Here's why it may not be a good idea to get used to Reliance Jio's 'freebies'

Reliance Jio Infocomm (Jio) will raise their tariffs every few months, said brokerage firm, Goldman Sachs (GS). "We expect Jio to raise tariffs every few months, with the next potential increase in January 2018," analysts of the US based brokerage company added in its report dated October 24.

The telco last week raised its tariffs by 15-20% indicating early signs of stability in the telecom sector ravaged by price wars.
GS expects Jio to reduce its validity period of the Rs 309 offer from current 49 days to 28 days over the course of CY2018. This move will give incumbents headroom to continue to increase their prices which in turn will impact the overall average revenue per user (ARPU). Its most popular plan of Rs 399 with a three-month validity (84 days) is now available for Rs 459 and subscribers who want to continue with similar rate will have the pack available for a shorter period of 70 days.

The telco also changed its data packs on the same October 18.

According to analysts, the Mukesh Ambaniowned telco's move is expected to help increase average revenue per user (ARPU) in the industry in the next three to six months and market leader Bharti Airtel is expected to benefit the most.

"Bharti Airtel remains in an enviable position to grab market share and grow profits should the market continue consolidating at the tail end," said the US based brokerage firm. The Sunil Mittal owned company's shares had hit a ten year high on Monday when the markets opened following Jio's announcement in the previous week.

On Tuesday, stocks were up by 0.83% to close at Rs 501.65 apiece. Goldman Sachs estimates an 18% increase in operating margins in FY19 for the largest operator. The operator recently announced a buyout of Tata Teleservices' wireless business for free.

The brokerage company however notes that although the wireless business will not face any headwinds , there could be pressure on Bharti's home broadband and enterprise business as Jio forays into these business lines over the next couple of years. "In our bear case, where we assume a decline in Bharti's home broadband revenues in FY18/FY19, slower growth in enterprise, and continued price competition in wireless for another few quarters," stated the analysts.

On the spectrum front Bharti Airtel at 72 MHz per circle (including Telenor) at present, is ahead of Jio at 50 MHz. Its 120,000 wireless broadband towers (as of 1QFY18) are not far behind from Jio's 150,000.

"We expect Bharti to close this gap over the next 12-18 months, with the company's annual India capex spend staying elevated at $2.5 billion in the near term," said GS in its report.

The analysts say that the larger telco will be able to defend its market share against the newcomer and should show signs of improving from the fourth quarter of this fiscal.

For the smaller operators, the scene is grim since, saddled with debt, they will find it difficult to compete in these markets.

Bigg Boss 11: Hina Khan, Shilpa Shinde trolled for making fun of Dhinchak Pooja

Shockingly, Hina Khan did not even come out of the washroom to receive her. And, after coming out, her attitude towards the the cringe pop sensation was kinda disrespectful. Even Shilpa Shinde constantly made fun of Pooja`s singing.

New Delhi: Recently, YouTube sensation Dhinchak Pooja entered the Bigg Boss season 11 house, as a wildcard, with a bang. But, apparently, some contestants were not totally impressed with her entry.

Shockingly, Hina Khan did not even come out of the washroom to receive her. And, after coming out, her attitude towards the the cringe pop sensation was kinda disrespectful. Even Shilpa Shinde constantly made fun of Pooja's singing.

As a result, a lot of Internet users took to Twitter to troll Hina and Shilpa for insulting Pooja on her very first day inside the controversial house.

Maybe, at this point, the participants are not realising that their words have a huge impact outside the Bigg Boss house. Now, it would be really interesting to see what Pooja adds to Bollywood superstar Salman Khan's heated show.

Micromax partners with Vodafone launches Bharat2 Ultra 4G phone at an effective price of Rs 999

Home grown phone manufacturer -- Micromax joined hands with Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) to launch Bharat 1 earlier this month. The company now brings the cheapest 4G smartphone in India, as claimed by the company itself -- called the -- Bharat2 Ultra at an effective price of Rs 999. The 4G smartphone will be available in India starting Nov first week. 

