NORTH KOREA has fired several cruise missiles from Kangwon Province towards the Sea of Japan, also known as the East Sea, as tensions threaten to escalate ahead of the election in South Korea.
CHINA'S Navy has moved the country's only aircraft carrier into the controversial areas of the Miyako Strait and the Bashi Channel in the South China Sea, raising tensions in the region and stoking a response from the US Pacific Fleet stationed in Okinawa.
NIGEL FARAGE warned Italexit may be on the cards following the European Union's failed response to help the founding member state in its economic fight against coronavirus.
A LEADING Germany politician has criticised the EU's handling of past affairs and said the Commission should have been even stricter on rebel states such as Italy.
DONALD TRUMP's election campaign was reportedly saved by Breitbart founder Steve Bannon back in 2016, who told Ivanka Trump's husband Jared Kushner "you're broke," according to a book.
AUSTRIA has announced it will start relaxing its lockdown measures later this week. So is the coronavirus lockdown ending in Austria? And will the UK follow suit?
CORONAVIRUS will send the global economy into free fall, unleashing the worst recession since the 1930s Great Depression, the International Monetary Fund has warned - and Europe is expected to bare the brunt of the economic crisis
A SOCIAL media account in Vietnam may seem a world away from the UK's daily death toll from coronavirus. But it shows there is no let-up in the £16billion illegal wildlife trade which caused the pandemic that has killed 100,000 and brought the world to a halt.
I’m enjoying how all the headlines around Artifact‘s upcoming comeback are about what it won’t do. It won’t sell you cards, and it won’t make you play on one lane at a time. ‘It won’t die in a fire like it did before’, promise.
We now know a lot more about how the revamped game will actually work. Random deployment is gone, with creeps spawning in predictable positions while Heroes can be plopped wherever you like. The infinite board is gone, too, as each of the three lanes can now only fit five units. This seems… promising?
Rick May, the voice of Team Fortress 2’s Soldier, has died after contracting Covid-19 virus. He was 79. He voiced several game characters in his career, notably Peppy Hare in the Starfox games, but he was best known as the growly, rocket-toting military man in Valve’s online shooter.
To get your own settlements in Mount And Blade 2 Bannerlord, the most direct way will be to lay siege to a town or castle. Doing so is extremely risky without having ample supplies and a high enough skill point rating in engineering, and that’s not counting other armies interfering in your plans.
There comes a time in Mount And Blade 2 Bannerlord where you must think about the next generation. In order to bring new life into the world, you need to seduce a partner. Luckily, this is one of the few things in the game that isn’t especially complicated to achieve once you know how.
With games becoming an increasingly important distraction in these strange times, you might be thinking it’s time to upgrade your PC with one of today’s best graphics cards. It’s a good time to buy one, too, as Nvidia have finally released all their next-gen GTX 16-series and [cms-block] 20-series cards now, and we’ve also had most of the new [cms-block] GPUs as well – all we’re really waiting for is AMD’s ‘Big Navi’ 4K graphics cards.
We should also see some new graphics cards from Intel this year, too, which could use quite an upset to my current best graphics card list. Their upcoming Intel Xe graphics cards won’t be here until later this year, though, so for now it’s still a two-horse race between Nvidia and AMD. Regardless of whether you’re looking for a graphics card for playing games at 1080p, 1440p or 4K, my best graphics card list has got you covered.
Thatgamecompany’s lovely desert wandering game is floating through another barrier. It first arrived on PC via the Epic Store last summer and, as many games are wont to do when that exclusivity period is up, Journey will land on Steam in June. It’s a personal favorite of mine, so I’ll gladly cheer it on to its new destination as I did when it finally made it to PC last year. (more…)
Sure, Kojima’s experimental horror hallway was creepy when it first graced our screens in 2014, but PT looks even creepier if you push it further into the past. Developer Ryan Trawick, who’s made some other odd things wot we’ve liked, has recreated the spooky groundhog day in the antique application HyperCard. It looks quite moody in old black and white.
We’ve dug far enough into the depths at last. Terraria‘s big final update, Journey’s End, has been planned for quite a while, bringing a whole slew of new items, bosses, and baddies to the world. It’s been a bit longer in coming than originally planned, but Re-Logic have now announced that the 1.4 update is coming on May 16th.
After a long sleep, Crysis appears to be waking up. Crytek have been busy in the meantime with the likes of Hunt: Showdown while Crysis took something of a cold-storage nap. The super serious super soldier FPS series added Crysis 3 to the stables back in 2013. Seven years later, the official Crysis Twitter account is broadcasting signs of life.
Times are strange and frightening. But one point of great solace for me has been hearing people celebrating things in their lives. It feels especially important right now to hold on to what makes us all proud about what we do and who we are. And what I really love is people showing off things they’re proud of making.
So I’ve been asking a bunch of developers to pick out something they’ve created that brings them pleasure to look back on. And here they are, including Harvey Smith remembering his input on Deus Ex and Dishonored, Derek Yu on one of his first-ever games. There’s pride in doing something for someone else’s game, in the power of details and in little inventions, and ah gosh, shut up, let’s just tuck into a big slice of escapist positivity. (more…)
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It was only a matter of time. Shortly after Half-Life: Alyx‘s release, modders were already tinkering with ways to play Alyx without VR. Now there’s a mod that will actually let you complete the game entirely with a regular display, though it sounds like a slightly finicky experience. This likely won’t be the end of the road for VR-less Alyx, but it’s certainly a milestone.
According to Prime Minister Scott Morrison, sovereignty is in, ideology is out. Well, he is half right.
Sovereignty is certainly making a comeback. End of ideology? Not so fast.
Let's deal first with sovereignty.
The coronavirus crisis has only hastened what was already underway.
What is known as the global liberal order has endured a blowback in recent years, with a renewed emphasis on sovereignty leading to a more assertive nationalism.
Thirty years since American political scientist Francis Fukuyama declared "the end of history" — the triumph of liberal democracy over communism ushering in an ascendant global capitalism — history has most definitely returned.
* WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said the organisation was still learning * The infection has killed nearly 115,000 people globally and seen over 1.8m cases * The WHO said 18,500 people died of swine flu but the Lancet said up to 575,400 * Tedros warned while Covid-19 accelerated quickly, 'it decelerates much slowly'
Coronavirus is ten times deadlier than the 2009 swine flu pandemic and a vaccine will be needed to halt it, the World Health Organisation has said.
WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus told a virtual briefing from Geneva the organisation was constantly learning about the bug sweeping the globe.
The incredibly contagious infection has now killed nearly 115,000 people and seen over 1.8million cases globally.
Tedros said: 'We know that Covid-19 spreads fast, and we know that it is deadly, ten times deadlier than the 2009 flu pandemic.'
The Chinese aircraft carrier Liaoning with Chinese guided-missile destroyers and frigates took part in a combat exercise in the Western Pacific in April 2018. Ministry of National Defense of China
YOKOSUKA NAVAL BASE, Japan -- Japan and Taiwan kept watch on the Chinese aircraft carrier Liaoning and its strike group as they steamed through the Miyako Strait and past Taiwan over the weekend, according to the Japanese Ministry of Defense and published reports Monday.
The Liaoning and five accompanying warships passed through the 155-mile-wide strait halfway between the Japanese islands of Okinawa and Miyako on Saturday, turned south and passed east of Taiwan on Sunday, according to reports. The strait is wide enough to qualify as an international waterway.
South Korea reported Monday at least 116 patients who had been cleared of the virus tested positive again
* South Korea health officials say the virus may have been reactivated rather than patients becoming reinfected. * The World Health Organization (WHO) is investigating the incidents. * It's not clear why the patients tested positive after testing negative.
South Korea reported Monday that at least 116 people who were believed to have recovered from the novel coronavirus have tested positive for the virus again, according to Reuters.
South Korea said last week that dozens of patients who had been cleared of COVID-19 and were being prepared for discharge tested positive. Jeong Eun-kyeong, director of the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (KCDC) has said rather than being reinfected, patients may be suffering from a "reactivated" coronavirus, Reuters reports.
WNU Editor: If true, this is a nightmare scenario. If the virus can be 'reactivated'.... it means that like HIV or herpes this virus can remain in the body and flare up in the future, unwittingly infecting those who come in contact with the "cured" person.
More News On South Korea Reporting Recovered Covid-19 Coronavirus Patients Testing Positive Again
The aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) and ships assigned to the Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group (HSTCSG) transit the Atlantic Ocean while conducting composite training unit exercise (COMPTUEX) on February 16, 2018. US Navy/Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Scott Swofford
* Responding to the coronavirus, the Navy has decided to leave the Harry S. Truman carrier strike group out at sea for at least three weeks rather than bring it home, the service said in a statement Monday. * The carrier and its accompanying surface ships will remain in the Western Atlantic and conduct sustainment operations underway. * "In the face of COVID-19, we need to protect our most valuable asset, our people, by keeping the ship out to sea," 2nd Fleet Commander Vice Adm. Andrew Lewis said in a statement.
A US Navy carrier strike group has wrapped up its latest deployment, but it isn't coming home just yet due to concerns about to the coronavirus.
The Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group recently completed a nearly five-month deployment to the 5th and 6th Fleet areas of operation. At one point during the deployment, the USS Harry S. Truman conducted operations alongside the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower in a message to Iran.
The Navy announced in a statement Monday that the CSG will remain at sea in the Western Atlantic for the time being rather than return to its homeport of Norfolk, Va. The service says it will evaluate the situation and update sailors and their families on its plans again in three weeks.
International Monetary Fund (IMF) managing director Kristalina Georgieva has delivered a sombre message about the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, warning that the IMF is expecting the worst economic fallout since The Great Depression.
However, Ms Georgieva in her video address stressed the positive, indicating the resolution with which the fund is confronting the pandemic's effects.
"These are the times for which the IMF was created — we are here to deploy the strength of the global community, so we can help shield the most vulnerable people and revitalise the economy," she said.
It's too early to know how the new coronavirus pandemic could impact ongoing Air Force efforts to decrease the pilot shortage, the head of Air Education and Training Command said Friday.
"Well, it's not helping," said AETC Commander Lt. Gen. Brad Webb, who acknowledged that the service's undergraduate pilot training capacity has been reduced due to the spread of COVID-19.
Though the production of new pilots could suffer, there is a silver lining: Usually during times of crisis, the Air Force is able to retain a greater number of experienced pilots who might have retired and moved to the commercial sector, Webb said during the teleconference with reporters.
WNU Editor: I do not see commercial/civilian aircraft flying as much as they use to. Definitely not for another year. So yes. The U.S. Air Force will retain its pilots, and may gain even more.
The desert locusts, some in swarms the size of Moscow, have already chomped their way through much of East Africa, including Ethiopia, Somalia, Kenya (pictured), Djibouti, Eritrea, Tanzania, Sudan, South Sudan and Uganda
* A United Nations report found millions of citizens in need of emergency food aid * Africa is braced for a second wave which could be 20 times more than the first * Breeding has been spurred by one of the wettest rainy seasons in the region
Billions of locusts have laid waste to 500,000 acres of Ethiopian cropland and unleashed a food crisis.
A United Nations report found that the devastation caused by the swarms have left millions of citizens in need of emergency food aid.
The findings from the UN Food and Agriculture Organisation, which recently concluded a joint assessment with the Ethiopian government, come as the region is bracing for new swarms that could be even more destructive.
This second wave of pests to spawn in Africa could to be 20 times larger than the first - which was already the worst in 70 years in some nations.
A 2016 satellite image shows what is claimed to be an under-construction airstrip at Chinese-controlled Fiery Cross Reef in the Spratly Islands. (DigitalGlobe)
SINGAPORE — Even as China's President Xi Jinping mobilized a "people's war" against the coronavirus, Chinese warships were busy on another front: maintaining their pressure campaign in the South China Sea, where a buildup of military activity foreshadows a new U.S.-China cold war.
Across the resource-rich waterway, China Coast Guard and paramilitary vessels have continued to harass fishing boats, military ships and oil and gas rigs belonging to smaller Southeast Asian states that reject Beijing's sweeping claims over nearly the entire sea.
Last month, the Chinese navy carried out combat drills with a fleet of submarines, fighter jets and fast-moving missile boats. The exercises occurred as a U.S. aircraft carrier in the region was sidelined thousands of miles away in Guam, its crew members and former commander sickened with COVID-19.
BANGKOK (Reuters) - China's Mekong River dams held back large amounts of water during a damaging drought in downstream countries last year despite China having higher-than-average water levels upstream, a U.S. research company said in a study.
China's government disputed the findings, saying there was low rainfall during last year's monsoon season on its portion of the 4,350-km (2,700-mile) river.
The findings by Eyes on Earth Inc., a research and consulting company specialising in water, published in a U.S.-government funded study, could complicate tricky discussions between China and other Mekong countries on how to manage the river that supports 60 million people as it flows past Laos, Myanmar, Thailand and through Cambodia and Vietnam.
Last year's drought, which saw the Lower Mekong at its lowest levels in more than 50 years, devastated farmers and fishermen and saw the massive river recede to expose sandbanks along some stretches and at others turned from its usual murky brown to bright blue here because waters were so shallow and lacking in sediment.
(CNN)A Chinese naval flotilla headed into the Pacific over the weekend, evidence that the People's Liberation Army Navy has done a much better job controlling coronavirus than the US Navy, according to a story posted on the PLA's English-language website.
The aircraft carrier Liaoning led the group, which included two guided-missile destroyers, two guided-missile frigates and an auxiliary ship, according to the report from state-run tabloid Global Times. It cited Japanese and Taiwanese reports and noted the PLA had not confirmed the operation.
The report said that the Chinese carrier was carrying out this operation while four US Navy aircraft carriers -- the USS Theodore Roosevelt, the USS Ronald Reagan, the USS Carl Vinson and the USS Nimitz -- have reported cases of coronavirus, crimping their operations. The Roosevelt, now docked in Guam, has been hit the hardest by the virus, with 585 cases among its crew of more than 4,000 people. Almost all of them have been moved ashore on the island and work is going on to disinfect the ship, delaying its ability to deploy.
The PLA Navy has no such issues, Chinese military experts told the Global Times.
WNU Editor: The Global Times article that is making this boast is here .... PLA aircraft carrier sails through Miyako Strait (ECNS.cn/Global Times). What's my take? China treats its military personnel differently from the U.S. and other Western and Western-allied nations. I also learned a long time ago, doubly so with this coronavirus pandemic, to not trust anything coming out from China.
