Back Tata Group mulls pumping $2 bln into super app venture

 All Tata group companies are said to be acting on the Tata Sons directive, which came to them on 14 August. Photo: Reuters

Tata Group is mulling pumping $2 billion into super app venture

Indian salt-to-software conglomerate Tata Group is considering injecting another $2 billion into its super app venture to bolster its digital business, Bloomberg News reported on Thursday, citing people familiar with the matter.

The funds would help the group's online platform Tata Neu strengthen its digital offerings, fix technical glitches, and meet any new spending needs, the report said.

The injection would take place over two years if the deal goes through, it added.

Tata Group has also asked Tata Digital to look for ways to boost the valuation of the super app, according to the report.

A Tata Group spokesperson and Tata Digital declined to comment on the report.

Tata launched the e-commerce super app in April last year, offering everything from apparel to air tickets in a renewed push for a slice of a fast-growing market dominated by Amazon.com and Walmart's Flipkart.

Back XBB.1.16 spreading in Maharashtra, Karnataka, 349 samples found. Experts say ‘It's outcompeting…’

On Thursday, India logged 1,300 new coronavirus cases, the highest in 140 days, while the active cases have increased to 7,605 (PTI)

The XBB 1.16 variant was first identified in January when two samples tested positive for it. In February, 140 samples were found, and as of March, 207 additional samples have been detected.

As many as 349 samples of the COVID-19 variant XBB.1.16, believed to be responsible for the recent surge, have been detected in nine states and UTs so far, according to data from INSACOG.

Maharashtra has reported the highest number of cases with 105, followed by Telangana with 93, Karnataka with 61, and Gujarat with 54.

The XBB 1.16 variant was first identified in January when two samples tested positive for it. In February, 140 samples were found, and as of March, 207 additional samples have been detected.

However, former AIIMS director Dr Randeep Guleria pointed out on Wednesday that the actual number is likely to be higher than what has been reported.

"Now even if they have flu-like symptoms, most people don't get themselves tested. Some use the rapid antigen test, and even if they are positive they do not report it. So the number we are actually reporting may be less than the actual number in the community."

Last week, Vipin M Vashishtha, former convenor of Indian Academy of Pediatrics and consultant pediatrician at the Mangla Hospital and Research Centre, Bijnor, also cautioned, India saw a ‘281% increase in COVID cases’ in just 14 days.

Should you be worried?

Guleria cited, “... As long as they don't lead to severe illness, hospitalisation and deaths, it is alright because it helps in giving some degree of immunity to the population if they have mild illness"

But, Vashishtha countered that thought saying, If XBB.1.16 aka #Arcturus could succeed to wade through the 'sturdy' population immunity of Indians that successfully resisted the onslaught of variants like BA.2.75, BA.5, BQs, XBB.1.5, then whole world must be seriously worried!!

On Thursday, India logged 1,300 new coronavirus cases, the highest in 140 days, while the active cases have increased to 7,605. The death toll has increased to 5,30,816 with three deaths. One death each has been reported by Karnataka, Gujarat and Maharashtra, the data updated at 8 am stated.

On Wednesday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired a high-level meeting and called for maintaining vigil and precaution amid a spike in influenza and coronavirus cases in the country in the past two weeks.

He stressed the need to enhance genome sequencing and adhereing to Covid-appropriate behaviour, an official statement said.

Canada job alert! Over 1 lakh immigrants to be invited through PNPs in 2023. How to apply

 By increasing the number of PNP immigrants, Canada aims to achieve this goal while providing selected candidates with permanent residency opportunities.

The Immigration Levels Plan 2023-2025 outlines a projected increase in the number of Canadian immigrants through the PNP, rising to 105,500 in 2023 and 117,500 by 2025.

Canada is planning to invite over 105,000 immigrants annually for the next three years through Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs). The Immigration Levels Plan 2023-2025 outlines a projected increase in the number of Canadian immigrants through the PNP, rising to 105,500 in 2023 and 117,500 by 2025. 

It is to note here, the PNP was launched in 1998, with only 400 immigrants arriving in Canada through this program the following year.

Why Canada is focusing on PNPs? 

The Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) in Canada is intended to address the unique labour shortages of each province and territory. It allows them to select and nominate skilled immigrants who possess the required qualifications, work experience, and education to meet their regional needs. As a result, the program enables provinces and territories to spread the benefits of immigration, including social, economic, and cultural benefits, throughout the country. 

By increasing the number of PNP immigrants, Canada aims to achieve this goal while providing selected candidates with permanent residency opportunities.

Currently, as many as 11 of Canada’s provinces and territories, excluding Quebec and Nunavut, operate a PNP. Meanwhile, Quebec operates its own economic class immigration programs through a separate agreement with the federal government.

Currently, PNPs have surpassed the federal Express Entry system as the primary way for economic class candidates to obtain Canadian permanent residence. 

In July 2022, Canadian federal, provincial, and territorial immigration ministers agreed to develop a multi-year immigration plan specific to the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP). 

The aim of this plan is to enable the two levels of government to better plan and attract skilled immigrants to each province/territory in Canada. 

How to apply for the PNP?

There are two types of nominations: base and enhanced. The key difference is that enhanced nominations are processed more quickly than base nominations. While base nominations take an average of 20 months to process, enhanced nominations are processed in 11 months. 

Enhanced nominations are a fast-track option for skilled workers who are identified as having the potential to integrate quickly into the local labor market and contribute to the regional economy.