved to their heritage, these parents, husbands, sons and Indians, these men must fight their demons on the fringes of a society that has no place for them.

Malorie by Josh Malerman

Type: Novel Publisher: Del Rey/Orion Release date: July 21

Den of Geek says: This is the sequel to Bird Box, the brilliant horror-thriller which spawned a not-that-great Netflix movie that was nonetheless extraordinarily successful. The original imagines a world populated by monsters – if you look at them you instantly lose your mind and harm yourself or others. The sequel finds Malorie and the two children years later – the kids are now teens who’ve never known a world other than the one behind the blindfold while Malorie still remembers the world before it went mad. A character study as well as a tense, paranoid horror story, this is one of the most anticipated horrors of the year.

Publisher’s summary: The much-anticipated Bird Box sequel

In the seventeen years since the ‘creatures’ appeared, many people have broken that rule. Many have looked. Many have lost their minds, their lives, their loved ones.

In that time, Malorie has raised her two children – Olympia and Tom – on the run or in hiding. Now nearly teenagers, survival is no longer enough. They want freedom.

When a census-taker stops by their refuge, he is not welcome. But he leaves a list of names – of survivors building a future beyond the darkness – and on that list are two names Malorie knows.

Two names for whom she’ll break every rule, and take her children across the wilderness, in the hope of becoming a family again.

Top New Horror Books In June 2020

Devolution by Max Brooks 

Type: Novel Publisher: Century  Release date: 06/16/2020

Den of Geek says: If anyone’s going to make a book about Bigfoots (Bigfeet?) not only genuinely very scary but also entirely believable it’s Max Brooks. The author of widely acclaimed World War Z weaves a found journal, snippets of interviews and the odd real life example together to tell the story of the remote eco-community of Greenloop who is isolated after a volcanic eruption and faces a deadly new threat brought on by changes in the ecosystem. It’s a cautionary tale, and a sometimes satirical fable of the dangers of underestimating nature.

Publisher’s summary: As the ash and chaos from Mount Rainier’s eruption swirled and finally settled, the story of the Greenloop massacre has passed unnoticed, unexamined . . . until now.

But the journals of resident Kate Holland, recovered from the town’s bloody wreckage, capture a tale too harrowing – and too earth-shattering in its implications – to be forgotten.

In these pages, Max Brooks brings Kate’s extraordinary account to light for the first time, faithfully reproducing her words alongside his own extensive investigations into the massacre and the beasts behind it, once thought legendary but now known to be terrifyingly real.

Kate’s is a tale of unexpected strength and resilience, of humanity’s defiance in the face of a terrible predator’s gaze, and inevitably, of savagery and death.

Yet it is also far more than that.

Because if what Kate Holland saw in those days is real, then we must accept the impossible. We must accept that the creature known as Bigfoot walks among us – and that it is a beast of terrible strength and ferocity.

Part survival narrative, part bloody horror tale, part scientific journey into the boundaries between truth and fiction, this is a Bigfoot story as only Max Brooks could chronicle it – and like none you’ve ever read before.

The Secret of Cold Hill by Peter James  

Type: Novel (paperback) Publisher: Pan; Main Market edition Release date: 06/25/2020

Den of Geek says: This is the follow up to 2015’s The House on Cold Hill, a supernatural thriller from multi-award winning British crime writer Peter James. It’s a modern take on a classic ghost story set in the Sussex countryside – the sequel sees the haunted Georgian mansion of the first book destroyed and new houses built in its place, where new families face malevolent forces from the past. 

Publisher’s summary: From the number one bestselling author, Peter James, comes The Secret of Cold Hill. The spine-chilling follow-up to The House on Cold Hill. Now a smash-hit stage play.

Cold Hill House has been razed to the ground by fire, replaced with a development of ultra-modern homes. Gone with the flames are the violent memories of the house’s history, and a new era has begun.

Although much of Cold Hill Park is still a construction site, the first two families move into their new houses. For Jason and Emily Danes, this is their forever home, and for Maurice and Claudette Penze-Weedell, it’s the perfect place to live out retirement. Despite the ever present rumble of cement mixers and diggers, Cold Hill Park appears to be the ideal place to live. But looks are deceptive and it’s only a matter of days before both couples start to feel they are not alone in their new homes.