With the Bharat2 Ultra, Micromax is possibly aiming at gaining back its long lost position and become one of the top five smartphone manufacturing companies in this segment. Commenting on the initiative, Rahul Sharma, co-founder of Micromax Informatics said, "We should be back in top five in smartphones within this quarter and we will take back our position." Rahul further added that Micromax has managed to sell over 2 million Bharat 2 units in India from its launch.

Micromax launches the Bharat2 Ultra at an effective price of Rs 999 in a partnership with Vodafone India. With Bharat2 Ultra, Micromax and Vodafone has applied almost the same strategy as Airtel and Karbonn did with the newly launch Karbonn A40 Indian 4G phone.

Initially, the consumers will need to buy the Bharat2 Ultra at Rs 2,899. But then, there are a lot of conditions, much like the Karbonn A40 Indian and also JioPhone. The company will later refund a sum of Rs 1,999 over a period of 3 years. This is how it will work. After buying the phone with Rs 2,899, the consumers will have to recharge their numbers (Vodafone) with Rs 150 every month, under which the users will get voice calling and data services. Doing this for 18 months continuously, Micromax will offer a cashback of Rs 900. After the next 18 months --- during this time consumers will have to continue with the Rs 150/month plan - Micromax will offer another Rs 1,000 cashback to the consumer.

Avneesh Khosla, Vodafone India Associate Director of Consumer Business says that the customers can do as many recharges as they want in a months, just that the cumulative recharge value should total to Rs 150 or more.

Overall, the company will refund Rs 1,900, which means, for Bharat2 Ultra, the consumers will have to pay Rs 999. Bharat2 Ultra buyers will get the Rs 1,999 refund in their Vodafone M-Pesa wallets. Commenting on the partnership, Khosla says, "We are delighted to partner with Micromax to democratize the 4G smart phones at a never before price of under Rs 999." He believes that this will "help fulfill the aspirations of several million phone users across the country that desire a smart phone but couldn't afford one. It will also encourage current non users of 4G to upgrade and enjoy a richer user experience with Vodafone SuperNet 4G."

Going by the specs, Bharat2 Ultra comes with an 4-inch WVGA display and runs on Android 6.0 Marshmallow software. This 4G smartphone is powered by quad-core Spreadtrum SC9832 processor clocked at 1.3GHz. The device further comes with 512MB RAM and 4GB of internal storage. In the camera department, the Bharat2 Ultra comes with a 2-megapixel sensor at the rear panel, while fits an 0.3-megapixel sensor on the front. The phone is backed by a 1300mAh battery set up. 

Airtel and Karbonn launches a new 4G smartphone called the Karbonn A40 Indian recently, which also somewhat comes with the similar strategy, apart from the fact that it comes with an effective price of Rs 1,399. This was launched to counter Jio's JioPhone which comes in at an effective price tag of Rs 'zero'. Customers will actually have to pay Rs 2,899, while buying the phone, but Karbonn will refund back Rs 1,500. The customer - who buys the A40 Indian will be eligible for the refund only if they make 36 continuous monthly recharges of Rs 169 every month. Doing so, the customer will get a cash refund of Rs 500 after 18 months and another Rs 1,000 in the next 18 months (i.e after 36 months from the purchase date).

FIFA U-17 World Cup: Guwahati loses Brazil vs England semifinal to Kolkata

The Under-17 World Cup semifinal between Brazil and England has been shifted from Guwahati to Kolkata because of poor pitch conditions at the Indira GandhiAthletic Stadium. The match will be held as per schedule at 5 pm on Wednesday, but at the Salt Lake Stadium. The two teams agreed to the switch, while the West Bengal government has said it will pull out all stops and will ensure a successful organisation of the fixture. Kolkata will also host the final on Saturday.

By the time FIFA officially confirmed the switch, both Brazil and England had already landed in Guwahati. It is learnt that England were initially OK with playing at the Guwahati stadium — they are used to such conditions in lower leagues and non-league football — but after an inspection in the afternoon, the pitch conditions were found to be a little too dangerous. Guwahati had been witnessing heavy rainfall over the past few days.

