Battle of the brands

Soon after Cabinet cleared 100 percent Foreign Direct Investment in single-brand retail and 51 percent in multi-brand retail, the topic exploded across the Twitterverse.

Battle of the brands

Soon after Cabinet cleared 100 percent Foreign Direct Investment in single-brand retail and 51 percent in multi-brand retail, the topic exploded across the Twitterverse. Businessman Anand Mahindra weighed in with this: 'As far as I'm concerned, opposition to FDI in retail is regressive and short-sighted.

We need large investment and expertise in our supply chains.' A certain Pankaj Pachauri added: 'If we think Walmart is coming to compete with paan shops in villages, we need a reality check. Retail is opening in only 53 cities!' According to Amit Malviya: 'I don't understand this opposition to FDI. Isn't it a good idea to do business on someone else's money and create employment for your own?' And from Faking News: 'Breaking News: Congress buys minority stake in BJP, sees bright future as an opposition party.'

Until proven guilty
The Delhi High Court became a surprise trending topic after it reportedly suspended the sentence against former Telecom Minister Sukh Ram in the graft case and granted him bail. Kiran Kumar S reacted to the news with this comment: 'Delhi HC grants bail to Sukh Ram. Just watch the court premises to see if Harvinder Singh is around.' Arjun Bhimwal was more cynical: 'It's tough to understand our justice system. Delhi HC granting Bail to Sukh Ram? Why? Is old age creeping up on him?'

Farewell, Ustad
The death of Ustad Sultan Khan at 71 led to an outpouring of grief online. Someone using the handle Scratchy Singh tweeted: 'Jagjit Singh and Bhupen Hazarika, and now Ustad Sultan Khan. This has not been a good year for Indian music.' Musician Ehsaan Noorani added: 'Maestro Sarangi player Ustad Sultan Khan has left on his skyward journey. He will be missed here on earth.'

The last word
A question from journalist Rajdeep Sardesai: 'Most sequels don't succeed at the box office. Will Anna's third coming prove to be a hit?'

--u00a0Lindsay Pereira is Editor, MiD DAY Online (twitter.com/lindsaypereira)