Mumbai, Feb 5 () Advertising spends in India grew by just 9 per cent to Rs 82,795 crore last year, mainly due to economic slowdown, according to a report on Wednesday.However, the growth will accelerate to 10.7 per cent in 2020 to Rs 91,641 crore, media buying major Group M said.In 2019, the spend grew by 9 per cent as against the forecast of 12 per cent largely due to the slowdown in economic growth, which is set to reach a decadal low of 5 per cent for the financial year ending March 2020, it said.Consumption growth is set to return in the world's second fastest growing economy, and the digital media spend will be dominating the industry, the agency, part of advertising major WPP, said.The estimates come months after reports of a decline in consumption in India, a first in four decades. The government has denied the report.Advertising will grow at a moderate single-digit pace in the first half of the fiscal (2020-21), and rise to double digits in the second half on lower base, positive impact of government initiatives and the assumption of good rains, its president Sidharth Parashar told reporters.At Rs 22,057 crore, the share of digital advertising spends grew to 27 per cent in 2019 and went past print media's 22 per cent share with spends of Rs 18,164 crore.Digital is expected to grow to Rs 27,803 crore or and occupy 30 per cent of the overall spends in 2020, Parashar said, adding that Indian print has been able to duck global trends of a cut down to remain flat.Television will continue to hold on to its market share with spend of Rs 38,081 crore, the agency said, adding that events like T-20 cricket world cup will help the category.India will overtake Canada to be the eighth biggest advertising market in the world, it said, adding that from an incremental spends perspective, it is the third largest behind the US and UK.Segments that are expected to aid advertising spends in 2020 include auto, which is expected to see a revival and also opportunities around introduction of the BS-VI norms, e-commerce, mobile handsets and fast moving consumer goods.From a broader trends perspective, the agency expects brands to lead in creating sub-cultures rather than merely tapping trends in the new decade.It also flagged worries on a trend of consumers unwilling to believe in brands in the post-truth era, and added that ways of delivering content will get more immersive with technologies like virtual reality.There will also be a greater stress on vernacular or regional languages going forward, it said. AA BALBAL

At 9 pc, advertising spend growth below expectation

New Delhi, Dec 1 () State-owned trading firm MMTC, which is importing onion on the behalf of the Centre, has placed an order of 11,000 tonnes of edible bulb from Turkey as part of its efforts to boost domestic supply and ease soaring prices, sources said.
This is the second import order placed by the MMTC. The public sector firm is already importing 6,090 tonnes from Egypt.
Last month, the Union Cabinet approved importing 1.2 lakh tonnes of onion to improve the domestic supply and control prices that have skyrocketed to Rs 75-120 per kg across major cities now. The Centre has already banned exports and imposed stockholding limit on wholesalers and retailers for indefinite period.
According to sources, MMTC has contracted 11,000 tonnes of onion imports from Turkey and the consignments are expected in January next year. 
 The company had placed an order for the first consignment of 6,090 tonnes of onion from Egypt which will be arriving at Nhava Sheva (JNPT), Mumbai in the second week of this month. The imported onion is being offered to state governments for distribution at the rate of Rs 52-55 per kg ex-Mumbai and Rs 60 per kg ex-Delhi.
To monitor onion prices, a Group of Ministers, chaired by Home Minister Amit Shah, has already been constituted. Finance minister, consumer affairs minister, agriculture minister and road transport minister are also members of this panel. A Committee of Secretaries (CoS) and Consumer Affairs Secretary Avinash K Srivastava is also constantly reviewing the situation.
Onion prices remain high across the major cities of the country as the average selling price ruled at Rs 75 per kg on Saturday (November 30) while the maximum rate of Rs 120 per kg was recorded in Mayabunder, according to the data compiled by the Consumer Affairs ministry.
On November 19, Food and Consumer Affairs Minister Ram Vilas Paswan had said onion production in kharif and late-kharif seasons of 2019-20 is estimated to fall 26 per cent to 5.2 million tonne.
Onion is a seasonal crop with harvesting period of (March to June), kharif (October to December) and late-kharif (January-March). During July to October, the supply in the market comes from stored onions from rabi (winter-sown) season. 
"During 2019-20, there was a 3-4 weeks delay in sowing as well as decline in sown area of the kharif onion because of late arrival of monsoon. Further, untimely prolonged rains in the major growing states of Karnataka, Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh during the harvesting period caused damage to the standing crops in these regions," Paswan had said.
"It's not in our hand, the government is making maximum efforts but who can win from nature," he recently told reporters when asked by when onion prices will come down to reasonable level.
According to the consumer affairs ministry data, onion is being sold at Rs 76 per kg in the national capital, Rs 82 in Mumbai, Rs 90 per kg in Kolkata and Rs 80 per kg in Chennai. 
The lowest price of Rs 42 per kg of the bulb was reported from Gwalior in Madhya Pradesh and Vijaywada, the data showed.
The ministry monitors prices of 22 essential commodities (rice, wheat, atta, gram dal, tur (arhar) dal, urad dal , moong dal, masur dal, sugar, gur, groundnut oil, mustard oil, vanaspati, sunflower oil, soya oil, palm oil, tea, milk, potato, onion, tomato and salt) based on data collected from 109 market centres spread across the country. MJH MJH MR
MR

MMTC signs 2nd onion import order, to buy 11,000tn from Turkey

New Delhi, Dec 23 () The first batch of imported onion weighing 790 tonnes has reached India and some quantities are being distributed to Delhi and Andhra Pradesh at a landing cost of Rs 57-60/kg, a senior Consumer Affairs Ministry official said on Monday.
 An approximately 12,000-tonne of onion shipment is expected to arrive by end of December, he stated.
 State-run MMTC, which is importing the key kitchen staple on behalf of the government, has contracted 49,500 tonne of onion so far.
 Retail onion prices are ruling at an average Rs 100 per kg in major cities, but rates are as high as Rs 160 per kg in some parts of the country.
 "The two consignments comprising 290 tonne and 500 tonne each has already reached Mumbai. We are offering this onion at a landed cost of Rs 57-60/kg to state governments," the official told .
 Andhra Pradesh and Delhi governments have already placed their demands and have started lifting imported onions, he said.
 Onion has been imported from Turkey, Egypt and Afghanistan. More consignments are underway which should improve the domestic supplies, he added.
 Onion prices have shot up sharply due to estimated 25 per cent fall in kharif production of 2019-20 crop year (July-June) compared to the previous year because of late monsoon and eventual excess rains in the major producing states.
 Onion prices have failed to cool down despite several government measures in the last few weeks. The government has already banned export of onion, imposed stock limits on traders and is also supplying buffer stock at a cheaper rate.
 Traders and experts are of the view that onion prices will continue to remain firm till January when late kharif crop will start hitting the market.
 The country had last imported 1,987 tonnes of onion way back in 2015-16 when price has shot up significantly. LUX ANS
ANS

