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<ul><li>The BSE Sensex gained 1,410 points to close at 29,165. </li><li>The American government approved a massive $2 trillion economic stimulus, <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/finance/news/sensex-gains-1430-points-nifty-above-8700-mark-banks-among-the-top-gainers-on-the-equity-indexes/articleshow/74822954.cms">which helped Indian exchanges open in the green</a>. </li><li>SP Tulsian told CNBCTV18 that the markets will come back to ‘normal’ from tomorrow and is betting on banking stocks. </li></ul>After a long delay, Indian government today announced a ₹1.7 lakh crore stimulus package. Even as the BSE Sensex shed over 500 points while the finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman was speaking, the stock markets closed in the green - a feat that has become a rarity in the markets recently. The BSE Sensex gained 1,410 points to close at 29,165. However, it is lower than the intraday high of 30,048 indicating that investors expected more from the package. Nifty gained 323 points to close at 8,641 today (March 26). The US government’s stimulus might have had a hand in the market performance than that of the Indian government. The American government approved a massive $2 trillion economic stimulus, <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/finance/news/sensex-gains-1430-points-nifty-above-8700-mark-banks-among-the-top-gainers-on-the-equity-indexes/articleshow/74822954.cms">which helped Indian exchanges open in the green</a>. Sitharaman’s package doled out basic necessities to the “poorest of the poor”, and no aid to the industry. Aviation, hospitality and other sectors have been seeking it after India sealed its borders. When reporters asked about more possible stimulus, she evaded it saying that this stimulus was about aiding people. However, market experts believe that another stimulus is in the offing. "This is a package for lockdown impacted segments. Industry-specific measures are likely to be announced in the next package,” V Vijayakumar, chief investment strategist of Geojit Financial Services told PTI. Stock market experts also believe that the endless losing streak seen in the markets for the last few weeks, might finally end. “From tomorrow everything will be normal. I am positive on stocks like IT and banks. I am extremely cautious about stocks like Yes Bank and Jubilant Foods,” top market expert SP Tulsian told CNBCTV18. <table style="border-width: initial; border-style: none;"></colgroup><tbody><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 0.9960975000000001pt;border-right:solid #000000 0.9960975000000001pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 0.9960975000000001pt;border-top:solid #000000 0.9960975000000001pt;vertical-align:bottom;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">NSE Stocks </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 0.9960975000000001pt;border-right:solid #000000 0.9960975000000001pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 0.9960975000000001pt;border-top:solid #000000 0.9960975000000001pt;vertical-align:bottom;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Top gainers at 3:30 pm </td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 0.9960975000000001pt;border-right:solid #000000 0.9960975000000001pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 0.9960975000000001pt;border-top:solid #000000 0.9960975000000001pt;vertical-align:bottom;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">IndusInd Bank </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 0.9960975000000001pt;border-right:solid #000000 0.9960975000000001pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 0.9960975000000001pt;border-top:solid #000000 0.9960975000000001pt;vertical-align:bottom;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">46.00% </td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 0.9960975000000001pt;border-right:solid #000000 0.9960975000000001pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 0.9960975000000001pt;border-top:solid #000000 0.9960975000000001pt;vertical-align:bottom;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">LT</td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 0.9960975000000001pt;border-right:solid #000000 0.9960975000000001pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 0.9960975000000001pt;border-top:solid #000000 0.9960975000000001pt;vertical-align:bottom;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">10.% </td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 0.9960975000000001pt;border-right:solid #000000 0.9960975000000001pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 0.9960975000000001pt;border-top:solid #000000 0.9960975000000001pt;vertical-align:bottom;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Bajaj Finance </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 0.9960975000000001pt;border-right:solid #000000 0.9960975000000001pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 0.9960975000000001pt;border-top:solid #000000 0.9960975000000001pt;vertical-align:bottom;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">9.27% </td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 0.9960975000000001pt;border-right:solid #000000 0.9960975000000001pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 0.9960975000000001pt;border-top:solid #000000 0.9960975000000001pt;vertical-align:bottom;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Bharti Airtel</td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 0.9960975000000001pt;border-right:solid #000000 0.9960975000000001pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 0.9960975000000001pt;border-top:solid #000000 0.9960975000000001pt;vertical-align:bottom;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">8.37% </td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 0.9960975000000001pt;border-right:solid #000000 0.9960975000000001pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 0.9960975000000001pt;border-top:solid #000000 0.9960975000000001pt;vertical-align:bottom;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Hero MotoCorp Limited</td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 0.9960975000000001pt;border-right:solid #000000 0.9960975000000001pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 0.9960975000000001pt;border-top:solid #000000 0.9960975000000001pt;vertical-align:bottom;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">7.04% </td></tr></tbody></table> IndusInd Bank continued to maintain its stellar run and gained by 40%. Telecom giants Bharti Airtel and its subsidiary Infratel took over the top five gainers position from ICICI Bank and Axis Bank. Tech giants like HCL, Tech M and Reliance were among the top losers on NSE. <table style="border-width: initial; border-style: none;"></colgroup><tbody><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 0.9960975000000001pt;border-right:solid #000000 0.9960975000000001pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 0.9960975000000001pt;border-top:solid #000000 0.9960975000000001pt;vertical-align:bottom;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">NSE Stocks </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 0.9960975000000001pt;border-right:solid #000000 0.9960975000000001pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 0.9960975000000001pt;border-top:solid #000000 0.9960975000000001pt;vertical-align:bottom;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;"> Top losers at 3:30 pm </td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 0.9960975000000001pt;border-right:solid #000000 0.9960975000000001pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 0.9960975000000001pt;border-top:solid #000000 0.9960975000000001pt;vertical-align:bottom;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">GAIL </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 0.9960975000000001pt;border-right:solid #000000 0.9960975000000001pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 0.9960975000000001pt;border-top:solid #000000 0.9960975000000001pt;vertical-align:bottom;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">-3.11% </td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 0.9960975000000001pt;border-right:solid #000000 0.9960975000000001pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 0.9960975000000001pt;border-top:solid #000000 0.9960975000000001pt;vertical-align:bottom;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">HCL Technologies</td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 0.9960975000000001pt;border-right:solid #000000 0.9960975000000001pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 0.9960975000000001pt;border-top:solid #000000 0.9960975000000001pt;vertical-align:bottom;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">-2.60% </td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 0.9960975000000001pt;border-right:solid #000000 0.9960975000000001pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 0.9960975000000001pt;border-top:solid #000000 0.9960975000000001pt;vertical-align:bottom;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Sun Pharma</td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 0.9960975000000001pt;border-right:solid #000000 0.9960975000000001pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 0.9960975000000001pt;border-top:solid #000000 0.9960975000000001pt;vertical-align:bottom;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">-2.55% </td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 0.9960975000000001pt;border-right:solid #000000 0.9960975000000001pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 0.9960975000000001pt;border-top:solid #000000 0.9960975000000001pt;vertical-align:bottom;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Tata Steel</td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 0.9960975000000001pt;border-right:solid #000000 0.9960975000000001pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 0.9960975000000001pt;border-top:solid #000000 0.9960975000000001pt;vertical-align:bottom;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">-2.00% </td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 0.9960975000000001pt;border-right:solid #000000 0.9960975000000001pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 0.9960975000000001pt;border-top:solid #000000 0.9960975000000001pt;vertical-align:bottom;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Tech M</td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 0.9960975000000001pt;border-right:solid #000000 0.9960975000000001pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 0.9960975000000001pt;border-top:solid #000000 0.9960975000000001pt;vertical-align:bottom;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">-1.29% </td></tr></tbody></table> READ ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/india/news/fm-nirmala-sitharaman-26th-march-speech-highlights-and-updates/articleshow/74825011.cms">These are the highlights of the Finance Minister’s speech on financial stimulus to battle the impact of coronavirus lockdown</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/india/news/lockdown-package-poor-indian-women-given-cash-grain-pulses-cooking-gas-to-feed-their-families/articleshow/74826863.cms">Lockdown package: Poor Indian women given cash, grain, pulses, cooking gas to feed their families</a>

