Highlights of India Today Hindi 14th July 2021, issue: 

Cover Story: Age of Unicorn

Nayee Sujh Ke Surma

It has been a rich period for India’s start-up ecosystem, with as many as 48 newborn businesses riding the new digital wave to command valuations of $1 billion or more. Can they live up to their early promise and create sustainably profitable businesses?

Upfront: Covid-19

Roop Badalta Variant

It is now accepted that the ‘Delta’ variant of the Covid-19 virus was the main cause of India’s deadly second wave in May 2021. This variant, found in only 52 districts in March this year, had rapidly spread to 174 districts by June.  What makes this variant particularly dangerous are four mutations in its spike protein—the part of the virus that latches onto human cells. These have been linked to an increased transmissibility of the virus. Mutations in Delta help it latch onto human cells far more efficiently than original virus.

Upfront: E-Commerce

Bade E-tail Ki Rah Me Naye Rode

The success of E-commerce in India has come at a cost to traditional businesses in these areas, who will take heart from the new set of norms the Centre has proposed to ostensibly create a more “level playing field”. On June 21, the ministry of consumer affairs announced changes in the Consumer Protection (E-commerce) Rules, 2020 and sought comments and suggestions from the public by July 6.

Upfront: Jammu&Kashmir

Pariseeman Ka Khaka Taiyar

Government begins political process in J&K. PM himself spoke to politicians of the region. But before that happens, the government wants another round of delimitation, an exercise meant to redraw the boundaries of assembly and Lok Sabha constituencies and increase the number of seats.

Upfront: Rajasthan

Mayor Aur Bhagwa Kheme Ke Daman Par Keechad

BJP-controlled Jaipur Greater Corporation in the state capital of Rajasthan is in a sha­mbles. Mayor Somya Gurjar has been suspended, and her husband, Rajaram Gurjar, along with Omkar Sapre, head of corporate administration of BVG India Ltd, a Rs 2,000 crore integrated services provider contra­cted for garbage collection in Jaipur, have been arrested in a bribery scam.

Arthat

Bachegi Bachat

Savings hit badly due to inflation, job loss, salary cut and medical expenses. Government policies are unclear on savings.  Rising expenses and shrinking savings hitting economy badly.

Special Report: Uttar Pradesh

Kya Chalega BJP ka Rajyog

In the run of 2020 Assembly elections BJP trying to lure different cast groups but infighting within party denting its prospects. BJP facing big challenge from groups within party.

Defense :  Command Theater

Ekikrit Commond Par Matbhed

The government’s plan to replace 17 single-service commands with four theatre commands hits an air pocket--opposition from the IAF. Will its objections stymie the creation of military theatres?