India's August manufacturing output eases on lower demand: PMI
Mumbai, Sep 3 : A slower rise in demand further eased the pace of India's manufacturing sector output in August, as the economy continued to face headwinds, key economic data showed on Monday.
According to the Nikkei India Manufacturing Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI), the composite indicator of manufacturing performance declined to a three-month low of 51.7, from 52.3 in July and 53.1 in June.
An index reading of above 50 indicates an overall increase in economic activity, or growth, and below 50 an overall decrease.
Commenting on the Indian manufacturing PMI survey data, Aashna Dodhia, Economist at IHS Markit and author of the report, said: "Indian manufacturers retained positive projections for output over the next 12 months, but the level of sentiment eased in August.
"Indeed, some of the key headwinds facing the economy include high global oil prices, monetary policy tightening and capital outflows from emerging markets."
Although sub-indices tracking output and total orders touched three-month lows last month, foreign demand rose at the quickest pace since February despite global trade tensions.
"PMI data suggested that external demand for Indian goods was also robust, with new export orders rising at the fastest pace since February," Dodhia said.
"Following rises in domestic interest rates, manufacturing companies gained some breathing space as input cost inflation moderated to the weakest since May and further from June's multi-year peak.
"That said, the rupee depreciation against the US dollar continued to place strong upward pressures on input prices," she added.
The Indian rupee reversed all the gains made earlier on Monday to close at an all-time low of 71.21 per dollar, tracking a weak trend among its global peers amid concerns of a wider trade deficit for the country.
An upswing in manufacturing activity and revival of private investment, supported by strong consumer demand, accelerated India's GDP growth rate in the first quarter (April-June) to 8.2 per cent, official data showed last week.
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Karnataka govt directs municipal corps to regulate, prohibit pigeon feeding
Bengaluru (PTI): The Karnataka government has issued directions to municipal corporations across the state to regulate and prohibit feeding pigeons in public places, citing serious public health concerns.
Deputy Secretary to Government V Lakshmikanth has written to the Urban Development Department requesting it to issue directions to the Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA) and all municipal corporations to take immediate steps to implement the measures.
In an official note dated December 16 issued by the Health and Family Welfare Department and released to the media on Wednesday, the department said uncontrolled feeding of pigeons in public places has resulted in large congregations of birds, excessive droppings and serious health concerns, particularly respiratory illnesses linked to prolonged exposure to pigeon droppings and feathers such as hypersensitivity pneumonitis and other lung diseases.
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"The commissioner, the Greater Bengaluru Authority and the Commissioners and chief officers of other municipal corporations shall take necessary action to mitigate the causes of dangerous disease spread by pigeon and enforce specified guidelines in their respective jurisdiction," the note said.
According to the department, these include a prohibition on feeding pigeons or causing pigeons to be fed in areas where it may cause nuisance or pose a health hazard to the public. Pigeon feeding shall be permitted only in designated areas in a controlled manner, subject to certain conditions.
"The designated areas may be selected in consultation with stakeholders. The responsibility for upkeep of the designated areas and compliance to the directions shall be taken up by some charitable organisation or an NGO. The feeding in designated areas shall be permitted only for some limited hours in the day," it said.
The note further stated that authorised officers of local authorities shall issue on-the-spot warnings and may impose fines for violation of the order, or lodge complaints to prosecute offenders under Sections 271 (Negligent act likely to spread infection of disease dangerous to life) and 272 (Malignant act likely to spread infection of disease dangerous to life) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.
It also directed local authorities to conduct public awareness campaigns, including the display of signboards, banners and digital messages, explaining the health hazards associated with pigeon droppings and feathers, the content of the regulatory directions and penalties for violations, and alternative humane methods of bird conservation that do not endanger public health.