Indian stock markets might be back to normal tomorrow, hope market experts

<ul><li>The <keyword id="384988" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="Indian-Broadcasting-Foundation">Indian Broadcasting Foundation</keyword> has sought Government’s support to deal with the economic crises in the <keyword id="142287" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="television-broadcast">Television Broadcast</keyword> Sector as a fallout of the COVID-19 outbreak.</li><li>In a letter to <keyword id="119642" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Prakash-Javadekar">Prakash Javadekar</keyword>, Minister for Information and Broadcasting, IBF has made some requests that will bring some relief to the broadcast industry.</li><li>IBF’s press release suggests that the broadcasting business has been hit both on the demand and supply side which has not only led to cash flow problems but has also resulted in existential crisis for many of IBF’s members. </li></ul> The Indian Broadcasting Foundation (IBF), has sought Government’s support to deal with the economic crises in the Television Broadcast Sector as a fallout of the COVID-19 outbreak in the country. In its letter to Prakash Javadekar, Minister for Information and Broadcasting, IBF has made the following requests: 1. Regulatory moratorium for the sector for at least next 18 months. 2. Phased resumption of production activities. 3. Extension of moratorium period for GST payment. 4. Mandating Digital Payments of Subscription and Advertising dues to Broadcasters. 5. Advisory to DPOs in respect of release of payment of subscription fees for the period upto 29th Feb 2020. 6. Waiver of Processing Fee and Temporary live uplinking fee for live sporting events for a period of one year from the resumption of normal business activities. 7. Increase in time period of one year to two years for operationalization of new channels which have been granted permission. 8. Suspension of requirement of Performance Bank Guarantees in respect of channels sought to be launched for a period of one year. 9. Waiver of Carriage Fee due to Prasar Bharati for 3 months (April, May and June) for FTA Channels on Prasar Bharati’s Free Dish Platform. 10. Deferment of payment due to Prasar Bharati for Free Dish carriage by 31 March 2020 be deferred until July 2020. 11. All pending refunds even exceeding Rs. 5 Lacs should be urgently processed. 12. The 1st installment of advance tax (due on 15 June 2020) should be done away with and taxpayers be allowed to pay the 2nd instalment (due on 15 September 2020) directly without any interest liability. 13. The due date for deposit of TDS for the months of March and April 2020 should be extended to 31 May 2020 without any interest liability. 14. Extension /waiver of permission for FX payments for foreign satellite transponder hiring. 15. Lower rate of TDS from 10% to 2% on subscription revenues. 16. Payment of stamp duty on agreements should be deferred upto expiry of ninety (90) days’ from the date of lifting of nation-wide lockdown. 17. Allow discharge of GST reverse charge obligation through GST input credit rather than paying in cash. 18. Extend all existing stay of income tax demand for next 6 months without any new hearing. Speaking about IBF's request to the government, <keyword id="826998" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="N-P-Singh">N P Singh</keyword>, President-IBF said, “The outbreak of the pandemic and the subsequent lockdown have posed several challenges for the Television Broadcast Sector. With complete cessation of production of television shows, cancellations of live sporting events and scheduled advertisements, advertisement bookings nosediving by ~50%; delays in payments by advertising agencies/advertisers and distribution platform operators, the Broadcast sector is facing the brunt of the slowdown." “Moreover, while we welcome the compliance and statutory relaxations granted by the Government in its latest notification of April 15, the Broadcast Sector is seeking a stimulus package from the Government in the form of economic relief and regulatory flexibility so that all Broadcasters especially the smaller businesses can be helped to get back on track. IBF has also requested the Government for reduction in GST rate on Digital services (B2C), automatic refund of input credit and immediate processing and issuance of Lower withholding order (LTDS).” IBF’s press release suggests that the broadcasting business has been hit both on the demand and supply side which has not only led to cash flow problems but has also resulted in existential crisis for many of IBF’s members. IBF members’ cash flow difficulties are further compounded because payments from Bureau of Outreach &amp; Communication (BOC) and other State Government Advertising Agencies/Advertisers running in several hundreds of crores have not been received and IBF has sought MIB’s intervention in expediting these payments. The Government has notified “Print and Electronic Media including broadcasting, DTH and cable services” as one of the “Essential Services” during the lockdown period. However, with employees unable to go to work because of commute restrictions and production schedules halted for programming across the sector, providing uninterrupted entertainment and news to the viewers is posing a challenge to broadcasters. "IBF has submitted a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) on prevention/safety measures for organized, safe and sustainable re-start of Content Production, Media Operations, Transmission and General Office Operations in the TV Broadcast Sector to the PMO, Niti Aayog and MIB,” said Singh. He added, “The SOP will help the sector to move quickly towards normalcy and we certainly hope that the Government would consider it favourably.” The directions of the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has not percolated to the District level officers, as a result, the employees involved in the day to-today operations of the broadcasting industry are facing problems in commuting to their work place. This needs to be urgently looked at by the respective State Governments to ease out the operations after strictly following the Standard Operating Procedures as envisaged in the IBF Submission to the Government and also other stringent measures undertaken by the Central and State Governments.

IBF seeks economic relief and rehabilitation package for broadcast sector

New Delhi, Apr 16 () Estimating losses to the logistics sector at about Rs 50,000 crore due to the coronavirus lockdown, industry body ICC on Thursday demanded a relief package for the industry, including priority lending and lower taxes. The growing logistics sector in India is looking at mounting losses, with the aviation sector taking the biggest hit, the Indian Chamber of Commerce (ICC) said in a statement. "With the lockdown extended to May 3, the cumulative loss estimate is as high as Rs 50,000 crores with the highest loss coming from the Aviation Sector, followed by the Roadways, in terms of lost Toll Taxes and Goods wasted on the road due to a sudden lockdown, grinding to a halt fully loaded trucks," ICC said. Though the government has allowed movement of both essential and non-essential goods, the situation is not so easy at the ground level, it said. Container freight stations, inland container depots, warehouses and port terminals, which are all notified as essential services, are getting choked due to slow evacuation of containers and cargo, it added. "Moreover quarantining of ships for 2 weeks at high seas with delayed berthing is also adding to the chaos. Given the capital intensive nature of the industry, the standing cost of assets is very high, running into crores of rupees. A lifeline needs to be extended to the industry," the chamber said. It sought relief measures like digital permits and packaged food service from NHAI for drivers after every 50 kms and complete waiver of EMI obligations for at least 6 months till earnings normalise. Demanding treatment of logistics industry as priority sector for lending -- sanctioned soft loans and existing loans be rolled over at a lower rate, it also stressed the need for auto renewal of national movement permits till September 2020. Besides, it sought a reduction in GST for the sector to lower than 12 per cent and waiver of revenue share and lease rental payable by PPP operators to government partners till September 2020 as well as waiver of minimum performance obligations of private operators till September 2020. ICC also stressed the need for a government-sponsored health insurance cover for all employees of the sector and extension of construction period of ongoing PPP projects by 6 months to 1 year, besides allowing of GST input credit for such projects. NAM NAM ABMABM