There is one thing that never appears in the estate agent brochures: nobody has ever survived beyond forty in Cold Hill House and no one has ever truly left…

Top New Horror Books In April 2020

The Southern Book Club’s Guide to Slaying Vampires

Type: Novel Publisher: Quirk Books Release Date: 04/07/2020

Den Of Geek says: The latest novel from Grady Hendrix is set in the same world as his masterful horror My Best Friend’s Exorcism, this time focusing on the wives and mothers of Charleston, South Carolina. Occupied with looking after their families and keeping up appearances, one group of women have to step up and fight when a charismatic stranger comes to town. A modern vampire novel packed with heart (and gore) this is another hit from one of the most exciting horror writers around.

Publisher’s summary: Steel Magnolias meets Dracula. A haunting, hair-raising, and ultimately heartwarming story set in the 1990s, the novel follows a women’s true-crime book club that takes it upon themselves to protect their community when they detect a monster in their midst. Deftly pitting Dracula against a seemingly prim and proper group of moms, Hendrix delivers his most complex, chilling, and exhilarating novel yet. 

With Grady’s unique comedic timing and adoration of the horror genre, The Southern Book Club’s Guide to Slaying Vampires is a pure homage to his upbringing, the most famous horror book of all, and something we can all relate to – the joy of reading. 

Eden By Tim Lebbon

Type: Novel Publisher: Titan Books Release Date: 04/07/2020

Den of Geek says: From the author of The Silence (which is basically A Quiet Place, published several years before A Quiet Place came out) comes another eco-horror which sees pollution and climate change force humanity to create locked off zones which are off-limits to people. Eden follows a group of adventurers who break the rules and enter one of the zones where nature has taken hold and begun to rebel. Should appeal to fans of Bird Box and Annihilation.

Publisher’s summary: In a time when Earth’s rising oceans contain enormous islands of refuse, the Amazon rainforest is all-but destroyed, and countless species edge towards extinction, the Virgin Zones were established in an attempt to combat the change. Off-limits to humanity and given back to nature, these thirteen vast areas of land were intended to become the lungs of the world. 

Dylan leads a clandestine team of adventurers into Eden, the oldest of the Zones. Attracted by the challenges and dangers posed by the primal lands, extreme competitors seek to cross them with a minimum of equipment, depending only on their raw skills and courage. Not all survive. 

Also in Dylan’s team is his daughter Jenn, and she carries a secret – Kat, his wife who abandoned them both years ago, has entered Eden ahead of them. Jenn is determined to find her mother, but neither she nor the rest of their tight-knit team are prepared for what confronts them. Nature has returned to Eden in an elemental, primeval way. And here, nature is no longer humanity’s friend. 

Eden is a triumphant return to the genre by one of horror’s most exciting contemporary voices, as Tim Lebbon offers up a page-turning and adrenaline-fuelled race through the deadly world of Eden, poignantly balanced with observations on humanity’s relationship with nature, and each other. Timely and suspenseful, Eden will seed itself in the imagination of the reader and continue to bloom long after the last page. 

The Wise Friend By Ramsey Campbell

Type: Novel Publisher: Flame Tree Press Release date: 04/23/2020

Den Of Geek says: The latest from British horror legend is a mystical tale of the occult which hints at the monstrous. Campbell is regarded by many as one of the most important horror writers of his generation. Influenced by H P Lovecraft and M R James, and influencing many horror writers who came after him, he’s published more than 30 novels. His latest sounds like a treat.

Publisher’s Summary: Patrick Torrington’s aunt Thelma was a successful artist whose late work turned to- wards the occult. While staying with her in his teens he found evidence that she used to visit magical sites. As an adult he discovers her journal of her explorations, and his teenage son Roy becomes fascinated too. 

His experiences at the sites scare Patrick away from them, but Roy carries on the search, together with his new girlfriend. Can Patrick convince his son that his increasingly terrible suspicions are real, or will what they’ve helped to rouse take a new hold on the world?

The Book of Koli – The Rampart Trilogy, Book 1, By M.R. Carey

Type: Novel Publisher: Orbit Release date: 04/14/2020

Den of Geek says: This is the first book in a new trilogy by M.R. Carey who wrote excellent zombie novel The Girl With All The Gifts. This is an eco-horror/sci-fi which sounds like Tim Lebbon’s Eden in reverse – in Carey’s book it’s everything outside a small village that’s a threat – and both books are aimed at fans of Jeff Vandermeer’s Southern Reach trilogy. Little surprise that horror writers are turning their attention to the environment in these frightening times and in Carey’s careful hands (there was an element of nature evolving in Girl With All The Gifts) this should be a new world worth visiting.