Dr. Fauci is getting a lot of praise but there are many people who are angry at him. What does Dr. Fauci have to say to the critics? Watch to find out. #FoxNewspic.twitter.com/J6qCetvijk
When the crisis abates, the source of the wrong information will be looked into, Fauci says.
The U.S. was given inaccurate information about the coronavirus at the beginning of the crisis Director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases Dr. Anthony Fauci said on Saturday.
When Fox News host Jesse Watters asked Fauci if he believes China or the World Health Organization "misled" him or if the WHO leader himself could have been "deceived," Fauci noted that while he does not know the details behind the inaccurate information, it was disseminated from the start of the crisis.
"You know I don't know where the missteps went, the only thing I know what the end result was, that early on we did not get correct information," Fauci said. "And the incorrect information was propagated right from the beginning because you know when the first cases came out, that were identified I think on December 31st in China and we became aware of this, they said this was just animal to human period."
WNU Editor: Director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases Dr. Anthony Fauci does not name the World Health Organization or China for giving this "wrong information". But they were the only two sources for information on the virus during that time for the U.S. and other countries to make decisions on how to face this disease.
Update: Contrary to numerous media reports, the White House is not going to fire Director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases Dr. Anthony Fauci (see below).
Now that it has become clear that every day that the US economic shutdown continues as a result of the coronavirus pandemic means billions in economic losses and untold damages to the social fabric of the United States where over 20 million people will soon be unemployed, what all analysts - and frankly everyone else - want to know is i) when will the US reach the peak of the coronavirus curve and ii) when will the US start reopening.
Addressing the first, we showed some good news yesterday when the latest JPMorgan coronavirus "curve" showed the US fast approaching the peak of the curve, i.e., the end of the "late accumulation" phase, and sliding into recovery.
WNU Editor: When it comes to Covid-19 projections, it is a relief to say that they have fallen short in their "worst" scenarios. The possibility of a second wave is worrisome. Second pandemic waves have happened in the past, and there is no reason to say that it will not happen with this one.
TEL AVIV, Israel — When Israel's health minister was found to be infected with the coronavirus early this month, all high-level officials in close contact with him were quarantined, including one who stood out: the director of the Mossad, the storied Israeli spy service.
Mossad officers, primarily associated with covert operations abroad in the name of protecting Israel, are not normally in the business of public health.
So Israelis were immediately intrigued.
Why would the Mossad director, Yossi Cohen, a widely respected figure in the country, have even been in the same room as the health minister, Yaakov Litzman?.
Mr. Cohen's powerful agency, it turns out, has been deeply involved in Israel's fight against the virus, and has been one of the country's most valuable assets in acquiring medical equipment and manufacturing technology abroad, according to Israeli medical and security officials.
As countries around the world compete ferociously for limited supplies during the pandemic, they are turning to any help available, and flexing their muscles unapologetically.
Italy Covid-19 Total Deaths : 19,899 Spain Covid-19 Total Deaths : 17,489 France Covid-19 Total Deaths : 14,412 U.K. Covid-19 Total Deaths : 11,346 Belgium Covid-19 Total Deaths : 3,903 France Covid-19 Total Deaths : 3,022 Netherlands. Covid-19 Total Deaths : 2,833 Switzerland Covid-19 Total Deaths : 1,129
European Covid-19 Death Toll : 74,033 (Top 8 European countries)
WNU Editor: The U.S. population is 330 million versus 360 million in these 8 European countries. These numbers explain why many Europeans are unhappy with the response of their governments to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Hat tip John Hopkins University for the above Covid-19 death numbers. (April 13, 2020. 12:00 EST).
A sailor who tested positive for coronavirus on board USS Theodore Roosevelt has died. The unidentified sailor was admitted into intensive care on Thursday
The unidentified sailor tested positive March 30, was taken off the ship and was put in isolation housing with four other people He was found unresponsive Thursday and moved to the ICU at a local hospital Nearly 600 sailors on the aircraft carrier, docked in Guam, have tested positive Captain Brett Crozier sent a memo urging the Navy to respond more quickly to a coronavirus outbreak on the ship and was fired as a result He sent a memo after a doctor warned 50 crew could die if something wasn't done
A sailor who tested positive for coronavirus on board USS Theodore Roosevelt has died.
The name of the sailor was not revealed but it was a member of the Navy who had tested positive for the virus on March 30 and was taken off the ship and moved into isolation accommodation with four others.
On Thursday he was found unresponsive during a medical check and was moved to a local hospital's intensive care unit.
The death comes after it was revealed Captain Brett Crozier knew he could face firing for breaking protocol and sending a memo urging the Navy to respond more quickly to an outbreak on the ship.
* America drew up plans to invade Britain in case England became a part of the Soviet Union during the Cold War * US generals began preparing a counter-offensive if such an event occurred * After the end of WWII, British secret service bosses received a request for a topographical survey of UK's coastline and beaches * Operation Sandstone was approved by the armed forces in August 1946
America drew up plans to invade Britain during the Cold War in case England became part of the Soviet Union, documents have revealed.
US generals feared the 'Reds' would themselves invade the UK and insisted the Admiralty help them prepare a counter-offensive.
In August 1946, British secret service bosses received a request from the US Chief of Naval Operations for a topographical survey of Britain's coastline and beaches.
After WWII, the US feared Soviet expansion into Western Europe after Joseph Stalin aggressively drew the Iron Curtain across the Eastern Bloc. Such was the concern in Washington, it was felt the US should be furnished with a full map for a sea offensive.
WNU Editor:The plans were drawn up after the Second World War. That was definitely a time when the international situation in Europe was still up in the air.
This is the most remarkable account so far of Putin's rise from a KGB operative to deadly agent provocateur in the hated west.
In 1985, a young KGB officer arrived in provincial East Germany. His name was Vladimir Putin. What exactly Putin got up to in Dresden is a mystery. The official version says not much: he drank beer, put on weight, lived in an ordinary apartment with his wife, Lyudmila, and their two daughters. While other Soviet spies were having adventures, Putin – so the story goes – sat out the late cold war in a paper-shuffling backwater.
The investigative journalist and former Financial Times reporter Catherine Belton has dug deeper. Her groundbreaking book, Putin's People: How the KGB Took Back Russia and then Took on the West, offers a far more terrifying version. Putin was a senior liaison officer with the Stasi, East Germany's secret police, she suggests. And Dresden was a key base for KGB operations, including murderous ones, in which Putin allegedly played a direct part.
WNU Editor: I have said this more than once before. The true details on how Putin rose to power will only come out five to ten years after he has passed away.
Commercial mortgage-backed securities (CMBS) are fixed-income investments backed by mortgages on commercial properties rather than residential real estate.
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According to a report by Bank of America Merrill Lynch, these companies are developing the equipment needed to make the ongoing development of next-generation 5G mobile technology a reality.
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Governments and Central Banks are implementing stimulus measures all around the world to fight the economic disruption of COVID-19. Here's what they're doing.
If you're just getting started with investing, and haven't amassed much cash yet, these five robo-advisors feature easy-to-use websites and apps, low minimums, and good education.
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Investors have many options for getting involved with oil. These methods come with varying degrees of risk and range from direct investment in oil as a commodity, to indirect exposure in oil through the ownership of energy-related equities.One direct method of owning oil is through the purchase of oil futures or oil futures options.
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These robo-advisors allow a sophisticated investor to fine-tune a portfolio, deleting individual stocks from the suggested portfolios, and possibly pick a replacement.
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Cost and freight (CFR) is a trade term obligating the seller to arrange sea transportation to a port of destination and provide the buyer with the documents necessary to obtain the goods from the carrier.
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Many traders are moving to become algorithmic traders but struggle with the coding of their trading robots. Often these traders will find online algorithmic coding information disorganized and misleading, as well as offering false promises of overnight prosperity.
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There are three ways in which to invest in United States debt: Treasury bonds, Treasury notes, and Treasury bills. The length of time when each matures differs, along with how interest is paid on them.
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A treasury bond is a marketable, fixed-interest U.S. government debt security with a maturity of more than 10 years and which pays periodic interest payments until maturity, at which point the face value is also repaid.
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An investor who wants to earn a guaranteed interest rate for a specified term could purchase a fixed-rate Treasury bond, corporate bond, or municipal bond.
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Investing in real estate is a popular choice for good reasons, but it's more complicated than owning your typical stocks and bonds. Learn ways to invest in real estate.
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A duopoly is a situation where two companies own all or nearly all of the market for a given product or service; it is the most basic form of an oligopoly.
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The difference between levered cash flow and unlevered free cash flow can determine if a business has the means or financial ability to expand its operations.
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The gearing ratio is a measure of financial leverage that indicates the degree to which a firm's operations are funded by equity versus creditor financing.
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Find out how the U.S. federal government effectively nationalized the American student loan market with a small section of the Affordable Care Act of 2010.
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During an acquisition, there is a short-term impact on the stock prices of both companies. Typically, the target company's stock rises, while the acquiring company's stock falls.
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The terms bull and bear are used to describe general actions and attitudes, or sentiment, either of an individual or the market. But how were they named?
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A subprime mortgage is normally issued to borrowers with lower credit ratings. It typically carries a higher interest rate that can increase over time.
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Whether dealing with the economic effects of COVID-19 or simply trying to expand your business, a Small Business Administration (SBA) loan can help. Get details and learn how to apply here.
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A royalty income trust is a type of special-purpose financing (similar to an MLP), created to hold investments or their cash flows in operating companies.
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ZSI Admit Card | Download Junior Technical Assistant & Others @ zsi.gov.in – The Zoological Survey of India has decided to conduct the exam for the post of Junior Technical Assistant, Librarian, Information Assistant, Junior Zoological Assistant, Library Clerk, Office Attendant & Others for the 225 vacancies. Therefore the ZSI Exam will be conducted in 10th to 12th June 2020 and the Zoological Survey of India Admit Card will be released in 01st week of June 2020. Hence, the details in the admit card should match the details with the application form details.
Candidates who are going to take down the examination must get the ZSI Hall Ticket from here. The Zoological Survey of India will allow for the exam only the candidates who carrying the admit card. Therefore, the officials will not allow any of the students to the exam hall without the hall ticket. Candidates must check the below information should be presented on the ZSI Call Letter.
Candidates Name
Name of the Candidate's Father
The venue of the Exam Centre
Date & Time of the Test
Reporting Time to the Exam Hall
Gender (Male/ Female)
Roll Number
Duration of the Online Test
Space for Invigilator's Signature
Registration Number
Name of the Test Centre
Category of the candidates
Space for Applicant's Signature
Name of the Exam Conducting Board
Photograph of the Candidate
Applicant's Date of Birth
Name of the Written Test
Important Guidelines for the Exam Takers
Full Name of the Applicant
Examination Centre Code
Signature of the Board Counselor
Zoological Survey of India Exam 2020
The board decides to conduct the exam on 10th June to 12th June 2020. Therefore, examiners can get the ZSI Syllabus & Previous Papers from the official portal. Download it and utilize the pdf files to prepare for the exams. Follow the rules & regulations stated in the ZSI Admit Card. It is an important document that has to be carried for all the examinations and the selection rounds conducted by the board.
Identity Proofs along with ZSI Exam Admit Card
Another important thing for the examination is to carry the Original Identity Proofs along with the ZSI Call Letter. Aspirants who are going to appear in the examination are suggested to carry any one of the original document issued by the Government of that respective state.
Original Photograph
Voter Card
Pan Card
Employee ID
College ID
PAN Card
Passport
Driving License
Any other ID proof issued by a Gazetted Officer
Bank Pass Book with the photograph
How to Download ZSI Hall Ticket 2020?
Click on the ZSI Admit Card 2020.
Enter the Registration Number and Password on the home page.
Now enter the image in the box that is available on the page.
Log in to get the ZSI Admit Card.
Admit Card page will appear on the screen.
Fill the needed credentials into the hall ticket which are asked.
After filling recheck the details that you have entered.
Once done with the checking Submit the admit card.
Finally, download the hall ticket after the submission.
Take a photocopy of the 10th June to 12th June Hall Ticket.
Carry for the exam and for the upcoming selection rounds.
Get direct link of All Odisha Police Admit Card 2020 | Check @ odishapolice.gov.in – The Odisha Police Department releasing various recruitment notifications every year. The applied applicant can find the Odisha Police Admit Card from here. To help the aspirants this page covered with the important links of Odisha Police Jobs. Also, candidates can get the complete details of the exam such as the name of the post, number of vacancies, selection process, exam date, etc.
Odisha Police Driver Admit Card – Overview
The Odisha Police Department released a recruitment notification for 231 Driver posts. Therefore the board will conduct the exam in May 2020 (Tentatively) and the Admit Card will be released in May 2020(Tentatively). The applied aspirants can download the Odisha Police Hall Ticket through the below given. Hence below-given link will get activated only when the admit card released on the official website.
The Odisha Police Driver Admit Card contains all vital details about the students. Below are a few general details are given and it should be available on your Odisha Police Hall Ticket. Aspirants need to check and ensure the below-given information presented without correction.
Student Name
The venue of the Exam Centre
Date & Time of the Test
Reporting Time to the Exam Hall
Gender (Male/ Female)
Roll Number
Duration of the Test
Space for Invigilator's Signature
Registration Number
Name of the Test Centre
Space for Applicant's Signature
Name of the Exam Conducting Board
Photograph of the Student
Applicant's Date of Birth
Name of the exam
Important Guidelines for the Exam Takers
Full Name of the Applicant
Examination Centre Code
Signature of the Board Counselor
Important Documents to be carried along with Odisha Police Admit Card
As per the Update from the Odisha State, candidates need to carry their Admit Card, along with one Original Government ID Proof. It avoids duplication before writing the exam. The candidate who failed to carry the Government Proof along with their Odisha Police Hall Ticket, will not be allowed to enter the exam hall.
Aadhar Card
Voters ID
Driving License
Passport
College/School Identity Card
Pan Card
Steps to download the Odisha Police Admit Card
The step by step procedure has given to download Odisha Driver Admit Card from the official site. Following the given steps can help the applicants to find & download the Driver Hall Ticket from the official site of odishapolice.gov.in.
Click the below-given link.
Find the Driver Admit Card with post name
Open the link and enter the login credentials
After, enter details appeared on the screen
Check the presented details or correct
Finally, download the admit card
Print the Hall Ticket and carry for the Odisha Police Examination.