790 tonnes of imported onion reach India; some sent to AP, Delhi: Govt official

<ul><li>The Indian Prime Minister urged millions of the country’s people to do something similar from the windows and balcones of their homes on April 5. </li><li>This was his second act of mass motivation in the last one month⁠— the first being the Janta Curfew on March 22 where he urged millions of Indians to observe a one-day voluntary lockdown. </li><li>The practise began in 1969 at the original Woodstock Festival where Melanie Anne Safka-Schekeryk saw the hillside light up with thousands of candles in a spontaneous effort by fans. </li></ul> Starting from the most recent U2 concert in the outskirts of Mumbai in 2019, and going as far as back fifty years, there would be numerous examples of fans waving flashlights and cigarette lighters at concerts around the world. The Indian Prime Minister urged millions of the country’s people to do something similar from the windows and balconies of their homes on April 5, as a symbol of unity in the fight against the Covid-19 (novel <keyword id="1754604" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="coronavirus">coronavirus</keyword>) pandemic. Here’s an instance where one can see flashlights spontaneously waved in unison by thousands of fans at a concert <div type="Youtube" id="CewofbjJJgo" title="Long queues and a payments crisis left U2 fans in Mumbai bitter." thumbUrl="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/CewofbjJJgo/mqdefault.jpg"></div> He <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/india/news/narendra-modi-speech-and-highlights-on-april-3/articleshow/74959547.cms" data-type="tilCustomLink" target="_blank">requested people of the country</a> to light candles, torches, and mobile flashlights on balconies or windows for nine minutes on April 5 (Sunday) at 9:00 pm, after switching off all electric lights. This was his second act of mass motivation in the last one month⁠— the first being the <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/india/news/top-highlights-from-prime-minister-narendra-modi-speech-on-coronavirus-news/articleshow/74715505.cms" data-type="tilCustomLink" target="_blank">Janta Curfew on March 22</a> where he urged millions of Indians to observe a one-day voluntary lockdown followed by a congratulatory clapping of hands and banging of utensils in solidarity with those engaged in essential services amidst the spread of the novel coronavirus. <div type="Video" msid="74961421" hostid="261" title="Indians got so excited about 'janta curfew' they failed its purpose in battling coronavirus" thumbUrl="https://denmark.timesinternet.in/cmslite/api/app/images.jpg?msid=74961421"></div> It is not known with certainty as to when the practice of waving lights at concerts began. In 1969, at the original Woodstock Festival, Melanie Anne Safka-Schekeryk, was performing in the rain when she saw the hillside light up with thousands of candles in a spontaneous effort by fans. The event inspired Melanie to write a song called "Candles in the Rain", the artist revealed in an interview a year later. <div type="Youtube" id="IZ52lk9wjZI" title="LAY DOWN Melanie &amp; The Edwin Hawkins Singers LIVE '70 (Candles In The Rain)" thumbUrl="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/IZ52lk9wjZI/mqdefault.jpg"></div> Since then, many iconic artists from the Beatles to Bob Dylan to Leonard Cohen to Metallica, used this technique to bring the audience together with the performer— and as time passed, mobile flashlights replaced lighters in the hands of the swaying fans. <div type="image" title="photo-1543365067-fa127bcb2303" msid="74969650" hostid="261"></div> The psychology behind lights and sound “It is a good idea, when you are telling the whole nation to get together, there is a feeling of being a team and brings a sense of harmony and oneness. Even when you look at concerts, singers ask people to flash lights to bring that feeling of being together. But it all depends on how it is implemented – let’s hope people don’t end up bursting firecrackers,” clinical psychologist Dr Pulkit Sharma told Business Insider. Light is an important symbol and a tool to improve mental health. “In psychology, light is used as a therapeutic mood stabiliser for mood disorder patients. It creates a positive vibe and right now, with all that's happening, there is a need to create a positive sentiment and a sense of togetherness,” Sripriya V, a Chennai-based psychologist, said. “Lights and sound are different kinds of therapy. Right now, when the fear and anxiety is at its worst, he has chosen light as a factor,” added Namrata Jain, a mental health professional. <div type="image" title="photo-1567107989883-d7f4da0b59e6" msid="74969664" hostid="261"></div> There is another aspect to Modi’s initiative. He is trying to forge a feeling of unity and common purpose on Sunday, and by Tuesday, there will be enough data on his table to decide whether to end the lockdown as planned on April 15 or to extend it. “Of course, it could be a sign of things to come. He has been giving initiations from time to time. In this case, he is lighting a torch so that others can follow him,” Jain added. If Janta Curfew was a precursor to the 21-day lockdown, this show lights may be followed with an even bigger announcement. And just a diktat can’t ensure that a population of a billion-plus people will willingly participate or cooperate with the policy. <div type="Article" hostid="261" msid="74960603" title="Whether India will extend its Coronavirus lockdown will be decided by next week, say experts" mstype="2" mssubtype="0"></div> “The video message today was clearly intended to be a morale boost to Indians facing hardships due to the Lockdown. There is hopeful optimism around its effectiveness but one would realistically expect an extension to this period in the weeks to come,” Dr Marcus Ranney from Thrive Global India said. And for someone like Modi, who leads a crowd like few others in politics, and loves doing it, this is just another day at work. SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/science/health/news/coronavirus-vaccine-will-at-least-a-year-to-make-but-thats-not-a-reason-to-worry-say-experts/articleshow/74966951.cms" data-type="tilCustomLink" target="_blank">Coronavirus vaccine will at least a year to make but that's not a reason to worry — as long as you stay away from 'WhatsApp university'</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/india/news/coronavirus-updates-in-india-and-steps-taken-by-narendra-modi-government/articleshow/74723667.cms" data-type="tilCustomLink" target="_blank">A look at Indian government response to coronavirus, so far, shows some quick reactions but not enough foresight</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/policy/economy/news/rbi-governor-shaktikanta-das-announces-steps-to-save-indian-economy-amidst-coronavirus-lockdown/articleshow/74840342.cms" data-type="tilCustomLink" target="_blank">WATCH: RBI Governor Shaktikanta Das unveil $50 billion ammunition to keep the Indian economy breathing amidst coronavirus lockdown</a>

Indian Prime Minister is using a 1969 Woodstock tradition used by rockstars to control the coronavirus chaos