Logistics sector to lose Rs 50k cr due to lockdown; relief package needed: ICC

In an uncharacteristic response from an industry body which tend to be mellow in their take on government policies, the Federation of Associations in the Indian Tourism &amp; Hospitality (<keyword id="6389686" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="faith">FAITH</keyword>), said on Sunday that the Indian tourism industry has "gone into a state of disbelief and shock". This is the policy federation of all the national associations representing the complete tourism, travel and hospitality industry of India. <div type="Article" hostid="261" msid="75790707" title="Lockdown 4.0 ⁠— India issues new guidelines allowing states to decide the red, green, and orange zones" mstype="2" mssubtype="0"></div> "The industry has gone numb from a lack of any umbrella direction from the government or without any fiscal &amp; monetary support," it said. The industry body said, "Indian Tourism industry goes into a state of shock and disbelief as there were no announcements to support tourism, 10 weeks of constant discussions come to a naught and industry has gone directionless". With no visibility of cash inflows the Indian tourism industry is now looking at large scale bankruptcies, business closures which will lead to job losses across cities, towns and hinterlands of India. This has the potential to set back the Indian tourism, travel and hospitality industry by many years, it said. The body said that the Indian tourism industry was looking forward to deep set of survival measures for tourism from the Rs 20 lakhs crore package announced over 5 days, which however were not addressed. The Indian tourism, travel and hospitality sector impacts almost 10 per cent of GDP through its direct and indirect impact. It has already seen over one quarter of accumulated losses which began from February onwards. There is no cash inflow expected for many quarters over FY20-21 as the key segments of the Indian tourism economy will be down. The international inbound tourists, inbound and VFR - (visiting friends and relatives) and the outbound travel will remain mostly non-performing due to international flight restrictions and tragic impact in most key markets tourism markets of India, the association said. "Domestic travel and corporate travel within the country may slightly ease up post lockdown but will be highly restricted due to fear of travel among elders and children, the new social distancing norms, corporate travel freeze and the closure of the holiday season which will impacting all leisure, adventure, heritage, spiritual, cruise and niche tourism segments," it said. The meetings incentives exhibitions &amp; events segment will be severely impacted due to the meeting size restrictions. Consequently all tourism service providers, the hotels, travel agents, tour operators tourist transporters, restaurants, guides will be compromised and the tourism industry of India will be operating with extreme under capacities making most tourism businesses unviable on a cash operating basis. To prevent this and to ensure survival, FAITH had proposed a dedicated interest and collateral free long term fund for paying salaries and operating costs and for a minimum of 12 months of complete waiver of fixed central &amp; state statutory and banking liabilities without any penal or compounding interest which have not been addressed. The proposed MSME fund with its many underlying restrictions may have a very limited usage. FAITH &amp; its ten member associations (ADTOI, ATOAI, FHRAI, HAI, IATO, ICPB, IHHA, ITTA, TAAI, TAFI) had been constantly dialoguing with all factions of the government over the past 10 weeks the PMO, ministries of Finance, Commerce , Aviation, and Tourism, with RBI, with all 28 Chief Ministers, Niti Aayog and with the Empowered Group 6. Indian tourism travel and hospitality impacts 10-12 per cent of India's employment which covers almost 5 crore plus direct and indirect jobs. SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/corporates/news/indian-firms-can-now-directly-list-in-foreign-markets-there-are-a-few-more-big-changes-to-companies-act/articleshow/75785648.cms">Indian firms can now directly list in foreign markets – there are a few more big changes to Companies Act</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/politics/policy/news/india-will-merge-some-government-companies-and-privatise-some-cpse/articleshow/75785709.cms">India will reduce the number of central government companies⁠— some of them will get bigger and some will be sold to private players</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/finance/news/india-puts-a-pause-on-new-bankruptcy-cases-for-a-year-and-other-changes-that-will-cap-the-rise-in-bad-loans/articleshow/75785508.cms">India puts a pause on new bankruptcy cases for a year ⁠— and other changes that will cap the rise in bad loans</a>

'Indian tourism industry is in a state of shock and disbelief'