Important Links
The below-given links are important to download the Odisha Driver Admit Card. Through the below-given applicants need to download the Odisha Driver Admit Card before the last of the exam. If any difficulties persist while downloading the Odisha Police Admit Card, candidates need to contact the official support by clicking here. Only the candidates who hold the Odisha Driver admit card can be allowed to entire the exam hall.
Odisha Police Recruitment 2020: 50 Technical Staff Posts in Odisha – Download Application Here!! The Odisha Police Notification has released. There has been an announcement to recruit 50 candidates. The posts available are for Technical Staff posts. Qualified candidates are welcomed to apply online for these posts. Candidates can get all the details of Odisha Police jobs here. The application has been started for the posts. The last date to apply for Odisha Police Recruitment is 20th April 2020.
Odisha Police Recruitment 2020-21
Candidates interested to apply for Odisha Police Recruitment can read all the details below. Here you will find information on education qualification, age limit, selection process, application process and other important details for Police Jobs in Odisha. You can also refer to the official notification for more details. Once the candidate has confirmed eligibility, they can then proceed to apply. To apply for the job, you will have to download the Odisha Police Application Form using the link below. The steps for the application have also been given below. If you want to know more about the Odisha Police, click on the website link below or visit www.odishapolice.gov.in. Candidates interested in Odisha Government Jobs, make use of this opportunity.
The Odisha Police, truncated as either OP or OPS, is the law authorization office for the province of Odisha in India. It is headquartered in Cuttack, the previous capital of Odisha.[1] The Odisha Police is going by a Director General of Police, presently Bijaya Kumar Sharma, IPS and falls under the domain of the state's Home Department of the Government of Odisha. The authorized staff quality of Odisha Police is 72,145; including ladies as 33% of it all out endorsed quality in the straightforwardly enrolled posts of common constable, sub-examiner and agent administrator of police. This accomplishment makes it one of the principal in that viewpoint among the police administrations of India. Along with the arrangement of Odisha, the "Orissa Police" got its foundation on first of April 1936. The division was a power containing 4000 prepared men all things considered.
The Sanctioned Strength of Odisha Police is around 73,424 staff. Odisha Police initiates 33% ladies in the legitimately enrolled posts of Civil Constables, Sub-Inspectors and Deputy Superintendent of Police. Executive General of Police is the head of Police in the State. The State Police Headquarters is situated in the verifiable City, Cuttack. D.G.P. likewise has a Camp Office in the Capital City Bhubaneswar. There is one Police Commissionerate working in Bhubaneswar Cuttack twin City from the year 2008 with its home office situated in Bhubaneswar and Seven Police Ranges, for example, Focal Range, Cuttack, Eastern Range, Balasore, Western Range, Rourkela, Nothern Range, Sambalpur, Southern Range, Berhampur, North Central Range, Talcher, South Western Range, Koraput. There are 34 Police Districts as against 30 Revenue Districts with two extra Police Districts working in Rourkela and Berhampur thinking about the significance of these two Cities.
BMC Recruitment 2020: Online Application for 114 Ward boy posts in Maharashtra @ portal.mcgm.gov.in!! The Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai (MCGM) has released the BMC notification. There has been an announcement to recruit candidates to the post of Ward boy. There are 114 vacancies at the moment. Qualified candidates are called to apply online for BMC jobs. Interested candidates can get all details below and apply for the same via email. The applications have already started. The last date to apply for this BMC Recruitment is 17th April 2020. Selected candidates will be placed in Maharashtra.
Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation Recruitment 2020-21
For all the interested candidates, we have provided the details of MCGM vacancy below. Here, you can find information on the vacancy, education, selection process and others. Candidates can also refer to the MCGM notification for more details. Once the candidate had confirmed eligibility, they can apply on the email address given. All the details to apply are given in the sections below. To know more about Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai (Also known as Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation), click on the website link below or visit the official website @ mcgm.gov.in!!
Overview of Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai Jobs 2020
Name of the Organization
Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai OR Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation
The details of the vacancy as given in the BMC Recruitment 2020 is as below
Name of the Post
Number of Posts
Ward Boy
114
Total
114
Eligibility Criteria for BMC Recruitment 2020
Candidates interested in BMC Jobs can check their eligibility with the details below to apply. Candidate must be between the age of 18 years and 38 years to be eligible for these MCGM jobs. Aspirants must have completed a minimum of 10th std to be eligible.
Academic Qualification:
Candidates must have completed their 10th standard from a recognized board or institute in India
Read the official notification for more details on BMC Careers.
Age Limit:
Minimum Age – 18 Years
Maximum Age – 38 Years
For age limit as given in the BMC Recruitment 2020, refer to the official notification
Selection Process:
Interview
Document Verification
Pay Scale for MCGM Recruitment 2020:
Selected candidates will be paid Rs. 18,000/- to Rs. 56,900/- per month for these posts
Refer to the official website for details on the pay scale for BMC Jobs
BMC Online Application Fee:
Candidates may read the official notification to get more details on BMC online application fees
How to apply for BMC Recruitment 2020?
Download the notification from below
Read the details and check if you are eligible for the posts
If eligible, download the application form from the notification
Fill in all the details and make sure to attach photograph, signature and other documents
Scanned copy of the application form should be sent via email
Email ID:
wardboy@mcgm.gov.in
Address:
The Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai, Comprehensive Thalassemia Care, PHO and BMT Centre, Opp Kanakia Exotica, CCI Compound, Borivali (East) Mumbai-400012
The Brihanmumbai Municipal (BMC) Corporation otherwise called Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai (MCGM) (in the past the Bombay Municipal Corporation and the Municipal Corporation of Greater Bombay (MCGB) till 1996) is the administering metro group of Mumbai, the capital city of Maharashtra. It is India's most extravagant metropolitan corporation. The MCGM's yearly spending plan surpasses that of a portion of India's littler states. It was set up under the Bombay Municipal Corporation Act 1888. MCGM is answerable for the urban framework and organization of the city and a few rural areas. In 2014, Trishna Vishwasrao turned into the primary female corporator to fill in as its leader.
The MCGM is going by an IAS official who fills in as Municipal Commissioner, employing official power. A quinquennial political race is held to choose corporators, who are answerable for essential municipal foundation and implementing obligation. The Mayor, more often than not from the lion's share party, fills in as leader of the house. As of June 2008, all managerial business in the MCGM was directed in Marathi, a choice that started the controversy, following which the BMC facilitated it's position and started tolerating structures in English. Starting in 2017, the MCGM's governing body, otherwise called the Corporation Council, comprised of 227 individuals. 2017 was the first run through 31 up-and-comers challenged from a solitary ward (164). Raghvendra Singh was the most youthful free up-and-comer at age 21.MCGM is one of the most extravagant metropolitan companies in Asia
Central Railway Recruitment 2020: Online Application for 92 Paramedical Staff in Nagpur @ www.cr.indianrailways.gov.in!! RRC Central Railway Notification has been released. They have announced 92 vacancies. The CR Posts available are Paramedical staff. The complete details have been given below. Qualified candidates are invited to apply for these Central Railway Jobs via email to the id given below. Interested candidates can check details below. The application for these RRB CR jobs has started. The last date to apply for Central Railway Recruitment is 20th April 2020. Selected candidates will be placed in Nagpur, Maharashtra.
Central Railway Recruitment 2020-21
Interested candidates will find all the details below. Here candidates will be able to confirm if they are eligible for the posts or not. Read all the details given in the sections below. Candidates can also refer to the official notification for more. Once the candidate is sure of eligibility for the Central Railway Recruitment, they can proceed to apply online. To apply, download the application form from the notification. Fill up the details and send it via email to the email id given. Follow the steps to make sure your Central Railway Application form does not get rejected. If you wish to know more about the Central Railway, click on the website link below or visit the official website @ www.cr.indianrailways.gov.in. You can get more Maharashtra Government Job details here. Make use of this opportunity.
The railway zone was formed on 5th November 1951 by the group of several government-owned railways, including the Great Indian Peninsula Railway, the Scindia State Railway of the former, Nizam State Railway, Wardha Coal State Railway and the Dholpur Railways.
The Central Railway zone included large parts of Madhya Pradesh and part of southern Uttar Pradesh, made it the largest railway zone in India in terms of area, track mileage and staff. These areas became the new West Central Railway zone in April 2003.
The Central Railway General Manager's official residence 'Glenogle'-a Grade II-B heritage bungalow, is located on Bhausaheb Hire Marg (Mount Pleasant Road), adjacent to the Maharashtra Chief minister's official residence 'Varsha' in Malabar Hill, Mumbai.
RBI Recruitment 2020: Online Application for 39 Consultant, Administrator, Analyst and Other Vacancies in Mumbai!! The Reserve Bank of India has released its RBI Notification to recruit candidates for various posts. The posts available are Consultant, Administrator, Analyst & Other. There are 39 RBI Vacancy that needs to be filled at the moment. Interested and eligible candidates are invited to apply online for these posts through the RBI Apply Online link below. Aspirants can read the notification and start to apply online from 09th April 2020. The last date to apply for RBI Recruitment is 29th April 2020. Selected candidates will be placed in the Mumbai Branch of the Reserve Bank of India.
Reserve Bank of India Recruitment 2020-21
Interested candidates can find all the RBI Job details below. Read the details carefully to check if you are eligible. You can also refer to the RBI Notification for more information. Once you have confirmed your eligibility for these RBI Posts, you can proceed to apply online. Click on the RBI Online application link given below to start applying. Follow the instructions given to apply. If you want to know more about the Reserve Bank of India, click on the official website link given in the table below or visit www.rbi.org.in.
Overview of RBI Jobs 2020
Name of the Organization
Reserve Bank of India (RBI)
Number of Vacancies
39
Name of Post
Consultant, Administrator, Analyst & Other
Advertisement Number
3/2019-20
Date of Advertisement
27th March 2020
Starting date of application
9th April 2020
Closing date of application
29th April 2020
Job Category
Bank Jobs
Job Location
Mumbai
Application process
Online Application
Official Website
www.rbi.org.in
Details of RBI Vacancy 2020-21:
The details of the vacancy as given in the RBI Recruitment 2020 is as below
Name of the Post
Number of Posts
Consultant – Applied Mathematics
3
Consultants – Applied Econometrics
3
Economist – Macroeconomic Modelling
1
Data Analyst/ MPD
1
Data Analyst/ (DoS – DNBS)
2
Data Analyst/ (DoR – DBR)
2
Risk Analyst/ (DoS – DNBS)
1
Risk Analyst/ (DEIO)
2
IS Auditor
2
Specialist in Forensic Audit
1
Accounts Specialist
1
System Administrator
9
Project Administrator
5
Network Administrator
6
Total
39
Eligibility Criteria for RBI Recruitment 2020
Candidates interested in RBI Jobs can check their eligibility with the details below to apply.
Academic Qualification:
Name of the Post
Education Qualification
Consultant – Applied Mathematics
PG Degree in Mathematics/ Applied Mathematics 3 Years working experience in Mathematics/ Applied Mathematics/ Banking/ Financial Sector or Experience in Academics and Research with a University
Consultants – Applied Econometrics
PG Degree in Applied Econometrics/ Statistics/ Economics 3 Years working experience in areas of Applied Econometrics/ Statistics/ Economics/ Banking/ Financial Sector or Experience in Academics and Research with a University
Economist – Macroeconomic Modelling
Post Graduate Degree in Economics/ Economic Modelling/ Macroeconomics/ Econometrics/ Development Macroeconomics/ Applied Statistics 3 Years of experience in advanced econometric methods and ability to handle, process and analyze large time series datasets using packages such as Matlab, R, Eviews and familiarity with data and research of global bodies such as OECD, BIS, IMF and World Bank
Data Analyst/ MPD
PG Degree in Statistics/ Econometrics/ Mathematics/ Mathematical Statistics/ Finance/ Economics/ Computer Science or BE/ BTech in Computer Science 5 Years of experience in the area of Data Analytics, Data Science or Statistics/ Econometrics in commercial banks/ financial companies/ financial services organization/ IT services companies
Data Analyst/ (DoS – DNBS)
Post Graduate Degree in Statistics/ Econometrics/ Mathematics/ Mathematical Statistics/ Finance/ Economics/ Computer Science or BE/ BTech in computer science 5 Years experience in the area of Data Analytics, Data Science or Statistics/ Econometrics in commercial banks/ financial companies/ financial services organization/ IT services companies
Data Analyst/ (DoR – DBR)
Post Graduate Degree in Statistics/ Econometrics/ Mathematics/ Mathematical Statistics/ Finance/ Economics/ Computer Science or BE/ BTech in computer science 5 Years experience in the area of Data Analytics, Data Science or Statistics/ Econometrics in commercial banks/ financial companies/ financial services organization/ IT services companies
Risk Analyst/ (DoS – DNBS)
Post Graduate Degree in Statistics/ Applied Statistics/ Economics/ Finance/ Management 5 Years of experience in risk modelling in areas of credit/ market/ liquidity risk in scheduled commercial bank or systemically important NBFC or in a rating agency
Risk Analyst/ (DEIO)
Post Graduate Degree in Statistics/ Applied Statistics/ Economics/ Finance/ Management 5 Years of experience in commercial banks/ financial companies/ financial services organizations with 2 years experience in the area of Treausury Operations, Credit Risk
IS Auditor
BE/ BTech/ MTech in Computer Science/ IT/ Electricals and Electronics or MCA with specialization in Information Security/ IT Risk Management/ Information Assurance/ Cyber Security and Digital Threat Management 5 Years experience in information security in commercial banks/ financial companies/ financial services organisation/ IT services companies/ Telecom companies
Specialist in Forensic Audit
CA/ ICWA/ MBA (Finance)/ PGDM 5 Years of specialized work experience in the area of forensic audit and being part of the forensic audit team in state or central government undertaking or department
Accounts Specialist
CA/ ICWA 5 Years of experience in commercial banks/ financial companies/ financial services organizations with two years of experience in the area of treasury operations, credit risk
System Administrator
BE/ BTech/ MTech in Computer Science/ IT/ Electricals and Electronics or MCA 5 Years of experience (including probation/ training) in areas of implementation, configuration, operations and maintenance of Mainframe (z/OS)/ Virtualisation Management Software/ ORACLE/ DB2 in commercial banks/ financial companies/ financial services organizations/ IT companies
Project Administrator
BE/ BTech/ MTech in Computer Science/ IT/ Electricals and Electronics or MCA 5 Years experience (including probation/ training) in computer engineering, coding, interface establishment, script application, storage management, multiple operating systems (example, Windows, Unix and Linux) and RDBMS systems, project management through all phases of project life cycle knowledge of FISMA and respective security controls in commercial banks/ financial companies/ financial services organizations/ IT companies
Network Administrator
BE/ BTech/ MTech in Computer Science/ IT/ Electricals and Electronics or MCA 5 Years of experience (including probation/ training) in IT Sector in handling large network and adequate knowledge of routing and switching protocol in commercial banks/ financial companies/ financial services organizations/ IT companies
Age Limit:
Name of the Post
Age Limit as on 01st March 2020
Consultant – Applied Mathematics
Minimum Age – 30 Years Maximum Age – 40 Years
Consultants – Applied Econometrics
Minimum Age – 30 Years Maximum Age – 40 Years
Economist – Macroeconomic Modelling
Minimum Age – 30 Years Maximum Age – 40 Years
Data Analyst/ MPD
Minimum Age – 30 Years Maximum Age – 40 Years
Data Analyst/ (DoS – DNBS)
Minimum Age – 30 Years Maximum Age – 40 Years
Data Analyst/ (DoR – DBR)
Minimum Age – 30 Years Maximum Age – 40 Years
Risk Analyst/ (DoS – DNBS)
Minimum Age – 30 Years Maximum Age – 40 Years
Risk Analyst/ (DEIO)
Minimum Age – 30 Years Maximum Age – 40 Years
IS Auditor
Minimum Age – 30 Years Maximum Age – 40 Years
Specialist in Forensic Audit
Minimum Age – 30 Years Maximum Age – 40 Years
Accounts Specialist
Minimum Age – 30 Years Maximum Age – 40 Years
System Administrator
Minimum Age – 25 Years Maximum Age – 35 Years
Project Administrator
Minimum Age – 25 Years Maximum Age – 35 Years
Network Administrator
Minimum Age – 25 Years Maximum Age – 35 Years
Selection Process:
Written Test
Interview
Document Verification
Pay Scale for RBI Recruitment 2020:
Refer to the official website for details on the pay scale for RBI Jobs
RBI Online Application Fee:
General Candidates – Rs. 600/-
SC/ ST Candidates – Rs. 100/-
How to apply for RBI Recruitment 2020?