Publisher’s summary: EVERYTHING THAT LIVES HATES US . . . Beyond the walls of the small village of Mythen Rood lies an unrecognisable landscape. A place where overgrown forests are filled with choker trees and deadly seeds that will kill you where you stand. And if they don’t get you, the Shunned men will. Koli has lived in Mythen Rood his entire life. He believes the first rule of survival is that you don’t venture too far beyond the walls.

He’s wrong.

The Book of Koli begins a breathtakingly original new trilogy set in a strange and deadly world of our own making.

Top New Horror Books In March 2020

The Deep by Alma Katsu

Type: Novel Publisher: G.P. Putnam’s Sons Release date: 03/10/2020

Den Of Geek says: A ghost story set against the backdrop of the sinking of the Titanic is a strong premise to set out with, from a writer who has good form with mixing horror with history after The Hunger which centres around The Donner Party, a group of pioneers in the middle of the 19th century, some of who resorted to cannibalism when their group got stranded. Alma Katsu is an author who “Makes the supernatural seem possible” according to Publishers Weekly, and the weaving in of real people with this creepy sounding tale of a nurse who survives the Titanic only to meet another passenger who couldn’t possibly have made it out is highly appealing.

Publisher’s summary: This is the only way to explain the series of misfortunes that have plagued the passengers of the ship from the moment they set sail: mysterious disappearances, sudden deaths. Now suspended in an eerie, unsettling twilight zone during the four days of the liner’s illustrious maiden voyage, a number of the passengers – including millionaires Madeleine Astor and Benjamin Guggenheim, the maid Annie Hebbley and Mark Fletcher – are convinced that something sinister is going on . . . And then, as the world knows, disaster strikes.

Years later and the world is at war. And a survivor of that fateful night, Annie, is working as a nurse on the sixth voyage of the Titanic’s sister ship, the Britannic, now refitted as a hospital ship. Plagued by the demons of her doomed first and near fatal journey across the Atlantic, Annie comes across an unconscious soldier she recognises while doing her rounds. It is the young man Mark. And she is convinced that he did not – could not – have survived the sinking of the Titanic…

The Faceless Old Woman Who Secretly Lives in Your Home: A Welcome to Night Vale Novel By Joseph Fink and Jeffrey Cranor

Type: Novel Publisher: Harper Perennial Release date: 03/24/2020

Den Of Geek says: The third novel in the Welcome To Night Vale series, which spun-off the wildly popular podcast of the same name promises more eerie, weird, wistful but wonderful musings delving into the enigmatic character of The Faceless Old Woman and exploring Night Vale’s history. It’s written by Fink and Cranor, the creators of the podcast, and has already garnered widespread acclaim. Fans of Twin Peaks should definitely check out Night Vale.

Publisher’s summary: From the New York Times bestselling authors of Welcome to Night Vale and It Devours! and the creators of the #1 podcast, comes a new novel set in the world of Night Vale and beyond.

In the town of Night Vale, there’s a faceless old woman who secretly lives in everyone’s home, but no one knows how she got there or where she came from . . . until now. Told in a series of eerie flashbacks, the story of The Woman is revealed, as she guides, haunts and sabotages an unfortunate Night Vale resident named Craig. In the end, her dealings with Craig and her history in nineteenth century Europe will come together in the most unexpected and horrifying way.

Part The Haunting of Hill House, part The Count of Monte Cristo, and 100% about a faceless old woman who secretly lives in your home.

Cursed: An Anthology edited by Marie O’Regan and Paul Kane

Type: Anthology Publisher: Titan books Release date: 03/03/2020

Den Of Geek says: some of our favourite horror writers assemble for this collection of stories surrounding the concept of the curse. Some are updates of well known fairy tales, some are brand new mythologies and all come together in a magical, mythical, mystical collection that should appeal to fans of dark fables and traditional folk horror. Authors include Neil Gaiman, M R Carey, Christina Henry and Tim Lebbon.