New Delhi, Nov 28 () Onion prices remain high across the major cities of the country as the average selling price ruled at Rs 70 per kg on Thursday while the maximum rate of Rs 110 per kg was recorded in Panaji, according to official data.
 The lowest price of Rs 38 per kg of the bulb was reported from Gwalior in Madhya Pradesh, the Consumer Affairs Ministry data showed.
 Among the four metros, onion is being sold at Rs 76 per kg in the national capital, Rs 92 in Mumbai, Rs 100 per kg in Kolkata and Rs 80 per kg in Chennai.
 The ministry monitors prices of 22 essential commodities (rice, wheat, atta, gram dal, tur (arhar) dal, urad dal , moong dal, masur dal, sugar, gur, groundnut oil, mustard oil, vanaspati, sunflower oil, soya oil, palm oil, tea, milk, potato, onion, tomato and salt) based on data collected from 109 market centres spread across the country.
 Interestingly, a pricey onion seems to be catching the attention of thieves as an employee of a vegetable vendor in Surat said that someone stole 250 kg of the bulb worth Rs 25,000 from their shop in the early hours of the day.
 On Wednesday, the government extended prohibitions on traders from the stocking of edible bulb across the country for an indefinite period.
 The stock holding limit was imposed in September. At present, retailers can stock onion only up to 100 quintals and wholesale traders are allowed to keep up to 500 quintals.
 Food and Consumer Affairs Minister Ram Vilas Paswan on Wednesday had asserted that the government was making maximum efforts to control prices.
 Besides stock holding limit, he said, the Centre has banned exports of onion and importing 1.2 lakh tonnes to control prices.
 State-owned MMTC has informed that the first shipment of onions from Egypt would arrive in the second week of December. The public sector trading firm has contracted imports of 6,090 tonnes of onions.
 Expressing concern over the price rise, Paswan had said the situation is being closely monitored by a team of five Union ministers chaired by Home Minister Amit Shah. Finance minister, agriculture minister and road transport minister are also members of the group of ministers.
 The group of ministers has already held one meeting and another one will be held soon, he said.
 On November 19, Paswan had said onion production in Kharif and late-Kharif seasons of 2019-20 is estimated to fall 26 per cent to 5.2 million tonnes due to a delayed monsoon and then excessive rains in key growing areas.
 The buffer stock of 57,000 tonnes of onions has been liquidated and therefore the Centre decided to import. MJH MJH MR
MR

Onion prices remain high, soar to Rs 110/kg in Panaji

New Delhi, Dec 2 () The Centre on Monday asked state governments to crackdown on traders hoarding onions, create buffer stocks and distribute imported edible bulb at a reasonable rate in order to provide relief to common man from soaring prices.
 Cabinet Secretary Rajiv Gauba chaired a meeting of the Committee of Secretaries to review the issue of rising onion prices across the country, an official statement said.
 Onions are selling at a high price of Rs 75-100 per kg in major cities.
 In a video conference with the Chief Secretaries of 11 major onion producing states, Gauba was briefed about the various steps being taken by them to control onion prices.
 Chief Secretaries of Maharashtra, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Telangana, Madhya Pradesh, Chattisgarh, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh and Haryana participated in the video conference.
 "The Cabinet Secretary directed the states that the overall availability of onions has to be beefed up, considering the temporary shortage, to stabilise the prices," the statement said.
 The Centre has already banned onion exports and decided to import 1.2 lakh tonnes of onions, besides imposing stock holding limit on traders.
 "The states were further directed to maintain considerable buffer stocks, impose stock limits on traders and to ensure strict action against hoarding," the statement said.
 Gauba said the central government has approved the import of 11,000 tonnes of onions to tide over the situation. The deliveries are expected from the last week of December. 
 This is in addition to import of 6,090 tonnes of onions from Egypt whose deliveries are expected from second week of December.
 "Cabinet Secretary directed the states to utilise their Food and Civil Supply Departments to procure and distribute onions at reasonable prices," the statement said.
 Secretaries of Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Ministry of Agriculture and Food &amp; Public Distribution also attended the meeting.
 On Sunday, sources had said that state-owned trading firm MMTC, which is importing onion on behalf of the Centre, has placed an order of 11,000 tonnes of edible bulb from Turkey.
 According to Consumer Affairs Ministry's data, onion's average selling price on Monday is Rs 80 per kg, while the maximum rate is Rs 140 per kg in Port Blair.
 Onion is being sold at Rs 76 per kg in the national capital, Rs 87 in Mumbai, Rs 90 per kg in Kolkata and Rs 80 per kg in Chennai. 
 The lowest price of Rs 40 per kg was reported from Jhansi in Madhya Pradesh, the data showed.
 The ministry monitors prices of 22 essential commodities based on the data collected from 109 market centres spread across the country.
 On November 19, Food and Consumer Affairs Minister Ram Vilas Paswan had said onion production in kharif and late-kharif seasons of 2019-20 is estimated to fall 26 per cent to 5.2 million tonnes.
 Onion is a seasonal crop with harvesting period of rabi (March to June), kharif (October to December) and late-kharif (January-March). During July to October, the supply in the market comes from stored onions from rabi (winter-sown) season.
 During 2019-20, there was a 3-4 weeks delay in sowing as well as decline in sown area of the kharif onion because of late arrival of monsoon, Paswan had said. 
 Further, untimely prolonged rains in major growing states of Karnataka, Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh during the harvesting period caused damage to the standing crops in these regions.
 "It's not in our hand, the government is making maximum efforts but who can win from nature," he recently told reporters when asked by when onion prices will come down to reasonable level. MJH RVK