Open the notification from the link given below
Read all the details carefully and check if you are eligible for the posts
If eligible, click on the online application link
Fill in all the details asked for
Attach documents that are required
Pay the application fee as necessary
Submit the application form before the last date and take a print out for reference
Address:
Reserve Bank of India, Mumbai Regional Office, Shahid Bhagat Singh Road, Fort, Mumbai – 400001
About Reserve Bank of India (RBI) The Reserve Bank of India was established on April 1, 1935, under the provisions of the Reserve Bank of India Act of 1934. The central office of the reserve bank was established in Calcutta but was definitively transferred to Mumbai in 1937. The central office is the seat of the governor and politicians. Although it is privately owned since the nationalization in 1949, the Reserve Bank is wholly owned by the Government of India. The Reserve Bank of India performs this function under the direction of the Board for Financial Supervision (BFS). The Board of Directors was formed in November 1994 as a committee of the Central Board of the Reserve Bank of India.
The specific characteristics of the Indian economy, including its socioeconomic characteristics, force the Reserve Bank to operate with multiple objectives. The regulation, supervision and development of the financial system remain within the legitimate framework of monetary policy widely interpreted in India. The role of communication policy is, therefore, to articulate the hierarchy of objectives in a given context in a transparent manner, emphasizing a consultative approach, as well as the autonomy of political operations and harmony with other elements of macroeconomic policies.
Objectives of RBI:
The Reserve Bank of India Law of 1934 establishes the objectives of the Reserve Bank:
“Regulate the issuance of banknotes and the preservation of reserves to guarantee monetary stability in India and, in general, exploiting the country’s monetary and credit system to its benefit, having a modern monetary policy framework to face the challenge of an increasingly complex economy, to maintain price stability considering the growth objective. ” The formulation, framework and institutional architecture of monetary policy in India have evolved around these objectives: maintaining price stability, ensuring an adequate flow of credit to support growth dynamics and guarantee financial stability. The responsibility to ensure financial stability has involved the acquisition of extended powers and operational objectives of the Reserve Bank for the regulation and supervision of the financial system and its components, the money, debt and equity segments.
Exchange of financial markets and settlement system. The Reserve Bank has worked to build a solid, efficient and diversified financial system to anchor financial stability and facilitate the effective transmission of monetary policy. Besides, the Reserve Bank pursues operational objectives as part of its main function of issuing banknotes and currency management, as well as representation functions, such as the management of bank accounts (government/centre) and the management of public debt; Banker of the banking system, including the regulation of bank reserves and the lender of last resort.
New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to announce an extension of the Covid-19 lockdown in his morning address to the nation while a relaxation of curbs is likely to start rolling out from the rural heartland, said people with knowledge of the matter.Farming will be central to this process of easing — rabi harvesting and procurement operations along with allied industry segments will be allowed to operate with adequate safeguards, said the people cited above. The rabi season contributes nearly 50% to foodgrain production."Harvesting and procurement has to start... that is priority," said one of them. "Other activities and sectors that support these would also have to be opened up with safety precautions." For example, procurement may require construction and that may require cement, which may also have to be opened up. Although the health and home ministries favour total containment, other ministries have backed a selective opening up in view of the broader consequences of a stalled economy. 75132265The Centre is compiling inputs from ministries and states on graded relaxations in the second phase of the lockdown starting April 15. The home ministry will be issuing revised guidelines to all states under the Disaster Management Act, 2005. The current three-week lockdown is due to end April 14.'Supply Chains Interlinked'The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade, commerce, agriculture, micro, small and medium enterprises, road transport, food processing and other ministries have communicated with the home ministry on the process of opening up, said an official. Detailed guidelines will be issued based on discussions by the finance ministry with other ministries and feedback from industry.Easing some aspects of the lockdown has become imperative to ensure supply of essentials as supply chains are interlinked, said another official."Distribution channels are closely interconnected — distributor, dealer and retailer," he said. "Besides, there are inter-linkages in manufacturing as well." For instance, an oil manufacturing unit needs to be supported by a packaging unit, a printing unit and these in turn need adequate supply of inputs to keep the chain going, he said.Non-BJP-ruled states such as Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu issued orders on Monday under the Epidemic Disease Act, 1897, to extend the lockdown until the end of April. Other opposition-ruled states such as West Bengal, Punjab, Odisha, Telangana and Delhi have also announced they will be extending the lockdown. The BJP-ruled states will take their cue from the Prime Minister's address. However, Uttar Pradesh said on Monday that construction activity on government projects such as roads and expressways would begin from April 15 with workers practising social distancing. This may feature in the home ministry's revised guidelines for the next phase of the lockdown.Niti Aayog has also given a detailed plan on easing the lockdown."Extension of complete closure would have severe consequences for the economy, so partial opening up is the only option," said an official.The order will specify guidelines on health and the movement of persons that states will need to follow, said one of the persons. State governments will need to ensure that adequate safety protocols are followed on the ground."Wide consultations are going on with the primary factor of labour being considered," said an official. "States have to find out how much labour is migrant and how many are stationed at their homes to be able to draft an exit strategy."Industries need to ensure proper ventilation and sanitisation of workers while entering and exiting the factory."The textile industry ranges from handloom to sophisticated factory floors," said the official. "In case of handlooms, wherein people don't have to work close to each other and usually operate from home but have to go to the markets to sell their products, these are not problem areas but the entire value chain is linked. We can't have a strategy for garments but not for yarn."Industry Plan For Farm ProduceThe Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) has drawn up a comprehensive guidance document on safety measures during postharvest and mandi operations to ensure smooth supply of farm produce.CII said the current crisis has impacted harvesting operations for rabi crops such as wheat, mustard, pulses, oilseeds, tomato and mango. Arrivals and prices in mandis have been impacted and every effort needs to be made for a resilient farm sector. The rabi season is critical for foodgrain, oilseeds and pulses security."The agri and food supply chains are vulnerable to massive disruptions which can further impact availability and prices, hence proactive measures for safety and health of farmers and workers are required at both the farm as well as mandi level," said CII director general Chandrajit Banerjee. "While the country is in lockdown mode, it is essential that harvesting and post-harvest activities remain functional so that farmers do not suffer and crops are not lost."The health ministry said in the daily briefing on Monday that the importance of "saving lives and livelihoods" was reflected in the implementation of the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Yojana with 300 million people getting ?28,526 crore in financial assistance.
Mumbai: India's top listed companies may post a sharp fall in revenue and profit for the fourth quarter of FY20 due to largescale shutdown of factories, offices and public places in the second half of March.Revenue for Nifty50 firms, which include some of India Inc's biggest companies, may fall 8% while net profit is expected to slide 21.4%. An analysis by the ET Intelligence Group shows the worst-hit will be automobiles, cement, metals and mining. Banks and finance companies, FMCG firms, IT and pharma sectors may be impacted moderately, the analysis shows.Net profit for this sample of companies had risen 54.8% in December 2019 quarter, driven by growth in select banks, finance, and oil & gas firms. But that is unlikely to be repeated for at least the next six months of FY21."The impact of Covid-19 is quite severe for FY21. We expect Nifty's earnings growth to turn flattish for FY21 compared with our earlier forecast of more than 20% rise," said Gautam Duggad, institutional research head, Motilal Oswal Securities. 75132300Consumer-facing sectors are unlikely to be impacted much due to demand for essentials, but discretionary spend will be hit. "Staples should be reasonably resilient, while discretionary spending will be hurt," said Sunil Tirumalai, research head at Emkay Global Fin Services.'Investors Need to be Patient'"Also, some export categories, including pharma and agrochem, should fare better," said Tirumalai.Lower commodity prices may boost some manufacturing companies, but that is likely to be offset by tepid demand and sales. The operating margin of Nifty50 companies may contract 200 basis points to 18.6% from the year-ago period, shows the ETIG analysis."We do expect margin benefit from lower input costs, but they may still contract due to lack of operating leverage as revenues would be severely impacted," said Duggad.For investors, patience is the key as a turnaround is at least two quarters away, said experts. In addition, companies are expected to face earnings downgrades by brokerages amid the economic slowdown. "We see 18% and 15% cut to Nifty EPS for FY21 and FY22, respectively, from the current consensus level," said Duggad.AutomobilesAutomobiles is likely to be among the worst-hit sectors as it will bear the combined impact of lower production due to new emission norms and the nationwide lockdown. Revenue may decline by over 26% year-on-year, while profit could be half of the previous quarter. Operating margins may shrink by 200-300 basis points.Capital GoodsCapital goods firms may suffer as new orders, most of which are typically won during the fag end of the year, dry up. Diversified conglomerates such as L&T may suffer limited impact due to better execution of projects. While these companies will lose little by way of revenue, working capital requirements will stay stretched in the near term.CementCement volumes are expected to fall by nearly 9% year-on-year while revenues of large cement companies such as ACC, Ambuja Cements, Shree Cement and UltraTech could fall 15-17%. Lower crude prices could cushion the earnings shock.FMCGITC is likely to be the worst-hit due to a complete halt in cigarette sales, and its volumes could drop by 4-5%. Among FMCG players, bulk-buying of essential and personal hygiene products in the last 10 days of March may support volumes growth.
NEW DELHI: Executives at Oyo have submitted "invalid" no-objection certificates from about 70 hotels to online travel agency (OTA) Booking.com last week, to change the ownership listing of the properties to the SoftBank-backed chain from rival Treebo, people familiar with the matter, including several hotel owners, have alleged.Brands like Oyo and Treebo list their properties on other platforms like Booking.com, besides their own apps and websites. OTAs have to be given NOCs from property owners to list any ownership changes.Hotel owners ET spoke to said they received queries from Treebo on the matter. Treebo also shared Booking.com's clarifications subsequently with them, they said.As per its email to Treebo, which ET has seen, Booking.com said after making necessary checks it had identified that the NOCs provided by Oyo on these properties were "invalid". In its email, Booking.com also stated it had escalated the matter to Oyo's leadership team.Most of the properties on the list were formerly with Oyo.Oyo didn't respond to an email from ET seeking comment till press time Monday. 75132275Booking.com did not specifically respond to ET's queries, but said it required its accommodation partners to abide by all the applicable laws and compliances. "There is a standard process that we follow at Booking.com for listing properties and the same process is being followed right now as well," the Amsterdam-headquartered company stated.A Treebo spokesperson did not name Oyo but said one of its competitors had used fake documents recently to try to wrongfully take control of the OTA listings of several of its partner properties. "As a standard procedure in case of all such takeovers, Booking.com intimated us. When we checked with our partners, all of them vehemently denied providing any such documents or agreeing to join this competitor," the spokesperson said. "So, this was clearly a fraud act directed at taking advantage of the relative inactivity of hotel owners due to Covid-19."Vivek Soni, who owns hotel One Lovelock in Kolkata, said he had not given any NOC to Oyo, but his property was on the list the company had given to Booking.com. "The NOC is fake. I was previously with Oyo and they owe me over Rs 12 lakh. The agreement with Oyo was for 14% commission and they went on to deduct 29% without informing me," he said. "When Oyo did not settle my accounts, I moved to Treebo."
Mumbai: Invocation of offshore guarantees given by Indian companies, pressure from overseas lenders, and takeover attempts by deep pocketed foreigners amid plummeting stock and asset prices are among the concerns creeping in as Covid-19 continues to impact business and life.Indian companies offer guarantees to secure contracts and lower borrowing cost of overseas subsidiaries and group companies. Many of them are beginning to fear that liquidity crunch and dip in earnings could make the situation difficult for them. There is also a question mark on whether companies would be able to service their external commercial borrowings (ECBs) — often unhedged against foreign currency fluctuation — due to fall in sales and exports."Some of these concerns have been shared with us... Companies want Covid-19 to be covered as a force majeure event so that they can defer their obligation. Companies with ECBs are also under pressure," said Gopal Krishna Agarwal, BJP's national spokesperson on economic affairs. 75132503Takeover Safety NetsUnlike the three-month moratorium given by local lenders on interest and loan repayment, no such relief is offered by offshore banks.According to Agarwal, even though there are certain concerns among companies, they should not fear hostile acquisitions as there are enough laws in India relating to securities market and competition that discourage such takeover bids.The recent open market purchase of over 1% shares of HDFC by People's Bank of China may have stoked a simmering fear. But, a senior fund manager told ET that such concerns are overplayed as China has been buying through various vehicles and exchange traded fund.The development, however, comes at a point when countries like Germany and Australia—the second largest recipient of Chinese investment since 2007—have tightened rules on foreign investment.Recently, the European Union's competition chief told the Financial Times newspaper that EU member countries should buy into companies to counter the threat of Chinese takeovers. However, market circles believe that new restrictions on foreign investments—either on portfolio or strategic investments — would not go down well among investors.The more immediate worries are encashment of offshore guarantees and pressure to fulfil ECB obligations. "Entities are exploring various options, including restructuring their overseas borrowings amongst group companies which have a better financial position. In certain cases these steps also involve a specific approval from the Reserve Bank of India," said Moin Ladha, partner at Khaitan & Co.According to Ashish Pyasi, Associate Partner at Dhir and Dhir Associates, "There are contracts, guarantees, as well as ECB terms with force majeure provision which may cover a pandemic like Covid-19. To give respite from the payment obligations, if government comes up with some support, either at monetary level or suspension of performance of these obligations for some time in accordance with bilateral treaties, it will make things easier for guarantors." But this, said Pyasi, could take time.