<ul><li>In the last few years, we have seen many brands become more environment-friendly. There has been an increasing focus on sustainability. </li><li>Globally, brands like Diageo, Unilever Limited have started reevaluating their packaging to put the environment first. </li><li>However, so far, even limited-edition packaging from big brands this Diwali is all either plastic-based or made for one-time-use. </li><li>We speak to experts to find out if brands are making sustainability a priority in their business plans, infrastructure gap that India needs to fill in to become sustainable and when can we expect to see big Indian brands becoming 100% environment-friendly.</li></ul>For Fast Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) companies and beauty brands, packaging is the final point of contact with customers. Having an unforgettable packaging design and <keyword id="10254633" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="eco-friendly-packaging">eco-friendly packaging</keyword> in today’s environment can help in communicating a disruptive image and stand out in the cluttered, competitive shelves. In the last few years, we have seen many brands become more environment-friendly and increase their focus on sustainability. Due to the lockdown and increased in-home consumption, consumers became more environmentally-conscious as they saw a higher than normal packaging in their own home trash that cannot be reused or recycled. Consumers, especially Millennials and GenZ, want companies to take sustainability and greater purpose more seriously and take action towards the betterment of our country. They are even willing to shell out more money or switch to a smaller brand. According to Capgemini’s latest research study on sustainability and changing consumer behaviour, 79% of consumers are changing their purchase preferences based on social responsibility, inclusiveness, or environmental impact. 53% of consumers and 57% in the 18-24 age group have switched to lesser known brands because they were sustainable. More than half of the consumers (52%) say that they share an emotional connection with products or organisations that they perceive as sustainable. Moreover, COVID-19 has increased consumer awareness and commitment to buying sustainably: 67% of consumers said that they will be more cautious about the scarcity of natural resources due to the COVID-19 crisis, and 65% said that they will be more mindful about the impact of their overall consumption in the “new normal”. This reinforces the need for big companies to increase their commitments towards responsible business practices and migrate to sustainable solutions to contribute to a circular economy. As a result, during the pandemic, brands like Diageo and Dettol launched limited edition eco-friendly packaging to test the waters indicating that more brands in India have started reevaluating their packaging strategy to put the environment first. HUL also brought Unilever’s ‘Love Beauty and Planet’ range of skincare products to India after observing an increasing demand for <keyword id="6955069" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="Sustainable-products">sustainable products</keyword>. According to media reports, companies such as Marico, Bacardi, ASICS, HUL, Nestle India, Future Consumer, Coca-Cola, Pepsi-co, Parle Agro will move to 100% recyclable packaging by 2025 helping towards a sustainable future. On the other hand, Diwali is also that time of the year when brands pour in extra money to launch limited-edition festive packaging. From Kurkure to Mondelez, all packaging from big companies is either plastic-based or one-time-use this year. So we reached out to experts to find out if companies are investing in launching eco-friendly packaging on a larger scale, what are some of the hurdles that are stopping brands from launching permanent eco-friendly packaging today and when can we expect to see India a plastic-free country. Infrastructure aid Talking about resources the country needs to inch closer towards circular economy, Arnab Ray, Creative Director, Landor said, “I think resources can be created if the mindset is there. Our thinking for plastic-free/recyclable products is normally limited to a small range of products, sometimes boutique and not something associated with mass brands. India is a large country, so it also means the Government playing a large role along with corporates. According to reports, FMCG companies are aiming to go for 100% recyclable plastic packaging by 2025 in accordance to the Government’s initiatives on plastic waste management. Also, in my view, change in perspective and innovation can be answers to creating more resources on a large scale basis. One of the largest sources of plastic waste, Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottles used for beverage products, are being re-purposed to make apparels, footwear, and furniture by many companies. Intelligent use of recyclable material can ensure a more sustained effort towards creating products that are good for the planet.” Radha Ghai, Creative Director &amp; Senior Partner, Alok Nanda &amp; Company, said that India has enough resources for small-scale production but not for large-scale yet. She said, “We do have the resources and lots of new materials, which are environment friendly, that are being explored but not at a large scale level yet. Plastic free/recyclable solutions are being explored at smaller scale levels especially in cities where people are becoming more aware of being sensitive to the environment and are willing to pay extra for these solutions. We have the technology to produce recyclable packaging, but again not at a large-scale level yet, as in India we don’t have the infrastructure to produce for large-scale products. Cost of materials and technology is expensive unlike China, which has been the biggest market till now. The government has to support the manufacturers big time to create these solutions.” Ashwini Deshpande, Co-founder and Director, Elephant Design pointed out that we need to take a holistic view here and look at the entire packaging process. Deshpande said, “Going plastic-free is a significant and high-impact step, but we must look at all the