Publisher’s Summary: It’s a prick of blood, the bite of an apple, the evil eye, a wedding ring or a pair of red shoes. Curses come in all shapes and sizes, and they can happen to anyone, not just those of us with unpopular stepparents…

Here you’ll find unique twists on curses, from fairy tale classics to brand-new hexes of the modern world – expect new monsters and mythologies as well as twists on well-loved fables. Stories to shock and stories of warning, stories of monsters and stories of magic. Twenty timeless folktales old and new

Top New Horror Books in February 2020

Deathless Divide by Justina Ireland

Type: Novel Publisher: Balzer + Bray Release date: 2/4/20

Den of Geek says: Justina Ireland’s Dread Nation was one of the most-talked-about YA debuts of 2018, and for good reason! The story of Black zombie hunters in an alternate Reconstruction-era America is already one of the best premises of all time, and Ireland more than follows through on the promise of kickass, sociopolitically cathartic potential—with Dread Nation, and now with Deathless Divide. (We love this one so much, it’s also on our Top New YA Books of February 2020 list.)

Publisher’s summary: The sequel to the New York Times bestselling epic Dread Nation is an unforgettable journey of revenge and salvation across a divided America.

After the fall of Summerland, Jane McKeene hoped her life would get simpler: Get out of town, stay alive, and head west to California to find her mother.

But nothing is easy when you’re a girl trained in putting down the restless dead, and a devastating loss on the road to a protected village called Nicodemus has Jane questioning everything she thought she knew about surviving in 1880s America.

What’s more, this safe haven is not what it appears—as Jane discovers when she sees familiar faces from Summerland amid this new society. Caught between mysteries and lies, the undead, and her own inner demons, Jane soon finds herself on a dark path of blood and violence that threatens to consume her.

But she won’t be in it alone.

Katherine Deveraux never expected to be allied with Jane McKeene. But after the hell she has endured, she knows friends are hard to come by—and that Jane needs her too, whether Jane wants to admit it or not.

Watching Jane’s back, however, is more than she bargained for, and when they both reach a breaking point, it’s up to Katherine to keep hope alive—even as she begins to fear that there is no happily-ever-after for girls like her.

Buy Deathless Divide by Justina Ireland on Amazon.

The Boatman’s Daughter by Andy Davidson

Type: Novel Publisher: MCD x FSG Release date: 2/11/20

Den of Geek says: If it’s good enough for Paul Tremblay, it’s good enough for us! We love a good atmospheric horror read, and The Boatman’s Daughter sounds like it has more atmosphere in one page than most books do in their entirety.

Publisher’s summary:  A “lush nightmare” (Paul Tremblay) of a supernatural thriller about a young woman facing down ancient forces in the depths of the bayou.

Ever since her father was killed when she was just a child, Miranda Crabtree has kept her head down and her eyes up, ferrying contraband for a mad preacher and his declining band of followers to make ends meet and to protect an old witch and a secret child from harm.

But dark forces are at work in the bayou, both human and supernatural, conspiring to disrupt the rhythms of Miranda’s peculiar and precarious life. And when the preacher makes an unthinkable demand, it sets Miranda on a desperate, dangerous path, forcing her to consider what she is willing to sacrifice to keep her loved ones safe.

With the heady mythmaking of Neil Gaiman and the heartrending pacing of Joe Hill, Andy Davidson spins a thrilling tale of love and duty, of loss and discovery. The Boatman’s Daughter is a gorgeous, horrifying novel, a journey into the dark corners of human nature, drawing our worst fears and temptations out into the light.

Read The Boatman’s Daughter by Andy Davidson on Amazon.

The Sun Down Motel by Simone St. James

Type: Novel Publisher: Berkley Release date: 2/18/20

Den of Geek says: Who doesn’t love a good creepy motel story? From the author who brought us The Broken Girls, comes another female-driven foray into horror mystery. If you’ve been digging Nancy Drew or love Sharp Objects, there’s more where that came from.

Publisher’s summary: Something hasn’t been right at the roadside Sun Down Motel for a very long time, and Carly Kirk is about to find out why in this chilling new novel from the USA Today bestselling and award-winning author of The Broken Girls.

Upstate New York, 1982. Viv Delaney wants to move to New York City, and to help pay for it she takes a job as the night clerk at the Sun Down Motel in Fell, New York. But something isnʼt right at the motel, something haunting and scary.

Upstate New York, 2017. Carly Kirk has never been able to let go of the story of her aunt Viv, who mysteriously disappeared from the Sun Down before she was born. She decides to move to Fell and visit the motel, where she quickly learns that nothing has changed since 1982. And she soon finds herself ensnared in the same mysteries that claimed her aunt.

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Read The Sun Down Motel by Simone St. James on Amazon.

The post Top New Horror Books in September 2020 appeared first on Den of Geek.