Centre asks states to act against onion hoarders, create buffer stocks

<keyword id="43945" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="Chhattisgarh">Chhattisgarh</keyword> may not be high on most lists of must-go-to travel destinations, but that also means it’s a state waiting to be explored by intrepid travellers. In just three days, you will be able to cover everything from tribal villages to waterfalls to some fascinating ancient architectural marvels. It is believed that at least ten of the fourteen years Lord Ram spent in exile was in Chhattisgarh and in a bid to attract tourists, the government <a href="https://www.financialexpress.com/lifestyle/travel-tourism/follow-lord-rams-footprints-in-dandakaranya-8-sites-to-be-developed-under-chhattisgarhs-ram-vangaman-path-plan/1772200/">plans</a> to develop eight sites as a part of Lord Shri Ram Vangaman Path. Business Insider reached out to author, travel writer, food critic, and columnist, Puneetinder Kaur Sidhu who co-authored several Lonely Planet guides on Chhattisgarh to share her experience. Here’s what she had to say: "My most abiding memory of Chhattisgarh is that of a verdurous land populated with friendly, easygoing folk. A revisit, when it happens, will be spurred on foremost for these reasons alone. Which is not to say it offers little else; au contraire! Its expansive countryside is dotted with natural, spiritual and architectural assets. Were the history buff in me to pick just one, <keyword id="358742" type="CITY" weightage="20" keywordseo="Sirpur">Sirpur</keyword>, on the banks of Mahanadi, would easily count as an attractive package of all three.” Sirpur Once an inconspicuous little town, Sirpur is now an internationally recognised tourist spot. Buddha himself is thought to have meditated here, and that’s why the Dalai Lama visits Sirpur annually. “Excavation digs have revealed ancient settlements, and a large (now) restructured Buddhist footprint,” Puneetinder said. <div type="image" title="Dalai Lama &amp;amp; Sirpur (1) (1)" msid="80192362" hostid="261" caption="&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;&amp;lt;sub&amp;gt;&amp;lt;/sub&amp;gt;Dalai Lama in Sirpur&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;"></div> Must-do in Sirpur: “To my mind, the sculpted-brick Laxman Temple there, the backdrop to the National Dance &amp; Music Festival (2019), is the most striking monument of its time," according to Puneetinder. <div type="image" title="Laxman Temple Sirpur_Chhattisgarh Tourism Board" msid="80192367" hostid="261" caption="&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;Laxman Temple, Sirpur&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;"></div> <keyword id="6009753" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="Chitrakote-Falls">Chitrakote Falls</keyword>: Around 260 kilometres from the capital <keyword id="45327" type="LOCATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="Raipur">Raipur</keyword> is home to Chhattisgarh's crowning glory, the magnificent Chitrakote Falls. Spanning 300 metres in width, it is the broadest waterfall in India. This horseshoe-shaped fall is at its roaring best just after the rains, but beautiful all year round. <div type="image" title="Chitrakot Waterfall (1)_Chhattisgarh Tourism Board" msid="80192370" hostid="261" caption="&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;Chitrakot Waterfall &amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;"></div> Stay: You can stay at the Chitrakote Log Hut. A peaceful place to stay, it features some fancy tents and modern cabins (some with fantastic views of the falls). Tribal life in <keyword id="68723" type="LOCATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="Bastar">Bastar</keyword>: While the Bastar region is primarily known for its tumultuous Naxal (far-left communist) activities, the current state government <a href="https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/naxal-activities-confined-to-few-pockets-in-chhattisgarh-minister/articleshow/79741172.cms">claims</a> that this has been confined to very few pockets and assures that the problems will soon be done away with altogether. “I got the chance to visit Chhattisgarh around 5-6 times, to cover the annual Bastar Dussehra for around 40 of the 70 days, researching the role of Gurmayis (women priests) for a fellowship and studying the tattoo culture of different tribals in the state,” says Supriya Sehgal, a Mumbai-based travel and children's book author and the co-founder of a digital marketing and production house, The Content Lab. <div type="image" title="Bastar Dussehra.36_Chhattisgarh Tourism Board" msid="80192392" hostid="261" caption="&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;Bastar Dussehra&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;"></div> Sehgal was fascinated to be privy to centuries-old traditions at such close quarters. “It was more sublime than superlative - meeting the only surviving women priests, interviewing the oldest fully tattooed lady from the <a href="https://www.sahapedia.org/ramnami-community-chhattisgarh">Ramnami community</a>.” Considered untouchables, this community found a rather ingenious way to combat the caste system. Since they were not allowed to enter temples, they tattooed their entire bodies with the name of ‘Nirgun Ram’. <div type="image" title="A Ramnami lady with her &amp;#39;ram-ram&amp;#39; shawl and tattoos" msid="80192418" hostid="261" caption="&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;A Ramnami lady with her &amp;#39;Ram-Ram&amp;#39; shawl and tattoos&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;"></div> “Another unforgettable experience was seeing the Bastar Dusherra's animal sacrifices and other traditional practices. I also found a strange palate for ant chutney and mahua at the many haats during my visits.” - Supriya Sehgal. Places to visit within Bastar <keyword id="3490771" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Danteshwari-Temple">Danteshwari Temple</keyword>: Situated in <keyword id="48720" type="LOCATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="Dantewada">Dantewada</keyword> town in Bastar District is the ancient Danteshwari Temple. The temple is one of the 51 Shakti Peethas where, it is believed, Goddess Sati’s tooth fell. What is a Shakti Peetha? You can read it <a href="https://www.indiatoday.in/travel/festivals/story/navratri-durga-puja-51-shakti-peeths-shiva-sati-amarnath-kamakhya-kolkata-kalighat-lifetr-1050105-2017-09-23">here</a>. <div type="image" title="Danteshwari Devi (1)_Chhattisgarh Tourism Board" msid="80192474" hostid="261" caption="&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;Danteshwari Devi&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;"></div> The presiding deity of Danteshwari is the Kuldevi (family goddess) of Bastar state. This is also where the famous Bastar Dussehra takes place where, every year, thousands of tribals from surrounding villages and jungles gather to pay homage to the goddess. Her idol is taken out of the Danteshwari temple and then taken around the city in an elaborate procession. <div type="image" title="Bastar Dussehra.24_Chhattisgarh Tourism Board" msid="80192533" hostid="261" caption="&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;Bastar Dussehra&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;"></div> <keyword id="10598436" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="Rajiv-Lochan-Mandir">Rajiv Lochan Mandir</keyword>: Forty-five-kilometers from Raipur, is a town called Rajim that harbours some fantastic ancient temples, notably the 8th-century Rajiv Lochan Mandir, dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Situated on the right bank of Mahanadi, the expansive campus hosts temples to various deities, but the main attraction is the temple dedicated to ‘Rajiv Lochan’ (the one with beautiful eyes) that is Lord Vishnu. It is <a href="https://zeenews.india.com/hindi/zee-hindustan/religion-astro/rajim-shrine-is-like-prayag-of-chhattisgarh-visit-rajiv-lochan-mamdir-here-in-malamas/754362">believed</a> that Lord Ram prayed to Ishta Devata Mahadev and Suryadev here while he was in exile. It is also said that when the world was being created the lotus that came out Lord Vishnu’s navel landed here. The annual <keyword id="1573748" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="Rajim-Kumbh">Rajim Kumbh</keyword> also takes place here. Devotees from far and wide come to wash away their sins at the holy confluence of the Mahanadi, Pairi and Sondur Rivers (also called the Triveni Sangam of Chhattisgarh). <div type="image" title="Rajim Kumbh (4) (1)" msid="80192513" hostid="261" caption="&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;Rajim Kumbh &amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;"></div> Getting around: Connectivity within the State is more-or-less limited to roads, but you can easily take an air-conditioned Volvo bus from Raipur to your choice of destination, or better still, hire a cab. The roads are in excellent condition and incredibly scenic.

Travel buffs tell you where to veer off the highway in Chhattisgarh to find some lesser-known gems

New Delhi, Nov 27 () With onion prices continuing to rule high at Rs 80-90 per kg, the government on Wednesday extended prohibitions on traders from the stocking of edible bulb across the country for an indefinite period.
Separately, Food and Consumer Affairs Minister Ram Vilas Paswan did not say by when prices of onion will normalise. "It's not in our hand, the government is making maximum efforts but who can win from nature," he told reporters when asked by when onion prices will come down to reasonable level.
Besides stock holding limit, he said, the Centre has banned exports of onion and importing 1.2 lakh tonnes to control prices. Onion prices are ruling at Rs 70-80 per kg in retail markets across major cities.
"Stockholding limit on retailers and wholesalers are being further extended until further orders," an official statement said.
The stock holding limit was imposed in September. At present, retailers can stock onion only up to 100 quintals and wholesale traders are allowed to keep up to 500 quintals.
The decision was taken at an inter-ministerial meeting, chaired by Consumer Affairs Secretary A K Srivastava, to monitor the price and availability of onions across the country.
The consumer affairs secretary has written to chief secretaries of all states asking them to suitably reduce the stock limits further in their states as per the availability and prices. They have been asked to strictly enforce these stock limits and send an action taken report on a weekly basis.
State-owned MMTC informed that the first shipment of onions from Egypt would arrive in the second week of December. The public sector trading firm has contracted imports of 6,090 tonnes of onions. It has floated a country-specific tender.
Expressing concern over the price rise, Paswan said the situation is being closely monitored by a team of five Union ministers chaired by Home Minister Amit Shah. Finance minister, agriculture minister and road transport minister are also members of the group of ministers.
The group of ministers has already held one meeting and another one will be held soon, he said.
On November 19, Paswan had said onion production in Kharif and late-Kharif seasons of 2019-20 is estimated to fall 26 per cent to 5.2 million tonnes due to a delayed monsoon and then excessive rains in key growing areas.
The buffer stock of 57,000 tonnes of onions has been liquidated and therefore the Centre decided to import.
Meanwhile, MMTC has been asked to work out modalities of transportation of sealed container of onions from Mumbai port directly to FHEL facility at Rai, Sonipat in Haryana.
Agriculture Ministry in consultation with National Horticulture Board will provide an assessment about shelf-life in cold storage facility of imported onions from Egypt. MMTC has informed that onions from Turkey/Holland can be stored for relatively longer periods as compared to those from Egypt given the respective climatic conditions. MJH MR