emerging concerns like packaging materials, printing inks, distribution logistics, consumption, and recycling. Each of these decisions impacts the planet. Going plastic-free is not the end of responsibility. Nor is believing the packaging will be recycled if we put a logo on it. Sustainability is a mindset. Any change needs to start with the intent that can then convert to policy. So, this is not about having enough resources or appropriate technology. The question is whether companies selling products in plastic packaging in India (whether MNCs or Indian) have enough genuineness to move towards replacing existing practices, processes &amp; materials with sustainable ones.” Speaking about how change will only come if clients change their mindset, Deshpande added, “If there is a strong intent, they will be able to spend resources on research, innovation, and integration to meet the objectives. If replacing materials seems like a long shot, smaller measures like reducing packaging sizes to appropriate dimensions, reducing number of inks or area of ink coverage to reduce negative impact can also prove effective first steps. Recovering solvents from ink usage, greener fuels for transporting goods, incentivizing consumers for recycling would be some of the other ways to become more sustainable.” Becoming a part of usual packaging process Designers are constantly in search of materials that provide long-term hygiene efficacy, materials or processes that do least harm to the ecology. The topic of sustainability has also become a part of boardroom conversations between agency and client. “Interestingly, this subject is becoming a large part of the many conversations we have with our existing and prospective clients. From a leading Art and Stationery brand to big FMCG clients to even our clients in the Alcohol industry, environment-friendly packaging is definitely a topic of discussion, and we constantly see opportunities collaboratively with our client partners to see where discussions can turn to reality. Globally, Landor &amp; Fitch have launched a joint initiative called The Good Squad, which is a collaborative effort of all the offices in the area of sustainability, where we research, share knowledge and also map out future prospects for all categories over and above our sharp focus on FMCG. So, in my view, the topic is no longer in the back burner but very much need of the hour. The pandemic did put the subject to the background a bit but also made us realise how important protecting the earth and its environment is for a better and more sustainable future,” said Ray. Deshpande, on the other hand, shared with us that conversation on eco-friendly packaging is still not a priority. She said, “Conversations about environment-friendly materials are increasing. Most MNCs also have sustainability experts involved in the packaging design process. But honestly, it is far from becoming a priority. Marketers, designers, print converters, logistics partners, retailers, consumers, and recycling agencies must come together to form the policy and develop practices to reach the common goals. It is a challenge now because all these stakeholders are not on the same platform yet. But I see that as the only way forward.” While clients do consider environmental-friendly options, they are still not willing to loosen their purse strings. Ghai said, “When we do get packaging briefs and when we start giving packaging solutions eco-friendly options are appreciated for sure. The environmental concern is there for sure but costs become a big hurdle for clients to produce materials that are eco friendly. Hence, limited edition products do get launched for a small set of audience, but for a larger scale demand the clients are forced to continue with more cost effective options.” Can India become a 100% eco-friendly country anytime soon? According to Bain &amp; Company, 65% of global consumers are ready to shell out more for brands which use sustainable products and nine in every ten customers are also ready to switch to eco-friendly brands if price and quality were equal. While consumers are willing to shell out more money for eco-friendly products, the audience is still very small and sustainable market is still at its nascent stage in India. Speaking about some of the hurdles that are stopping India from becoming eco-friendly at a larger scale, Ghai said, “Unfortunately, there’s still a large audience that doesn’t really pay much attention to these issues. Sensitivity to the environment is there but still not very active in their head. General perception is that if it is plastic free it will not be durable or if it's organic it must be expensive. Also, other products are readily available at shops nearby or at a supermarket, so ease of picking up takes preference over specially going to a shop or to look out for eco friendly products online. Though a few brands are moving towards recyclable materials that are still not 100% eco friendly, it is going to take time.” Ray thinks it is challenging but possible. He said, “India is a large country, hence the sheer volume of products can make moving to a 100% environment-friendly market a daunting task, but not really an impossible one. Unilever, globally has reduced one-third of its packaging waste. If the government and the big companies work hand-in-glove to mobilise and fast-track the initiative, then change is certainly possible. Consumers are becoming more and more aware of the problem and are switching to eco-friendly alternatives. But again, these numbers are small, so it becomes imperative for the large companies along with the government, to raise awareness and help sustainable living become more achievable and a reality.” Deshpande opines it is a far-fetched idea but right support from the government and brands can make it happen. “While 100% is too idealistic, it will happen sooner than we all imagine if the government proactively makes it mandatory. On their own, very few Indian brands would take the steps. Also, why should the consumers bear the costs alone? The onus is also on the corporates. They cannot hope to maintain their bottom-line and recover the entire expense of saving the planet out of their consumers,” said she.