MUMBAI: Truckers and transporters are increasing prices by as much as 80% and freighter operators are adding surcharges for transportation of goods as they grapple with regulatory challenges, shortage of manpower and a huge slump in supply.This will increase logistics costs for companies and products' cost as well, industry executives said.Truckers have increased tariffs by up to 80%, said people aware of the matter. Blue Dart has implemented a 25% emergency situation surcharge (ESS). Air India said it will increase freight charges by 90% per kilo if it doesn't have sufficient cargo to ferry."Truck rentals have shot up for essential items such as fruits and vegetables despite a waiver of toll fee, motor vehicle taxes and some other incentives such as deferment of EMIs on truck loans," said SP Singh, a senior fellow at the Indian Foundation of Transport Research and Training.
Mumbai: Invocation of offshore guarantees given by Indian companies, pressure from overseas lenders, and takeover attempts by deep pocketed foreigners amid plummeting stock and asset prices are among the concerns creeping in as Covid-19 continues to impact business and life.Indian companies offer guarantees to secure contracts and lower borrowing cost of overseas subsidiaries and group companies. Many of them are beginning to fear that liquidity crunch and dip in earnings could make the situation difficult for them. There is also a question mark on whether companies would be able to service their external commercial borrowings (ECBs) — often unhedged against foreign currency fluctuation — due to fall in sales and exports."Some of these concerns have been shared with us... Companies want Covid-19 to be covered as a force majeure event so that they can defer their obligation. Companies with ECBs are also under pressure," said Gopal Krishna Agarwal, BJP's national spokesperson on economic affairs. 75132503Takeover Safety NetsUnlike the three-month moratorium given by local lenders on interest and loan repayment, no such relief is offered by offshore banks.According to Agarwal, even though there are certain concerns among companies, they should not fear hostile acquisitions as there are enough laws in India relating to securities market and competition that discourage such takeover bids.The recent open market purchase of over 1% shares of HDFC by People's Bank of China may have stoked a simmering fear. But, a senior fund manager told ET that such concerns are overplayed as China has been buying through various vehicles and exchange traded fund.The development, however, comes at a point when countries like Germany and Australia—the second largest recipient of Chinese investment since 2007—have tightened rules on foreign investment.Recently, the European Union's competition chief told the Financial Times newspaper that EU member countries should buy into companies to counter the threat of Chinese takeovers. However, market circles believe that new restrictions on foreign investments—either on portfolio or strategic investments — would not go down well among investors.The more immediate worries are encashment of offshore guarantees and pressure to fulfil ECB obligations. "Entities are exploring various options, including restructuring their overseas borrowings amongst group companies which have a better financial position. In certain cases these steps also involve a specific approval from the Reserve Bank of India," said Moin Ladha, partner at Khaitan & Co.According to Ashish Pyasi, Associate Partner at Dhir and Dhir Associates, "There are contracts, guarantees, as well as ECB terms with force majeure provision which may cover a pandemic like Covid-19. To give respite from the payment obligations, if government comes up with some support, either at monetary level or suspension of performance of these obligations for some time in accordance with bilateral treaties, it will make things easier for guarantors." But this, said Pyasi, could take time.
Crude oil prices were highly volatile last week in anticipation of an Opec+ deal. On Sunday night the oil producers' group agreed to a plan to slash production by 9.7 million barrels per day from May, ending the price war between Saudi Arabia and Russia.The agreement followed four days of intense negotiations after Mexico declined to endorse the original agreement. The deal is a little less than the market expected given that Mexico has gotten off easy. The market is very sceptical that Opec+ is actually going to be able to come up with their near 10 Mbpd of production cuts.The production restraints are set to last for about two years, though not at the same level as the initial two months. Copying the model adopted by central banks to taper off their bond buying, Opec will also reduce the size of the cuts during the course of two years. After June, the 10 Mbpd cut will be tapered to 7.6 Mbpd until end of the year, and then to 5.6 Mbpd through 2021 until April 2022.In the US, the huge jump in jobless claims was overshadowed by a series of new Fed programs, including one that will buy junk debt and another that will offer four year loans at 2.5-4 per cent for 'main street' firms with less than 10,000 employees and $2.5 billion in annual revenue. The announcement gave a small lift to risk trades, but was a big anchor on the dollar.Opec dealRussia has reportedly agreed to slash output by 2 Mbpd, while Saudi Arabia will cut four million bpd from its record-setting April production levels of 12.3 Mbpd. That's a cap of 8.3 Mbpd, with both expected to bring down their respective production to around 8.5 Mbpd.The US, Brazil and Canada will contribute another 3.7 Mbpd on paper, as their production declines and other G20 countries will cut an additional 1.3 Mbpd. The G20 doesn't represent real voluntary cuts, but rather reflect the impact that low prices have already had on output and would take months, perhaps more than a year to occur.Mexico will reduce output by 100,000 bpd and rejected its 400,000 bpd share of original deal and the exception granted to Mexico may drive cracks through Opec+. Now its future inside Opec+ is uncertain, as it's expected to decide over the next two months whether to leave the alliance. The lack of formal contribution from Non-Opec nations such as Canada, Norway and Brazil is also disappointing. The market is sceptical on compliance and there will be a lot of scrutiny on oil producing nations. For the last two decades, Mexico has bought so-called Asian style put options from a small group of investment banks and oil companies, in what's considered Wall Street's largest and most closely guarded annual oil deal.The options give Mexico right to sell its oil at predetermined price. They are equivalent of insurance policy: the country's banks gain from higher prices, but enjoy the security of a minimum floor. So if oil prices remain weak or plunge even further, Mexico will still book higher prices.The hedge isn't the only reason Mexico is holding out. But it strengthens country's hand and makes it less desperate for a deal than countries whose budgets have been ravaged by the collapse in oil prices since the start of the year, first because of the coronavirus and then because of the price war launched by Saudi Arabia.In US, where the legislation makes it hard to act in tandem with cartels reported that output will fall steeply by itself this year due to low prices. US Secretary of Energy Dan Brouillette reported that US was already on track for a production decline of 2-3 Mbpd. Further, he underlined that the country is taking action to open strategic petroleum reserves to store as much oil as possible. This will take surplus oil off the market at a time when commercial storage is filling up and the market is oversupplied.Despite Opec+ reaching an agreement to reduce crude production and effectively stopping the price war, oil prices still fell. Countries are leaking big money — for instance, estimates put Russia is losing some $100 million a day from not reaching an agreement to cut crude production sooner.But even if producing countries fulfil their commitments to cut output, would that be enough to stem the crude oil oversupply and the resulting impact on prices?Global oil consumption is down by at least 25 per cent and could have gone beyond 30 per cent without intervention. That's equivalent to 30 million bpd.So what impact could an optimal output cut of 10 million to 15 million bpd make? The deal doesn't take effect until May 1, leaving Opec+ countries, which have significantly increased production over the last month, able to continue flooding the market for nearly another three weeks.Storage woesThe Middle East's main oil-trading hub has run out of room to store unwanted barrels. Terminal operators at Fujairah in the United Arab Emirates say they're turning down requests from traders and refiners to store crude and refined products, whereas a year ago they had ample space. Demand for storage, an unglamorous, but essential link in global energy supply chain, is at its highest in years. With oil prices on the floor, building up reserves makes sense anyway, and China and India have already started. But storage space is limited. Oil traders estimate that China could buy an extra 80 million to 100 million barrels this year. Meanwhile, India is asking state-run refiners to buy 15 million barrels of crude from Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Iraq to fill its tanks. Beyond those three countries, there's little storage capacity elsewhere.Diplomatic winThe biggest winner appears to be US President Donald Trump, who refused to actively cut American oil production and personally brokered the deal over phone calls with Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, Russian President Vladimir Putin and King Salman of Saudi Arabia.With the virus paralysing air and ground travel, demand for gasoline, jet-fuel and diesel is collapsing. That threatened the future of the US shale industry, the stability of oil-dependent states and squeezed the flow of petrodollars through an ailing global economy. Ultimately, this looks like a great political move that will shield Opec and Russia from further criticism. They cut by 22 per cent and until the rest of the world does the same, oil prices are now their problem. Will the deal fix the market?This deal fails to address the oversupply issue and these kinds of cuts will need to be in place for months if not a year to come anywhere close to solving the problem. The crude outlook continues to be bleak, despite the unprecedented production cuts.Scale of demand destruction in the immediate term is too big for anyone to manage. Rather, the deal should be viewed as limiting the damage – in terms of bloated inventories – and allowing the market to stage a modest recovery.Global oil inventories will still increase by more than 730 million barrels this year, rising roughly 8 per cent above last August's record 9 billion bbl. The cuts basically aim to prevent even larger inventory build up, which could otherwise hang over market and depress prices for another two years.This week's deal could in theory drain that inventory build by mid-2021, although this would require a strong rebound in demand growth and pretty strict compliance with the deal. Another year of market pressure seems likely, but things would have been much worse without this agreement – with prices likely diving to single digits near-term. Opec and other producers are playing a long game and Opec+ must have confidence that the US and others would do their bit.(Investors are advised to consult financial advisers before taking an investment calls based on these observations)
If there is an extended lockdown, it could have a bearing on private banks and delinquencies could then actually trickle down to some of the consumer finance companies. Would you also say that this is a valid concern?It is a fair point given the fact that the lockdown may continue at least till 30 April. Clearly if you see, India's largest consumer finance company Bajaj has mentioned that if that were to persist, earliest they would see a recovery would be by December quarter. So the fear of higher delinquencies is very real. Reflecting on the valuations of all these players, I think they are progressively compressing. I would not be surprised if the NBFC space especially the consumer finance NBFC space sort of suffers even more because right now they have not been given the dispensation by RBI. So at one hand, they have to keep on paying the interest to the banks and the bond holders where as on the other hand they would have give a moratorium to their end customers. So I think the space is clearly under pressure and for the next six months, the entire financial space will remain under pressure. The players who will do well will be the larger banks. The private sector banks have corrected quite a bit and if you take Axis and ICICI, they are trading close to book. HDFC has come down close to historic low valuations. Kotak is also compressing gradually. So in the short term, there is a pressure but I think in the longer term or if we take six months, these guys will come back far stronger because they are building this time to actually grow a significant CASA. It is more out of fear that people are actually moving money and consolidating their savings and deposits in some of these well-established larger banks.An interesting move on Zee today. How do you read into that given that I am not seeing any immediate trigger, but the stock is definitely seeing huge volatility?Zee has a concern more over this new investment that they are looking to make which in my view is a pretty brave step considering that the stock has been under tremendous pressure in regard to the promoter debt and balance sheet debt. On top of this, you are seeing another commitment that they have made to one of their subsidiary companies in terms of supporting it. I think that is something which is adding to the pressure which already the stock was under, bringing back volatility. In fact, at one level people were starting to look at Zee purely from a valuation perspective but I think this development has spooked investors once again.From the pharma pack, which of the heavyweights are you keen on right now; from a Dr Reddy's to a Lupin to a Cipla, everything has been on the move? Right now it seems to be that pharma has become a consensus trade and everybody is talking about ramping up pharma in their portfolios. But in such times, pharma seems to be the space where people feel that this is a nondiscretionary item and that its consumption will continue. However, if you really look at it from a pure business perspective, nothing really has changed for most of these pharma companies in this last one month with regard to whether their plants were under compliance norms, with regard to the pricing pressure in the US market and so on and so forth. But we have seen a run up. Surely there are a few pharma companies who will do very well in this scenario and if I were to really take among the larger ones, I would sort of look at Sun more than anyone. Do earnings really matter now or is it only the visibility in commentary on what these companies will actually see going forward is going to be critical because the quarterly earnings are going to be of the previous three months?Most companies lost about 15 days of earnings. We heard about Godrej Consumers talking about quarterly numbers being down in the mid teens but the corresponding impact on profitability is far larger for the quarter. So, there is one stock where you could possibly have some negative surprise emanating from quarterly earnings and that would go across many many companies. Clearly this year is virtually dusted and gone by and most people have discounted it. Most people will be looking for some sort of handholding or comfort or guidance from companies in terms of how they see their businesses coming back, by what period they see it and what are some of the strategies that some of the proactive companies have put in place to exploit this situation to improve the market share and profitability. This earning season is going to be more about looking for the commentary from managements rather than earnings that had gone by.We all know the state of affairs of aviation. It is unlikely that people would want to travel immediately. On the other hand, airlines are readying with spaced out seating; not sure what pricing they will go for and whether it will actually be higher because there are fewer seats in order to attract people to travel. But what is your outlook on some of these aviation names?Aviation is going to take a longer time. It is going to gradually limp back. You are right. With social distancing being the norm at least for the next few months, airlines are going to be focussing on ensuring that you do not really have to pick up tickets at the counter and most of it will be e-ticketing. However, you will have to sort of go through normal security procedures. So if you are going to have an airline flying, to understand from an airline perspective, most of its costs are fixed in nature; so what it pays to the airports in terms of parking charges, its staff costs and ultimately in terms of whether they can carry an x number of people. It is the load factor which determines the profitability. So if you are going to work at much reduced load and same flight flying from one destination to the other and going to have low number of people, it means either ticket prices will have to go up or the government will have to significantly reduce duties as it is a highly taxed sector; whether it is in the form of lower charges that they pay at airports or in terms of lower excise on jet fuel and so and so forth if they do not want airline prices to go up. But clearly, there is going to be a reluctance on the part of most fliers to fly where only the most urgent need-based flying will take place. So I would think that either they will have to come up with a package to help the airlines in terms of their cost structure or enable them otherwise to reprice their tickets. If they try to put a cap on tickets without doing the other, airlines are going to be in more trouble. In fact they are going to incur more losses on a continuous basis.