Govt extends stock holding limit on onion traders indefinitely to check price rise

<ul><li>India’s youngest woman player in T20 International <keyword id="7611386" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="Shafali-Verma">Shafali Verma</keyword> disguised as a boy to train as a cricketer. </li><li>There were no academies for girls in her hometown Rohtak in Haryana, TOI reported. </li><li>In a recent <keyword id="18232" type="CITY" weightage="20" keywordseo="Twenty20">Twenty20</keyword> International, Shefali played against South Africa women at <keyword id="7131048" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="lalabhai-contractor-stadium">Lalabhai Contractor Stadium</keyword>, Surat, winning India 51 runs in the match. </li><li>The idea to play cricket seeded in 2013, when Shafali saw Sachin Tendulkar play a Ranji Trophy match against Haryana. </li></ul>This story is right out of a Bollywood movie. Shafali Verma who is now popular for being India’s youngest woman player in T20 International, had to disguise herself as a to undergo training. The 15-year-old batswoman enrolled in a cricket academy for boys as there were no academies for girls in her hometown, Rohtak in Haryana. “No one was ready to induct her in any academy because there was not a single one for girls in Rohtak. I literally begged them to give her a chance but in vain,” lamented Shafali’s father Sanjeev Verma. At the age of 9, he asked his daughter to cut short her hair to look like a boy, when the cricket academies in the district turned down the girl’s application, TOI <a href="https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/cricket/news/indias-youngest-t20i-debutante-trained-as-a-boy-as-no-rohtak-academy-would-admit-girls/articleshow/71414629.cms?from=mdr">reported</a>. While her father was afraid of the academy finding out the truth, Shafali’s school — St Paul School — decided to start a girls’ cricket team. In a recent Twenty20 International, Shefali played against South Africa women at Lalabhai Contractor Stadium, Surat, winning India 51 runs in the match. Shafali hit 46 for 33 balls, with two sixes taking the total to 140 as South Africa managed to score 89. <div type="twitter" handle="BCCIWomen" handlename="BCCI Women" image="http://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/808960318600683521/2WT3KdVo_normal.jpg" favoritecount="11623" retweetcount="779" status="What a moment this is for the hard-hitting batter Shafali Verma, who makes her India debut today. She is only 15! 😊… https://t.co/tzdZmZZ5t7" createdat="1569331110000" id="1176486064568991745"></div>

 “The aim is to play as long as possible for India and keep winning matches for my country. I am feeling a bit relaxed now, after getting a duck on debut. The senior players backed me after the first match and I am glad I contributed to the team’s victory,” Shafali said. The idea to play cricket <a href="https://www.india.com/sports/india-cricketer-shefali-verma-grew-up-training-in-guise-of-boy-3791901/">seeded in 2013</a>, when Shafali saw Sachin Tendulkar play a Ranji Trophy match against Haryana. Women in cricket is still a taboo in the Indian society. As for Shafali, the neighbours and relatives passed jeering comments saying that girls have no future in cricket. “When she first came on TV while playing for Velocity team in the Women’s T20 Challenge in May, all those who were criticising us were dumbstruck. I felt so proud,” Sanjeev recalled. See also: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/mumbai-indians-chennai-super-kings-and-delhi-capitals-pick-up-brand-value-as-kkr-and-royal-challengers-fall/articleshow/71213900.cms">Mumbai Indians, Chennai Super Kings and Delhi Capitals pick up brand value as KKR and Royal Challengers fall</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/an-all-women-list-for-the-highest-civilian-honours-from-indias-sports-ministry/articleshow/71090853.cms">An all-women list for the highest civilian honours from India's Sports Ministry</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/icc-world-cup-2019-rains-wash-away-1-8-billion-for-insurers-and-there-may-be-more-claims-ahead/articleshow/69858482.cms">ICC World Cup 2019: Rains wash away ₹1.8 billion for insurers-- and there may be more claims ahead</a>

India's youngest woman cricketer had to dress as a boy for training

New Delhi,Apr 15 () India will receive normal monsoon this season, country's meteorological deprtament said on Wednesday in its forecast for the Southwest monsoon that covers 75 per cent of the country, and thereby may bring much-needed respite to the economy, which is reeling under the catastrophic effect of the COVID-19 pandemic. Addressing an online briefing, IMD Director General M Mohapatra said quantitatively, the rainfall is likely to be 100 per cent of the Long Period Average (LPA) in the monsoon season (June-September) with a model error of 5 per cent."In these difficult times of coronavirus, the good news is that the country will receive normal rainfall during June to September. This will help our agriculture sector and better crop yield. It will definitely help in economic growth of the country," said M Rajeevan, Secretary, Minister of Earth Sciences. "The country will receive normal rainfall this season," Mohapatra said. The IMD defines 'average' or 'normal' rainfall as between 96 per cent and 104 per cent, and the LPA of the seasonal rainfall across the country for the period 1961-2010 is 88 centimetres. The country receives 75 per cent of its rainfall from the southwest monsoon during June to September. It is not only crucial for farming in the country, but also for replenishing the reservoirs,and more importantly to the economy which is still largely dependent on agriculture. Northeast monsoon is another phenomenon that brings rainfall to the Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, parts of Kerala and Andhra Pradesh during October to December. From this year the IMD also revised the dates of onset and withdrawal dates of the monsoon for several parts of the country based on the data from 1960-2019. The previous dates were based on the data from 1901 to 1940. However, the onset date for monsoon over Kerala, which is June 1, remains unchanged, Rajeevan said. In states like Maharashtra,Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, Jharkhand, Bihar and parts of Uttar Pradesh, monsoon will be delayed by 3-7days compared to the existing normal dates.For the national capital, the new normal onset date for monsoon has been revised from June 23 to June 27 -- a delay of four days. Similarly, dates have been revised for Mumbai and Kolkata from June 10 to 11, and for Chennai from June 1 to 4. However, over extreme northwest India, the monsoon will arrive a little earlier, on July 8, as compared to the existing date of 15th July. The new date for monsoon withdrawal from south India is October 15.The IMD, the weather forecaster of the country, attributed the forecast of normal monsoon to a neutral atmospheric changes 'El Nino' and a possible 'La Nina' during the second part of the four-month rainfall season from June to September.Forecast models suggest that there is a 41 per cent chance of the season receiving normal rainfall and only 9 per cent possibility of a deficient monsoon. Last year, India had received "above normal" rainfall."Neutral El Nino Southern Oscillation(ENSO) conditions are prevailing over the Pacific Ocean and Neutral Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD) conditions are prevailing over the Indian Ocean. Some climate model forecasts indicate these conditions are likely to persist during the ensuing monsoon season. "However, a few other global climate models indicate the possibility of development of weak La Nina conditions over the Pacific Ocean during the second half of the season," Rajeevan said. As sea surface temperature (SST)conditions over the Pacific and Indian Oceans are known to have strong influence on Indian monsoon, the IMD is carefully monitoring the evolution of sea surface conditions over the Pacific and the Indian oceans, Mohapatra said.El Nino is linked to the heating of waters over the central Pacific Ocean. La Nina is linked to the cooling of central Pacific waters. Positive and negative IODs are associated with cooling or heating of waters in the Indian Ocean respectively. "La Nina, or cooler-than-usual sea surface temperatures in the east-central Pacific Ocean, is typically associated with better monsoon rains and colder winters in India while El Nino is associated with below-normal rainfall in the country," Rajeevan said. PR PYKPYK