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Fashion’s eco chase: on The Voice of Fashion’s recent India Sustainability Report

New Post has been published on https://apzweb.com/fashions-eco-chase-on-the-voice-of-fashions-recent-india-sustainability-report/

Fashion’s eco chase: on The Voice of Fashion’s recent India Sustainability Report

Every year, a new crop of designers gain recognition at our fashion weeks. And with each passing year, their eco-conscious stories get stronger. But are they getting it right? Until now, it has been a murky playing field, and with no numbers to indicate consumer awareness, it is tough to gauge if your favourite brand is greenwashing, or if it is adopting sustainable practices. But change is in the offing with The Voice of Fashion’s (TVF) India Sustainability Report. “It is India’s first consumer and manufacturer study on sustainability in fashion and retail,” says TVF editor Shefalee Vasudev, explaining that the report is aimed at understanding where the country’s fashion industry stands in the global sustainability movement.

Keeping track

Released at Lakme Fashion Week’s UN Circular Design Challenge last week, it delves into the Indian consumer’s psyche. From awareness on recycling, vintage, rented and pre-loved fashion to the willingness to change or minimise consumption, the two-part survey analyses trends from four respondent groups comprising 937 adults across New Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Kolkata and Ahmedabad. For the second part of the study, CEOs and/or sustainability officers from 17 top Indian fashion and retail brands were interviewed.

Explaining the rationale behind picking the 17, Vasudev says, “We opted for brands that dominated the retail scenario [Aditya Birla Fashion Retail Limited, Lifestyle, Levi’s]; those part of SU.RE, a charter signed by 16 retail captains with IMG Reliance last year; and labels that promise sustainability as a part of their brand DNA [Rahul Mishra, péro], among other factors.”

Green quotient

Amidst the many findings, it is interesting to note how 82% of those surveyed were not aware that the fashion industry is among the top three contributors to pollution. “Conversion is a slow process and will take a long time to be visible. But its time has come,” says Vasudev, adding, “From Incredible India to bridal couture, and fashion week communication to retail posters, sustainability in different forms, in all languages, must be spoken about.”

But the willingness quotient is high: 49% of respondents are open to adopting sustainable practices, especially where the fabric is sourced from coffee beans, bananas, or wood pulp. Vasudev says this could well be because these ingredients have a quick recall. “The study has also revealed how 23% do not want to use recycled garments [due to fear of skin allergies, etc].”

New avenues

The study can also create new opportunities. For instance, the fact that 4% choose to make mops or bags from old clothes could translate into an idea for a small-scale green enterprise. Vasudev agrees, and suggests fashion designers can also create a collective that sells table, home, kitchen and bed linen from fabric and material leftovers. “It can be branded as ‘designer upcycled’ and sold. With the emphasis on designer weddings, stylists can craft tents or enclosures with leftover fabric [brocade, silks] collected from brands.”

Discarded buttons, zips, hooks and tassels can be crafted into hair accessories or jewellery, and “denim manufacturing companies can explore ideas like forming a sustainable jeans coalition of India — which can look into technological innovations: jeans that don’t need to be washed for a month, distribution of jeans from discarded material to rickshaw pullers and shelter camps, and denim pants or uniforms for government schools,” she concludes.

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Pulwama, Balakot, and Azhar Underscore India’s China Conundrum

China’s placement on Pakistan and India must no longer shock anybody in India.

The China issue carries on to haunt Indian international policy as the Masood Azhar situation not too long ago underscored. Final week China once once again blocked a go to designate Pakistan-centered Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) main Azhar as a worldwide terrorist at the UN Protection Council, underlining categorically its overseas coverage priorities.

When New Delhi expressed “disappointment” at the United Nations Stability Council Resolution 1267 Sanctions Committee staying unable to appear to a decision on the go to sanction Azhar “on account of a member positioning the proposal on hold,” Beijing saw no have to have to reassess its position on the issue. The latest go to designate Azhar a world terrorist was made by France with the backing of the United States and Britain in the wake of the Pulwama attacks that killed 40 Indian protection staff and claimed openly by JeM. This was the fourth time Beijing blocked the shift at the UN Sanctions Committee, thereby frequently annoying Indian tries to provide Azhar to account.