Those who purchased tickets for the Guwahati game can ask for a refund, or else the same tickets will be valid in Kolkata should some fans from there decide to drop in. Additional tickets will be sold online and will be priced at Rs 100 each. Tickets through counters, if any, will be made available on a first-come-first-served basis. The Salt Lake Stadium’s capacity for this tournament is a little over 66,600 compared to the Guwahati stadium’s 30,000. It’s learnt that about 18000 tickets had been sold in Guwahati for the semifinal.

The Local Organising Committee (LOC) of the FIFA U-17 World Cup gave the West Bengal government an hour to decide if the administration was game for relocation. “We decided in 45 minutes. It’s a challenge. Ticket distribution is a factor but our six departments will work day and night and we will organise the match successfully,” state sports minister Aroop Biswas told reporters on Monday.

A FIFA release said: “Following a thorough assessment of the pitch conditions at Guwahati’s Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium, which has been affected by severe rainfall over the past few days, FIFA has decided to move the venue of the semi-final between Brazil and England, due to be played on 25 October 2017, to Kolkata’s Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan Stadium (Salt Lake Stadium), where the match will kick off at 17:00 local time.

“Despite the great efforts by all involved parties, including the authorities of State Government of Assam, to preserve the pitch, FIFA has taken this decision following consultations with both teams in order to safeguard the players’ health and to ensure the best playing conditions.”

Two days ago, Ghana coach Samuel Fabin had slammed Guwahati’s IG Athletic Stadium pitch after his team’s 2-1 loss to Mali in the quarterfinal.

“I thought the game should have been abandoned and played at another time. But those organising the game said it should be played, so we played. We haven’t encountered anything like this before,” Fabin had said.

Maybe, it’s a coincidence that Kolkata gets marquee fixtures out of turn, be it the World T20 blockbuster between India and Pakistan or an U17 World Cup semifinal. Last year, at the ICC World T20, the India-Pakistan game had been moved out of Dharamsala because of political protests. The Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) then hosted the match at two weeks’ notice, with the state government extending all help. This time, Guwahati’s pain is Kolkata’s gain for a high-profile clash. Both Brazil and England have been in excellent form in this World Cup.

“FIFA and the LOC regret that unforeseen circumstances have led to this decision, which will deprive football fans in Guwahati of this semi-final encounter. Both FIFA and the LOC would like to sincerely thank the city of Guwahati and the state government of Assam for their excellent cooperation throughout the competition,” the FIFA release said.

Huge demand for tickets

Demand for tickets for the shifted Brazil-England U17 World Cup semifinal in Kolkata skyrocketed with an online queue of more than a lakh registered within an hour after it was thrown open on the official FIFA site. “You are in an online queue for the FIFA U17 World Cup India 2017 tickets. Once it is your turn, you will have 10 minutes to enter the website,” the message on the website read quoting serial number 121911 with 84735 users still ahead within an hour after it went live.

Hindu youths chant Shiva chalisa on Taj Mahal premises

The youths, belonging to Rashtra Swabhimaan Dal (RSD) and Hindu Yuva Vahini (HYV), were taken away by CISF personnel and released after they submitted a written apology. 

A dozen youths belonging to Hindu outfits were caught reciting ‘Shiva Chalisa (hymn)’ on the premises of the Taj Mahal, causing tension at the iconic monument, which, they claimed, was originally a Shiv temple.

The youths, belonging to Rashtra Swabhimaan Dal (RSD) and Hindu Yuva Vahini (HYV), were taken away by CISF personnel and released after they submitted a written apology.

The incident comes a week after controversial BJP MLA Sangeet Som questioned the Taj Mahal’s place in history, saying that the iconic monument was built by ‘traitors’ who targeted Hindus.

His comments caused a political stir across the country following which the BJP governments in UP and the Centre distanced themselves from the MLA’s comments.

Chief minister Yogi Adityanath is slated to visit Taj on October 26 to review various schemes related to tourism in Agra.

Deepak Sharma (30) of RSD, who led the group of youths on Monday, justified the act, saying it was natural to recite ‘Shiv Chalisa’ on Monday, it being day of Lord Shiva and that Taj Mahal originally was a Shiva temple.

“It was basically ‘Tejomalaya’, a Shiva temple, which was demolished by Mughal rulers to make the Taj Mahal,” he said.