India to receive normal monsoon this season, says IMD; May bring some respite to coronavirus-hit economy

<ul><li>The sluggish two quarters of this fiscal and dull results of auto, FMCG, real estate, apparel, telecom indicate that the upcoming <keyword id="36208" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="festive-season">festive season</keyword> will not bring profitability. </li><li>However, the first half of the year was unusual, unprecedented that the ad industry took a nosedive to as low as -60%. </li><li>Experts are hopeful that the festive season will bring in cheer and serve as a respite from the pandemic-associated slumber. </li></ul>This year, Diwali or Ganapati won’t be about bursting crackers on the street and meeting family to exchange sweets. It will be all virtual, about being there for each other in tough times and celebrating small victories. This festive season, like this year, is unusual, which has made many marketers rethink their strategies and understand consumer behaviour closely to come up with out-of-box solutions. The progress of advertising industry has always been in tandem to consumer sentiment and about 40-45% of the annual ad spends in India happen between Raksha Bandhan and New Year. This year, when ad revenue had reached as low as -60% in April, a lot of hopes are banking on the festive season for industry’s overall revival. In many ways, advertising is a lag and lead indicator for our country -- if the country's GDP is growing at 8%, advertising grows at 12%. If GDP falls, ad revenue falls even lower. With a steady monsoon and plump harvest so far, experts are hopeful that the festive season will bring cheer for the industry. It will help the ad world bounce back to normalcy. <keyword id="248051" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Ashish-Bhasin">Ashish Bhasin</keyword>, CEO - APAC and Chairman India, Dentsu Aegis Network Asia said, “In the month of April, we were -60%. I think we will end this calendar year at probably around -15 to -20% decline in the advertising market, which means the second half will have to do better than the first half. It may not be as good as last year, which in itself wasn’t a great period, however it will start improving and coming closer. Monsoon season is looking good, so our rural economy should do well. For many categories now there is saturation in terms of penetration at least in metros, so a lot of growth will come from Tier II, III and rural areas. So if the rains continue and we have a good harvest, there will be more money in the pockets of the rural consumers and that will help the demand. With the advent of the festive season, hopefully, COVID cycle goes down by that time, coupled with a good harvest, demand going up and sentiment improving, I think by around Diwali we will see some signs of normality returning.” Priti Murthy, CEO, OMD India said, “The festive season will bring in cheer and serve as a respite from the pandemic-associated slumber. Our recently conducted survey states how the general news consumption has significantly increased during the lockdown period. With an increase in music streaming, online games, and cooking shows, and re-runs of popular shows from the 80’s &amp; 90’s making a comeback, the ad revenue cycle is all geared up during the festive season.” This Indian festive season is coupled with IPL, which is a gigantic festival in itself that drives advertising industry’s revenue and holds the power to alter market sentiment. While sans-Vivo, OOH and no activitations, Navin Khemka, CEO, MediaCom South Asia still believes IPL will help put ad industry back to 2019’s growth trajectory. “Given that IPL is confirmed, we can expect this year's festival season to be equal to 2019. Last year, the last quarter was approx. Rs 24,000 crore and this year we expect the number to remain constant,” said he. Digital taking the bigger chunk of the pie With the lockdown in Mumbai, which is the creative hub and houses many Indian agencies, Sandeep Sreekumar, Managing Director, Media Moments is looking forward to seeing some creative storytelling made from the inside of four walls on digital mediums this year. "We feel this new phase will bring in new opportunities for the brands to showcase exceptional creativity and storytelling by integrating messages like social distancing, and work from home into their ads.” Sreekumar thinks digital will lead the game as advertisers have been shifting their monies from traditional to virtual platforms. “Digital platforms like Instagram Shop along with other channels including Facebook, Google and OTT platforms are likely to garner the advertiser’s attention across categories which will eventually lead to a significant upsurge in the digital ad revenue. Though, the consumer might still be a little skeptical about spending, the arrival of festivals and the announcement of IPL are likely to change their mindset for the better. We are excited to witness the trends unfold and see the new normal for the advertising industry that will lend an engaging experience to the customers through wit, humour and emotions,” said Sreekumar. Murthy is hoping that print will also see an increase in advertisers’ volume this festive season. “Digital and Print will definitely see an influx during the festive period, and OTT will be the new arena that will see more brands coming in. Also, TV will witness a spike due to IPL being held at the same time.” Khemka pointed out that brands will not go too big on media spendings as they have become cautious of what they are spending on. He said, “Due to the pandemic, TV &amp; Digital will be the biggest gainers. They will grow at the expense of the other mediums. There is cautious optimism with brands. Given the state wise lockdown is affecting sentiment, brands will be cautious before they commit big monies on media.” Auto industry, e-commerce and other virtual brands to lead the growth Experts opined that auto will see a boom because consumers are now avoiding public transport. Other categories that popped up in our discussion were EduTech, E-commerce and OTT. “Auto is likely to bounce back because people are looking for private transportation. E-commerce, EduTech, telecommunications will all bounce back first because data consumption has gone up but the market has been pretty depressed for them also. So hopefully that will pick up. FMCG demand is quite stable, one category that continued to advertise despite the lockdown because they were under the essential category, they will be steady. Once the feel-good factor starts, entertainment will start coming back. Film, digital and TV production starts, they will come back. Real estate will continue seeing a slump unless there is a big economic pick-up. So overall, it will be a mixed bag,” said Bhasin. Murthy also shared her optimism about spends from the auto and IT industry. “Auto has already begun seeing this trend as personal mobility is a higher need in the COVID and post-COVID era. Seeking a digitally enhanced and technologically superior experience across business verticals, IT is an area that showcases an enormous potential, too. Additionally, OTT platforms are also slated to bounce back with all their diverse content.” Consumers to continue being wary about their spendings With the economic downturn and uncertainty still looming around, consumer sentiment might suffer this festive season. Sharing what consumers are likely to spend on, Khemka said, “Given the pandemic I think the consumer has now become more rational. They are spending more on technology, equipment, health &amp; immunity boosters on one hand. However, they have also become cautious on discretionary expenses that can wait for some more time given the tough economic scenario. Also, the list of essentials and non-essentials is being redefined. Murthy said that the trends so far have only indicated that consumer sentiment is improving, which is more likely to continue growing during festive. “According to our OMG study, an average daily time spent across OTT platforms is over 95 minutes. Besides, online video and social media have emerged as the top entertainment mediums among Indians, allowing for a great scope of ad spend to be incorporated. It’s definitely an optimistic picture,” said Murthy.