Despite Pulwama, China experienced indicated that it was not likely to alter its position on Azhar. Its international ministry spokesperson experienced prompt prior to the UNSC move that “China will undertake a responsible mind-set and carry on to take part in discussions.” The United States had also cautioned China that the failure of the UNSC shift to designate Azhar a terrorist, would “run counter” to the shared goal of the two countries of hoping to realize peace and security in the area. India experienced managed to get, with some problems, the BRICS nations to name Pakistan-based teams like the Lashkar-e- Taiba, Jaish-e-Mohammed and the Haqqani community in a joint declaration condemning terror last yr in September. But following its current block, China taken care of that it didn’t contradict its BRICS situation as that  declaration was towards terror teams and not persons.

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Throughout the check out of Pakistani foreign minister to China before this 7 days, Beijing certain Pakistan of powerful guidance to guard its territorial integrity even as Islamabad lifted the “rapidly deteriorating” scenario in Kashmir. This was the initially-ever China-Pakistan Foreign Minister-level strategic dialogue which saw Chinese state councillor and international minister, Wang Yi appreciating Islamabad’s efforts to ease tensions with India adhering to the terror attack in Kashmir’s Pulwama. He built it obvious that “no matter how points improve in the entire world and in the location, China will firmly support Pakistan in upholding its sovereign independence and territorial integrity and dignity.”

Although some in India browse too a lot into the Wuhan summit in between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping, the reality stays that China has had a regular tactic on Azhar. India has also been ready to express to Beijing that it is getting to be progressively isolated in its help for Pakistani terror. The most up-to-date shift at the UNSC 13 international locations co-sponsoring the Proposal from Azhar. Apart from the United States, the United Kingdom, and France, which are long-lasting UNSC customers, there were 10 other international locations which co-sponsored the proposal – Germany, Poland, Belgium and Equatorial Guinea as well as Japan, Australia, Italy, Bangladesh, Maldives and Bhutan.

China’s posture on Pakistan and India must no extended surprise any person in India. Nevertheless they do and several in India still proceed to blame New Delhi for these turn of functions. There are voices in India which go on to recommend that difficulties this sort of as Masood Azhar and the Nuclear Suppliers Team are trivial and India should dismiss these in the broader desire of maintain balance in its ties with China. There is no Indian desire important more than enough, according to some, which ought to make India stand up to China and offend Chinese sensitivities, authentic or imagined.

It is this attitude which above the past many many years produced guaranteed that India cede ground to China on challenge soon after problem, thereby frittering away all its bargaining power. We would not discuss of Taiwan and Tibet, we would not upgrade our navy, we would not develop sturdy protection partnership with other like-minded nations around the world – all since our Chinese brethren would get offended. In return China continues to focus on India and the pattern carries on. China’s political, economic and diplomatic expense in Pakistan suggests that it would be very complicated for India to break that iron bond in the brief to medium time period. Unless of course India adopts a crystal clear-eyed lengthy-expression China plan, there will be quite a few additional setbacks in the offing. India undoubtedly needs to create on its strengths but it should really also realize and identify its friends. As an emerging power, India requirements to demand from customers demanding reciprocity from Beijing and though participating China, in no way lose sight of the larger fact that is shaping Chinese technique in the direction of India. And this is a truth of India’s rise.

The post Pulwama, Balakot, and Azhar Underscore India’s China Conundrum appeared first on Defence Online.

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[winterolympicssports2018-blog]

(LEAD) S. Korean Chung Hyeon suffers hard-fought loss to Federer in ATP Tour quarterfinals

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(LEAD) S. Korean Chung Hyeon suffers hard-fought loss to Federer in ATP Tour quarterfinals

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SEOUL, March 16 (Yonhap) — South Korean tennis player Chung Hyeon has suffered a hard-fought loss to world No. 1 Roger Federer in their latest meeting.

Federer defeated the 26th-ranked Chung in straight sets, 7-5, 6-1, in the quarterfinals of the BNP Paribas Open at Indian Wells Tennis Garden in Indian Wells, California, on Thursday (local time). Chung gave Federer all he could handle in the opening set before running out of steam in the second set.

Federer has only lost three sets this year and has matched his previous best start to a season, which came in 2006, when he opened the year 16-0.

In this Associated Press photo, Chung Hyeon of South Korea hits a shot against Roger Federer of Switzerland during their quarterfinals match at the BNP Paribas Open at Indian Wells Tennis Garden in Indian Wells, California, on March 15, 2018. (Yonhap)

This was the first showdown between the two since the semifinals at the Australian Open in January, when Chung was forced to retire in the second set because of blisters on his foot. Federer went on to win the championship for his 20th career Grand Slam singles title.