“I was accompanied by some other RSD activists and those from Hindu Yuva Vahini (HYV), including the Aligarh unit president of HYV, Bharat Goswami,” he said.

Sharma is from Hathras near Agra but has been active in Delhi after completing his post-graduation. He is not new to controversies and claimed that he had blackened the face of noted lawyer Prashant Bhushan after he advocated a referendum in Jammu and Kashmir.

“We did nothing wrong but apologised in writing because we were told by CISF officials that recital of ‘Shiva Chalisa’ was in violation of the Supreme Court orders. We respect the Supreme Court and had no intention to hurt religious feeling of any sect,” Sharma said.

“We plan to file a PIL in the apex court to find an answer as to why Hindus are not allowed to recite ‘Shiv Chalisa’ at the Taj, the building of which is owned by central government, when Muslims can offer namaz there,” he added.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Tuesday said that BJP lawmaker Sangeet Som's comments on historical monument Taj Mahal were his personal views and the state government doesn't endorse it.

The Chief Minister said that it does not matter who built it and for what reason but what is important is that it was built by blood and sweat of Indian labourers.

CM Yogi also said that the monument, a symbol of love, is very important for the state government and it their responsibility to provide facilities and safety to tourist visiting.

Not only this, Yogi will be in Agra on 26th October and he will visit Taj Mahal and other monuments in the city.

Taking a dig at BJP legislator Sangeet Som who called the Taj Mahal a blot on Indian history because it was built by foreign rulers, Samajawadi Party MLA Azam Khan on Tuesday said all 'symbols of slavery' like Parliament House and Rashtrapati Bhavan in Delhi should be demolished.

"I won't respond to him (Som). But I have always been saying that all symbols of slavery in India should be demolished. It is true that Mughals conquered India. But I won't get into how they came and who brought them to India because it will create a bitter debate. Some people will mind my opinion about that because they don't like the truth," Khan said, speaking to a TV channel.

"Why only the Taj Mahal? Why not the Parliament? Why not the Rashtrapati Bhavan? Why not the Qutub Minar? Why not the Red Fort in Delhi? Why not the Agra Fort? These are the signs of traitors."

Without naming Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, Khan, known for his sharp comments aimed at his political rivals, said he had already made an appeal to the "Baadshah" and to the "younger Baadshah" that they should move forward in razing down these monuments "built by traitors and we will follow them"

Supreme Court steps in on National Anthem row, says no need to stand up in movie halls to prove patriotism

People do not need to stand up in cinema halls to prove their patriotism and "cannot be forced to carry patriotism on their sleeves", the Supreme Court said on Monday, asking the Centre to consider amending the rules to regulate the playing of the National Anthem before a film.

The top court also observed that it cannot be assumed that if a person does not stand up for the National Anthem, then he is "less patriotic".

Observing that the society did not need "moral policing", a bench of Chief Justice Dipak Misra said the next time, "the government will want people to stop wearing T-shirts and shorts to cinemas saying this would disrespect the National Anthem."

It said it will not allow the government to "shoot from its shoulder" and asked it to take a call either way on the issue of regulating the playing of the anthem before a film.

The bench also indicated that it may modify its order of 30 November, 2016, by which the playing of the anthem was made mandatory in the movie halls before the screening of a film, and may replace the word "shall" with "may".

"People go to cinema halls for undiluted entertainment. Society needs entertainment. We cannot allow you (Centre) to shoot from our shoulders. People do not need to stand up in cinema halls to prove their patriotism," the bench, also comprising Justice AM Khanwilkar and Justice DY Chandrachud, said.

"Desireability is one thing but making it mandatory is another. Citizens cannot be forced to carry patriotism on their sleeves and courts cannot inculcate patriotism among people through its order," the bench said.

The court's strong remarks came on a petition filed by Kodungallur Film Society, Kerala to recall the November order passed on a PIL filed last year by one Shyam Narayan Chouksey seeking directions that the National Anthem should be played in all the cinema halls before a film begins.

In contrast to Monday's remarks, a bench headed by Justice Misra had ordered the theatres across the country in November last year to "mandatorily" play the National Anthem before a movie and the audience must stand and show respect, in a bid to "instill committed patriotism and nationalism".