A lot of hope rests on the festive season this year, but will it bring cheer?

<ul><li>New income tax slabs: 10% tax on income between ₹7.5 lakh without exemption compared to 20% right now.</li><li>15% tax on income between ₹7.5 lakh and ₹10 lakh without exemption compared to 20% right now.</li><li>20% tax on income between ₹10 lakh and ₹12.5 lakh without exemption compared to 30% right now.</li><li>25% tax on income between ₹12.5 lakh and ₹15 lakh without exemption compared to 30% right now.</li><li>Cost to the exchequer ₹40,000 crore; Removed 70 tax exemptions and deductions. These new rates are available to those who forego exemptions, deductions, and rebates.</li><li>Dividend distribution tax will be abolished, it will be taxable in the hands of the recipient. Cost to exchequer: ₹25,000 crore</li><li>SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/budget/news/union-budget-2020-live-updates-news-and-highlights/liveblog/73824572.cms" data-type="tilCustomLink" target="_blank">Business Insider India live blog</a> on Budget 2020.</li></ul>Finance Nirmala Sitharaman presented her second annual budget speech. The top highlights from the budget 2020 proposals include the government's plan to sell stake in state-iowned insurance giant Life Insurance Corporation of India, sweeping changes in the income tax slabs, as well as the abolition of the dividend distribution tax at the end of the corporates. Aside from theses, startups with revenue up to ₹25 crore can avail 100% tax deduction in any three years over a period of 7 years, according to the latest Finance Bill presented by Sitharaman. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 <div type="image" title="Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman" msid="73828645" hostid="261" caption="&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;&amp;quot;As per tradition, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman calls on President Kovind at Rashtrapati Bhavan before presenting the Union Budget,&amp;quot; the official handle of the President&amp;#39;s office tweeted today.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;"></div>


