In this meeting, Federer needed just eight minutes to go up 3-0 in the opening set. He was down 40-0 in the second game before rallying to break Chung.

But just when a rout appeared to be in the offing, the South Korean started battling back, winning the next three games to pull to a 3-3 tie.

The two traded games and were locked at 5-5, before Federer pulled away to take the set 7-5.

Federer built another 3-0 lead in the second set and didn’t let Chung creep back into the match this time, keeping the South Korean on the run with an array of outstanding shots.

Federer won 70 percent of his first serve points, compared with 53 percent for Chung. The Swiss great also had 12 aces — the last one on match point — while Chung didn’t have any, and Federer broke Chung’s serve four times.

Despite the loss, Chung is still having a fine season. He has a record of 15-6 this year and has reached at least the quarterfinals in five consecutive tournaments, dating back to the ASB Classic in New Zealand in January.

Chung began the year at No. 58 in the world rankings but has jumped 32 spots since, thanks in large part to his run to the semifinals at the Australian Open in January. He’s expected to climb even higher after this week. No South Korean tennis player, male or female, has ranked higher than the 21-year-old.

This was Chung’s first quarterfinal appearance at a Masters 1000 tournament. The Masters 1000 series is the third-highest tier of ATP tournaments after the four Grand Slam events and the season-ending ATP Finals. Players earn more ranking points at these events than the 500 series and the 250 series tournaments.

In this EPA photo, Chung Hyeon of South Korea (L) shakes hands with Roger Federer of Switzerland after losing in straight sets in the quarterfinals at the BNP Paribas Open at Indian Wells Tennis Garden in Indian Wells, California, on March 15, 2018. (Yonhap)

jeeho@yna.co.kr

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Thanks to his ambitions, Indians are getting online faster than ever For a glimpse of how the internet is taking hold in India, catch one of Mumbai’s double-decker buses. Even at rush hour, when people pack so tightly into the ancient vehicles that it is difficult for the conductors to collect fares, and stragglers hang out of the open door, commuters still find space to get out their mobile phones. Dozens of tiny screens glow with WhatsApp messages, news and gossip sites, Bollywood films and Hindi serials. Just three years ago there were only about 125m broadband internet connections in India; by last November the number had reached 512m. New connections are growing at a rate of 16m per month, almost all on mobile phones. The average Indian phone user now consumes more mobile data than most Europeans. If any one person can take credit for this spectacular growth, it is Mukesh Ambani, India’s richest man. With his service, Jio, a mobile network launched in 2016 offering cheap, high-speed data, he has upended Indian telecoms and changed his country. Much of his fortune comes from a chemicals and refining business inherited from his father; his conglomerate, Reliance Industries Limited (ril), is one of India’s biggest. Unlike other phone firms, which make their money from call charges, Jio from the start gave phone calls and text messages away freely alongside data. Now Mr Ambani seems to want to go further and become an Indian Jeff Bezos or Jack Ma, using Jio as a launch pad—the platform now has a whopping 280m users. One prong of this will be online shopping; on January 18th he announced that Jio would join up with ril’s retail arm, which has nearly 10,000 outlets across the country, to launch a new e-commerce platform, taking on both Amazon and Flipkart, a local firm last year bought by Walmart for $16bn. More digital services, and content creation, are in the offing. Both foreign and local competitors grumble about the circumstances of Jio’s birth. The radio spectrum it uses was initially reserved for data-only services, and bought in a government auction in 2010 by an unknown company called Infotel Broadband Services. Mere hours afterwards, the company was bought by ril. In 2013 the company won the right to run voice services on its 4g spectrum, using voip (Voice over Internet Protocol), after the government ordered the regulator to change its rules. When Jio was launched in 2016 it had had plenty of time to prepare. Rivals complain that they would have paid more attention in 2010 had they known Reliance would back the venture. So as not to limit the market to people who can afford smartphones, Jio also launched its own 4g feature-phone, the JioPhone, which it says is “effectively free”. Customers pay only a refundable deposit of 1,500 rupees ($21) for the device, with which they can use WhatsApp, watch YouTube and take pictures. As Mr Ambani said last year, for most users their Jio connection “is not only their pehla [first] phone but also their pehla radio and music player, pehla tv, pehla camera and pehla Internet”. Data in India now cost less than in any other country. On average Jio’s users each download 11 gigabytes each month. Finns, the world’s hungriest consumers of cellular data, gobble 14 gigabytes. Jio users watch 17.5 hours of mobile video a month, far more time than they spend watching tv. Astrological development Fast-rising consumption is provoking changes, many for the good. Yogendra Mertiya, who runs a farmers’ collective in rural Rajasthan, says the internet is subtly altering the village he lives in. “Rajasthan is a feudal sort of a state, and on the face of it everything looks like it did ten years ago, but actually there are huge social changes,” he says. Lower-caste men these days can check their horoscopes online, instead of having to visit the local Brahmin astrologer, for example. Women who are scarcely allowed to leave home are able to search for information online. Politicians calling for the prohibition of alcohol have been able to win votes by appealing to female voters through their phones. Enterprising young people can become local celebrities by building what Mr Mertiya calls “a small following” of “perhaps a million subscribers” on YouTube. A Bollywood channel of songs and clips, t-Series, seems set to soon become YouTube’s most-subscribed. Not all the effects are positive. Rumours and spam spread through WhatsApp messages have become a public menace, in some cases even inciting lynchings. Another problem, at least in the eyes of the government, is the spread of pornography. In September a court ordered telecoms operators to block 827 porn sites to stop children being exposed. That so many men seem to like watching it in public places may have weighed on the judges’ minds. So India is being transformed. But will the bet pay off for ril and its shareholders? So far ril has spent a massive $32bn on Jio, with limited return. Mr Ambani’s firm has certainly succeeded in ejecting competitors. Since its entrance, six firms have gone out of business, including the one owned by his brother Anil, rCom. India’s telecoms industry has shrunk to four big companies (see chart 1). Bharti Airtel, previously the market leader, now relies on its enterprise and African businesses to keep it afloat. Vodafone has merged with another firm, Idea, and the new group is selling assets and raising capital to cover its cashflow deficit.