During today's hearing on the PIL, Attorney General KK Venugopal, appearing for the Centre, said India was a di

File image of the Supreme Court. AP

verse country and the National Anthem needed to be played in the cinema halls to bring in uniformity.

He said it should be left open to the government to take a call on its own discretion on whether the anthem should be played in theatres and whether people should stand up for it.

"What is stopping you from amending the Flag Code? You can amend it and say where to play National Anthem and where it can't be done. Nowadays, anthem is played during matches, tournaments and even Olympics where half the crowd does not understand its meaning," Chandrachud said.

The bench said "You (Centre) take a call. Government should not show any reservation to the amendment as the court would not allow it to shoot from its shoulders".

Chandrachud said the practice of playing National Anthem in theatres was earlier discontinued in Mumbai because people used to move out of the halls when it was played.

"If the court is supposed to enforce respect for the National Anthem on citizens, it should also enforce the other fundamental duties in Article 51A," Chandrachud said, adding that cultural and social values are inculcated by parents and teachers and not through court orders.

The court then asked the Centre to consider taking a call by 9 January, the next date of hearing, on amending the National Flag code for regulating the playing of National Anthem in cinema halls across the country.

It said the Centre has to take a call uninfluenced by its earlier order on the playing of the anthem in theatres.

The apex court had in its last November order said that "love and respect for the motherland is reflected when one shows respect to the National Anthem as well as to the National Flag".

It had also barred printing of the anthem or a part of it on any object and displaying it in a manner at places which may be "disgraceful to its status and tantamount to disrespect".

Passing a slew of directions, the court had then said that fundamental duties in the Constitution "do not allow any different notion or the perception of individual rights that have individual thought, have no space. The idea is constitutionally impermissible".

"The directions are issued, for love and respect for the motherland is reflected when one shows respect to the National Anthem as well as to the National Flag. That apart, it would instil the feeling within one a sense committed patriotism and nationalism," it had then said.

It had also said proper norms and protocol should be fixed regarding its playing and singing at official functions and programmes where those holding constitutional office are present.

Samsung Galaxy J7 Catches Fire Mid-Air on Jet Airways Delhi-Indore Flight

A Samsung smartphone caught fire mid-air on a Delhi-Indore flight last Friday, sending dozens of people in panic as the alert crew rushed to put the situation under control, according to a report. The Jet Airways' flight had 120 passengers onboard and it eventually landed safely.

The handset, said to be a Samsung Galaxy J7, belonged to a Delhi resident Arpita Dhal. The phone, she says, was in her bag, which she had placed under her seat. About 15 minutes after the flight took off, she told HindustanTimes, that smoke started coming out of the bag.

"It was a mid-air panic. We prayed to god," said Arpita's husband Atul told the newspaper. Adding more stress to the situation was the fact that the fire extinguishers that did not work, the couple said. The crew, however, handled the matter responsively, quickly moving to a different plan.

They put the handset in water to stop the smoke and any potential explosion. "Jet Airways crew immediately took charge of the situation, as also all necessary steps as precautionary measure, and as per the prescribed guidelines," a Jet Airways spokesperson told HindustanTimes.

A Jet Airways spokesperson confirmed that the incident was resolved "as per guidelines". "It was observed on board Jet Airways' flight 9W 791 Delhi-Indore that smoke was emitting from a guest hand bag. Jet Airways crew immediately took charge of the situation, as also all necessary steps as precautionary measure, and as per the prescribed guidelines," the spokesperson said.

India Today Tech reached out to Samsung India for a response into the incident and we will update the post as soon as we hear something. Meanwhile, commenting on the matter, Samsung spokerperson informed BGR, "We are in touch with relevant authorities for more information. At Samsung, customer safety is top priority."

While so far this is a one-off incident and the exact reason behind the fire is still not know. It is also too early in the day to know whether the Galaxy J7 is facing a similar issue as the Galaxy Note 7 from last year. To recall, there were numerous reports last year of the phablet spontaneously catching on fire which resulted in the phone's early demise. It is possible that Arpita's phone caught on fire due to faulty battery possibly from a third-party source, but it is all conjecture for now. We will know more once Samsung has completed its investigation.