 Following are the key highlights of the budget speech: <ol><li>Only through higher growth, we can have our youth gainfully and meaningfully employed.</li><li>Fundamentals of the economy are strong, inflation has been contained, banks have been cleaning up the accumulated loans of the past decade. </li><li>An average household now saves about 4% of its monthly spends due to lower incidence of tax under the GST regime.</li><li>Welfare schemes with direct benefit transfer embedded in them, preventive healthcare via programmes like sanitation, healthcare via central schemes, housing scheme via Prime Minister Awas Yojana (PMAY) etc changed the established order of a few individuals cornering most of the benefits. </li><li>During 2014-19, Indian economy grew at an average of 7.4% with low inflation. India's foreign direct investment was $284 billion between 2014 an 2019 compared to $190 billion in the preceding five-year period.</li><li>India's government debt fell to 48.7% of GDP as of March 2019 compared to 52.3% as of March 2014.</li><li>Three themes of Budget 2020: 'Aspiring India', 'economic development', and 'to build a caring society'. </li><li>We shall aim for seamless delivery of services by leveraging technology. </li><li>6.11 crore farmers insured under Prime Minister Fasal Bima Yojana - a centrally-sponsored insurance scheme. Farm markets need to be liberalised.</li><li>16 action points: 1: Encourage state governments that will implement the following model laws that have already enacted by the centre. 2: Propose comprehensive measures for 100 water-stressed districts. 3: Expand outlay for solar pumps to 20 lakh farmers, another 15 lakh farmers to pumpsets to solar grid. Farmers if they have barren lands, they can set up solar power plants and sell it to the grid. 4: Balanced use of orgnaic and inorganic fertilisers. 5: Provide viability gap funding for setting up warehouses. Food Corporation of India can set up warehousing on their land too. 6: Push to reduce storage costs for farmers. 7: Promotion of women self-help groups. 8: To launch refrigerated trains to transport food items from the farm to other parts of the country. 9: Horticulture exceeds the production of foodgrains. 'One product for one district' to promote focussed development of horticulture. 10: Integrated farming system in rain-fed areas. Multiple crops, bee-keeping solar pumps in rain deficient area. 11: Financing on negotiable warehousing receipts will be linked to e-NAM. 12: The NABARD refinance scheme will expanded. The agriculture credit target for FY21 will be expanded to ₹15 lakh crore from ₹12 lakh crore. 13. To eliminate foot and mouth disease by 2025. To double milk production to 108 million metric tonnes by 2025. 14. Blue economy - development management of marine resources. Target ₹1 lakh crore in fish exports by 2025. 15. By FY23, propose raising fish production to 200 lakh tonnes, will also promote algae, seaweed.</li><li>16. Under Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana, self help groups will be expanded beyond the current 58 lakh.</li><li>Allocation for agriculture: ₹2.83 lakh crore, this includes ₹</li><li>Mission Indradhanush has been expanded to include 12 new diseases and 5 new vaccines. A very focussed water and sanitation programme to reduce the burden of diseases on the poor. There are 20,000 hospitals empanelled under the PMJAY, this has to rise. Propose to set up hospitals under the private-public partnership, the 112 districts identified as 'aspirational' will get priority in the setting up of new hospitals. </li><li>Proceeds from taxes on medical devices will be used to support the programme to build the infrastructure.</li><li>Reiterate India's commitment to eradicate tuberculosis by 2025. </li><li>Allocation for health: ₹69,000 crore including ₹6,400 crore for PMJAY.</li><li>By 2030, India is set to have the world's largest working-age population. They need education, skills, and employment opportunities. Our education system needs more money to attract better teachers and to set up better labs. Open the education sector to external commercial borrowing. </li><li>In order to provide quality education to the under privileged, a full-fledged online courses will be launched from the top 100 institutions in India.</li><li>Under 'Study In India' programme, a new INSAT exam to be launched for foreign students to enroll into Indian universities. </li><li>Every medical college will be linked to a nearby hospitals under the public-private partnership mode.</li><li>Total outlay for education sector: ₹99,300 crore and another ₹3,000 crore for skill development.</li><li>150 top education institutes to start offering apprenticeship programmes.</li><li>Propose to set up an investment clearance cell for end-to-end services including information on land bank and facilitating the approval process etc. </li><li>It is proposed to develop 5 new smart cities in collaboration with state governments in PPP mode. </li><li>Electronics manufacturing industry is cost competitive and India has shown its potential. To attract large investments in electronic manufacturing -- including electronic equipment, smartphones -- a new policy will be announced soon.</li><li>A National Textile Mission to work for next four fiscal years with an estimated outlay of ₹1,480 crore.</li><li>A new scheme Nirvik, for higher insurance cover, reduction in premium for small exporters, and simplified claim process, including digital refund process to help exporters.</li><li>Every district must become a hub for exports.</li><li>Unified procurement scheme: Propose ₹27,300 crore for development of industry and commerce in FY21.</li><li>National Infrastructure Pipeline will bring in generic and sectoral reforms in construction and maintenance of the infrastructure. Propose a project preparation facility that will employ economist, management graduates to execute projects.</li><li>A National Logistics Policy will soon be released to clarify the roles of Central government, state governments, and the regulators.</li><li>The Delhi-Mumbai Expressway and two other projects will be completed by FY23. The Chennai-Bengaluru expressway project will also started by then.</li><li>Government will monetise 12 NHAI highway projects.</li><li>Setting up a large solar power capacity alongside the rail tracks on the land owned by the railways, is a proposal under consideration.</li><li>150 trains under the PPP mode. More Tejas type trains will connect iconic tourist destinations. </li><li>Central government will give 20% of the funds needed for a suburaban rail transport system in Bengaluru.</li><li>100 more airports will be set up in the next five years.</li><li>₹1.7 lakh crore allocated for transport infrastructure.</li><li>Propose to replace traditional meters with digital meters in the next three years. This will allow consumers to port out of a service provider (selling power) just like they port out of mobile service provider.</li><li>Fibre to home connections through Bharat Net will connect 1 lakh villages this year itself. Propose to provide ₹6,000 crore for Bharat Net programme.</li><li>Quantum technology: An outlay of ₹8,000 crore over the next five years.</li><li>₹22,000 crore allocated for the power sector including renewble energy sector.</li><li>No manual cleaning of sewers will be allowed, new technology will be roped. Centre in conversation with civic bodies.</li><li>Provision of ₹85,000 crore for scheduled castes and other backward classes.</li><li>Provision of ₹53,700 crore for scheduled tribes in the country.</li><li>5 archaeological sites would be developed as iconic sites with on-site museum -- Rakhigarhi (Haryana), Hastinapur (UP), Dholavera (Gujarat), Shivsagar (Assam), and Aditya Nallur (Tamil Nadu).</li><li>Propose ₹35,500 crore for nutrition-related schemes.</li><li>Allocation for Ministry of Culture: ₹3,500 crore. </li><li>Propose ₹2,500 crore to promote tourism.</li><li>Propose ₹9,500 crore for senior citizens and specially abled.</li><li>Proposed total allocation for women-centric programmes ₹28,600 crore.</li><li>Propose ₹4,400 crore allocation for clean air. </li><li>Companies Act will be amended to abolish 'criminal liability' for 'civil offences'.</li><li>A National Recruitment Agency will be set up. It will conduct a common entrance test for non-gazetted positions in the government and public-sector enterprises. </li><li>Propose a new national policy on national statistics will push for use of AI to collect data real time.</li><li>India will host G20 Presidency in 2022; the government proposes to allocate ₹100 crore to start the preparations.</li><li>Governance reforms proposed for PSU banks: Robust mechanism is in place to monitor the health of all banks and the money of depositors are safe. Insurance of bank deposits raised to ₹5 lakh from ₹eposit insurance and credit guarantee scheme.</li><li>Government will sell its remaining stake in IDBI Bank to private investors. Stock jumps over 13%</li><li>MSME entrepreneurs can avail 'subordinate debt' from banks and the loan will be fully guaranteed by a Trust. This will be treated as quasi-equity stake.</li><li>Government has asked RBI to extend deadline for MSME debt restructuring by one more year. </li><li>FY20 fiscal deficit seen at 3.8% of GDP and at 3.5% in FY21.</li><li>Non-resident Indians will be allowed to invest in certain categories of government bonds.</li><li>Currently, foreign portfolio investors are allowed to buy a maximum of 9% of the outstanding corporate bonds. Finance Minister proposes to increase the threshold significantly to 15%.</li><li>An international bullion exchange will be set up in GIFT City in Gandhinagar, Gujarat.</li><li>Government to sell stake in LIC. </li><li>Receipts for FY21 estimated at ₹22.46 lakh crore, estimate expenditure: ₹</li><li>Borrowing plan for FY21: ₹5.36 lakh crore, capital expenditure will rise over 22%.</li><li>Dividend distribution tax will be abolished, it will be taxable in the hands of the recipient. Cost to exchequer: ₹25,000 crore</li><li>Dividend and capital gains made by foreign funds on investment in infrastructure space will tax free.</li><li>Startups with revenue up to ₹25 crore can avail 100% tax deduction in any three years over a period of 7 years.</li><li>Small retailers with revenue up to ₹5 crore need not get their books audited by accountants.</li><li>New scheme to end tax disputes: If someone agrees to pay the disputed tax amount by March 2020, there will be no interest and penalty. There are 4,83,000 tax disputes pending at various forums.</li><li>FY21 disinvestment target ₹2.1 lakh crore, doubled from the ₹1.05 lakh crore target in FY20.</li><li>Propose a cash incentive for customers demanding invoice, to boost compliance with GST</li><li>Imported footwear, furniture, and medical equipments will get more expensive as customs duty will be increased.</li></ol> SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/personal-finance/news/new-income-tax-slab-tax-savings-for-salaried-people/articleshow/73835816.cms">You'll save ₹78,000 more under new income tax slabs if you earn less than ₹15 lakh</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/budget/news/indian-government-infuses-22000-crore-in-power-and-renewable-proposes-freedom-to-choose-supplier/articleshow/73835587.cms">Indian government infuses ₹22000 crore in power and renewable, proposes freedom to choose supplier</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/budget/income-tax/news/check-out-new-income-tax-slab-of-2021/articleshow/73830824.cms">New income tax slabs 2020</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/budget/news/there-will-be-no-manual-cleaning-of-sewers-anymore-announces-nirmala-sitharaman/articleshow/73835265.cms">“There will be no manual cleaning of sewers anymore,” announces Nirmala Sitharaman</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/budget/news/union-budget-2020-live-updates-news-and-highlights/liveblog/73824572.cms">Union Budget 2020 Live Updates</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/budget/news/indian-taxpayers-expectation-from-the-budget-2020/articleshow/73804969.cms" data-type="tilCustomLink" target="_blank"></a><a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/defense/news/indias-budget-allocation-for-defence-has-remained-fairly-static-for-the-past-five-years/articleshow/73153930.cms" data-type="tilCustomLink" target="_blank"></a>

You Searched For "Mumbai rains 2019" and got 13 results

At 9 pc, advertising spend growth below expectation

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Indian Prime Minister is using a 1969 Woodstock tradition used by rockstars to control the coronavirus chaos

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Onion prices remain high, soar to Rs 110/kg in Panaji

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Centre asks states to act against onion hoarders, create buffer stocks

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Travel buffs tell you where to veer off the highway in Chhattisgarh to find some lesser-known gems

Kavita Majumdar

Govt extends stock holding limit on onion traders indefinitely to check price rise

PTI

India's youngest woman cricketer had to dress as a boy for training

Prerna Sindwani

India to receive normal monsoon this season, says IMD; May bring some respite to coronavirus-hit economy

PTI

A lot of hope rests on the festive season this year, but will it bring cheer?

Karuna Sharma

Income tax cuts, stake sale in LIC and other highlights from Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman's budget speech

Sriram Iyer

A complete timeline of Tom Holland and Zendaya's relationship

Olivia Singh