Squeezing out competitors has not yet translated into juicy profits for Jio. Since the middle of 2016 total revenue earned in Indian telecoms has shrunk by 21%, even as connectivity has soared (see chart 2). According to ril, Jio made a profit of 25bn rupees in the latest quarter. Bernstein, an equity-research firm, has suggested that its treatment of depreciation and amortisation is unusual in the industry and may understate its costs. Jio says its method adheres to Indian accounting standards.

And by some targets it set earlier, Jio seems to be doing less well than it had hoped. In 2017 it said that by 2020 it aimed to capture a 50% revenue share of a market it said would grow by 50%. Today Jio’s share is around 26% of an industry it has made smaller in revenue terms. It has all come at a big cost to ril and its shareholders. According to Credit Suisse, a bank, by 2018 capital investment in Jio reached about 700bn rupees a year. The conglomerate’s debts have risen to around 3trn rupees, close to its annual revenue of 4.3trn rupees. For India’s telecoms industry to be profitable again, prices need to go up by about 50-70%, reckons one analyst. Competitors are holding on, assuming that will happen, and ril’s share price has risen by 28% in the past 12 months on hopes Jio can cash in later. But it is hard to predict Mr Ambani’s next moves. His ambition to become a tech tycoon goes beyond making money in telecoms. As well as the new e-commerce platform around Jio, ril separated its fibre-optic cables and towers from Jio last December to create a new firm that is preparing to provide wired broadband to homes. Other digital services would follow, such as web-hosting for firms. ril has also invested in content creation, and has bought rights to distribute cricket matches and Disney films on its “Jiotv” platform. All this will bring Mr Ambani into direct competition with big e-commerce firms already investing heavily in India, including Google, Amazon and Flipkart. Their appetite for India’s market has been whetted by Jio’s connectivity explosion, but their executives will be worried that the government may favour Jio, a local champion. On January 18th Mr Ambani argued that the government should prevent data colonisation; Indians’ data, he said, must not be controlled by global corporations. Foreign e-commerce firms are already banned from holding inventory in India. In December they were also banned from selling products from firms in which they have an equity stake (a common workaround). Incumbent telecoms firms, too, have seen many recent regulatory decisions (such as one on whether rules on predatory pricing apply to Jio) go against them. Mr Ambani will need to keep regulators happy if ril is to earn decent returns on its investment in Jio. Even if he fails in that, he will have helped hundreds of millions of Indians get a first taste of the internet. One recent Indian social-media craze was sharing grainy pictures from the weeklong wedding for Mr Ambani’s daughter in December, where the entertainment featured Beyoncé. A few years ago, Mumbai’s hard-pressed bus commuters would have had no idea of the extravagance in their midst.  #MohnishAhluwaliaNotes