NEW DELHI: Smartphone brands, grappling with plunging sales, may flood the market with new, aggressively priced devices and channel incentives hoping to capitalise pent up demand after the lockdown ends, analysts said. However, organic demand will be tough to generate till at least late in the year, with consumers uncertain about jobs and income levels, they said."When markets reopen, all the major OEMs (original equipment makers) will rush to address the latency in demand by heavily incentivising both offline and online channels," said Neil Shah, research director, Counterpoint Research.Almost all major phone brands have suspended launch of their latest offerings including Oppo Enco M31, Vivo V19, Realme Narzo and Xiaomi Mi 10, while keeping stocks on hold."If the Covid-19 situation gets normal by end of April, we should expect brands to resume product launches and devise pricing and marketing strategies to push sales," Shah said.Organic growth will be difficult and consumers will only buy a phone out of necessity or maybe settle for a refurbished one depending on their spending ability, he added.Faisal Kawoosa, founder & chief analyst of market research firm techARC, said offering discounts in the near-term would be challenging for handset makers because of the 6 percentage point hike in GST on mobile phones from April 1."Towards the festive season, OEMs may bring back discounts," Shah said.During April-August, Kawoosa said consumers will be cautious as many may lose jobs or incomes levels.
Wolverhampton => London arrive 1:00 Lunch 3:00 ………………………..(3) 5:00 book into hotel ………………….(4) theatre trip 11:00 back at hotel [can have something to……………………………(5)]
DAY TWO
London => ……………………………(6) 7:00 breakfast 9:30 Eurostar 1:00 book into Hotel …………(7) 5:00 – ………………(8) free time 8:30 dinner
Questions 9 and 10
Write NO MORE THAN THREE WORDS for each answer.
9. Why is there no tour of Brussels? ___________________________________
10. What will the group be visiting in Amsterdam? ___________________________________
SECTION 2
Questions 11-14
Complete the notes below. Write NO MORE THAN THREE WORDS for each answer.
BUSINESS PLANNING EXERCISE
FORM: PRESENTATION WITH …………………………………………. (11)
STUDENT TASK WHY
Mark financial……………………………(12) good at figures
Andrew helping Mark ……………………(13) with figures
Jessica helping Debbie good research skills
Debbie research ……………………………(14) good research skills
Questions 15 – 18
Complete the sentences below. Write NO MORE THAN THREE WORDS for each answer.
15. The presentation will be in…………………………………………………………………… weeks.
16. Jessica cannot work on the presentation next week because she’ll be………………………………………
17. Most of the basic work on the project will be done by……………………………………………………………..
18. The meeting to discuss the progress of the project will take place on………………………………………
Questions 19 and 20
Choose the best answer A – D.
19. What time will the final meeting take place?
A. 11:00 B. 12:00 C. 1:00 D. 2:00
20. Who will present the final talk?
A. a Japanese student B. Mark C. Jessica D. no one chosen yet
SECTION 3
Questions 21 – 27
Complete the interviewer’s notes below. Write NO MORE THAN THREE WORDS for each answer.
INTERVIEW NOTES
Position: Assistant in languages department
Interviewer: Mrs Davis
Applicant: ……………………………….(21) Barracco
Appointment: [changed day – has to meet…………. ………………….(22)] now…………………………..(23)
Application form already received and checked: Yes [] No [] (24)
English Level: Fair Good Excellent
Work Experience: Worked in a bank……………………………….(25)
To teach: ENGLISH / ITALIAN/ RUSSIAN
Commitments: Applied for place on……………………………….(26)
Details of teaching position: Teach course on……………………………….(27)
Questions 28 – 30
Write NO MORE THAN THREE WORDS for each answer.
28. What is the interviewee particularly concerned about? ________________________________________________
29 Where will the interviewee live? ________________________________________________
30 When will the interviewee find out if she will be employed as a teaching assistant? ________________________________________________
SECTION 4
Questions 31 – 32
Circle the correct answer A – D.
31 Tonight's ceremony is mainly
A to celebrate the centenary of the college. B to celebrate the achievements of the college over 100 years. C to present a prize to the college. D to present prizes to the students.
32 Government figures show that the college’s main strengths are
A teaching, research and care for students. B research and engineering. C teaching and engineering. D engineering research and care for students.
Questions 33 – 36
Complete each sentence in NO MORE THAN THREE WORDS.
33. In 1900, the area's traditional industries were…………………………………………… and agriculture.
34. The college originally wanted to help ………………………………………………………….. from the town and local area.
35. Dr Bart Halliday is………………………………………………………………………. for winning the Nobel Prize.
36. By 1917 it was producing………………………………..a year.
Questions 37 – 40
Write a short answer to these questions using NO MORE THAN THREE WORDS.
37. Why didn't Lucian Dewdley finish his studies? …………………………………………………………
38. What invention brought fame to the college? …………………………………………………………
39. In which other areas has the college become renowned? …………………………………………………………
40. How long has the speaker been Principal of the College? …………………………………………………………
Answer keys:
Smith
Six/6
tour of London/sites
6.30 (pm)
cat/drink/eat and drink
Paris
King George
8 (pm)
because of elections/blocked off roads
Van Gogh (accept Goph/Goff) exhibition
handouts
costing
experience
smaller companies
two
having (minor) surgery/in hospital
Debbie and Andrew
Thursday
B
D
Gina
father (in London)
Thursday aftemoon/2 o'clock
Yes
for two summers
Master's (course)
Italian media
money
(her) college (accommodation)
couple of weeks/two weeks
D
A
weaving and cutlery/agriculture and cutlery/ weaving and agriculture
the poorest boys/the brightest boys
famous/known
300 graduates/graduate engineers
because of illness
(Bell) racing engine
bridge building (technology)
12 years/a dozen years
BONUS EXERCISE: GAP-FILLING
The texts below are transcript for your IELTS Listening Practice Test. To make the most out of this transcript, we removed some words from the texts and replaced with spaces. You have to fill each space with the missing word by listening to the audio for this IELTS listening practice test.
IELTS Listening Practice Test for IELTS Academic and IELTS General Training Test takers
SECTION 1
Questions 1-4
Complete the following sentences using NO MORE THAN THREE WORDS AND/OR NUMBERS for each.
Martina Bila’s appointment with the accommodation officer is at ______________________.
Martina’s current accommodation is__________________ from the university than she expected.
The landlady is a _____________________ .
The ____________________ to the university isn’t good.
Questions 5-7
Choose the correct answer, A, B, C or D.
Martina is looking for
A. catered accommodation. B. self-catering accommodation. C. a place with a landlady. D. catered or self-catered university accommodation.
The accommodation officer received details of some accommodation
A. the day before Martina made the appointment. B. the day Martina made the appointment. C. the day after Martina made the appointment. D. the day before he met Martina.
When does the accommodation officer think other accommodation will be available?
A. In the next few days. B. In the next few weeks. C. Not for a long while. D. He doesn’t know.
Questions 8-10
Answer the following questions using NO MORE THAN THREE WORDS AND/OR NUMBERS for each.
How much do students pay for catered accommodation during term time?
What nationality are Martina’s new flatmates?
What will Martina lose?
SECTION 2
Questions 11-12
Answer the following questions using NO MORE THAN THREE WORDS for each answer.
What is the title of the series of presentations that David Price will make?
What item has David Price given each student?
Questions 13-14
Decide which TWO things David Price recommends doing 1 year before going abroad. You may write your answers in any order. Choose from the following list:
A. apply for scholarships B. consult tutor about current course C. make a precise budget for your studies abroad D. think about how you will pay your fees E. book accommodation F. pay your fees to the foreign universityQuestions 75-76
Questions 15-16
Decide which TWO things David Price recommends doing 6 months before going abroad. You may write your answers in any order. Choose from the following list:
A. get a new passport B. revalidate your passport C. ensure your passport is valid for at least six months D. get a visa for the country you are going to E. ensure your passport is full F. make sure your passport has some empty pages
Questions 17-18
Decide which TWO things David Price recommends doing 2 or 3 months before going abroad. You may write your answers in any order. Choose from the following list:
A. transfer money abroad B. get a plane ticket if costs are reasonable or low C. check how much luggage you can take D. check if flights arrive on time E. book accommodation F. make sure you have a conditional university offer
Questions 19-20
Complete the following summary of what students should do about health issues using NO MORE THAN THREE WORDS for each answer.
One month before leaving find out if you can get 19_________________where you are going to. Two weeks before you leave ask your doctor to 20_______________ giving reasons for any medicines you are taking with you.
SECTION 3
Questions 21-23
Answer the following questions using NO MORE THAN THREE WORDS for each answer.
What was the student surprised to discover he had a lot of ?
What does the student need to learn the fundamentals of ?
On what basis should the student prepare his schedules ?
Questions 24-26
Complete the following notes using only ONE word for each gap.
Professor s suggestions: • make a plan for your studies
• make a plan for your free time
24___________________ plans if necessary see how much time you need for activities as you 25______________ with you studies keep schedules balanced and 26___________________
Questions 27-30
Choose the correct answer, A, B, C or D.
The professor points out that the university language centre
A. would certainly be useful for the student. B. is likely to be useful for the student C. is available for students. D. has a wide range of materials.
The professor suggests that the student-
A. join the support group for students on his course. B. join the support group for students from his country. C. identify problems that people from his country have in Britain. D. create a support group.
The student says that
A. he doesn’t know anyone on his course. B. he doesn’t know the overseas students on his course. C. there are no people from his country on his course. D. there are few overseas students on his course.
The International Student Advisor recommended a book
A. but didn’t say the title clearly. B. but couldn’t remember the title. C. for all students. D. for overseas students.
SECTION 4
Questions 31-34
Complete the following sentences using NO MORE THAN THREE WORDS for each answer.
Students whose previous educational experience was_often find It hard to become independent learners.
A student or staff member might become a_to a student working independently.
Study trips provide opportunities for independent students to learn off_
The ELC is used by students on a_basis.
Questions 35-37
Complete the notes concerning the example of Mary and Jim using NO MORE THAN THREE WORDS for each answer.
talk to the English tutor at the ELC
35 _______________ materials
decide which materials to use first and how
discuss problems, 36______________ and evaluate each other
review using notes
decide if 37 ______________ has been achieved
continue with topic or move to another
Question 38
Decide which of the following can be used by independent learners. Write all the correct letters in any order.
A. tapes
B. computer programmes
C. letters
D. discussions with native speakers
E. newspapers and magazines
Questions 39-40
Decide which of the following places independent learners can learn at. Write both the correct letters in either order.
A. libraries
B. the International Student Affairs Office
C. museums
D. shops
E. cafes
Answer keys
Section 1, Questions 1-10
1 ten/10 o’clock 2 further 3 heavy smoker 4 bus connection 5 D 6 C 7 D S £37.50 9 British (and) Indian 10 (her) deposit
Section 2, Questions 11-20
11 Countdown to Departure 12 (a) guide 13-14 IN EITHER ORDER A, D 15-16 IN EITHER ORDER D, F 17-18 IN EITHER ORDER B, C 19 free health treatment 20 write a letter
Section 3, Questions 21-30
21 free time 22 time management 23 weekly or monthly 24 revise 25 progress 26 realistic 27 C 28 D 29 D 30 C
Section 4, Questions 31-40
31 teacher focussed 32 (personal) mentor 33 (the) campus 34 self-access 35 identify suitable 36 compare notes 37 initial aim 38 IN ANY ORDER B, C,E 39-40 IN EITHER ORDER A,C
BONUS EXERCISE: GAP-FILLING
The texts below are transcript for your IELTS Listening Practice Test. To make the most out of this transcript, we removed some words from the texts and replaced with spaces. You have to fill each space with the missing word by listening to the audio for this IELTS listening practice test.
S: Hello. My name is Martina Bila. I made an [………………………………]to see you at 10 o’clock. I’m a little early. Is that OK?
A: No problem. We’re not very busy at the moment. You said on the phone that you weren’t happy with your [………………………………]and were thinking of changing.
S: That’s right.
A: May I ask what the problem is exactly?
S: To be honest, there’s more than one [………………………………]. The main problem is that the accommodation is farther than I imagined from the [………………………………].
A: I see. And the other problem or problems?
S: The other problem is that the landlady is quite a [………………………………]. I’m a non-smoker, and I’m afraid that I find it quite [………………………………].
A: I’m sorry about that. Weren’t you given the option of accommodation with smokers or non-smokers?
S: I’m afraid that’s really my fault. I don’t mind light smokers, but I didn’t get my accommodation [………………………………]very much in advance, so most of the accommodation had gone by the time I [………………………………]. However, a friend told me that there is sometimes accommodation … er … you know … er … accommodation becomes available [………………………………]because some people leave the university or change their place … er … the place where they live, so I thought maybe …
A: I see. Yes, it is important to [………………………………]accommodation well in advance, though it isn’t always [………………………………]. However, your friend was correct. We do get some accommodation available mid-term. Just give me a minute to find your [………………………………]on the computer….
S: Yes, of course.
A: Now, your current address is [………………………………], isn’t it?
S: Yes.
A: Yes, that’s a fair way away. The bus connection isn’t too good either, is it? I think that it would be better to focus on that as the reason for moving, rather than the smoking [………………………………]. However, I will change the information in the computer to say that this accommodation is only [………………………………]for smokers or people who don’t mind heavy smokers. That way we can [………………………………]similar problems in the future.
S: That sounds like a good idea.
A: Now, the good news is that there is plenty of accommodation available nearer the university. The bad news is that it is more expensive.
S: That’s OK. I expected that. Is there anv catered or [………………………………]university accommodation available? That would be ideal.
A: I thought you might be [………………………………]in that. The day after you phoned, a place became available. It’s [………………………………], so it’s the most expensive type of accommodation, but it’s yours if you want it.
S: There’s no self-catering accommodation available?
A: Not at the moment. Something could become available at any time. Vmt then again, vou might have to wait weeks.
S: I understand. Can I just check the cost?
A: It’s [………………………………]per week. You also have to pay [………………………………]during the Christmas and Easter holidays, [………………………………]of whether you are there or not. That sum doesn’t include [………………………………]during those periods.
S: But summer holidays are not included?
A: That’s right. Students are permitted to stay in [………………………………]accommodation during holidays but they usually have to move to a different flat.
S: I see. And do I pay monthly?
