Ragi and bajra have a new proponent in Krishna Byregowda, Karnataka’s young minister for agriculture. As his State is one of the major producers of millets in the country, he is pushing for these crops grown by poor farmers in arid regions as a way out for India which is fast emerging as the diabetes capital of the world. India competes with China on many fronts, but one area where it is sure to top is diabetes, he quipped.

“Rice and maida are the worst for humans,” he said inaugurating a road show in the capital for India’s first International Trade Fair for Organics and Millets, to be held in Bengaluru in January.

“When rice, wheat and sugar became aspirational food for Indians, nutrition went out of the window,” said Byregowda, adding that millets, which have a low glycemic index, could correct this imbalance.

Strategic moments

A circular from the government-citizen connect platform, myGov, has asked for 5 positive moments of 2017 to be shared with the Prime Minister. This is reminiscent of the India Shining campaign that attempted to convince citizens that ‘All is Well’ when food commodity prices had shot up during NDA I.

That sounds familiar even today when citizens are struggling with spiked petrol prices and vegetables getting costlier by the day.

Valley over villa

The official liquidator of the Bombay High Court has nailed the call for bids on the sale of Aamby Valley city.

The headline of the newspaper advertisement reads: “Why dream of a villa when you can own an entire valley?” The sale of the notoriously well -known Sahara property is on an “as is where is, whatever there is” basis.

Tomato torment

Worries for McDonalds in India don’t seem to be easing. This time the multinational food and beverage giant has been struggling with a temporary unavailability of tomatoes. A notice put up by the McDonalds management in remaining outlets reads — Unpredictable conditions have impacted the tomato crop; its quality; and its supply.

Preaching to the converted

Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Power and Renewable Energy RK Singh didn’t mince words when he lashed out at critics of hydropower projects. At an Assocham round table on the status of hydropower projects in the country, Singh said, “There are problems created by NGOs funded by good knows who.” Industrywallahs were jumping for joy when Singh concluded his opening note by saying, “You don’t have to convince me, you are preaching to the converted.”

Banking on style

Paytm founder Vijay Shekhar Sharma recently came under the public gaze for dressing differently at the Paytm Payments Bank launch event in the capital. He was suited-booted like a banker. Normally, he would in typical new-age entrepreneur fashion, go informal in jeans and a t-shirt. Asked why the change of look, Vijay replied: “I thought one day I will be known as a banker in denim. But I figured out they don’t call me banker because I am part-time non-executive chairman (in Paytm Payments Bank), which effectively means I am just a designation and not a role. I found out that it is better to don this dress (a suit ) as when you are in Rome, do what the Romans do.” As someone said,every institution is the length and shadow of an individual. Paytm Payments Bank is going to be an extension of Vijay Shekhar Sharma’s persona.

So why is there a dress code in the banking industry? How you dress conveys your commitment to professionalism, attention to detail and concern for your clients. Not dressing appropriately may give customers the impression that you don’t care about their perceptions or their money. When you’re handling other people's money, you need to present yourself as capable and professional. Vijay sure understands this.

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