How ready is India to launch permanent eco-friendly packaging and become a plastic free country?

<ul><li>Finance Minister <keyword id="129243" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Nirmala-Sitharaman">Nirmala Sitharaman</keyword> on May 18 announced the last tranche of the ₹20 lakh crore stimulus package. </li><li>The economic stimulus package included measures like free food grains, hike in foreign direct investment for defence, liquidity measures for MSMEs, amended in Essential Commodities Act, increase in public expenditure in health, among others. </li><li>While the Narendra Modi government promised to allocate 10% of the GDP, the Reserve Bank of India’s measures accounts for nearly half the economic package. </li></ul>Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on May 18 announced the last tranche of the ₹20 lakh crore Atma Nirbhar Bharat Abhiyan economic package to fight the coronavirus pandemic led economic slowdown in the country. However, while the Narendra Modi government promised to allocate 10% of the GDP, nearly half of the stimulus package is spent by the Reserve Bank of India. Global investment bank <keyword id="6361649" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="Goldman-Sachs">Goldman Sachs</keyword> said that most of the reforms announced by the Indian government will have an impact in the medium term while the short term may see a "deeper recession", and added that the country's real GDP growth may fall 5% in the current financial year ending March 2020. The economic stimulus package included measures like free food grains, hike in foreign direct investment for defence, liquidity measures for MSMEs, amendments in Essential Commodities Act, increase in public expenditure in health, among others. Whereas, the RBI package included measures like moratorium on loan repayments for all borrowers,and interest rate cut etc. “RBI has announced ₹9 lakh crore plus, but the actual money utilised (so far) is ₹8 lakh crore,” FM Nirmala Sitharaman said while explaining the break-up of the stimulus package. PM Narendra Modi said the package was <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/india/news/pm-modi-promises-to-please-everyone-with-his-stimulus-package/articleshow/75701113.cms">designed keeping in mind</a> factors like land, labour, liquidity and laws. Here’s a breakdown of India’s ₹20 lakh crore stimulus package: <div type="image" title="overall" msid="75798397" hostid="261"></div> The first tranche worth ₹5.94 lakh crore provided a credit line to small businesses and support to shadow banks and electricity distribution companies <div type="image" title="tranche 1" msid="75798413" hostid="261"></div> There <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/policy/economy/news/breaking-down-modi-20-lakh-crore-stimulus-rbi-and-finance-ministry-steps-land-and-labour-laws/articleshow/75709001.cms">were 15 measures,</a> of which 6 were for MSMEs. The definition of SMEs was changed and the investment limit to qualify as MSMEs was raised. During the first tranche, Sitharaman announced ₹3 lakh crore collateral-free automatic loans for businesses. Apart from this, the government also increased the deadline for<a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/news/benefits-for-real-estate-sector-in-finance-minister-20-lakh-crore-stimulus-package/articleshow/75719588.cms"> real estate projects. </a> The second tranche included free foodgrains to stranded migrant workers for two months and credit to farmers, totalling ₹3.10 lakh crore <div type="image" title="tranche 2" msid="75798427" hostid="261"></div> There were <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/policy/economy/news/finance-minister-nirmala-sitharaman-top-news-and-highlights-may-14/articleshow/75736580.cms">nine announcements in all in the second tranch</a>e of the stimulus package which focussed on migrant workers, small traders, small farmers etc. The government announced free food grain supply to migrant workers for 2 months. A National portability of ration cards — One Nation, One Ration card — was announced which allowed people to take ration from any public distribution unit in the country. The third tranche was worth ₹1,50,000 crore and focused on farming and related activities <div type="image" title="tranche 3" msid="75798441" hostid="261"></div> Sitharaman promised to allocate money and quickly ramp up policies in these spaces. The government allocated ₹1 lakh crore to strengthen farm-gate infrastructure. The government said the Essential Commodities Act <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/policy/economy/news/finance-minister-nirmala-sitharaman-live-updates-from-third-tranche-modi-20-lakh-crore-stimulus/articleshow/75756781.cms">will be amended</a> to deregulate prices of cereals, edible oils, oilseeds, pulses, onions, potatoes etc. <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/policy/economy/ashok-gulati-interview-on-essential-commodities-act-and-apmc-changes/articleshow/75760364.cms">According to Ashok Gulati</a>, former chairman of Commission of Agricultural Costs and Prices (CACP), this will allow market prices to prevail over essential commodities. The government also removed stock limit imposed on processors or value chain participants or any exporter subject to export demand, The fourth and fifth tranches that dealt mostly with structural reforms were worth ₹48,100 crore <div type="image" title="tranche 4 and 5" msid="75798458" hostid="261"></div> The <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/policy/economy/news/finance-minister-nirmala-sitharaman-live-updates-from-third-tranche-modi-20-lakh-crore-stimulus/articleshow/75756781.cms">reform</a>s focused on coal, minerals, defence production, civil aviation, power distribution in Union Territories, space and atomic energy. India opened up more of its airspace for airlines, and also decided to put 6 airports up for auction. The government said<a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/stock-market/news/indigo-spicejet-adani-gmr-gvk-share-price-may-gain-after-civil-aviation-reforms/articleshow/75775888.cms"> airlines will fly on shorter routes</a> which would save ₹1,000 crore a year. Separately, the government allowed startups in the space sector to use resources of Indian Space Research Organisation. In the fifth <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/policy/economy/news/finance-minister-nirmala-sitharaman-final-stimulus-plan-to-boost-gdp-of-india/articleshow/75784571.cms">tranche the government added ₹40,000 crore budget allocation</a> in the Mahatma Gandhi Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MNREGA). However, according to a financial services company Nomura, the minimum wage job may be a temporary relief and once the lockdown is over, urban businesses will struggle with the shortage of labour. Several experts have criticised the government’s latest economic package and said it is inadequate to provide immediate relief to the distressed part of the society. “The package may fall short of mitigating the near-term existential crisis for businesses and workers, but is better designed to improve India’s medium-term growth potential and attract long-term risk capital. As a consequence, we maintain our GDP growth projection for 2020 at -5% y-o-y,” Noaura, a global market research firm said. SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/india/news/india-among-58-nations-questioning-who-on-covid-19-response/articleshow/75797251.cms">India among 58 nations questioning WHO on COVID-19 response</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/india/news/lockdown-4-0-india-issues-new-guidelines-allowing-states-to-decide-the-red-green-and-orange-zones/articleshow/75790707.cms">Lockdown 4.0 ⁠— India issues new guidelines allowing states to decide the red, green, and orange zones</a>