A: Yes, but don't worry if you’re a few days late. It [………………………………]quite often and we don’t mind too much.
S: Can I see a picture of the accommodation?
A: Sure,.., It looks like this, You can see that there is a [………………………………]for each student and a common living room and bathroom. There are no
cooking facilities, but many students buy a [………………………………].
S: Can you tell me anything about the people I'd be living with?
A: There are two girls there, One is British and one is Indian. They are studying law and marketing [………………………………]. They’re the same age as you, 20. And they’re not smokers!
S: That sounds perfect. If I don’t give mv [………………………………]a month’s notice, she gets to keep the [………………………………], doesn’t she?
A: That’s normally stated in the rental [………………………………], yes. I’d like to be able to keep this university accommodation available, but I’m afraid I can’t. If someone else wants it and takes it…
S: I understand. I'll take it. Can I move in on the first day of next month?
A; What day is it today? 22nd. Yes. That should be fine. Give me a minute to print out the standard rental [………………………………]…
SECTION 2
Presenter: Welcome everybody. Are you all sitting [………………………………]? My name is David Price and this is our first meeting in a series of [………………………………]called “Countdown to Departure”. I know that you have just [………………………………]here for your year-long course prior to [………………………………], but it is certainly worth taking the time to [………………………………]… to think about events that will take place a year, or almost a year, from now. I have [………………………………]this useful guide to planning your time abroad. Please follow the suggested [………………………………]closely. It is vital that you get each thing done on time. If you can get things done earlier than we suggest in the [………………………………], that’s great, but certainly don’t leave them later than we [………………………………]. If you do not get these things done on time, it could [………………………………]your study abroad or at least delay it by a year.
Now, we are currently one year from [………………………………], so you should start applying for [………………………………]programmes and [………………………………]immediately-if you haven’t already. Consult your tutors for further advice on these points. You should also [………………………………]a rough estimate of your study and living [………………………………]and consider how to pay for them. We’ll be looking at that in more detail during the next meeting. You should start [………………………………]accommodation abroad as soon as you have [………………………………]a place on a course. Arranging accommodation can be a rather [………………………………]procedure and can take a while. At the same time, ask the university about your options for paying your fees.
The next point on your [………………………………]is six months before you leave. At that point, you need to check your [………………………………]and, if you are going to need a new one, deal with that [………………………………]. Remember that your passport might need to be valid for the whole of the period you intend to be abroad, but that you can often renew your passport at your [………………………………]in the country where you are studying. In any case, your passport needs to be valid for at least six months after you enter the country where you intend to study. It might seem [………………………………]to get your passport in order so early before you go, but [………………………………]that you have to get your visa as well. You should do that around six months before leaving too. Bear in mind one final, simple, point. Make sure that your passport has a few [………………………………]left for visas and stamps.
Two or three months before, departure, you should ask your bank about the options for [………………………………]money to the country you’ll be studying in and setting up a [………………………………]there. You should also start looking at booking your flight to the country you’ll be studying in. in order to get the best rates. The cost of flights [………………………………]considerably from carrier to carrier, and even between different [………………………………], and depend a lot upon the time of year you are flying. Booking in advance can save you a [………………………………]sum of money. When vou book your flight, vou should check with the [………………………………]or travel agent to find out what vour [………………………………]allowance is. At the same time look into booking your other travel within the country you're going to from the airport where you will arrive. Don’t forget to buy travel [………………………………]when you book any flights. Finally, still two or three months before [………………………………], make sure that you have an [………………………………]letter of [………………………………]from the university you’re going to attend. This is vital as it facilitates entry clearance if into the country.
Next, about one month before leaving, find out whether you will be entitled to [………………………………]free health [………………………………]in the country you are going to and find out how much you will have to pay if not. Look into arranging health insurance if [………………………………]. Also buy currency and travellers’ [………………………………]to cover your first few weeks in the country. Watch the exchange rates and pick a good time, but do not leave it too late. If you are buying travellers’ cheques or a large [………………………………]of money or currency, your bank may need a while to [………………………………]this. Another thing to do is to find out what you can take into the country and what items are [………………………………]. Finally, find out whether your home [………………………………]will cover your belongings while they are abroad. If not, arrange suitable insurance or look into the [………………………………]of arranging a policy in the foreign country.
The last point on this timetable is two weeks before you leave. At this time, you need to do two things. One is to ask your [………………………………]to write a letter explaining any [………………………………]medicines-what they are and why you are taking them. The second is to request a [………………………………]letter from your bank in your own country as this will help you to open a bank account [………………………………]. Now, let’s take a closer look at…
SECTION 3
Professor: Hello, Dinesh. Come in. You said on the phone that you had a few problems to [………………………………]with me. Tell me what they are and I’ll see what I can do to help.
Dinesh: Thank you very much, professor. I've been having some problems [………………………………]to the style of learning at a British [………………………………]and was hoping you could give me some advice.
Professor: I’ll do my best. You won’t be the first [………………………………]student to have problems. What’s your first problem?
Dinesh: Well, my first problem is [………………………………]my time. I mean, after I worked out my [………………………………]for lectures, seminars and tutorials, I was [………………………………]to find that I had quite a lot of free time. However, that’s how it looked on paper and not as it has turned out in reality.
Professor: I see. Take control of this time and organise it carefully. Time that is not organised can [………………………………]very quickly, leaving you [………………………………]to catch up on your work or even running out of time altogether. Learn the [………………………………]of time management. First, make weekly or monthly plans that set out your study [………………………………]for the week or month ahead. [………………………………]time for reading, and work out roughly how much you want to read in each [………………………………]. Plan time to research and write your essays or prepare [………………………………], so that you do not have to stay up late doing them at the last minute. Have you made such a plan?
Dinesh: No, I haven’t. That’s obviously something I should do. I can easily fill that free time with extra studies.
Professor: No, no, That’s not what I mean. Don’t plan to spend all your extra time studying. Remember to leave some time free for [………………………………], sports, seeing friends or simply relaxing. If you do not take time to enjoy yourself, your work will suffer and you will miss out on many other worthwhile [………………………………]. Make a timetable for your free time, if you like. Plan when to see your friends, play your favourite sport, or just hang out. Don’t [………………………………]to revise your plans if you need to. As you [………………………………]through your course, you will get a better idea of how much time you need for different [………………………………]. Adjust your schedules and keep them [………………………………].
Dinesh: So, you’re saying that I need to keep a [………………………………]between work and play and keep an eye on things to make sure that I’m not doing too much or too little.
Professor: That’s right. Feel free to show me your plan when you’ve made one.
Dinesh: Thank you. My next problem is coping with my course. Living abroad in a new [………………………………]makes studying more [………………………………]than usual. I’m worried about my progress and about how I will cope with [………………………………].
Professor: These concerns are natural, but do not let them [………………………………]you. Here are two simple ways you can stay in control of your studies. First, ask for regular meetings with your tutor-in your case, that’s me-to review your progress and [………………………………]any problems. You’re doing that now, so you’ve taken the first step. Let me know if you are having any language difficulties, though in your case that seems [………………………………]. As you are probably ^ aware, there .is aJanguage centre here where all students can use language-learning [………………………………], but it’s probably not of much use to you. Second, why not try to form a mutual support group with other [………………………………]students to discuss common challenges and to share useful ideas? This can be [………………………………]helpful if you find the teaching methods very different from those you have experienced before. Another type of support group could be other students in your subject area-get together with students on similar courses to discuss the [………………………………], swap ideas and give each other support.
Dinesh: Yes. The second idea is particularly good. As you know, there are not so many overseas students on this course, but I know some other students from my country on other [………………………………]here. I think that I feel overwhelmed because I have set myself [………………………………]goals. Just talking to you has made me realise that I need to take a more realistic [………………………………]and put my problems into perspective.
Professor: Just remember that whatever [………………………………]you may have-about new learning methods, [………………………………]your time, or handling your [………………………………]-there is someone here who can help. I’m happy to be that person. All you have to do is ask. [………………………………], I can offer you a practical solution.
Dinesh: Thank you very much. There is one other thing. When we had the [………………………………], the International Student Advisor [………………………………]a book that’s available from the campus [………………………………]. It’s not specifically for overseas students, but she said it was useful. I didn’t write it down. You wouldn’t happen to know the book I mean, would you?
Professor: I know it. I [………………………………]it. It’s called Learn How to Learn, by David Warner. I’m popping over to the bookshop myself now. Perhaps we could go together?
SECTION 4
Lecturer: Part of the role of university [………………………………]is to prepare students for their [………………………………]life and career. Part of this [………………………………]is to introduce and train students in [………………………………]learning-preparing them to [………………………………]their career as a continuous learning experience, rather than [………………………………]that the end of their university education [………………………………]an end goal beyond which there is no need for further learning. Therefore students are [………………………………]to develop as independent learners. An [………………………………]learner is one who takes [………………………………]for his or her own learning and is not always dependent on teacher being available to [………………………………]and correct. Such a student sets their own learning goals, makes their own [………………………………]as to when and how to study for these goals, and also [………………………………]their own [………………………………]and develops further goals. This is not always easy for students, particularly those whose [………………………………]education has been very teacher focussed with teaching [………………………………]mainly in lecture format and with little [………………………………]for the students to take any control of the learning process. At university, while much teaching is conducted via lectures, students are expected to become [………………………………]independent in their learning. Departments approach this issue in a number of ways. For example, they might provide personal [………………………………]. This could be a student or a member of [………………………………]who is available to discuss problems that the student might have and who will support the student in the process of becoming an independent learner. The second one [………………………………]the student to make certain choices about their course, either in the [………………………………]they choose to learn or in the way in which they choose to learn them. Thirdly, there is the provision of learning [………………………………]outside the confines of the campus, including study trips and student exchanges.
In the English Language Centre, we try to help the [………………………………]of learner independence. This English Language Centre is a self-access one. A [………………………………]centre is a place where learners come [………………………………]to improve the subject that they are studying. In the case of the English Language Centre we focus on English language. In a self-access centre it is the student who [………………………………]what to study, when to study, how long to study, what materials to use, how to use the materials, and how to assess [………………………………]. The learner is not, however, left totally alone. Learners are encouraged to come to the centre in groups, so that they can help each other in the learning process and there is also always an English teacher [………………………………]to answer any questions that students might have, to discuss their [………………………………], and to help the learner assess their work.
Let’s take an example. Mary and her friend Jim have decided they need to [………………………………]their report writing skills. They decide to go to the ELC twice in the next week, for two hours each time, from five o’clock to seven o’clock. The first thing they do is to talk to the English teacher there, to help them [………………………………]what particular [………………………………]of writing a report they find especially difficult. Having done this, they identify [………………………………]books, videos, or computer programs from the index, with help from the teacher if needed. Looking at the [………………………………], they decide which to use first, and how to best to use it. Working through the materials, they [………………………………]problems with each other, [………………………………]notes and evaluate each other’s work and progress. This process of working together is important, as the students are able to [………………………………]each other in the learning process. Of course, sometimes they need more help and so they ask the English teacher at the centre. When they have finished their studies, they review what they have studied, with help from their notes, and [………………………………]the extent to which they have, or have not, [………………………………]their initial aim In the light of this, they will decide to either do more work on the same topic, or move to another topic, either related to this one or something [………………………………]different.
There are many ways students can improve their English [………………………………]of a teacher. Firstly, they can use English language videos in [………………………………]with learning activities such as exercises to practise [………………………………]listening skills, questions to lead [………………………………]on the topic introduced by the video. They can do [………………………………]tasks that use the content of the video to focus on other [………………………………], such as learning vocabulary or understanding the [………………………………]used by the characters in the video. Secondly, they can use a computer programme to improve their [………………………………], by identifying, and then [………………………………], the individual sounds used in English. Thirdly, they can use a book to find a model business letter, for example, writing one of the same type, but with different information, and then discussing it with the ELC teacher before [………………………………]re-writing it. Finally, they can use newspapers or [………………………………]as stimuli for [………………………………]activities with a brief report written at the end, [………………………………]the discussion.
However, the development of an independent learner is not dependent on a [………………………………]like the ELC. Within the university, as well as within [………………………………]departments, the library, the Student Affairs Office and the Student Union all provide a range of [………………………………]for the student to develop as an independent learner. Outside the [………………………………]the opportunities are both physical and [………………………………]. The physical ones include [………………………………], museums and other centres, as well as various special interest groups. In the virtual world of the Internet the opportunities are both [………………………………]and vast. To conclude, in a world in which change is central to our continued [………………………………], the professional must have the [………………………………]and flexibility of a lifelong learner. A lifelong learner must be an independent learner, able to take [………………………………]for all stages of the learning process. It is the student’s responsibility to take advantage of the various opportunities on offer.
Practice every day to improve your IELTS listening skills. Don’t forget to visit IELTS Material website on a daily basis to find more practice tests for every skill in the IELTS Test.
Write NO MORE THAN ONE WORD OR A NUMBER for each answer.
PAN ASIAN AIRWAYS LOST PROPERTY REPORT FORM
Example Answer First Name Kirsty
Surname: Allen
Address: (1)………………………… Windham Road Richmond
Postcode: (2) ……………………….
Home tel. 020 8927 7651
Mobile tel. (3)………………………..
Flight Number: (4)…………………………….
Seat Number: (5)……………………………….
From New York
To London Heathrow
Questions 6 -8
Circle THREE letters A – F.
What items did Kirsty's bag contain?
A. 17 pounds
B. pens
C. her passport
D. a book
E. 200 dollars
F. her house keys
Questions 9 and 10
Choose a letter (A – D) that correctly answers questions 9 and 10.
9 What has Kirsty done regarding the loss of her credit card?
A. Informed the police but not the credit card company.
B. Informed the credit card company but not the police.
C. Informed both the police and the credit card company.
D. Informed neither the police nor the credit card company.
10. What must Kirsty do after the call regarding her lost handbag?
A. Call back after 1 1/2 hours.
B. Just wait for a call back.
C. Call back after 1 1/2 hours if she has heard nothing.
D. Call back the next day if she has heard nothing.
SECTION 2
Questions 11 -14
Label the locations on the map below
Questions 15 – 20
Complete the notes below.
Write NO MORE THAN THREE WORDS OR A NUMBER for each answer.
Notes on Student Facilities
Students' Union Very cheap Bookshop Food and drink available Parties! Offices – travel, welfare etc. Open 8am -12 midnight
Library Must register Tours every (15)………………………. for 2 weeks. Open 9am – 9pm (later during (16)………………………………..)