Here's a breakup of Narendra Modi's ₹20 lakh crore stimulus⁠— RBI measures make up for nearly half of it

<ul><li><keyword id="6354743" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="Amazon-India">Amazon India</keyword> announced that it is strengthening its partnership with <keyword id="6355455" type="DEFINITION" weightage="20" keywordseo="indian-railways">Indian Railways</keyword> to ramp up its operations across 55 lanes during lockdown. </li><li>In 2019, Amazon had initially partnered with Indian Railways across 13 lanes to transfer inter-city goods.</li><li>E-commerce platforms are currently allowed to deliver only essential items.</li></ul>Amazon India will now use the Covid-19 special trains of the Indian railways to transfer food faster. The e-commerce major announced that it is strengthening its partnership with Indian railways to ramp up its operations across 55 lanes during the lockdown. In 2019, Amazon had initially partnered with Indian Railways across 13 lanes to transfer inter-city goods. “In these unprecedented times, we understand the importance of ensuring that critical supplies reach our customers across the country. With the support of COVID-19 Parcel Special trains introduced by the Indian Railways, we are confident that we can further fulfil customer orders with enhanced speed and capacity,” said Abhinav Singh, Director, Amazon Transportation Services, Amazon India. Amazon India and Indian Railways have a long-term partnership that is focused on “developing the rail network to supplement the road and air networks for transportation of customer packages with improved speed and reliability”. Currently owing to the <keyword id="8637077" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="Coronavirus-lockdown">coronavirus lockdown</keyword> in India, e-commerce platforms are allowed to deliver only essential goods. However, in the past week, there has been a mixed signals lot of back and forth from the Ministry of Home Affairs wherein it first allowed e-commerce services to deliver non-essential goods but within a day, it rolled back the advisory to limit delivery only for essential goods. Meanwhile, Amazon also said that it has partnered with National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC). Through this partnership, Amazon plans to drive awareness on physical hygiene and social distancing in light of the coronavirus pandemic. “The partnership will identify volunteers, namely ‘COVID-19 Digital Heroes’ through digital outreach across various platforms. Students who are a part of Amazon’s ALEXA student ambassador program will also act as COVID-19 Digital Heroes and help amplify the campaign further,” Amazon said in a statement. See Also: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/news/as-malls-continue-to-stay-shut-retailers-turn-to-the-government-for-support-for-rent-waivers-gst-concessions-and-more/articleshow/75405599.cms">As malls continue to stay shut, retailers turn to the government for support for rent waivers, GST concessions and more</a>

Amazon to use Covid-19 Parcel Special trains in India to transport goods

Kolkata, May 13 () The industry bodies and leadingbusinessmen in West Bengal on Wednesday lauded the financialpackage and policy interventions announced by the Centre, torevive the country's economy, which has been severely hit dueto the coronavirus-triggered lockdown.The turnover-based definition of MSMEs has addressed along pending demand and extended the benefits to a largenumber of companies, city-based Indian Chamber of Commercesaid in a statement.Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced Rs 3lakh crore of collateral-free loans for small businesses, acut in the tax rate for non-salary payments and measures toprovide liquidity to non-banking companies to help them tideover the disruptions caused by the lockdown."The Rs 3 lakh crore government guaranteed loans tothe liquidity-starved MSMEs would go a long way in stabilisingand strengthening the sector," the industry body said.The power distribution companies, which are facingunprecedented cash flow problem, will be benefited from theemergency liquidity injection to the tune of Rs 90,000 crore,it said.City-based Merchants' Chamber of Commerce presidentVivek Gupta also hailed the Centre for new defenition ofMSMEs."Hope MSMEs will be fully able to extract benefitsfrom the implementing institutions," he said.Bandhan Bank MD and CEO, C S Ghosh, said, "Thespecial liquidity and partial credit guarantee schemes forNBFCs, HFCs and MFIs will ultimately benefit the endconsumers, many of who are in the rural and semi-urban areas."Praising the stimulus package, Village FinancialServices MD and CEO Kuldip Maity said the microfinanceinstitutions have been facing a tough time due to significantcash flow issues."The liquidity infusion measures will help combat therising stress in the sector and eventually, cater to the needyborrowers who are in search of emergency loans to resume theirbusiness operations," he said.Welcoming the package unveiled by the Centre,Engineering Export Promotion Council of India Chairman RaviSehgal said, "Infusion of liquidity through debt and evenequity into the MSMEs is a major step forward."Real estate developers on Wednesday said thegovernment's decision to extend the timeline of completion ofprojects by six months will provide much needed relief to theindustry but sought more measures to improve liquidity, reduceinput cost and boost housing demand.Credai West Bengal President Sushil Mohta appreciatedthe declaration of Covid-19 as "Force Majure" that will givethe "real estate sector some breather"."The sector is very important for restarting theeconomic activities. There is much more to be done. We areexpecting a reduction in interest rates," Mohta said. BSMBDC BDC

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