Refectory Cheap meals Lunch 12 noon – 3pm Dinner (17)…………………….. -8.30pm Types of food – favourites healthy ethnic (18) vegan Sports Hall Must join Athletic Union which – lets me use facilities lets me play for teams (19)………………………….. me all year Discount Card Costs (20) £……………………………. Gives me discounts on all uni. services
SECTION 3
Questions 21 – 25
Complete the table below
Write NO MORE THAN THREE WORDS for each answer.
John
Jane
Day of Arrival
Thursday
(21)……………………………
Subjects Studying
economics maths french
(22)………………………….. history music
Monday’s 9am lecture
french
history
Monday’s 2pm lecture
maths
(23)…………………………..
Wednesday afternoon sport selected
(24)………………………….
volleyball
Location of Sport
sports hall
(25)…………………………..
Questions 26 – 29
Write NO MORE THAN THREE WORDS OR A NUMBER for each answer.
26 Students can choose from how many essay titles for their first assignment?_______________________________________________________
27 Where did John travel during the summer?_______________________________________________________
28 What is the word limit for the essays?_______________________________________________________
29 When must the first essay be handed in by?_______________________________________________________
Question 30
Circle the correct letter A – C.
30. Where will John and Jane meet up later that day?
A. the economics course office
B. the economics common room
C. the campus cafeteria
SECTION 4
Questions 31 – 34
Choose the correct letters A – C.
31. Japan relies on oil tankers because…….
A. the country consists of islands.
B. the country has no pipeline network.
C. the country has no natural oil resources.
32. Professor Wilson says that oil tankers are…….
A. very safe.
B. quite safe.
C. quite unsafe.
33. According to Professor Wilson, the main cause of oil slicks is…..
A. accidents while loading and unloading oil.
B. collisions.
C. deliberate releases of oil.
34. According to Professor Wilson, slicks are rarely burned off nowadays because……
A. the oil is refined.
B. it usually doesn’t work.
C. it creates too much air pollution.
Questions 35 – 39
Complete the notes below.
Write NO MORE THAN THREE WORDS.
Oil exploration clean-up techniques
Techniques
Advantages
Disadvantages
The Containment Boom
Cheap and easy
Only good when there are (35)………………………..
Chemical Detergents
Good for treating (36)…………………………….
Chemicals remain in the water + kill marine life.
The Sponge
Oil remains permanently in the sponge.
The sponge mats turn into (37)…………………………….
Bacteria
Cheap Easy to administer Totally (38)………………………….
(39)…………………………..
Question 40
Complete the notes below.
Write NO MORE THAN THREE WORDS.
Optional essay question.
Remember to check out the faculty’s notice boards. You will find:
reading lists
essay questions
(40)………………………………………..
Answer key:
48
R16 GH7
07754 897 432
PA 365
E6
B
D
E
C
C
Student’s Union
University Library
Hall of Residence
Sports Hall
2 hours
Final exams
6 pm
Vegetarian
(Fully) insures
£50
Tuesday
Economics
free/nothing
Squash
Main sports hall
About 10
Africa and Asia
4000 words
30th October
B
C
B
B
B
Very calm seas
Larger slicks
Toxic waste
Eco-friendly
No (discernable) drawbacks/none
Deadline for submission
BONUS EXERCISE: GAP-FILLING
The texts below are transcript for your IELTS Listening Practice Test. To make the most out of this transcript, we removed some words from the texts and replaced with spaces. You has to fill each space with the missing word by listening to the audio for this IELTS listening practice test.
8. In the car, there is a_____________and a torch.
9. The registration number of the car is_______________
10. The car uses a______________ locking system.
SECTION 2
Questions 11-14
Answer the following questions using NO MORE THAN THREE WORDS for each answer.
11. How did the traveller hear about New York?
12. How many times had the traveller flown by plane?
13. What surprised the traveller about New York’s airport?
14. What happened in London?
Questions 15-17
Complete the following sentences using NO MORE THAN THREE WORDS for each answer.
15. The traveller liked the different kinds of______________________
16. Things that the traveller didn’t like in New York were the_____________________
17. From the flat, the traveller could see the___________________
Questions 18-20
Choose the correct answer or answers from A-D.
18. The traveller found New Yorkers to be
A. kind. B. rude. C. pushy. D. helpful.
19. Which people showed the traveller around New York?
A. Her friend. B. Her friends. C. Her friends’ neighbours. D. Strangers.
20. What events did the traveller see?
A. A chess tournament. B. The Feast of San Gennaro. C. The Annual African American Day Parade. D. Richmond County Fair.
SECTION 3
Questions 21-24
Complete the notes on how to teach kina esthetic learners using only ONE word for each gap.
21. Cestures-especially_____________ones.
22. Spell out words in the_____________.
23. Put_______________on board and students label it.
24. Students______________out words and others guess them.
Questions 25-27
Complete the following sentences about visual learners using NO MORE THAN THREE WORDS for each answer.
25. Flash cards can be different colours according to the____________________.
26. Students can____________________words In texts and ask their partners for meanings.
27. Lastly, Tina points out that____________________can be used.
Questions 28-30
Complete the summary on auditory learners using NO MORE THAN THREE WORDS for each gap.
Students listen to a 28_________________and draw what they hear or the teacher could describe a picture and the teacher and students can see whose picture was closest to the original.
Each student gets a flash card and holds up their card when the 29__________ is used in a song, poem or story. Students add a sentence to a story, including the word on their flash card.
The teacher gives the students lyrics with some words replaced by 30____________ words. Students listen to the song and make corrections.
SECTION 4
Questions 37-33
Complete the following sentences according to the information given by the tutor. Use NO MORE THAN THREE WORDS for each answer.
31. Note taking improves your ability to________________on what the speaker says.
32. Note taking allows you to get a_________________of the material being presented.
33. There are many ways of taking notes, but they must allow you to________________ contained in them and connect them together.
Questions 34-38
Complete the following notes according to the information given by the tutor. Use NO MORE THAN THREE WORDS for each answer.
Title of lecture: Write it down 34__________________
Direct signal For example 35______________you get this down."
Indirect signal Pausing. Speaking slowly, loudly. Using stress.
Repetition 30________________and add new information.
Book recommendation Tutor usually 37________________reading whole book.
General advice Avoid repetition 38________________obvious points. Summarize important ideas.
Questions 39-40
Complete the following notes on recommended books. Use NO MORE THAN THREE WORDS.
Title
Author
Suggested unit
39____________
Tony Lynch
6 and 12
Learning to Study in English
Brian Heaton and Don Dunmore
40________________
Answer keys:
Section 1, Questions 1-10
1. medium 2. 17 3. 31.05 4. insurance 5. Browne 6. Hectrix Electronics 7. Unit2/Two 8. first aid kit 9. K758 SMD 10. central
Section 2, Questions 11-20
11. (from) friends 12. none/never/0 13. lot of foreigners 14. (they) changed planes 15. buildings and monuments 16. crowds (and) (bad) weather 17. ocean 18. IN EITHER ORDER A, D 19. C 20. IN EITHER ORDER B, D
Section 3, Questions 21-30
21. finger 22. air 23. poster 24. act 25. part(s) of speech 26. highlight 27. spider diagrams 28. dictation 29. word or phrase 30. rhyming
Section 4, Questions 31-40
31. concentrate 32. deeper understanding 33. reproduce the ideas 34. in full 35. Make sure 36. Go back 37. doesn’t suggest 38. Omit 39. Study Listening 40. IN EITHER ORDER 5,10
BONUS EXERCISE: GAP-FILLING
The texts below are transcript for your IELTS Listening Practice Test. To make the most out of this transcript, we removed some words from the texts and replaced with spaces. You have to fill each space with the missing word by listening to the audio for this IELTS listening practice test.
Question 1-5: Complete the following information using NO MORE THAN THREE WORDS AND/OR NUMBERS for each gap.
Surname 1 …………………….
Given name Sharon
Address 2 …………………….. , Tipton, TP3 4MB
Date of birth 3 ……………………..
Type of membership annual
Amount due 4 ……………. £
Credit card number 4673 9702 0361
Expiry date 5 ………………………
Question 6-9: Label the diagram of the gym, using FOUR of the following six labels. Write the appropriate letter in the correct space on your answer sheet.
IELTS Listening Practice Test 21
A. free weights area D. refreshment area
B. ladies' changing area E. treadmills
C. men's changing area F. various machines
Question 10: Decide which pair of pie charts illustrate the membership of the gym and spa and write the appropriate letter on your answer sheet.
IELTS Listening Practice Test 21
Section 2: Question 11-20
Question 11 and 12: Complete the following sentences using NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS for each gap.
11. The university has produced a …………………. to inform students about the different accommodation options available.
12. All catered and self-catered accommodation is close to the ……………………….
Question 13-16: In boxes 13 -16 on your answer sheet, write
A. if the statement applies to catered accommodation
B. if the statement applies to self-catered accommodation
C. if the statement applies to private accommodation
D. if the statement is not mentioned at all by the accommodation officer
13. Meals are included in the rent.
14. This is the best accommodation for people who want to choose when they eat.
15. Most students live in this kind of accommodation.
16. This is the most expensive type of accommodation.
Question 17-20: Decide which letter on the map shows the location of each of the following university halls of residence.
IELTS Listening Practice Test 21
17. Malvern Halls
18. Grampian Halls
19. Brecon Halls
20. Sperrin Halls
Section 3: Question 21-30
Question 21-24: Answer the questions using NO MORE THAN THREE WORDS for each answer.
21. When did Jenny arrive at the university? ……………………..
22. What is Tom going to study? …………………….
23. What is Jenny going to study? ……………………..
24. What two items have the students been given? ……………………
Question 25-27: Complete the following sentences using NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS AND/OR NUMBERS for each gap.
25. Tom's Halls of Residence is named ……………………
26. Tom's accommodation is a ………………. from the campus.
27. Jenny's accommodation is near the campus, close to the …………………..
Question 28-30: Decide which three items Jenny needs to buy and write the appropriate letters on your answer sheet in any order.
A. binders
B. notebooks
C. notepaper
D. paperclips
E. pencils
F. pens
G. primer
H. printer paper
Section 4: Question 31-40
Question 31-33:
31. Which pie chart shows the ages of the Asian students surveyed?
IELTS Listening Practice Test 21
Which pie chart the main reasons Asian students wanted to study abroad?
IELTS Listening Practice Test 21
33. Which bar chart shows the percentage of Asian students who made Australia their first choice destination?
IELTS Listening Practice Test 21
Question 34 and 35: Answer the following questions using A NUMBER for each answer.
34. Approximately how many foreign students enrolled in Australia in the year 2000?
35. How much did Australia's education exports rise by last year?
Question 36-40: Complete the following sentences using NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS OR NUMBERS for each gap.
36. It became harder to get a ……………………… for the USA after September 11.
37. ……………………… of Asian students gave lower study fees as a reason for choosing Australia.
38. Asian students rank Australia number …………………. in terms of educational quality.
39. ……………………… programmes are unlikely to reduce the number of students going
abroad in the near future.
40. Asian students are increasingly using …………………… to help arrange their studies abroad.
Question 1-3: Answer the questions below. Write NO MORE THAN THREE WORDS for each answer.
Example: How did Peter and Joan last communicate with each other? on the telephone
1. What is going to be closed down? …………………..
2. What does Peter want to organize? ………………………
3. What does Joan suggest they get people to do? …………………………
Questions 4-6: Choose the correct letter. A, B or C
4. Which of the following might they need?
A. an orchestra
B. a caterer
C. a telephonist
5. Where will they probably hold the meeting?
A. the youth club
B. somebody’s living room
C. the village hall
6. When do they decide to hold the meeting?
A. they haven’t decided yet
B. at the weekend
C. some time during the week
Question 7-10: Complete the sentences below. Write NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS for each answer.
7. Dr Perkins is the best person to describe the ………………….. at the clinic.
8. Joan often meets Mr Sims’ wife ……………………
9. The editor of the newspaper might let them advertise …………………..
10. …………………. will be needed to go from door to door posting leaflets.
Section 2: Questions 11-20
Questions 11-14: Choose the correct letter A, B or C
11. What can visitors use free of charge?
A. pushchairs
B. child carriers
C. coats and bags
12. Which of the following can visitors buy at the shop?
A. coins
B. refreshments
C. postcards
13. When did the Grand Opening of the baths occur?
A. 1894
B. 1897
C. 1994
14. The Romans built on the site …………………….
A. after the Celts.
B. before the Celts.
C. at the same time as the Celts.
Question 15-20: Complete the summary below. Write NO MORE THAN THREE WORDS AND/OR A NUMBER for each answer.
The Great Bath is 15 …………………. deep. Around the bath area are alcoves where there were 16 …………………. and tables where bathers could relax. The water temperature of the Sacred Spring is 17……………………. The water is rich in 18 ……………………… In Roman times, the Sacred Spring was well-known for its 19 ………………….. The Temple was constructed between 20 …………………. AD.
Section 3: Question 21-30
Question 21-25: Answer the questions below. Write NO MORE THAN THREE WORDS AND/OR A NUMBER for each answer.
21. What is John researching? ……………………
22. Apart from pollution, what would John like to see reduced? ……………………….
23. According to Johns tutor, what can cars sometimes act as? ……………………….
24. How much does Johns tutor pay to drive into London? ………………………
25. In Singapore, what do car owners use to pay their road tax? …………………….
Questions 26-30: Complete the sentences below. Write NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS AND/OR A NUMBER for each answer.
26. In Athens, cars can only enter the city centre on ………………………..
27. 'BRT' stands for 'bus ' ……………………….
28. In London, after a new road tax was introduced, moped and bicycle use increased by ……………………..
29. Both Japan and Holland provide …………………… for those cycling to train stations.
30. In the USA, police officers on bikes make more ……………………. than those in patrol cars.
Section 4: Question 31-40
Questions 31-34: Complete the sentences below. Write NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS for each answer.
31. The lecture is intended mainly for those entering the ……………………, but is relevant to all students present.
32. The lecturer believes that too ………………….. a specialization can be damaging.
33. The number of …………………….. who were also writers is surprising.
34. The speaker believes that literature provides a ……………………. which medical schools do not.
Questions 35-40: What is said about each of these books? Choose your answers from the box and write the letters A-H next to questions.
A. It conveys the thrill of scientific discovery.
B. It is of interest to any natural historian.
C. This is a classic of scientific writing.
D. It is about the life of a scientist.
E. This book is now sometimes used in schools.
F. This is also a good travel book.
G. This book examines the dark side of human nature.
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